Chapter 457: Obtaining the Reincarnation Elixir
After the annihilation of the Yuwen Clan, the Seventh Regiment of the Dark Tribunal began their journey back to the Dark City.
The Yuwen Clan Manor Courtyard, Yuwen City
In the courtyard, rows of massive black dragon airships stood silently. These dark ships were covered with intricate dragon carvings that seemed to pulse with the energy of the world around them. At the bow of each ship, a fierce dragon's head stood carved, its jaws opening and closing as if about to breathe a surge of power from its depths. These vessels, known as Dark Dragon Warships, were the primary mode of transportation for the regiment, far superior to the Dark Tiger Warships used by smaller battalions.
Five regiment captains gathered in the courtyard with their troops. Following the slaughter of the Yuwen Clan, the presence of 2,000 Dark Tribunal soldiers exuded a menacing aura that made any onlookers shudder, reinforcing the fearsome reputation of the Dark Tribunal. Even a single regiment of this force was enough to shake the hearts of the surrounding factions, and it was clear that the Dark Tribunal's might was the backbone of the Dark Hall's thousands-year rule over the Northern Profound Region.
Commander Jiang Shan, after exchanging a few words with the branch leader Xu Lie, glanced at the sky and issued a booming command: "Prepare to depart. Return to Dark City!"
"Yes, Commander!" The collective response was deafening.
Moments later, the soldiers boarded the five colossal ships, which immediately rose into the sky, cutting through the clouds with powerful bursts of energy.
Aboard the Warship
Lin Langtian's mind replayed what Qingtan had told him the previous day. The Yuan Gate had indeed started to view him with suspicion, which worried him deeply. He knew he couldn't allow his friends, like Song Yun and Mo Tie, to fall victim to the Yuan Gate's wrath on his account.
Next to him, Qingtan seemed to sense his unease. She gently said, "Brother Langtian…"
"It'll be fine," he replied, brushing her hair back and smiling softly. "If Yuan Gate dares to touch Song Yun or Mo Tie, I'll make them pay heavily."
With a determined nod, Qingtan's gaze turned steely. "I'm with you, Brother Langtian. And I promised Brother Lin Dong I'd help avenge him."
The ships sailed swiftly through the skies, cutting the journey back to Dark City to around five or six days. Lin Langtian remained secluded in his quarters during this time, focusing on his cultivation. Now at the peak of the Vitality Realm, he was just a step away from breaking through to the Profound Death Realm. To reach this stage on the continent meant one was counted among the notable experts. For those who crossed into the Wheel Realm, they would attain a true place among the great powers of the world.
Despite his intense cultivation, Lin Langtian felt no imminent breakthrough during the journey. His recent rapid advances had left him needing more time to let his foundations stabilize and gain deeper insight.
He sighed. "Advancing to the Profound Death Realm isn't going to be that easy…" he admitted, frustrated. "Otherwise, powerful Profound Death experts wouldn't be so rare."
Qingtan looked at him with unwavering confidence and said, "Brother Langtian, I know you'll break through to the Profound Death Realm. And beyond that, you'll reach the Wheel Realm—and maybe even the Reincarnation Realm."
Touched, he smiled at her support. "Let's hope you're right, Qingtan."
After the Dark City appeared on the horizon, Lin Langtian and Qingtan were directed to join Commander Jiang Shan and other regiment officers heading toward the main headquarters. They made their way to the towering ancient structure known as the Dark Citadel. Inside, while Jiang Shan and the others entered the great hall to report to Bo Xuan, Lin Langtian and Qingtan took their leave, heading to the deeper, inner sanctums of the Citadel where only the core members of the Hallmaster's circle were permitted.
On the way through the inner corridor, they ran into a familiar face.
"Brother Langtian! Qingtan!" the figure exclaimed. It was Chen Kui, another warrior who wore the same ghost-faced mask as Lin Langtian.
"Senior Brother Chen Kui, what are you doing here?" Qingtan asked.
Chen Kui gave a wry smile. "Since Qingtan joined the Dark Tribunal, Master has been training me more intensely for not becoming your shadow guard. I think I finally see why." His energy, which had reached the early stages of the Vitality Realm, was indeed stronger now, not far from advancing to the Great Master stage.
But his strength paled in comparison to Qingtan's, who had only smiled calmly when he asked about her power level.
"Oh… Qingtan… You've already reached the Great Master Vitality Realm?" Chen Kui stammered in disbelief as he realized her progress.
With a slight smile, Qingtan replied, "Yes, I recently made the breakthrough."
Chen Kui could only stare, awestruck. "You're truly gifted, Sister Qingtan. Master always said the Demon Body physique is a gift, but I didn't realize how quickly you'd master it. The Tribunal training clearly suits you."
Arrival in the Inner Sanctum
Soon after, Lin Langtian and Qingtan entered the inner sanctum, where they awaited their next summons. Here, the final phase of their mission awaited, and Lin Langtian's reward, the Reincarnation Elixir, lay within reach.
Long ago, back when Qingtan was still at the Nine Yuan Nirvana Stage, Chen Kui had already reached the Early Vitality Stage. But now, he'd only just made it to the peak of the Early Vitality Stage, while Qingtan had already reached the Great Vitality Stage, surpassing him entirely. Chen Kui could only sigh in amazement at her rapid progress.
