With Su Qianchen leading the way, Lin Di and Yun Yunyan were swiftly brought into the ice cave.
As soon as they entered, they saw the Yun Clan woman.
"Yun Lianbu, you're here!" Yun Yunyan exclaimed in shock.
The Yun Clan woman before them was none other than Yun Lianbu, the daughter of the Yun Clan patriarch's son, born late in his life—making her Yun Yunyan's elder cousin.
It was due to Yun Lianbu's father's birth that Yun Yunyan's father, Yun Fan, had seen his status in the Yun Clan plummet.
With a direct heir born, the Yun Clan patriarch had no further need for Yun Fan and cast him aside like a dog!
Moreover, this elder cousin of hers had often looked down on Yun Yunyan in the past. Although they were both technically Yun Clan ladies, their statuses were worlds apart.
However, Yun Yunyan, having inherited her father Yun Fan's and mother Yun Rong's exceptional talents, had far surpassed Yun Lianbu in strength, despite being younger.
But still, she hadn't expected to run into Yun Lianbu here of all places.
From Yun Lianbu's current state, it was clear that things weren't going well for her—she seemed to be held captive.
"Is the formation ready for final testing? How much longer until the second pressure test?" A commanding voice echoed from the hall, causing Lin Di and Yun Yunyan to look ahead.
A young man in a white robe stood at the center of the ice cave hall, issuing orders with authority, and those around him followed his instructions without hesitation.
After giving out his orders, the young man turned around to face Lin Di and Yun Yunyan.
Even after nearly twenty years of separation, both Lin Di and Yun Yunyan instantly recognized the young man standing before them—it was their son, Lin Qian.
Though he had grown, his features hadn't changed much. He looked much like Lin Di but even more handsome.
His eyes, however, were unmistakably like Yun Yunyan's, though they shone with a brightness beyond hers.
At that moment, Yun Yunyan could no longer contain her emotions. She rushed toward her son, pulling him into a tight embrace, refusing to let go.
Lin Di also stepped forward, spreading his arms to envelop both his wife and son, savoring the joy of their reunion.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Lin Qian allowed himself to relax, sinking into the embrace of his parents, feeling the warmth of their love.
"Father, Mother, I've missed you so much!" Lin Qian whispered, his eyes closed, finally at peace.
At that moment, he wasn't the Emperor of the Hua Xia Empire—just a son, seeking the comfort and protection of his parents.
In this life, his greatest wish had come true. Not only did he have loving parents, but they were alive and well. What could be more precious than this?
For a long moment, the family stayed wrapped in each other's arms, enjoying their reunion.
After some time, they finally pulled apart, and Yun Yunyan began fussing over her son, asking, "How have you been all these years? Did anyone bully you? Have you had a hard time? Did you suffer at the Ye family?"
It seemed that no matter the world, mothers were always full of concern. But Lin Qian didn't find it bothersome. Instead, he relished every word.
Lin Di, too, smiled proudly at his son. What father wouldn't be happy to see his son grow into such a remarkable young man?
"A family reunion—how touching!" An untimely voice interrupted their moment.
All three turned to see Yun Lianbu, glaring at them with gritted teeth.
"Even if I don't know what scheme you're working on, do you really think you can take down the entire Yun Clan?" Yun Lianbu sneered at Lin Qian. "There are ten Transcendent Realm experts. Do you really think a formation will be enough to stop them? That's incredibly naïve."
"Your forces here are nothing compared to the Yun Clan," Yun Lianbu continued, her voice dripping with contempt. "Besides, the Yun Clan has Yun Luotian—our greatest prodigy. The Yun Clan will only grow stronger, while you, as traitors, are doomed to fail."
Looking at Yun Lianbu, Lin Qian raised an eyebrow, puzzled. She had been terrified earlier—where had this sudden burst of courage come from? It was as if she had lost her mind.
Studying her carefully, Lin Qian noticed the hateful glare she directed at his mother, Yun Yunyan, though she didn't dare look directly at his father, Lin Di.
Understanding dawned on Lin Qian, and his expression turned odd.
Glancing at his father, Lin Qian couldn't help but think: "Ah, so that's it. A rival in love, huh?"
Suppressing a laugh, Lin Qian turned to Yun Lianbu. "I'm curious—who is this Yun Luotian you speak so highly of?"
"He's my nephew, the most talented of the Yun Clan's younger generation," Yun Lianbu replied with pride. "He broke through to the Nirvana Realm from the Forming Essence Realm at the age of ten. By twelve, he had completed ten rounds of Nirvana and reached the Void-Breaking Realm."
"At fourteen, he became a Soaring Sky expert, and by fifteen, he broke through to the Life-and-Death Realm, facing a tribulation each year until, at twenty, he became an Awakening Realm expert."
"In just six years—this very year—at thirty-five, he successfully broke through to the Transcendent Realm."
"He is one of the Ten Lords of the Central Region, a true prodigy. He's nothing like the offspring of Yun Yunyan, who could only produce a bastard like you."
Lin Di's face darkened with rage, while Yun Yunyan's expression grew cold.
Lin Di couldn't tolerate anyone insulting his wife and son, and Yun Yunyan couldn't stand to hear anyone call her son a bastard.
Just as tensions rose, Lin Qian stepped between his parents, turning his gaze to Yun Lianbu. "I'm sorry, but my mother is quite remarkable. And without being arrogant, compared to me, Yun Luotian is…"
Lin Qian paused, carefully considering his words before continuing, "…at best, someone I might acknowledge out of courtesy to the Yun Clan's past. But to truly compare him to me? That's laughable."
Yun Lianbu's laugh was sharp and scornful. "Yun Yunyan's son? You think you can compare to Yun Luotian? How utterly ridiculous!"
"Oh, really?" Lin Qian's eyes narrowed. "You've insulted my mother, and I can't stand by and let that go. Let me show you just what kind of son my mother raised."
"You should be grateful, really. You're about to see something few ever get the chance to witness. Consider this a favor, one you should be deeply thankful for."