Chapter 135: Journey to the Imperial Capital, Gathering of the Great Powers!
As per tradition, Clan Leader Lin Fan granted Lin Dong permission to enter the clan treasury and select one treasure.
However, just before Lin Dong set off, Lin Fan called out to him.
"Brother Lin Fan, what is it?" Lin Dong asked curiously.
Lin Fan replied,
"I've been in the treasury before and have some knowledge of what's inside. There's one treasure in particular that looks like an ordinary miniature mountain—but it's actually something quite special."
"That treasure requires the fusion of spiritual power and Yuan Power to activate. When you go in, don't overlook it."
Lin Dong's eyes lit up. "Thank you for the reminder, Brother Lin Fan!"
Lin Fan nodded slightly. "Go on."
With that, Lin Dong followed Elder Lin Mu toward the clan treasury.
Meanwhile, Lin Fan returned to the guest courtyard and continued refining the energy within his Spirit Seal.
The energy was immense, and with the Devouring Ancestral Talisman, Lin Fan's refining speed was even faster.
He estimated that by the time he entered the Ancient Battlefield, he would likely break through to Third Nirvana Stage!
Reaching Third Nirvana in the early stages of the Hundred Empire War would already be quite strong.
Time flew by, and another month passed.
Lin Dong successfully retrieved the treasure known as Heavy Prison Peak, absorbing vast amounts of Yuan Power and drawing closer to advanced Manifestation Stage.
Lin Fan also explained to Lin Dong the rules surrounding the Seed Selection and the Hundred Empire War.
Today, the Lin Clan would begin their journey to the Imperial Capital.
Clan Leader Lin Fan personally led Lin Fan, Lin Dong, and several dozen elite clan members aboard a massive flying beast headed toward the capital.
Before departure, Lin Fan and Lin Dong had said their farewells to Lin Xiao, Qing Tan, and the rest.
Lin Fan did not intend to bring Qing Tan into the Ancient Battlefield.
Even with his strength, he couldn't guarantee her safety.
Moreover, the Hall of Darkness would provide better training opportunities and resources for her.
…
Sitting cross-legged atop the flying beast, Lin Dong turned and gazed toward Lin City—more precisely, toward the Flame City Lin Family's members still standing in the central plaza.
Lin Fan patted his shoulder and said,
"Don't think too much. Focus on getting stronger. Only with power can we truly protect our family."
[Ding! You touched Lin Dong and received 2,000,000 Nirvana Pills!]
The familiar system notification echoed in Lin Fan's mind, pleasantly surprising him.
Two million Nirvana Pills? Nice.
Up to the Seventh Nirvana Stage, Nirvana Pills were extremely useful for cultivation.
In the great sects, they even created Nirvana Pill Rivers to enhance disciple training.
In the original novel, Lin Dong reached Fourth Nirvana Stage by the end of the war, then jumped to Fifth after bathing in the Nirvana Pill River.
While Lin Fan didn't have a river, his stockpile of Nirvana Pills was more than enough to accelerate his progress.
Lin Dong nodded. "I understand."
He wasn't too worried about his family's safety; he was simply reluctant to part from them.
Before leaving, he had secretly passed on several powerful martial arts techniques and his high-grade puppet to his father, Lin Xiao.
And with Lin Fan leaving behind three high-grade puppets, not to mention almost all of their Pure Yuan Pills, the Flame City Lin Family was well fortified.
Most importantly, Lin Fan had given Liu Yan a Blood Spirit Puppet—a Tier 2 puppet that was unmatched within the Great Yan Dynasty.
Lin Dong was truly grateful to Lin Fan.
In terms of what had been done for the family, Lin Fan had given far more than even he had.
Lin Fan, however, wasn't thinking about any of that.
He sat quietly on the beast's back, admiring the scenery as they flew.
Two days later, they arrived at the Imperial Capital.
Along the way, Clan Leader Lin Fan had briefed Lin Fan and Lin Dong about the major factions' seed candidates—mostly for Lin Dong's benefit, since Lin Fan didn't need any such warning.
After resting for three days, Lin Fan led Lin Fan, Lin Dong, and several elders to the royal palace.
They weren't the only ones. The Qin Clan, Huangfu Clan, Tianluo Sect, and other participating factions had all arrived.
The seed candidates would be tested deep within the palace.
That area was heavily guarded—only the top powers were allowed entry, and even then, the number of people each could bring was strictly limited.
By the time the Lin Clan arrived, many groups were already present.
Lin Fan and Lin Dong followed Lin Fan and took their seats quietly, awaiting the start of the selection.
Lin Fan casually glanced at the massive palace before them. Dozens of passageways extended deep inside.
"This is how it works," Lin Fan explained.
"Everyone draws lots—not for opponents, but for which corridor they'll enter…"
Lin Fan already knew this. Lin Dong listened carefully, memorizing every word.
As Lin Fan finished his explanation, a powerful gust signaled the arrival of another faction.
Lin Fan whispered brief introductions of each faction and its seed candidate as they arrived.
Soon, everyone had gathered.
DONG!
Suddenly, a deep bell rang out overhead.
CLANG!
Armed imperial soldiers poured in from every direction, surrounding the entire arena with heavy fortifications. No one could enter or leave.
The crowd turned toward the entrance, knowing who was coming next—
The sovereign of the Great Yan Dynasty—the imperial family.
"Haha! It's been twenty years, and you all look as glorious as ever!"
A hearty laugh echoed from the palace entrance, followed by the arrival of a grand procession.
At the lead was a middle-aged man with black and white hair, clad in royal robes—
It was the emperor of the Great Yan Dynasty, Mo Jingtian, nicknamed the Imperial Tiger.
He had already crossed one Nirvana Tribulation and entered the First Nirvana Stage!
In the entire Great Yan Dynasty, aside from the rising star Lin Fan, no one could rival him.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
Lin Fan and the others rose to their feet and bowed respectfully.
"Haha, no need for such formality!"
Mo Jingtian's voice boomed like thunder, making even seasoned warriors feel a hint of pressure.
"Word is the Lin Clan has produced a once-in-a-generation genius.
Would Clan Leader Lin Fan kindly make the introduction?"
With a smile, he turned to look at Lin Fan.
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