Chapter 85: The Struggle
"I'm sorry, but I can't agree to that!" Lin Langtian declared firmly, rejecting her without hesitation.
Beautiful as she was, Lin Langtian's resolve on the path of martial arts was unwavering; he wasn't about to relinquish the Nirvana Heart just for a few words from her. While he remembered that Lin Dong had surrendered the Nirvana Heart in the original timeline when he encountered Lin Qingzhu here, the details had grown hazy with time.
What he did remember, though, was that Lin Dong's passive approach somehow led him not only to obtain a portion of the Nirvana Heart's energy but also to win over this aloof, remarkable woman. The luck he had was unreal!
Though Lin Langtian admired Lin Dong's fortune in that timeline, he didn't care to act in such a scheming way. And with his proactive approach, he wouldn't risk letting something so valuable slip away, especially if fate had shifted. If he lacked Lin Dong's lucky streak, he'd only end up watching the Nirvana Heart escape his grasp.
So, he made up his mind to seize it himself.
Hearing his refusal, Lin Qingzhu's clear eyes flashed with a hint of surprise. Thanks to her talent, status, and beauty, she was used to people's admiration and never imagined being denied by a peer—especially one from a lesser kingdom.
She shook her head slightly. "In that case, Brother Langtian, I must test your strength."
With that, she gently raised her slender hand, and a petal fell from the lotus at her feet, enveloped in radiant green light as it darted soundlessly toward Lin Langtian.
Sensing the tremendous energy within the petal, Lin Langtian's expression turned serious. He was pleased to find she hadn't yet reached the Nirvana Stage but concerned, as she was indeed incredibly strong even within the Creation Stage.
Undeterred, he drew the Crimson Flame Sky-Piercing Spear, a surge of energy pulsing as flames wrapped around it. From the tip of the spear, a fiery dragon burst forth, charging toward her lotus petal.
"Boom!"
The two forces collided violently, creating a deafening sound as a wave of energy swept outward, rustling his clothes.
"Oh, a treasure of Earth rank," Lin Qingzhu noted as she focused on his spear. "Brother Langtian, you hadn't used this spear before. Is it from this tomb?"
"Miss Qingzhu, you're sharp. This is indeed the Crimson Flame Sky-Piercing Spear I discovered here," Lin Langtian replied with a slight smile.
"Brother Langtian's fortune is impressive," she said with a faint smile. "But one Earth-level weapon won't be enough to defeat me."
As she spoke, the green lotus at her feet blossomed, and hundreds of petals detached, glowing intensely as they emitted waves of formidable power.
"Peach Blossom Palm!"
In the blink of an eye, the petals merged into a large palm imprint, descending with immense force, splitting the air with an audible crack.
Feeling the strength of this technique, Lin Langtian grew solemn. Despite its poetic name, this Peach Blossom Palm was easily as powerful as any Creation-level martial art.
"One Earth-level weapon isn't enough?" he murmured with a slight smile, gripping his spear as a surge of fighting spirit welled within him. "Then let's add a Creation-level technique!"
With a thought, the flames within him roared to life.
Boom!
The power surged from within him like a volcano, awakening the hidden flame pattern on his body and unleashing waves of intense heat throughout his being. His skin shimmered with faint embers, and flames flickered in his eyes.
In that moment, Lin Langtian felt his physical power multiply as he transferred it all into the Crimson Flame Sky-Piercing Spear.
Boom!
The spear trembled in his grip as an ancient dragon's roar filled the hall.
"Boom!"
He swung the spear, sending it crashing into the descending Peach Blossom Palm. Their clash ignited a massive wave of energy, followed by a fierce pulse of light as they repelled one another.
"Great Heavenly Phoenix Seal!"
Lin Langtian formed a hand seal, and from his fingertips, a massive silver phoenix rose into the air, cutting through the residual energy before charging straight for Lin Qingzhu.
The Phoenix Seal clashed with the lotus at her feet, releasing blinding sparks and fierce gusts of energy that would be overwhelming for anyone beneath the Creation Stage.
In seconds, they had exchanged a dozen blows, their strength fully unleashed as Lin Langtian's energy surged, his Black Flame Body pulsing, empowering him to the point where he briefly gained the upper hand.
Their figures clashed in midair as Lin Langtian's spear moved with cunning precision, seeking every weak point.
As Lin Qingzhu defended herself, her usually calm gaze reflected faint ripples. She hadn't expected Lin Langtian's abilities to be so layered and unpredictable.
Neither noticed that amid their intense battle, a stray shockwave struck the stone coffin, splintering it and the ancient remains within.
Friends, if you want to read chapters in advance, subscribe to my patreon.