Chapter 173: Separate Paths, Lin Dong's Farewell

Chapter 173: Separate Paths, Lin Dong's Farewell

In the sky, a young man flapped his wings, holding a Thunder Source in his hand. His expression was indifferent, and a lightning aura surrounded him, giving him the appearance of a thunder god. He cast a dispassionate gaze at the warriors below him.

A calm voice suddenly resonated, "Does anyone else want this Thunder Source?"

The warriors instinctively stepped back. Despite their numerical advantage, none dared to underestimate Lin Yan after witnessing his strength. Especially after seeing the two corpses on the ground, already dead but dying once more, the warriors couldn't help but feel fear. They looked at Lin Yan with trepidation, not daring to covet the Thunder Source in his hands, only hoping to save their lives.

Lin Yan noticed the fear in their eyes. With a wry smile, he said, "Then leave. I don't have the habit of killing the innocent."

Killing those two earlier had been solely to obtain the treasure, and they had attacked him first. But Lin Yan had no interest in these small figures. Killing innocent people brought no benefit, so he let them go.

"Thank you, sir!" The warriors quickly left, grateful to be alive. Surviving was already difficult enough. As for revenge... they didn't even dare to think about it. Even the two Formation state warriors couldn't withstand a second attack. Returning to fight again would only be a death sentence. Thus, the warriors fled, not daring to look back.

"I didn't expect obtaining this Thunder Source would be so easy. You really are incredible, Brother Lin Yan." Lin Dong quickly approached, unable to hide his admiration as he looked at the Thunder Source in Lin Yan's hands.

"Here, take it. Use it to cultivate," Lin Yan said, passing the Thunder Source to Lin Dong.

Lin Dong was initially surprised. He looked at Lin Yan and asked, "What about you, Brother Lin Yan?"

Lin Yan simply shrugged. "It doesn't matter to me. I don't need these things. Weren't you about to make a breakthrough? Absorb this, and you'll be able to reach the Formation state. You should also be able to perfect your jade body."

Lin Dong hesitated for a moment but Lin Yan insisted, "Don't be picky. I'm giving it to you, so take it. Don't you consider me your elder brother?"

After a wry smile, Lin Dong had no choice but to accept. He found a place to sit and began cultivating. He quickly started absorbing the energy of the Thunder Source. Lin Dong's strength increased rapidly. The Thunder Source, a product of the Thunder Crystal Beast, contained abundant energy. With its help, Lin Dong not only advanced to the Formation state but also upgraded his Great Flame Celestial Body to the Bronze Flame Celestial Body.

However, Lin Dong felt a bit melancholic. "Little Marten, do you think I should go out and venture on my own?" he asked the small marten inside the stone tablet. With his growing strength and the widening gap between him and Lin Yan, Lin Dong realized his own inadequacies. He wanted to leave, not because Lin Yan wasn't good to him—in fact, Lin Yan was exceptionally kind. Since leaving Yan City together, Lin Yan had always taken care of him, even giving him the Thunder Source this time.

Lin Dong understood that this was because Lin Yan genuinely cared for him as an elder brother. But he suddenly realized that simply following Lin Yan might be hindering his own growth.

"Do you want me to tell you the truth, kid?" The small marten was silent for a moment before speaking.

"Let's hear it," Lin Dong nodded.

The small marten continued, "Honestly, the benefits you get from following your Brother Lin Yan are immense. For example, this time, if you had to handle it alone, you might not have obtained the Thunder Source. Remember when you cultivated the Great Flame Celestial Body? Without the Thunder Elixir from your Brother Lin Yan, you would have had to endure the lightning yourself, and it wouldn't have been as effective. So, being around him definitely benefits you a lot."

"But you have started to feel it. The differences in strength between you two are no longer negligible. So, staying close to him is, in a way, like leeching off him. Of course, that's not a bad thing. Honestly, having such conditions and knowing how to leverage them is also a form of wisdom. However, you might feel a bit disappointed. After all, true strength cannot always depend on others for protection. You also need to venture on your own. But right now, kid, if you follow Lin Yan, you're unlikely to face any danger. Naturally, you'll also miss many growth opportunities."

"I understand. Thank you, Little Marten." Lin Dong remained silent for a moment before smiling at the small marten. His gaze became more resolute, as if he had made a decision.

In the following days, Lin Yan and Lin Dong continued their journey as usual. However, after careful consideration, Lin Dong finally seized an opportunity to talk to Lin Yan.

"Brother Lin Yan, there's something I want to discuss with you."

Lin Yan frowned upon hearing this. He had noticed Lin Dong's strange behavior over the past few days. "Go ahead, tell me."

Lin Dong said, "I want to venture out on my own for a while. It's not that I'm ungrateful, Brother Lin Yan. You've been very good to me. In my heart, you'll always be my elder brother. If you ever need anything from me, my life is at your disposal. But... I think I need some experience. If I keep staying by your side, always protected, I'll never become truly strong."

Lin Yan remained silent for a moment after hearing this. "Have you thought this through? If I'm not by your side and you encounter danger, you'll only be able to rely on yourself."

Lin Dong smiled confidently. "Trust me, Brother Lin Yan, I'm pretty strong too."

(End of Chapter)