Chapter 425: Arrival in the Northern Xuan Region
The vast Xuan continent is divided into four main regions—East, West, South, and North. Each region is expansive and functions almost as a world of its own, though they all share the same landmass. However, these regions are separated by immense distances, with endless mountain ranges stretching from south to north, creating a natural division among the four realms. Crossing these mountains is no simple task, and only the strongest of practitioners can even consider such a journey.
Between the Eastern and Northern Xuan Regions lies a particularly forbidding stretch, and traversing it would take most skilled travelers at least two to three months. This estimate doesn't even account for the countless fierce beasts dwelling within these mountains or the perpetual mist created by condensed elemental energy. Without strong abilities, any who attempt the journey risk becoming lost forever, their bones joining the countless remains scattered throughout these mountains.
Faced with such a dangerous journey, Lin Langtian couldn't help but feel a bit daunted, yet he was lucky to have the Spatial Ancestral Talisman. Although using it to leap into the Northern Xuan Region would mean risking an unpredictable destination, it was still by far the most time-efficient option available to him.
As for why he was heading to the Northern Xuan Region, his motives had little to do with carrying out Tian Yuanzi's order to assassinate Qingtan; he had his own plans. His first objective was to locate the Pure Essence Treasure, the Stillness Charm, which he had learned about from a map he obtained at the Lin City Talisman Master Tower. This rare artifact was said to be located in the Northern Xuan Region. Paired with the Spatial Ancestral Talisman's power to manipulate space, the Stillness Charm's ability to momentarily freeze movement would make Lin Langtian exceptionally lethal. With these combined, even a peak Earthly Profound practitioner could be instantly taken down by him, a power he could not resist pursuing.
In addition to this treasure, Lin Langtian had business regarding Qingtan. He had promised to help resurrect and restore Zhou Tong, the previous wielder of the Spatial Ancestral Talisman. Such an asset was too valuable to pass up, and Lin Langtian was committed to bringing Zhou Tong fully into his faction. However, Zhou Tong's current state was dire; he had suffered severe damage to his core spirit. To restore his body swiftly, Lin Langtian needed a Reincarnation Revival Pill.
The Reincarnation Revival Pill was an extremely advanced healing elixir, capable of saving even those on the brink of death, and restoring someone with injuries as severe as Zhou Tong's. He remembered that in the ancient battlefields of the Hundred Dynasty War, the Heaven-Devouring Marten used this very pill to restore its physical form. Zhou Tong's condition was similar, having only his spirit left; therefore, Lin Langtian decided to search for this powerful remedy.
Unfortunately, it was clear that the pill was too rare to be found within the Gate of Origin—if it hadn't been taken by Tian Yuanzi and the other two, it simply wasn't there. This left Lin Langtian with two options: either locate an ancient sect's ruins, such as the Ancient Battlefield, and hope to find a pill among the remnants, or approach a powerful faction that might have one and try to acquire it through negotiation. After considering his chances, Lin Langtian chose the latter approach as it seemed more practical.
As for which factions might possess a Reincarnation Revival Pill and be approachable, the Dark Hall in the Northern Xuan Region naturally came to mind. As the undisputed ruler of that region, the Dark Hall possessed resources and heritage stretching back generations. In the original records, it was said that the founder of the Dark Hall had been the second wielder of the Dark Ancestral Talisman, one of the Eight Ancestral Talismans.
Unlike the other talismans, which had been scattered after their previous owners' slumber, the Dark Ancestral Talisman had remained within the Dark Hall's lineage, continuously passed down since the Hall's establishment. Despite the Northern Xuan Region's vast size, no other power dared challenge the Dark Hall's dominance, making it a power unlike any of the regions with divided rule. The Dark Hall even counted among its ranks two elders who had reached the Reincarnation Stage, an unimaginable level of power that put them far beyond the Gate of Origin. This was likely why Tian Yuanzi and his associates were so wary of Qingtan.
For Lin Langtian, this made the Dark Hall his best hope for finding a Reincarnation Revival Pill. With Qingtan as an inside contact—being the cherished disciple of Bo Xuan, the Dark Hall's leader—Lin Langtian felt confident that his request would be met favorably. Securing an alliance with the Dark Hall would also provide invaluable support in establishing his own faction.
With his mind set, Lin Langtian gazed toward the north, took a deep breath, and, summoning the power of the Spatial Ancestral Talisman, caused the air before him to ripple. In the next instant, he disappeared, reappearing a hundred miles away in the blink of an eye.
Deep Within the Myriad Mountains
Standing atop a massive tree within the Myriad Mountains, Lin Langtian looked out over the misty expanse before him. Here, the elemental energy was so dense it had condensed into a thick fog, reducing visibility to almost nothing. Without the aid of his spiritual powers, he might have found it impossible to move forward.
"No wonder this range is such an infamous obstacle between the Eastern and Northern Xuan Regions," Lin Langtian murmured, feeling the weight of the journey.
Though equipped with the Spatial Ancestral Talisman, his current strength limited his travel distance, and he couldn't use it to cover the entire journey in one leap. As a result, he had landed midway in the Myriad Mountains. The mountains stretched endlessly in all directions, an intimidating sight even for him.
