Wang Lin clasped his hands in a gesture of respect toward Lu Fuzi, a faint smile gracing his lips.

“Regarding today’s events, I, Wang, shall offer recompense for this matter encountered beyond the borders. Please, Lu Fuzi, bear no ill will.”

Wang Lin’s demeanor remained unwavering, never stooping to humiliate Lu Fuzi despite his advantage. The elder sage, Lu Fuzi, remained silent for a moment, then with a silent sigh, his expression softened, and he forced a smile, returning Wang Lin’s gesture with a cupped fist.

“To think that the esteemed Wang Daoyou has attained such cultivation… a blessing to our realm. This old one concedes defeat. Yet, there is a question that troubles me… these two… these two mighty figures of the Dao… do they hail from…?” Lu Fuzi did not voice his suspicion fully, hinting only at the distant reaches beyond the stars.

Wang Lin nodded, a knowing smile playing on his face.

Behind him, the nimble Lingdong Shangren fixed his gaze upon Lu Fuzi, offering a respectful bow. “This old one is Lingdong, an elder of the Lingdong clan from the ancient astral domain beyond!”

Though Lu Fuzi had suspected as much, hearing Lingdong’s words still stirred him.

“The Lingdong clan… an elder!”

“The Lingdong clan, within the ancient astral domain, is but a small family, numbering a mere ten thousand souls,” Lingdong Shangren stated with a placid tone, withdrawing his gaze.

“And this one…?” Lu Fuzi returned Lingdong’s bow, for though the former was a thrall of Wang Lin, in Lu Fuzi’s eyes, he remained an equal of great power. With that acknowledgement given, he then turned his attention to the silent Zhou Jin.

“Zhou Jin, an elder of the Fengtian Wolf clan from the ancient astral domain beyond!” Upon hearing these words, Lu Fuzi, despite being amidst the vastness of space, inhaled a deep breath of celestial energy. He had noticed the spectral wolf shadow behind Zhou Jin and surmised as much; long ago, he had heard tales of a clan beyond the borders who served the illusory celestial wolf! A remnant of a vast tribe from the ancient eras.

The members of this clan possessed abilities intertwined with the wolf’s shadow, and due to their ancient lineage, their spiritual power was potent enough to birth a Third Step Dao cultivator! Now, hearing Zhou Jin’s declaration, Lu Fuzi knew the truth of the man’s identity!

“Wang Lin… he actually ventured beyond the borders! And even subjugated two clan elders as his thralls! Such ambition…” Lu Fuzi’s gaze toward Wang Lin changed. He was a Third Step Dao cultivator and was more than aware of the immense difficulty of turning beings of his own caliber into servants!

This was unlike beheading a general amidst a chaotic battlefield; this was the direct imposition of enslavement!

With his cultivation, Lu Fuzi could discern the runes etched upon the brows of both Lingdong and Zhou Jin, the brand of Wang Lin’s domination!

Especially considering that Wang Lin had not yet truly ascended to the Third Step; such a feat of control only amplified the difficulty!

“I have never heard of the Lingdong clan, but the Wolf clan is undoubtedly one of the great families beyond. This Wang Lin is not to be underestimated! What deeds did he commit beyond those borders? They must have been earth-shattering!” Lu Fuzi rarely admired others, but now, he felt a profound respect for Wang Lin burgeoning within his heart!

“Wang Daoyou, have you truly journeyed beyond the borders?” Lu Fuzi asked, shedding his previous gloom, clasping his hands in a gesture of inquiry.

“Indeed, I have but recently returned from beyond.” Wang Lin observed the change in Lu Fuzi’s attitude. He was not one to be unreasonable, and since the elder held no grudge against him, Wang Lin would not act arrogant or overbearing despite his superior cultivation and his two powerful thralls. He would meet the elder with respect.

“Excellent, excellent! The Yao Sect and the God Sect of the Cloud Sea Starfield issued joint decrees, citing the edict of the ancient Sealing Exalt, proclaiming throughout the four major starfields of the realm that the ancient astral domains beyond were stirring with the intent to once again invade our lands! The great figures of our realm have joined forces, opening the barriers between the four starfields, allowing passage and eliminating all restrictions!”

“All four starfields are now preparing for war, ready to face the aggression from beyond! This old one holds a deep-seated hatred for those beyond the borders. During the first invasion into our realm, I was a mere immortal soldier in the Thunder Immortal Realm, and I witnessed that unforgettable and tragic battle…”

“Hearing today that Daoyou has returned from beyond, you must possess a great understanding of the various clans beyond! This knowledge alone can inform our realm of the changes in those alien invaders over these millennia!”

The existence of the Sealing Array had left most cultivators of the realm in ignorance, unaware of its connection to the ancient astral domains beyond. Only a few knew of it, but dared not venture beyond the borders themselves. Thus, for millennia, news had been scarce, and this was a fatal flaw in the face of war!

Wang Lin’s words dispelled all traces of animosity in Lu Fuzi’s heart, and he let out a hearty laugh.

“I possess some knowledge regarding the matters beyond,” Wang Lin stated with a smile.

“Wang Daoyou, are you otherwise occupied? If not, would you indulge this old one in a pleasant conversation? I have inherited fine wines from the ancient Immortal Realm that I have been unwilling to drink, but today calls for enjoyment! What say you to a hearty drink?” Lu Fuzi chuckled, gesturing for Wang Lin to follow with a sweeping motion of his hand.

It seemed as if he had forgotten his earlier words of farewell.

