Chapter 602: The Kun Peng Clan's Troubles
"Clan Leader Kun Qiong, now that things have reached this point, can we sit down and talk properly?"
As the battle ground into a stalemate, Lin Langtian slowly approached Kun Qiong, whose face was as dark as stagnant water, and smiled faintly.
Though the Wolf Demon King had only recently broken through to King-rank Hetero-Demon, backed by the endless pure demonic qi from the mirror's inner small world, even someone as formidable as Kun Qiong would find it far from easy to defeat him.
And Kun Qiong, as the leader of the Kun Peng Clan, not only possessed immense personal strength but also the full backing of his entire clan. Thus, Lin Langtian could not simply suppress him outright. With both sides evenly matched, negotiation was the only path forward.
Hearing Lin Langtian's words, Kun Qiong looked up. The disdain from before was gone from his expression. He gazed at Lin Langtian, a trace of solemnity flashing in his eyes.
Though he did not know what method Lin Langtian had used to command a King-rank Hetero-Demon, regardless, with such a subordinate at his side, Lin Langtian now had the qualifications to speak as an equal.
Kun Qiong's sharp eyes fixed on Lin Langtian before he suddenly asked, "Are you truly not allied with the Hetero-Demons?"
Lin Langtian paused at the question, then laughed openly. "Of course not. If I had joined the Hetero-Demons, why would I hide it? I'd simply admit it outright. Besides, would a King-rank Hetero-Demon bother playing along in such a charade for me?"
Kun Qiong pondered Lin Langtian's explanation, then glanced once more at the Wolf Demon King. The latter stood calmly and respectfully behind Lin Langtian, showing every sign of having truly "turned from darkness to light."
With that in mind, Kun Qiong asked doubtfully, "Then may I ask, young friend, how the Hetero-Demons—eternal enemies of all life on the Tianxuan Continent, with King-rank ones being pinnacle existences among their kind—came to submit to you?"
"I'm sorry, but that's my secret. I can't reveal it casually. I hope Clan Leader Kun can understand." Lin Langtian shook his head.
As his understanding of the Golden Spirit Reincarnation Mirror deepened, Lin Langtian realized it was an earth-shattering treasure. Facing outsiders, he had no intention of casually exposing his secrets.
Kun Qiong's brows furrowed slightly at Lin Langtian's response, but he said nothing more.
After all, subduing a King-rank Hetero-Demon was a feat even the Symbol Ancestor of old might not have achieved. For Lin Langtian, who was only at the half-step Reincarnation Realm, to accomplish this meant he harbored secrets of immense magnitude.
As the Kun Peng Clan leader, Kun Qiong was naturally curious about Lin Langtian's mysteries, but he knew some things could not be pried into lightly.
With that thought, Kun Qiong seemed to recall something. He looked at Lin Langtian with some hesitation. Moments later, he waved his hand, enveloping Lin Langtian and the Wolf Demon King in a circle of light—clearly to keep their conversation private.
"Young friend, if you truly have methods to deal with Hetero-Demons, my Kun Peng Clan has a problem that might require your assistance." Kun Qiong sighed.
"Oh?"
Lin Langtian was somewhat surprised. He narrowed his eyes, crossing his slender fingers lightly. "Could it be a matter involving the Hetero-Demons?"
Kun Qiong was taken aback, then nodded helplessly. He hadn't expected Lin Langtian to guess it so directly.
Lin Langtian's brows furrowed slightly. As he had suspected, the Kun Peng Clan was unparalleled in strength—even a random member could reach the Reincarnation Realm, and they had several Reincarnation Realm ancestors.
Yet now they sought his help. After racking his brain, Lin Langtian realized the only noteworthy aspect about him was his targeted power against Hetero-Demons.
Moreover, only those enigmatic and unpredictable Hetero-Demons could trouble a powerhouse like the Kun Peng Clan to such an extent.
"Clan Leader Kun, we're still in a state of opposition right now. If you want my help, wouldn't it be..." Lin Langtian narrowed his eyes at Kun Qiong.
Kun Qiong paused, then smiled bitterly. "I was too impulsive earlier. I apologize here, young friend—please forgive me.
If you can help resolve this issue for my Kun Peng Clan, we will never interfere in Wu Ji's affairs from this day forward.
In addition, my Kun Peng Clan will fulfill any one request you make, of course, within the limits of our capabilities."
"Oh, no more interference in Jin Wu's father's matters, and fulfilling one request of mine..." Hearing this, Lin Langtian's interest stirred.
