Chapter 291: The Western Mysterious Domain Appears
A piercing screech suddenly echoed from within the battle arena, as an intense, terrifying flame appeared before everyone's eyes.
"The Vermilion Bird Heavenly Flame—is this the fabled flame passed down from the fearsome ancient Lord of the Vermilion Bird Palace?" murmured the elderly figure from Dao Sect in the seats above, watching in awe.
"This flame was indeed legendary in the ancient days, and to think a youth has now inherited it. Truly remarkable," added the dignified matron from the Nine Heavens Taiqing Palace, a hint of amazement in her gaze.
"This one is called Lin Langtian, isn't he? Impressive. His martial arts seem to focus on refining the body. He'd be a good fit for our Desolate Hall," remarked a muscular, dragon-veined man.
"Oh? My Yuan Sect is also interested in him. Desolate Hall will have to wait in line," replied Liu Tong, a Yuan Sect elder, who watched Lin Langtian's performance with satisfaction.
"You Yuan Sect folks are getting a bit too greedy! Isn't having Qin Tian enough for you? Do you want Lin Langtian as well?" the Desolate Hall elder objected.
"Well, it's up to the contestants to choose their sects," Liu Tong replied smoothly. "I simply believe Lin Langtian will naturally choose Yuan Sect."
This comment silenced the other sect elders, who knew Liu Tong wasn't wrong. Yuan Sect, as the top super sect, held a clear advantage, often drawing the most talented cultivators from the Hundred Dynasties Competition and strengthening its ranks further each year. Lin Langtian's strength was undeniable, and though he had a powerful body, it was likely he'd favor Yuan Sect over Desolate Hall.
Resigned, the Desolate Hall elder resolved to offer Lin Langtian particularly attractive incentives if he got the chance.
While the super sect elders plotted, Lin Langtian continued his intense battle within the arena. The Vermilion Bird Heavenly Flame surged forward, striking directly against Mo Leng's powerful spirit-wrapped giant sword.
With a deafening roar, the two attacks collided, drawing every gaze. For a moment, time seemed to freeze, and everyone could see the powerful spirit energy pouring out from the clash between Lin Langtian and Mo Leng. But then, shockingly, the spirit energy, like mere tinder, was consumed and obliterated by the blazing red flames.
The hush broke as a terrifying wave of fire surged out of the arena, making Liu Tong's protective barrier whine and buckle. Liu Tong raised an eyebrow, taken aback. The flame was so powerful that it strained his carefully crafted defenses, revealing just how formidable the ancient Vermilion Bird Heavenly Flame truly was. Not wanting his barrier to fail, Liu Tong quickly bolstered it with more energy, strengthening the shield until it was impenetrable.
As everyone watched, the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Flame burst through Mo Leng's spirit sword like a comet, scattering and incinerating every trace of spirit energy. With a dull thud, Mo Leng's figure was flung back, crashing into the barrier and coughing up blood.
It took him a long moment to rise shakily to his feet, battered and covered in soot, his entire body burned black like charred wood.
"You've lost," Lin Langtian said, his tone even as he retracted the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Flame back into himself. This was just a competition, and since he held no grudge against Mo Leng, he saw no need to finish him off.
"You… you're strong." Mo Leng gasped for air, looking at Lin Langtian in awe. He had believed he could contend with Lin Langtian, but the battle had shown him otherwise. Lin Langtian's strength was unfathomable.
With Lin Langtian's victory, Liu Tong signaled for the next round to proceed. "With the first round concluded, there's no need for delay—let the second round begin," he announced.
Lin Langtian looked around. Lin Dong, Little Flame, Little Marten, and Jinwu had also advanced. Even Su Rou had pushed through, though she seemed exhausted, showing she had faced a tough fight.
"The second round will follow the same format—opponents are determined by drawing lots," Liu Tong declared, summoning another orb of light that shattered into scrolls.
But as the scrolls began to fall, Lin Langtian's eyes narrowed. He looked up sharply, sensing a dark, ominous power brewing in the sky.
"Heh, there's no need for more rounds. We've grown quite tired of waiting…"
Suddenly, from a rift in the air, dark clouds oozed forth, expanding to blot out the sky. Shadowy figures loomed within the clouds, filling the space with their menacing presence.
"Who's there!" The elders of the eight super sects sprang to their feet, their eyes locked on the shadows within the dark cloud, the air filled with tension.
The mountaintop crowd grew uneasy, many looking on in fear and confusion. Some of the more perceptive onlookers felt a deep sense of dread.
"So, the people of the Western Mysterious Domain have finally arrived…" Lin Langtian thought, his mind racing as he took in the scene.
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