“You fellow, your current strength must surely surpass mine, right? Strength reigns supreme, after all. What’s more, you’re the disciple I’m most proud of. You’re worthy of me pouring wine for you.” Emperor Huoyun said with a beaming smile.
When Lin Yun first became Emperor Huoyun’s disciple, the emperor was usually very stern, rarely smiling in Lin Yun’s presence.
Now, however, he almost always wore a smile when facing Lin Yun.
After pouring wine for Lin Yun, Emperor Huoyun waved his hand. “Give it a try. This is my longest-treasured brew, made with many rare heavenly materials and earthly treasures.”
Lin Yun picked up the cup, took a sip, and instantly felt a scorching heat flow down his throat, leaving him refreshed and invigorated.
“Truly fine wine.” Lin Yun grinned.
“That’s the spirit. Smile more, it’ll lift your mood.” Emperor Huoyun smiled as well.
Still smiling, Emperor Huoyun continued to ask, “Five years have passed since the great battle. You must have already raised your realm to the Triple Dominator realm, right?”
After all, Lin Yun possessed the Supreme Cauldron of the Universe, so this was hardly surprising.
“Yes, after the battle ended, I immediately raised my realm to the Triple Dominator realm.” Lin Yun nodded in response.
“Based on my judgement of you, once you reach the Triple Dominator realm, you might already be the strongest among the human race. If you sparred with Palace Master Mo, even he might struggle to match you.” Emperor Huoyun looked at Lin Yun with a cheerful smile.
“Master, you flatter me.” Lin Yun gave an awkward smile.
“Haha, don’t be modest. Your strength is well-known.” Emperor Huoyun laughed heartily.
As he continued pouring wine for Lin Yun, Emperor Huoyun said, “My disciple, with your temperament, after reaching the Triple Dominator realm, you must have gone to the divine palace of the Heavenly Fire Temple to attempt the ultimate trial, right?”
Having participated in the Heavenly Fire Temple’s trials himself, Emperor Huoyun was naturally aware of these matters.
“Master, you know me well. Indeed, I tried it long ago. Unfortunately, the ultimate trial is too difficult. According to the Black Mist Man, only by reaching the Saint realm can one steadily pass the ultimate trial.” Lin Yun said.
“My disciple, the Saint realm is an elusive dream for us. I’ve been in the Dominator realm for so many years. Though I didn’t know about the Saint realm before, I always understood that the Dominator realm isn’t the end. Over the years, I’ve realised how difficult it is to reach a higher stage.” Emperor Huoyun said.
He continued, “Though I hope you can reach the Saint realm, you mustn’t set your expectations too high, lest you face disappointment or lose your way and fall into obsession.”
“I understand, Master.” Lin Yun nodded.
“Come, let’s have a drink.” Emperor Huoyun raised his cup, clinking it with Lin Yun’s.
After downing the cup, Lin Yun couldn’t help but say, “Master, to be honest, after reaching the Dominator realm, I feel a sense of confusion.”
“When you first arrived at the pavilion and said that the peak is a kind of loneliness, I sensed your current confusion.” Emperor Huoyun looked at Lin Yun.
Raising his cup and drinking it in one gulp, Emperor Huoyun sighed, “The higher you climb, the colder it gets. Reaching the Dominator realm means standing at the world’s peak. Unlike before, when you could focus on cultivating forward with clear goals and guidance from others, at this level of strength, those things are gone. Feeling lost is actually quite normal.”
He continued, “Moreover, you now have plenty of time. The realm is just one aspect. You shouldn’t spend all your time on it. Other areas need attention too. Your talent in divine consciousness and other aspects is exceptional, and with ample time, you should balance your efforts.”
“Master, your words have truly enlightened me.” Lin Yun’s eyes lit up.
Hearing Emperor Huoyun’s words, Lin Yun felt a sudden clarity.
Indeed, he shouldn’t devote all his time to pursuing the realm, especially since the Saint realm was so elusive.
He should allocate his time wisely, using some to comprehend the realm and some to improve other aspects of himself.
“By the way, Master, I have something for you.”
Lin Yun flipped his hand, producing a book and placing it on the table.
“Oh? What’s this?” Emperor Huoyun picked up the book curiously.
“Master, this was given to me by the Human Emperor. It contains some of his experiences in breaking through to the Saint realm. As the only one in this era to reach the Saint realm, his experience is invaluable. I wrote it down specifically, believing it could be of some use to you.” Lin Yun said with a smile.
Lin Yun knew that Emperor Huoyun was also at the Triple Dominator realm, with the Saint realm as the next step.
Thus, Emperor Huoyun was similarly stuck at this major bottleneck.
“Wonderful. This material will indeed be useful to me!” Emperor Huoyun’s eyes brightened as he took the document.
After receiving it, he said, “I’ll study it later.”
Then, looking up, he added, “However, my disciple, others’ methods and experiences may not suit us. We can only use them as a reference, not pursue them obsessively.”
“I understand, Master.” Lin Yun nodded.
“Also, my disciple, when you’re mentally exhausted from cultivation, you should go out more. Conceal your strength, take on an ordinary identity, and experience the world. That’s also a form of cultivation, a way to temper your heart.” Emperor Huoyun said.
“I understand, Master.” Lin Yun felt inspired by these words.
Then, the master and disciple raised their cups again, clinking and drinking deeply.
“By the way, my disciple, your son Lin Yi participated in the martial examination, won the championship with his own strength, and joined the empire. Throughout the process, he didn’t rely on you but achieved victory as an ordinary person.” Emperor Huoyun said.
“Is that so? That boy is quite resourceful now.” A gratified smile appeared on Lin Yun’s face.
“Your son works harder than many scions of great families. He’s quite impressive.” Emperor Huoyun praised.
“To earn Master’s praise is no small feat.” Lin Yun grinned.
The master and disciple continued chatting and drinking until sunset, finishing several pots of wine. They didn’t deliberately evaporate the alcohol but let it take effect naturally.
This immortal brew, aged for countless years, was indeed somewhat potent.
So, at Emperor Huoyun’s suggestion, the master and disciple stepped outside the pavilion to spar with their sword techniques.
