To reach the end, one must break through this array.
Clearly, this was the ultimate test!
The further Lin Yun advanced, the more black shadows appeared.
Even at the Third Dominion Realm, with his exceptional abilities, Lin Yun could only reach halfway before being stalled, unable to proceed under the relentless attacks of the shadows.
This showed just how difficult the test was.
No wonder Palace Master Mo Bai couldn’t pass it either.
“Fine, I’ll head out for now.”
Lin Yun had no choice but to exit, as he had already proven he couldn’t pass.
He turned and left.
Outside the stone gate.
The black mist figure had been waiting. When Lin Yun emerged, it immediately asked, “How did it go?”
“No good. It’s too difficult,” Lin Yun said, shaking his head helplessly.
The black mist figure, though slightly disappointed, wasn’t surprised.
“I told you, the chances are slim,” it said.
“This ultimate test is so tough. How did the Human Emperor pass it?” Lin Yun asked curiously.
“He succeeded only after reaching the Saint Realm,” the black mist figure replied.
“So, I need to reach the Saint Realm to have a chance at passing this test?” Lin Yun looked at the black mist figure.
“Theoretically, reaching the Saint Realm should allow you to pass steadily,” the black mist figure explained.
It continued, “But the Saint Realm is far from easy to achieve. In this world, over hundreds of thousands of years, only the Human Emperor reached it, and it took him an immense amount of time.”
“I have no clue about the Saint Realm,” Lin Yun said helplessly.
“Lin Yun, take it slow. You can’t rush this. You’ve only just reached the Dominion Realm. Do you think you can step into the Saint Realm so soon? In my view, you’re the second most likely person after the Human Emperor to reach it. With time, perhaps measured in tens of thousands of years, you can build up to it,” the black mist figure encouraged.
“Mm.” Lin Yun could only nod. What else could he say?
Next, Lin Yun went to the Rule House in the divine mansion to continue his comprehension.
Although he had spent years there before with little gain, now that he was in the Dominion Realm, his mindset and perspective had changed.
Even the same matters, viewed at different ages or stages, could yield new insights.
In the Rule House, Lin Yun began comprehending again.
As expected, this time he gained new understandings, and his insights into certain rules shifted.
He also studied the Human Emperor’s experiences on breaking through to the Saint Realm, left for him in the Rule House.
The Human Emperor’s breakthrough relied heavily on comprehension and mastering rules.
Additionally, his notes emphasized cultivating the heart.
…
Time passed, and Lin Yun stayed in the Rule House for five years.
“No good. No more gains,” Lin Yun said, shaking his head as he opened his eyes.
After five years, he could no longer gain insights or make progress there.
As for breaking through to the Saint Realm, he still had no leads.
This was within his expectations. If a few years in the Rule House could lead to the Saint Realm, it wouldn’t have been just the Human Emperor achieving it in hundreds of thousands of years.
Lin Yun had mentally prepared for the immense difficulty of reaching the Saint Realm, perhaps never achieving it.
High expectations led to greater disappointment. Lowering expectations avoided that.
But… Lin Yun felt lost.
“Let’s go.”
He stood and left the Rule House.
…
Since cultivation in the Rule House couldn’t use the Mind Clarity Tower, those five years were real time.
Huoyun Empire, Imperial Palace.
In the grand hall.
“Master.”
Lin Yun entered from outside.
“My disciple, you’re here?”
The Huoyun Emperor looked up at Lin Yun, a smile on his face.
“Since the war ended, I haven’t seen you. Been in secluded cultivation?” the Huoyun Emperor asked with a smile.
“Yes, I’ve been cultivating,” Lin Yun nodded.
“You seem troubled,” the Huoyun Emperor said, grinning as he rose from his throne and walked down.
“Sort of,” Lin Yun said with a wry smile.
“Come, let’s have a few drinks, just us master and disciple.”
The Huoyun Emperor led the way out.
Lin Yun followed immediately.
The Huoyun Emperor took Lin Yun to Huangji Mountain, behind the imperial palace.
Located on the central axis of the capital, Huangji Mountain was the city’s highest peak and the palace’s rear mountain. Reserved for the Huoyun Emperor, it was off-limits to others. The mountain housed secluded chambers, a vast training room, and a martial arts platform.
The Huoyun Emperor brought Lin Yun to the peak, offering a panoramic view of the sprawling capital.
At the summit stood an elegant pavilion, the highest structure in the capital.
The Huoyun Emperor led Lin Yun to sit inside.
“Lin Yun, from here you can overlook the entire capital. This is what it feels like to reach the peak,” the Huoyun Emperor said.
Lin Yun gazed ahead, the vast capital filling his view.
Though immense, from this vantage point, the city’s countless buildings looked like toy blocks, its people like ants.
“Master, the peak is lonely. Look around us, no crowds, far removed from the world of ordinary people. The challenges of the past are gone,” Lin Yun said with a sigh.
Lin Yun thrived on challenges, on the pressure of opponents.
Throughout his journey, he had faced countless geniuses, rivals, and enemies, enduring life-and-death struggles.
He relished the thrill and danger, growing through those trials.
They made his blood boil!
Now, at the pinnacle of the human race, those challenges were gone. No one could pressure him anymore. He had no rivals.
“Disciple, the peak is inherently lonely,” the Huoyun Emperor said.
As he spoke, he produced a jug of aged celestial wine and two cups, personally pouring for Lin Yun.
“Master, how can I let you pour for me? Let me do it,” Lin Yun said, quickly reaching for the jug.
