Chapter 67: The Nirvana Heart

Chapter 67: The Nirvana Heart

"A tomb of a Nirvana-level master in Tian Du County…" Lin Langtian paused as Huang Pu Jing shared the news, a glimmer of recognition dawning in his eyes. He couldn't help but recall the events from his past life, suspecting that the storyline of the ancient tomb was finally about to unfold.

Seeing Lin Langtian deep in thought, Huang Pu Jing raised an eyebrow and asked, "What is it, Brother Langtian? Don't tell me you already knew about this?"

Pulled from his musings, Lin Langtian shifted his gaze subtly toward Qingzhu and then shook his head with a slight smile. "No, I didn't know. I'm just surprised that such a remote place as Tian Du County could hold the tomb of a Nirvana-level master."

At his reply, Huang Pu Jing nodded in understanding. After all, even for the Four Great Clans, a Nirvana-level expert was truly a top-tier force, not to be taken lightly.

Yet Qingzhu noticed the fleeting glance Lin Langtian had cast in her direction and found herself frowning thoughtfully. Her intuition told her there was something more behind that glance, though she couldn't quite grasp its meaning.

Huang Pu Jing continued, "According to tradition, besides local forces in Tian Du County, only the royal family and the younger generation of our Four Great Clans are allowed to contend for the tomb. Recently, I heard that the royal family's Third Prince has been in seclusion, so he may miss the chance this time. This leaves only us from the Four Great Clans." Her tone dismissed the influence of Tian Du County's native factions as inconsequential, which was hardly surprising. In the Great Yan Dynasty, even the elite groups of the larger counties couldn't compare to the Four Great Clans.

"So, our clans will compete among ourselves." Lin Langtian nodded, unfazed by her disregard for Tian Du's local forces. After all, who could predict that the greatest treasure of the tomb would ultimately fall into the hands of a young man from a humble family—someone not even in the Creation Stage? Even more shockingly, that same youth would soon win the pure, coveted affections of none other than Qingzhu, a future High Saintess of the Nine Heavens Taiqing Palace, a woman whose status and allure rivaled any treasure on the continent.

As Lin Langtian lost himself in these speculations, Qingzhu glanced at him and felt an inexplicable chill. Since they'd begun discussing the tomb, she had sensed a vague unease, as though something ominous lay ahead. But as the Young Mistress of the Nine Heavens Taiqing Palace, she quickly shook off these vague thoughts.

Seeing Qingzhu's unease, Lin Langtian felt a flicker of alarm. Could her Taiqing Palace's supreme technique, the Supreme Sense Art, have somehow sensed his dark musings? Despite the improbability, he decided it would be wiser to clear his mind. To change the subject, he turned to Huang Pu Jing and asked, "So, who will your clan send to this tomb? Will it be Huang Pu Ying, or will you go yourself?"

Huang Pu Jing smiled and shook her head. "Neither of us. This time, our clan decided to grant the spot to Sister Qingzhu."

"Oh? With her rank, Miss Qingzhu is interested in a Nirvana-level tomb?" Lin Langtian's brows lifted as if surprised, though he had anticipated Qingzhu's involvement. In his previous life, he'd often wondered why a successor to a powerful sect like the Nine Heavens Taiqing Palace would vie for a mere Nirvana-level tomb inheritance—and even lose her purity in the process, something that had left many people speculating about Lin Dong's sheer luck.

Now that Lin Langtian had the chance to ask directly, he couldn't resist seeking the answer to the curiosity that had gnawed at him for so long.

With a smile, Qingzhu replied, "There's no special reason; I simply thought I'd join in." Her gaze turned to Lin Langtian, and she added in a soft voice, "But if you must know, perhaps I have some interest in the Nirvana Heart."

"The Nirvana Heart?" Lin Langtian muttered, his brows knitting together.

The Nirvana Heart was a phenomenon born from the lifeforce of a Nirvana-level expert upon their death. Instead of dissipating, this energy would slowly condense over time, resulting in a Nirvana Heart—a core of pure essence from the Nirvana master's life force. If obtained, even a person of moderate talent could likely advance to the Creation Stage. For someone already gifted, it might provide the boost needed to reach Nirvana, though it was extremely rare.

Still, Lin Langtian couldn't help but think the Nirvana Heart would mean little to someone of Qingzhu's status. Even ordinary disciples in her Nine Heavens Taiqing Palace would not value it, much less the palace's future High Saintess. It was simply a pretense, he concluded, though he suspected there was some connection to Lin Dong, the "Chosen One" of fate.

In another realm, even the Ancestor Spirit of the Ancestral Stone had hinted that Lin Dong bore the mark of approval from the Ancestor himself. The Nine Heavens Taiqing Palace's Supreme Sense Art was thought to have ties to the Ancestor, which suggested that Qingzhu's presence here might indeed be linked to Lin Dong's destiny.

With a silent sigh, Lin Langtian shook his head. This business of fate and destiny felt nebulous and vague; whether one believed in it or not didn't matter much to him. After all, Lin Dong might have the Ancestor's legacy, but he had the backing of Spirit Aunt, who was just as powerful, if not stronger.

Still lost in his reflections, Lin Langtian barely noticed as Huang Pu Jing looked at him with a hint of amusement. When he finally focused, he flashed a quick smile and said lightly, "I may have some interest in the Nirvana Heart as well. Let's hope Miss Qingzhu will go easy on me when the time comes."

Huang Pu Jing smirked. "Brother Langtian, you might have made incredible progress, but don't expect to best Sister Qingzhu anytime soon. Besides, in such unfamiliar territory, you should offer her a little protection."

To this, Lin Langtian nodded, agreeing smoothly, "Rest assured, if Miss Qingzhu needs assistance, I'll be happy to help."

With a gentle smile, Qingzhu replied, "Then I'll thank you in advance, Brother Langtian."

"No need to thank me," he said, shaking his head. After a few more polite exchanges, Lin Langtian noticed Jin Xing waving to him from nearby. It was time for the group to head back to Lin City with the Symbol Master Tower.

Taking his leave, Lin Langtian joined the others, his thoughts already turning to the future.

"The tomb arc begins…" he murmured, gazing at the bustling road ahead as he followed the Lin City Symbol Masters out of Huang Pu City.

(End of Chapter)