READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 99: Chapter 99: The Request and the Journey
Chapter 99: The Request and the Journey
"The Qing Dynasty's Ling family?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Langtian frowned, realizing the implications of the Ling family's involvement in the crystal mine dispute. No wonder Lin Fan was so concerned.
"Clan Leader, what exactly is going on here? Why is the Amethyst Spirit Crystal mine tied up with a power from the Qing Dynasty?" Lin Langtian asked in confusion.
Lin Fan sighed, "It's an unfortunate situation. This mine is technically part of one of our clan's holdings in Daling County. Daling County lies along the Great Flame Empire's border, with this crystal mine right along the dividing line between the two kingdoms. For a long time, the black stone mine there wasn't worth much, so it caused no disputes. But once the discovery of Amethyst Spirit Crystals was announced, it drew the attention of many greedy forces.
"Our clan's strength would normally be enough to deal with such trespassers. But a month ago, the Ling family from the Qing Dynasty declared that a portion of this mine was within their territory. They even went so far as to demand sole ownership of the entire mine, dismissing our claim entirely. It's led to many skirmishes with them, resulting in significant casualties on both sides."
Lin Langtian's frown deepened. The Ling family clearly intended to take the mine without leaving anything for the Lin clan. While the Tianxuan Continent was often ruled by survival of the fittest, the Ling family's blatant disregard for basic decorum was an insult.
"How strong is the Ling family?" Lin Langtian asked, addressing the most critical issue. The Qing Dynasty was a mid-tier kingdom with considerably greater power than the Great Flame Empire. If the Ling family was merely a powerful regional force within the Qing Dynasty, it might not be too concerning. However, if they were one of its top clans, the Lin clan would face a difficult battle.
While the Lin family was one of the most prominent in the Great Flame Empire, their power on the Eastern Profound Domain's larger stage was limited since the empire itself was only a low-tier kingdom. The concern was confirmed by the serious look on Lin Fan's face as he replied, "The Ling family is indeed one of the Qing Dynasty's Six Great Clans. In status, they are comparable to our Four Great Clans in the Great Flame Empire, second only to the royal family."
At this, Lin Langtian's expression fell. The Ling family indeed posed a significant challenge. While they held a similar position within their respective kingdoms, the Six Great Clans of the Qing Dynasty held far greater power than the Four Great Clans of the Great Flame Empire due to their kingdom's overall strength.
Lin Fan continued, "Although the Qing Dynasty's Six Great Clans are all formidable, several of them rival even our Great Flame Empire's royal family. However, the Ling family ranks last among them. Although powerful, they're not significantly stronger than our Lin clan. Right now, they're relying on the Qing Dynasty's reputation to intimidate us."
Hearing this, Lin Langtian let out a slight sigh of relief. If the Ling family's strength had truly equaled that of the Great Flame Empire's royal family, even something as valuable as the Amethyst Spirit Crystal wouldn't be worth the risk. The royal family's leader, Ba Hu Mo Jingtian, was a Nirvana-stage powerhouse who had overcome a Nirvana Calamity, possessing strength that far surpassed ordinary Nirvana practitioners. If the Ling family had such a leader, challenging them would be nearly impossible for Lin Langtian at his current level.
"Since the Ling family is merely posturing, I'd like to go to Daling County myself and see if I can assist," Lin Langtian offered after a moment of consideration.
Though he enjoyed superior training resources at the Lin clan's main estate compared to Lin Dong, cultivating martial prowess required real-world experience. He had spent the past six months in seclusion, and this journey would serve as both a trial and an opportunity to test his strength. Besides, the Amethyst Spirit Crystal was crucial to him, so Lin Langtian was more than willing to make the trip. With his skills and the numerous assets at his disposal, he was confident that the Ling family would be hard-pressed to pose a serious threat.
Surprised by Lin Langtian's volunteerism, Lin Fan smiled approvingly and nodded. "If that's the case, I'll have Elder Lin Zhi accompany you. His Greater Creation Realm strength will be a helpful support. But remember, if the situation becomes dangerous, it's better to abandon the mine than risk your life. Lin Langtian, you are more valuable to our clan than the mine."
At the seriousness of Lin Fan's tone, Lin Langtian felt a warmth rise in his chest. While he knew that much of Lin Fan's concern was rooted in the prospect of him joining a super sect and bringing honor and rewards to the Lin clan, the clan leader's words still had an impact.
"Don't worry, Clan Leader. I will proceed cautiously and avoid any unnecessary risks."
With that assurance, Lin Langtian bid Lin Fan farewell and set off to prepare for the journey.
The next morning, at the gates of the Lin Clan.
A troop of fifty elite cavalry waited silently. Each rider wore fearsome, jet-black armor adorned with fierce tiger and leopard motifs, radiating a powerful aura of killing intent. Passersby from the Lin Clan who noticed the sight displayed a mix of awe and unease. The experienced members knew that these soldiers were part of the clan's elite Tiger-Leopard Cavalry. Only those who reached the Greater Creation Realm could join these ranks, making them the clan's finest fighting force. Their deployment was a clear sign of significant events underway.
Lin Langtian led the troop, mounted on a powerful steed. His imposing figure, calm yet filled with resolve, resembled that of a young general ready for battle. Perched on his shoulder was the striking black-and-gold bird, the Gold Crow, which only added to his commanding presence.
"Is everyone accounted for?" Lin Langtian asked after reviewing the troops.
Lin Zhi nodded and replied, "Yes, sir! The third unit of the Tiger-Leopard Cavalry is assembled and ready to depart on your command."
"Good."
Lin Langtian nodded, then turned toward Qingtan, who was watching from the wall, and gave a parting wave before urging his horse forward, his figure soon obscured by a cloud of dust. Since this was an urgent mission, he'd only had time for a brief farewell. Given Qingtan's unfamiliarity with life at the main estate, Lin Langtian had arranged for her to stay in Yan City for a few days to relieve her homesickness.
Behind him, the Tiger-Leopard Cavalry followed silently yet radiated an overwhelming aura of ferocity. United in their purpose, they followed Lin Langtian's lead down the main road, dust billowing around them as they charged forward.
Their destination: Daling County.
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