The Daye Dynasty had flourished for so many years. In the minds of many, it seemed impossible that it would ever enter a period of decline. But now, it had come to this.
Even Prince Zuo Cheng found it laughable. The young Emperor was actually planning to save the flagging Daye Dynasty with his own power. It was nothing short of a daydream. If this had been before, it might have been one thing, but to still hold such unrealistic dreams now… it was truly ridiculous.
Besides, even if one wanted to save the dynasty, they should be inviting powerful experts for aid. What was the meaning of summoning this Lin Yun?
Therefore, this time, Prince Zuo Cheng was in no hurry to eliminate Lin Yun himself. He wanted to see just what kind of formidable abilities this young man possessed to have earned such trust from the young Emperor.
But it was impossible for the Prince to do nothing. That would arouse suspicion. So, this assassination attempt on Lin Yun was a necessary move. Only by doing this could he make the Emperor understand just how perilous the situation truly was.
Prince Zuo Cheng believed he understood the thoughts in everyone's hearts too well. Naturally, he could seize their weaknesses and make them behave.
Meanwhile, inside the carriage, Wang Yigu said with a smile, "Lin Yun, we are about to arrive in Wangjing. However, I must still remind you of a few things. Although you have come to the capital this time at the invitation of His Majesty the Emperor, you must still have a basic understanding of the situation here. And before our own matters are resolved, you must not move about Wangjing freely."
Wang Yigu listed several requirements, all of which were, of course, the Emperor's will. Lin Yun's current identity was far too sensitive, and there were still so many people who wanted him dead. If something were to happen to him, the consequences would be dire. So, no matter what, they could not allow Lin Yun to act too freely.
Faced with these requirements, Lin Yun just nodded seriously. He knew he had no choice in the matter. Looking at the state of the Daye Dynasty, if he didn't listen, some prince would likely pop out of an obscure corner and have him killed.
Seeing Lin Yun agree, Wang Yigu breathed a sigh of relief. He had actually been afraid Lin Yun would refuse. After all, this famous sword cultivator was notoriously difficult to deal with. His reputation for it had spread far and wide. He hadn't expected him to agree so easily.
But the moment Wang Yigu finished speaking, the expression on his face froze into an awkward mask. At the same time, Lin Yun sensed several figures, suffused with intense killing intent, rapidly approaching.
Lin Yun knew that Prince Zuo Cheng would certainly not let him enter Wangjing so peacefully. He would surely use various means to cause him trouble. But he hadn't expected it to come so late. If they were going to make a move, it should have been earlier. Now, just as he was about to enter the capital, they chose this place to strike. Their true purpose was easy to imagine: to make the Emperor understand just how embarrassing his current position was, and to make him obediently abandon his previous ideas.
Lin Yun understood all of this perfectly. Therefore, he had to resist.
"There are assassins heading towards us."
Hearing Lin Yun's words, Wang Yigu was first taken aback, then he shook his head with a dismissive laugh. "Lin Yun, you are thinking about things too simply. This time, you have come to Wangjing at the personal invitation of His Majesty. If someone were to choose this moment to act against you, they would be choosing to betray the Emperor himself. Everyone under heaven would have the right to condemn them."
Wang Yigu's tone was extremely firm as he spoke. Never mind that no one would dare to oppose the Emperor under such circumstances; even if they did, he was confident he could detect them in an instant. As for Lin Yun's "killing intent domain," no one would naturally believe in such a thing.
But now, Lin Yun could only say in a low voice, "There is still time for you to prepare. If you wait until the enemy attacks, you will lose your chance."
Wang Yigu was still unwilling to believe him. But then he saw the incredibly serious expression on Lin Yun's face. Although he found the matter somewhat bizarre, seeing Lin Yun's earnest gaze now made him begin to doubt his own judgment.
Immediately, Wang Yigu ordered his men to increase their speed, hoping to shake off these supposed pursuers.
But Lin Yun knew that their opponent had already completely surrounded them, and had surely prepared numerous countermeasures. After all, Lin Yun himself had used such methods to try and break through sieges before. The chances of Wang Yigu and his soldiers being able to simply charge through were incredibly low. Prince Zuo Cheng possessed formidable strength; he would certainly not expose any weaknesses.
"If even you can think of it, how could Prince Zuo Cheng not?" Lin Yun said. "The one making a move this time is certainly that famous Prince."
Hearing Lin Yun's words, the expression on Wang Yigu's face grew even more solemn. If he had doubted the truth of Lin Yun's claims before, after hearing this answer, he was beginning to believe them. Looking at the entire Daye Dynasty, the only person who would still dare to cause trouble for Lin Yun was probably that famous Prince.
"What should we do now?"
Even Wang Yigu, who had handled many crises, could now only place all his hope in Lin Yun. Judging by his calm appearance, it was clear he had already thought of a countermeasure.
And indeed, that was the case.
Lin Yun immediately began to organize the troops into a defensive formation. The enemy was approaching aggressively. But if their first wave of attacks failed to break through, they would be bogged down in a bitter struggle.
"We will make our stand here."
A moment ago, Wang Yigu had some faith in Lin Yun. But when he heard him say that they should stay put and use this place as a defensive position, his opinion changed completely.
As he thought, this boy was a powerful fighter, but when it came to matters of warfare, he had no right to speak. In a situation like this, to naively think they could withstand the enemy's assault right here…
"I thought you had some brilliant strategy. It seems you're nothing special after all," Wang Yigu said, patting Lin Yun on the shoulder. "Since His Majesty has tasked me with protecting you, then rest assured. I am here."