Chapter 459: Return!
"Seriously, do you have to use something this dangerous to train?"
After handing over the Eternal Illusory Demon Flowers to Lin Dong, Xiao Diao spoke with visible concern, clearly holding back what he really wanted to say.
"You know how terrifying these things are—even my father couldn't withstand them, and you…"
Lin Dong smiled. "Relax, I'm not foolish enough to risk my life blindly."
"I told my father you plan to use the Eternal Illusory Demon Flowers for your closed-door cultivation," Xiao Diao continued. "He said you could train in the Heavenly Abyss, and he'll personally lead the elders to guard it. If anything goes wrong, they'll step in immediately."
"Then thank the clan leader for me," Lin Dong replied with a slight pause, not rejecting the offer.
Though Yan hadn't fully explained the risks, Lin Dong could sense that using the Eternal Illusory Demon Flowers to temper spiritual power came with serious danger. Having the Heavenly Marten Clan leader's support might give him an extra layer of safety.
"You've done our clan a huge favor. Everyone is grateful. This is the least we can do."
Xiao Diao waved a hand dismissively. "When do you plan to start?"
"Now," Lin Dong said after a moment's thought.
Lin Fan chuckled from the side. "You're really in a rush. Since you've decided to train here, I'll head back to the Four Symbols Palace alone."
"Even though we defeated Mang Mountain and our name is rising, with just Xiao Yan holding the fort, it's not the safest. I'll return to oversee things. Once you finish your training, just come back."
Xiao Diao smiled. "I'll send a few people to escort you. The name of the Heavenly Marten Clan should smooth over a few problems."
Lin Fan nodded. He had no objections.
"Brother Lin Fan, I'll leave the Four Symbols Palace in your hands," Lin Dong said a bit apologetically.
Lin Fan smiled. "Don't forget, I'm the chief of the Four Symbols Palace."
Lin Dong grinned and said no more.
Soon after, Xiao Diao led both Lin Fan and Lin Dong toward the Heavenly Abyss.
The security there had become even tighter now. Upon arriving, Lin Fan also saw the Heavenly Marten Clan's patriarch, along with Grand Elder Zhu Li and other key elders waiting.
As Lin Fan and Lin Dong approached, Zhu Li and the others greeted them warmly.
"Friend Lin Dong, the Heavenly Abyss has been thoroughly cleared. There are no hidden dangers. You can train there in peace," the patriarch said with a smile after exchanging a few formalities.
"Thank you, Clan Leader," Lin Dong replied with a respectful bow.
"No need to stand on ceremony. Xiao Diao will guide you inside. We'll remain outside to guard the area."
With a wave of his hand, the clan leader gave the order.
Lin Dong nodded at Lin Fan, then exchanged a glance with Xiao Diao before flying straight into the Heavenly Abyss.
After they disappeared, Lin Fan turned to the clan leader and expressed his intent to depart.
Though the clan leader and Zhu Li tried to persuade him to stay a while longer, they eventually accepted his decision and personally escorted him to the clan's outer boundary. They also assigned two Reincarnation Stage powerhouses to accompany him.
Without delay, Lin Fan and his two escorts began the journey back to Thunder Abyss Mountain, headquarters of the Four Symbols Palace.
Two days later, the trio arrived.
"Greetings, Chief!"
The guards stationed midway up the mountain immediately tensed when they sensed the presence of Reincarnation-level powerhouses. But upon recognizing Lin Fan, they quickly relaxed.
Lin Fan nodded casually and led the two Heavenly Marten experts directly to the mountain's summit.
"Big Brother, you're back!"
Sensing Lin Fan's aura, Xiao Yan came out to greet him with a wide smile.
Lin Fan nodded. "Mm. Has anything happened while I was away?"
"No," Xiao Yan replied. He then asked, "Big Brother, where's Second Brother? Didn't he return with you?"
Not seeing Lin Dong, Xiao Yan looked slightly worried.
Lin Fan smiled. "Relax, Lin Dong is safe. He's cultivating in the Heavenly Marten Clan. He found something good over there and decided to break through in seclusion. He'll be back once he's done."
"I see." Xiao Yan visibly relaxed after hearing that.
Lin Fan smiled and gestured to the two men behind him. "Let me introduce them—this is Zhu Qing and Wu He. They were sent by your Third Brother's father to help hold the fort at the Four Symbols Palace. Both are Reincarnation Stage experts."
Xiao Yan cupped his fists respectfully. "Lin Yan. Pleased to meet you both."
"No need for formalities," the two men quickly returned the gesture, their voices polite.
They knew very well who Lin Yan was—Xiao Diao's sworn brother.
Now that Xiao Diao had officially become the Heavenly Marten Clan's successor, the position of clan leader would one day be his without question. Naturally, his brothers were not to be taken lightly.
"Xiao Yan, get our guests settled in," Lin Fan said after the introductions.
Xiao Yan nodded and personally arranged accommodations for the two.
When the members of the Four Symbols Palace learned that the Heavenly Marten Clan had sent two Reincarnation experts to support them, their pride and sense of belonging to the palace grew stronger. Even other factions began treating the Four Symbols Palace with newfound respect.
As for Lin Fan, he paid all this little mind.
After handing the guests off to Xiao Yan, he focused completely on his own cultivation.
Unfortunately, his progress was not as smooth as he had hoped.
Whether it was his spiritual or yuan power, both had hit bottlenecks. His time at his current level hadn't been long enough, and advancing further would not be easy.
The gap between the peak of the Death Profound Stage and the Reincarnation Stage might seem small, but in reality, it was like a chasm.
Many people remained stuck at the peak of the Death Profound Stage for a lifetime without ever taking the next step.
Advancing from Minor Spirit Symbol Master to Major Spirit Symbol Master in spiritual power was even harder—comparable to going from the Reincarnation to the Samsara Stage. The difficulty was enormous.
Just like that, over two months passed as Lin Fan immersed himself in cultivation.
One day, feeling a little fatigued, he ended his session and decided to take a walk.
"…Hm?"
Just as he stepped out of his training chamber, Lin Fan's brows furrowed slightly—an unexpected look flickering across his eyes.
There were two unfamiliar Reincarnation auras on Thunder Abyss Mountain.
After a brief moment of thought, he made his way toward the great hall at the mountain's summit.
Inside, many had gathered—not only the high-ranking members of the Four Symbols Palace, but also Xiao Yan, the Sky Dragon Demon Commander, and the Golden Ape Demon Commander.
And among them… two unfamiliar faces Lin Fan had never seen before.
"Big Brother!"
"Chief!"
Seeing Lin Fan arrive, Xiao Yan, the Sky Dragon Demon Commander, and the others all stood and bowed respectfully.
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