Chapter 301: The Origins of Jinwu
The Fire Division of Yuan Gate was situated in the northwest corner of the sect, encircled by dozens of massive volcanoes. Molten lava bubbled and churned atop the peaks, releasing waves of intense heat that lingered in the air, making the entire area appear ablaze. Below the volcanoes lay vast temple complexes where crowds bustled like ants in and out of the buildings, filling the area with vibrant energy.
Surrounding these mountains was a massive, thousand-foot-wide red river, flowing like a molten channel of fire. Up close, one could see that this enormous river was actually composed of highly concentrated lava energy. This was a river of pure energy, as potent as the Dan River that ancient sects of the Far Ancient Battleground once guarded.
"The Fire Division houses five thousand disciples and five hundred direct disciples," Yan Ba, the fiery-tempered Vice Leader of the Fire Division, explained from the front of the group, pointing toward the volcanoes. "Every one of them is carefully chosen for their exceptional skills. Beyond that, there are over ten thousand entry-level disciples around the outer perimeter. If they can pass certain tests, they too can join the Fire Division properly."
"Five hundred direct disciples, five thousand regular disciples, and over ten thousand entry-level ones…" Lin Langtian mused quietly. According to the rules of the Dynasty War, only those who reached the Nirvana Golden Rank were eligible to become direct disciples of a super sect, yet the Fire Division alone had five hundred of them. And the Fire Division was merely one of the eight divisions of Yuan Gate—this glimpse alone hinted at the vast power and influence Yuan Gate held.
Yan Ba continued, "Lin Langtian, given your performance in the Dynasty War, you're an exception and have already been promoted to direct disciple without starting at the regular level. However, be aware that competition within the Fire Division is fierce. If you want to maintain access to the best resources, you'll need the strength to back it up; otherwise, someone will soon take your place. And another thing—the Chaos Demon Flame is a powerful and violent force, so don't overestimate yourself or get too ambitious, young man," he warned, his tone more of a reprimand than a concern.
Lin Langtian, familiar by now with Yuan Gate's high-ranking members and their lack of warmth, merely responded politely, "Understood, Vice Leader. I'll act according to my limits."
Yan Ba noticed Lin Langtian's somewhat indifferent expression and frowned, but he wasn't interested in quarreling with a new disciple. He continued briskly, "As the champion of the Dynasty War, Yuan Gate will grant you a reward. But whether you can keep it depends on your ability."
"A reward?" Lin Langtian asked, his interest piqued.
"A baptism in the Fire River," Yan Ba replied, pointing toward the enormous red river. "Deep within the Fire River, there's an especially pure energy called True Fire Qi. For Nirvana-stage cultivators, it's immensely nourishing. Absorbing it will refine your body and Qi. If you can withstand it, it may significantly increase your strength."
Lin Langtian's eyes brightened. True Fire Qi sounded like a valuable prize.
"All right, we've arrived. You can rest here for now. Lin Langtian, remember to be at the Fire River Platform tomorrow," Yan Ba said as he brought them to a massive mountain and motioned for several disciples to come forward and guide Lin Langtian and the others to their quarters.
"Yes, Vice Leader!" they answered respectfully.
Having completed his instructions, Yan Ba quickly departed, disappearing from view almost immediately.
Watching Yan Ba's irritable and overbearing demeanor, along with Mu Ku's viper-like stare, Lin Langtian thought to himself, Yuan Gate certainly has its fair share of challenging personalities. Here he was, just entering the sect, and already he'd run afoul of a Vice Leader. Such an unfriendly reception was rare.
Yet with every risk came the potential for reward, and Yuan Gate, despite being far less nurturing than the Dao Sect, offered ample resources. The mere existence of the Chaos Demon Flame, for instance, was something Lin Langtian could hardly resist. With his talent, he only needed a few years to grow powerful within Yuan Gate, eventually becoming strong enough to leave without fear of its leadership.
"Big Brother, I sensed a familiar energy around Yuan Gate—it's a feeling deep within my bloodline…" Jinwu said hesitantly after they'd arrived at their accommodations.
Lin Langtian looked at him, surprised. "A familiar bloodline? Could it be… someone from your clan, one of the Seven-Star Black Golden Crows?" he wondered aloud.
Jinwu's origins were mysterious, even to Lin Langtian, who had no idea why he'd appeared in the Great Yan Dynasty in the first place. One thing was certain, though—Jinwu's abandonment must have been due to some tragedy. The Seven-Star Black Golden Crow Clan was one of the Eight Great Beast Clans, a power equal to that of Yuan Gate. What had happened that had forced his parents to leave him behind? Had they been attacked by enemies or been torn apart by internal strife?
Seeing Jinwu's distracted look, Lin Langtian placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and smiled. "Don't worry, Jinwu. If your clan is nearby, we'll find them, and maybe we'll finally discover where you come from. We may even find your parents."
"My parents…" Jinwu murmured. The words were both foreign and familiar to him, and a conflicted look crossed his face. "Are my parents… still alive?"
Having never known his parents, Jinwu had always assumed they were gone. Lin Langtian didn't know the answer himself but consoled him, "Let's hope for the best. If they're still out there, I'm sure they'll want to find you, too. Perhaps there's a reason they couldn't stay with you all those years ago."
Jinwu nodded thoughtfully. Then, with a smile, he looked back at Lin Langtian. "Don't worry, Brother. I'll never feel lonely as long as you're with me. Even if I never find my parents, you'll always be my closest family."
Moved by Jinwu's words, Lin Langtian gave him a firm pat on the shoulder, returning his smile.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 15 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1