Chapter 303: Establishing Authority
When Lin Langtian's challenge rang out across the platform, it sparked a stir among the Fire Division disciples, many of whom were taken aback. They hadn't expected such a bold move from him.
"Oh, so arrogant... does he think winning the Dynasty War gives him a right to be this confident?" some direct disciples murmured, casting Lin Langtian looks of disdain. Though the Dynasty War championship was an honor, in Yuan Gate, it wasn't something that earned much respect. Most of the Yuan Gate disciples present hadn't even needed to compete in the Dynasty War to be admitted; many were capable of such victories themselves.
For disciples like the Three Young Kings and the Eight Spirit Generals, joining the Dynasty War would have meant easy victories. In Yuan Gate, such titles did little to impress; Lin Langtian's title alone wasn't enough to intimidate anyone here.
Xiao Lie was briefly surprised, then his face broke into a delighted, almost predatory grin as he looked at Lin Langtian. "Ha! Kid, let me tell you something—you may be new, but this isn't a game. Here in Yuan Gate, our challenges aren't for fun. During a challenge, even if someone ends up gravely injured or dead, it's all within the rules. Your life is now in my hands. In honor of the Division Leader, I'll show some mercy and only cripple you."
Seeing Lin Langtian walk right into his trap, Xiao Lie chuckled to himself. He had intended to intimidate Lin Langtian into handing over the Fire River Baptism spot or, at the very least, to humiliate him. Yet, the rookie had gone and challenged him head-on—a classic case of arrogance without awareness.
Challenges between disciples in Yuan Gate were essentially battles to the death. With so many talented disciples, resources were limited, so the high-ranking officials had implemented the life-and-death challenge system to encourage competition. Winners could claim resources and privileges, while the losers often left injured or worse. This brutal method had become an effective, though ruthless, way for Yuan Gate to maintain its dominance in the Eastern Profound Region.
Hearing Xiao Lie's words, some of the disciples around frowned. Although Lin Langtian had brought some honor to the sect, if he couldn't defend himself against Xiao Lie, then perhaps the so-called "Dynasty War champion" wasn't worth much.
Lin Langtian also understood now that Yuan Gate's challenges allowed for deadly force, a reflection of the sect's cruelty and lack of compassion. Yet, this challenge suited him just fine. He gave Xiao Lie a cold smile. "Senior Brother, I'd be more concerned about yourself. If I hit a bit too hard, you might end up losing your life."
"Good, good!" Xiao Lie's face darkened. Today, if this new recruit thought he could get away with insulting him, he would teach him a lesson he'd never forget.
With a roar, Xiao Lie clenched his hand, and blinding flames erupted around him, forming into a massive red blade that radiated scorching heat. He leaped forward, his blade flashing as he sent waves of flame, slicing through the air with a sharp, piercing sound.
Unfazed, Lin Langtian raised his hand calmly, gathering his energy. A fierce black flame burst forth from his grasp, activating his Black Flame Dominator Body, the power coursing through him so strong that he crushed Xiao Lie's fiery blade attacks with ease.
Seeing Xiao Lie's aggressive approach, Lin Langtian knew he didn't need to hold back. He condensed a flickering red flame in his hand, his silhouette charging forward as he raised the fire to its maximum intensity.
"Burn!" he commanded, releasing the flame, which expanded into a massive vermillion bird shadow that swooped down, targeting Xiao Lie with lethal force.
"That's... the Vermillion Bird Fire!?" Xiao Lie was visibly shaken as he saw the ancient flame closing in on him. Realizing he was outmatched, he quickly stepped back, forming a series of hand seals.
"Flame God Fist!" With a swift punch, Xiao Lie gathered a storm of fiery energy around his fist, creating an intense heat that filled the air as he aimed it directly at Lin Langtian's fire.
As the clash unfolded, the Fire Division disciples watching the battle felt awe as they witnessed the Vermillion Bird Fire's overwhelming might. Many had heard that Lin Langtian had tamed the Vermillion Bird Fire, but seeing it firsthand was a different experience entirely.
Lin Langtian smirked as he sensed Xiao Lie's attack. "You're good, but not good enough."
With a mere word from Lin Langtian, the Vermillion Bird Fire surged, its power increasing by another level. A volcanic force exploded outward, so intense it seemed capable of burning away everything in its path. The bird-like shadow of the fire clashed with Xiao Lie's Flame God Fist, engulfing it completely.
The Vermillion Bird Fire consumed the attack, quickly overpowering it as cracks appeared in Xiao Lie's defenses. In an instant, the fire burst through his barrier, enveloping him completely.
With a thunderous blast, Xiao Lie was hurled back, tumbling over himself before colliding against a rocky cliff face. His body lay there, charred and blackened, his breath weak and life uncertain.
Xiao Lie had been utterly defeated.
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