Chapter 96: Lin Dong's Drive

Chapter 96: Lin Dong's Drive

"So this is the power of the Demonic Fiend Body?" Lin Langtian's eyes were fixed on the energy rippling from Qingtan's black core. This core was unlike any he had seen before—void of any Yin or Yang, it radiated pure, intense Fiend energy. Its nature was ruthless and domineering, promising formidable results in combat.

"No wonder the Hall of Darkness has its eye on her," he murmured.

"Has Qingtan succeeded?" Lin Dong asked, stepping forward with concern.

"Yes. She has remarkable willpower to endure the pain of that Fiend energy tempering her body. And thanks to Jinwu's help in absorbing much of the energy, she was able to survive," Lin Langtian confirmed.

Relieved, Lin Dong bowed gratefully. "Thank you, Langtian. I owe you a debt I won't forget."

"It's nothing. As long as Qingtan is safe," Lin Langtian replied with a warm smile.

Meanwhile, the small black core continued to rotate in front of Qingtan. With each wave of Fiend energy it absorbed, the energy swirling from it grew sharper and stronger. The core slowly grew, until it reached about the size of a small walnut, then came to a stop. Now, it had deepened in color, absorbing all light and emitting an intense, eerie power.

As it stopped spinning, Qingtan opened her mouth, and the core shot back inside her.

"Boom!"

The instant the core returned to her body, a powerful surge of energy burst forth, shattering the icy shell covering the courtyard and filling the air with a cool mist.

"Did it work?"

Feeling an unfamiliar strength coursing through her body, Qingtan's eyes brightened with delight.

"Your Fiend energy won't erupt uncontrollably anymore," Lin Langtian said, landing beside her with a smile. Qingtan's power was now at the peak of the Yuan Dan realm—astounding given her young age and minimal training.

"Thank you, Brother Langtian." Qingtan bowed deeply, her expression full of gratitude. Though her focus was on condensing her core, she knew Lin Langtian had stayed by her side, protecting her.

Helping her up, Lin Langtian laughed gently. "No need to be so formal, Qingtan. Now that you've condensed your core, you're one of the Lin family's greatest talents. I might need to win your favor one day."

Blushing, Qingtan stammered, "No, no, Brother Langtian and Brother Lin Dong are both far more powerful. I should be the one relying on you both."

Lin Dong shook his head with a smile. "Qingtan, he's only teasing."

Realizing this, Qingtan pouted at Lin Langtian before turning to Lin Dong. "Brother Lin Dong, now that I'm stronger, can I come with you?"

As wisps of dark energy flowed between her fingers, she looked at Lin Dong with hopeful eyes.

Startled, Lin Dong quickly shook his head. His journey wasn't for sightseeing but for training, and the outside world was fraught with dangers beyond anything Qingtan could imagine. If he couldn't guarantee his safety, how could he bring her along?

Seeing his resolve, Qingtan lowered her gaze, knowing his decision was final.

"Qingtan," Lin Langtian interjected, "now that your potential is awakening, why not come with me to the main family? You'll receive better training there."

Surprised, Lin Dong turned to Qingtan. "What do you think?"

Qingtan hesitated. "The main family is so far…I'd miss Father and Mother."

Her desire to protect her family was strong—one of the reasons she had endured the pain of the Fiend energy. But the thought of leaving them weighed heavily on her.

Lin Langtian smiled. "It's easy enough. If you ever want to visit home, you can return anytime. And with Lin Dong's talents, the family division in Yan City will likely rejoin the main family soon."

Hearing this, Qingtan's eyes lit up. Of course! Once the family reunified, she would be with her parents again.

"In that case, thank you, Brother Langtian. I'll go speak with my parents," she said, beaming as she dashed away.

Lin Langtian chuckled, then turned to Lin Dong. "Lin Dong, have you heard of the Seed Battle of the Great Yan Dynasty?"

"Seed Battle?" Lin Dong repeated, shaking his head.

Lin Langtian explained, "Every twenty years, the top powers in the Great Yan Dynasty hold a contest. It isn't a war but a selection process. Each faction sends their most talented young fighters to compete. The winner gains entry to the Hundred Dynasties Battle and a chance to join a Super Sect."

"The Hundred Dynasties Battle…Super Sects…" Lin Dong murmured, as if peering into a new world.

"Lin Dong," Lin Langtian said, his tone encouraging, "the world is far bigger than you imagine. I support your decision to seek strength in the wider world. The world is waiting for us, and our paths don't end here."

Inspired by his words, Lin Dong's resolve deepened. Meeting Lin Langtian's gaze, he said, "I won't deny it—your talent and strength push me. But I swear, whether it's the Seed Battle or the Hundred Dynasties Battle, I will not let you leave me behind."

Long-standing rivalry intertwined with respect. Lin Langtian had become his ultimate target, a figure to chase for the rest of his life.

Lin Langtian paused, then smiled, realizing he had taken on the role of Lin Dong's motivation—a spot once meant for someone else.

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