Chapter 77: Arrival
The following morning, as dawn broke, the outskirts of the Heavenly Flame Mountain Range became lively once again. Many groups packed up their camps and steadily began moving toward the mountain's interior.
"Let's move," Lin Langtian commanded, signaling for his guards to pack up the tents. Without further words, he set off into the mountains, with Lin Dong and the others following closely behind.
There were many groups venturing into the mountains, and though they traveled in clusters, there was a clear air of caution between the parties. Once inside, the groups gradually parted ways to follow their respective paths. Lin Langtian paid little attention to this, focusing on the map provided by the family. He led his team along a direct path toward the depths of the mountain range.
As they moved forward, the noisy sounds behind them gradually faded. Lin Langtian rode at the front with a calm and collected expression, but his spiritual power extended in waves, scanning the surroundings for any disturbances. As the group's leader, he took responsibility for everyone's safety.
After about fifteen minutes, the group emerged from a thicket to find another party resting in a clearing ahead. The thirty or so people there, seeing Lin Langtian's group approach, instantly gripped their weapons, their gazes turning hostile. The atmosphere grew tense in an instant.
Lin Langtian's gaze swept over the crowd, pausing briefly on the man standing at the center. He was a burly, broad-shouldered man with thick, scar-covered arms exposed, giving him an intimidating, battle-worn look.
"Yuan Dan Realm—Perfect Stage," Lin Langtian assessed, his eyes also noting two other men near him at the Lesser Yuan Dan stage.
These men had been detected by Lin Langtian's spiritual sense from a few miles away, and he had dismissed them as unworthy of his concern.
"Let's go," he said, casting a dismissive glance over the group before leading his own party to pass by.
Seeing Lin Langtian's team approach without any hesitation, the other group members gripped their bloodstained weapons tighter, their eyes hardening. The two groups closed in, the tension in the air so thick it felt ready to snap.
As Lin Langtian led his group past, seemingly about to avoid confrontation, a hand suddenly shot out, resting firmly on the white horse Lin Ke'er was riding.
"Heh, what a pretty girl. Care to come down and keep me company?" The owner of the hand sneered, his tone laced with arrogance.
Lin Ke'er's face turned frosty at the mocking words. Without a second thought, she flicked her wrist, sending a sharp flash of light from her sleeve. The assailant was ready, however, and quickly parried with his sword, blocking the attack but stumbling back a few steps from the force.
This brief clash broke the uneasy calm. Swords were instantly drawn, and surges of Yuan Power clashed across the clearing. Old Tao's face grew dark as he stepped forward, unleashing the full power of his Perfect Yuan Dan Realm, silencing the aggressors in an instant.
"Hold on!" The burly, scarred man finally spoke up. He raised his hand, signaling his men to lower their weapons.
"Forgive us," he said with a forced smile, clasping his hands toward Old Tao. "I'm Song Dao. This was all a misunderstanding. My men lack discipline, and I apologize for any offense."
Old Tao remained impassive, glancing over at Lin Langtian for direction. Though he was a respected elder, Lin Langtian was the highest-ranking member present in both skill and status.
The scarred man followed Old Tao's gaze to Lin Langtian, his expression shifting as he realized that the seemingly young, refined man possessed an aura as deep and powerful as an abyss. A wary frown crossed his face; he was seasoned enough to sense which opponents should not be provoked.
"Sir, I truly apologize for the offense just now…" he began, but something above made him glance skyward. His face went blank with shock as a massive hand of Yuan Power formed above him, falling with tremendous force and precision toward his group.
Boom!
The ground shook with the impact. Before any cries could escape, all thirty men lay dead, their bodies crushed in an instant.
The members of Lin Langtian's party gasped, awestruck as they stared in reverence at the slender, blue-clad figure standing before them. To destroy a group of dozens, including three Yuan Dan Realm warriors, in a single move… Brother Langtian truly lived up to his reputation as the family's greatest talent.
"Let's go," Lin Langtian ordered calmly, moving forward once again.
Lingering at the rear, Lin Dong watched Lin Langtian's receding figure, the astonishment in his eyes slowly transforming into steely resolve. Lin Langtian, I swear I'll catch up to you one day!
After another half-day of navigating the mountains, the surroundings grew quieter and more desolate. They had entered the deeper parts of the Heavenly Flame Mountain Range, where powerful beasts roamed freely. But with Lin Langtian's strength protecting them, they traveled unhindered.
By the afternoon, Lin Langtian and his group finally crossed a natural barrier of dense forest and arrived before a towering mountain. The peak was hidden by lush greenery, though faint outlines of ancient stone structures were barely visible at the summit.
"That must be the location of the ancient tomb," Lin Langtian murmured, his gaze fixed on the mountain top.
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