Chapter 558: The Outbreak of War
Lin Langtian watched as Huo Miao suddenly appeared, a faint smile lifting the corners of his lips.
He had to admit, though Little Flame's fated partner couldn't quite compare to top-tier heroines like Tang Xinlian or Ling Qingzhu, Huo Miao was definitely among the very best. Coupled with her status as a member of the Beast World's Eight Great Royal Clans, she was truly a fitting match for Little Flame.
Beside him, Lin Dong also smiled slightly, looking toward Huo Miao as he nodded gently. "We'll have to trouble you to look after Little Flame here."
"Little Flame?"
Huo Miao paused for a moment before a strange smile emerged on her face. Clearly, she found it amusing that this fierce fellow, who terrified most people with just a glance, actually had such an unexpectedly cute nickname.
"Big brother…" Little Flame sighed helplessly.
Huo Miao giggled, then as if finding a senior to confide in, she complained, "He doesn't need my care. And even if he did, I wouldn't have the courage."
"What nonsense are you saying in front of my brothers?" Little Flame frowned, his tone growing heavy.
Huo Miao pouted, visibly irritated by his attitude. She huffed, turning away indignantly, but as she left, she subtly whispered a cautious reminder:
"Be careful today."
Lin Langtian, Lin Dong, and Little Flame exchanged glances, their eyes narrowing slightly. Evidently, this banquet was going to be far from peaceful.
Even so, despite knowing Xu Zhong was plotting something sinister, the trio showed no signs of worry. They casually settled into their seats, leisurely enjoying the lavish feast.
As time passed, the vast grand hall gradually became livelier and livelier.
Dong!
Amidst the festive atmosphere, a deep bell sound suddenly reverberated throughout the hall, immediately quieting the noisy crowd. All eyes turned toward the throne at the end of the hall.
"Hahaha, today is Lei Yuan Mountain's grand gathering. I, Xu Zhong, thank everyone for attending!"
A thunderous laugh echoed throughout the hall as a dark beam of energy surged in from outside, swiftly condensing into a burly figure seated arrogantly upon the throne. His eyes scanned across the hall, carrying an oppressive aura that made everyone shiver slightly.
"Greetings, Demon Marshal!"
Voices resonated loudly in greeting throughout the hall as Xu Zhong revealed himself.
Xu Zhong smiled contentedly at the respectful atmosphere, enjoying their submission. "Today is Lei Yuan Mountain's special gathering. Everyone, drink your fill!"
"Your Excellency is wise!"
Flattering cheers rose in waves from below, accompanied by glances that carried a deep-rooted fear.
Xu Zhong waved his hand, prompting attendants bearing jugs of wine to weave throughout the banquet hall, creating an even more festive atmosphere.
"Haha, these two must be the famous Lin Langtian and Lin Dong, who defeated Cao Ying, the master of Blood Python City, correct? Truly remarkable youths! No wonder someone as arrogant as General Yan willingly acknowledges you as brothers," Xu Zhong remarked, suddenly addressing Lin Langtian and Lin Dong, seated beside Little Flame.
All eyes quickly shifted to Lin Langtian and Lin Dong upon hearing their names, a wave of whispers spreading throughout the crowd, clearly familiar with their recent fame.
But Lin Langtian and Lin Dong paid Xu Zhong absolutely no attention. Instead, they continued chatting and drinking wine leisurely, entirely ignoring the Demon Marshal's greeting.
"Hmm, Lei Yuan Mountain's fruit wine isn't bad at all. It actually enhances Yuan Power," Lin Langtian noted appreciatively after sipping from his cup.
"Indeed. It seems attending this banquet was worth it, otherwise, tasting such excellent wine would be difficult," Lin Dong agreed, playing along as he drank from his own cup.
"Haha, brothers, you've good taste. This wine is made from hundred-year-old Crimson Spirit Fruit, presented by the Red Ape Clan as tribute. Even we generals rarely get a chance to enjoy it. But if you two brothers like it, I believe there are still seven barrels stored in Lei Yuan Mountain. I'll retrieve them later for us to enjoy!" Little Flame announced proudly, patting his chest.
The guests around them immediately froze in shock at this openly insolent exchange.
Xu Zhong was effectively a king, the supreme ruler of Lei Yuan Mountain. To blatantly ignore and disrespect him was shocking enough. Yet here, Little Flame was openly promising rare tribute wine to his brothers, completely bypassing Xu Zhong's authority. This wasn't mere arrogance—it was outright rebellion!
Seeing this, whispers of speculation began to spread among the guests, their gazes shifting cautiously between Little Flame and Xu Zhong.
Xu Zhong's previously pleasant expression slowly turned cold. He leaned forward, eyes narrowing dangerously at Little Flame, speaking with lethal calmness: "General Yan, what's the meaning of this? Are you plotting rebellion?"
