Hearing Guang Tiancheng’s words, Lin Yun’s smile grew increasingly helpless.
“Lin Yun, no matter what, we can only accept our fate. Don’t make things hard for yourself. What’s your plan next?” Guang Tiancheng looked at Lin Yun.
“Before going on this mission, I already signed up to continue demon hunting. Now, I’m just waiting for the notice, then I’ll head to the border,” Lin Yun said.
“You’d better be careful. The dangers of demon hunting at the border are well-known. You’re quite bold to go back there,” Guang Tiancheng remarked.
“To me, it’s not really dangerous,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
For Lin Yun, demon hunting at the border allowed him to be himself. He found staying within the Heavenly Fire Temple far more challenging.
“I admire you, mate. You’re truly impressive. If you weren’t bound by the Death Guard, with your talent, you might have achieved great things in this ancestral land,” Guang Tiancheng sighed.
After meeting Guang Tiancheng, Lin Yun went to see Elder Li.
While Lin Yun was recovering from his injuries, Elder Li had sent a Heavenly Fire Guard to inform him to visit once he was mobile.
In Elder Li’s courtyard.
“Elder Li, thank you for speaking up for me during my punishment,” Lin Yun said, clasping his fists in respect.
Although Elder Li hadn’t openly protected Lin Yun, he had tried to speak in his favour, which Lin Yun appreciated.
“Eighty soul-breaking lashes, and you’re recovering rather quickly,” Elder Li said coldly.
Then, Elder Li turned to face Lin Yun. “The last time you returned to your star realm, I warned you to let go of friends and family. Yet you made such a basic mistake!”
Lin Yun lowered his head, remaining silent.
“Learn from this lesson. If you make a similar mistake again, no one will be able to save you!” Elder Li said coldly.
…
Two months later, Lin Yun received a notice to gather at the demon hunting registration office.
At the demon hunting office.
When Lin Yun arrived, two men were already standing there, undoubtedly his teammates for this border mission.
“Lin Yun, these are your teammates. This is Hou Cheng, and this is Gu Boyuan,” the middle-aged man at the registration office introduced.
“Gentlemen,” Lin Yun said, clasping his fists towards them.
Lin Yun recalled his previous teammates, particularly Mu Ji, who had been quite attached to him before. However, after Lin Yun returned and faced the soul-breaking lash punishment, Mu Ji hadn’t visited him.
It seemed Mu Ji had learned of Lin Yun’s transgression and decided to keep her distance.
That was probably for the best.
“Hou Cheng, Gu Boyuan, you two are lucky. Lin Yun has been to the border before. With his guidance, you might avoid many missteps,” the middle-aged man said.
Then he turned to Lin Yun. “Lin Yun, you’ll be the team leader. Since you’ve been to the border before, I won’t guide you this time. Lead your teammates and brief them on the rules.”
“Understood,” Lin Yun replied.
The three set off, leaving the Heavenly Fire Temple for the border to hunt demons.
Lin Yun’s two teammates were both at the early stage of the Heaven-Passing Realm. They hadn’t reached this level through demon hunting but through their own cultivation and time. This was their first trip to the border.
On the way from the Heavenly Fire Temple to the border, Lin Yun’s previously heavy mood lifted, feeling refreshed.
Though demon hunting at the border was fraught with danger, Lin Yun felt as if he had escaped a cage. The sky was vast, and he was a bird free to soar, unafraid of thunder or lightning.
…
Lin Yun led his two teammates to Demon Control City, showed them around, and then headed straight into the mountains.
…
In a private room at an inn in Demon Control City.
The man in the brocade robe, who had once offended Lin Yun, was drinking with a charming woman in his arms.
At that moment, urgent knocks sounded at the door.
“Who is it, interrupting my leisure? Get in here!” the man in the brocade robe snapped, frowning.
The door burst open, and one of his subordinates rushed in.
“Young master, I just saw that guy named Lin Yun on the street!” the subordinate said urgently.
“What? You saw him?!”
The man in the brocade robe stood abruptly. “Where is he now?”
“He just left Demon Control City, heading towards the border mountains,” the subordinate replied.
“I’ve finally caught up with him,” the man in the brocade robe said, pushing the woman aside and standing, his eyes gleaming with murderous intent.
“Young master, he was with two new faces, but I don’t know their strength,” the subordinate added.
“No matter their strength, this time I have new reinforcements. I will make sure he dies!” the man in the brocade robe said, his face twisted with malice.
He issued an order. “Gather everyone immediately. While he’s still nearby, follow his trail and chase him down!”
“Right away!” the subordinate responded.
