Chapter 258: The Triple Dynasty Alliance
Under the dark night sky, the city grew eerily silent, as if holding its breath. Hidden gazes from every corner of Myriad City looked on in shock. Luo Tong, who had held the top rank on the Earth Rankings for months and achieved the Fourth Nirvana Stage, had been forced to retreat after a swift defeat by Lin Jinwu, who had recently risen to prominence.
"Is this guy insane?" whispered someone, their gaze lingering on Jinwu, whose body radiated a powerful chill in the dim night. No one had expected Luo Tong, a known force, to fall so utterly.
Although Jinwu had claimed the top spot on the Earth Rankings, the list factored in both potential and raw power. Luo Tong had held first place for ages without being challenged, and Jinwu was technically only at the peak of the Third Nirvana Stage, making him an unlikely match for Luo Tong. Yet the outcome had shocked everyone: Luo Tong had been soundly beaten.
It also seemed reckless; attacking Luo Tong was as good as issuing a challenge to the Fengyun Dynasty.
"The leaders of the Fengyun Dynasty won't let this go lightly," murmured another onlooker. "And there's also the Great Qian Dynasty and the Great Zhao Dynasty, both of whom seem to have issues with Lin Langtian. Looks like this dark horse from the northwest has picked fights with all three major dynasties."
The night air buzzed with murmurs of speculation. People imagined it wouldn't be long before the clash between these ancient powers and this rising star unfolded dramatically in Myriad City.
As Luo Tong retreated, Jinwu did not pursue him but returned to the courtyard, where Su Kui watched in awe.
"Such a fierce fighter," Su Kui muttered, realizing once again just how powerful Jinwu was. With an ally like him, no wonder Lin Langtian felt so confident. If the Flame Alliance boasted even a couple more fighters on Jinwu's level, they would be a match for any of the super dynasties.
"Big Brother, you're back!" Jinwu called out excitedly as he noticed Lin Langtian had emerged from his training.
"Yes," Lin Langtian replied with a faint smile. "That was well done, defeating a Fourth Nirvana Stage fighter at your level."
Jinwu grinned at the compliment, scratching his head. "Still, I have a long way to go compared to you, Big Brother."
No sooner had he spoken than Jinwu's energy flared, sending a surge of force through the air as his power skyrocketed. Lin Langtian watched with some surprise as crimson flames began to erupt from Jinwu's body. The ground itself was scorched, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake, and among the flames, Lin Langtian caught sight of black embers flickering here and there.
"Nirvana Demon Flame… Jinwu, you're about to break through to the Fourth Nirvana Stage," Lin Langtian observed with pleasant surprise.
"Yes," Jinwu replied with a calm smile. "The Nirvana Stage is no barrier for me, and my fight with Luo Tong has provided the perfect opportunity to break through."
To ordinary humans and even certain beasts, the Nirvana Stage was a daunting series of hurdles, but to Jinwu—a Nine-Hell Black Golden Crow—such obstacles were almost insignificant.
"I'd expect nothing less from the Nine-Hell Black Golden Crow. Truly impressive," Lin Langtian thought to himself, quietly awed by Jinwu's rapid growth.
As Jinwu began preparing for his next tribulation, a different scene unfolded in the city's southern region atop a high stone platform. Two figures sat there, a game of chess between them. Suddenly, a breeze carried the scent of blood, and a figure landed on the platform in a haggard state, standing respectfully behind the two seated figures. It was none other than Luo Tong, beaten and humiliated by Jinwu.
"Lin Langtian… it's said he holds the ancient inheritance of one of the Four Great Mysterious Sects and even snatched spoils from the Great Zhao Dynasty," one of the seated figures mused, his gaze flickering over Luo Tong. "For a lowborn, he's certainly ambitious, and his subordinates are certainly powerful."
"Lin Jinwu was indeed formidable. That ice energy he wielded was especially bizarre," Luo Tong muttered, head bowed.
"True, but it's not the full picture. What matters is that we still don't know Lin Langtian's strength," said the other seated man, who had a sickly pale complexion tinged with an almost unnatural hint of blood. He lifted his head, his eyes cold.
"Based on what we've seen, it's safe to assume that Lin Langtian himself is strong," Luo Tong responded, frowning. "But he's refusing to surrender Su Rou. What should we do?"
"The girl is essential to our plans," said the pale man, tapping a finger against the chessboard. "With her power, we could make a substantial impact in the Hundred Dynasty War. Even against the top competitors, we'd be unmatched."
"If he won't cooperate, then we'll deal with him. We can unite with the Great Qian Dynasty and Great Zhao Dynasty and take him down," he continued, a predatory smile crossing his face.
Luo Tong's eyes gleamed with an eager malice as he nodded in agreement.
"Reach out to the Great Qian Dynasty and the Great Zhao Dynasty. Lin Langtian is too dangerous for us alone. But together, the combined power of three super dynasties will overwhelm him. If he holds even more of the ancient sect's treasure than we've heard, his worth may rival the legendary heavenly-grade treasures at the upcoming auction."
The man's eyes gleamed with greed as he spoke, his scarred face twisting into a menacing expression.
"Luo Tong, take time to recover. Let them feel safe for a few days, and then we'll settle all accounts," he commanded, placing a piece on the board with a loud click. A violent burst of energy followed, shattering every piece on the board to powder.
"Yes," Luo Tong responded, bowing and withdrawing.
"This is such an annoyance," muttered the scarred man. "But Lin Langtian leaves us no choice. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gone to the trouble of bringing in the Great Qian and Great Zhao Dynasties."
"Don't worry," the pale man replied calmly. "Once Lin Langtian is defeated and the ancient sect's treasures are divided between us, they'll leave. All we need is Su Rou."
His expression darkened as he concluded, his voice cold and resolute.
"But one thing is certain: this triple alliance must annihilate Lin Langtian!"
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