Chapter 49: Tower Battle

Chapter 49: Tower Battle

When Lin Langtian opened his eyes again, the black flames covering his body had fully receded. His form seemed subtly taller, and his skin radiated faint glimmers, giving him an otherworldly brilliance. Lin Langtian could feel the changes in his body, with the most notable difference being his physical strength. Clenching his fingers, he sensed a volcano-like power surging through him—not from any cultivation technique, but from his own flesh.

Through the intense refinement of the black flames, his body's resilience had undeniably advanced to a new level. Not only that, but the Beast Fruits' power had also enhanced his internal energy, allowing him to break into the "Half-Step Creation Stage." This was an unexpected gain, as he initially thought the Beast Fruits would only strengthen his body.

As he inspected himself further, Lin Langtian noticed something new within him. Turning his gaze inward, he saw a glowing, fire-wreathed furnace within his dantian. The furnace appeared to be formed from black flames, with flames dancing on its surface in a mysterious and mesmerizing way.

This flame furnace, breathing faintly in sync with him, sent subtle waves of fiery energy through his body. Everywhere it reached—flesh, meridians, bones—a tingling energy buzzed to life. This furnace was the core of the Black Flame Physique.

When activated, the flame furnace would unleash a torrent of flame through every corner of his body, enhancing his physical form to unleash a surge of intense power. This was the foundation of the Black Flame Physique.

On the surface of the furnace, a single, faintly visible, wavy line shimmered—a symbol of the First Stripe Black Flame Physique. The Black Flame Physique had three levels, with each stripe corresponding to a higher stage of mastery. Currently, as a First Stripe Black Flame Physique practitioner, Lin Langtian now possessed his second creation-level technique, along with his Great Phoenix Seal.

He realized that with his newfound Half-Step Creation Stage strength, combined with the First Stripe Black Flame Physique, he could likely confront a young Ancient Dragon Ape head-on with only his physical strength. This was the power of body-refining martial arts.

Aunt Ling gave Lin Langtian an approving nod. "It appears you've truly mastered the Black Flame Physique. Such talent is indeed exceptional. However, I must remind you that the Black Flame Physique enhances your physical prowess by stimulating the furnace of flames within. While this boost grants immense power, if overused, it could severely damage your body. I trust you'll exercise caution."

"Don't worry, Aunt Ling. I understand my limits," Lin Langtian said with a light smile.

"Very well. I'll be entering a dormant state to absorb the Ancient Dragon Ape's essence, which I devoured earlier. One more thing—you've outgrown the Demon Ape Transformation technique. When I awaken again, I can upgrade it to match your level. It won't be supreme martial arts, but it won't fall short of the creation-level martial arts on this continent," Aunt Ling said evenly.

Lin Langtian was taken aback, then beamed with joy. After mastering the Black Flame Physique, he had been debating whether to continue with Demon Ape Transformation, as there were conflicts between the two. However, it was clear the Black Flame Physique outclassed the other technique.

Aunt Ling's comments also piqued Lin Langtian's interest. It seemed she was aware of events during her dormant state, even knowing that he had obtained the Demon Ape Transformation technique.

"Thank you, Aunt Ling," Lin Langtian said gratefully, bowing slightly.

"No need to thank me; it was a minor favor. Little one, our bloodline connection and your bond with the mysterious golden mirror are both your blessing and your destiny. This world is vast, beyond what you can imagine. Whether you reach the pinnacle depends on you alone."

With a final, meaningful look, Aunt Ling returned to Lin Langtian's dantian and settled into a deep slumber. Her words left Lin Langtian in quiet contemplation. It was clear she still held some doubts about his potential. But he understood; she was a mighty Nine Nether Flame Sparrow from the Great Thousand Worlds, and he was merely a young noble from a small kingdom in a lower plane. The gap between them was almost unfathomable.

However, Lin Langtian quickly shook off any sense of inadequacy. Great figures like Martial Ancestor Lin Dong and Flame Emperor Xiao Yan also started from humble origins. If they could rise to greatness, so could he.

…

After leaving the Ancient Ruins Gorge, Lin Langtian began his journey back to the Lin Clan. This expedition had taken him nearly half a year, but it had yielded incredible rewards. Not only had he awakened Aunt Ling, but he had also obtained the Black Flame Physique—a creation-level body-refining technique. His strength had increased from the Qi Creation Stage to the Half-Step Creation Stage, a significant advancement in such a short time.

Returning to Lin City took considerably less time than his initial journey to the Wasteland County. In just a month, he was back in Lin City. Although he had been away for nearly half a year, the city remained much the same. However, he noticed more symbolists moving about the city, which raised his eyebrows slightly.

Soon after returning to his residence and taking a short rest, he received visitors. Opening the door, he saw two tall, graceful young women entering—Lin Ke'er and Lin Xue.

"Brother Langtian, you're finally back!" said Lin Xue, her gaze filled with admiration as she looked at him.

Lin Langtian's brow creased slightly. His past self's exceptional talents had attracted a fair number of admirers within the Lin Clan, and Lin Xue was among the most ardent. Suppressing a sigh, he turned his attention to Lin Ke'er to shift the focus. "What's going on in Lin City lately? Why are so many symbolists here?"

Lin Ke'er blinked, then smiled. "It seems that you've been away too long, Brother Langtian, and missed some major events. The reason Lin City is teeming with symbolists is because… the Tower Battle is about to begin!"

(End of Chapter)