Myth Beyond Heaven

Yun Lintian finished buying the materials, his spatial ring now filled with rare ores, precious metals, and exotic materials. He followed Tang Jian out of the Ironclad Emporium, leaving behind the stunned clerks and the lingering scent of blood.

As they walked through the bustling streets of Iron Will City, Tang Jian led Yun Lintian towards a secluded tea shop, its entrance unassuming, its atmosphere quiet and serene. They settled into a private room, the aroma of fragrant tea filling the air.

Tang Jian poured a cup of tea for Yun Lintian, his movements fluid and graceful.

"Please, Brother Yun," he said, his voice warm and inviting, "try this tea. It's very good for your body."

Yun Lintian nodded, his expression relaxed as he took a sip of the tea. The warm liquid soothed his senses, the delicate flavor a welcome change from the chaotic energy of the city.

"This tea is excellent," Yun Lintian remarked, his voice appreciative.

Tang Jian smiled. "It is a blend of rare herbs, grown in a secluded valley, far from the noise and chaos of the city. It is a favorite of my master."

Yun Lintian raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Your master enjoys the tea?"

Tang Jian nodded, his eyes gleaming with a hint of pride. "Indeed. He is a man of refined tastes, a connoisseur of the finer things in life."

He paused, his gaze shifting towards Yun Lintian. "May I ask, Brother Yun, where do you come from? Your strength is remarkable, yet you seem unfamiliar with the ways of this world."

Yun Lintian considered his words for a moment. He knew that Tang Jian was curious about his origins, and he had to be careful with his response.

"I have no home," Yun Lintian replied, his voice calm and steady. "I wander the realms, seeking knowledge and experience."

Tang Jian nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "A wanderer? Yet, your strength is far beyond that of a mere wanderer. You wield power that could shake the very foundations of the God Realm."

He paused, his gaze searching Yun Lintian's face. "Tell me, Brother Yun, what is your purpose in coming to the Iron Will Realm?"

Yun Lintian smiled faintly. "I came to acquire some materials and recruit some blacksmiths."

Tang Jian looked at Shi Nansun and nodded slightly. "I see."

At this moment, a figure suddenly appeared at the entrance of the tea shop, his voice sharp and commanding.

"Are you Yun Lintian?"

Yun Lintian turned to look at the entrance of the tea shop. It was a sturdy old man in Iron Will Sect attire.

"I am," Yun Lintian replied, his voice calm.

The elder approached aggressively, his eyes burning with anger. "You dare kill the disciples of my Iron Will Sect? Explain yourself!"

Yun Lintian remained unfazed. "They asked for it. I merely defended myself."

The elder's face flushed crimson, his aura surging. "Defended yourself? You slaughtered them like insects! You think you can escape the wrath of the Iron Will Sect?"

Tang Jian calmly intervened, stepping between Yun Lintian and the elder. "Calm down, elder. I am Tang Jian, a disciple of the Plum Blossom Valley God."

The elder's expression changed slightly upon hearing the name. "Plum Blossom Valley God…?" he murmured, his anger momentarily subdued.

Tang Jian nodded. "Indeed. I ask that you give me face in this matter. After all, it was your disciple's fault. He tried to snatch Brother Yun's companion."

The elder's eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting between Yun Lintian and Tang Jian. He knew the reputation of the Plum Blossom Valley God, a True God of immense power and influence. Offending such a being for the sake of a few disciples was not a wise move.

"Those disciples were arrogant and foolish," Tang Jian continued, his voice persuasive. "Their deaths were their own fault. However, for the sake of peace, Brother Yun is willing to offer compensation."

The elder hesitated, his anger warring with his pragmatism. He knew that the Iron Will Sect could not afford to make an enemy of a True God.

"Very well," he said, his voice grudging, "I will accept compensation. But remember, this does not absolve you of your actions."

Yun Lintian calmly produced a storage ring and handed it to the elder. "This contains a pile of Divine Stones. It is not much, but it should suffice."

The elder took the ring, his eyes widening slightly as he sensed the substantial amount of wealth within. He suppressed a flicker of greed, reminding himself that this was merely a token gesture.

"Very well," he repeated, his voice slightly less hostile. "We will accept this. But remember, the Iron Will Sect does not forget."

He turned to Tang Jian, his expression softening slightly. "Please convey my greetings to your esteemed master. We would be honored if he would visit our sect."

Tang Jian nodded, his expression polite. "I will pass on your message."

The elder turned and left, his departure leaving a tense silence in the tea shop.

"That was a lot," Shi Nansun said, his voice trembling slightly. He felt bad for the Divine Stones Yun Lintian had just paid.

Yun Lintian remained calm, his expression unchanged. "It was nothing. Paying for peace is fine. I just don't want unnecessary problems. Fortunately, he accepted it."

Yun Lintian smiled faintly as he spoke this but it sent a chill running down Shi Nansun's spine.

Tang Jian chuckled softly. "You are indeed a bold man, Brother Yun. It seems I have just saved his life."

He paused for a moment and said further. "I would be honored if you would visit the Plum Blossom Valley, Brother Yun. My master would be very interested to meet a young cultivator of your caliber."

Yun Lintian considered Tang Jian's invitation. He was curious about the Plum Blossom Valley God. Perhaps he could find information about other Primordial Gods there.

"How far is the Plum Blossom Valley?" Yun Lintian asked, his voice calm.

"Not far at all," Tang Jian replied, his expression enthusiastic. "Two days of travel at most. We can reach it quickly."

Yun Lintian thought for a moment. Since it wasn't far away, he could take a look at it before heading to the Eternal Darkness Realm. Anyway, he had already wasted his time coming here.

Yun Lintian nodded slowly, his mind made up. "Alright. Let's go."

Tang Jian's face lit up with joy. "Excellent! My master will be delighted. And I am certain you will find the valley to your liking. It is a place of peace and beauty, a sanctuary from the chaos of the world."