Chapter 456: Yuan Gate's Movements
"You pursued the remnants of the Yuwen Clan and retrieved the Stasis Divine Token?" Jiangshan's voice echoed through the hall, his gaze fixed on Lin Langtian with incredulity.
On the other side, Lin Langtian stood calmly, but as he stepped closer to Jiangshan and Xu Lie, seated at the head of the hall, he couldn't help but sense the overwhelming aura radiating from the two men.
Both were at the pinnacle of the Death Profound Realm, dangerously close to the Wheel of Reincarnation Realm—a far cry from the strength of Yuwen Zhong, who was merely at the Minor Completion stage of the Death Profound Realm.
Even with all his abilities, Lin Langtian knew he would be no match for them.
Pressing his lips together, he clasped his hands respectfully toward the two men. In a steady voice, he reported, "Commander, the remnants of the Yuwen Clan, including Yuwen Tuo, have all been eliminated. Not a single one remains."
Xu Lie furrowed his brows slightly. "Let's set aside the question of where the spatial teleportation array sent them. How exactly did you manage to track them down?
"I heard there was a Death Profound Realm expert among those remnants. How did you handle him?"
As Xu Lie's words fell, suspicion spread across the faces of the seventh brigade's senior officers.
They all knew Lin Langtian was only at the Life Profound Realm. Even if he had reached the Perfected stage of that realm, it would still be a stretch for him to defeat a Minor Completion Death Profound Realm expert. The gulf between the Life Profound Realm and the Death Profound Realm was not one that could be casually crossed.
In the Judge Corps, Life Profound Realm experts could at most hold the rank of squad leader, while Death Profound Realm experts were often captains or higher-ranking officers. The Death Profound Realm marked the true threshold of power in their organization.
Zhong Kui, the third captain, was equally taken aback. He recalled that during the annihilation of the Firecloud Sect, Lin Langtian had barely been able to overcome a half-step Death Profound Realm expert. Yet, in such a short time, he now claimed to have defeated a full-fledged Death Profound Realm expert?
Lin Langtian, unfazed by their doubts, maintained his composure and replied calmly:
"The remnants of the Yuwen Clan did indeed use a spatial teleportation array to escape tens of thousands of miles away. However, I possess unique skills that allowed me to pinpoint their location. I pursued them alone.
"As for the Death Profound Realm expert, he was formidable but ultimately no match for me. After a hard-fought battle, I eliminated him along with the other remnants."
As he finished speaking, Lin Langtian's thoughts stirred, and a black token floated out of his palm. An eerie ripple of energy emanated from the token, drawing the attention of everyone in the hall.
"That's… the Stasis Divine Token!?"
Jiangshan, seated at the head of the hall, froze for a moment before his expression shifted to one of shock.
"Indeed, it's the Stasis Divine Token. It seems Shadow Guard truly did eliminate the remnants of the Yuwen Clan," Xu Lie remarked, his eyes fixed on the black token.
His initial surprise gave way to a deep, calculating gaze as he studied Lin Langtian.
Xu Lie didn't know exactly where the spatial teleportation array had sent the Yuwen remnants, but it was clear they had escaped far beyond the Eastern Region's boundaries. For Lin Langtian to have tracked them down so quickly and returned with the token suggested he possessed a rare treasure capable of spatial traversal—one nearly as valuable as the Stasis Divine Token itself.
Moreover, Lin Langtian had defeated Yuwen Zhong, a Minor Completion Death Profound Realm expert, despite being in the Life Profound Realm. This feat left even Xu Lie impressed.
No wonder the Hall Master valued Lin Langtian enough to appoint him as a Shadow Guard for the trials.
On the other side, Jiangshan waved his sleeve, and the Stasis Divine Token flew into his hand. As he touched the black token and felt the sinister energy radiating from it, his expression became one of pure elation.
"Haha! It's truly the Stasis Divine Token! With this divine artifact in hand, I can finally report back to the Hall Master!" Jiangshan's laughter boomed like thunder, filling the hall.
After a moment, Jiangshan's gaze shifted back to Lin Langtian. He couldn't help but feel surprised by Lin Langtian's performance.
He had already prepared for the worst—that the Yuwen remnants would escape the Northern Profound Domain entirely. Yet, Lin Langtian had not only intercepted them but also returned the Stasis Divine Token.
