Chapter 552: The Flame General and News of a Brother
Bang!
A blood-soaked body collapsed weakly onto the ground, raising faint clouds of dust which slowly settled back down, like a sandstorm reaching its end.
The entirety of Little Barren City fell deathly silent.
After their initial shock faded, countless gazes shifted upwards, fixing upon the young man standing proudly in mid-air. Staring at his slender figure, their eyes filled with astonishment and a touch of fear. The troops from Blood Python City turned deathly pale, as no one had imagined that Cao Ying, their esteemed city lord, a mighty expert half a step into the Perfect Death Profound Realm, would fall so utterly to a mere human youth.
Moreover, it was an overwhelming defeat, utterly one-sided.
"So this is all the Blood Python City lord amounts to? Truly disappointing," Lin Langtian remarked indifferently, shaking his head as he observed the severely injured Cao Ying.
Since stabilizing his strength at the late stage of the Death Profound Realm, even experts at the Perfect Death Profound Realm posed little threat to him. Against Cao Ying, who had only barely reached that realm, Lin Langtian's victory had been effortless.
Upon hearing Lin Langtian's dismissive remark, the corners of many onlookers' mouths twitched involuntarily. Cao Ying's strength ranked highly even within the chaotic Beast War Region, yet now, he was openly disdained by a young human. It was something they never thought they'd witness.
Nevertheless, remembering Lin Langtian's terrifying strength displayed earlier, none dared voice objections. In their eyes, perhaps only the Eight Great Demon Commanders themselves could subdue this arrogant young human.
Meanwhile, Cao Mang and the others from Blood Python City finally regained their senses. Casting terrified glances toward Lin Langtian, they hurriedly dashed into the crater below to retrieve Cao Ying. Inside the blood-filled pit, Cao Ying had reverted to human form, his body battered and bloody, eyes tightly shut, barely alive.
Quickly hauling him away, Cao Mang and the remaining warriors fled desperately, unwilling to stay any longer for fear of incurring Lin Langtian's wrath. With even their city lord utterly defeated and Lin Dong watching them like prey, continuing to fight would only lead to disaster.
Lin Dong narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched them flee, asking, "Brother Langtian, should we chase them down and finish them off?"
A cold glint flickered within Lin Dong's eyes; after years of struggle and survival, he was no longer one to show unnecessary mercy.
Lin Langtian considered briefly, then smiled faintly and shook his head. "No need. Cao Ying's already crippled—he won't pose a threat anymore. With the ruthless competition in the Demon Region, a cripple like him won't last long anyway. Besides, leaving them alive will spread our names further, making it easier for Xiao Yan to find us."
Lin Dong grinned understandingly. "True enough, Brother Langtian."
"Let's go," Lin Langtian patted Lin Dong's shoulder before returning to the hillside, greeted by three pairs of admiring—and somewhat fervent—eyes from Xin Qing and her friends. Seeing their expressions, he helplessly shook his head, gesturing lightly, "Come."
"Okay!" the three girls nodded obediently.
Immediately, Lin Langtian leaped forward, transforming into a beam of rainbow-colored light streaking toward their destination, quickly followed by the trio of Nine-Tailed Fox girls. Before leaving, Lin Dong turned back toward the crowd still staring in awe from Little Barren City, calling out loudly:
"Remember clearly, the one who defeated Cao Ying is my brother, Lin Langtian! As for me—I'm Lin Dong!"
Satisfied with having promoted their names, Lin Dong swiftly chased after Lin Langtian and the girls, disappearing soon after from the countless gazes still fixed upon them.
As their silhouettes vanished, the tense atmosphere within the city gradually relaxed, replaced by murmurs and whispers. People turned their eyes mockingly towards the retreating Blood Python City soldiers, a mix of pity and ridicule in their expressions.
"Those two humans, Lin Langtian and Lin Dong… they really are something else," many whispered softly, realizing that these names would soon spread rapidly throughout the Beast War Region.
However, some shook their heads quietly, sensing trouble looming. With their arrogant display today, Lin Langtian and Lin Dong would undoubtedly attract more dangerous opponents in the future. Cao Ying had fallen easily, but what if someone even stronger appeared next time?
…
Meanwhile, after the confrontation with Blood Python City, the rest of Lin Langtian's journey passed uneventfully.
Eventually, they arrived at their destination.
Before them stretched open space, at its center a solitary mountain peak suspended above a vast abyss. The mountain was connected to the surrounding cliffs only by massive iron chains, forming narrow passageways. A powerful array covered the entire peak, protecting a quaint village nestled safely within.