Little Flame's tiger-like crimson eyes finally revealed blatant killing intent as he growled back, "Xu Zhong, there's no need to feign innocence. You used the Dark Abyss Ghost Seal to force me to stay here, aiming for the other half of the inherited blood essence within me!"
An absolute silence fell upon the hall. This open confrontation between Little Flame and Xu Zhong made everyone aware that today's gathering had completely gone off-script.
Seeing Little Flame openly challenge Xu Zhong stunned everyone. Regardless of Little Flame's formidable reputation, he was still just a general, no match for a renowned Demon Marshal like Xu Zhong.
Many secretly turned their attention to Lin Langtian and Lin Dong, beginning to suspect Little Flame's defiance stemmed from confidence in these two humans. But could two mere Death Profound Realm cultivators truly threaten a near-Samsara expert like Xu Zhong?
Xu Zhong obviously had similar suspicions, glaring darkly at Lin Langtian and Lin Dong, murderous intent evident.
Lin Dong slowly rose, baring his teeth in a fierce grin. "Lin Dong's brother isn't someone the likes of you can control. Today, I'm here to settle debts!"
His bold declaration left everyone speechless with shock.
"Xu Zhong, prepare to die!"
With Lin Dong's proclamation, Little Flame erupted forth, his immense killing intent manifesting as a gigantic black tiger, roaring furiously as he charged directly at Xu Zhong.
As Little Flame's attack approached, a shadowy figure instantly appeared, blocking him.
Boom!
Two fists collided violently, releasing a shockwave that shattered the floor beneath them. The two figures swiftly retreated several steps, revealing a black-robed figure radiating immense Yuan Power beside Xu Zhong.
"The Shadow Guard!" Lei Yuan Mountain's officials exclaimed knowingly, though unsurprised at the sudden appearance of this hidden expert.
Lin Dong glanced briefly at the Shadow Guard, noting his formidable peak Death Profound Realm strength, but remained unfazed.
Xu Zhong sneered arrogantly, "You thought you alone made preparations, traitor?"
Lin Langtian smiled faintly, unimpressed. "Just a peak Death Profound Realm Shadow Guard? Hardly a threat."
Xu Zhong chuckled maliciously, eyes glinting fiercely, "Then what if there's another Demon Marshal?"
Everyone gasped in shock. Another Demon Marshal?
"Haha, Xu Zhong! It seems you were right—your top general planned rebellion during your own banquet!" A loud laughter reverberated as the hall's ceiling shattered, revealing a powerful figure clad in golden lion armor—Qin Shi, Demon Marshal of Hundred Beast Ridge.
The crowd paled, astonished Xu Zhong had actually brought another Demon Marshal!
Qin Shi smirked at Xu Zhong, "Xu Zhong, remember our deal clearly…"
"Kill these two humans, and I'll fulfill your request," Xu Zhong replied darkly.
"Haha, it seems fortune favors me today!" Qin Shi laughed heartily, swiftly transforming into a massive golden lion as he charged toward Lin Langtian and Lin Dong.
The crowd watched anxiously, expecting Lin Langtian and Lin Dong to react, yet both remained completely motionless.
Boom!
The earth beneath their feet shattered from the immense impact, creating massive cracks throughout the hall. Everyone anxiously stared through the dust, certain the two humans had been obliterated.
But then, a resonating dragon roar pierced the silence!
Majestic azure energy surged around Lin Dong, forming powerful dragon-shaped patterns. This draconic pressure immediately terrified every beast cultivator present, for it was unmistakably the aura of a true dragon!
"Little Flame, handle that Shadow Guard. Brother Langtian, leave Qin Shi to me," Lin Dong commanded calmly, his gaze locked fiercely onto Qin Shi.
Little Flame nodded without hesitation. He had absolute faith in his brothers, confident they'd never disappoint.
Lin Langtian leisurely stretched, smiling faintly as he faced Xu Zhong. "Then I'll deal with Xu Zhong."
"Qin Shi, that Lin Dong is yours. Surely you can handle a mere Death Profound Realm brat?" Xu Zhong mocked provocatively.
Qin Shi scoffed dismissively, "Your provocation is pathetic, Xu Zhong. But rest assured, I'll handle this brat."
Xu Zhong's lips curled into a satisfied smirk. If he could reclaim the blood essence from Little Flame, all sacrifices today would be worthwhile.
"All traitors must die!"
Xu Zhong roared, swiftly transforming into a terrifying half-beast state, covered in pitch-black fur and deadly spikes—revealing the ferocious battle form of the Dark Abyss Tiger Clan!
A ferocious battle had now fully erupted!
Get 30% off on my Patreon and enjoy early access to new chapters.
You can also purchase the next 100 chapters of the novel directly from my Patreon page.
Hurry up! The promotion ends on February 2, 2026.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1