“Master, the Ancestral Land has abundant resources. This is nothing,” Lin Yun said with a grin.
“Disciple, tell me about the Ancestral Land. What’s it like?” the Fire Cloud Emperor asked, brimming with curiosity.
“Alright, I’ll tell you.”
Lin Yun began recounting details of the Ancestral Land, including matters like demon hunting, sharing them with the Fire Cloud Emperor.
The Fire Cloud Emperor was amazed by the vast scale and complex dynamics of the Ancestral Land, filled with both awe and yearning.
For a powerhouse like him, who wouldn’t dream of stepping onto a grander stage to pursue greater strength?
Lin Yun also shared his suspicion that the Temple of Heavenly Fire might be a malevolent force.
In the Ancestral Land, Lin Yun rarely found someone he could confide in completely.
“Disciple, you’ve become a Death Servant of the Temple, making it hard to break free. Just follow your heart. Since you’ve gained some reputation there and earned the favor of an elder, use their resources to grow stronger before planning your next move,” the Fire Cloud Emperor advised.
“Yes, that’s the only way for now,” Lin Yun nodded.
After chatting with the Fire Cloud Emperor for a full half-hour, Lin Yun left the palace.
During this time, the Immortals of the Heavenly God Palace received a notice from Vice Palace Master Yao, instructing all Immortals to gather at the palace tomorrow for an important meeting.
Yao revealed no further details.
After leaving the palace, Lin Yun headed to the Lin Residence in the Divine Capital City, his heart filled with eagerness and apprehension.
At the Lin Residence gate.
Lin Yun stood before the familiar mansion entrance.
“I’m finally back.”
A smile spread across his face, and the weight in his heart lifted.
At that moment, a familiar figure emerged from the mansion.
It was Lin Yun’s son, Lin Yi!
“Father…”
Lin Yi froze the moment he stepped out and saw Lin Yun at the gate.
After a few seconds of stunned silence.
“Yi’er,” Lin Yun said, his face lighting up with a smile.
“Father! It’s really you! It’s really you!”
Lin Yi rushed to Lin Yun, trembling with excitement.
Though Lin Yi was no longer young, in Lin Yun’s eyes, he would always be a child.
“Father, you’ve really returned!” Lin Yi said, shaking with emotion.
“Is everything alright at home?” Lin Yun asked.
“Yes! Yes! Father, everyone will be thrilled to know you’re back!” Lin Yi said repeatedly.
“Let’s go inside.”
Lin Yun smiled, patted Lin Yi’s shoulder, and walked into the residence.
Inside the Lin Residence.
“Father’s back! Father’s back!”
Lin Yi’s excited voice echoed through the mansion as he spread the news.
In no time, friends and family staying at the residence came rushing out.
Yu Ying, Yun Chang, Su Yan, Zhao Ling, Jiang Jingwen.
His daughter, Lin Kexin, along with his grandfather, Lone Wolf, and others.
Due to their cultivation levels, their appearances remained unchanged.
But the fact that most were nearing their lifespan limits was undeniable.
“Yun Ge… it’s really you!” Yun Chang and the others, seeing Lin Yun, burst into tears and rushed to embrace him tightly.
Though Lin Yun had only been gone a few hundred years, not the longest they’d been apart—having once been separated for over a thousand years—this time was different. After he left for the Ancestral Land, they thought they’d never see him again until their deaths.
But Lin Yun had returned!
“It’s really me. I’m back,” Lin Yun nodded firmly, holding their hands and embracing them.
After returning home, Lin Yun decided to stay and spend time with everyone that day.
Gathered together, Lin Yun shared stories of the Ancestral Land while asking about their current situations.
He also contacted Senior Sister Mo Qing through his communication bracelet, informing her of his return and inviting her to the residence.
That night was destined to be sleepless.
…
The next day.
Noon, at the Heavenly God Palace’s council hall.
The palace’s Immortals arrived in groups of twos and threes.
Over a hundred Immortals soon gathered.
Vice Palace Master Yao and Elder Rong Zhen sat at the front.
The emperors of the four great empires, the master of the Carefree Tower, the master of the Taixu Tavern, the master of the Shadow Hall, and the master of the Ancient Gate—eight in total—sat on either side of Yao.
The other Immortals sat according to their factions.
Senior Sister Mo Qing and Lin Yun’s former subordinate, Huo Zhen, were also present.
Yu Ying, now an Immortal, was there as well.
Once everyone was seated, the council hall’s doors closed.
“Heavenly Qian Emperor, you’re getting more outrageous. How do you account for injuring my subordinates in the Demon Beast Mountain Range a few days ago?” the Fire Cloud Emperor said, his face dark.
“Fire Cloud, that area is closer to my Heavenly Qian Empire than your Fire Cloud Empire. It naturally belongs to us. I’d like to ask what you meant by sending people to snatch the natural treasure,” the Heavenly Qian Emperor said, leaning back with a cold smile.
Their exchange instantly shifted the atmosphere, making it tense and oppressive.
“Fire Cloud, I’d say that area should indeed belong to the Heavenly Qian Emperor. Calm down,” the Ancient Gate Master said.
“Gate Master, you’re siding with Heavenly Qian now. I’d like to ask, after the war ended, how much of the demon clan resources that Heavenly Qian secretly took did he share with you?” the Fire Cloud Emperor said coldly.
“Fire Cloud, don’t make baseless claims! That never happened!” the Ancient Gate Master said, slamming the table.
“You secretly took resources. Why would you admit it?” the Fire Cloud Emperor sneered.
The Ancient Gate Master shot to his feet. “Fire Cloud, either show evidence or stop talking nonsense!”
The Heavenly Qian Emperor also spoke. “Fire Cloud, know your limits. Reckless words have consequences!”
“What, are you threatening me? When my disciple Lin Yun was still on the Cultivation Continent, why weren’t you so bold? He led the charge to defeat the Demon Lord, and now—” the Fire Cloud Emperor said with a cold laugh.
