With the battle between Fire Cloud Emperor and the Shadow Hall Master concluded, no other immortals issued challenges, and the day’s ranking event came to an end.
Before everyone left, Vice Palace Master Yao stood up.
“While all the immortals are here, I have an announcement. Several months ago, Lin Yun slew two Seventh-Level Heavenly Demons of the demon race, a feat unmatched in the last twenty thousand years. Thus, I publicly commend Lin Yun here.”
His voice echoed across the arena.
The statement caused a true uproar among the crowd.
“Killed two Seventh-Level Heavenly Demons?”
“This guy is ferocious!”
…
When everyone looked at Lin Yun again, their gazes carried newfound respect.
“What a feat, slaying two Seventh-Level Heavenly Demons, a significant blow to the demon race. That’s a great merit!” Even titans like the Taigu Sect Master couldn’t help but admire and praise.
Seeing Vice Palace Master Yao make this public, Lin Yun understood that Yao no longer doubted his strength.
He fully believed Lin Yun could indeed kill two Seventh-Level Heavenly Demons.
“Disciple, you killed two Seventh-Level Heavenly Demons? You didn’t mention a word to me,” Fire Cloud Emperor said, astonished.
“Master, I meant to tell you, but since Vice Palace Master Yao hadn’t announced it, I held off. Please forgive me,” Lin Yun replied.
“I’m not upset, just worried for your safety. Be cautious of the demon race in the future, and if you’re in danger, contact me immediately,” Fire Cloud Emperor instructed.
“Master, rest assured, the demon race would struggle to assassinate me on human territory now,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
Fire Cloud Emperor paused, then laughed, “Haha, true, you’re now tenth on the Heavenly Deity Ranking, no longer an undeveloped sapling but a true powerhouse, capable of standing on your own!”
Though Fire Cloud Emperor failed to defeat the Shadow Hall Master today, he was in high spirits.
Lin Yun’s performance alone made him the second most prominent figure in the Fire Cloud Empire.
After Vice Palace Master Yao’s announcement, the immortal cultivators left, still buzzing with discussion and awe.
For everyone, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly Lin Yun’s battle with the Xingwu Emperor.
At that moment, Empress Kunlan, seated far away, approached Lin Yun.
“Your Majesty,” Lin Yun greeted her with a clasped-fist salute.
“Lin Yun, no need for such subservient gestures. Your ranking on the Heavenly Deity Ranking now surpasses mine,” Empress Kunlan said.
In the cultivation world, strength reigns supreme.
Previously, she considered herself vastly superior, the exalted one, with Lin Yun far beneath her, a gap she deemed immense.
Thus, Lin Yun’s lack of deference had irked her.
But now, things had changed.
“Empress, does that mean you’ll be saluting me from now on?” Lin Yun teased with a smile.
“In your dreams. I’m a Sovereign, after all. Even if I can’t beat you, we’re on the same level,” Empress Kunlan replied, exasperated.
This ‘same level’ referred to the Sovereign tier. Though Lin Yun was still in the Myriad Realm, he was now seen as on par with Sovereigns.
“Empress, you once said my goal of reaching the top twenty was mere boasting. Surely you don’t think that now?” Lin Yun asked with a smile.
“Asking the obvious,” Empress Kunlan shot him a glance.
She continued, “Lin Yun, I must say, your performance today truly shocked me. I admit I underestimated you. Your strength and growth rate are astonishing, almost unbelievable. You’re remarkable!”
“Empress Kunlan praising someone? That’s rare,” Fire Cloud Emperor said, leaning back with a smile.
The Master of Xiaoyao Tower added, “Indeed, it’s like the sun rising in the west, unheard of.”
Empress Kunlan glared at them, “You two loudmouths, pipe down. Fire Cloud, you reached Third-Level Myriad Realm at over thirty thousand years old. Your disciple, not even a hundred, has achieved this. By thirty thousand, he’ll surely surpass you. You’re not even as good as your disciple.”
Fire Cloud Emperor gave a wry smile, “Your tongue’s as sharp as ever, no wonder you’ve never found a man.”
“You’re just not worthy,” Empress Kunlan said coolly.
Her retort left Fire Cloud Emperor and the Master of Xiaoyao Tower speechless.
Seeing these Sovereign titans bicker, Lin Yun felt a touch of awkwardness.
“Um… Empress, you came to settle our wager, right?” Lin Yun interjected, breaking the tension.
“Correct. Since I lost, I’ll honour the bet. Your strength has earned my respect. Name your demand,” Empress Kunlan said.
Lin Yun sensed that, though her tone remained cold, her attitude had softened considerably.
Before, she barely acknowledged him, seeing him as insignificant.
Now, she treated him as an equal, her demeanour even warmer than towards Fire Cloud Emperor and the others.
“Per our agreement, the loser grants any request. But… I haven’t thought of anything yet, so I’ll hold off. If I need something later, I’ll let you know,” Lin Yun said.
He genuinely hadn’t decided on a request.
“Fine. When you decide, contact me via the communication bracelet,” Empress Kunlan replied.
With that, she left.
“That woman will probably stay single forever,” Fire Cloud Emperor remarked, watching her depart.
“Fire Cloud, her standards are too high for the likes of us,” the Master of Xiaoyao Tower said.
Then, turning to Lin Yun, “But I reckon your disciple has a shot.”
Lin Yun’s face darkened with embarrassment.
“Tower Master, stop teasing me,” Lin Yun said with a wry smile.
Fire Cloud Emperor laughed, “Disciple, that’s just his nature, always joking. Ignore him, let’s go.”
“Haha, Fire Cloud knows me well. Lin Yun, don’t overthink it, I was just saying,” the Master of Xiaoyao Tower added.
As everyone prepared to leave, Lin Yun’s communication bracelet pinged with a message from Vice Palace Master Yao: “Lin Yun, come to the main hall.”
