Chapter 643: Aid for the Nine Heavens Taixuan Palace
"Who dares rampage within Heavenly City?"
As Lin Langtian appeared, furious shouts rang across the sky.
Multiple sharp whooshes followed as several elder figures rose into the air, glaring coldly at him. With a united shout of "Seal!", they thrust out their hands.
The space above Heavenly City instantly solidified.
Yet just as everyone assumed the intruder would be forced to a halt, they watched, stunned, as the streak of light not only failed to stop but abruptly accelerated.
Before their shocked eyes, it punched cleanly through the frozen space and materialized ghost‑like behind the elders.
"Hehe, only a year away and the defenses have grown this strict?"
The light faded, revealing a handsome young man in azure robes, smiling softly.
"And you are…?"
The elders eyed Lin Langtian warily. After what they had just seen, none dared underestimate the youth's pretty features.
There was a faint pressure around him that only their Grand Elder normally evoked.
Below, the commotion in the sky drew the attention of the training disciples in Heavenly City. They stared up in amazement.
It was the first time they had ever seen so many guest elders strike at once and fail to gain even the slightest advantage.
Seeing their confusion, Lin Langtian could only offer a helpless smile. One year away, and almost no one recognized him anymore.
"Palace Lord!"
At last, figures shot out from the main tower. When they spotted Lin Langtian, they froze for a heartbeat, then cried out in delight.
The title made the guest elders and disciples blink in surprise.
Though the Palace Lord's name was well‑known, many newer members had never seen him in person.
"So that's our Palace Lord…"
"Hehe, he's pretty handsome."
"Stop drooling. Someone like that would never look twice at us."
"I heard he used to be the number one genius of the Eastern Xuan Region. I only joined the Heavenly Palace because of his reputation. Never thought I'd actually see him today, haha…"
While the whispers buzzed below, a yellow‑robed elder among the guest elders hurried forward, bowing respectfully.
Though older in years, he knew his place. Lin Langtian, as Palace Lord, was the king of this city. A single misstep in etiquette could not be afforded.
"You flatter me, Elder."
Lin Langtian smiled, letting his gaze sweep across the city. A glimmer of approval flickered in his eyes.
In just one year, Heavenly Palace had completely transformed. With this many experts holding the line, even Yuan Gate would be hard‑pressed to make a move.
From the auras he could sense on the surface alone, Heavenly Palace's strength was now at least on par with Dao Sect and the Nine Heavens Taixuan Palace—perhaps even surpassing them.
"Hehe, our absentee Palace Lord finally returns."
As Lin Langtian observed the city, space rippled behind him and a tall figure stepped out—Zhou Tong.
"Senior Zhou."
Lin Langtian greeted him with a slight smile.
"Greetings, Grand Elder!"
At Zhou Tong's appearance, the guest elders bowed hurriedly. With the Palace Lord gone most of the year, Heavenly Palace had relied on Zhou Tong for leadership; his prestige was immense.
"A year apart, and you've grown quite refined."
Zhou Tong chuckled, then gave Lin Langtian a once‑over. Surprise lit his eyes.
"In a single year, you advanced from the Death Profound Stage to the Reincarnation Stage. Looks like your trip bore fruit."
Gasps rippled through the gathered elders.
So this was their Palace Lord. To climb so far, so fast… it was monstrous.
Lin Langtian only smiled. With Zhou Tong's sharp eye, there was no hiding his realm.
"It seems Heavenly Palace has been in good hands this year." he said, glancing around approvingly.
Gone was the rough, hastily‑built aura of a fledgling sect. The city now carried the first hints of a true super sect's heritage.
"With the foundation you laid, I've just been adding polish." Zhou Tong replied with a faint smile.
In his mind, Lin Langtian's feat of building Heavenly Palace from nothing was the truly impressive deed. He was merely expanding on that base.
"Still as modest as ever." Lin Langtian nodded, genuinely pleased.
He had never doubted Zhou Tong's loyalty, but seeing such restraint and perspective still warmed him. A true gentleman, through and through.
"By the way, I have some friends outside. Open the array for them." Lin Langtian added, thinking of Jin Wu and the others.
"Of course."
Without hesitation, Zhou Tong waved a sleeve. The defensive formation shrouding Heavenly City rippled and faded.
Moments later, the sky darkened as a black cloud swept in, murderous intent surging like a tide.
The sudden pressure made many disciples blanch, half‑convinced Yuan Gate had returned for blood.
Relief followed swiftly as word spread that these were the Palace Lord's own forces.
The black cloud descended upon a vast training platform, resolving into thousands of black‑armored Blackfiend soldiers standing motionless as statues.
Their killing intent and discipline drew even Zhou Tong's brows together.
In a few breaths, several figures rose to join Lin Langtian in the air, and introductions were made.
Jin Wu and the others greeted Zhou Tong politely; though they were here for Lin Langtian, Zhou Tong's own strength earned their respect.
"Tell me about Yuan Gate." Lin Langtian said at last, cold light glinting in his eyes. "We've only just returned from the Demon Region and don't fully understand their current state."
