“As you command,” Lin Yun replied.
Prime Minister Dongguo Wuji turned to Lin Yun, smiling, “Lin Yun, this time you and I will team up to explore the ruins. The situation there is uncertain, and if any danger or trouble arises, we must support each other. We’ve had some misunderstandings in the past, but I hope during this exploration you can let bygones be bygones.”
“Since we’re representing the Fire Cloud Empire in this exploration, we should naturally help one another,” Lin Yun responded with a smile.
The Fire Cloud Emperor also spoke, “This time, the other seven factions, along with the Heavenly God Palace, will each send two Immortals. To put it bluntly, everyone is after the treasures and opportunities the ruins might hold. The competition will be fierce, and there’s even a chance of conflict, so you must stay united.”
“Understood,” Lin Yun and Prime Minister Dongguo Wuji both nodded in agreement.
Although they were all human Immortals, if a supreme treasure or great opportunity appeared, who wouldn’t want to claim it? Who would willingly give it up?
At that moment, the commander of the Imperial Guard entered the hall.
“Your Majesty, the head of the Mu Clan seeks an audience,” the commander reported.
“Likely here about the ruin quotas,” the Fire Cloud Emperor said with a wry smile.
“Your Majesty, shall I refuse him?” the commander asked.
“If I refuse, I’m afraid the Mu Clan will truly feel alienated. Let him in,” the Fire Cloud Emperor said.
“Yes,” the commander replied before exiting the hall.
Soon, the head of the Mu Clan entered.
The Mu Clan was the most powerful Immortal family in the Fire Cloud Empire, as Lin Yun knew, boasting three Immortals.
“Greetings, Your Majesty,” the Mu Clan head bowed to the Fire Cloud Emperor.
“Clan Leader Mu, what brings you here so suddenly?” the Fire Cloud Emperor asked, leaning back on his throne.
“Your Majesty, one of the two slots for the ruin exploration was initially given to me. Why was it suddenly revoked? I’ve come for an explanation!” the Mu Clan head said loudly, clearly upset.
“You were given the slot because Lin Yun was absent, Clan Leader Mu. Now that he’s returned, it’s only right that the slot goes back to him,” the Fire Cloud Emperor explained.
Lin Yun was taken aback. So, before his return, the slot had been given to Clan Leader Mu, and the Emperor had forcibly reassigned it to him.
The Fire Cloud Emperor’s favouritism, even at the cost of changing his decision, warmed Lin Yun’s heart.
However… Lin Yun also felt a pang of guilt for taking Clan Leader Mu’s slot.
Clan Leader Mu said coldly, “Fair enough. Lin Yun is Your Majesty’s disciple, part of the inner circle. The Immortals of our Mu Clan are outsiders, like stepchildren. Who cares for us?”
It was clear Clan Leader Mu was furious. This ruin was no ordinary matter, and the Mu Clan surely wanted a share of the spoils!
“Clan Leader Mu, there are only two slots. No matter who I give them to, the other Immortals will be unhappy. You’re not the only one displeased, but the fact is there are only two slots. I hope you understand,” the Fire Cloud Emperor said earnestly.
“There should at least be some order of priority, Your Majesty. Even if you don’t give me the slot, I deserve an explanation today!” Clan Leader Mu’s tone was resolute.
Dongguo Wuji, standing nearby, couldn’t help but interject, “Clan Leader Mu, that’s unfair. Slots like these naturally go to the most capable. You know Lin Yun’s talent, and his future achievements will surely surpass yours. His Majesty’s decision to give him the slot is for the greater good.”
“Even if his future is bright, he’s still at the Third Eternal Realm. Who knows how long he’ll be stuck at this bottleneck? When the demon clan launches their war, he might still be at the Third Eternal Realm. Can he contribute more than me and the other two Immortals of my Mu Clan combined? If it’s about capability, doesn’t my Mu Clan deserve a slot?” Clan Leader Mu said, dissatisfied.
Though Lin Yun and Clan Leader Mu had no prior conflicts, taking his slot naturally bred resentment.
“Clan Leader Mu, let’s not stir up major conflicts within the Fire Cloud Empire. To be frank, the demon clan’s attack on our human race isn’t far off, likely within a century. Causing discord now isn’t conducive to unity. How about this: I’ll give you five hundred Bright Moon Crystals as compensation?” the Fire Cloud Emperor proposed.
“If Your Majesty knows it’s bad for unity, you shouldn’t have taken my slot. I don’t want five hundred Bright Moon Crystals. I only ask that you return the slot. Otherwise, even if I stay silent, my entire Mu Clan will be dissatisfied,” Clan Leader Mu said firmly.
Though five hundred Bright Moon Crystals was a decent sum, Clan Leader Mu clearly prioritised the ruin.
His attitude made the Fire Cloud Emperor frown. He had already reasoned and offered compensation.
But Clan Leader Mu was adamant about reclaiming the slot.
This put the Fire Cloud Emperor in a dilemma.
Dongguo Wuji’s slot couldn’t be touched, as his father had fought alongside the Emperor and earned great merit.
Return Lin Yun’s slot to Clan Leader Mu? He had to consider Lin Yun’s position too.
Seeing his master’s difficulty, Lin Yun stepped forward, “Clan Leader Mu, how about I personally offer you one thousand Bright Moon Crystals as compensation? Please calm down.”
Lin Yun’s tone was conciliatory.
“Lin Yun, this isn’t just about compensation. It’s about the Mu Clan’s honour. Right now, the entire clan is filled with discontent. Outside the palace, a group of passionate Mu Clan men are waiting for me to demand justice!” Clan Leader Mu’s voice boomed.
He continued firmly, “If I take the Bright Moon Crystals back, wouldn’t I be trampling on my clan’s honour? How could I face the men of the Mu Clan? I’m not just reclaiming the slot, but the Mu Clan’s dignity!”
The Mu Clan, not being part of the inner circle, always felt like stepchildren, unloved by the Emperor.
This incident was merely the spark that set the Mu Clan ablaze.
Both Lin Yun and the Fire Cloud Emperor knew that mishandling this could create a lasting rift, or even a complete break, between the Mu Clan and the Emperor…
But resolving it was tricky. Should they give Lin Yun’s slot to Clan Leader Mu to quell the clan’s anger?
“Clan Leader Mu, you just agreed that slots should go to the capable. How about this: I’ll give up my slot, and we’ll compete for it based on strength. Let’s spar. If you win, the slot is yours. Fair enough?” Lin Yun said.
