Chapter 527: Answers and the Competition Begins
"So that's the famous Fire Fairy of the Chaotic Demon Sea? She truly lives up to her name..."
With Tang Xinlian's appearance, the three Gu sisters standing beside Lin Langtian couldn't help but express admiration in their eyes.
Tang Xinlian was not only the Flame Divine Hall Master's prized direct disciple known as the Fire Fairy, but she was also the only woman ranked within the top ten of the Newcomer Ranking. It could be said that countless young women in the Chaotic Demon Sea viewed her as their idol.
Therefore, when the Gu sisters personally witnessed Tang Xinlian's presence, they behaved like starstruck fans, unable to hide their excitement.
Seeing how popular Tang Xinlian was even among women, Lin Langtian once again experienced her unique charm. Just as he was about to say something, he noticed out of the corner of his eye that Tang Xinlian was stepping gracefully towards him.
Within the hall, Tang Xinlian was undoubtedly the center of attention. Seeing her approach Lin Langtian directly upon entering, the eyes of everyone present narrowed slightly.
Even the murmurs in the hall quieted significantly, with numerous gazes turning toward the pair. Lin Dong, who stood next to Lin Langtian, also raised an eyebrow, thoughtfully observing Tang Xinlian and Lin Langtian's interaction.
Tang Xinlian stopped right in front of Lin Langtian, her bright eyes locked onto him.
"Xinlian, what's the matter?" Lin Langtian, somewhat uncomfortable under her slightly cold gaze, asked with an awkward smile.
For some reason, Tang Xinlian currently resembled a jealous tigress.
"What were you… doing just now?" Tang Xinlian raised her delicate eyebrows slightly, giving a brief glance at the Gu sisters standing nearby, clearly questioning him.
Although she didn't truly suspect any intimate relationship between Lin Langtian and the three pretty girls, she felt inexplicably annoyed seeing them talking and laughing together.
"Er..." Lin Langtian was momentarily stunned, but after seeing Tang Xinlian's expression, he quickly understood the situation.
Could it be that this fiery tigress was jealous?
Thinking of this possibility, Lin Langtian felt a slight headache coming on. After spending so much time with Tang Xinlian recently, he had gradually understood her personality.
She lived up to her name as the Fire Fairy—not only because of her astonishing beauty but also due to her straightforward and fiery temperament. Unlike Ling Qingzhu's cool aloofness or Ying Xiaoxiao's gentle demeanor, Tang Xinlian was candid, straightforward, and hot-tempered, rarely beating around the bush.
"You sure know how to charm women," Tang Xinlian said, her eyes scanning Lin Langtian critically as she muttered somewhat sourly, "You usually don't seem like that kind of person."
Lin Langtian was speechless. So it turned out Tang Xinlian was unhappy because he usually wasn't proactive enough.
Realizing this, Lin Langtian wisely chose to remain silent.
Attempting explanations now would only further ignite Tang Xinlian's irritation. When it came to romantic relationships, whether in this life or his previous one, Lin Langtian had limited experience and preferred taking things step-by-step. Ironically, this cautious approach was exactly what displeased Tang Xinlian.
"Sister Xinlian, you're misunderstanding Brother Langtian. These three Gu sisters are actually Brother Lin Dong's friends," Mu Lingshan quickly stepped forward, grabbing Tang Xinlian's hand and speaking up in Lin Langtian's defense.
"Oh, is that so…" Hearing this, the coldness on Tang Xinlian's beautiful face slowly faded. However, she still maintained a somewhat irritated expression towards Lin Langtian, clearly unhappy with his reluctance to clarify their relationship.
Seeing this, Lin Langtian smiled wryly. Yet, with so many eyes watching, he couldn't openly discuss certain matters. He immediately tried changing the subject.
"Oh right, Xinlian, let me introduce you. This here is my cousin Lin Dong, whom Master Mo Luo mentioned before. These three young ladies accompanying him are from the Gu Family of the Tianfeng Sea Region."
"Oh, so you're Lin Dong." Hearing Lin Langtian's words, Tang Xinlian temporarily put aside her irritation, turning to carefully inspect Lin Dong for the first time. Realizing he was the youth who had won the Thunder Ancestral Symbol from her teacher, she slightly raised an eyebrow.
"You don't seem as formidable as they described…"
As soon as she finished speaking, a trace of disappointment appeared in her eyes. The Lin Dong standing before her had not yet reached the Profound Death stage. Could this truly be the genius Lin Langtian described as his equal?
