Chapter 526: Reunion and Jealousy
In Flame City, within the Welcoming Pavilion.
"Brother Langtian, I've heard everyone participating in the Thunder Competition visits this Welcoming Pavilion. Why are you interested too?" Mu Lingshan asked curiously, her big eyes sparkling as she looked up at the imposing building in front of them.
Lin Langtian smiled faintly, "Well, perhaps I might run into some familiar faces here."
With less than five days until the start of the Thunder Competition, the Welcoming Pavilion was already packed with renowned powerhouses from all over the Chaotic Demon Sea. The gathering of such proud and unruly individuals was undoubtedly going to be interesting.
As for the familiar face Lin Langtian mentioned, naturally, it was Lin Dong. Ever since he saw Lin Dong's name appear on the Newcomer Ranking, Lin Langtian knew that his clansman was probably on his way to Flame City. Counting the days, Lin Dong should have arrived already.
Thinking of this, Lin Langtian raised his gaze slightly.
In front of this grand and majestic building stood many formidable guards dressed in crimson armor, exuding powerful auras. Evidently, Flame Divine Hall had put significant effort into maintaining order, especially since the young geniuses from various regions were certainly not easy to control.
Entry into the Welcoming Pavilion wasn't particularly strict. Moreover, because Lin Langtian often accompanied Tang Xinlian, these guards were already familiar with him, allowing him immediate passage.
Upon entering, a wave of lively atmosphere rushed at them. Inside the spacious hall, countless figures gathered, bustling with noise and excitement.
Lin Langtian casually scanned the surroundings, immediately sensing many exceptionally powerful auras. Clearly, this Thunder Competition had attracted quite formidable participants.
"Brother Langtian?!"
Just as Lin Langtian was observing the crowd, a pleasantly surprised and familiar voice suddenly rang out. He turned his head toward the voice, only to see a very familiar figure staring at him from a corner of the hall.
Lin Langtian's gaze quickly settled on a determined-looking young man dressed in black robes. His eyes were as bright as stars, filled with an unwavering steadiness. It was none other than Lin Dong, whom Lin Langtian had not seen for two full years.
Lin Dong stared at Lin Langtian, excitement and joy clearly evident on his usually composed face.
"Dong'er!"
Seeing Lin Dong, Lin Langtian momentarily paused, then swiftly walked over with Mu Lingshan beside him. He carefully examined the spirited young man before enthusiastically stepping forward, tightly embracing Lin Dong and firmly patting his shoulder, his voice overflowing with genuine delight.
It was understandable that Lin Langtian would lose his composure. As a transmigrator, Lin Langtian had no real family on the Tianxuan Continent, and apart from a few close confidantes, Lin Dong represented one of the few emotional attachments he held. He had always greatly admired Lin Dong even before coming to this world, and after resolving their past grievances, the two became as close as brothers. Meeting again after two long years felt like a reunion with a true brother.
"Haha, the moment I saw your name appear on the Newcomer Ranking, I knew you'd surely come to Flame City. Looks like I was right. It's been two years, Dong'er, and you're still as spirited as ever. Seems the Chaotic Demon Sea has been quite beneficial to your training," Lin Langtian laughed, releasing Lin Dong and warmly patting his shoulder again, clearly impressed by his growth.
Although Lin Dong was still at the peak Profound Life Stage, Lin Langtian could tell at a glance that even three or five ordinary early Profound Death Stage experts wouldn't stand a chance against him. Lin Dong had truly matured.
"Brother Langtian flatters me. Compared to you, I'm still far behind." After embracing, Lin Dong showed a sincere smile, modestly shaking his head.
While he typically responded with humility to praise from others, Lin Dong genuinely felt modest in front of Lin Langtian. Since the days back in the Great Yan Dynasty, this cousin of his had consistently surpassed him. Despite now wielding two Ancestral Symbols and greatly enhancing his strength, Lin Dong still felt like he was facing an unfathomable abyss whenever he stood before Lin Langtian.
Lin Dong inwardly sighed, "Looks like Brother Langtian's progress over these two years has been terrifying as well…"
After a brief silence, Lin Dong suddenly asked curiously, "Brother Langtian, why did you suddenly come to the Chaotic Demon Sea and even participate in the Thunder Competition?"
Although Lin Dong had noted Lin Langtian's impressive rank on the Newcomer Ranking, he was unaware of Lin Langtian's recent achievements due to being isolated in training over the past two years. In his memory, Lin Langtian was still a disciple of Yuan Gate.
