NOVEL NEXT Chapter 181: Chapter 181: The Expansion of the Flame Alliance
Chapter 181: The Expansion of the Flame Alliance
Deep in the mountain range, the ground was a chaotic scene of red, soaked in blood and littered with countless beast corpses. Here and there, the remains of human fighters lay scattered. When Lin Langtian returned to the camp, the beast horde had begun to retreat.
Although this assault had cost many lives from the forces stationed near Yang City, those who survived were grateful—they had managed to withstand the assault. Amidst the mess, everyone left was now regrouping, creating an atmosphere of tense relief.
"Senior Brother, you're back!"
One of the Flame Alliance members, resting nearby, noticed him and called out excitedly. His voice caught the attention of the entire camp. Even members from nearby camps looked over, their gazes filled with admiration for the famed leader of the Flame Alliance. With the way Lin Langtian had single-handedly handled multiple half-step Nirvana beasts, his name had spread widely—now regarded as the equal of leaders from even high-ranking dynasties.
Under these hushed murmurs, Lin Langtian walked calmly to the Flame Alliance's encampment. Seeing the pleased faces of the Flame Alliance members who gathered around him, he nodded, though a thoughtful look crossed his face when he noticed that Lin Dong was missing. Turning to Mo Ling, he asked, "What are the casualties for the Flame Alliance?"
Mo Ling's expression grew somber. "The beast horde's attack was massive, and even though we gave it everything, we still lost over ten members."
"Over ten..." Lin Langtian sighed softly. "This ancient battlefield is full of dangers, and even I can't always guarantee we'll come out unscathed. Those who perished here were part of the Flame Alliance—find a place to give them a proper burial."
Mo Ling nodded in agreement. Living on the ancient battlefield, all had grown familiar with the harshness of life and death. While there was a heaviness in the air, it didn't linger excessively, and instead, a sense of unity emerged within the Flame Alliance. Though they mourned their fallen, having survived the beast horde had strengthened their bonds.
"Such impressive skill! I wonder if the Lingyun Dynasty might earn the Flame Alliance's friendship?"
A smooth voice echoed across the camp. Lingyun Dynasty?
Upon hearing the name, many people's faces shifted as they eyed the newcomer with caution. A young man in white robes stood there with a calm, friendly smile. His refined appearance was complemented by the cloud-like patterns on his robe, yet the power radiating from him was leagues beyond other half-step Nirvana warriors like Mo Tie.
Lin Langtian glanced at the newcomer, observing him calmly.
"Captain, that's Ling Zhi of the Lingyun Dynasty," Mo Ling whispered.
Nodding subtly, Lin Langtian greeted the visitor with a slight bow, choosing diplomacy. "Ah, so this is Brother Ling Zhi of the Lingyun Dynasty. The honor is ours."
"Ah, it's really Lin Langtian from the Flame Alliance. Word of your achievements precedes you," Ling Zhi replied with a meaningful look. "A person of your caliber emerging from a lower-level kingdom is truly unexpected."
Having heard of Lin Langtian's feats—defeating Jin Mu and hunting half-step Nirvana beasts—Ling Zhi was well aware that, despite being only at half-step Nirvana, Lin Langtian held a strength comparable to his own, able to cross into Nirvana stage at will. His ability to rally lower-level dynasties to form a powerful alliance further heightened Ling Zhi's wariness.
Lin Langtian's face remained impassive, yet he responded with unwavering confidence. "A lower-level kingdom may be where one starts, but it need not be one's end. The Flame Alliance brings lower kingdoms together to create our own place on this ancient battlefield."
Ling Zhi paused at the statement. Normally, he would have dismissed such talk from any lower kingdom, but looking at the composed and resolute Lin Langtian and his steadfast alliance members, he felt an undeniable sense of rivalry.
"Haha, looks like the Northwest has gained a remarkable new player!" As Ling Zhi reflected, a booming laugh rang out, and several figures approached.
"It's Liu Yuan of the Dayuan Dynasty! Seems even he was drawn here…"
Many in the crowd recognized the figure, murmuring with surprise. The Dayuan and Lingyun dynasties were widely regarded as the two strongest forces in Yang City.
Lin Langtian looked at Liu Yuan, a stocky man with a powerful build and massive hands, whose sheer presence rivaled Ling Zhi's.
"Liu Yuan, what brings you here?" Ling Zhi frowned slightly.
"Haha, Ling Zhi, if you can approach the Flame Alliance, why can't I?" Liu Yuan laughed before looking Lin Langtian over with a nod, then greeted him with a booming voice.
"Liu Yuan, of the Dayuan Dynasty, at your service, Brother Lin."
"Lin Langtian. It's a pleasure to meet you, Brother Liu."
Lin Langtian knew that both Lingyun and Dayuan were respected forces in Yang City, with significant influence in the Northwest. Ordinarily, such forces wouldn't seek alliances with lower kingdoms, but Lin Langtian's growing reputation and the power of the Flame Alliance had sparked their interest. In any setting, strength commanded respect.
During the next few minutes, both Liu Yuan and Ling Zhi made efforts to converse warmly with Lin Langtian before eventually taking their leave.
"Wow, Brother Langtian, your reputation has truly reached new heights! Even Lingyun and Dayuan are competing to befriend you."
As the two departed, Mo Tie and the others approached with admiration.
Lin Langtian nodded calmly, his expression unchanged, then said, "Get everyone organized. We need to prepare for tomorrow's journey."
Following this display, Lin Langtian's authority grew subtly stronger. Where the alliance with the three mid-level dynasties had once been on equal terms, the Flame Alliance was now the undisputed leader of the coalition.
Seeing him assert his influence, Mo Tie, Tang Xuan, and the others all nodded in agreement, sharing smiles.
It was clear now that the Flame Alliance was ready to expand further. (End of Chapter)
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