"Shadow Guard, you've done well. Your contribution in this battle is the greatest. I'll personally request a reward for you from the Hall Master. Additionally, you now have a favor from me," Jiangshan said, his deep voice like rolling thunder.
"Thank you, Commander. But may I ask, what do you mean by a favor?"
Lin Langtian understood the significance of Jiangshan's promise to request a reward, as earning credit for such a significant mission was his goal. Without major contributions, even Bo Xuan wouldn't be able to sway the Council of Elders to grant him the Life-and-Death Reincarnation Pill.
But Jiangshan's mention of a favor piqued his curiosity.
"Heh, Shadow Guard, perhaps you're unaware. In the Dark Tribunal, successfully eliminating a major force like the Yuwen Clan counts as a great merit. Accumulating ten such merits allows one to exchange for a drop of Dark Saint Liquid.
"The Dark Saint Liquid is a treasure of the Dark Hall, possessing incredible power. It can stabilize one's foundation, perfect one's state, and significantly increase the chance of breaking through bottlenecks to the Wheel of Reincarnation Realm. Even within the Dark Tribunal, only those who accumulate ten great merits can earn this opportunity.
"Commander Jiang, after years of campaigns, has amassed nine great merits. This victory over the Yuwen Clan would have been his tenth—if not for the Stasis Divine Token.
"Since the token wasn't recovered during the initial assault, the mission would have been downgraded to a minor merit. But thanks to you bringing the token back, it's now restored to a great merit. That's why Commander Jiang owes you a favor."
"I see…" Lin Langtian nodded in realization.
The Dark Saint Liquid piqued his interest. For a battle as significant as annihilating the Yuwen Clan to count as just one great merit, the liquid's value was apparent.
Its ability to help Death Profound Realm experts advance to the Wheel of Reincarnation Realm was especially remarkable. Such a breakthrough represented a leap in power, elevating one to the ranks of the continent's true elite.
Even within the Dark Hall, Wheel of Reincarnation Realm experts were high-ranking figures, and in the Dark Tribunal, they ranked just below the judges themselves.
Though Lin Langtian was far from reaching such heights, he couldn't help but aspire to that level. He also understood why Jiangshan, who stood at the peak of the Death Profound Realm, would prize the liquid so highly.
"Heh, then congratulations to Commander Jiang," Lin Langtian said, his gaze resting on the mountain-like figure at the head of the hall.
Jiangshan, already at the pinnacle of the Death Profound Realm, was only one step away from the Wheel of Reincarnation Realm. With the Dark Saint Liquid, that step might soon become a reality.
"Haha! It's all thanks to you, Shadow Guard, for retrieving the Stasis Divine Token in time. Otherwise, who knows when I would have completed my final great merit."
Jiangshan slapped his broad chest with a hearty laugh. "In the future, if there's anything you need help with, as long as it's within my power, don't hesitate to ask."
For a Death Profound Realm cultivator at the pinnacle of their strength, ascending to the Wheel of Reincarnation Realm was an ultimate goal. To achieve this, Jiangshan had spent decades fighting on behalf of the Dark Tribunal, earning the title of "General Black Mountain" and amassing an impressive record of achievements.
Now, with the opportunity to exchange his merits for the Dark Saint Liquid, which would grant him a chance to step into the Wheel of Reincarnation Realm, Jiangshan was understandably elated.
Even Xu Lie, standing nearby, couldn't help but show a tinge of envy in his eyes. The Wheel of Reincarnation Realm was the realm of true powerhouses on the continent.
However, Xu Lie also understood the blood-soaked and brutal nature of the Dark Tribunal. Jiangshan's ability to accumulate ten great merits and qualify for the Dark Saint Liquid was the fruit of countless battles, a result of unparalleled effort that no one else could envy.
Lin Langtian smiled faintly and nodded at Jiangshan's words. If Jiangshan truly ascended to the Wheel of Reincarnation Realm with the help of the Dark Saint Liquid, a favor owed by such a figure would be invaluable.
Unbeknownst to Lin Langtian, Jiangshan's willingness to offer such a favor stemmed from his respect for Lin Langtian's character.
Jiangshan was well aware that Lin Langtian was not originally from the Dark Hall but from the Eastern Profound Domain. Despite this, Lin Langtian had not attempted to keep the Stasis Divine Token for himself and had willingly returned it—a testament to his integrity.
To Jiangshan, this combination of immense talent and upright character was rare and worth cultivating.
