Chapter 92: Parting
"A Royal Beast?"
Lin Langtian's eyes flashed with astonishment at Lin Qingzhu's words. The Four Overlord Clans and Eight Royal Clans of beasts were at the apex of the beast hierarchy. Long ago, countless other powerful beasts, even those as mighty as dragons, roamed the land, but most of those lineages had vanished over time. Few could compare to the strength and lineage of these twelve.
In his past life, Lin Langtian remembered seeing the four Overlord Clans, but a few of the Eight Royal Clans had never revealed themselves. One of those unappeared clans must have been the Seven Fiends Dark Gold Crow clan. He studied the small, black-gold bird with a newfound interest.
Just the title of "Royal Beast" conveyed the sense of innate supremacy these creatures held. To Lin Langtian, each Royal Beast was likely as formidable as the top Super Sects of the East Xuan Region, perhaps even stronger. In the past timeline, Lin Dong's path to prominence was solidified after he helped his beast companion evolve into the Heavenly Demon Tiger, one of the Eight Royal Clans. Now, owning a Royal Beast himself brought Lin Langtian a rare thrill.
"The Seven Fiends Dark Gold Crow, born from absorbing the dark energy of Yin, is one of the most mysterious of the Eight Royal Clans. It's rumored to wield spatial power, allowing it to travel freely between dimensions. Its speed rivals even that of the Kunpeng of the Four Overlords, and its special talent for sharing sight with its human partner makes it highly sought after.
"For those needing reconnaissance or exploring dangerous ruins, the Dark Gold Crow's ability to phase through spaces like the Kunpeng's speed and its sight-sharing capabilities make it immensely valuable. However, the Seven Fiends Dark Gold Crow is elusive and difficult to capture. And, being a Royal Beast, it's also quite powerful. Only a select few have managed to tame one." Lin Qingzhu's gaze shifted to the distant mountains as she finished.
Lin Langtian's eyes gleamed brighter with every word. This bird might not be the fiercest in battle, but it was the ultimate exploration partner. With the Seven Fiends Dark Gold Crow's help, not only could he anticipate enemy movements, but he could also improve his survival odds in future ruins and dungeons.
"A magnificent creature like this… I don't feel worthy," Lin Langtian said humbly, bowing slightly. "I'll keep my promise to you."
Lin Qingzhu gave him a brief glance, her gaze frosty yet poised. "If you truly want to return this favor, do so when you're eligible to join the Hundred Dynasty Battle." She turned gracefully, her figure lithe and elegant as she began to walk away.
"For me, that may not be a hard thing to achieve," Lin Langtian replied with a slight smile.
"For you, perhaps not. But the Yan Dynasty is a low-ranking dynasty. Many more powerful dynasties lie above it. Don't think landing a few blows against me is enough to be proud of. My cultivation has been slower due to my techniques, but when you do step onto the stage in the East Xuan Region, you'll see your own insignificance."
Lin Langtian pressed on. "Then what if I make it out on top in the Hundred Dynasty Battle?"
Lin Qingzhu paused briefly, considering this in silence before responding. "Confidence is good, but don't let it become arrogance."
Lin Langtian gave a quiet nod. He understood the vastness of the world and the difficult path ahead, and neither overestimated nor underestimated himself. Yet, as he watched her poised figure, his gaze turned fiery and unrestrained. Recalling their shared moment in the light sphere, he cast aside his usual caution and laughed boldly.
"A woman I've shared a bed with is mine. Lin Qingzhu, wait for me in the Nine Heavens Taiqing Palace!"
Lin Langtian's brazen declaration froze her in place for an instant.
"Boom!"
As expected, his impudent words were met with a flash of green energy slamming into his chest. Lin Langtian did not counterattack, choosing instead to meet her blow head-on, breaking it apart with the strength of his physique. Laughing, he looked down to see his shirt torn apart, revealing his well-toned, muscular frame.
"Such shameless talk," Lin Qingzhu said icily. "Until you reach the level you speak of, do not repeat it again. The next time, the punishment will be more than just this single blow." She looked at him with a sharp glare. "I've been more than merciful, but if you dare push me again, I'll use whatever it takes to end you, even if it means harming my own foundation."
She tilted her head, giving him one last look. A faint blush crossed her cool, clear gaze, recalling their shared moment.
"Lin Langtian, I hope that next time we meet, you'll be stronger. True strength doesn't come from just talent; it requires fortune, opportunity, and wise allies as well. Bragging alone won't take you far."
Her voice echoed briefly across the mountain as she transformed into a beam of green light, shooting into the sky. In just a few breaths, she disappeared from view.
Moments later, a streak of black and gold appeared as the little Dark Gold Crow settled onto Lin Langtian's shoulder. He gazed at the fading green light in the distance, taking a deep breath as he processed the encounter. Though he'd carefully mapped out his path to power, her parting words spurred a mix of frustration and motivation within him.
He shook his head to dispel his thoughts, refocusing as he glanced at the small, dark-gold bird perched on his shoulder.
Lin Langtian knew he'd need to strengthen himself before making any more moves. Without considerable power, Lin Qingzhu's regard would remain as cold as ever, and the Nine Heavens Taiqing Palace would not tolerate anyone tarnishing their esteemed Princess. But even with this unexpected turn of events, his plans hadn't changed. He still intended to join the Hundred Dynasty Battle, gain entry to a Super Sect, and pursue his path to ultimate power.
If anything had changed, it was his motivation. Now, he had an additional reason to grow stronger—and a royal beast, the Seven Fiends Dark Gold Crow, perched at his side.
As Lin Langtian curiously examined the dark-gold bird, Ling Yi's voice suddenly echoed in his mind. "Well, well, you're lucky, boy. That girl of yours left you with a fine beast companion."
"Oh?" Lin Langtian asked, intrigued. While a Royal Beast was extraordinary, he wouldn't have expected Ling Yi to comment on it.
She chuckled. "This Seven Fiends Dark Gold Crow isn't just any ordinary royal beast. Its ancient ancestor is none other than the renowned Nine Fiends Dark Gold Crow."
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