Myth Beyond Heaven

Li Zong cut to the chase. "Now that you've returned, I can provide you with a new identity and ensure the safety of you and your people from Zhu Tianlong."

Yun Lintian recognized the sincerity in Li Zong's eyes. There was no doubt the General would keep his word.

"I deeply appreciate your help, General Li," Yun Lintian said, taking a sip of tea.

"Call me Grandpa Li," Li Zong interjected.

"Alright, Grandpa Li," Yun Lintian smiled. "While I value your concern, I don't require your assistance. You're a man of honor, and intervening could tarnish your reputation."

"Reputation?" Li Zong scoffed, shaking his head. "If possible, I'd gladly trade every bit of honor and fame I've earned for the lives of my fallen comrades."

As a world war veteran, Li Zong had entered battle alongside his fellow villagers at a mere twelve years old. Countless comrades had fallen throughout his journey.

The glory, wealth, and honor bestowed upon him did not belong to him but to his fallen comrades.

Yun Lintian found Li Zong's character admirable. Such integrity was a rare find, even in the world of cultivation.

"Have you ever heard of cultivation, Grandpa Li?" he asked.

"Cultivation, like achieving immortality?" Li Zong questioned, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. "I believed in such stories as a youth, but surely they're just fantasy. If cultivators truly existed, wouldn't our war have been a different story?"

Yun Lintian didn't say anything. With a wave of his hand, a new tea set materialized on the table.

Li Zong's pupils constricted. His aged body trembled though his strong heart weathered the shock of the magical display. "This is...?" his voice trembled.

"Cultivators do exist," Yun Lintian confirmed calmly, "though for some reason, they cannot remain in our world permanently."

He poured a cup of spirit tea for Li Zong. "Try this, Grandpa Li."

Li Zong forced down his astonishment and examined the fragrant tea. One sip sent his eyes wide in shock.

Years seemed to melt away as the magical tea coursed through his body. The aches and pains in his joints, a constant companion of old age, vanished entirely.

"Are you immortal?" Li Zong blurted out, finally understanding how Yun Lintian had returned from what everyone believed to be his death.

"No," Yun Lintian replied, shaking his head. "I'm not immortal, but living for a hundred thousand years shouldn't be an issue."

"A hundred thousand years…" Li Zong muttered, his voice laced with astonishment.

The average lifespan in this era was a mere eighty years. A hundred thousand years was a concept beyond his wildest imagination.

Thankfully, Li Zong's life had been a whirlwind of challenges. He possessed the remarkable ability to accept the unbelievable. A cultivator, a being of legend, truly existed before him.

"Can you fly?" Li Zong inquired, curiosity burning brightly in his eyes.

"Yes," Yun Lintian confirmed, his body slowly levitating. "Flight isn't my only ability."

He opened his palm, revealing a fireball crackling to life.

Li Zong stared at the magical scene, a look of awe etched on his face. "If I hadn't witnessed this myself, I would never believe it possible."

"Neither would I," Yun Lintian admitted gently, returning to his seat.

"Can I ask about your power level?" This was the question that weighed most heavily on Li Zong's mind.

"To be honest," Yun Lintian replied, "I possess the power to destroy this world with a mere snap of my fingers."

"With a snap of your fingers…?" Li Zong's body trembled visibly.

He took a deep breath, attempting to compose himself. "It seems you have no need for my assistance after all."

"Indeed," Yun Lintian acknowledged with a nod. "However, I don't intend on a simple slaughter."

Understanding dawned on Li Zong's face. He let out a sigh. "Zhu Tianlong is truly unfortunate to have such a reckless grandson."

Yun Lintian took a sip of tea, his response a silent one.

Li Zong looked at Yun Lintian with a wellspring of gratitude. "Thank you for sharing the truth with me. While I understand I'm in no position to ask this, could you possibly…"

"Don't worry, Grandpa Li," Yun Lintian interjected. "The nation may have failed me in the past, but I wouldn't dream of destroying it over such a triviality. I've long transcended the struggles between mortals."

Relief washed over Li Zong. He'd feared Yun Lintian might hold the country accountable and unleash his wrath.

"Furthermore," Yun Lintian continued, "Earth is my home. I still hold a desire to return and live here someday."

A smile spread across Li Zong's face. "That's wonderful news. While I can't speak for the entire nation, Hangzhou will always welcome you back. No one will dare disturb your residence here."

He understood Yun Lintian didn't require his protection, yet Li Zong offered it nonetheless.

Yun Lintian returned the smile. "Speaking of which, I've already eradicated the pandemic. It's vanished completely from Earth."

"Really? Thank you. It has been hard on everyone in the past months." Li Zong exclaimed, surprised.

Yun Lintian refilled Li Zong's cup. "Aside from taking revenge, I come back this time with two goals for this world. First, I intend to heal its environment. It will gradually improve over the next decade. Global warming will be a thing of the past, and deserts will begin to recover."

Li Zong's delight was evident. "May I report this to the nation, of course, without revealing your identity?"

"Absolutely," Yun Lintian confirmed with a nod. "Secondly, I am going to eliminate child trafficking operations around the world. I trust the nation will assist these unfortunate children."

While Yun Lintian initially considered recruiting these kidnapped children to his sect, he ultimately felt it was a decision they should make freely.

"I'll do everything in my power," Li Zong vowed, confident it wouldn't be a significant hurdle.

"If the nation proves incapable, I'll find someone who can care for them," Yun Lintian declared.

He understood this problem wouldn't be permanently solved. It would likely resurface in the future. However, Yun Lintian wasn't concerned. He could intervene again whenever he returned.

Li Zong, overcome with gratitude, rose abruptly and bowed his head deeply. "I thank you on their behalf."

"Grandpa Li, please!" Yun Lintian rushed to help him up. "While I may be a cultivator, you remain a respected elder in my eyes. There's no need for such formalities."

"Very well," Li Zong conceded, slowly returning to his seat.

Yun Lintian settled back into his chair and inquired, "Grandpa Li, how much do you know about my father?"