His purpose in coming to the Seven Fiends Black Golden Wu Clan was to help Jin Wu rescue his father. Beyond that, Spirit Aunt needed a drop of pure Kun Peng Clan essence blood.
If he helped the Kun Peng Clan resolve their trouble, wouldn't both goals be achieved?
Moreover, with the mighty Kun Peng Clan leader apologizing to him—and for the sake of dealing with Hetero-Demons—Lin Langtian could not refuse, either emotionally or logically.
"What exactly is the situation?" Lin Langtian looked at Kun Qiong and asked.
"That will have to wait until you arrive at the Kun Peng Clan for the details."
Kun Qiong smiled wryly. "The matter is quite urgent. Originally, my Kun Peng Clan sought help from one of the ancient lords, but those ancient eight lords are elusive—even we can't find them easily. For now, we're turning to you."
"I have to go to the Kun Peng Clan?"
The Wolf Demon King's black eyes glanced warily at Kun Qiong. Though he had broken through to King-rank Hetero-Demon, venturing deep into Kun Peng territory could spell disaster—with no chance of escape if things went wrong.
Lin Langtian's brows furrowed as well. If the Kun Peng Clan shut the gates and turned on him like dogs cornering prey, he would be in grave danger.
"Young friend, no need to worry. My Kun Peng Clan is no petty group—we wouldn't stoop to such tactics. If you doubt me, here is my clan leader identity token. It can control our clan's protective grand array. You may hold it temporarily."
With those words, Kun Qiong produced an ancient golden token from his bosom and handed it to Lin Langtian.
Lin Langtian took it and examined the intricate, archaic patterns etched upon it. They were so complex that even at a glance, he couldn't fully comprehend them.
Sensing Kun Qiong's sincerity, Lin Langtian pondered briefly before smiling. "Since Clan Leader Kun has said so much, and the Kun Peng Clan is in trouble, I naturally must lend a hand."
He was indeed quite interested in the Kun Peng Clan. Of course, his greatest interest lay in the essence blood Spirit Aunt required. He had been puzzling over how to forge that connection, but now the Kun Peng Clan had come to him of their own accord.
"Then I thank you, young friend. My Kun Peng Clan owes you this favor!" Kun Qiong said joyfully.
Though he wasn't certain Lin Langtian could resolve their issue, having witnessed his methods, Kun Qiong believed that aside from the ancient eight lords, Lin Langtian was likely the only one capable.
"When do we set out?" Lin Langtian asked.
"The sooner the better—right now, if possible," Kun Qiong replied.
Lin Langtian nodded. "I need to say goodbye to Jin Wu and the others."
Kun Qiong naturally had no objection. With a wave of his sleeve, the light circle around them slowly dissipated. At the same time, Lin Langtian recalled the Wolf Demon King into the mirror's inner small world.
Seeing the light fade, Jin Wu and the others immediately gathered around, looking at Lin Langtian with concern.
"Heh, rest assured. I've already spoken with Clan Leader Kun. From now on, the Kun Peng Clan will no longer interfere in the Seven Fiends Black Golden Wu Clan's internal affairs. Uncle Wu Ji, you're free."
Seeing the concern in their eyes, Lin Langtian smiled faintly.
"What? Father is free?" Jin Wu was stunned. Though he had absolute faith in his adopted brother, he hadn't expected the good news to come so swiftly.
Wu Ji's expression froze as well. He looked toward Kun Qiong, and upon seeing no denial, turned back to Lin Langtian with a look of deep emotion.
He had been trapped for so many years, and his sudden freedom was thanks to his son's sworn brother.
"Congratulations, Jin Wu. You and your father can finally reunite. To make a long story short, I'll need to head to the Kun Peng Clan shortly and won't be able to stay..." With that, Lin Langtian briefly recounted his conversation with Kun Qiong.
Jin Wu paused, then said anxiously, "Big Brother, is there any risk in this...?"
"Don't worry, there won't be any issues." Understanding Jin Wu's implication, Lin Langtian shook his head.
Seeing Lin Langtian's resolve, Jin Wu gritted his teeth. "Big Brother, let me go with you."
"No need. I'll go and return quickly." Lin Langtian understood Jin Wu's intentions and patted his shoulder with a smile before walking over to Kun Qiong without further words.
"Father, is he really up to it?" Beside Kun Qiong, the red-clothed silver-haired woman looked at Lin Langtian with a trace of doubt in her eyes.
Hearing the silver-haired girl's words, Kun Qiong felt a bit awkward before sternly saying, "Ling'er, mind your tone."
