Chapter 167: Chapter 167: The Ancient Battleground
Chapter 167: The Ancient Battleground
The Ancient Battleground was a vast and dangerous land filled with untold treasures and inheritances, dwarfing the Great Flame Dynasty many times over in both size and peril. Towering, barren rock formations stood in clusters, their surfaces radiating intense heat under the scorching sun.
Suddenly, above one of these massive stone peaks, the space began to twist, and a bright beam of light shot out, tearing through the sky before striking the peak. Moments later, five figures emerged from the dissipating light.
The moment Lin Langtian's feet touched the ground, he looked up to find himself in a strange and alien landscape.
"So, this is the Ancient Battleground?" Lin Langtian murmured, scanning the forest of jagged rocks and towering stone peaks. Thick weeds grew between the rocks, and an ancient, desolate energy seeped continuously from the ground.
"There's Nirvana energy mixed in with the spiritual energy here," he noted, summoning a swirl of Yuan Power into his palm. Embedded in it was a faint trace of crimson energy—the Nirvana energy. Sensing its potency, Lin Langtian's eyebrows rose.
The reputation of the Ancient Battleground as a sought-after destination for Eastern Xuan Region's talents was well-earned. Lin Langtian calculated that with his current foundation and the Nirvana energy here, he'd have an 80% chance of breaking into the Nirvana stage—provided he could gather enough Nirvana Pills.
While Lin Langtian marveled at the mystical energy of the battleground, Lin Dong and the other three companions also showed signs of excitement, each clearly sensing the unique energy in the air.
"Alright, everyone," Mo Ling spoke after a moment of excitement, glancing at Lin Dong and the others. "Based on the maps I've seen, if we travel north from here, we should reach a gathering point."
He continued, "As you know, nights in the Ancient Battleground are especially dangerous for us, as our Yuan Power is suppressed at night, while the monsters here remain unaffected. We'll likely be staying in this space for quite some time. The Hundred Dynasties War is brutally competitive, so it would be in our best interests to stick together. Our chances of survival will be higher if we stay united."
Mo Ling's gaze was serious as he spoke, particularly as he looked toward Lin Langtian. Although they shared a homeland, the titles and status they held in the Great Flame Dynasty carried little weight here. Only strength mattered, and Lin Langtian, who had already defeated the Nirvana-stage Wang Lei and emerged even stronger from the Sacred Spirit Pool, was unquestionably the group's main source of security. Mo Ling hoped Lin Langtian would consider looking out for them all, given their shared roots.
"I agree," said Du Yun, quickly nodding in agreement. Being unfamiliar with this place, traveling alone would be risky, and sticking with Lin Langtian was clearly the wisest choice.
"Count me in," Mang Shan echoed.
Mo Ling, who hadn't finished, nodded at Lin Dong, whose eyes then turned to Lin Langtian. Smiling, Lin Dong added, "Since we're forming a team, we should have a team leader. I propose Brother Langtian."
Mo Ling paused, then quickly nodded, agreeing with Lin Dong's proposal. The others followed suit immediately.
"With Brother Langtian as our leader, I'm sure we'll be in good hands."
It was obvious that with Lin Langtian's strength, he was the most qualified to lead the group. In fact, they were all relieved to have someone of his ability in charge. With him leading, their chances of survival would greatly increase, especially in more dangerous areas.
Seeing everyone's expectant gazes, Lin Langtian let out a small chuckle and turned to Lin Dong. "Brother Lin Dong, you're really putting me on the spot here."
Lin Dong smiled warmly. "Brother Langtian, this just shows that everyone recognizes your strength. There's no one better suited to lead."
After spending considerable time with Lin Langtian and resolving their past conflicts, Lin Dong had come to truly respect him, and his words were sincere. Lin Langtian considered the offer, glancing at Mo Ling and the others. Despite his reluctance to accept, he knew he could hardly turn down the role.
"Very well, I'll accept," he finally said. "But for our upcoming actions, I'll need everyone to agree to follow orders—no acting on your own."
"Of course," said Mo Ling, speaking for all of them. "As our leader, Brother Langtian, we'll follow your lead without question."
With everyone on board, Lin Langtian nodded in satisfaction. He had no intention of serving as their bodyguard; if they expected him to shield them without offering their cooperation, they'd be disappointed.
"Then let's be on our way," Mo Ling suggested, smiling. "We should reach the gathering point before nightfall. Here in the battleground, nighttime is far more dangerous than anything we've seen back home."
Lin Langtian agreed and turned to Mo Ling. "Mo Ling, lead the way for us."
Given Mo Ling's background in the royal family, his knowledge of the battleground's layout was invaluable. Without missing a beat, Mo Ling nodded and took the lead, setting a brisk pace northward.
"Let's go! Keep up, and don't fall behind!" Lin Langtian urged as he followed, motioning for Lin Dong and the others to stay close. The five figures, swift as lightning, sped northward, disappearing into the wilderness.
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