That evening, the sect hosted a celebratory banquet.
Lin Chen's contributions to securing the second-tier sect quota were immeasurable.
His presence alone rendered the entire battle inconsequential.
He single-handedly defeated two Fengjian Sect geniuses, Su Huanxue and Chen Lingfeng, both of whom were unable to withstand his power.
Some speculated that the Land of the Five Kingdoms would not be Lin Chen's final destination, as he was destined for greater heights.
The celebratory banquet lasted three days, during which Su Hongyi drank heavily, reflecting his elation and joy.
For the past decade, he had toiled tirelessly to keep Lihuo Sect alive.
Their journey to the Land of the Five Kingdoms and their establishment of Lihuo Sect on the ruins of another abandoned sect had been arduous and fraught with hardship.
Finally, they had regained their status as a second-tier sect and could hold their heads high once more.
On the fourth day, Su Hongyi shared Lihuo Sect's history with his disciples.
These tales were painful reminders of the past for Su Hongyi and the elders.
Every time they revisited them, they felt a pang of sorrow.
But this time, they were finally able to confront their past with courage.
Su Hongyi's speech concluded with a profound silence among the dozens of inner disciples and thousands of outer disciples.
Their eyes sparkled with an unwavering fighting spirit and indomitable will.
"Now that our Lihuo Sect has returned to the second-tier rank, the annual battle to the death will continue," Su Hongyi announced with unwavering determination. "I seek retribution for the dozens of lives lost on Duan Tianya! Our senior brothers and sisters sacrificed themselves for the sect, and I owe it to them to avenge their deaths."
"Years of hatred have fueled our conflict with Dongjiange!"
"If any of you fear the battle to the death, I hold no judgment. You may claim three months' worth of cultivation resources from the treasury and depart from the sect."
"However, if you choose to remain today, you will become true members of Lihuo Sect. Let us carry the burden of the past and forge ahead together!"
"Let us make Dongjiange pay for their crimes...in blood!"
Su Hongyi poured his heart and soul into his final words, his voice echoing through the hall.
A deafening roar shook the heavens.
Every disciple felt a surge of determination and inspiration.
While some outer disciples hesitated and withdrew, none of the inner disciples faltered.
Their eyes burned with an intense fighting spirit.
"Excellent!" Su Hongyi exclaimed. "My toils over the past decade have not been in vain!"
...
...
"Brother Chu, are you leaving?" Lin Chen inquired, a faint frown on his face. "If so, could you provide me with any information regarding my grandfather's whereabouts?"
Chu Hao sighed. "I truly do not know. Master is an elusive figure. No one knows his current location."
Lin Chen clenched his fists and closed his eyes.
He longed to confront Lin Tianming and question his indifference towards his sister's suffering.
Even the Little Senior Sister could alleviate her pain, so why could he not?
He had witnessed his sister's agony over the years, and he couldn't fathom his grandfather's inaction.
While he believed that his grandfather meant him no harm, his confusion and anger gnawed at him.
Seeing Lin Chen's distress, Chu Hao asked, "Lin Chen, do you resent Master?"
"I merely do not understand."
Lin Chen's voice was firm. "He and my sister were once the closest people to me, yet he stood idly by as Han Du tormented her."
"You misunderstand Master."
Chu Hao smiled wryly. "Master's incognito visit to the Lin family had its reasons. Remember, never doubt his love for you and Lin Ning'er. His actions were for your benefit."
Lin Chen's eyes narrowed. If Chu Hao's words were true, perhaps there was more to the story.
"Lin Chen, do not worry. One day, the truth will be revealed."
Chu Hao patted his shoulder. "Your immediate priority is to enhance your strength and cultivation. In seven days, our Chu family will host an invitational battle in Lingyu City, inviting all geniuses in the Eastern Yuan Domain's Earth Spirit Realm. The rewards are substantial. Take this token to Lingyu City and seek me out. I will register you for the competition."
"Engaging in battles with peerless geniuses will greatly benefit your growth."
Finally, Chu Hao added.
"Thank you, Brother Chu."
Lin Chen nodded in agreement.
Currently, Lihuo Sect was the preeminent sect in the Land of the Five Kingdoms.
However, there were few disciples who could challenge him and aid his growth.
To become stronger, he needed to engage in battles with formidable opponents.
While he had vanquished numerous enemies, new ones had risen: the Chen family and Dongjian Pavilion.
Unless he rapidly increased his strength, he faced a precarious situation.
"Think nothing of it."
Chu Hao sighed. "Regrettably, my influence is limited, and I cannot assist you directly in destroying the Chen family and Dongjian Pavilion. The Dongjian Pavilion is a formidable second-tier sect in the Eastern Yuan Domain. We of the Chu family...are no match for them."
"I will avenge this myself!"
Lin Chen declared resolutely.
After seeing Chu Hao off, Lin Chen returned to his courtyard and confided in Lin Ning'er.
"Sister, I will soon depart for Lingyu City in the Eastern Yuan Domain to participate in the invitational battle. You should remain here at the sect. If you become restless, you may explore its vicinity, but do not venture too far away."
Lin Chen emphasized.
With the numerous enemies he had made in the Eastern Yuan Domain, he could not risk bringing Lin Ning'er with him.
"Lingyu City?"
Lin Ning'er paused for a moment before smiling. "I have a dear friend in Lingyu City with a prominent position. When you arrive there, I will send her a letter. She can act as your guide and provide assistance."
Lin Chen instinctively wanted to decline, but upon seeing the hope in Lin Ning'er's eyes, he held his tongue.
His sister merely wished to do something for him, and even if he didn't need her help, he should acknowledge her intentions.
"Very well, sister. Upon arriving in Lingyu City, I will seek her out."
Lin Chen smiled and nodded.
He did not want to disappoint his sister.