Lin Zhentian introduced them, his voice calm. "Dong'er, these are guests from the main clan: Lin Chen, Lin Ke'er, and Elder Lin Tao."
Lin Dong offered a brief, respectful nod toward them one by one.
Lin Chen, however, did not return the gesture. He leaned forward, his arrogance evident. "Lin Dong," he stated, his voice a cold challenge. "We've heard the branch clan has produced a rare genius. It would be a waste of resources to allow an unproven person to join the expedition to the Nirvana Tomb. I propose a simple test. Meet me in the arena. If you can endure ten moves from me without admitting defeat, then I will personally endorse your participation in the Tomb exploration."
Lin Dong's mind was already racing. Ten moves from a Peak Yuan Dan Expert was a genuine risk. Yet, the Nirvana Tomb was too critical an opportunity to refuse.
"I accept," Lin Dong replied, his tone firm.
Moments later, they stood facing each other in the compound's central training arena. Lin Chen, his confidence bordering on smugness, launched his attack, a torrent of powerful, refined Yuan Power strikes.
Lin Dong met the blows, but he was clearly outmatched in raw power. He endured five moves, his body trembling with the strain, the defensive barrier of his Yuan Power starting to crack.
Then, Lin Dong's black eyes flashed with an almost imperceptible light. He unleashed his mental power… the might of a Third Seal Symbol Master… not in a direct attack, but as a subtle, overwhelming wave of spiritual pressure directed solely at Lin Chen's consciousness.
Lin Chen's movements instantly froze, he couldn't even move as the invisible mental energy of Lin Dong kept him firmly in place despite his full force.
The old man, Elder Lin Tao, placed a stern hand on Lin Chen's shoulder. "Enough, Lin Chen. Focus on your training and temper your arrogance. You lost."
Lin Chen, though unwilling, bit back his retort and spoke stiffly. "I admit defeat."
Elder Lin Tao then turned to Lin Zhentian, a genuine smile replacing his stern expression. "Congratulations, Your branch family has produced a true genius. His mental cultivation is quite impressive. He will do well in the upcoming main Lin Clan competition."
With the challenge settled and the unspoken acknowledgment of Lin Dong's talent, the main clan members retreated from the matter. Lin Dong had proven his right to join the hunt for the treasure in the Old Tomb alongside them. The group would now simply await the preparation completion and depart as a unified Lin Clan team.
…
Next day,
Lin Dong, riding his mount Xiao Yan, while Lin Ke'er, Lin Chen, and other members riding carriage along with the elder Lin Tao.
Lin Tao glanced at the mount flame lion, showed a surprised expression as it is a yuan dan realm beast. He then spoke looking at Lin Dong, his voice dropping to a low, measured tone that only those in the carriage could hear.
"Lin Dong, you must understand the gravity of this situation," Lin Tao began, his gaze steady. "The people you see here, myself included, are merely the advance party, the scouting team. The true force of the main Lin Clan, the capital's elite, is not yet here. They will arrive only when we reach there."
Lin Dong nodded calmly, absorbing the crucial information.
"Precisely," Lin Tao confirmed. "And to hold the line, if necessary. The Nirvana Tomb is a collective opportunity for the entire Great Yan Empire. The other three great clans from the capital… the Wang, the Qin, and the Huangpu Clans will send their own formidable representatives, just as we have… we must observe, report, and secure the initial key positions for the main family's entry."
The journey was swift under Elder Lin Tao's commanding pace. Soon, the distant peaks of the Sky Flame Mountain Range grew into a vast, imposing wall of stone and ancient forest. As they neared the foothills, the increase in spiritual energy fluctuations and the sheer density of human auras became palpable.
Finally, they arrived.
The sight before them was a cauldron of activity. An open, slightly elevated plain was completely filled with cultivators. Hundreds of tents, representing dozens of different powers… major sects, minor gangs, and well-organized scouting parties… were gathered, their attention focused on a single point in the distance: a colossal, shimmering veil of invisibility that hung suspended between two towering mountain peaks.
This was the protective array, the ancient, colossal barrier shielding the Nirvana Tomb.
The atmosphere was thick with whispered expectation and veiled hostility. Lin Dong's gaze swept across the crowd, taking in the numerous factions. He heard the hushed, reverent whispers of the surrounding cultivators.
"The four great clans of the capital… the Huangpu, the Qin, the Lin, and the Wang will arrive soon… they will truly control this tomb and ransack everything without leaving anything for us."
"Look, those are the scouts from the central families. They are also waiting for their main forces to arrive and break the array."
Lin Dong focused on the massive, invisible shield. Its power was intimidating, seemingly capable of deflecting any attack. He knew that this barrier required immense, collective force or the slow erosion of time to open.
Suddenly, a massive, oppressive wave of Yuan Power… a pressure that felt heavy and suffocating… swept across the entire plain, silencing the crowd. It was not mere cultivation force, but a palpable aura of superiority and profound control. Everyone instinctively looked toward the sky, from where the pressure originated.
Lin Ke'er, a beautiful young woman from the main Clan who had been quietly observing the shield, immediately smiled, her voice ringing with delighted certainty. "Brother Lin Langtian is here!"
Lin Dong's eyes narrowed instantly, his gaze following the line of sight toward the heavens. A giant, magnificent eagle, rendered entirely in a striking, deep crimson red, circled majestically against the blue sky. The eagle was immense, its wingspan casting a moving shadow over the gathered crowd.
Sitting upon the eagle's back, a figure of peerless elegance and undeniable power, was Lin Langtian. a gentle breeze blowing, his long hair flowing, exuding an extremely carefree air. His demeanor captivated many.
The capital's young Lin Clan members in the caravan immediately erupted in joyous shouts of greeting, their previous tension dissolving into adoration for their 'Big Brother.'
...