NOVEL NEXT Chapter 184: Chapter 184: The Merger
Chapter 184: The Merger
With the defeat of Hua Yun and Wu Mo, a tense silence fell over the area outside Thunder Rock Valley. It was as if all sounds had vanished, leaving only shocked stares to confirm the incredible scene that had just unfolded.
"Did... did we win?" Liu Yuan whispered, struggling to turn his stiffened neck. He glanced at Ling Zhi, who seemed equally dumbfounded, eyes almost bulging in disbelief.
Ling Zhi didn't answer immediately; he, too, was stunned, his mind reeling from the shock. Finally, he looked at the lifeless bodies of Hua Yun and Wu Mo, which lay on a distant cliff, uncertain if they were alive. His mouth felt dry as he gulped. After this battle, both he and Liu Yuan understood that Lin Langtian's strength was leagues beyond theirs. Though also at the half-step Nirvana stage, Lin Langtian clearly operated on an entirely different level.
As news of Lin Langtian's victory spread, the fighting halted. Those who remained from both the Flame Alliance and the two high-level dynasties were dumbfounded, yet soon, the Flame Alliance erupted in cheers. Shouts of "First Brother!" filled the air as the members of the alliance raised their fists, beaming with joy.
Mo Tie, trying to contain his astonishment, took several deep breaths. He exchanged glances with Tang Xuan and Liu Xuan, both of whom wore similar expressions of disbelief.
"Ha, see? I told you Lin Langtian was no ordinary man!" Mo Tie laughed loudly, clearly thrilled with their choice. Tang Xuan and Liu Xuan could only nod in agreement. Betting on Lin Langtian, they realized, had been the best decision they'd made on the ancient battlefield.
"Mo Tie, Liu Xuan, after this battle, the Flame Alliance's rise is unstoppable," Tang Xuan said, eyes bright with admiration as she gazed at Lin Langtian's calm and poised figure. "Perhaps it's best for us to merge into the Flame Alliance. I think Lin Langtian will treat us fairly."
Mo Tie and Liu Xuan were taken aback, exchanging thoughtful glances before nodding in silent agreement.
While they deliberated, the remnants of the two high-level dynasties were filled with despair as they looked upon their fallen leaders. Both Hua Yun and Wu Mo were respected masters of Nirvana power, capable warriors even among the strongest in the Northwest Region. Yet today, they had been utterly defeated by a man from a low-level dynasty—Lin Langtian! This would be a shocking twist, even in the long history of the Hundred Dynasty Battlefield.
Overwhelmed with disbelief, the surviving warriors of the two dynasties scrambled to carry the unconscious Hua Yun and Wu Mo away from Thunder Rock Valley, retreating as fast as they could.
"Should we go after them, Brother Langtian?" Lin Dong asked, narrowing his eyes as he watched the two dynasties flee.
Lin Langtian turned to see his team, most of whom bore fresh injuries, their faces pale with exhaustion. Despite the victory, the fight had taken a toll, as the two high-level dynasties had proven challenging opponents.
"It's fine," he replied. "After today, Hua Yun and Wu Mo won't be a threat. One of them may not survive, and the other will be crippled. Let's focus on the ancient key."
Having fused his energy with the dark Nine Nether Flame, Lin Langtian's attacks, even at lower levels of martial technique, were nearly as powerful as high-grade arts. Hua Yun and Wu Mo, scorched by the dark flames, would be incapacitated, if not outright killed.
Lin Dong nodded, still awed by the Nine Nether Flame's destructive power, which bore a unique aura unlike anything in this realm. Lin Langtian's mere mastery of this power was enough to challenge even the strongest on the battlefield.
At that moment, Mo Tie and his two companions approached Lin Langtian. They shared a meaningful glance before bowing deeply.
"Brother Langtian, your strength and skill are unparalleled. We wish to serve you as our First Brother and formally merge our three dynasties into the Flame Alliance, if you'll have us," Mo Tie announced.
Lin Langtian was briefly taken aback but quickly composed himself. With a small smile, he waved his sleeve, a flow of energy lifting them to their feet. "If you're willing to join us, then I welcome you all. Let's move forward together, united as the Flame Alliance."
Mo Tie, Tang Xuan, and Liu Xuan, all leaders of their dynasties and half-step Nirvana warriors themselves, had substantial followings. Accepting them would add much-needed strength to the Flame Alliance, especially as recent battles had weakened their ranks.
"First Brother!" they called in unison, visibly relieved as they saluted Lin Langtian once more. Behind them, their followers also bowed and chanted, pledging their loyalty to Lin Langtian.
With the formal integration of the three mid-level dynasties, the Flame Alliance's forces nearly doubled. Observing this, the rest of the Yang City warriors, still stunned from the battle, finally began to understand the reality: the Flame Alliance was on its way to becoming a force to be reckoned with on the ancient battlefield.
"All right, let's go—into Thunder Rock Valley," Lin Langtian announced, turning toward the vast, ominous canyon that loomed ahead.
"First Brother, what about the other warriors from Yang City?" Mo Tie asked hesitantly. The fewer people entering the valley, the better their odds of securing the ancient key. After all, keeping others out was the entire reason Hua Yun and Wu Mo had attempted to block the entrance.
Lin Langtian paused, then shook his head. "No, I don't care for petty tactics. Let's go. As long as our Flame Alliance is strong, no one can take what's ours."
He could sense others lurking nearby—forces even stronger than Hua Yun and Wu Mo. Blocking out Yang City warriors would accomplish little against high- or super-level dynasties. Better to enter openly and rely on the strength of his alliance.
With that, he led the Flame Alliance and their new allies toward Thunder Rock Valley, where a thick, dense mist awaited. Behind them, the rest of the Yang City forces, eager to follow, surged forward, filling the valley entrance with an excited buzz.
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