Chapter 8: Ling Qingzhu
Chapter 8: Ling Qingzhu
"Great Success in the Form Realm!"
Feeling his newfound power, Lin Langtian smiled with satisfaction. He could have used this opportunity to directly break into the Qi Creation Realm, but rushing would only risk an unstable foundation, which could be a costly mistake. In less than a month, he'd already gone from the peak of the Yuan Dan stage to nearly entering the Qi Creation Realm—a tremendous leap that he didn't want to overdo.
"This Golden Spirit Wheel Mirror… it's extraordinary," Lin Langtian marveled at its powerful suction force, feeling that he had truly experienced a moment of "main character" fortune.
Now that he had broken through, Lin Langtian didn't immediately leave the Treasure Vault. Instead, he stayed for three more days to consolidate his level. When he opened his eyes again, his powerful aura was fully under control. Even a Nirvana Realm expert would struggle to detect his current strength.
"Time to go," he muttered with a smile, hiding any trace of his breakthrough. Just half a month ago, he had reached Minor Success in the Form Realm. If he suddenly showed that he had progressed to Great Success, it would inevitably arouse suspicion within the clan. Although he was the strongest of the younger generation and well-treated by the clan, loyalty and trust often faded quickly in the face of power.
Leaving the vault a few days later, Lin Langtian ensured his new strength was hidden as the massive stone doors creaked open after being shut for over half a month.
"What did you manage to obtain, Langtian?" Elder Lin Zhi and several others hurried over, greeting him as he emerged.
"Heh, I found an Earth-grade treasure—the 'Spirit Wheel Mirror.'" Lin Langtian replied, his gaze flickering as he concealed the mirror's unusual transformation.
Lin Zhi and the others didn't pry and instead congratulated him. "Congratulations, Langtian. Holding an Earth-grade spirit treasure at such a young age places you among the best of the Great Yan Empire's younger generation. One day, you'll be known as the empire's greatest prodigy!"
Lin Langtian smiled politely, though he paid little mind to their praise. The Great Yan Empire was far too small compared to his true ambitions.
As he was about to take his leave, Lin Zhi stopped him, as if remembering something. "Oh, Langtian, I meant to tell you something important. In my excitement over your breakthrough, I almost forgot. You've been in the Treasure Vault for over half a month, so by now, she's probably almost here."
"Who?" Lin Langtian asked curiously.
"A disciple from a major sect sent to the Great Yan Empire. Her name is… Ling Qingzhu." Lin Zhi replied slowly.
"Ling Qingzhu?" The name stunned Lin Langtian, and a look of surprise flickered in his eyes. He recognized it immediately. Ling Qingzhu was the main female lead in the original timeline—Lin Dong's love interest. She not only had a powerful background but was also incredibly gifted, embodying the idealized "dream girl" for countless young men.
Thinking back to his memories, Lin Langtian knew that destiny would soon draw Ling Qingzhu to the Great Yan Empire, where she would cross paths with Lin Dong.
"Yes, I've heard she holds a significant position within her sect and is somewhat connected to the royal family here. About half a month ago, the royal family started preparing a welcome ceremony. To celebrate her arrival, they'll host a grand auction in the capital next month, inviting the empire's elite. You've been given an invitation too," Lin Zhi explained. "If you have time, you should attend. After all, if you succeed in the Hundred Dynasty War, you'll likely enter one of these major sects. It might be a good idea to make a favorable impression on this disciple."
Lin Langtian frowned, finding himself disagreeing with Lin Zhi's advice. Ling Qingzhu was more than just a disciple—she was the heir to the Nine Heavens Taiqing Palace, a top-ranking sect with unmatched background and talent. To her, the Great Yan Empire was like dust, and its so-called "geniuses" were just slightly more gifted ants.
At his current level, even as one of the empire's elites, Lin Langtian knew he was unlikely to catch her attention. He had no interest in chasing her favor, even if she was Ling Qingzhu. Still, though he didn't care about the welcome ceremony, the auction held by the royal family piqued his interest.
Since the auction was intended to honor Ling Qingzhu, the royal family would likely bring out their most treasured items, aiming to impress her. Lin Langtian saw this as an opportunity to obtain something valuable for himself.
"Thank you, Elder Lin Zhi, for informing me. I'll rest a bit, then head to the capital," Lin Langtian said, bowing in gratitude.
"Heh, no need to thank me," Lin Zhi replied with a smile.
As they spoke, Lin Langtian suddenly recalled something and turned to Lin Zhi with a question. "Elder Lin Zhi, does the clan have any medicinal elixirs that can help heal injuries caused by elemental energy, especially if such damage is preventing someone from cultivating?"
"Injuries from elemental energy preventing cultivation?" Lin Zhi thought for a moment before replying, "If their strength is below the Yuan Dan Realm, the clan's Green Wood Spirit Pill should be effective. But if they're above the Yuan Dan Realm, only the royal family might have the necessary medicine."
"Under the Yuan Dan Realm… the Green Wood Spirit Pill." Lin Langtian murmured to himself, a glint of excitement in his eyes. If he remembered correctly, Lin Xiao, Lin Dong's father, was only at the Heaven Yuan Realm, below the Yuan Dan Realm.
With this in mind, Lin Langtian turned back to Lin Zhi. "I'd like to ask for your help with something. Could you see if there is anyone within the main family with strong ties to the branch family in Yan City? I need to find someone to help me with a task."
"The branch family in Yan City?" Lin Zhi looked at him in surprise but soon nodded. "I don't know your reasons, but as a member of your faction, I'm at your service."
"Good, leave it to me," Lin Zhi promised.
(End of Chapter)