Chapter 515: Bestowment and Breakthrough
The Devouring Emperor?
Upon seeing the profound, extraordinary black-robed figure, both Lin Langtian and Tang Xinlian momentarily paused, their gazes filled with reverence as they observed him closely. Curiosity appeared on their faces: could this indeed be the legendary Devouring Emperor, the former master of the Devouring Ancestral Symbol and lord of the Devouring Palace?
"I never imagined that my act of self-sacrifice to seal away the demon back then would not have completely destroyed it. Instead, it required aid from future generations thousands of years later. I truly feel ashamed," the black-robed figure said softly, his gaze sweeping over the dispersed demonic energy and the slain Yimo King.
"Senior's sacrifice was righteous and benefited future generations. It's only right for us to assist," Lin Langtian respectfully replied with clasped hands, his demeanor serious and filled with genuine admiration.
Tang Xinlian and the others similarly bowed, expressing their gratitude toward this predecessor for his courageous defense of the Tianxuan Continent.
The Devouring Emperor observed them warmly, nodding slightly as his eyes lingered on Lin Langtian. "In those ancient days, countless supreme experts perished defending our Tianxuan Continent against the Yimo. It is a relief to see such exceptional talent again. Perhaps fate has not abandoned Tianxuan."
Though merely a lingering spiritual remnant now, the Devouring Emperor had once stood at the pinnacle of power within the Chaotic Demon Sea. His keen insight immediately discerned Lin Langtian's uniqueness, especially after witnessing his mysterious Bloodline Link, whose origins even he could not pinpoint.
This strange force felt alien—as if it did not belong to their world.
Thinking this, the Devouring Emperor recalled the ancient Symbol Ancestor, who, legends said, had saved the Tianxuan Continent from calamity. It was rumored that even the great Symbol Ancestor himself was not originally from this plane.
His gaze upon Lin Langtian thus became hopeful. Thousands of years ago, it had been the Symbol Ancestor who turned the tides, saving Tianxuan from annihilation. Now, with the Yimo clan still lurking in the shadows, perhaps Lin Langtian was destined to fulfill a similar role.
Shaking his head gently, the Devouring Emperor sighed, "Devouring Ancestral Symbol and Spatial Ancestral Symbol—I never thought someone could simultaneously possess two Ancestral Symbols. I myself attempted it once but never succeeded. Who would have imagined I'd witness this miracle after thousands of years in you, young friend?"
He paused thoughtfully, continuing with concern: "In the future, you must be extremely careful. Even I, who possessed only one Ancestral Symbol, became the target of the Yimo clan's massive assault."
"Were the Yimo who attacked the Devouring Palace very powerful?" Tang Xinlian asked curiously.
"Indeed," the Emperor replied calmly. "One Yimo King, two Yimo Generals, and numerous commanders led the assault."
"A Yimo King and two Generals?!" Tang Xinlian's expression changed drastically, clearly shaken.
A Yimo King was comparable to a peak Reincarnation-stage expert, and even Yimo Generals equaled Samsara-level powerhouses. Such a lineup was formidable. Even her Flame Divine Palace might not have withstood such an assault. No wonder the Devouring Palace had been devastated.
"They attacked me as I was undergoing my Reincarnation Tribulation," the Emperor continued with pride. "Yet even then, gravely wounded, I managed to slay two Generals and seal away the Yimo King."
Lin Langtian was surprised, quickly catching the implication. "At that time, Senior hadn't yet reached the Reincarnation stage?"
"If I had succeeded in transcending the tribulation," the Emperor replied confidently, "they would have needed several Yimo Kings to even threaten my Devouring Palace."
Lin Langtian nodded thoughtfully, understanding clearly that the Devouring Emperor was not just any ordinary Samsara-level expert. With the aid of the Devouring Ancestral Symbol, his strength had nearly matched true Reincarnation-stage powerhouses.
"When I fell, I sent the Devouring Ancestral Symbol away to ensure it wouldn't fall into their hands," the Emperor explained. "Luckily, that risky move allowed you, young friend, to inherit it and slay the revived Yimo King. I consider myself fortunate."
Lin Langtian asked curiously, "Senior, which holder of the Devouring Ancestral Symbol were you?"
"If memory serves, before me, only the Devouring Master wielded it," the Emperor replied thoughtfully.
"So, you were its second wielder," Lin Langtian murmured.
"I indeed once dreamed of becoming like the Devouring Master," the Emperor sighed regretfully. "But fate was unkind, and instead, I drew the wrath of the Yimo."
Lin Langtian sympathized deeply. Without that tragedy, this talented man might have become humanity's supreme expert.
"Enough of past sorrows," the Emperor said suddenly, focusing again on Lin Langtian. "Young friend, are you willing to inherit my legacy?"
Lin Langtian's expression brightened instantly. Even Tang Xinlian showed clear envy. Receiving the legacy of someone approaching the Reincarnation stage was an invaluable fortune.
"I am willing," Lin Langtian affirmed resolutely.
Pleased, the Emperor nodded. "Since you already lead a faction at your young age, accept this gift to aid your future endeavors."
With a wave of his sleeve, the space around them rippled, a mysterious ancient pavilion shimmering into view from the void. Lin Langtian felt his heart stir with excitement.
"What is this?" Lin Langtian asked respectfully.
"This is the Scripture Pavilion of the Devouring Palace," the Emperor explained proudly. "Within are countless martial arts techniques. Thousands at the Creation Rank, hundreds at the Spirit Rank, dozens at the Heaven Rank, including our palace's most profound art, the Devouring Scripture."
Lin Langtian's eyes lit up instantly. This was an unimaginable gift! As the newly formed Heavenly Palace desperately needed cultivation techniques to strengthen its foundations, this Scripture Pavilion alone could tremendously boost his faction's strength.
"Many thanks, Senior!" Lin Langtian expressed heartfelt gratitude, bowing deeply. With such a treasury, the Heavenly Palace's future was assured.
"You are welcome. Use it wisely," the Emperor replied warmly.
Then, raising his palm again, a dark rune emerged, expanding into a massive pillar of light. "This Devouring Rune contains my remaining power. I sense you're close to breaking into the Death Profound Realm. Allow me to assist."
As he spoke, the massive pillar enveloped Lin Langtian, pouring powerful energy into him. The force was immense, causing Lin Langtian's body to repeatedly rupture and heal violently. Flesh tore open, blood spraying in gruesome explosions. Yet his robust physique repaired itself quickly, new flesh rapidly regenerating beneath the relentless bombardment.
The Emperor observed with quiet admiration, noticing Lin Langtian's exceptional physical resilience. He refrained from intervening further, understanding this harsh ordeal was necessary to achieve a breakthrough. No power came without hardship.
Through this painful process, Lin Langtian sensed mysterious strands of energy gradually integrating with his flesh and bones, rich with the aura of death, a hallmark of the Death Profound Realm. He clearly understood that fully absorbing this energy would mean crossing into the next profound stage.
At that moment, his power surged rapidly, causing even Tang Xinlian and the others to look on in astonishment.
Lin Langtian maintained a calm, focused mind, feeling he was on the cusp of a profound transformation. Even with the Emperor's aid, ascending to the Death Profound Realm was no trivial matter, requiring immense concentration and perseverance.
Thus, inside the Devouring Realm, three days quietly slipped by, unnoticed by the meditating Lin Langtian and those observing him intently…
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