Chapter 463: Yuan Gate's Provocation
At Lin Langtian's command, Heaven Mansion rapidly dispersed, ruthlessly subduing all factions throughout the Blood Horn Region.
Although considered a lawless region within the Eastern Xuan Territory, the Blood Horn Region was comparatively weak. Experts at the Life Profound Realm were already considered top-tier here. By contrast, Heaven Mansion boasted dozens of such experts, each leading an elite force, sweeping through the region like wolves among sheep.
Lin Langtian felt no hesitation ordering such ruthless suppression, given the region's inhabitants were mostly notorious outlaws. He had no intention of assimilating these unreliable factions into Heaven Mansion; extermination was simpler and more effective.
Within two days, the entire Blood Horn Region had been subdued, swiftly becoming Heaven Mansion's new domain.
At the heart of the Blood Horn Region stood the Demon Blade Mountains, once home to the powerful Demon Blade Sect. With its leadership swiftly eliminated, this strategic location naturally became Heaven Mansion's new headquarters, renamed Heaven Mountain.
Thus, Heaven Mansion formally established itself as the supreme power within tens of thousands of miles of territory. A new hegemon was born.
At Heaven Mountain's main hall, Lin Langtian convened his elders. Elder Yan respectfully stepped forward, announcing with satisfaction, "Mansion Master, our forces have thoroughly subjugated the entire Blood Horn Region. Those who surrendered have joined us, while any resistance has been crushed."
This announcement elicited joyful cheers throughout the hall. After leaving the Northern Xuan Region under orders from the Hall of Darkness, many elders had worried about Heaven Mansion's uncertain future. Now, not only had they established themselves securely in the Eastern Xuan Region, but they had even surpassed their previous status in South River Region.
Lin Langtian smiled approvingly. Heaven Mansion was indeed still growing, somewhat bloated after absorbing such extensive territory, but its strong foundations could easily handle gradual consolidation. In due time, Heaven Mansion could rival the Eastern Xuan Region's eight great superpowers, perhaps even becoming the ninth superpower itself.
He raised his voice confidently, "Well done, everyone! The Blood Horn Region now belongs to Heaven Mansion. Let's work together to expand our influence further!"
His words were met with thunderous applause, each elder swelling with pride at their young leader's vision and ambition.
Lin Langtian then turned to Liu Kun, declaring publicly, "Elder Liu Kun, you performed exceptionally in our conquest. From today, your status as elder is reinstated."
Liu Kun was initially stunned, then joyfully bowed, deeply grateful. His loyalty to Lin Langtian grew even stronger, realizing the young master's charisma and decisiveness made following him a privilege.
"Tonight, we celebrate Heaven Mansion's great victory. Drink freely!" Lin Langtian laughed boldly, enhancing the festive atmosphere throughout the hall.
Just as the elders celebrated enthusiastically, Zhou Tong appeared suddenly, his expression grave. The laughter quickly faded, and everyone respectfully greeted their powerful Grand Elder.
Zhou Tong approached Lin Langtian, whispering urgently, "Mansion Master, I've confirmed the rumors. Yuan Gate has branded several former Fire Division disciples as traitors and imprisoned them in Yuan City. It's been a month already; they may not last much longer."
A cold, murderous aura immediately erupted from Lin Langtian, silencing the hall instantly.
"Are you sure Song Yun and Mo Tie are among them?" Lin Langtian asked, his voice dangerously quiet.
"Yes," Zhou Tong affirmed grimly. "It seems Yuan Gate is publicly torturing them to force your appearance."
Lin Langtian's expression darkened further, hatred blazing in his eyes. He immediately declared, "Gather all available troops immediately! We march openly on Yuan Gate to rescue our people!"
This sudden order stunned many elders. Elder Yan hesitantly asked, "Mansion Master, isn't confronting Yuan Gate directly too risky? They are, after all, the strongest sect in the Eastern Xuan Region."