"But isn't it true? With only half-step Reincarnation Realm strength, how can he solve our troubles?" The silver-haired girl turned her head away, sounding unconvinced.
"The troubles with Hetero-Demons aren't something raw power alone can resolve. Otherwise, wouldn't the Kun Peng Clan's strength suffice?"
Lin Langtian said casually. With his temperament over the years, he wouldn't be angered by the girl's skepticism. But his calm words left the silver-haired girl momentarily speechless.
"Hmph, I hope you really have what it takes."
The silver-haired girl bit her lip. Deep down, she naturally hoped Lin Langtian could resolve their clan's problem.
But pride and self-esteem twisted her words into stubbornness. After all, among her peers, Lin Langtian was the first she had encountered who surpassed her.
"Young friend, don't take offense. My daughter is spoiled and willful." Kun Qiong looked at the silver-haired girl and explained helplessly to Lin Langtian.
Lin Langtian nodded, unperturbed. He could sense the silver-haired woman's strength was extraordinarily powerful—for her age, she was already a minor Symbol Sect powerhouse, a talent that was quite astonishing.
"Young friend, since you're prepared, let's set out." Kun Qiong smiled.
"Mm."
Lin Langtian nodded, inwardly surprised by the Kun Peng Clan's urgency. It seemed the problem they faced was truly severe.
Seeing Lin Langtian agree, Kun Qiong smiled faintly. With a wave of his sleeve, he and the others—including Lin Langtian—vanished slowly under the watchful eyes of the Seven Fiends Black Golden Wu Clan's powerhouses.
When Lin Langtian opened his eyes again, he found himself in a vast, desolate wilderness.
This region was far broader than the Wu Realm, and the hidden auras within were even more formidable and terrifying.
"So this is the Kun Peng Clan's territory..." Lin Langtian surveyed his surroundings and sighed in admiration.
"Heh, that's right. This is my Kun Peng Clan's homeland."
Seeing the admiration on Lin Langtian's face, Kun Qiong and Kun Yuan couldn't help but smile faintly. It was the first time they had seen such an expression from this young man since meeting him.
The silver-haired girl beside them pursed her lips disdainfully, but under Kun Qiong's glare, she could only wrinkle her delicate nose and huff coldly.
"Young friend, follow me." Kun Qiong smiled again and led the way, with Lin Langtian following step by step.
As they entered the Kun Peng Clan's domain, Lin Langtian's keen senses faintly detected numerous obscure yet powerful presences scattered throughout the area.
Occasional invisible fluctuations would sweep over his body, causing his pores to tighten. He knew these were Reincarnation Realm experts from the Kun Peng Clan probing him.
"As expected of the Kun Peng Clan—so many hidden dragons and crouching tigers."
Lin Langtian marveled inwardly. Those Reincarnation auras were truly terrifying. It seemed all four dominant clans had deep foundations.
Lin Langtian's group soared over ancient and peculiar giant halls. After more than ten minutes, an enormous ancient palace came into view.
Inside the palace were several elderly men of advanced age, their auras even stronger than those of Wu Yan and Wu Xiu, the two lineage heads.
These wizened elders bowed to Kun Qiong upon his arrival, then looked at Lin Langtian in surprise, puzzled as to why the clan leader had brought a human youth into the Kun Peng Clan's council hall.
"Young friend, you probably still don't know why I've invited you to the Kun Peng Clan, do you?"
Kun Qiong greeted the elders before turning to Lin Langtian with a smile.
"It's because of the Hetero-Demons, isn't it? I can sense demonic qi seeping up from beneath the earth." Lin Langtian narrowed his eyes.
"You can even detect the Hetero-Demon qi here? This area is shielded and suppressed by layers of arrays." Kun Qiong said in mild surprise.
"Then it must be that the Kun Peng Clan's suppression has developed a flaw. Hetero-Demon qi is extremely corrosive. From the looks of it, in a few more years, it might fully break through the seal. At that point, this Kun Domain will be eroded, and all life extinguished." Lin Langtian shook his head.
"No wonder you could subdue a King-rank Hetero-Demon." Kun Qiong sighed in admiration.
The silver-haired woman beside him glanced at Lin Langtian with her beautiful eyes, but this time, she said nothing. Lin Langtian's demonstrated abilities left even someone as proud as her speechless.
"It seems whether we can resolve my Kun Peng Clan's trouble depends on you, young friend." Kun Qiong looked at Lin Langtian with hopeful eyes.
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1