Chapter 502: Ao Xuan's Killing Intent
"The Sea-Stabilizing Divine Needle? Isn't that the ultimate treasure of the Deep Sea Xuanjiao Clan, ranked thirty-sixth among ancient divine objects? Activating such an artifact would require more than a dozen Profound Death stage experts..."
"Ancient divine objects are exceedingly rare; each one possesses extraordinary power."
"It seems Prince Ao Xuan has brought out quite the precious artifact."
As Ao Xuan finished speaking, numerous astonished exclamations rose from the surrounding experts. Clearly, many were familiar with the divine needle in his hand.
Lin Langtian also fixed his gaze curiously upon the white needle emanating blue luminescence in Ao Xuan's palm. He sensed powerful fluctuations from it, nodding inwardly in acknowledgment—indeed worthy of a powerhouse comparable to the Immortal Holy Whale Clan.
Though the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Needle couldn't match his Static Divine Tablet, being over twenty ranks lower, it was still formidable. If Ao Xuan claimed it could suppress the three demon corpses for days, it probably wasn't an exaggeration.
"Hehe, activating the Divine Needle requires a tremendous amount of Yuan Power. I'll need everyone's assistance," Ao Xuan remarked with a polite smile.
The crowd naturally understood Ao Xuan's intentions—he clearly didn't want his own clan members to exhaust their energy confronting the demon corpses directly, preferring instead to use the combined strength of others.
Nevertheless, none were particularly displeased by this; after all, only Ao Xuan possessed such a treasure.
Lin Langtian watched the scene indifferently. Since Ao Xuan was willing to use such a treasure, he'd gladly reap the benefits without lifting a finger.
However, as Lin Langtian thought this, he noticed Ao Xuan's gaze shift toward him, containing a hint of malicious amusement.
"However, wielding such a divine artifact isn't flexible enough for precise control. We'll require three individuals to lure the demon corpses into specific positions. Otherwise, if they escape, we'll lose our opportunity," Ao Xuan continued with a smile.
As his words fell, the experts' expressions turned cautious. No one wanted to provoke those lethal demon corpses directly.
"There are three demon corpses. My Deep Sea Xuanjiao Clan will take responsibility for one, and I trust the Flame God Temple can handle another. But for the third corpse, we'll need someone else's assistance." Ao Xuan smiled calmly, though his eyes were fixed on Lin Langtian.
The surroundings fell silent. Tang Xinlian from the Flame God Temple nodded subtly without objection—given her sect's status, it was reasonable enough.
Yet for the third corpse, no one volunteered. Clearly, no one was eager to shoulder such a dangerous task.
Ao Xuan expected this reaction. After a slight pause, his gaze openly settled on Lin Langtian, a sinister glint in his eyes.
"Friends, we previously encountered a similar demon corpse, which pursued Brother Lin Langtian. Yet he escaped unscathed. I believe he is best suited to handle this third demon corpse," Ao Xuan said deliberately, ensuring every eye on the black cloud instantly fixed upon Lin Langtian.
Surprised whispers quickly spread. Evidently, no one expected Lin Langtian to have survived an encounter with a half-step Samsara-stage demon corpse.
"Haha, since Brother Lin is so capable, this task certainly suits you best."
"Indeed, we'll have to rely on Brother Lin this time."
"Brother Lin, please don't decline."
Numerous powerful cultivators chimed in, clearly relieved someone else could bear the risk. Many were also aware of the tension between Lin Langtian and Ao Xuan, yet chose to remain silent, only concerned with their own safety.
"That bastard!" Mu Lingshan ground her teeth angrily, glaring at Ao Xuan, clearly understanding his intent to deliberately target them.
Lin Langtian's expression remained cold. Ao Xuan's tactics were ruthless; under the current circumstances, refusing would instantly make Lin Langtian everyone's enemy.
Ao Xuan could then conveniently incite everyone against him, particularly since many present coveted Lin Langtian's key token.
After a moment's silence, Lin Langtian smiled faintly and nodded.
"As you wish, Prince Ao Xuan."
Surprise flashed briefly across Ao Xuan's eyes, clearly not anticipating Lin Langtian's easy acceptance.
"Hehe, Brother Lin understands the bigger picture," Ao Xuan remarked with another sinister smile.
Lin Langtian ignored the sarcasm, simply replying, "Then, please activate your treasure."
