Chapter 125: The Deal
"Blood essence from the Nine Nether Frost Sparrow?" Lin Langtian froze, staring at the elder with the black eyes, shock spreading across his face as he took in the icy white blood inside the crystal orb. This was one of the divine beasts of the Great Thousand World!
On his shoulder, the Golden Crow was also staring fixedly at the orb, its normally dark eyes now gleaming with an intense, almost feverish desire. Noticing the Golden Crow's reaction, Lin Langtian raised an eyebrow; clearly, his companion longed for this drop of blood essence.
"So, it is indeed the Nine Nether Frost Sparrow…" Ling Yi's sigh echoed within Lin Langtian's mind. "It must have accidentally fallen into this lower world and been adopted as the guardian beast of some ancient sect. Tragically, like so many others, it perished here, forever unable to return home."
Her words made Lin Langtian pause, a faint melancholy in her tone. The powerful Nine Nether Frost Sparrow must have left a great legacy behind, yet now its body lay somewhere here in this symbol puppet lair, continuously emanating ghostly cold energy that infused the area. This was not unlike her own predicament, far from home and uncertain of whether she'd ever return to the Nine Nether Flame Sparrow clan of the Great Thousand World.
"Still," Ling Yi continued after a moment, "while the Nine Nether Frost Sparrow may not have reached my peak strength, its blood essence is invaluable for your Golden Crow. As a Seven-Fold Black Golden Crow, it could, when the time is right, use this essence to evolve into the Nine-Fold Black Golden Crow, a powerful divine beast on par with the dragon clan itself."
Eyes brightening, Lin Langtian realized the importance of this essence to the Golden Crow's evolution. He had heard of the Nine Nether Sparrows evolving with the blood essence of the Northern Sea Dragon Kun, so perhaps the Black Golden Crow could similarly evolve with the Frost Sparrow's essence. If this was possible, then obtaining the blood essence was now his absolute priority.
"Well, young man, have you considered the offer?" The black-eyed elder's voice broke his reverie. "The Nine Nether Frost Sparrow was a divine creature from beyond our realm, who fell into this world and was taken in as my sect's guardian beast. In my view, it is no less valuable than any dragon. Should word spread of its blood essence, the entire continent would clamor to seize it. All I ask is for you to trade me the Devouring Ancestral Symbol—a symbol you yourself cannot control. Fair?"
Lin Langtian's gaze alternated between the Devouring Ancestral Symbol and the orb of blood, pondering the value of each. The Devouring Ancestral Symbol, one of the Eight Ancestral Symbols and a unique treasure of the continent, was indeed priceless. But without the symbol's recognition, he could never fully wield its power. Trading it for the Nine Nether Frost Sparrow's blood essence, which could enhance the Golden Crow, was not as unthinkable as he had first thought.
"Elder, if I decline this offer, what makes you so certain the Devouring Ancestral Symbol will ever find a worthy bearer?" Lin Langtian asked, narrowing his eyes slightly. Although he suspected that Lin Dong might be on his way here, he couldn't resist voicing his doubts.
The black-eyed elder was silent for a moment, then said slowly, "Perhaps it would be overly burdensome to wait for the fated one to arrive. The Ancestral Symbols are unique treasures of the heavens and earth, created to protect the world. I believe you are not the sort to disregard the greater good, nor to push the limits of the symbol's patience. For the exchange of the Nine Nether Frost Sparrow's blood, would you at least pledge to help find the Ancestral Symbol's fated bearer?"
Before Lin Langtian could respond, cracks began to spiderweb across the great black pillar upon which the elder sat. With a loud boom, the pillar shattered, scattering beams of dark light that coalesced in the sky, condensing into a tangible, palm-sized black rune. The elder's form wavered slightly, yet his voice remained steady as he gestured.
In a final arc of light, both the rune and the blood essence drifted gently into Lin Langtian's hands. He marveled at the icy energy of the rune and the potent chill of the blood, both brimming with mysterious power.
"The Devouring Ancestral Symbol has a will of its own. When the time comes, it will guide the right person to it," the elder said softly. "Should you encounter that destined bearer, please help them unlock the symbol's seal. And remember, the power of the Ancestral Symbol comes with a heavy responsibility."
The black-eyed elder's eyes were filled with a hopeful light. Lin Langtian felt a pang of awe. Despite feeling reluctant to give up the Devouring Ancestral Symbol, he had to admit the elder's trust was both genuine and deeply moving. Here was someone who had endured nearly a thousand years, keeping vigil for the right person to inherit the symbol, hoping it would one day bring hope to the world once more.
With renewed resolve, Lin Langtian bowed deeply. "Rest assured, elder—I will help the Devouring Ancestral Symbol find its new bearer."
The black-eyed elder nodded, a slight smile softening his expression as his body began to fade into mist. Lin Langtian's sincere promise had brought the elder a profound peace.
As Lin Langtian watched the elder's figure vanish, he thought to himself, Though I must let go of the symbol, perhaps the choice to hand it to Lin Dong is for the best. Besides, I am an honorable person, after all. Though he reassured himself with this thought, his heart remained somewhat conflicted.
"You needn't fixate on this Devouring Ancestral Symbol," came Ling Yi's knowing voice, breaking into his thoughts.
"What do you mean?" he asked, startled.
"Are you wondering if there could be another Devouring Ancestral Symbol?" she asked, her tone carrying a faint smile.
Lin Langtian let out a short laugh. "Alright, what are you getting at?"
With an amused sigh, Ling Yi continued, "Actually, your Golden Spiritual Wheel Mirror might just have the power to create a brand new Devouring Ancestral Symbol…"