Seeing how out of date Lin Dong was, Lin Langtian smiled wryly, briefly recounting his experiences over the past two years.
"Black Judgment Hall in the Northern Xuan Region, the battle with Yuan Gate in the Eastern Xuan Region, Reincarnation Cave in the Chaotic Demon Sea…" As Lin Dong heard these tales, he couldn't help but gasp.
He originally believed his own experiences over these years were astonishing enough, but compared to Lin Langtian, his own adventures now seemed almost mundane.
In the midst of shock, Lin Dong suddenly picked up on something from Lin Langtian's narration. His brows tightly knitted as unease rose in his heart, "Black Judgment Hall? What's that?"
"A place with the greatest power but also the greatest cruelty within the Palace of Darkness. While the Palace controls the Northern Xuan Region, naturally many resist its authority. The Judgment Hall is responsible for crushing these rebels. In there, kindness doesn't exist—only bloodshed," Lin Langtian explained gravely, knowing Lin Dong's feelings very well.
"What?!"
Lin Dong erupted in rage, his face pale with fury. To him, Qing Tan was always that gentle little sister who innocently clung to him. Now imagining her hands stained with blood in such a brutal place, he felt heartache and fury.
Lin Dong's fists clenched until they creaked, growling through gritted teeth, "Does that girl want a beating?!"
Lin Langtian sighed heavily, understanding Lin Dong's reaction perfectly. Seeing the lively Qing Tan become ruthless was indeed heartbreaking.
"I tried persuading her, but she made her choice. That girl is as stubborn as ever," Lin Langtian patted Lin Dong's shoulder and sighed again, continuing softly, "She just wants to be strong enough to help us when we're in danger. Seems she doesn't trust our abilities. We'll have to teach her a lesson next time."
Lin Dong froze momentarily, eyes closed as he took a deep breath, his voice raspy with suppressed emotion, "Yeah… that foolish girl really needs a good scolding. Has she forgotten she has two brothers to protect her?"
Lin Langtian gently smiled, reassuringly saying, "Don't worry. Qing Tan's talent is immense. Even the Black Judgment Hall can't break her. Who knows, next time we meet, she might even surpass both of us."
Lin Dong slowly nodded, calming down somewhat.
"Brother Langtian, you've already left Yuan Gate?" Lin Dong asked, shifting topics.
"Yes. Yuan Gate has grown suspicious. Thus, I left and founded the Celestial Palace," Lin Langtian replied.
Lin Dong's eyebrows rose in astonishment at the thought of Lin Langtian founding his own force, his expression quickly turning solemn, "Good. I was planning to urge you to leave Yuan Gate once I returned to the Eastern Xuan Region. You've avoided getting too deeply involved. That's fortunate."
Lin Langtian nodded appreciatively.
After chatting, Lin Langtian finally noticed the three young women standing near Lin Dong. The leading girl wore a delicate, pale-colored dress accentuating her slim waist and charming appearance. Though slightly inferior in beauty to Tang Xinlian, she was nonetheless attractive.
Lin Langtian couldn't help but give Lin Dong a teasing glance. As expected, Lin Dong was always surrounded by beauties wherever he went.
Noticing Lin Langtian's amused look, Lin Dong smiled helplessly, introducing them, "Brother Langtian, these are the Gu sisters, friends I met when I first came to the Chaotic Demon Sea."
After mutual introductions, Lin Langtian also presented Mu Lingshan to Lin Dong. Despite Mu Lingshan quickly warming to Lin Dong due to the Devouring Ancestral Symbol, her obvious closeness with Lin Langtian remained.
The group soon became lively, chatting happily.
At that moment, there was suddenly a commotion at the pavilion's entrance, followed by hushed whispers spreading rapidly.
"Looks like someone big has arrived…"
"Who else? The Fire Fairy herself!"
Lin Langtian heard these murmurs, immediately understanding Tang Xinlian had arrived.
Soon, guards in fiery red armor entered, led by a captivating woman dressed in tight-fitting crimson armor, showcasing her alluring figure and authoritative presence.
All eyes fixated on her as Tang Xinlian surveyed the hall. Her expression softened noticeably upon seeing Lin Langtian but quickly darkened into frosty jealousy when she noticed the beautiful Gu sisters near him.
That expression was unmistakably one of a woman overcome with jealousy.
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