“Big Brother, don’t feel bad. If I hadn’t met you, I’d have lived only a few decades. Even in the Tribulation Realm, my lifespan’s already much longer. I’m content,” White Shark said with a smile.
“You rascal. Live freely from now on,” Lin Yun said, patting White Shark’s shoulder.
Since White Shark was already in the Tribulation Realm, words were useless. Lin Yun only hoped he’d stay optimistic. Some cultivators went mad after falling into the Tribulation Realm.
Lin Yun turned to Yu Ying, Yun Shang, Lone Wolf, and Wei Qi.
“Yu Ying, Yun Shang, Lone Wolf, Wei Qi, don’t rush to face your tribulations. You still have time,” Lin Yun said earnestly.
Though he knew it was lucky if even one of them reached immortality, he didn’t want such tragic news too soon and hoped they’d prepare more.
“Big Brother, with the war raging, we want to try for immortality to contribute. It’s bound to happen eventually,” Lone Wolf explained.
Without the war, they wouldn’t be so eager to face their tribulations.
Lin Yun then took out the Mysterious Phoenix Lotus from the last auction and handed it to them, saying it should be used by whoever attempts their tribulation next.
“Lin Yun.”
A gentle voice came from the door.
Lin Yun turned to see Mo Qing.
On his way back, he’d messaged Mo Qing that he was returning to Tiansheng Palace, so she hurried over.
“Senior Sister Mo Qing.”
Lin Yun grinned at her.
Their eyes met, a quiet understanding passing between them.
“Mo Qing, you’re here!” Yu Ying rushed forward, smiling, and pulled Mo Qing inside.
They all sat together, drinking and chatting.
At the table, Lin Yun said, “Senior Sister Mo Qing, since you’ve reached the Myriad Realms, you should aim for the third level soon. That’d place you just below the Dominion Realm in Tiansheng Palace.”
“Here’s sixty thousand Haoyue Crystals to help you reach the third level of Myriad Realms.”
Lin Yun produced sixty thousand Haoyue Crystals.
“So many! Lin Yun, this is too much,” Mo Qing gasped, shocked by the sheer number.
Even six thousand Haoyue Crystals was astronomical in Tiansheng Palace.
She couldn’t believe Lin Yun had so many.
“Senior Sister, you know I’ve earned merits for Tiansheng Palace. This is my reward. I’m at the third level of Myriad Realms myself and don’t need them yet. Don’t refuse,” Lin Yun said with a grin.
He then turned to Huo Zhen.
“Huo Zhen, here’s ten thousand Haoyue Crystals for you to break through to the third level of Eternal Realm.”
Lin Yun revealed ten thousand Haoyue Crystals.
“Big Brother, this…” Huo Zhen was stunned.
After joining Tiansheng Palace, he’d earned two hundred Haoyue Crystals in the entrance trial, a significant achievement. Ten thousand was unthinkable.
“What? Being polite with me? Train hard. You’re an immortal now, with responsibilities. You’ll face Heavenly Demons on the battlefield. Get stronger to survive. I don’t want you leaving me a farewell letter like Yang Wan,” Lin Yun said, patting Huo Zhen’s shoulder.
“Got it, Big Brother,” Huo Zhen said, accepting without further hesitation.
Mentioning Yang Wan made Lin Yun’s heart ache again.
“Big Brother, Yang Wan and Senior Yan’s deaths had great meaning,” Wei Qi said.
“Right. Let’s toast to Yang Wan, Senior Yan, and all fallen cultivators,” Lin Yun raised his cup.
Back on Earth, Lin Yun had fought demons at the Yangtze River to buy time for evacuating civilians, unable to return home to his mother.
Yang Wan and Senior Yan had done something equally meaningful, sacrificing their lives.
…
The next day.
Song Lin arrived at Lin Yun’s residence. They met and headed to the Human Emperor’s Ruins.
On the way, Song Lin briefed Lin Yun.
He’d met the Human Emperor again, informing him of the demon war.
Thus, the Human Emperor decided to meet Lin Yun and Song Lin to make a final choice.
“Lin Yun, no matter who the Human Emperor chooses, I hope it doesn’t affect our relationship. If it causes conflict, I’ll give up the inheritance for you,” Song Lin said.
“Senior Song Lin, of course. Whatever the Human Emperor decides, I’ll have no complaints,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
They arrived at the ruins and entered quickly.
Before the Human Emperor’s stone tablet, Lin Yun and Song Lin bowed.
The tablet glowed, and a white-robed figure appeared—the Human Emperor.
“Greetings, Master,” Lin Yun and Song Lin bowed.
Lin Yun knew the Human Emperor was likely stronger than Palace Master Mo Bai, possibly having reached the Saint Realm.
“Lin Yun, Song Lin, with the demon war underway, I must conduct your final test ahead of schedule,” the Human Emperor said, looking at them.
“We follow your command, Human Emperor,” Lin Yun said respectfully.
Lin Yun deeply admired the Human Emperor, especially after Mo Bai’s story.
Mo Bai had said the Human Emperor could’ve left, supported by the Heavenly Fire Temple, having passed the ultimate trial.
Yet, he stayed because the Demon Lord was too powerful. If he’d left, the human race risked extinction.
For the sake of humanity, he sacrificed his own interests and even his life.
Such righteousness earned Lin Yun’s deep respect.
“Good. Begin solving the array. I’ve set a test array in the tablet. Whoever solves it first passes,” the Human Emperor said.
Lin Yun’s expression shifted.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to try, but he knew he couldn’t solve it.
His talents in swordsmanship and divine sense were exceptional, but in arrays, he had little skill. Everyone had strengths and weaknesses.
