“As for the heavenly demons, they still haven’t joined the battle. That’s for the best. Our human race currently lacks the confidence to engage in a decisive battle with the demon clan. As long as the heavenly demons don’t act, our immortals will also hold back. If we humans rashly launch a decisive battle now, we’d be betting the fate of the entire human race. We can’t afford that gamble,” Emperor Huoyun said.
Lin Yun nodded, understanding that the true enemy of the immortals was the heavenly demons of the demon clan.
“By the way, Vice Palace Master Yao asked me to visit, saying there’s an opportunity,” Lin Yun said.
He was indeed quite excited about the opportunity Vice Palace Master Yao mentioned.
“Alright, go then,” Emperor Huoyun nodded.
After bidding farewell to Emperor Huoyun, Lin Yun headed straight to the Heavenly God Palace, informing Vice Palace Master Yao via his communication bracelet that he was on his way.
…
At the Heavenly God Palace hall, since Lin Yun had notified in advance, Vice Palace Master Yao was already waiting when he arrived.
“Vice Palace Master Yao,” Lin Yun greeted with a clasped fist.
“Lin Yun, you’re here. Follow me,” Vice Palace Master Yao stood up.
“Vice Palace Master, where are we going?” Lin Yun asked curiously.
“No need to ask now. You’ll know when we get there,” Vice Palace Master Yao replied.
With that, he walked straight out of the hall.
Though puzzled, Lin Yun immediately followed.
After leaving the Heavenly God Palace, Vice Palace Master Yao took Lin Yun directly to the Kunlan Empire.
Upon arriving, he led Lin Yun westward across the Kunlan Empire.
They flew until they reached the westernmost edge, passing over a continuous range of ice-covered mountains tens of thousands of metres high. Only then did Vice Palace Master Yao slow down.
“Vice Palace Master, this seems to be beyond the mapped area of the Kunlan Empire, doesn’t it?” Lin Yun said, astonished.
Lin Yun had never been here, but he had memorised the map of the entire continent.
If he wasn’t mistaken, the ice mountain they had just crossed was the Tianji Mountain, the westernmost point of the Kunlan Empire.
The Tianji Mountain was the highest peak on the continent, perpetually covered in snow and ice, with an extreme climate that ordinary people could not traverse.
Though Lin Yun had never visited, he was certain the ice mountain they passed was indeed the Tianji Mountain.
Beyond it, there was nothing on the map.
“We’ve reached our destination,” Vice Palace Master Yao said, landing with Lin Yun on a small island the size of a football field.
On the island stood a small house.
Lin Yun and Vice Palace Master Yao descended onto the island.
Ahead, there seemed to be a massive golden barrier, so vast that Lin Yun couldn’t see its edges.
In front of the small house was a stone table.
At the table sat a man in a white robe, playing chess alone.
His aura was restrained, making it impossible for Lin Yun to gauge his strength.
“Palace Master Mo,” Vice Palace Master Yao greeted with a smile, bowing to the white-robed man.
Hearing this, Lin Yun was inwardly shocked.
This white-robed man was Palace Master Mo Bai of the Heavenly God Palace?
Palace Master Mo Bai set down his chess piece and looked at Lin Yun. “You must be Lin Yun. Though we’re meeting for the first time, I’ve heard much about your deeds. You’ve created many miracles and made significant contributions.”
“Palace Master Mo, you flatter me. My contributions are hardly worth mentioning,” Lin Yun replied respectfully.
“Come, sit. Let’s talk,” Mo Bai said, gesturing for Lin Yun to sit across from him.
“Palace Master, I’m fine standing here,” Lin Yun said.
“I’m asking you to sit. What’s the matter? Afraid to sit in front of me?” Mo Bai said with a smile.
“Well, that’s not it. In that case, I’ll respectfully comply,” Lin Yun said, sitting across from Mo Bai.
Mo Bai poured tea for Lin Yun and said, “You’re a promising talent, exceptional and reliable in every way. With the demon clan stirring up war and the demon lord having returned, if the demon lord enters the fray, I’m likely the only one among the human race who can stop him. My fate is uncertain, and I believe you’re a strong candidate to succeed me. I must make arrangements now.”
Lin Yun paused, understanding Mo Bai’s meaning.
“Since I’ve chosen you, some secrets can be shared with you,” Mo Bai said, looking at Lin Yun.
“Secrets?” Lin Yun was taken aback.
He knew the Heavenly God Palace must hold secrets. For instance, where did the Haoyue Crystal come from? Lin Yun didn’t know, and likely few immortals did either.
Mo Bai raised his teacup. “Lin Yun, immortality is actually a grand lie.”
“A grand lie?” Lin Yun was shocked.
What did Mo Bai mean by that?
“Immortals, in theory, possess endless lifespans. But true eternal life is impossible, as it’s not permitted by the rules of the Heavenly Dao. It disrupts the rules and breaks some kind of balance,” Mo Bai explained.
Lin Yun nodded. He recalled discussing this with Emperor Huoyun, who had speculated similarly.
Stepping into immortality was an act against the heavens. Ordinary people knew that reaching immortality meant breaking free from restrictions, unbound by the Heavenly Dao’s rules, living freely.
Mo Bai continued, “The Heavenly Dao’s rules, to prevent immortals from living forever, employ various means to bring calamities to eradicate them. The demon clan’s chaos is one such method, using conflicts to eliminate immortals.”
“Palace Master, what if the human race wins and completely wipes out the demon clan?” Lin Yun asked.
“There will still be other calamities. Look ahead. See that massive barrier?” Mo Bai pointed forward.
“I see it. What is it?” Lin Yun looked up.
“That’s the barrier to the Dark Demon Clan. On the other side live the powerful Dark Demon Clan. Before the demon clan’s chaos, the Dark Demon Clan descended upon this world, causing widespread devastation and the fall of countless human immortals. The human race nearly faced extinction.”
“Later, the barrier was restored, cutting off the Dark Demon Clan’s reinforcements. The human race rose again and eradicated the Dark Demon Clan members left on this side,” Mo Bai said.
“What?” Lin Yun stared at the barrier, his heart filled with shock.
Such a thing existed? He had never heard of it before.
Lin Yun couldn’t imagine the catastrophic consequences if this barrier were breached.
These were secrets unknown to ordinary people, even to most immortals.
This, perhaps, was the true secret of this world, known only to its ultimate rulers.