Ao Xuan raised his hand calmly, causing the needle to glow intensely, swiftly expanding to over a thousand feet, though still ethereal.
"Everyone, please channel your Yuan Power into the Divine Needle," Ao Xuan instructed.
Hearing this, all the experts immediately complied, pouring streams of powerful Yuan Power into the artifact.
Hum!
As Yuan Power surged into it, the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Needle shone brilliantly, its ethereal form quickly solidifying. Ancient runes emerged along its surface, emanating an overwhelming suppressive power.
"Truly deserving of its reputation as an ancient divine object," Lin Langtian murmured, slightly impressed. Compared to the mysterious Static Divine Tablet, this needle possessed its own remarkable traits.
As the artifact gradually activated, the three demon corpses guarding the Devouring Hall sensed danger, their black eyes flickering with agitation.
"The artifact is ready. Begin!" Ao Xuan declared.
Instantly, three generals from the Deep Sea Xuanjiao Clan and a powerful middle-aged man behind Tang Xinlian rose into the air, powerful deathly energy radiating from them. Clearly, these were genuine advanced Profound Death stage experts.
The crowd watched, slightly awed by the power these factions possessed.
"Brother Lin," Ao Xuan narrowed his eyes, smiling coldly at Lin Langtian.
Ignoring Ao Xuan, Lin Langtian swiftly soared upward, joining the others as they each confronted a demon corpse.
Boom! Boom!
Intense battles instantly erupted. Despite their powerful cultivation, the three generals and the middle-aged man struggled significantly against the demon corpses. Clearly, the half-step Samsara demon corpses far surpassed them in raw power.
Their task, however, was not to defeat but simply distract the corpses.
Attention quickly turned toward Lin Langtian, who was racing toward the third demon corpse. Given his mere half-step Profound Death stage strength, many wondered how he'd manage.
Ignoring the skeptical looks, Lin Langtian halted before the third corpse, carefully observing its sinister demon patterns. This was not an easy opponent.
Roar!
The demon corpse immediately attacked, black chains erupting from its body, swiftly aiming to entangle Lin Langtian.
Lin Langtian's eyes sharpened, quickly deploying his Scarlet Sparrow Bone Wings and activating the Flame Furnace within his body. A surge of incredible strength filled him, and with a violent flap, he vanished.
Whoosh!
The chains pierced through his afterimage. Gasps of surprise rose from the crowd, amazed Lin Langtian had seemingly fallen so quickly.
But soon they realized their error—Lin Langtian had reappeared safely a thousand feet away.
"An afterimage?" many exclaimed in shock, their eyes narrowing sharply. His speed was utterly astonishing.
Even Ao Xuan's sinister smile froze momentarily, his expression darkening upon realizing Lin Langtian's strength surpassed his expectations.
Tang Xinlian's beautiful eyes sparkled with interest. Flame God Temple intelligence reported Lin Langtian had emerged from an insignificant family in the Eastern Xuan Region. His current capabilities naturally intrigued even the famous Fire Fairy.
Boom!
The corpse pursued relentlessly, yet Lin Langtian skillfully evaded, never engaging directly, continuously outmaneuvering it with his extraordinary speed.
Onlookers quickly noticed Lin Langtian handled his opponent far more easily than the struggling experts from the other two factions.
Ao Xuan's face darkened further, clearly displeased.
"Prince Ao Xuan, isn't the artifact ready yet?" Tang Xinlian suddenly called out, detecting Ao Xuan's deliberate delays. Her tone clearly warned him against further manipulation.
Under scrutiny from the crowd, Ao Xuan's face twitched, and reluctantly, he accelerated the artifact's formation.
"Bring the corpses into the circles below the needle!" Ao Xuan commanded sharply.
The three generals and middle-aged man quickly complied, drawing the two corpses into the designated circles. Immediately, brilliant beams from the Divine Needle encircled the corpses, imprisoning them within towering pillars of light.
Lin Langtian similarly maneuvered the third corpse into position.
However, as soon as he did, Ao Xuan's eyes flashed viciously. With a sudden change in his hand seals, the massive Sea-Stabilizing Divine Needle abruptly plunged downward, aiming directly at Lin Langtian.
Shocked cries arose from the crowd, clearly recognizing Ao Xuan's malicious intent—to imprison or even kill Lin Langtian along with the demon corpse beneath the artifact's crushing force…
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