Chapter 543: Golden Crow's Origins
"Oh? Trouble within the Seven Evil Black Golden Crow Clan?"
Lin Langtian was startled upon hearing Qing Zhi's words, his brow immediately furrowing. He instinctively felt that this "trouble" Qing Zhi mentioned had something to do with Golden Crow.
Thinking this, Lin Langtian respectfully clasped his hands and asked, "Senior Qing Zhi, could you please elaborate on what exactly happened within the Seven Evil Black Golden Crow Clan?"
Seeing Lin Langtian's clear interest, Qing Zhi paused slightly, somewhat surprised, but without questioning further, he pondered briefly before speaking.
"To tell the whole story clearly might take a while, but I'll briefly share what I know. Although the Seven Evil Black Golden Crow Clan is just one of the eight royal clans of the Demon Region today, they once enjoyed great prestige, even surpassing our four overlord clans in terms of secrecy."
After a slight pause, Qing Zhi continued, "To understand the current turmoil within their clan, we must go back over a hundred years. At that time, an unparalleled genius emerged in the Seven Evil Black Golden Crow Clan. This prodigy was heralded as having the greatest talent the clan had seen in a millennium, someone capable of reaching the Reincarnation stage and potentially leading the clan back to its former glory as an overlord clan.
Indeed, this prodigy lived up to everyone's expectations, quickly reaching the peak of the Samsara Stage within less than a century, only a step away from breaking into the Reincarnation Stage. Yet, unexpectedly, he fell in love with the daughter of a high-ranking elder from the Kunpeng Clan. Ignoring the fierce opposition from elders within his own clan, he secretly married her, and they even had children together.
One must remember, the Seven Evil Black Golden Crow Clan and Kunpeng Clan were sworn enemies since ancient times. It was precisely because of constant suppression from the Kunpeng Clan that the Seven Evil Black Golden Crow Clan declined from its former glory, eventually losing its overlord status to the Nine Phoenix Clan.
Thus, the prodigy's actions not only enraged the Kunpeng Clan but also stirred great unrest within his own clan. Seizing this opportunity, the Reincarnation-stage ancestor of the Kunpeng Clan emerged from seclusion, openly condemned the Seven Evil Black Golden Crow Clan, and captured that prodigy alive, imprisoning him within Kunpeng Clan's infamous Sky Prison. He has been locked away there for nearly two decades now.
Following this event, the Seven Evil Black Golden Crow Clan fell into further decline, their hopes of reclaiming overlord status becoming increasingly distant. The genius once revered as their greatest pride was reduced to a criminal in the eyes of his clansmen.
Though this genius was imprisoned and condemned to eternal darkness, the child born from his union with the Kunpeng Clan woman survived. I heard recently that under the protection of a certain elder within the Seven Evil Black Golden Crow Clan, this child has returned to the clan.
But because of past events, even though I heard this child's talent surpasses even his father's, the clan's leadership is split regarding his identity. One faction believes he should reclaim his heritage, return to the clan, and lead them to glory. The other faction insists he's a criminal's offspring, no longer qualified to be considered part of the Seven Evil Black Golden Crow Clan. They vehemently oppose accepting him, fearing repercussions from the Kunpeng Clan, arguing it would be better to hand him over or exile him completely.
The stance on this child has deepened divisions, causing unrest in the otherwise stable Seven Evil Black Golden Crow Clan..."
"Oh, Golden Crow's background is actually this complicated?"
Lin Langtian narrowed his eyes slightly, quietly murmuring after hearing Qing Zhi's explanation. He immediately realized that this genius from a hundred years ago was very likely Golden Crow's father, and naturally, Golden Crow's mother was the Kunpeng Clan elder's daughter.
With Qing Zhi's explanation, Lin Langtian quickly pieced together Golden Crow and his sister's backstory. Apparently, Golden Crow's father was indeed a prodigious genius who somehow fell deeply in love with a woman from a rival clan. Their romance was tragically fated to end in conflict between their clans, eventually becoming the trigger used by the Kunpeng Clan to further suppress the Seven Evil Black Golden Crow Clan.
Though immensely talented, Golden Crow's father had too little cultivation time compared to the Kunpeng Clan's elder ancestor, who easily imprisoned him. Presumably, Golden Crow and his sister ended up drifting away amidst this turmoil, eventually landing in the Great Yan Empire, where Lin Langtian and Ling Qingzhu found them by coincidence.
Lin Langtian clenched his fist slightly at this thought, sensing the difficult circumstances Golden Crow now faced within his own clan. With a father labeled a criminal and a mother from the enemy clan, even if Golden Crow had inherited the rare Nine Evil Black Golden Crow bloodline, gaining acceptance within his clan would be extremely challenging.