Lin Langtian responded decisively, "We're not planning to annihilate Yuan Gate—just rescue our people. With proper preparation, even Yuan Gate can't stop us."
His unwavering confidence silenced all doubts.
Zhou Tong added cautiously, "If we mobilize nearly all our strength, our headquarters could be vulnerable."
Lin Langtian quickly reassured, "I've already informed the Hall of Darkness. They'll dispatch experts to guard Heaven Mansion during our absence."
The elders relaxed visibly, assured by this additional protection.
Just then, space distorted as a familiar figure appeared, smiling warmly. Lin Langtian greeted him in surprise, "Senior Dugu, you've returned?"
Dugu Qi, the infamous Poison Master from the Western Xuan Region, laughed heartily, "Lin Langtian, you really surprised me! You've built such an impressive force in just a few months."
Upon seeing Zhou Tong beside Lin Langtian, even Dugu Qi was astonished, immediately recognizing the strength of a Wheel Turning Realm powerhouse.
Lin Langtian introduced them, explaining that Dugu Qi had previously promised to join his faction. The elders were overjoyed, realizing Heaven Mansion's power was even greater than they'd imagined.
With two Wheel Turning Realm experts, the elders now fully trusted Lin Langtian's decision to confront Yuan Gate openly.
Dugu Qi smiled eagerly, agreeing to join the battle against Yuan Gate, pleased to repay Lin Langtian's past kindness.
Now fully prepared, Lin Langtian boldly announced, "This is no stealth mission. Heaven Mansion marches openly to Yuan Gate!"
…
The sudden news of Heaven Mansion's open march on Yuan Gate immediately spread throughout the Eastern Xuan Region, stunning everyone. Many initially doubted the rumors, wondering who exactly this "Heaven Mansion" was.
As details emerged, shock turned to awe. Lin Langtian, the former greatest prodigy of Yuan Gate, had not only defected but quickly built a powerful sect and was now directly challenging Yuan Gate itself!
Countless experts and sects across the region rushed to Yuan City, eager to witness this historic confrontation.
…
In Yuan City, countless Yuan Gate disciples anxiously patrolled the city walls. Suddenly, hundreds of lights appeared in the sky, heralding the arrival of Heaven Mansion's massive army.
The city's defenders panicked, their attempts to raise alarms silenced instantly as Heaven Mansion's overwhelming force descended like a storm, annihilating resistance swiftly.
Inside Yuan City's central square, Elder Yan Ba sat arrogantly, watching Song Yun, Mo Tie, and other Fire Division disciples imprisoned in iron cages, publicly humiliated to force Lin Langtian's appearance.
Suddenly, a figure appeared silently in the square. Everyone froze as they recognized Lin Langtian himself, radiating a terrifying calmness.
Lin Langtian casually shattered the iron cage with a gesture, ignoring Yuan Gate's forces completely. He spoke gently to the imprisoned disciples, apologizing for arriving late.
Mo Tie and Song Yun's eyes filled with gratitude. Despite suffering terribly, their faith in Lin Langtian never wavered.
Yuan Gate's elder, Yan Ba, furiously charged Lin Langtian, only to be casually obliterated by a single strike, shocking everyone present.
As Yuan Gate prepared a counterattack, countless figures suddenly descended from the sky—Heaven Mansion's elite forces had arrived, quickly surrounding Yuan Gate's top experts.
"Yuan Gate disciples, fight!" Yuan Gate's commanders roared desperately.
But before they could retaliate, a mysterious green poison silently swept through their ranks. Hundreds collapsed instantly, bleeding from every orifice, causing panic to spread uncontrollably.
Realizing the grave danger, Yuan Gate's three supreme masters—Tian Yuanzi and his colleagues—finally emerged, confronting Lin Langtian directly.
Lin Langtian stared coldly at these three powerful figures, aware that the true battle was about to begin.
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