"Half a year ago, Yuan Gate launched their war." Zhou Tong began. "At first, only a few super sects were targeted, and always with excuses.
"The rest grumbled at their overbearing ways, but none wished to offend them over others' problems."
He frowned.
"Then Yuan Gate bared its fangs. They declared war on every super sect at once.
"Worse, their strength soared to terrifying levels. The number of Reincarnation experts under them spiked. The other sects simply couldn't withstand the assault and were broken one by one.
"At this point, aside from those who bent the knee and us Heavenly Palace, only Dao Sect and the Nine Heavens Taixuan Palace remain."
"Three months ago, Yuan Gate sent a massive force against us—five Reincarnation experts alone.
"Fortunately, I held three while our other experts restrained the remaining two. Without that, Heavenly Palace would have been in grave danger."
Dugu Qi, standing at Lin Langtian's side, stroked his beard and added, "Two of those five were Zhao Kui and Li Gang. The very same you just slew."
"I've already killed them." Lin Langtian said mildly.
The guest elders blinked, then bowed with renewed fervor.
"Palace Lord's might is unmatched!"
"Some of Yuan Gate's Reincarnation auras are unstable." Zhou Tong continued thoughtfully. "They don't feel like natural breakthroughs—more like… forced growth."
"Even so, they're terrifying. In the past, a single Reincarnation expert could rule a sect."
"They've drawn on the power of the Otherworldly Demons." Lin Langtian said quietly.
"Otherworldly Demons?"
Zhou Tong's expression darkened. After his time imprisoned by Yuan Gate's three giants, he knew all too well what that meant.
"They've likely had Demon Seeds planted in them, letting them wield a portion of that alien power." Lin Langtian went on.
"Demon Seeds, then…" Zhou Tong muttered, face growing grim. Memories of his captivity flashed behind his eyes.
"It seems Yuan Gate has finally torn off its mask. They think they can sweep the Eastern Xuan Region?"
"Foolish dreams. They're nothing but cannon fodder to the Otherworldly Demons." Lin Langtian snorted.
Zhou Tong blinked, then chuckled softly. Knowing Lin Langtian, such confidence would not be idle.
"Their three Sect Masters, Tian Yuanzi and the others, haven't shown themselves since the war began." he added.
"Keeping out of sight, are they…"
Lin Langtian wasn't surprised. Those three dogs were no doubt busy using demon power to break into the Samsara Stage.
"We've also heard rumblings of a major move. All signs point to us as the target.
"Yuan Gate hates Heavenly Palace to the bone. We're the only ones still standing firm. If they come again, it will be with a plan to destroy us outright." Zhou Tong said.
"For now, though, they don't know you've returned. With our current strength, we can face them without fear."
Lin Langtian smiled thinly. "A major move, hm? Then we'll give them the welcome they deserve."
Zhou Tong nodded. In this, at least, they were of one mind.
"So long as they dare to come, Heavenly Palace will fight them to the end and settle this once and for all."
"Palace Lord! Grand Elder!"
A figure shot toward them, voice tight with urgency.
"What is it?" Lin Langtian asked, turning.
"Palace Lord, Yuan Gate has moved."
"Oh?"
"Are they attacking us?"
"No. They're not coming for Heavenly Palace. They've gone to besiege the Nine Heavens Taixuan Palace.
"From what we've heard, Nine Heavens has been losing ground. The sect is on the verge of collapse."
"Nine Heavens Taixuan Palace…"
Lin Langtian's face darkened at once.
"What are our orders, Palace Lord?" Dugu Qi asked. "Do we aid them—or hold our ground?"
He had his suspicions regarding Lin Langtian and Ling Qingzhu. Going to Nine Heavens' aid would split their forces.
If this was a ploy to lure them away and Yuan Gate struck Heavenly Palace instead, the consequences could be dire.
But if they stayed put, Nine Heavens would almost certainly fall, and Ling Qingzhu might die with it.
Lin Langtian had considered the same risk. He hesitated only a heartbeat before his eyes hardened.
"Prepare to move. We're going to support the Nine Heavens Taixuan Palace."
The lone, cold figure in his heart could never be erased.
He had no intention of letting her stand alone.
"Yes!"
Jin Wu and the senior Heavenly Palace members responded at once and rushed off. Moments later, alarm bells rang throughout the palace.
As Heavenly Palace stirred into motion, Lin Langtian exhaled slowly and turned to Zhou Tong.
"Senior Zhou, I'll have to trouble you to guard Heavenly Palace."
Zhou Tong shook his head lightly. "That is my duty.
"But Yuan Gate is treacherous beyond measure. You must take care, Palace Lord."
Lin Langtian's lips curved in a faint smile. "Don't worry. Yuan Gate may be strong—but I'm not exactly easy prey.
"However many they send, I'll see that none return."
Zhou Tong couldn't help smiling back.
Without realizing it, the youth who had once relied on special tricks to hold his ground had grown into a true peak expert of the continent.
(END CHAPTER)
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