The demon clan knew nothing about the specifics of Lin Yun’s clone technique. Once they learned he could create clones, they’d hesitate to assassinate him, unsure whether they were targeting his real body or a fake. The deception was undeniably potent!
“Father’s so domineering, so impressive, daring to shout at the demon clan like that!” Lin Yi gazed at Lin Yun in the sky, his eyes gleaming with admiration.
Who could match such presence?
Lin Yi finally understood why his father hadn’t died—it was only a clone that perished!
Just after Lin Yun’s shout, the Demon Suppression Army’s Grand Commander approached with his million-strong elite force.
“Greetings, Lord Lin Yun!” The Grand Commander saluted with clasped fists.
“Greetings, Lord Lin Yun!!!”
The million soldiers behind him saluted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens, resounding through the clouds!
Having just witnessed Lin Yun’s ferocious demon-slaying prowess, the soldiers were filled with awe.
“Grand Commander, we’re old acquaintances, no need for such formality,” Lin Yun said, his earlier ferocity replaced by a calm smile.
“Lord Lin Yun, I never imagined you’d reached the Second Layer Mahayana realm. I’m utterly in awe,” the Grand Commander said, unable to hide his admiration.
When Lin Yun had crossed the Demon Beast Mountain Range to reach the Fire Cloud Empire, the Grand Commander had interrogated him, and back then, Lin Yun’s strength was negligible in his eyes.
From becoming the lord of East Yuan Prefecture, to entering the Eternal Realm, to now reaching the Second Layer Mahayana realm—such a rapid rise left the Grand Commander stunned and deeply impressed.
“You flatter me, Grand Commander. I’ve caused you trouble today, making you mobilise here,” Lin Yun said.
The Grand Commander quickly replied, “Lord Lin Yun, you’ve just slain a Heavenly Demon—a glorious feat! We’re thrilled, not troubled. Guarding the border is our duty.”
Lin Yun turned to the Demon Beast Mountain Range. “Grand Commander, the demon clan has already called for reinforcements. I reckon it won’t be long before their main force, including many Heavenly Demons, arrives at the border.”
“Even if they come, they wouldn’t dare cross the border in force, would they?” the Grand Commander said.
“Indeed. A full-scale crossing would mean war, and the demon clan isn’t fully prepared for that yet. They won’t act,” Lin Yun murmured.
Just as the Demon Suppression Army couldn’t cross the border lightly, the demons wouldn’t dare without orders from their Demon Marshal or Demon Lord.
Besides, the Demon Lord, recently unsealed, likely hadn’t fully recovered his strength.
Lin Yun speculated the Demon Lord would only launch a war once his power was nearly restored.
The timing wasn’t right yet. Today’s plan was merely to lure Lin Yun into the Demon Beast Mountain Range to kill him, but events had spiralled beyond their expectations.
“Grand Commander, withdraw the troops for now. Keep some distance from the border but monitor it closely. If the demon clan crosses in force, send an emergency signal to the Xingwu Empire immediately,” Lin Yun instructed.
As a Mahayana realm powerhouse of the Fire Cloud Empire, Lin Yun’s orders carried weight.
Besides, lingering here for a standoff was pointless.
“Yes, sir!” The Grand Commander saluted.
“Brothers, retreat!” he ordered, leading his men away.
Lin Yun had no intention of staying either—it would only bring harm, no benefit.
He swooped down, reaching Lin Yi in an instant.
“Father! You weren’t killed by the demon clan—that’s wonderful!”
Lin Yi was visibly excited, not just because Lin Yun was alive but because today’s events had completely reshaped his worldview.
“We’ll talk on the way. Let’s leave first.”
With that, Lin Yun grabbed Lin Yi, soared into the sky, and vanished from the border.
…
After flying over a thousand kilometres at high speed, Lin Yun slowed down.
He was in high spirits.
Though this ordeal was perilous, with his son deep in the demon clan’s stronghold, it had ended without harm. Not only had Lin Yun outwitted the demon clan, but he’d also slain Heavenly Demon Di Jiang—a perfect outcome from any angle.
“Lin Yi, you truly realise your mistake this time, don’t you?” Lin Yun looked at his son.
“Father, I really do!” Lin Yi said earnestly.
He continued with conviction, “Father, today I’ve found my goal—to become a peerless hero like you! From now on, I’ll train diligently!”
Hearing this, Lin Yun felt a surge of relief.
As a parent, seeing a child find the right path made any sacrifice worthwhile.
“If that’s the case, all my risks were worth it,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
“By the way, Father, why never mentioned your clone technique before?” Lin Yi asked curiously.
Lin Yun shook his head with a smile. “Such a trump card can’t be revealed lightly. A trump card’s value lies in its secrecy, used only when needed to catch others off guard. If it’s known, it’s no longer a trump card.”
“I understand, Father,” Lin Yi nodded, enlightened.
“Lin Yi, you’re too young, too inexperienced. Take this trip, leaving the Divine Capital to venture out alone. Do you know your biggest mistake?” Lin Yun turned to him.
“I don’t know,” Lin Yi said, puzzled.
“Your greatest error was exposing your identity. When alone outside, you should conceal it. Before leaving the city, you should’ve adopted a new identity, even altered your appearance slightly, to travel as someone else. That way, the demon clan wouldn’t find you. Parading your identity only made it easier for them,” Lin Yun explained.
If Lin Yi had hidden his identity flawlessly, acting under a different persona, the demon clan would never have located him.
After all, this was human territory, and the Fire Cloud Empire was vast. The demon clan’s intelligence network in human lands was limited.
“I see, Father. I’ve learned my lesson,” Lin Yi said, realisation dawning.
“Learn well from now on. You’re young, and it’s normal to lack experience. Even I, compared to Eternal Realm cultivators who’ve lived tens of thousands of years, fall short in some areas. Experience comes with time—it’s part of growing,” Lin Yun said.
No one is born with vast experience or all-knowing wisdom.
“I understand,” Lin Yi nodded firmly.
