That statement sent a ripple through the calm Emperor Fire Cloud’s eyes.
*Shadow Sword Art*’s difficulty scales sharply. Normally, third to fourth form takes longer than the first three put together!
Four years for just third form? Middling, passable. But fourth form in four years? That’s cracking!
Enough to rattle even Emperor Fire Cloud.
“Fourth form—you’ve done it?” he pressed.
“Yes,” Lin Yun answered.
“Show me,” the Emperor said.
He had to confirm—too big a claim.
“As you command.”
Lin Yun drew his sword, demoed for the Emperor. One slash—the blade vanished into space, power surging.
“Fourth form—truly mastered!” The Emperor’s eyes gleamed.
His own creation—he knew it was spot-on!
“Not bad, very not bad! Lin Yun, you’ve sprung a surprise on me this time!” Emperor Fire Cloud chuckled, doubling up on ‘not bad’.
Praise like that from him? Gold dust!
“Master, you’re too kind. Took me some serious effort,” Lin Yun said modestly.
“*Shadow Sword Art*’s a beast to train. Weak talent can’t even start. Fourth form’s a massive leap past third,” the Emperor noted.
He’d figured Lin Yun would need guidance for fourth form after third. Didn’t expect him to crack it alone…
Then, a blast of soul-sense erupted from the Emperor’s mind, flooding Lin Yun. A rush of info hit his brain—fifth form tips, demos, the works!
Lin Yun felt it—pure buzz. Stuff to chew on later.
“That’s fifth form guidance,” the Emperor said slowly.
“Thank you, Master!” Lin Yun thanked him quick.
With this, fifth form’s grind would lighten!
“Next, focus on hitting Tribulation realm. With what I gave you, it shouldn’t be tough. Only then does your training hit a new level,” the Emperor said.
He added, “See me when you’re there. I’ll reward you proper then. Don’t split your focus now!”
“Understood,” Lin Yun replied.
Tribulation realm was his goal anyway—huge deal!
“Also, I’ll send word to Fire Cloud Camp’s boss. Full perks there—even the head takes your orders. Talent earns privileges!” the Emperor declared.
“Thank you, Master!” Lin Yun bowed again.
“Off you go,” the Emperor waved.
“Disciple takes his leave.”
Lin Yun saluted, backed out.
After he left, “Master, this guy’s sharp! Fourth form in four years, no help from you!” the red cat said.
“Surprised me, yeah. Not easy to pull that off,” the Emperor said, grinning.
His standards are sky-high—satisfying him’s a slog, exceeding them? Mental!
“Still, he’s got miles to go. Just third-rank Mahayana now—future’s a toss-up. Too many talents fade. I’ll do what I can to boost him,” the Emperor said.
No question—Lin Yun’s stock just jumped a notch in his eyes!
…
Outside, Lin Yun let out a long breath. “Phew…”
Facing the Emperor always pressed on him—too dazzling.
“Next, full push for Tribulation realm. Massive for me,” he muttered.
Per the Emperor—next visit’s post-Tribulation. Gotta nail it soon.
Plus, only then could his skills climb further! Even without the nudge, he’d gun for it.
…
Post-palace, Lin Yun swung by the Empire Treasury opposite—thanking the third-floor keeper in person.
Third floor, “You again, lad? A year zipped by, eh?” the old keeper said, eyeing Lin Yun.
Emperor’s disciple—he stuck in the old man’s mind.
“Sir, I’m here to thank you proper. Your advice helped me heaps!” Lin Yun said, bowing deep.
The old keeper looked stunned—Lin Yun coming just to thank him?
He’s a lowly keeper on paper—small fry. Most wouldn’t spare him a nod.
“Seems my tip paid off, eh?”
“You’ve got a grateful heart, kid, and manners for a mere keeper like me. I reckon you’ll go places!” the old keeper beamed, clearly chuffed.
…
From the treasury, Lin Yun dashed back to Fire Cloud Camp.
Barely in, he ran into Peach Sis.
“Lin Yun, over here!” she snapped, voice icy.
The Emperor’s order hadn’t landed yet—her tone wouldn’t be this otherwise.
“Peach Sis, what’s up?” Lin Yun kept a polite smile.
“Forgot to mention earlier—camp’s got yearly field missions. Past years, I gave you a pass, didn’t call you up. Starting this year, you’re in!” she said, cold as steel.
“Peach Sis, I reckon I could skip it going forward,” Lin Yun said, steady.
She froze—didn’t expect that pushback!
Then, fury flared in her eyes. “Lin Yun, getting too big for your boots, eh? Know your place? I run this camp—you dare talk to me like that? Know the penalty by camp rules?”