Wang Lin retrieved the Ancient Demon’s finger from his hand, pausing for a moment in contemplation.

This dramatic shift left the tens of thousands of onlookers speechless. Even Yan Leizi and Lie Yunzi were taken aback. However, being renowned figures themselves, they quickly realized Lu Fuzi’s genuine delight, and after a moment, understood the elder’s intentions.

Lu Fuzi held no personal grudge against Wang Lin, and now that the latter had returned from beyond, his fame within the realm would undoubtedly soar. Such a figure was worth befriending, and Wang Lin had been courteous, giving Lu Fuzi an avenue for reconciliation. If Lu Fuzi remained stubborn, he would have lived these millennia in vain.

Hence, he sought to dispel the previous ill will. Wang Lin, of course, saw through these intentions and nodded with a smile.

Old monsters who had cultivated for tens of thousands of years were all beings of inscrutable minds; though not all were as cunning as demons, they were certainly not naive children.

Lu Fuzi smiled, sweeping his sleeve, and golden light erupted from within, paving the way forward. The light transformed into a straight path, accompanied by celestial music that filled the air.

Around the golden path, countless ethereal figures of celestial maidens danced, their movements graceful, enveloping the entire starfield. Above, nine golden dragons soared, their roars resounding, displaying a magnificent spectacle.

Countless illusions of immortals manifested, stationed in all directions, bowing in unison toward Wang Lin.
A grand illusion unfurled, words insufficient to capture its majesty. This elaborate display revealed the Venerable Lu’s deep regard for Wang Lin, further emphasized by the collective bow of countless immortals, a symbolic apology for past opposition.

“Daoist Wang, be welcome!” Lu’s laughter boomed, and as Wang Lin returned a respectful bow, they both stepped into the vortex, their movements synchronized.

仙 Mountains materialized, instantly swallowing the immense vortex. At its heart, a lake formed, its waters alive with the playful laughter of celestial maidens. Rising mists veiled their ethereal forms, tantalizingly obscuring their beauty.

Beside the lake, a pavilion materialized, attended by two more fair immortals, each holding jade flasks from which emanated an enchanting aura. A single inhalation of this fragrance was enough to stir the soul.

Yan Leizi and Lie Yunzi stood respectfully to the side, their gazes fixed on Wang Lin with complex emotions.

The surrounding tens of thousands of cultivators began to draw near, but a telepathic command from Yan Leizi sent them scattering back to their formation preparations.

Within the pavilion, Lu invited Zhou Jin and Ling Dong to join them. As celestial maidens poured wine, Lu raised his cup and proclaimed, “We are old acquaintances, and thus let this cup erase any past grievances!” He drained his cup in one gulp.

Wang Lin raised his own, scanned it with divine sense, and followed suit. His eyes widened. The liquor was not fiery at first, but as it traveled down his throat, it transformed into a burning torrent, coursing through him and warming him to his core, leaving a fragrant aftertaste.

“Excellent wine!” Wang Lin praised.

“Daoist Wang,” Lu continued, setting down his cup, “I am curious to learn of your experiences beyond the Realm. Would you share them?”

A smile graced Wang Lin’s face as he recounted a carefully selected and abridged version of his adventures beyond the borders.

His casual narration held Lu spellbound, especially when he spoke of the Thunder Clan’s destruction, the nascent Heavenly Dao within the seven million worlds they had cultivated, and all that he experienced, including the existence of San Ling Shangren.

Lu took a sip of wine, a grave expression settling upon his face.

“Seven million worlds… a truly admirable San Ling Shangren! Though not a mighty one in cultivation, his deeds bear the mark of one who defies Heaven itself!”

Zhou Jin and Ling Dong, only vaguely aware of Wang Lin’s involvement in the Thunder Clan’s fall, listened with rapt attention.

Perspectives shifted according to position. Zhou Jin and Ling Dong exchanged a glance, and fell silent.

Yan Leizi and Lie Yunzi, standing nearby, also overheard Wang Lin’s tale. Each drew a sharp breath, their faces mirroring shock and awe. Their astonishment stemmed not only from Wang Lin’s actions beyond the Realm but also from their newfound respect for San Ling Shangren.

“Senior Wang Lin, did you encounter San Ling Shangren afterwards?” Yan Leizi asked hesitantly, clasping his hands in respect.

Wang Lin shook his head. The pursuit following the Thunder Clan incident had forced him to flee, preventing any further contact with San Ling Shangren.

As Wang Lin described the Long Zun Society’s relentless pursuit, the perilous scenes caused Lu’s eyes to gleam. He knew that Wang Lin spoke the unvarnished truth, and he doubted his own ability to survive such trials.

Wang Lin naturally omitted details of the Fallen Land and other sensitive locations. Even with these omissions, his account left Lu stunned, particularly the revelations regarding the Grand Empyrean.

If Lu was shaken, then Yan Leizi and Lie Yunzi were even more so. Hearing these perilous moments, they finally understood the price Wang Lin had paid for his current power!

Their gaze toward Wang Lin now held deep reverence. Lie Yunzi, reflecting on past encounters, now recognized that Wang Lin’s achievements were anything but accidental!

“Lie Yunzi,” Wang Lin said, his gaze settling on Lie Yunzi, “I once met your War Clan ancestor, Zhan Xingye!”

These words sent a tremor through Lie Yunzi. He looked up, his face filled with emotion, and bowed deeply to Wang Lin.

“I beg Senior to tell me, where can I find my ancestor!”