Realizing the limits of night travel under these conditions, he decided to stop. "Best to rest for the night and continue tomorrow," he thought. Finding a secluded cave nearby, he settled in, gathering his strength for the journey that awaited him.
As night fell over the boundless Myriad Mountains, the energy in the air grew even denser, which intensified the already thick fog formed by concentrated elemental energy. Under this fog, even spiritual power struggled to function, and so Lin Langtian chose to pause his journey rather than risk a nighttime spatial leap that might land him straight into a beast king's lair.
At dawn the next day, as the first rays of sunlight broke through, Lin Langtian resumed his trek toward the Northern Xuan Region with renewed determination.
The endless expanse of the Myriad Mountains was a formidable journey. Even with the aid of the Spatial Ancestral Talisman, Lin Langtian found himself facing constant dangers as he ventured deeper. The mountains were teeming with fierce, powerful beasts—some as deadly as the top experts of the demon realm. On one occasion, he accidentally leapt into the territory of a beast at the Rotational Realm level, breaking into a cold sweat as he realized his mistake. Thankfully, Ling Yi unleashed the aura of her Nine Nether Flame Lark, scaring the creature off before it could make a meal of him.
After that close call, Lin Langtian exercised far more caution in his use of spatial leaps. The experience wasn't without its benefits, however; he grew increasingly skilled with the Spatial Ancestral Talisman, which greatly advanced his mastery of spatial abilities. Who knew? One day, he might even surpass the likes of Zhou Tong, or perhaps even the original master of space.
Cautiously proceeding in this way, Lin Langtian's figure once again flickered out of sight amid a ripple of spatial energy. When he opened his eyes, he was momentarily stunned. Before him lay an expansive, level forest, completely devoid of towering cliffs or the sticky elemental fog that had clung to him in the mountains. The clear surroundings felt almost disorienting.
"Is this…the Northern Xuan Region?" Realizing where he was, his face broke into a delighted smile.
He had finally escaped the dreaded Myriad Mountains. Even with the Spatial Ancestral Talisman, it had taken him two days to cross. Standing just beyond the mountain range, he looked back, taking in the seemingly endless wall of primordial mountains that stretched to the horizon. Heaving a sigh of relief, he activated his spiritual energy, marking the area with a spatial imprint. Now, when his strength was sufficient, he would be able to tear through space and travel directly to the Northern Xuan Region—significantly faster than before.
Feeling his spirits lift, Lin Langtian stretched, gazing into the dense forest ahead. With his arrival in the Northern Xuan Region, his next objective was to reach Dark City, the headquarters of the Dark Hall, and seek out Qingtan. His ultimate hope was to locate the Stillness Charm and the Reincarnation Revival Pill, and, if possible, to secure sponsorship from the Dark Hall. If he succeeded, his journey would be a resounding success.
However, just as he was happily forming these plans, he felt a strange disturbance and looked off to his left. In the distance, a small figure stumbled through the trees, blood streaking down her body as she left a red trail on the ground.
Swish! Swish! As the figure sprinted forward, the sound of hooves quickly followed, and a group of more than a dozen shadowy riders came charging after her, their chilling intent emanating from each of them.
Whoosh! A dark arrow shot out from one of the riders, piercing the girl's leg with ruthless accuracy.
With a pained cry, the girl fell forward, scrambling to prop herself up as she looked in despair at the figures closing in around her. Clenching her teeth, she shouted, "You bandits! We're from the Blazing Fire Mercenary Group, headed for Dark City to attend the Dark Hall's triennial festival. If the Dark Hall hears about this, they'll never forgive you!"
"Haha, the Blazing Fire Mercenary Group? That's a low-level group. Here in the Northern Xuan Region, mercenary factions rise and fall every day. You overestimate yourself if you think the Dark Hall cares about your survival," scoffed one of the riders as he unleashed a fierce attack toward her.
The young girl's face went pale with terror, her eyes filling with despair. But before the attack could land, a figure appeared like a phantom between her and the riders. With a wave of his sleeve, he dispersed the force of the blow as if it were nothing.
Everyone froze, stunned by the sudden interference. The girl looked up in surprise, watching as the stranger turned and gave her a reassuring smile.
"Young lady, I'll deal with them for you. In return, could you guide me to Dark City to attend the Dark Hall's festival?"
The person who had intervened was Lin Langtian. Though he hadn't planned to get involved, hearing the girl mention the festival had given him an idea. As an outsider with no local connections, attempting to meet Qingtan directly might mean being denied entry. After all, as the favored disciple of Bo Xuan, Qingtan's status in the Northern Xuan Region was untouchable. She was as unapproachable as a royal prince; it was unlikely he'd even be allowed to get close.
The festival, held once every three years, was the perfect opportunity. Qingtan was sure to attend as Bo Xuan's disciple, and Lin Langtian could easily blend in with the Blazing Fire Mercenary Group to gain access and approach her. Thus, a new plan took shape in his mind.
The girl's face lit up at his offer, and, as if remembering something, she quickly added, "Thank you, Senior! If you're willing, could you also help rescue my father and the others?"
"Of course," Lin Langtian replied with a smile.
Since he intended to join the mercenary group for entry into the festival, it was in his interest to ensure they were not wiped out.
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