“Yes, I think Lin Yun’s proposal is quite reasonable. Competing for the slot based on strength means the loser can only blame their own lack of ability,” Prime Minister Dongguo Wuji chimed in.
Had Dongguo Wuji not witnessed Lin Yun survive an assassination attempt by a Sixth Realm Heavenly Demon, he might have thought Lin Yun’s challenge was overconfident, especially since Clan Leader Mu was no ordinary opponent.
But having seen Lin Yun endure such an attack, Dongguo Wuji knew just how formidable Lin Yun had become.
“That’s more like it!” Clan Leader Mu nodded grudgingly at Lin Yun’s proposal.
After all, Lin Yun was now relinquishing the slot to compete for it through strength, a resolution Clan Leader Mu could just about accept.
Moreover, when Lin Yun participated in the Heavenly God Palace entrance trial, Clan Leader Mu had been present and observed his prowess. He knew Lin Yun’s ability to fight beyond his level, but Lin Yun was still in the Eternal Realm.
As the head of the Mu Clan, he was no pushover either, ranked fifty-fourth on the Heavenly God List.
“And if you lose, Clan Leader Mu?” Lin Yun asked calmly.
“If I lose to you, it proves I’m less capable, and the slot is yours. I’ll have no complaints!” Clan Leader Mu declared.
“Very well, it’s settled then. The palace has an arena. Let’s head there,” Lin Yun said.
The great hall was clearly unsuitable for a fight of this magnitude, given the destructive power involved.
“Fine!” Clan Leader Mu’s voice boomed with confidence.
“Master, any objections?” Lin Yun turned to the Fire Cloud Emperor.
“Since you both agree, I have none. Clan Leader Mu, you said your clan’s passionate men are waiting outside for results. Let them come into the palace to watch your duel with Lin Yun. That way, win or lose, it’ll be an answer for the Mu Clan,” the Fire Cloud Emperor said.
The Fire Cloud Emperor privately breathed a sigh of relief. Lin Yun’s proposal had deftly defused the conflict.
“Yes,” Clan Leader Mu replied.
With that, both parties left the hall for the palace’s combat arena.
Clan Leader Mu headed to the palace gates to bring in the Mu Clan members waiting outside.
—
**Palace, Prince’s Residence**
Wang Shaoqing rushed in.
“Prince Jiyuan, I just heard Lin Yun is set to duel Clan Leader Mu at the palace arena for the ruin slot,” Wang Shaoqing said, breathless.
“What? A duel with the Mu Clan head?”
Prince Jiyuan was stunned, then sneered, “Is Lin Yun overreaching? He’s at best in the Third Eternal Realm, while Clan Leader Mu is in the Second Myriad Realm, with nearly twenty thousand years of cultivation. Does he really think he can win?”
“Prince Jiyuan, let’s go watch,” Wang Shaoqing said eagerly.
“Seeing him humiliated will be amusing. Let’s go!”
Prince Jiyuan stood up immediately.
—
**Palace, Combat Arena**
Lin Yun was already waiting on the stage.
The Fire Cloud Emperor sat in the spectator stands below.
In the distance, some royal heirs gathered, watching from afar.
Prince Jiyuan and Wang Shaoqing joined the group of royal spectators.
At that moment, Clan Leader Mu arrived with roughly a hundred Mu Clan members.
“Greetings, Your Majesty,” the Mu Clan members bowed to the Fire Cloud Emperor.
“I hear you’re dissatisfied with my decision. Now that the slot will be decided by strength, are you satisfied?” the Fire Cloud Emperor asked calmly.
“Lin Yun isn’t even a hundred years old. If he can defeat our clan leader, it proves he’s fully capable and deserving of the slot. We’ll accept it,” the Mu Clan members said.
“Good. Clan Leader Mu, take the stage,” the Fire Cloud Emperor said slowly.
Clan Leader Mu flew onto the arena.
The Mu Clan members turned their attention to the stage.
“Is that His Majesty’s disciple, Lin Yun?”
“He looks young, and that’s exactly why he’s no match for our clan leader!”
The Mu Clan members were brimming with confidence in their leader.
—
**On the Arena**
Lin Yun stood waiting.
“Lin Yun, my Mu Clan’s fight for this slot isn’t meant to offend you. It’s about seeking justice for my clan. I hope you won’t hold it against me,” Clan Leader Mu said.
“I understand. You’re acting in your clan’s and your own interests,” Lin Yun replied with a smile.
“Lin Yun, I admire your talent. I believe that, given ten thousand years, you might reach the top twenty of the Heavenly God List. With more time, perhaps even the top ten,” Clan Leader Mu said.
Then his tone shifted, “But for now, you haven’t fully matured. You may have the strength to challenge me, but you’re not my match!”
“Clan Leader Mu, it’s a bit early to make such claims. Let the duel decide,” Lin Yun said, still smiling politely.
“So be it. Here I come!”
Clan Leader Mu waved his hand, brandishing a two-metre-long halberd. His Second Myriad Realm aura erupted instantly.
“Blue Scale Heavenly Halberd!”
His halberd glowed with cyan light as he swung it fiercely, transforming it into a massive cyan python. With overwhelming force, it surged towards Lin Yun, powered by his full inner strength, physical might, and divine consciousness.
*Whoosh!*
The cyan light trembled the space, causing it to wail.
“That’s our Mu Clan’s famous Blue Scale Heavenly Halberd! The clan leader has mastered it to a high level!”
The Mu Clan members cheered at their leader’s opening move.
Clan Leader Mu unleashed such a powerful attack from the start, knowing Lin Yun’s capabilities and holding nothing back.
Lin Yun’s lips curved slightly, “Clan Leader Mu, your strength is impressive. If this were during my entrance trial, it might have posed a real threat. But now? It’s not enough!”
As he spoke, Lin Yun’s Silver Edge Sword danced, unleashing a dazzling sword light that shot forward.
The eleventh form of the Shadow Sword Technique was fully displayed!
Mystery, divine consciousness, and the formidable power of his late-stage Chaos Body erupted, fueling the strike.
*Boom!*
Under the crowd’s watchful eyes, the cyan light clashed with the golden glow, their immense energies pouring out in a spectacular collision!