"Xinlian, although Dong'er's cultivation might seem slightly lacking right now, his true combat strength certainly isn't inferior to yours. You shouldn't underestimate him," Lin Langtian quickly said upon seeing Tang Xinlian's disdainful gaze.
Tang Xinlian was slightly surprised by Lin Langtian's serious defense of Lin Dong, causing her to immediately withdraw her dismissive attitude. After all, she fully trusted Lin Langtian and believed he would never lie to her.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Tang Xinlian from Flame Divine Hall; please take care of me from now on," Tang Xinlian said with a light shrug and friendly smile towards Lin Dong.
Lin Dong nodded back politely, though he discreetly glanced at Lin Langtian, his intuition telling him there was something unusual between his cousin and this Fire Fairy.
Shortly after, Tang Xinlian suggested Lin Dong visit her teacher, Mo Luo. Accepting this invitation, Lin Dong left for the Flame Divine Hall under the escort of several Flame Guards.
Tang Xinlian then exchanged a meaningful look with Lin Langtian, and amidst countless envious gazes, the two of them exited the Welcoming Pavilion together.
Standing atop a lofty pavilion overlooking the bustling cityscape below, Lin Langtian quietly leaned against a railing, surveying the lively Flame City spread before him. Beside him stood Tang Xinlian, her figure outlined gracefully by her soft red armor, radiating a rare gentle charm exclusive to when she was with him.
For a long time, neither spoke, but this silence didn't feel awkward; instead, it brought them a comforting serenity, as though they were lovers leaning upon each other at the end of the world.
As twilight gradually descended, golden rays of the sunset illuminated Tang Xinlian's graceful form, causing her to glow like a radiant flame fairy. Without thinking, Lin Langtian reached out instinctively to brush away a strand of her loose red hair, inadvertently touching her soft hand.
In that brief contact, their eyes met, and Tang Xinlian's gaze softened further. Finally, biting her red lips lightly, she spoke openly:
"I understand your worries. Perhaps now isn't the best time. But after the Thunder Competition ends, I want to hear your answer."
Immediately after speaking, she turned gracefully and departed, leaving behind only her slender, enchanting silhouette.
Lin Langtian stood silently for a long time, sighing softly in contemplation.
He clearly understood the meaning behind Tang Xinlian's request. He truly admired and was even strongly attracted to this daring and straightforward woman. However, with Mo Luo's dangerous plan soon to be executed, and considering uncertainties surrounding the cunning Yimo, he found it difficult to focus on personal matters at this crucial moment.
Moreover, besides Ling Qingzhu, the gentle and thoughtful Ying Xiaoxiao often occupied his thoughts. Given Tang Xinlian's dominant personality, he couldn't be certain how she'd feel knowing she wouldn't be the only woman in his life.
"Well, I'll take things one step at a time," he sighed quietly to himself.
…
Five days later, Flame City erupted in excitement as the Thunder Competition finally began. This event was the grandest spectacle to occur in the Chaotic Demon Sea in over a decade, attracting countless warriors whose hearts raced with anticipation.
Lin Langtian, Lin Dong, Mu Lingshan, and the Gu sisters gathered together, staring toward the enormous Flame Divine Hall headquarters in the distance.
In the sky above the hall, a sea of people crowded densely, shouting and clamoring excitedly.
Suddenly, a thousand armored Flame Guards burst forth, lining the sky like a fiery sea. Their immense, combined aura silenced the crowd's noise, leaving spectators visibly intimidated.
At the forefront stood Tang Xinlian, holding an exquisite flaming spear, her figure radiating undeniable authority. Her beauty combined with her commanding presence captivated everyone's attention.
Following this, a towering, authoritative figure cloaked in flames appeared—Mo Luo, the Flame Divine Hall Master. With overwhelming power and dignity, he announced the competition's start:
"First, I thank all who have come to participate in the Flame Divine Hall's Thunder Competition. The rules are simple: the winner takes all, and the ultimate champion will claim the Thunder Ancestral Symbol."
Mo Luo raised his hand, summoning a colossal crimson mirror spanning thousands of feet into the air, revealing a vast mountain landscape within.
"This is the Boundless Mirror, containing an independent world. Inside lies Boundless Mountain—your final battlefield."
As Mo Luo's voice faded, the gigantic mountain appeared clearly in the mirror's reflection.
"The Thunder Ancestral Symbol rests atop Boundless Mountain!"
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