Chapter 216: Touring Lin Family’s Mansion
Lin Yun’s transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Although he had only managed to break through from the late Foundation Establishment Realm to the Core Formation Realm, the energy within his body was immense, a volatile mix of spiritual and devil energy. His once frail and uncertain self had been replaced by a figure of formidable power and unwavering determination. The legacy of Bai Wudi had taken root in him, and he was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him outside the dark chambers where he had honed his skills.
With his newfound power, Lin Yun returned to the mainland, his mind set on one thing: revenge. He knew that directly attacking Wang Li or the Lin Family would be a mistake. The Holy Devil Dragon Sect, under Wang Li’s leadership, had grown too powerful, supported by allies like the Silver Moon Palace Sect, led by Palace Mistress Yue Wuxin.
Lin Yun realized that the only way to bring down Wang Li and his Holy Devil Dragon Sect was to be patient and strategic. He needed to conceal his identity and build his own power base, a force capable of challenging Wang Li when the time was right. He began gathering followers, recruiting those who had been wronged by the Holy Devil Dragon Sect and others who were disillusioned with the current power structure.
Using his skills in slaughter and deception, Lin Yun moved carefully, avoiding detection while slowly building his strength. He targeted key figures within the Holy Devil Dragon Sect, weakening their influence and creating chaos within their ranks. Each strike was calculated, designed to sow discord and undermine Wang Li’s authority.
However, despite Lin Yun’s best efforts to remain hidden, Wang Li had not forgotten about him. Wang Li had kept a close eye on Lin Yun ever since their last encounter, wary of the potential threat he posed. The information about Lin Yun’s movements eventually reached Wang Li, alerting him to the growing danger.
As Lin Yun continued to plot and scheme, unaware that his every move was being monitored, the stage was set for a confrontation that would shake the very foundations of the mainland. The battle between Lin Yun and Wang Li was inevitable, and the outcome would determine the fate of countless lives.
And so, as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, the tension between the two forces continued to build, each side preparing for the storm that was about to break.
Lin Yun had spent months preparing for his return to the mainland, working tirelessly to execute a scheme that would tarnish the reputation of the Holy Devil Dragon Sect and, by extension, Wang Li. He knew that directly confronting Wang Li was a fool’s errand; the man was too powerful, his influence too vast. Instead, Lin Yun opted for a more insidious approach—he would dismantle Wang Li’s power base from the shadows, sowing seeds of doubt and discord among his allies and followers.
Lin Yun began by targeting the Holy Devil Dragon Sect’s reputation. He carefully crafted rumors and spread them through the underground information networks, painting the sect as a nefarious and malevolent force that had risen to power through treachery and bloodshed. He exploited the natural fear and suspicion that other sects and families harbored toward the rapidly growing sect, emphasizing their connections to demonic cultivation practices and their ruthless methods of dealing with opposition.
One of Lin Yun’s most effective tactics was to exploit the Holy Devil Dragon Sect’s alliances. He subtly encouraged rival factions to question the loyalty and intentions of Wang Li’s sect, suggesting that the Holy Devil Dragon Sect was merely using its allies as pawns in a larger, more sinister game. Through bribery and manipulation, Lin Yun managed to plant informants within these allied sects, feeding them misinformation that cast doubt on Wang Li’s motives.
He also targeted the sect’s leadership, orchestrating a series of “accidents” and “unfortunate events” that weakened the influence of key figures within the Holy Devil Dragon Sect. These incidents were designed to look like the result of internal power struggles or external attacks, further fueling the narrative that the sect was unstable and untrustworthy. Lin Yun’s machinations caused rifts within the sect, as those who were not entirely loyal to Wang Li began to question their place within the organization.
As his campaign of deception and subterfuge continued, Lin Yun’s confidence grew. He was patient, meticulous, and relentless in his pursuit of revenge. He knew that his efforts were having an impact—whispers of discontent and suspicion had begun to circulate among the sects of the mainland, and the once unassailable reputation of the Holy Devil Dragon Sect was starting to show cracks.
