Chapter 551: Stepping Stones and Fame!
Night slowly fell upon the wastelands, revealing the silhouette of a rundown little city amidst the desolation.
Within this small, crumbling settlement named Little Barren City, numerous campfires flickered, transforming it into a rare oasis of liveliness amidst the harsh wilderness. From afar, scattered groups of people could be seen continually approaching from all directions, causing the city's normally quiet streets to teem with noise and excitement.
This city was known as a resting place for travelers traversing the vast and dangerous plains. Many wandering teams often chose it as their temporary shelter, seeking respite from harsh winds and sudden storms that could strike the wastelands without warning. However, beneath the apparent safety lay hidden turmoil, as battles and conflicts frequently erupted without notice in this lawless land.
At this moment, around a crackling bonfire, Lin Langtian and Lin Dong sat quietly, calmly observing the three beautiful girls sitting opposite them. The girls leaned in close, whispering softly among themselves, occasionally gasping in astonishment.
The two newly rescued girls from the Nine-Tailed Fox clan kept stealing surprised and even admiring glances toward Lin Langtian and Lin Dong, evidently impressed by the stories Xin Qing had shared with them. In response, the two young men merely exchanged a silent smile, content with letting them speculate.
"I have a feeling it won't be long before we reunite with Xiao Yan," Lin Langtian spoke, stretching his arms lazily as firelight played across his handsome features. His voice carried a hint of anticipation.
"Heh, it seems Brother Langtian has already figured it out," Lin Dong chuckled softly, scratching his head awkwardly as Lin Langtian's insightful gaze pierced through his thoughts.
According to Qing Zhi, Xiao Yan was likely somewhere within this Beast War Region. Since searching blindly would be futile, the simplest solution was to make their own names resound throughout the area. Once the names "Lin Langtian" and "Lin Dong" reached Xiao Yan's ears, their lost brother would naturally seek them out.
But to achieve such notoriety required stepping stones. Conveniently enough, Blood Python City had already willingly presented themselves.
Yet merely intimidating the little city lord earlier wasn't sufficient.
Just as Lin Langtian pondered this, he suddenly raised his head sharply, eyes glinting with anticipation as he sensed something approaching.
Lin Langtian smiled faintly, his voice calm yet cold: "They're delivering themselves right to our doorstep. Seems there's no shortage of people eager to die."
Immediately, both Lin Langtian and Lin Dong stood up simultaneously, directing their gazes towards the outskirts of the city.
Far ahead, on the vast plains outside the city, a massive army gathered, darkening the horizon like storm clouds. Blood-red banners emblazoned with fierce python insignias waved ominously in the wind, exuding an intense aura of brutality and menace.
At the forefront of the army stood a lavish throne carved with a fierce blood python. Lounging arrogantly upon it was a man dressed in a scarlet robe, his indifferent gaze fixed coldly upon the figures atop the city walls, a cruel smile forming slowly on his lips.
The overwhelming forces of Blood Python City stretched across the plains, their fluttering banners amplifying the murderous atmosphere. Even the skies seemed to respond, thick clouds gathering ominously above as if signaling an impending storm.
Xin Qing and the two Nine-Tailed girls, who had just moments ago been cheerful, now paled visibly, terror filling their eyes as they recognized the banners. Clearly, Blood Python City had mobilized their full might against them, determined to exact revenge.
"Lord Langtian, Lord Lin Dong, I'm sorry… this is all our fault," Xin Qing apologized sincerely, biting her lip anxiously.
The two rescued girls immediately moved to kneel before Lin Langtian and Lin Dong, overwhelmed by guilt. However, Lin Langtian waved his hand gently, lifting them up with a gentle force.
"Don't worry. This is exactly the kind of attention we needed. You've actually helped us out by becoming the bait," Lin Dong reassured them with a carefree grin.
Meanwhile, as Blood Python City's forces descended upon the small settlement, Little Barren City erupted into excitement. Travelers and fighters from various factions poured into the streets, watching intently. The unusual sight of two humans and a trio of Nine-Tailed Foxes drew particular attention and speculation.
"So these are the two humans who challenged Blood Python City? They're so young!"