Nevertheless, as Golden Crow's sworn brother, Lin Langtian would never let him suffer injustice silently.
"Don't worry, Brother Langtian. Golden Crow will definitely be alright," Lin Dong, who had also been quietly listening, comforted him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Whether it was Little Flame or Golden Crow, Lin Dong considered both as family, so hearing Golden Crow's tragic circumstances naturally moved him deeply.
"It's alright," Lin Langtian replied calmly. "I founded the Celestial Empire precisely to protect my family and loved ones. Even if Golden Crow isn't welcomed by his clan, I'll make sure no one dares bully him."
Though Lin Langtian's expression remained calm, Lin Dong clearly understood the firm determination underlying his words.
"You two are planning to go to the Demon Region?" Qing Zhi asked, glancing at both Lin Dong and Lin Langtian. Given both had asked about the Demon Region, their next destination was clear.
Lin Langtian exchanged a look with Lin Dong before both nodded simultaneously.
Seeing they'd already made their decision, Qing Zhi didn't press further, simply replying, "When the time comes, Mo Luo and I can jointly perform a spatial teleportation to send you directly to the Demon Region."
"Thank you, seniors!" Lin Dong smiled gratefully. Such an arrangement would undoubtedly save immense time, considering how far apart the Chaotic Demon Sea and the Demon Region were.
Lin Langtian also expressed his gratitude with a nod. Though he possessed the Spatial Ancestral Symbol, the distance was immense, and his unfamiliarity with the Demon Region posed significant risks—especially if he accidentally arrived in the territory of a Samsara-stage demon beast.
Qing Zhi merely smiled, waving off their thanks, chatting briefly before Lin Langtian and Lin Dong excused themselves.
"These two really can't stay quiet. They've barely settled matters here and already plan to stir trouble in the Demon Region," Mo Luo chuckled as he watched their retreating backs.
Qing Zhi nodded with a gentle smile.
"You previously showed curiosity about Lin Langtian's ability to use Yimo power; why didn't you question him earlier?" Mo Luo suddenly asked, eyes narrowing slightly.
"It's unnecessary," Qing Zhi replied calmly. "Though Lin Langtian hides his depths well, his intentions are righteous—unlike those fools from the Yuan Gate. Besides, he possesses two Ancestral Symbols and an enigmatic ability even I cannot fully comprehend. Regarding that demonic power, it's strange indeed, but likely related to another Elder Yimo case, not worth alarming ourselves excessively."
Qing Zhi looked up thoughtfully at the clear sky. "Humanity survived the ancient cataclysm thanks to the Symbol Ancestor, but now, we no longer have him... If such a calamity arises again, who could we rely upon?"
"Do you believe Lin Langtian or Lin Dong might become the next Symbol Ancestor?" Mo Luo asked cautiously.
Qing Zhi clasped his hands behind his back, softly answering, "Lin Dong possesses the Ancestral Stone, Symbol Ancestor's chosen successor, making him most likely. Yet Lin Langtian is also deeply mysterious, capable of replicating Ancestral Symbols, a power once unique to Symbol Ancestor himself. Perhaps he, too, has great potential."
"So, either could ascend to that level..." Mo Luo mused quietly.
"Regardless of who achieves it, humanity's survival depends on a second Symbol Ancestor arising. I truly hope both succeed. The future of our entire race may rest upon their shoulders…"
…
With peace returning after the great battle, Flame Divine Hall gradually recovered over the following days. Reconstruction of Flame City proceeded in full swing, bustling with disciples busily rebuilding everywhere.
During this time, Lin Langtian chose to stay in Flame City for some rest. Though eager to meet Golden Crow again, he knew proper preparation was essential.
Seated atop a stone platform overlooking the bustling reconstruction, Lin Langtian stretched comfortably, enjoying the brief respite from intense cultivation and battles. Despite being treated as an honored guest, Flame Divine Hall's busy schedule left him largely unattended. Even Tang Xinlian could only briefly check on him before rushing off again.
Smiling slightly, Lin Langtian shook off his thoughts, and with a thought, vanished instantly, reappearing within the demonic world of the Golden Spirit Mirror.
Lin Langtian had come here to refine his Devil Embryo, harnessing the power of the Heaven Underworld King's blood essence. His expression turned serious as he summoned the purple-gold blood essence, swiftly enveloping it with overwhelming demonic energy.
As the Devil Embryo struggled in vain, its frantic screams ignored, Lin Langtian coldly persisted, steadily obliterating the lingering consciousness within. Soon, this potent energy would help him take the critical step toward forming his own Devil Embryo.
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