"This formation is quite strong," Lin Dong remarked in surprise.
Lin Langtian raised an eyebrow, noting the impressive defensive array. It appeared the Nine-Tailed Fox clan truly possessed remnants of ancient glory.
"Lord Langtian, Lord Lin Dong, that's our clan's protective array, inherited from ancient times. Without it, our Nine-Tailed clan would be in even worse shape," Xin Qing explained gently.
Lin Langtian and Lin Dong nodded thoughtfully.
"Allow us to signal our return using the fox whistle. Everyone inside will be thrilled!" the two rescued Nine-Tailed Fox girls happily declared, producing unique whistles and blowing them gently. Soft sounds resonated through the mountains, soon answered by lively chatter as numerous charming silhouettes appeared within the barrier.
The once-quiet mountain peak filled with cheerful voices, the entire village seemingly transformed into a paradise.
Guided by Xin Qing, Lin Langtian and Lin Dong entered the village calmly. Everywhere, curious gazes from beautiful girls followed them, accompanied by giggles and whispers. Occasionally, someone would laugh lightly behind their hands, making the village feel warm and welcoming.
"Please don't mind them, my lords. Our clan rarely has guests, especially humans," Xin Qing quickly explained, worried that Lin Langtian or Lin Dong might be offended.
Neither Lin Langtian nor Lin Dong minded, long accustomed to being the center of attention wherever they went.
Before long, they reached the village center, where a graceful, mature woman stood waiting anxiously, eyes brightening immediately upon seeing Xin Qing.
"Mother!" Xin Qing cried emotionally, running into the woman's embrace. The reunion quickly drew a crowd of women who offered comforting words and smiles, happy to see Xin Qing safely returned.
Witnessing this scene, Lin Dong felt a pang of homesickness, reminded of his own family far away in the Great Yan Empire. Noticing his expression, Lin Langtian placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, Dong. The Lin Clan has become prominent in the Great Yan Empire; your family is safe."
Lin Dong smiled gratefully, his worries easing slightly. Despite his long absence, at least he wasn't alone.
Suddenly, playful female laughter interrupted their thoughts. "Oh, Xin Qing brought back two handsome young men this time, did she?"
The Nine-Tailed girls giggled teasingly, causing Xin Qing's face to flush bright red as she hurriedly explained:
"Don't joke around! These are honored guests, Lord Langtian and Lord Lin Dong, sent here by our sect master. They even saved Sister Liu and Sister Qing from Blood Python City on our journey!"
The graceful matriarch stepped forward gently, chiding the teasing girls lightly before warmly addressing Lin Langtian and Lin Dong.
"On behalf of our entire clan, thank you both for rescuing our girls."
Lin Langtian politely responded, "It was only natural to help. Xin Qing was guiding us, after all."
Smiling warmly, the woman said, "Calling me 'Chief' feels distant. If you don't mind, please address me as Aunt Xin."
…
Meanwhile, far from the peaceful village, Lin Langtian and Lin Dong's names began resonating through the Demon Region, spreading swiftly due to their impressive feat against Blood Python City.
Atop a towering, blackened mountain, inside an imposing stone hall, a massive figure sat upon a throne. An oppressive aura filled the hall, causing the subordinate reporting news below to sweat nervously.
"Lord Flame General, your troops have completely conquered the northwest mountains. Your recent triumph ensures your status above all others."
The figure remained silent and unmoving, unfazed by the flattery.
After a pause, the subordinate continued cautiously, "However, I've also heard news you might find interesting."
"Speak," the figure commanded in a deep, thunderous voice.
"Two human youths recently appeared in the Beast War Region, causing quite a stir after defeating Blood Python City. Their names…were Lin Langtian and Lin Dong."
Suddenly, an overwhelming, fierce aura erupted within the hall. Before the subordinate could react, the towering figure appeared before him instantly, gripping him tightly.
"Where are they now?" roared the imposing figure, eyes blazing fiercely.
Struggling to breathe, the subordinate hurriedly explained, "They traveled alongside members of the Nine-Tailed clan and should soon reach their village. Several factions, including Lord Mountain General, are already moving against them."
"Mountain General?" the Flame General sneered disdainfully, releasing the subordinate with a growl.
Stepping into the sunlight, his scarred yet fierce face revealed itself clearly, a cruel warlord infamous across the Beast War Region.
Yet at that moment, his fierce, blood-stained eyes softened noticeably as he stared longingly toward the northern skies.
"Elder brothers… You've finally come for me," he murmured softly, his normally merciless eyes filled unexpectedly with warmth.
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