"And Lin Langtian's growth is impressive too," Chen Kui said, glancing at him with a light chuckle. "Especially managing to retrieve the Time-Freezing Talisman from those remaining Yuwen Clan members. When the news got back to the Dark Hall headquarters, even the Elder Council had no objections. And, as for the Reincarnation Elixir, Master successfully managed to obtain one from those old council members," he added, looking at Lin Langtian.
"The Reincarnation Elixir is finally within reach," Lin Langtian murmured in relief. This elixir was the critical key to his upcoming plans, and he couldn't afford to lose it.
Seeing his anticipation, Qingtan smiled, "Since it's settled, let's wait in the bamboo grove behind the hall until Master returns."
With a nod to Chen Kui, Lin Langtian and Qingtan made their way deeper into the hall. Chen Kui watched them go, his gaze reflective. "First Qingtan, then Lin Langtian, and also Lin Dong from Dao Sect… What kind of prodigies is the Lin family producing, to give rise to three such exceptional talents?"
As he thought about it, he couldn't help shaking his head with a wry smile. Though he had once been proud of his own progress, compared to Lin Langtian and Qingtan, he realized the vast distance between them.
The bamboo grove was quiet and peaceful. Two or three bamboo huts stood nestled among the lush greenery, exuding a refreshing tranquility that lifted one's spirits. Lin Langtian reclined lazily outside one of the huts, hands behind his head, letting the warmth of the sun wash over him, bringing a rare moment of relaxation after the relentless struggles in the Dark Tribunal. Though unscathed physically, the battles had taken their toll mentally.
Qingtan, meanwhile, seemed to appreciate this rare tranquility as well. Ever since joining the Dark Tribunal, she had transformed from her formerly playful self into someone much more somber and vigilant.
They rested in silence, awaiting Bo Xuan's arrival. After some time had passed, Lin Langtian and Qingtan, almost drowsy, suddenly sat up at the appearance of a shadowy figure approaching.
"Master," they called in unison as Bo Xuan came into view.
Bo Xuan's deep-set, wise eyes swept over them, and he smiled. "Sorry to have kept you waiting…" His gaze lingered for a moment, then he continued, "I see you've both advanced significantly—Lin Langtian to the Peak Vitality Stage, and Qingtan to the Great Vitality Stage. It appears the trials of the Dark Tribunal have greatly benefited you."
Lin Langtian gave a modest smile, while Qingtan added, "It's mostly thanks to Brother Langtian's protection that I was able to progress so well."
Bo Xuan chuckled knowingly. "Yes, I am aware. Additionally, Lin Langtian, your efforts in eliminating the Yuwen Clan were exceptional. Without the powers of the Spatial Ancestral Talisman, those last remnants of the clan would have escaped with the Time-Freezing Talisman, and our Dark Hall would have been powerless to recover it."
Unlike others, Bo Xuan, who knew Lin Langtian possessed the Spatial Ancestral Talisman, immediately understood how he'd tracked down Yuwen Tuo and his group.
"It was my duty," Lin Langtian said humbly.
Qingtan, unable to contain herself, spoke up. "Master, since Brother Langtian did so much, can we give him the Reincarnation Elixir now?"
With a laugh, Bo Xuan gently patted her head. "You seem eager to help your Brother Langtian, little girl. Don't worry. The Time-Freezing Talisman is a rare treasure, ranked fourteenth on the Ancient Relics List. Though it's slightly inferior to our Dark Scythe, it's still a relic of considerable value. Lin Langtian's successful recovery of it has earned him this reward, so even the Reincarnation Realm elder had no objections. The Reincarnation Elixir is yours."
With a smile, Bo Xuan's aged hand opened to reveal a single black-and-white elixir, a yin-yang swirl of calm, profound power that seemed to radiate life and death itself.
Lin Langtian's gaze focused instantly on the elixir, recognizing this as the item he had sought so urgently. With it, he could restore Chou Tong's physical body, potentially returning him to his full strength.
Seeing Lin Langtian's eagerness, Bo Xuan smiled, and with a slight movement of his hand, the Reincarnation Elixir floated into the air, drifting gently toward Lin Langtian.
"Lin Langtian, this Reincarnation Elixir is now yours."
"Thank you, Elder Bo Xuan." Lin Langtian accepted the elixir, his gratitude evident.
"Think nothing of it; this is your well-earned reward," Bo Xuan said, his tone light. The Reincarnation Elixir was valuable, but it paled in comparison to the Time-Freezing Talisman. Bo Xuan was impressed by Lin Langtian's self-discipline in resisting the talisman's temptation.
Of course, Bo Xuan didn't realize that Lin Langtian had already created a perfect replica of the Time-Freezing Talisman.
Bo Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly as he added, "The Reincarnation Elixir is an extremely potent healing item. As long as there is a single breath left in the person, it can restore them—even if their heart is destroyed, and it can help those who have only a spirit or soul left to regain a physical body. Yet, somehow, I sense you might need this for someone else, not yourself, correct?"
Lin Langtian didn't hesitate to confirm it. The elixir's effect was well known, so he answered honestly, "To be truthful, I promised a powerful senior who has only his spirit left that I would help him restore his body. This elixir is essential for his revival." He did not disclose Chou Tong's name, not out of distrust but out of respect for Chou Tong's likely wish for privacy.
Nodding, Bo Xuan didn't press for further details. He said, "If he needs to regain his body, he will also need vast amounts of energy. Our Dark Hall has a river of Nirvana Elixirs, which might help with that."
Hearing this, Lin Langtian's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Elder Bo Xuan," he said gratefully.
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