Lin Yun was very clear about what the so-called Deathsworn meant.
In simple terms, it referred to dangerous tasks that ordinary people were unwilling to undertake, which were assigned to the Deathsworn.
In essence, it was a transaction.
“I have stated my conditions. You have the time it takes for one incense stick to burn to consider,” the Elder said.
“Captain Lin Yun, you must think carefully before entering the Deathsworn Contract,” the Black Mist Man beside him couldn’t help but say.
“Silence! Who gave you the right to speak here?” The Elder glared at the Black Mist Man.
The Black Mist Man immediately lowered his head. “My apologies for speaking out of turn.”
He dared not say another word.
“No need for the time of one incense stick. I agree!” Lin Yun declared directly.
Lin Yun knew full well that entering the Deathsworn Contract was certainly not in his favour.
But he had no choice; it was a transaction.
For the sake of the human race, Lin Yun had no other option but to agree.
Moreover, this was his only opportunity. If he refused, Lin Yun could not think of any other way to deal with the Demon Clan.
If the Demon Lord succeeded in his cultivation and grew stronger, the human race would face catastrophic destruction.
Thus, Lin Yun had no choice but to accept the Elder’s conditions.
This was the only chance, and Lin Yun had to seize it.
“Not bad. You are decisive!” The Elder nodded.
“Elder, how long will it take to form the Deathsworn Contract? And when will the True Sacred Artifact be delivered?” Lin Yun asked.
“Forming the Deathsworn Contract must be done at the Heavenly Fire Temple in the Ancestral Land. It will be completed once you arrive there,” the Elder said.
He continued, “As for the True Sacred Artifact, it will be delivered here in one year.”
“Good!” Lin Yun agreed readily.
“When you have dealt with the enemy, activate the token. At that time, we will finalise the specific arrangements for your journey to the Ancestral Land,” the Elder said.
With that, the Elder’s phantom figure dissipated.
“Sigh.”
After the Elder left, the Black Mist Man finally relaxed, letting out a long sigh.
“Old Black, once I resolve the issues here, you can return to the Ancestral Land with me. You should be happy, so why the sigh?” Lin Yun said with a smile, teasing him.
“Captain Lin Yun, how can you still laugh? The Deathsworn Contract is no joking matter!”
“While it’s true that after forming the Deathsworn Contract, you can access more resources and training at the Heavenly Fire Temple, most Deathsworn end up dead. You’re betting your life on this!” the Black Mist Man said, shaking his head.
“I have no choice. This may be the only way to deal with the Demon Lord. I can only agree to this transaction,” Lin Yun said.
The Human Emperor had once chosen to sacrifice himself for the sake of all beings.
Lin Yun had said before that if sacrificing himself could save the world, he would make the same choice.
Thus, Lin Yun made this decision.
Moreover, this was not an immediate sacrifice. Being a Deathsworn at least offered a chance of survival.
Compared to directly trading his life for the Demon Lord’s, this was already a better option.
“You truly have a noble heart. In this regard, I must admire you, as well as the Human Emperor. Anyone slightly more selfish would likely choose to accept the escort to the Ancestral Land without hesitation, ignoring everything else,” the Black Mist Man said with a sigh.
He continued, “In the Ancestral Land, even if the Heavenly Fire Temple offers highly attractive incentives, very few cultivators are willing to form the Deathsworn Contract. Moreover, the temple has strict requirements for the potential and strength of Deathsworn.”
“Old Black, since the matter of the Deathsworn Contract is settled, there’s no need to dwell on it. Tell me about the True Sacred Artifact. Is it really that powerful?” Lin Yun asked curiously.
“After Origin-level weapons come Pseudo-Sacred Artifacts, then Sacred Artifacts, and only then True Sacred Artifacts.”
Old Black continued, “True Sacred Artifacts are extremely rare and indeed very powerful. Their sharpness and might are absolutely capable of obliterating the Demon Lord’s defences.”
“That’s good to know.”
Hearing the Black Mist Man’s words, Lin Yun felt reassured.
Obtaining a weapon far surpassing the current level of this world, Lin Yun believed in its effectiveness.
“By the way, I haven’t yet formed the Deathsworn Contract. What if… after using the True Sacred Artifact, I don’t go to the Ancestral Land to sign the contract?” Lin Yun couldn’t help but say.
This was a fleeting thought that crossed his mind.
“Abandon that idea. It’s impossible. The Heavenly Fire Temple spares no effort in eliminating traitors. If you did that, not only would you die, but your entire clan would be wiped out!” the Black Mist Man said, shaking his head.
“I was just saying,” Lin Yun replied with a helpless smile.
“In one year’s time, the True Sacred Artifact will arrive. For now, we wait,” the Black Mist Man said.
“Good.” Lin Yun nodded.
Next, Lin Yun only needed to wait for the True Sacred Artifact to be delivered.
During this waiting period, Lin Yun decided to plan the upcoming battle strategy.
After all, once the True Sacred Artifact arrived, he could take action against the Demon Lord.
Lin Yun decided to return and discuss the matter with Vice Palace Master Yao and the others.
…
On the way back, Lin Yun used his communication bracelet to inform Palace Master Mo Bai, Vice Palace Master Yao, and Emperor Fire Cloud that he had passed the ultimate test of the Heavenly Fire Temple.
…
At the Heavenly God Palace, inside the hall.
“Lin Yun, impressive! You haven’t even reached the Saint Realm, yet you passed the ultimate test. It’s said that only those at the Saint Realm can pass it. You’ve broken that notion,” Vice Palace Master Yao said, giving a thumbs-up.
Emperor Fire Cloud smiled and said, “My disciple’s strength has always surpassed his peers. I’m not surprised he passed the ultimate test at the Third Stage Sovereign Realm, but I’m very pleased!”
It was clear they were all delighted.
“By the way, Lin Yun, after passing the ultimate test, did you gain any great opportunities? Can they help you reach a higher level of strength?” Vice Palace Master Yao asked eagerly.
“The main reward for passing the ultimate test is receiving a token, which grants the qualification to be escorted to the Heavenly Fire Temple. This is the greatest reward of the ultimate test,” Lin Yun said.
“Indeed, gaining access to the Ancestral Land is more important than anything else. You’ve already reached the peak here, and further progress is nearly impossible unless you go to a place like the Ancestral Land,” Vice Palace Master Yao said, nodding.
Then, Vice Palace Master Yao’s tone shifted. “Lin Yun, you’re not… just going to leave like that, are you?”
If it were any other immortal cultivator, given such an opportunity, they might indeed leave without hesitation. Not everyone would be willing to sacrifice themselves for the entire human race.
If Lin Yun truly left, they could only call him selfish, but in truth, he wouldn’t be wrong. After all, Lin Yun didn’t owe the human race anything.