"I heard they're extremely strong. Even the young city lord Cao Mang hesitated to confront them."
"But this time, even Cao Ying himself has come. He's already halfway into the peak Death Profound Realm, and it's said at least ten late-stage Death Profound Realm experts have fallen by his hand."
"And with Blood Python City's entire army behind him… these young humans really are reckless."
"Arrogance rarely leads to a long life."
The murmurs intensified, countless curious eyes turning toward Lin Langtian and Lin Dong.
"So, you're the two who dared to snatch away captives from my Blood Python City?" Cao Ying, the scarlet-robed man seated on the blood python throne, finally spoke. His snake-like pupils stared coldly at Lin Langtian and Lin Dong, his voice carrying undisguised mockery.
"You must be the city lord of Blood Python City, correct?" Lin Dong returned calmly, smiling confidently. "You arrived a bit later than expected."
Cao Ying's eyes turned sinister as he rose to his feet. A terrifying Yuan Power surged from within his body, far surpassing the late stage of Death Profound Realm, approaching its peak.
"Boy, I don't care where you're from or what you're trying to prove. But today, not one of you will escape alive!" Cao Ying declared coldly.
As Lin Dong prepared to step forward, Lin Langtian gently stopped him.
"Brother Dong, leave this one to me. Just support me from behind," Lin Langtian calmly instructed.
Lin Dong paused briefly, then nodded. Though he could certainly handle Cao Ying himself, defeating him quickly would be difficult. For Lin Langtian, however, it would be a straightforward matter.
Lin Langtian and Lin Dong ascended into the air side by side, approaching the massive army fearlessly. Behind them, surging waves of Yuan Power radiated outward, displaying their confidence and strength.
"Since you want a fight, let's get started," Lin Langtian declared calmly, halting confidently a thousand meters from Cao Ying. Lin Dong stood alone against the remaining forces of Blood Python City, unfazed.
The scene mirrored their earlier battles, evoking memories of past camaraderie on ancient battlefields.
"Hahaha, your arrogance amuses me. Two insignificant ants daring to face my entire army—let's see how long your bravado lasts!" Cao Ying sneered, gripping a blood-red spear. In a blur of crimson, he instantly appeared before Lin Langtian, launching a fierce assault.
Lin Langtian stood immovable, his expression unchanged as he calmly met the incoming spear with a straightforward punch.
Bang!
A sharp metallic clash echoed through the air, sparks flying wildly. To everyone's shock, Cao Ying was violently thrown backward, while Lin Langtian remained utterly steady, unshaken.
Stunned whispers erupted through the crowd, unable to believe their eyes. Cao Ying, nearing the peak Death Profound Realm, had been easily pushed back by Lin Langtian, a young man seemingly at late-stage Death Profound Realm himself.
Enraged and humiliated, Cao Ying let out a terrifying roar. His body swelled grotesquely, transforming rapidly into his true beast form: a massive crimson python spanning over a thousand meters, its scales glinting ominously, powerful wings unfurling menacingly.
"You'll regret crossing Blood Python City!" Cao Ying hissed venomously, unleashing his full might in a devastating charge.
Lin Langtian watched calmly, extending a single hand forward. Suddenly, blazing flames erupted from his palm, rapidly forming a gigantic fiery hand reaching into the heavens.
"Suzaku Burning Sky Palm!"
Lin Langtian's icy voice rang clearly, echoing with the awe-inspiring majesty of the ancient beast Suzaku. The immense palm crashed downward violently, the sheer force pulverizing the earth below.
The crimson python, caught directly beneath, collided brutally with the fiery Suzaku palm, resulting in a deafening explosion that illuminated the night sky.
A terrible screech resounded as Cao Ying's massive form was hurled downward, crimson scales shattering, blood raining across the battlefield. With an earth-shattering crash, he slammed into the ground, creating a massive crater filled with gore and shattered rock.
Everyone stared in stunned silence, unable to process the shocking defeat. Cao Ying, the feared lord of Blood Python City, had been utterly crushed by Lin Langtian.
In this instant, Lin Langtian's name reverberated throughout Little Barren City, destined to echo across the entire Beast War Region.
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