Zhang Xuan's eyes glistened with anticipation as he gazed at the cave, "Jinglei Mansion. Rumor has it that a mighty Heavenly Spirit Realm expert once fell in the Purple Mountains. Legend says he left behind all his knowledge and experience in a cave, and this should be it!"
Behind him, the group's excitement was palpable.
"Father, if the Zhang family monopolizes the treasures of Jinglei Mansion, we might become the new leader among the four major families!"
A handsome young man named Zhang Lin, the son of Zhang Xuan and the young master of the Zhang family, spoke with longing in his eyes. His fantasy beast, the fourth-level blue-tailed poisonous scorpion, was powerful and highly regarded. Unbeknownst to him, Lin Ning'er was soon to be betrothed to him as his concubine.
"Indeed, the Lin family has been severely weakened. Once we secure the treasures in Jinglei Mansion, we will annex them!" Zhang Xuan laughed heartily, urging his followers, "Everyone, stay alert and focused!"
"Yes, sir!" the group responded in unison.
Zhang Xuan summoned his phantom beast and led the charge into the cave, followed closely by the others, leaving no one behind. It was clear that the Zhang family was certain the Lin family was too troubled to intervene, both internally and externally.
After confirming everyone had entered the cave, Lin Chen emerged from the bushes, his eyes flickering with determination. He carried Lin Ning'er on his back, exhausted but still asleep. Using his consciousness, he communicated with the vegetation in the cave. Fortunately, despite its weakness, the moss provided him with some sensory perception.
He followed the group, moving like a phantom.
Suddenly, a thunderous roar echoed from the cave, indicating the presence of a hidden monster. The roar shook the cave, causing tremors.
"Damn, it's a sixth-level Earth Spirit Realm monster—the Cold Scale Bear!"
"Attack! Kill it together!!"
A chaotic cacophony of sounds filled the air, followed by the sounds of fighting among the phantom beasts. The beast's roars were ferocious.
Lin Chen observed the battle through the moss. The Cold Scale Bear, towering at five meters, possessed immense strength and was covered in ice-like scales. Its powerful blows shattered rocks and tore through the air.
"Perfect. It would be best if both sides ended up hurting each other. It will only make things easier for me," Lin Chen thought, his lips curling into a smirk. His fighting spirit surged within him.
He had been planning for the future. But before leaving Fanyun City, some people and issues needed to be addressed.
A deafening crash shook the cave. Lin Chen sensed that the Cold Scale Bear had broken through the encirclement, striking Zhang Lin. Despite the assistance of his blue-tailed poisonous scorpion, Zhang Lin was no match for the beast's power. He was sent flying, coughing up blood, his face contorted in agony.
"Lin'er!" Zhang Xuan's fury erupted as he unleashed his will-o'-the-wisp silver snake, striking the Cold Scale Bear. The snake bit down on the bear's neck, injecting its venom.
The Cold Scale Bear realized the danger and charged at one of the Zhang family elders. The impact crushed the elder against the mountain wall, turning him into a bloody mess. The bear then began to falter and collapsed lifelessly to the ground.
As an elder moved to skin the Cold Scale Bear, Zhang Xuan stopped him, "Wait until we secure the treasure. We'll deal with this beast later."
He approached Zhang Lin, offering assistance.
"Father, don't worry about me. Let's press on before time runs out and complicates things," Zhang Lin urged, excitement evident in his voice. "If I can acquire the skills passed down by that powerful expert, I will undoubtedly become the number one genius in the Great Cang Kingdom, and Su Huanxue will bow before me!"
"Very well." Zhang Xuan nodded and led the remaining five elders deeper into the cave. With the Cold Scale Bear slain, they were uncertain if other dangers lurked ahead. Injured as he was, Zhang Lin would only hinder their progress. It was best to let him rest there.
Zhang Lin crossed his legs, focusing on healing his wounds. He had declined to join any sect, waiting for this moment. Once he inherited the powerful legacy, he would rush to the imperial city to participate in the Lihuo Sect's test. Although there were many sects in the five kingdoms, only the Lihuo Sect captivated his attention.
"When I join the Lihuo Sect, Su Huanxue, you will kneel before me, Zhang Lin," he muttered, his body trembling with morbid excitement.
However, at that moment, a figure suddenly appeared before him. Zhang Lin's smile froze, as if doused with cold water, and he felt a chill run down his spine. He never expected to see him.
"Li...Lin Chen! Why are you here..."
Zhang Lin's voice was hoarse. He tried to retreat, but the pain from his injuries prevented him from moving.
Lin Chen, once the number one genius of the Da Cang Kingdom, had fallen from grace after being expelled from the Fengjian Sect, becoming a useless cripple. But now, he stood before Zhang Lin, his eyes cold.
"I heard you proposed to the family that you wanted my sister to be your concubine, is that true?" Lin Chen asked, each word like a knife piercing Zhang Lin's heart.
"Lin Chen, that wasn't my decision. It was your Lin family..."
Zhang Lin attempted to explain, panic clouding his mind, forgetting to call for help.
Lin Chen stepped forward, a vine extending from his hand, piercing Zhang Lin's eyebrows. Ruthless and decisive, he absorbed Zhang Lin's life essence with the vine.
"Boy, your heart grows colder," commented the little sapling.
Lin Chen nodded in agreement. He had adapted to this new reality. After numerous trials and tribulations, his heart had hardened. To grow stronger and protect those he loved, he would do whatever it took, even if it meant bearing infamy or killing without hesitation.
In the past, he had always prioritized his family. But the harsh realities of the world had forced him to mature.
With Zhang Lin dead, Lin Chen pressed on, clinging to the mountain wall like a ghost. He moved like a patient hunter, silently waiting for his prey to take the bait.