Lin Yun’s status as a dragon clan guest elder was a major reason he dared to come to the Demon Beast Mountain Range. Killing him would be equivalent to declaring war on the dragon clan.
Even if the West Sea Dragon Palace had no desire to fight the demon clan, could they ignore his death for the sake of their pride? The dragon clan, known for their arrogance, would hardly tolerate the killing of an elder without retaliation.
“Boy, are you threatening me?” The Demon Marshal’s anger surged.
At the same time, a bone-chilling coldness burst from the Demon Marshal, enveloping the entire hall and bearing down on Lin Yun.
“Demon Marshal, if you truly want to kill me, just do it. These intimidation tactics are pointless,” Lin Yun said calmly.
“Lin Yun, you’re indeed a troublesome thorn,” the Demon Marshal said, its voice icy.
In its heart, the Demon Marshal hesitated.
It wanted to kill Lin Yun not for his strength but because it feared he could broker an alliance between the human and dragon clans.
If killing him led to that alliance, wouldn’t that defeat the purpose?
Lin Yun’s move had put the Demon Marshal in a dilemma.
Yet, it spoke up, “Lin Yun, from what I know of the dragon clan, they’ve long split into four factions. Even if you’re a guest elder, it’s only for one branch.”
At that moment, Heavenly Demon Di Jiang returned, dragging Lin Yi into the hall.
Lin Yi looked haggard, utterly drained.
“Father…” Seeing Lin Yun, Lin Yi jolted, his spirits lifting instantly.
“Father, it’s really you! You came to save me!” Lin Yi rubbed his eyes vigorously, both excited and incredulous.
Since his capture, he had been lost in despair, his only hope being his father’s rescue.
But more than that, he feared his father coming, knowing that even if he did, escaping the demon clan’s territory would likely cost his father’s life too!
“Lin Yi,” Lin Yun said, genuinely relieved to see his son, stepping toward him.
“Lin Yun, did I say you could move?” Di Jiang stepped forward, blocking his path.
“Di Jiang, you really want to stop me? If I’m doomed today, I don’t mind taking you with me,” Lin Yun said, his gaze narrowing.
“You…” Di Jiang’s expression darkened, seething with resentment. How dare this man act so arrogantly in demon clan territory!
“Get lost!”
Lin Yun struck Di Jiang with a palm, sending him staggering back.
Then, Lin Yun reached Lin Yi.
“Father!”
On the verge of breaking, Lin Yi threw himself into Lin Yun’s arms.
Having lived safely in the Divine Capital, Lin Yi now truly felt the safety and strength of his father’s embrace.
“Father, it’s my fault. I’ve harmed myself and you,” Lin Yi said, tears streaming as his pent-up emotions erupted.
He had believed his father didn’t care for him after being banished.
But now, seeing Lin Yun risk everything to come alone to the Demon Beast Mountain Range, Lin Yi realised how much his father valued him.
“Last time, when you beat someone to disability, do you know your mistake?” Lin Yun asked.
“I was wrong! I was wrong!” Lin Yi nodded repeatedly.
Having been bullied by local nobles outside a tavern, he had experienced the pain of being victimised and understood how despicable it was to prey on the weak.
Hearing this, Lin Yun felt some relief.
Back at the Lin residence, Lin Yi hadn’t acknowledged his fault or shown remorse. Now, at least, he recognised his error.
“Don’t worry, Yi’er. Today, I’ll make sure you get out alive,” Lin Yun said.
Nearby, Di Jiang couldn’t hold back, “Demon Marshal, this brat dares to act so brazenly in our territory and even attacked me. Kill him now!”
The Demon Marshal, however, seemed conflicted.
“Di Jiang, report to the Demon Lord. Inform him that Lin Yun is a guest elder of a dragon clan branch. Ask if we should kill him,” the Demon Marshal ordered.
Lin Yun’s status made the Demon Marshal uncertain about what to do.
It decided to let the Demon Lord make the call.
“Yes,” Di Jiang replied, leaving again.
Soon, he returned to the hall.
“What’s the Demon Lord’s decision?” the Demon Marshal asked immediately.
“Reporting to the Demon Marshal, the Demon Lord said one word: ‘Kill’!” Di Jiang replied.
Hearing this, the Demon Marshal turned to Lin Yun, grinning, “Lin Yun, this is the Demon Lord’s will. You’re dead today!”
“You demons aren’t afraid of the consequences of killing me?” Lin Yun’s eyes narrowed.
“Hah, Lin Yun, save your breath. The Demon Lord has decided, and nothing you say matters!”
Lin Yun paused, then said, “Fine. Kill me, but let my son go.”
Di Jiang immediately spoke up, “Demon Marshal, why not kill his son too?”
Lin Yun’s face darkened, “Demon Marshal, if you kill my son today, that’s breaking your word. If you do, no human powerhouse will fall for your tricks again!”
“Relax, I only want your life today,” the Demon Marshal said with a strange laugh.
To the Demon Marshal, Lin Yi’s only value was to lure Lin Yun. His life or death was irrelevant, as he was, in its eyes, a worthless nobody.
Releasing Lin Yi could ensure that future similar tactics might still draw human powerhouses. Killing him would make humans wary, knowing rescue was futile.
Seeing this, Lin Yun finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“Father, what about you!” Lin Yi looked at Lin Yun anxiously.
“Some things must be faced. I hope you understand that every action has its price,” Lin Yun said earnestly.
“Lin Yun, die!”
The Demon Marshal suddenly swung its palm, unleashing a black mist with terrifying force, distorting space as it surged toward Lin Yun.
“Lin Yi, move!”
Lin Yun shoved Lin Yi aside and charged forward.
Boom!
The Demon Marshal’s devastating attack slammed into Lin Yun’s body.
“Pfft!”
Lin Yun spat blood, his body flying back dozens of metres, crashing into a stone wall before sliding to the ground.