After some cordial exchanges, Lin Langtian excused himself and left the hall at a steady pace.
Outside the Hall
Qingtan was already waiting anxiously. Upon seeing Lin Langtian step out, she approached with a quick, graceful stride and a bright smile. The cold, battle-hardened demeanor she often wore softened into rare warmth.
"Brother Langtian, you're finally out," Qingtan said, her eyes lighting up.
Lin Langtian glanced at her, noting the increasingly cold and sinister aura emanating from her body. His heart ached slightly, but his expression shifted to one of surprise when he sensed her cultivation level.
"You've broken through to the Major Completion stage of the Life Profound Realm?"
Qingtan stuck out her tongue playfully and chuckled. "Yes! I found a supreme ice treasure in the Yuwen Clan's vault. It's perfect for cultivating my Fiend Demon Body. Since I was already at the peak of the Lesser Completion stage, I accidentally broke through."
"'Accidentally broke through'…" Lin Langtian's forehead twitched, and the corners of his mouth tightened. A wave of envy surged in his heart.
As expected of the Fiend Demon Body, her cultivation speed was terrifying. It was no wonder that in the original timeline, Qingtan managed to go from a Nirvana Realm disciple to the Hall Master of the Dark Hall in just three years.
When she dedicated herself to cultivation, her speed was unparalleled—even surpassing Lin Langtian's and Lin Dong's efforts.
"By the way, Brother Langtian, did you succeed in eliminating the Yuwen remnants? I heard there was a Death Profound Realm expert among them. Are you alright?"
Though Qingtan held the rank of squad leader, her status as a trial participant meant she was privy to considerable information. She also guessed that Lin Langtian must have used the Spatial Ancestral Symbol to pursue the Yuwen remnants.
Lin Langtian smiled and waved dismissively. "I'm fine. The Death Profound Realm expert was dealt with, and I retrieved the Stasis Divine Token, which I handed over to Commander Jiangshan."
"The Stasis Divine Token was recovered, too? That's fantastic, Brother Langtian! This achievement should guarantee your reward for the Life-and-Death Reincarnation Pill. Unless those old fogies on the Council think the token is worthless," Qingtan said with a bright smile, her eyes gleaming with admiration.
Lin Langtian chuckled at her comment. The Stasis Divine Token, ranked 13th on the Ancient Divine Artifact List, was far more valuable than the Life-and-Death Reincarnation Pill. The Elder Council would have no reason to block his request now.
"By the way, Brother Langtian, Senior Brother Chen Kui sent me a message just now. It seems something has happened in Yuan Gate back in the Eastern Profound Domain," Qingtan said, her tone turning serious.
"Oh? What happened?" Lin Langtian asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as an uneasy feeling crept into his heart.
Qingtan pursed her lips and said in a solemn voice, "After you defeated Mo Ming and became well-known in the Northern Profound Domain, news of you becoming my Shadow Guard reached Yuan Gate. It seems they've taken notice.
"They suspect that you might have 'betrayed' Yuan Gate since you haven't made any moves against me.
"According to our spies in the Eastern Profound Domain, the three Yuan Gate chiefs have secretly detained your allies from the Fire Division who participated in the sect war alongside you. Their location is unknown, but it's clear they intend to use them against you."
"What!?"
Lin Langtian's expression darkened instantly, his fists clenching as a cold gleam flashed in his eyes.
An uncontrollable killing intent surged from within him, filling the air.
Though Lin Langtian had anticipated a falling-out with Yuan Gate eventually, he hadn't expected the three chiefs to act so quickly—and to target his former allies in the Fire Division.
While figures like Song Yun and Mo Tie were no longer of much use to him, and barely qualified as subordinates, they had once been his trusted followers.
Lin Langtian couldn't stand by and watch them be executed by Yuan Gate.
"Brother Langtian, don't worry. Yuan Gate hasn't acted against your allies yet. Since they're still unsure about your loyalty, they're likely holding off to confirm whether you've truly 'betrayed' them."
Qingtan, noticing Lin Langtian's anger, quickly tried to comfort him. Her expression was filled with concern.
Lin Langtian took a deep breath and nodded, regaining his composure. He realized that Yuan Gate's goal was likely to force him to reveal himself.
For now, Song Yun and the others were safe.
Lin Langtian's gaze turned sharp, and he muttered under his breath, "It seems I'll need to accelerate my plans to resurrect Zhou Tong and establish the Heaven Pavilion."
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