Chapter 136: Lin Dong, Do You Want the Ancestral Symbol?
Great Wilderness County, Dahong City.
After escaping from the Stele Space, Lin Langtian and the Lin Clan members took a brief respite in an inn within Dahong City, a small settlement on the edge of the Great Wilderness. Inside one of the rooms, two figures sat across from each other. The young man was tall and strikingly handsome, while the youth had a resolute gaze. They were Lin Langtian and Lin Dong.
"Young Master Langtian, now that the Stele Space affair is over, may I ask what business you have with me?" Lin Dong, the youth in black, asked. He stroked the small tiger form of Little Flame in his lap, a flash of curiosity in his eyes.
Lin Langtian took a sip of tea, glanced meaningfully at Lin Dong, and didn't waste time with pleasantries. "Lin Dong, cousin, are you interested in the Devouring Ancestral Symbol?"
"What…the Devouring Ancestral Symbol?" Lin Dong's face instantly changed, as though a secret of his had been exposed. A storm of shock rippled through his normally calm, fathomless gaze. Staring intently at Lin Langtian, he could hardly believe the reason for this meeting was the Ancestral Symbol he had long dreamed of.
Seeing Lin Dong's reaction, Lin Langtian smiled slightly. Though Lin Dong was exceptionally mature for his age and steady beyond his years, he was still a youth and couldn't conceal his emotions as well as he would in the future.
Lin Langtian waved his hand, producing the Devouring Ancestral Symbol and the black rune used to unlock it. Seeing these items, Lin Dong's gaze fixed on them, especially on the Ancestral Symbol, which emitted a faintly familiar aura.
"The Devouring Ancestral Symbol!" A surge of delight ran through Lin Dong. Staring at the symbol in Lin Langtian's hands, he could hardly believe that the very thing he yearned for had appeared before him, courtesy of Lin Langtian himself.
As he gazed at the mysterious symbol, Lin Dong restrained his joy and quickly refocused on the present situation, glancing at Lin Langtian with a questioning look. "Young Master Langtian, what's the meaning of this?"
Even though Lin Dong wished to possess the Ancestral Symbol, he knew better than to try anything under the circumstances; Lin Langtian's strength far exceeded his. Besides, he doubted that Langtian brought him here just to flaunt it in front of him.
Lin Langtian noticed Lin Dong's reaction and maintained his composed smile. He simply asked, "Lin Dong, would you like to have the Ancestral Symbol?"
"Wha...what?" Lin Dong shot to his feet, stunned. He could hardly believe his ears. Was he really being offered such a priceless treasure that even top experts desperately sought after? He could scarcely believe that fate would bestow such a fortune upon him.
Lin Langtian chuckled at Lin Dong's shock, unfazed by his doubt. He knew that such a bizarre offer naturally invited suspicion. After all, who would willingly gift an Ancestral Symbol, a priceless relic desired by the most powerful warriors in the world? The truth was that Lin Langtian couldn't unlock its potential and had decided to pass it on to Lin Dong only after securing the Nine Nether Cold Sparrow's blood essence and realizing that the Mirror of Golden Spirits could replicate the symbol.
No longer holding back, Lin Langtian proceeded to explain the deal he had made with the previous owner of the Devouring Symbol, the Black-Eyed Elder. Listening to his explanation, Lin Dong slowly relaxed, the confusion and doubt in his expression giving way to understanding.
"This makes a lot more sense," Lin Dong said thoughtfully.
"However, besides the deal I made with the Black-Eyed Elder, there are two conditions you must agree to if you want the Devouring Ancestral Symbol," Lin Langtian added, his voice firm. "If not, I'll have to find someone else fated to possess it. Rest assured, these conditions won't be too difficult. Do you agree?"
"Accept it, kid!" Little Marten's voice sounded urgently in Lin Dong's mind. "This is the Devouring Ancestral Symbol we're talking about! Even if he had twenty conditions, you'd be a fool to say no."
Hearing his companion's eager urging, Lin Dong clenched his fist, took a steadying breath, and said, "Young Master Langtian, I agree to your terms."
As Lin Dong spoke, his heart swelled with gratitude. Though he had once held some bitterness toward Langtian, he now viewed him differently, particularly since Langtian was bestowing such a treasure on him. Meeting these two conditions was a small price to pay for such an enormous favor.
Pleased by Lin Dong's quick agreement, Lin Langtian handed him the Devouring Ancestral Symbol along with the black rune, saying, "Then give it a try, Lin Dong. If you're not the one fated to wield it, I'll simply look for another."
Nodding, Lin Dong accepted the Devouring Ancestral Symbol and the black rune with slightly trembling hands. He stretched out his hand, but as it neared the symbol, an ethereal image of the Black-Eyed Elder materialized, his ancient, raspy voice ringing out.
"Only the chosen may wield this symbol!"
Lin Dong was momentarily startled but quickly realized that this must be the previous owner, the Black-Eyed Elder. Bowing respectfully, he lifted the black rune, sending a beam of light onto the elder's image. The elder's hollow gaze began to change, a spark of intelligence lighting within it. For a fleeting moment, the spirit appeared almost alive.
"The Ancestral Symbols are formed by the heavens and earth and bear the responsibility of safeguarding the world. Bearer of the Ancestral Symbol, remember this duty. When the ancient tribulations come, you must rise to protect the land!" The elder's gaze settled on Lin Dong, a satisfied smile forming as his voice resonated through the room.
Seeing the elder's smile, Lin Langtian clenched his jaw slightly. It was clear the Devouring Ancestral Symbol had been waiting for Lin Dong all along.
As Lin Langtian's thoughts swirled, the elder's apparition emitted beams of dark light, and the layers of darkness around the symbol began to dissolve. Gradually, the ancient, black hole-like rune lying deep within the symbol emerged, fully exposed before Lin Langtian and Lin Dong.
Staring at the black, void-like symbol, Lin Langtian's gaze sharpened. Finally, the legendary Devouring Ancestral Symbol lay bare before him.
(End of Chapter)
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