Yet, despite Lin Yun’s best efforts, Wang Li remained largely indifferent to these attacks. The leader of the Holy Devil Dragon Sect was aware of the rumors and the subtle attempts to undermine his authority, but he chose to ignore them for the time being. He had more pressing matters to attend to—namely, solidifying his alliance with the Lin Family.
—
Wang Li’s entry into the Lin Family’s residence was a significant event, one that had been carefully orchestrated by Luo Ziyi. She had spent considerable time and effort convincing Patriarch Lin Zhenguan that the Holy Devil Dragon Sect could be a valuable ally to the Lin Family. Her arguments had been persuasive, emphasizing the benefits of having such a powerful sect as an ally in the increasingly volatile political landscape of the mainland.
Lin Zhenguan, a cautious and calculating man, had initially been wary of Wang Li and his sect. However, the sudden and unwavering support from the Silver Moon Palace’s Palace Mistress, Yue Wuxin, had given him pause. With such a formidable sect backing the Holy Devil Dragon Sect, Lin Zhenguan had come to the conclusion that it would be in the best interest of the Lin Family to maintain good relations with them.
And so, after much deliberation, Lin Zhenguan had agreed to host Wang Li at the Lin Family’s mansion. The preparations for Wang Li’s visit were extensive—no expense was spared in ensuring that everything was perfect. The mansion was adorned with the finest decorations, and a grand feast was prepared to honor the occasion. Lin Zhenguan knew that this meeting could set the tone for the future relationship between the Lin Family and the Holy Devil Dragon Sect, and he intended to make a strong impression.
When Wang Li arrived at the Lin Family’s mansion, he was greeted with all the pomp and ceremony befitting a man of his status. Lin Zhenguan personally welcomed him at the gates, flanked by his most trusted advisors and retainers. The Patriarch was a man of imposing presence, his stern features softened by a carefully measured smile as he extended a hand to Wang Li.
“Welcome, Leader Wang Li,” Lin Zhenguan said, his voice rich with authority. “It is an honor to have you here at our humble residence. I hope your journey was pleasant.”
Wang Li returned the handshake with a firm grip, his expression one of calm confidence. “The honor is mine, Patriarch Lin Zhenguan. I have long admired the Lin Family’s legacy and am grateful for the opportunity to visit your esteemed home.”
The two men exchanged pleasantries, their conversation marked by a careful dance of words as they each assessed the other. Lin Zhenguan was impressed by Wang Li’s demeanor—there was an air of quiet power about him, a confidence that spoke of a man who was used to getting what he wanted.
As they walked through the mansion, Luo Ziyi accompanied them, her presence a subtle but constant reminder of the connection between the two factions. She played the role of hostess with grace, guiding Wang Li through the various halls and chambers of the mansion, explaining the history and significance of each one.
“This is the Hall of Ancestral Virtues,” Luo Ziyi said as they entered a grand chamber adorned with portraits of Lin Family patriarchs from generations past. “Here, the ancestors of the Lin Family are honored and revered. Their wisdom and strength have guided our family for centuries.”
Wang Li nodded appreciatively, taking in the grandeur of the chamber. “The Lin Family’s dedication to its heritage is truly commendable. It is no wonder that your family has remained strong for so many generations.”
Lin Zhenguan smiled at the compliment, though his eyes remained sharp and calculating. “We owe much to our ancestors, Leader Wang Li. Their teachings have shaped us into what we are today. But we must also look to the future, and that is why this alliance is so important. Together, I believe we can achieve great things.”
Wang Li inclined his head in agreement. “I share your vision, Patriarch Lin Zhenguan. The Holy Devil Dragon Sect is committed to fostering strong relationships with like-minded allies. With our combined strength, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.”
As the tour continued, Luo Ziyi led Wang Li through the mansion’s many opulent rooms, each one more impressive than the last. The conversation between Wang Li and Lin Zhenguan remained polite and cordial, with both men carefully measuring their words as they discussed matters of mutual interest.
