Divine Emperor Demon Emperor

Chapter 366: Chapter 366: A Forced Hand (Part 1)

After hearing Senior Brother Tian’s words, Lin Yun’s expression remained unchanged. He said coolly, "Whether I can protect them is my business. But if anyone dares to target them, they’d better be prepared to face the consequences."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Yun kicked Senior Brother Tian, sending him flying straight into the courtyard wall. BOOM! The wall collapsed on impact with his body.

The sudden collapse of the wall quickly drew the attention of some Direct Disciples. Many of them gathered around, and for a moment, no one recognized the figure covered in injuries, dust, and blood.

"Is that... Senior Brother Tian...?" someone finally identified him after a closer look.

Seeing Senior Brother Tian, one of the top-tier Direct Disciples, beaten so badly, the crowd of Direct Disciples all turned their gazes past the collapsed wall toward Lin Yun inside.

Standing proudly in the center of the courtyard, Lin Yun looked at the unconscious Senior Brother Tian on the ground. His face was placid, not changing in the slightest even under the stares of all the Direct Disciples.

"That’s Lin Yun... It’s him! I was there when he injured more than a dozen Direct Disciples last time." Someone quickly recognized Lin Yun.

Realizing that the one who had injured Senior Brother Tian was Lin Yun, everyone was astonished by his strength. Judging by Lin Yun’s appearance, it seemed Senior Brother Tian hadn’t even managed to hurt him.

"Is he really that strong? Not even one of the twelve senior brothers from the top tier is a match for him?"

"No way, could he have the strength of one of the Ten Core Disciples?" everyone exclaimed in amazement. At the same time, now that they knew it was Lin Yun, they all understood perfectly well why he had injured Senior Brother Tian.

It was no secret among the Direct Disciples that Senior Brother Tian and his two companions had been blocking Lu Bingning and Lan Xi’s courtyard gate. And everyone also knew that the two women were Lin Yun’s.

They knew this was definitely Lin Yun seeking revenge. The only thing that astonished everyone was his power—that he could beat even Senior Brother Tian into such a state.

Just as the crowd was looking at Lin Yun in awe, three figures suddenly appeared in front of him: two old men and one middle-aged man. Upon seeing Lin Yun, a hint of displeasure and awkwardness flashed in their eyes.

"Lin Yun, why did you injure my disciple?"

"To raise your hand within Flawless Palace... Lin Yun, aren’t you getting a bit too lawless?"

The three immediately questioned Lin Yun with cold voices. Upon seeing them, the spectating Direct Disciples all retreated more than ten meters, daring only to watch from a distance.

These three were the masters of Senior Brother Tian and his companions, the Main Seat Elders of Flawless Palace. Appearing at this time, they were naturally here to demand an explanation from Lin Yun; after all, all of their disciples had been severely injured by him.

Facing the three Main Seat Elders, experts of the Celestial Spirit Realm, Lin Yun first bowed and then spoke unhurriedly, "Aren’t you three Elders going to ask about the cause of this incident?"

Lin Yun’s words and actions were flawless. He had first offered a respectful bow, fully demonstrating his respect for the three of them, and his subsequent words were also impeccable. For a moment, the three Elders could find no reason to lash out.

In truth, the reason the three Elders didn’t erupt in anger was partly due to Lin Yun’s conduct and partly because of his status.

Especially his status. Although Lin Yun didn’t have a clear official position yet, as Main Seat Elders, they were naturally privy to some inside information.

Sooner or later, Lin Yun would be Luo Feng’s disciple. That status alone was something that even Main Seat Elders like them dared not offend. So, even though Luo Feng hadn’t officially accepted Lin Yun as a disciple yet, these three Main Seat Elders still didn’t dare to go too far.

"Let’s talk at my place," one of the Main Seat Elders said, glancing at Lin Yun. He was Senior Brother Tian’s master.

Following the three Main Seat Elders, Lin Yun’s party arrived at this Elder’s residence, which was right next to Senior Brother Tian’s courtyard. As for the gravely injured Senior Brother Tian, someone else would naturally take care of him.

Seated in the main hall, none of the three Main Seat Elders looked pleased. This was understandable; their most prized disciples had been severely beaten, and no master would feel good about that.

No one spoke. Lin Yun also remained silent, quietly sipping his tea.

A full hour passed, and not a single word was spoken among the four people present. It was understandable that the three Main Seat Elders could hold their tongues, but Lin Yun’s patience was equally impressive. The three couldn’t help but think more highly of him.

’This young man... Not only is his talent extraordinary, but his temperament is also impeccable, no less so than us old-timers.’

"Ahem, well, Lin Yun, why don’t you tell us why you injured a fellow disciple." Unable to hold it in any longer, and seeing that Lin Yun would certainly not speak first if they didn’t, the middle-aged Elder cleared his throat and spoke.

Hearing this, Lin Yun slowly set down his teacup. He glanced at the three of them, then rose and walked to the center of the hall. Once again, he bowed first before speaking unhurriedly.

"Elders, this disciple dares to ask you a question: as fellow disciples of the same sect, shouldn’t we be united and help one another?"

"Mm..." Hearing Lin Yun’s words, the three men hummed in thought and then nodded lightly.

"Very well. If we are supposed to be united and help each other, then since Lu Bingning and Lan Xi are this disciple’s childhood sweethearts, and also disciples of Elder Puzhu, we are all of the same sect. So why did your disciples corner them in their home?"

"Furthermore, I believe everyone knows that Lu Bingning, Lan Xi, and I are in love. I have long considered them to be my lifelong partners. As fellow sect brothers, what does this action by your disciples make of me?"

He posed two consecutive questions, his tone perfectly calm. However, it was the placid expression on his face that earned him the silent approval of the three Main Seat Elders.

After a moment of contemplation, the three Main Seat Elders exchanged a glance and then looked at Lin Yun in unison. The eldest of them, who was Senior Brother Tian’s master, spoke.

"Lin Yun, let’s drop this matter. The circumstances are understandable. We will discipline those three strictly from now on. However, there is one thing this old man wishes to remind you of."

"Are you referring to Gong Lingqi and Chang Jing, Elder?"

"Indeed. As the saying goes, one mountain cannot contain two tigers. Gong Lingqi and Chang Jing are the two most outstandingly gifted individuals of this generation in Flawless Palace. Before you joined, everyone believed the next Palace Master would surely be chosen from one of them."

"However, with your appearance, this two-way struggle for supremacy will soon be broken. You are a smart man; you should know that even without Lu Bingning and Lan Xi, a victor would have to be decided between you and those two," the Elder said slowly.

"Elder, you should know that my ambitions do not lie here," Lin Yun replied.

"This old man knows that, of course. But just because you think that way doesn’t mean others will. A threat must always be eliminated, mustn’t it?" the Elder said with a meaningful smile.

(Please collect, vote with a Monthly Pass, recommend, and reward!)