Chapter 93: Friends, if you want to read chapters in advance, subscribe to my patreon.

Chapter 93: Returning with Rewards

"The Seven Fiends Dark Gold Crow's ancestor… the Nine Fiends Dark Gold Crow."

Hearing Ling Yi's words, Lin Langtian looked down at the dark-gold bird perched on his shoulder with astonishment.

"The Nine Fiends Dark Gold Crow's bloodline is as noble as that of dragons and phoenixes. With the right opportunities, you may one day evolve this Seven Fiends Dark Gold Crow into a Nine Fiends Dark Gold Crow. When that day comes, you'll have a formidable companion at your side," Ling Yi explained.

Lin Langtian's eyes shone with delight. He had expected the Seven Fiends Dark Gold Crow to be an extraordinary creature, but discovering that it shared a bloodline with some of the most powerful mythical beasts made it even more valuable. The Four Overlord Clans of the beast world were known across the continent as ultimate forces.

Though this young Seven Fiends Dark Gold Crow had only just hatched and was far from reaching the level of its ancestor, the potential for greatness was there. Lin Langtian could see the possibility of someday reaching that goal.

"From now on, I'll call you Jinwu," Lin Langtian said with a smile, taking a few spirit herbs from his storage bag and feeding them to the little bird.

The dark-gold color and the association with a sacred bird in his past life made the name feel fitting. Jinwu chirped happily after devouring the herbs, seeming pleased with its new name.

With a light chuckle, Lin Langtian patted the bird on the head before making his way back to the main group.

"Langtian, where's Miss Qingzhu? Why are you alone?" Wang Yan and Qin Shi asked curiously as they saw him return alone.

"Miss Qingzhu has some matters to attend to in her sect, so she's likely already on her way out of the Yan Dynasty," Lin Langtian replied, rubbing his nose with a slight smile.

"Leaving already?" Wang Yan and Qin Shi exchanged surprised glances. It wasn't unexpected; after all, they had always known that Qingzhu was from a different world. Yet seeing the apparent connection between her and Lin Langtian, only for her to leave so suddenly, felt oddly coincidental.

They wondered if there was something more behind her departure.

Noticing their curiosity, Lin Langtian had no intention of explaining further. He couldn't exactly say he'd been intimate with Qingzhu, and even if he did, the consequences would be disastrous. The Nine Heavens Taiqing Palace wouldn't let that slide easily.

Just then, Lin Ke'er pointed to his shoulder with interest. "Big Brother Langtian, what's that on your shoulder? Is it a beast?"

"This is my new pet," Lin Langtian said with a light smile. "I named it Jinwu."

"Jinwu…" Ke'er repeated the name, her eyes brightening as she looked at the dark-gold bird on his shoulder. "It's so cute!"

"Cute?" Lin Langtian's mouth twitched slightly at the choice of words. The Seven Fiends Dark Gold Crow was a Royal Beast with endless potential, yet she called it cute. Then again, the bird's appearance did have an adorable quality, especially compared to the more graceful female crow that Qingzhu kept.

Lin Dong, who was nearby, observed the black-gold bird curiously, noticing the apprehensive look in his companion Xiao Yan's eyes. It was the first time he had ever seen his fire serpent-tiger show fear.

"Kid, that's a Seven Fiends Dark Gold Crow, one of the most mysterious Royal Beasts in the world. It's rare for someone like Lin Langtian to obtain one as a companion," Xiao Diao's voice echoed in Lin Dong's mind.

"A Royal Beast…" Lin Dong whispered, his shock growing. He didn't know much about the ranking of beasts, but seeing Xiao Diao's reaction made him realize this creature was exceptional.

"Don't get too distracted," Xiao Diao warned. "Lin Langtian has his opportunities, and you have yours. Just focus on your own path. But mark my words, Lin Langtian may very well be the rival you'll chase for a lifetime."

"Rival for life, huh?" Lin Dong murmured. He smiled slightly, unfazed by the comparison. After so much time, any bitterness he had felt toward Lin Langtian had mostly faded, replaced by a lingering desire.

The only thing left was his determination to one day fight Lin Langtian head-on, even if he couldn't win. Making Lin Langtian his lifelong goal didn't seem like a bad path at all.

Lost in thought, Lin Dong noticed Lin Langtian turn back to the main group and gesture for everyone to gather.

"Let's head back to Yan City," Lin Langtian commanded.

"Yes, sir!" Lin Dong replied with enthusiasm. He was eager to return to Yan City; that would be the day his sister Qing Tan's suffering would finally end. He cast a grateful look toward Lin Langtian, watching him as they prepared to leave.

The journey back was far quicker than their initial journey into the Heavenly Flame Mountains. Not only were they returning victorious, but everyone was in high spirits, filling the trek with laughter and conversation.

After less than two days, the group emerged from the mountains. By the time they reached Yan City, evening had settled in.

Upon learning of their return, Lin Zhentian promptly organized a banquet to welcome everyone back. The younger generation of the Lin Clan boasted of their spoils, lamented missed opportunities, and shared tales of their experiences, filling the night with excitement and camaraderie.

Lin Langtian quietly enjoyed his food, his expression calm as he listened. Soon, though, he noticed several people—including Lin Xiao—stealing glances at him, their eyes full of anticipation.

Sensing what they wanted, he smiled slightly and reached into his storage bag. With a casual wave, he revealed a black spirit herb emitting a strange chill, the Extreme Yin Dragon Saliva.

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