Chương 71: Chapter 71: The Challenge
Chapter 71: The Challenge
As the determined, young man in a black robe entered the hall, everyone's attention shifted to him. Lin Langtian observed the youth's still-slightly-immature features, where one could nonetheless glimpse the future strength of the "Martial Ancestor" he was destined to become. Lin Langtian's eyes narrowed slightly, noting that even at first glance, Lin Dong radiated the unique qualities that would one day make him a peak powerhouse in the human race, just as renowned as the Flame Emperor, Xiao Yan.
Lin Dong truly lived up to his name.
"Well then, Dong'er," Lin Zhentian said with a chuckle, motioning toward Lin Langtian, "this is Young Master Langtian from the main family, who's leading the expedition this time. Go on and greet him."
"So… he's Lin Langtian."
Lin Dong's gaze was fixed on the calm, seated man dressed in green, sensing an unusual interest directed at him from Langtian. It was a look without personal bias, one that seemed almost purely… curious.
"Oh, to think he's reached the Creation level at this age," came a voice in Lin Dong's mind. It was Xiao Diao, the mysterious weasel spirit within him. "Lucky for you he chose to resolve things peacefully, because he'd be a terrifying opponent otherwise. There's something more about him that I can't place… but heed my warning, Lin Dong. This Langtian is likely hiding many secrets of his own. Take care around him."
"Creation level! And harboring great secrets?" Lin Dong's eyes tightened at the words, knowing well how formidable the Creation level was. In all of the Great Yan Empire, this rank placed Langtian among its finest. To achieve such a level at his age was staggering. Despite feeling somewhat overshadowed, Lin Dong's gaze remained on Langtian with a firm, defiant expression.
When Lin Dong was still a child, he had vowed to restore his father's dignity, which Langtian had once trampled. Yet two years ago, the young master had unexpectedly extended an olive branch, and his father had chosen to forgive him. What had been years of resentment was suddenly resolved, leaving Lin Dong's feelings in turmoil.
Seeing Lin Dong's conflicted expression, Langtian raised an eyebrow, guessing that Xiao Diao had sensed something about him and revealed it to Lin Dong. The Sky-Martial Weasel, a member of the four great mystical beast clans, would indeed be sensitive to certain energies. With calm anticipation, Langtian tapped his fingers lightly on the table and observed Lin Dong, intrigued by his reaction.
Watching his son's tense face, Lin Xiao stepped forward with a sigh, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "Dong'er, I've told you before, those matters from years ago are in the past. Young Master Langtian was not greatly at fault—it was more my own failure to let go. And if it weren't for his support, our branch family would not have grown as it has. Let it rest, and remember to be respectful."
"Yes, Father." Lin Dong exhaled slowly, pushing away the inner conflict on his face to reveal a look of determination instead. He walked up to Langtian, bowing slightly. "Lin Dong greets Young Master Langtian!"
"There's no need for formality," Langtian responded with a small smile. "Though we're from different branches, we're family by blood. You may call me 'Big Brother' like the others."
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Langtian's mouth as he spoke. The thought of one day calling a future "Martial Ancestor" his little brother was deeply satisfying.
However, Lin Dong remained impassive. The years of resentment were not so easily brushed aside, and calling Langtian "Big Brother" was simply beyond him.
Noticing Lin Dong's cold response, the main family's young talents were visibly offended. As their clan's most talented member, Langtian was highly respected among the younger generation, even by those older than him. For Lin Dong, a mere branch member, to refuse this honor seemed like gross ingratitude.
Yet Langtian remained unfazed, seemingly having anticipated this response. "I understand that past events still weigh on you. For my youthful missteps, I hold genuine regret. I can't undo what's already happened, but I can make this offer: at the next clan gathering, you'll have the chance to challenge me. Let's see if you can finally resolve this grievance."
Lin Dong blinked, clearly surprised; Langtian had offered him exactly what he had wanted. Driven by a sudden surge of battle spirit, Lin Dong's eyes shone with a newfound intensity, and he replied confidently, "Then I'll accept the challenge without hesitation, Young Master Langtian!"
Now, for the first time, Lin Dong's impression of Langtian began to shift. He had assumed that Langtian, with his status as the clan's greatest talent, would be arrogant, dismissive of the branch family. But the man before him seemed genuinely confident, graceful, and mysterious, making him far more complex than Lin Dong had imagined.
Seeing Lin Dong accept so readily, Langtian allowed himself a satisfied smile. Typical Lin Dong, he thought. But while Lin Dong had remained the same, he himself had transformed in ways Lin Dong could not imagine.
Among the main family's young talents, quiet laughter broke out as they heard Lin Dong's acceptance of Langtian's challenge. To them, a mere branch member stood no chance against Langtian or even any of the more prominent talents. Why Langtian himself had shown special attention to Lin Dong was beyond them.
Only Lin Ke'er's thoughtful gaze moved back and forth between Langtian and Lin Dong, her eyes glinting with a trace of intrigue.
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