Chapter 180: Chapter 180: The Flame Marsh of the Heavenly Palace
Previously, Lin Yun had been quite worried about his own predicament. But now, it was a different feeling entirely. After all, his own strength had grown considerably. And with Xiao Bai having awakened, Lin Yun didn't need to overthink as much. For the current Lin Yun, everything felt well within his control.
After several days of continuous cultivation, Lin Yun also noticed that the scale of the war was constantly expanding. It wasn't just that the two major powers were no longer showing any mercy to each other; even some of the native creatures of this space were being drawn into the conflict. Naturally, these creatures couldn't just stand by and watch. They quickly formed their own alliance and prepared for a life-or-death battle with the cultivators.
Lin Yun, of course, couldn't stop this. For now, however, he planned to first acquire the Liyang Divine Iron. It was the perfect material for strengthening divine weapons. Unfortunately, it only existed in the ancient era. To this day, its reserves in the entire cultivation world were so scarce as to be exceptionally rare. But here, Lin Yun had discovered a significant deposit of it. Even if he couldn't use it right away, obtaining some was definitely not a bad thing.
On his way to find the Liyang Divine Iron, Lin Yun sought out Jiang Zhengqing. The Sect Master had been extremely worried about his safety and had even been on the verge of arranging a large-scale search party from the Beast Taming Sect. Seeing Lin Yun safe and sound now, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"You brat, I really thought you were in trouble! For so many years, the Beast Taming Sect has been suppressed by others. This time, it's all thanks to you and Zhou Damao that we finally have a day to feel proud and vindicated."
Jiang Zhengqing was clearly overjoyed. After all, he hadn't had such a delightful experience in many years. He especially enjoyed imagining the look on Gu Xiande's face when he heard the news.
"You overpraise me, Sect Master. Our success this time was because the entire sect was of one mind." At any time, unity was the most important thing. The alliance of the Flowing Cloud Sect, on the other hand, only appeared to be a solid slab of iron. In reality, it had long since begun to disintegrate, with every member having their own agenda. That was why they each had different theories and suspicions on this matter.
"Your merit is your merit. No one can take that away from you," Jiang Zhengqing insisted. "If it weren't for you this time, how could things have gone so smoothly?"
Lin Yun was happy to hear such praise, but he quickly composed himself. Now was not the time to be complacent.
"Sect Master, I came this time because I have some important matters to discuss with you."
Jiang Zhengqing nodded. "I have already had the disciples of our sect stand guard in the surroundings. You can rest assured, no one will approach this area."
Zhou Damao was also outside, so their conversation would be absolutely secret.
Lin Yun began, "I previously entered the palace within the Heavenly Palace. There is a powerful restrictive ward there. No matter your strength or realm, your cultivation will be stripped away the moment you enter."
Hearing this, Jiang Zhengqing's expression changed slightly. He knew exactly what this meant. If everyone was brought down to the same level, then there was no telling into whose hands the Wuyang Jade would fall.
"It seems those ancient beings truly had some impressive techniques. As for the matter of the treasures in the Heavenly Palace, I have my own methods. The various sects of the cultivation world will definitely not retreat so easily this time."
Lin Yun was certain that these people had come to obtain the treasures of the entire Heavenly Palace. Even if he told them it was dangerous and urged them to leave, they wouldn't agree.
"The Beast Taming Sect cannot get further entangled in these troublesome matters. There are still many powerful creatures in this small world. In the battles to come, I think the Beast Taming Sect should conserve its strength. The moment you see things going wrong, you must immediately lead everyone away."
Seeing Lin Yun's serious and solemn expression, Jiang Zhengqing frowned. He knew this boy's character; he was never one to shy away from trouble. For him to be so cautious now meant that the situation was indeed not so easily resolved.
"But we are at a critical moment in the war," he hesitated. "If we retreat…"
Lin Yun knew what he was thinking. The Beast Taming Sect wanted to return to its dominant position; now more than ever, they had to be mindful of their reputation. To so easily abandon so many people was indeed not appropriate.
"Sect Master, you can tell the others this information, but I can guarantee they will not leave. When the time comes for them to regret it, they will naturally understand the importance of your decision."
Lin Yun had already calculated everything. The fates of all involved had already been arranged.
After understanding these matters through his panel, Lin Yun set off for Yanze, the Flame Marsh to the east of the Heavenly Palace. It was the only place where Liyang Divine Iron could be born.
He didn't know, however, that the moment he left, a young man appeared in the distance. A disciple of the Beast Taming Sect? Why is he leaving at a time like this? The youth frowned with curiosity.
The next moment, another figure appeared. It was Gu Xiande.
"Elder," Gu Xiande said, giving the youth a slight bow.
"The one I just saw should be the Lin Yun you all speak of. He headed in that direction. According to the sect's records, that place seems to be the Flame Marsh. Arrange for a few disciples to follow him. No matter what he plans to do, stop him."
Gu Xiande nodded. Even if the youth hadn't said it, he would never have allowed Lin Yun's schemes to succeed.
Meanwhile, Lin Yun raced onward. He knew his time was running out.
"You've had a tail on you this whole time," the Chongqing Bird reminded him. "Are you sure you want to lead these people over there?"
Lin Yun smiled. "The front lines are tense right now. Even if they come, how many powerful experts can they spare? If it really comes to a fight, I'm not afraid of them."
This was Lin Yun. He had absolute confidence in his own strength. He had known long before this that these people wouldn't let him go. This time, his return to the Beast Taming Sect encampment was a deliberate move to draw them out. Further weakening the Flowing Cloud Sect's power—that was Lin Yun's ultimate goal. Otherwise, if he let them continue to grow unchecked, they would surely become an obstacle on his path in the future.
Gu Xiande regarded Lin Yun as a nail in his eye, a thorn in his flesh. And was Lin Yun any different towards him?
Soon, Lin Yun arrived at the Flame Marsh. And sure enough, he found a large quantity of Liyang Divine Iron.
"The reserves here are truly surprising," Lin Yun remarked with a sigh. He knew there would be a lot before he came, but seeing it in person still left him stunned. There was just so much of it!
He glanced behind him. The 'tails' had not appeared. They were clearly waiting for the mantis to stalk the cicada.
The corner of Lin Yun's mouth lifted in a smirk, and he bent down, heading deeper into the Flame Marsh. Even within the Void Heavenly Palace, this place was considered dangerous. The surroundings were filled with rolling lava, and the temperature was extremely high. It was no wonder this place was called the Flame Marsh.