Chapter 168: Chapter 168: The Sacred Light Dynasty
Chapter 168: The Sacred Light Dynasty
Across the vast, desolate plains, five figures sped forward like lightning, the low rumble of their passage echoing as they rushed onward. This group, recently arrived at the Ancient Battleground, was none other than Lin Langtian and his four companions. Their goal was a gathering point, the closest one to their arrival location.
Nighttime in the Ancient Battleground was fraught with danger, even for Lin Langtian, who remained vigilant. Finding a populated, human settlement for shelter seemed the safest choice.
After about half an hour at their full speed, the outline of a city finally appeared on the horizon, breaking up the endless expanse of plains.
"Captain, we're almost at the gathering point," Mo Ling reported, slowing down slightly as he pointed to the ancient-looking city.
Lin Langtian nodded as they moved closer to the city. Its rough, unpretentious architecture radiated a sense of strength and age, seemingly designed to withstand centuries of harsh conditions. Outside the iron fortress-like gates, various groups of powerful-looking individuals gathered—warriors and cultivators from other dynasties, all emanating intense energy.
But what drew their attention immediately was the cluster of figures standing guard at the city gate. Behind them, a flag bearing a brilliant golden sun flapped in the wind.
"Not good; it looks like another dynasty has taken control of this gathering point," Mo Ling muttered, his face falling at the sight.
Lin Langtian narrowed his eyes, taking in the scene with a calm expression.
"Attention, everyone! This gathering point now belongs to the Sacred Light Dynasty," boomed a loud voice from the city gate. The sheer force in it hinted at the speaker's impressive power. "If you wish to enter, each person must pay ten Nirvana Pills as an entry fee!"
The man paused for effect before adding, "A group from the Great Stream Dynasty tried to defy our control earlier. We took care of them. So, if any of you have similar thoughts, feel free to either leave or try us—we don't mind a fight."
The man with a dark complexion and a crimson earring waved a hand. Three bloodied corpses were tossed down from the walls, landing heavily before the crowd. The brutal scene had an immediate effect on the spectators, serving as a stark reminder that they were no longer within the borders of their own dynasties.
Lin Langtian and his companions silently observed, eyes narrowing. They had barely arrived in the Ancient Battleground and were already witnessing the brutal, raw rules of this land: the strongest ruled.
Under the Sacred Light Dynasty's intimidating display, the crowd was silent until someone finally relented, paying the entry fee of Nirvana Pills before stepping inside the city.
"What should we do, Captain?" Mo Ling asked in a low voice, looking to Lin Langtian, as did Lin Dong and the others. With night quickly approaching, the safety of the city's walls was tempting, but the ten Nirvana Pill fee was a considerable amount.
Lin Langtian considered briefly, then handed Mo Ling fifty Nirvana Pills. "We're still unfamiliar with this place. Let's keep a low profile and enter for now. But if the Sacred Light Dynasty tries to step on us just because we're from the Great Flame Dynasty, they'll learn quickly what it means to hit a wall."
Hearing this, Mo Ling grinned, reassured. He had half-expected Lin Langtian to take an aggressive stance, dismissing other dynasties with disdain. While half-step Nirvana strength was impressive, showing caution here was wise given the myriad of powerful dynasties gathered in the battleground.
Mo Ling paid the gate fee, and the group entered the city without further issues.
The city was filled with simple, robust stone buildings, a testament to practicality over beauty. At the heart of the settlement stood eight towering stone towers, the tallest structures in sight, and clearly the focal point. From each tower, powerful energy emanated—each presence was at least as strong as Mo Ling, if not stronger. And at the central tower, a formidable aura indicated the presence of a peak Creation stage powerhouse.
"Judging by that aura, this Sacred Light Dynasty is probably a mid-level dynasty," Lin Langtian murmured to himself. With his current strength, a mid-level dynasty was manageable, though he knew the real threats here would come from the high-level and super dynasties, who would likely arrive later.
As the group explored the bustling city, it was clear that the Sacred Light Dynasty had recruited forces from other dynasties to help secure control. Lin Langtian's team paid no particular attention to the local power dynamics; after surveying the city, they secured a spacious stone house near the city walls. While simple, it had enough room for the five of them.
Once they were settled, Mo Ling shared what information he had gathered. "Based on the intel I gathered, we're currently in the northwestern outskirts of the Ancient Battleground. According to the rules of the Hundred Dynasties War, we have one year. At the end of that time, everyone must head to the deeper regions of the battleground."
"Which means," he continued, "our achievements over the next year will determine how far we go in this war."
The group nodded in agreement. Everything was still unknown to them, and it would take some time before they could venture out for cultivation or seek out opportunities.
After their long day, Lin Langtian gave the group a few quick instructions, then everyone retreated to separate rooms in the stone house to rest. With the unique energy of the Ancient Battleground in the air, they eagerly began cultivating.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.