Chapter 73: Chapter 73: Qingtan
Chapter 73: Qingtan
Lin Chen's defeat happened almost instantaneously. Just moments earlier, it had looked like he was gaining the upper hand. But in the blink of an eye, all his advantage crumbled in the face of Lin Dong's unexpected mental Spiral Spike attack. Apart from Lin Langtian, everyone was left in stunned silence, taking a few moments to process the outcome.
"Rising talent indeed! Congratulations, my old friend!" said Tao Lao, the referee, exhaling deeply and bowing slightly to Lin Zhentian. Judging by Lin Dong's displayed strength, it was clear he'd be a standout in the family's assembly in just a couple of years.
Lin Zhentian humbly brushed off the compliment with a smile, but his eyes betrayed his pride and delight.
"Well done, Brother Lin Dong!" The younger members of the Lin family from Yan City cheered enthusiastically, happy and proud of Lin Dong's victory.
Lin Chen, meanwhile, looked visibly unsettled. Though he struggled with disappointment, he wasn't so petty as to deny Lin Dong's win. He clenched his fists slightly, feeling a reluctant admiration for Lin Dong. "You're not just talk after all—you've got skill. This time, I admit my defeat."
Lin Chen then turned to Lin Langtian, bowing slightly in apology. "My apologies, Brother Langtian. I've let down the main family's reputation."
But Lin Langtian merely shook his head. "The main family and branch family are all one. We're family, so there's no question of losing face. I hope this match taught you the lesson that no matter how strong you are, there will always be someone stronger. Warriors must avoid being overly confident or arrogant. To make the same mistake again would be truly shameful."
Hearing this, Lin Chen and his friends bowed their heads in embarrassment. Lin Langtian had already advised them not to underestimate the branch family, but they'd dismissed his words, viewing the branch family as inconsequential. Seeing even Lin Chen, one of the top talents from the main family, defeated so swiftly by Lin Dong had forced them to confront the truth in Langtian's advice.
Satisfied that he'd helped humble the main family's prideful talents, Lin Langtian nodded subtly. While this lesson might not linger permanently, at least it would temper their arrogance for now. For a warrior, pride and self-satisfaction were dangerous pitfalls.
After advising Lin Chen and the others, Lin Langtian looked toward Lin Dong and remarked with a faint smile, "Impressive spiritual control."
Lin Dong maintained a calm expression, showing none of the usual joy of victory. Strangely, though, Lin Langtian's praise gave him a small sense of satisfaction.
"Thank you for the compliment," Lin Dong replied coolly. But as he thought back on the battle, a question emerged in his mind. How had Lin Langtian seen through his Spiral Spike tactic so easily? Even if Lin Langtian's abilities were superior, it was strange for him to grasp Lin Dong's strategy so thoroughly.
"Idiot, obviously this Lin Langtian is also a dual practitioner of Yuan Power and spiritual energy, or he wouldn't have understood your moves so well," the voice of the marten spirit suddenly said within Lin Dong's mind.
"A dual practitioner of Yuan Power and spiritual energy?" Lin Dong was shocked. As someone who trained in both, he knew how challenging it was. That Lin Langtian could do it as well was surprising.
Seeing Lin Langtian guiding the main family talents and praising him freely, Lin Dong's view of him grew more uncertain. Was this really the same Lin Langtian he'd hated for years? Lin Dong almost felt that if it hadn't been for the events of the past, he and Lin Langtian might have made good friends.
Watching Langtian, Lin Dong couldn't shake this strange thought, though it seemed irrational. Yet somehow, his heart sensed that Langtian was different from what he'd imagined. Maybe that was why his father had urged him to let go of the past…
No one else, including Lin Langtian, seemed aware of Lin Dong's inner conflict. As night fell, Lin Zhentian showed hospitality to Lin Langtian's group, arranging rooms for them and hosting a welcoming dinner.
The back garden of the Lin family estate buzzed with lively conversation as they gathered at a long round table, laughter filling the air. Lin Langtian sat on the left, flanked by the main family's talents like Lin Ke'er and Lin Chen, while the right side seated Lin Shao, Lin Ken, Lin Dong, and the branch family members. The head of the table, of course, belonged to Lin Zhentian.
While Lin Zhentian had intended to offer Lin Langtian the seat of honor, Langtian had politely refused. To him, it was merely dinner, not an occasion to flaunt status.
As Lin Zhentian and Tao Lao reminisced, Lin Langtian looked over at Lin Dong—specifically, at the young girl sitting beside him. She looked about fifteen or sixteen, dressed simply in pale clothes that couldn't hide her lively, delicate features. Her face was lovely, her large eyes shining brightly; she was clearly on her way to becoming a beauty.
Observing her affectionate manner toward Lin Dong, Langtian recognized her as Lin Qingtan, Lin Shao's adopted daughter. He recalled that she had origins from the Great Thousand World and possessed an exceptionally rare "Demonic Yin Body."
Though her youthful appearance was endearing now, few would suspect that she would one day grow into one of the most feared wielders of dark power.
While Langtian was observing her, Qingtan seemed to sense his gaze. Noticing it was Langtian, she wrinkled her nose and made a funny face at him, obviously recalling unpleasant memories.
"Qingtan, that's rude!" Lin Shao scolded. He then lifted his glass to Langtian in apology. "She's still young and doesn't know any better. I hope you won't hold it against her, Young Master Langtian."
"Of course not," Langtian replied, clinking glasses with Lin Shao and shaking his head with a smile. Qingtan's reaction wasn't offensive; it was the innocent mischief of a young girl. Besides, Langtian knew it was his previous actions that had left a bad impression on her.
Seeing Lin Shao and Langtian seemingly at ease, their old grudge forgotten, Qingtan pouted in silent frustration, recalling how her mother had cried endless tears over the past years. In a flash of childish defiance, she grabbed her wine cup and downed it in one gulp.
"Qingtan, no—" Lin Dong started, but it was too late. As the wine disappeared, Qingtan's face scrunched up at the bitterness, and soon the strong drink had her looking dazed.
"Brother Lin Dong, why does that horrible Lin Langtian have two heads?" Qingtan muttered, tipsy.
Lin Dong shook his head, amused. He was just about to suggest she head to bed when her face suddenly turned ashen. Frost began emanating from her, spreading a light dusting of frost over the ground.
"Oh no… the chill is setting in again!" Lin Dong exclaimed as he saw her uncontrollable surge of cold energy.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
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