Chapter 68: Lead Captain
Lin Clan Estate, Grand Hall
"Langtian, excellent work. I never expected you to have such strong talent in spiritual power as well." From his place at the head of the hall, Lin Fan, the Lin Clan's leader, looked down with a satisfied smile at the clan's number one talent standing below him, calm and composed.
After the Lin City Symbol Master Association reclaimed the Symbol Master Tower, news quickly spread of how Lin Langtian had turned the tables and defeated the dynasty's top Symbol Master talent, Lingquan. This impressive achievement was now known throughout Dayan County and the Great Yan Dynasty itself. Not even Lin Fan, the clan leader, had anticipated Langtian's skill in spiritual power to be so exceptional.
As Lin Fan spoke, every elder and clansman in the grand hall, including the Elder in the purple robe and Lin Zhi from Langtian's faction, looked on in surprise at the young man standing calmly below. To excel in both Yuan Power and spiritual power was a rarity, not only in this generation but in the clan's history.
"Thank you for the praise, Clan Leader. I was only fortunate to help us win the tower battle," Lin Langtian replied, a faint smile on his face.
"Langtian, no need to be so modest. Your achievements in the battle were clear, and such accomplishments should be rewarded," said Lin Mo, the head elder. Smiling, he then addressed Lin Fan directly. "Clan Leader, Langtian's performance in the battle was exceptional, and without him, the Symbol Master Tower would not be back in our possession. This is a tremendous boon to our Symbol Master Association. Therefore, I propose that the clan's two-year allotment of Yunshen Pills be transferred to him instead."
"Oh?" Lin Fan raised an eyebrow. "You're suggesting that Langtian receive your Yunshen Pill share?"
Yunshen Pills were prized for nurturing spiritual power, particularly beneficial for Advanced Symbol Masters and essential for reaching higher realms. Even for the affluent Lin Clan, only three Yunshen Pills could be crafted each year. Traditionally, all three were allocated to Lin Mo, the clan's only Advanced Symbol Master, in the hopes of cultivating a Heaven Symbol Master. However, in the barren lands of the Great Yan Dynasty, reaching that level was almost as rare as achieving Nirvana. By giving up his share of Yunshen Pills, Lin Mo was showing faith in Langtian's potential.
After some consideration, Lin Fan nodded in agreement. "Very well. Starting now, Langtian will receive the Yunshen Pill allotment."
"Thank you, Clan Leader, and thank you, Elder Lin Mo," said Lin Langtian, grateful yet surprised. He knew each Yunshen Pill was worth at least a hundred thousand Pure Yuan Pills and was extremely rare. For Elder Lin Mo to pass on his share was unexpected.
Elder Lin Mo gave a dismissive wave. "No need to thank me, Langtian. At my age, breaking through is nearly impossible. Better the Yunshen Pills go to someone who will put them to great use."
Lin Langtian stored this generosity in his memory, silently grateful. But just then, Lin Fan spoke up, signaling the main reason for the gathering.
"There is one more matter to discuss," he said. "A tomb of a Nirvana-level expert was recently discovered in the Tianyan Mountains of Tian Du County. Even for our clan, the resources it might hold are considerable. According to tradition, the Four Great Clans' younger generation will contend for it."
"Langtian, I want you to lead this time. With you in charge, I am confident the clan will come out strong," Lin Fan declared.
Lin Langtian's eyes flashed, and he nodded with quiet resolve. "Understood, Clan Leader."
The Nirvana-level tomb piqued his interest. In his past life, even Lin Dong, a small, unnoticed figure from a humble family, managed to gain significant rewards from the tomb. With his current power, Langtian was confident he could collect some valuable items.
Hearing this, the head elder suddenly rose to speak. "Clan Leader, there is a Lin Clan branch in Flame City near the Tianyan Mountains. I have a subordinate named Wu Tao who's highly capable and has good connections with the Flame City branch's head. Perhaps we could send him ahead with our younger generation as the vanguard?"
"Oh? There's a Lin Clan branch near the Tianyan Mountains?" Lin Fan considered this briefly and then nodded. "Very well, let Wu Tao lead as the vanguard. Though the branch may not provide much direct support, it will still make a suitable base."
"Wu Tao and the Flame City branch…" Lin Langtian thought, recalling his past life events. It seemed that things were still on a familiar trajectory.
Taking a step forward, he addressed Lin Fan, "Clan Leader, since I'm leading this mission, I suggest we all go together. I can ensure the younger generation travels safely without needing a vanguard."
"You're going in person?" Lin Fan and the elders were taken aback. Tian Du County was far from Dayan County, and with the current level of the clan's youth, it would likely take a while to reach it. The clan knew Lin Langtian wasn't exactly fond of the branch families, so the offer was unusual.
"Well… having you there should help avoid any dangers on the road," Lin Fan said after a moment. The leader had seen Langtian's growth over the past year and was now reassured enough not to question it.
"Clan Leader, I will bring our younger generation to the Tianyan Mountains safely," Lin Langtian replied. He saw the travel as an opportunity, not a burden. Journeying together meant time spent in training and reflection, so it was hardly a waste. He was also eager to observe the Lin branch in Flame City.
After all, meeting the man chosen as the Ancestor's successor, the future Martial Ancestor who would command respect across worlds, intrigued him deeply.