What could he do? She was too adorable.
Lin Xuan gently soothed her and promised to bring back delicious treats and fun gifts. Only then did she stop pouting and climb off him.
The "strawberries" on his neck were rather dense. Lin Xuan rubbed the slightly sore spot and smiled faintly.
Fragrant!
The next morning, the Lin Family convoy, led by Lin Xiao, departed from Ironwood Manor.
Over twenty carriages and more than a hundred people—the massive team couldn't stay unnoticed.
Before long, the Xie Family, who had been secretly monitoring them, received the news.
Xie Qian hurried to inform Lei Bao.
"Brother Bao, the Lin Family sent a convoy to Flame City carrying ironwood....more than twenty wagons. Should we act?"
Lei Bao narrowed his eyes. "Who's leading? How many Heavenly Origin experts?"
"Heh, only Lin Xiao. No other Heavenly Origin cultivators."
"Looks like they're keeping most of their power at Ironwood Manor. Lin Xiao's probably a disposable pawn.
Though he's recovered somewhat, he's far from his former self. Probably no hope of advancing....Lin Zhentian must have sent him as bait."
Brother Bao, since they're offering themselves up, why not take them all? We can kill a Lin expert and seize everything."
Xie Qian grinned wickedly.
Lei Bao shook his head, frowning slightly. Ever since the Lei Family lost four Heavenly Origin experts and suffered heavy losses, he had become much more cautious.
It's not that simple. Spread word of the Lin Family convoy.
Let the bandits along the route know. Some of them won't be able to resist attacking. We'll just observe for now."
If it's not a trap, we'll strike when they return....by then, they'll have sold the goods, saving us the trouble."
"When the time comes, the interception will be your Xie Family's task. Handle it well. I'll focus on breaking through to the Core Formation stage."
Xie Qian nodded. "You're as thoughtful as ever, Brother Bao. I'll take care of it. I won't disturb your cultivation."
The blazing sun hung high in the sky.
The Lin Family's caravan had already been on the road for two hours.
Lin Xuan, Lin Dong, and Lin Xia rode at the front, spirits lifted and smiles bright.
This was their first time heading to Flame City, and curiosity burned in their eyes — the lure of the great city was irresistible.
Until now, they'd only heard stories of Flame City from their elders. Compared to Qingyang Town, Flame City was said to be far more prosperous, far more bustling.
The three rode side by side, chatting about the city.
Of the trio, Lin Xia knew the most.
She began to speak confidently while Lin Xuan and Lin Dong listened like eager students.
"I heard from Father that Flame City is actually quite chaotic. On average, a power rises or falls every month. Competition there is fierce beyond measure."
"In a place like that, even our so-called Four Major Families of Qingyang Town aren't worth mentioning. They can't even get on stage."
"To gain a foothold in Flame City, one needs at least a Yuan Dan Realm expert."
"The city's strongest three powers each have Yuan Dan Realm cultivators sitting in command — and not just one."
"Oh? Which three?" Lin Dong asked curiously.
"The City Lord's Mansion, the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce, and the Blood Wolf Gang," Lin Xia replied.
"There's actually another power not weaker than them, though it's mysterious and keeps a low profile. I only know its name…"
"The Rune Master Association."
"Rune Masters?" Lin Dong blinked. "What's that?"
"They're mysterious professionals said to refine weapons, concoct pills, and draw talismans ... extremely powerful.
It's said only those who've reached the Earth Yuan Realm can train in such arts."
"Rune Masters hold incredibly high status. Even one of them can become a highly sought guest among the great powers."
"Only a big city like Flame City would have Rune Masters. In our Qingyang Town, we've never even heard of one."
"Not bad, Sister Xia. You sure know a lot."
"Hmph, you two always know only how to cultivate.
You should go out more, see the world ..it's much bigger than you think."
Lin Xia enjoyed every second of her newfound superiority, finally seeing her two genius brothers look at her with admiration.
Her mood soared.
But just then...
A heavy rumble of hooves thundered from the front. A group of riders appeared, waving a black dragon banner.
The group was massive ..... easily over a hundred men.
And from the forests around, more figures burst forth.
"Bandits! We're under attack!"
"It's the Black Dragon Stronghold!"
"Not just them! There are other bandit groups too!"
Chaos rippled through the Lin Family ranks.
The Black Dragon Stronghold was the most notorious bandit group near Qingyang Town, infamous for brutality ..... both its leaders were Yuan Tian Realm experts.
No one had expected that mere hours after leaving, they'd encounter such trouble.
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