Chapter 553: The Tiger Devouring Army and Brothers Reunited
Over the next several days, Lin Langtian and Lin Dong remained in the Nine-Tailed Fox Village.
Although located within the chaotic Beast War Region, this place retained a rare tranquility, completely at odds with the strife and turmoil outside.
During their stay, information continued to flow in daily, primarily about Xiao Yan and Jin Wu, as Lin Langtian and Lin Dong had entrusted the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan to search for clues regarding their companions' whereabouts.
Unfortunately, none of these updates brought the results they desired. Clearly, the Nine-Tailed Clan was somewhat limited in terms of intelligence gathering. Nevertheless, both Lin Langtian and Lin Dong were patient by nature, thus remaining calm and undisturbed by these setbacks.
Atop a massive, ancient tree within the village, Lin Langtian and Lin Dong sat lazily, leaning against its thick trunk. Both men had their eyes half-closed, quietly enjoying the warmth of sunlight filtering through gaps in the leaves—a rare moment of peace.
"Hm?"
Just then, Lin Langtian and Lin Dong simultaneously sensed something, their gazes shifting sharply toward the village entrance. From that direction, clouds of thick dust rose suddenly, accompanied by the distant rumbling of galloping horses.
"Hahaha, people of the Nine-Tailed Clan, come out and deliver your tribute for this year!"
The booming laughter echoed loudly, spreading throughout the village and shaking the sky itself.
As the dust cleared, a massive formation of fierce-looking men appeared at the village outskirts. Their aura surged forth aggressively, even causing the clouds overhead to darken ominously.
Observing the hostile scene unfolding, Lin Langtian and Lin Dong exchanged a glance, both frowning slightly.
Their narrowed eyes soon settled upon the front of the army, focusing on a burly man. The man's upper body was bare, his skin gleaming darkly, resembling polished black stone. An aura of untamed ferocity radiated from him as he sat confidently atop a massive blood-red bat, his face twisted in a smug grin directed toward the village.
Moments after his bold proclamation, ripples appeared on the defensive barrier enveloping the Nine-Tailed Village. Shortly afterward, Aunt Xin led several clan elders out, meeting the intruders face-to-face.
"Hehe, Chief Xin, it's time to hand over your tribute. You know how much, don't you?" the man atop the blood-red bat lazily called out, smiling down arrogantly.
"So, it's Sir Qin Gang…" Aunt Xin replied politely, nodding slightly. She waved a delicate hand, sending a Qiankun pouch flying directly toward Qin Gang. "Here are ten million Xuan Yuan Pills."
Qin Gang effortlessly caught the pouch, glanced inside briefly, and casually tossed it back to his subordinate. Chuckling, he remarked, "Chief Xin is always so accommodating."
"Our Nine-Tailed Clan still relies on Hundred Beast Ridge for protection. Naturally, these tributes are necessary," Aunt Xin answered softly, lowering her gaze.
"Is that really what you think, Chief Xin?" Qin Gang questioned mockingly, his eyes narrowing slyly.
Aunt Xin stiffened slightly but eventually nodded again, maintaining her composed demeanor.
"Where is that little girl Xin Qing? Since she's back, why isn't she here to greet me personally?" Qin Gang suddenly asked, smirking provocatively.
Aunt Xin's expression quickly shifted, hurriedly responding, "Sir Qin Gang, my daughter remains outside training and has not returned yet."
"You think our Hundred Beast Ridge's eyes are just for decoration?" Qin Gang sneered coldly, staring intently at Aunt Xin. "You know my feelings for Xin Qing. If she agrees to come with me, your Nine-Tailed Clan will fully receive the protection of Hundred Beast Ridge, and there'll be no need for such hefty tributes every year. Can't you see the benefit in that?"
Aunt Xin's expression turned complicated, indecision visible in her eyes.
"I'll wait right here today. If you refuse to hand over Xin Qing, then I'll just have to enter your village and search myself," Qin Gang declared coldly, folding his arms across his chest arrogantly.
The atmosphere instantly became tense, Aunt Xin and the clan elders looking grim yet powerless, unable to resist openly.
