Chapter 69: Arrival at Flame City
Heavenly Capital County, Flame City
"Brother Langtian, so this is the city where our branch family is located? Not surprising it's so behind…" Standing outside the city gates, a young man dressed in fine green-patterned robes muttered as he surveyed the relatively low and simple city walls.
Leading the team was Lin Langtian himself. After a month of traveling, this group of young Lin Clan members had finally arrived from Lin City, headed to the newly-discovered ancient tomb.
"Lin Feng, stop talking nonsense. The branch family is still part of the Lin Clan, and we are here as guests, so we must show respect," Lin Ke'er said with a frown, looking at the young man.
"Ke'er is right. The Lin Clan is one blood, main family or branch," Langtian said with a faint smile. "And be careful underestimating others — it could be one of these branch family members who gets the better of you."
Langtian's words left the young Lin Clan members puzzled, exchanging doubtful glances. As elites of the main family, they were confident they could surpass anyone from the branch. Seeing their disbelief, Langtian shook his head and looked to an older man beside him.
"Tao Lao, you know the head of our Flame City branch well. Please, lead the way."
Tao Lao, a respected elder, nodded. "It would be my pleasure." The elder took a quick glance at Langtian, still somewhat surprised. He had agreed to accompany Langtian this time to apologize for past events, but seeing Langtian himself now arrive in Flame City, he sensed that Langtian had a unique interest in this place.
Flame City's Northern District
Standing guard outside a stately estate were many guards. This was the residence of the Lin branch family, and their destination.
As Langtian looked around at the fortified residence, he noted that, just like in the original timeline, the Lin family had moved from Qingyang Town to Flame City and had finally begun to establish itself.
"Halt! This is the Lin residence. Outsiders are not allowed in!" One of the guards called out when he noticed the approaching group.
The young elites of the main family were taken aback and quickly became indignant. Being blocked by the branch family? They'd be a laughingstock in Lin City if anyone heard about this. However, one look at Langtian's calm demeanor made them swallow their complaints.
"Gentlemen, I'm an old friend of your family head. Just inform him that Wu Tao is here to visit," Tao Lao said, his tone mild.
The guards exchanged glances, then one quickly stepped back to report. Shortly after, he returned and said respectfully, "Our head has been expecting you. Please come in."
Tao Lao nodded and led the group into the estate. Though the place showed signs of recent renovations, it had a solid foundation. After walking for several minutes, they arrived in front of a grand hall.
"Haha, my old friend! It's been almost two years since you last visited Flame City. I never thought we'd meet again so soon," came a hearty laugh. An older man with white hair, dressed in fine robes and exuding a commanding presence, greeted them. This was Lin Zhentian, the head of the Flame City Lin branch.
Behind him stood his three sons, Lin Ken, Lin Mang, and Lin Xiao, father of Lin Dong. Various younger members of the branch family gathered behind them as well.
"Old friend, last time I came on private business. This time, however, I'm here on official clan business, and I'm joined by the young talents of our main family," Tao Lao replied with a smile, stepping aside to reveal Langtian and the others.
Lin Zhentian and his family were momentarily stunned. For the main family to send such an entourage meant something serious was happening. Lin Xiao, looking at the young elites, froze when his gaze landed on Langtian. His expression changed to one of shock.
"It's you…Lin Langtian!" he murmured.
Although years had passed since the last family competition, and Langtian had grown from a spirited youth into a refined young man, Lin Xiao still recognized him instantly. The memory of the youth who had seriously injured him with a single move was one he would never forget.
At the mention of Langtian's name, everyone in the branch family turned to look at the composed young man. His name was well-known within the Lin Clan, and his fame extended to the branch family as well.
Yet, unlike Lin Xiao's mixed emotions, the younger members of the branch viewed him with awe and respect. The ten thousand Pure Yuan Pills he had once gifted had greatly boosted the branch's strength, allowing them to move to Flame City and survive several crises.
Seeing everyone's attention on him, Langtian walked forward, bowed slightly to Lin Zhentian, and said with a calm smile, "Langtian greets the elder Lin Zhentian."