Chapter 321: The Bloodhorn Region
"In the Bloodhorn Region, the Wood Division has a mineral deposit containing Wood Spirit Crystals. Recently, there's been some disturbance there, interfering with our mining operations," Qin Lang explained, his eyes scanning both Zhang Hao and Lin Langtian with his usual friendly demeanor. "Our mission is to investigate the source of this disturbance and eliminate anything hindering the extraction of the Wood Spirit Crystals. Most of our Wood Division disciples are in secluded training right now, so we invited you two from the Fire Division to lend a hand."
Zhang Hao gave a pleased nod, patting his chest with a confident smile. "Of course! I'd be more than willing to assist the Wood Division!"
On the surface, Lin Langtian appeared calm, nodding in understanding, but inwardly he felt a heightened sense of caution. He was almost certain now that this mission was, in part, an intentional setup. But with no choice but to proceed, he resolved to take each step as it came, dealing with whatever the Wood Division might throw his way.
Upon hearing mention of the Wood Spirit Crystals, Lin Langtian felt a spark of interest. Wood Spirit Crystals were rare energy-rich stones that contained potent wood-element energy. They were a precious cultivation resource, invaluable for any powerful practitioner specializing in wood-element arts. For the Wood Division, these crystal mines were an essential resource.
However, Lin Langtian's interest in the Wood Spirit Crystals wasn't out of concern for the Wood Division. Instead, he thought of his own need for such crystals. Since cultivating the Aoki Primal Tree in his internal realm, he had seen significant growth in the tree's strength, but it still required a steady supply of wood-element energy to reach full maturity. Wood Spirit Crystals would be ideal for this.
With the possibility of obtaining Wood Spirit Crystals, Lin Langtian's interest in this mission grew. If he could obtain enough, he'd have a powerful advantage through the next level of the Wood Sovereign Technique, greatly boosting his strength.
The Bloodhorn Region was a considerable distance from Yuan Gate, and though the giant eagle's flight speed was swift, it still took around eight days of travel to reach their destination. On the morning of the eighth day, Lin Langtian noticed a shift in the landscape. Beyond the lush forests in the distance lay a reddish expanse, spreading out to the horizon like blood-stained earth. The faint scent of danger seemed to rise from the ground itself.
As they approached, Lin Langtian felt a change in the surrounding atmosphere. The air grew dense, thick with chaotic, menacing energies, and from the shadows, sinister gazes occasionally glinted at the eagle passing above. The Bloodhorn Region was undoubtedly a perilous place.
"Stay alert. The Bloodhorn Region is home to many rogue cultivators, including Life and Profound Realm fugitives from both the Western and Northern Xuan continents," Qin Lang warned from his position at the eagle's head.
"Life and Profound Realm experts…" Lin Langtian muttered, his expression tightening. This region was truly as dangerous as the rumors claimed.
"Let's head to the mining site first. Some of our Yuan Gate disciples are stationed there," Qin Lang commanded, and the giant eagle swiftly adjusted its course, gaining speed.
After another half hour of flight, Lin Langtian spotted a green mountain range, where buildings and figures moved within the dense forest below. Qin Lang expertly directed the eagle to slow its descent, guiding it to land gracefully on a stone platform atop a mountain.
As soon as they dismounted, they heard a sound of rushing wind, and more than ten figures hurried over. Judging by the emblems on their chests, these were fellow disciples of Yuan Gate.
The approaching disciples, upon recognizing Qin Lang, quickly put away their alert expressions, replacing them with looks of respect and deference.
"Senior Brother!"
A young squad leader hurried over, showing utmost reverence as he greeted Qin Lang.
Among the Yuan Gate disciples, the Three Kings and Eight Spirit Generals held the highest status among the younger generation. In some respects, their authority even rivaled that of certain elders.
Qin Lang gave a slight nod and gestured toward Lin Langtian and Zhang Hao. "These are two chief disciples from the Fire Division, here to help us on this mission."
Qin Lang's gaze lingered on Lin Langtian as he continued with a smile. "This is Lin Langtian, the current champion of the Hundred Dynasties Battle. He's only been in the sect for two months, yet he's already risen to the rank of chief disciple, making quite a name for himself in Yuan Gate."
"Lin Langtian?" The squad leader blinked, giving Lin Langtian a scrutinizing look before his brow furrowed. "Senior Brother, why would we involve the Fire Division in our Wood Division matters? Aren't we just inviting outsiders to make us a laughingstock?"
Lin Langtian was taken aback by the disciple's bluntness. He hadn't expected the Eight Divisions of Yuan Gate to have such deep internal divisions. Without the Three Grandmasters holding everything together, would the sect's unity even survive?
This comment only reinforced Lin Langtian's suspicions that the Wood Division had ulterior motives in inviting him here.
Qin Lang quickly intervened, waving a hand to stop the squad leader. "What is this talk of divisions? We, the Eight Divisions of Yuan Gate, are all branches of the same tree. Lin Langtian and Zhang Hao are esteemed chief disciples of the Fire Division, possessing both power and status. Their support is a valuable addition to this mission."
The squad leader couldn't argue with Qin Lang's logic, though his expression showed lingering doubt. Nodding, he accepted the explanation with a respectful bow.
"We've prepared accommodations for you," the squad leader offered. "Would you like to rest for a bit?"
"No need," Qin Lang replied coldly. "Take us to the site of the disturbance. If someone's behind this, I'll show no mercy."
The squad leader hesitated, then nodded. "Understood. I'll take you to the site now."
As the squad leader turned to lead them, Qin Lang shot Lin Langtian a long, assessing look before following.
Lin Langtian narrowed his eyes slightly but followed without complaint, all while observing the tight watch the Wood Division disciples kept around him. For now, he had no choice but to keep pace.
As Lin Langtian and the others disappeared deeper into the mountainous terrain, far away in the shadow of a distant peak, a pair of cold, predatory eyes observed their departure before vanishing into the darkness.
(End of Chapter)
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