Witnessing their peaceful moment disturbed, Lin Langtian's expression turned slightly displeased. Qin Gang's strength matched roughly that of Cao Ying, and despite his Hundred Beast Ridge backing, he posed little threat to Lin Langtian.
Just as Lin Langtian prepared to step in, his gaze suddenly shifted beyond the village. Another distant rumbling sound echoed across the plains, dust clouds rising rapidly. Another large group of troops charged toward them, soon becoming clearly visible.
Leading them was a waving flag bearing the character "Mountain."
"That's Meng Shan, the Mountain General from Thunder Abyss Mountain!"
Qin Gang's brows furrowed upon recognizing the newcomers, clearly annoyed by their unexpected appearance.
"Qin Gang? Didn't expect to see you here," a thin man with strange, yellowish skin covered in tiny scales sneered contemptuously at Qin Gang, clearly hostile.
"General Meng Shan, I believe it's not yet Thunder Abyss Mountain's turn to collect tribute?" Aunt Xin interjected warily.
Meng Shan chuckled maliciously, eyeing Aunt Xin briefly before responding, "I'm not here for your tributes today. I've heard two arrogant humans recently entered our Beast War Region. They're staying at your Nine-Tailed Village, correct?"
Aunt Xin's expression immediately changed. Before she could reply, a calm voice interrupted clearly.
"You're looking for my brother?"
Within the village, Lin Langtian and Lin Dong stepped forward calmly, Lin Dong's expression turning slightly colder as he faced Meng Shan.
"Hmph, so you two are Lin Langtian and Lin Dong? The Beast War Region belongs to us beasts. I'll give you one chance—leave immediately and never return. Otherwise, this land will become your grave!" Meng Shan threatened coldly.
"If we refuse?" Lin Dong responded quietly, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Then you're asking for death! Men, capture these two immediately!" Meng Shan commanded arrogantly. Behind him, his troops' eyes turned fierce, powerful auras surging forth.
As tensions escalated, the ground suddenly trembled violently, interrupting everyone. All eyes turned sharply towards the horizon, spotting a massive black tide approaching rapidly—a vast army carrying a terrifying aura of ruthless killing intent.
"It's the Flame General's Tiger Devouring Army!"
Gasps and cries of fear spread throughout the gathered forces. Qin Gang and Meng Shan's expressions turned pale, their troops visibly trembling.
The infamous Tiger Devouring Army was known throughout the Beast War Region as an unstoppable force, personally commanded by Thunder Abyss Mountain's most ruthless general—General Flame. A monstrous figure whose rapid rise in power had shocked everyone in just over a year.
Lin Dong frowned deeply, sensing the overwhelming murderous intent, while Lin Langtian remained calm, already suspecting the identity of their visitor—none other than Lin Yan, their missing brother.
As the formidable army approached, its presence overshadowed all else, silencing everyone. At the army's center stood a towering figure emanating terrifying savagery, eyes burning crimson—General Flame himself, whose reputation for violence struck fear into even the bravest hearts.
The dark tide swiftly split through the ranks of Qin Gang and Meng Shan's troops without resistance, halting abruptly outside the village, instilling further awe.
From the ranks, the imposing figure of General Flame strode forward, earth quaking beneath each heavy step. Ignoring Meng Shan entirely, he moved straight toward Lin Langtian and Lin Dong.
Stopping before the two, the fearsome general suddenly dropped onto one knee, shocking all present. His red eyes, notorious for their cruelty, filled unexpectedly with emotion.
"Eldest Brother… Brother Langtian," his deep, gravelly voice echoed quietly, overflowing with heartfelt emotion.
Absolute silence filled the air as everyone stared blankly at the incredible scene. General Flame—the cruelest and most feared warrior of Thunder Abyss Mountain—was actually kneeling humbly before two human youths, eyes moist with tears.
To anyone familiar with his fearsome reputation, this image was utterly surreal. If anyone had dared suggest General Flame was capable of shedding tears, they'd have been branded insane. Yet, reality proved otherwise.
Bewildered gazes turned toward Lin Langtian and Lin Dong, filled with astonishment and confusion. Who exactly were these two humans that could make even the merciless General Flame willingly bow in reverence?
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