Chapter 302: Xiao Lie
The next morning, as dawn broke over Yuan Gate, unusual activity surged around the Fire Division's sprawling volcanic mountains. The source of this excitement was a rumor: one of the new disciples joining the Fire Division was none other than the recent Dynasty War champion. Although champions usually entered Yuan Gate, which had eight divisions, it had been nearly a century since the Fire Division last welcomed a champion.
What truly stirred up the Fire Division disciples, however, was that this newcomer, on his first day, had already been granted the privilege of a Fire River Baptism. Normally, only disciples who had shown outstanding dedication within the Fire Division could qualify for this baptism. Many disciples had been vying in secret all year to earn this honor, so hearing that it had been handed to an outsider was deeply upsetting. In Yuan Gate, strength decided everything. To them, Lin Langtian, a newcomer, enjoying such elite treatment was disrespectful, even grounds for resentment.
To the north of the Fire Division's sector, near the Fire River, a colossal volcano rose, topped by a vast platform where crowds were already gathering. At the front of this group stood a red-robed man, his face dark with simmering anger as he glared toward the Fire River.
"Brother Xiao Lie, don't be too upset. No one could have predicted that the Dynasty War champion would join our division and take your spot for the baptism…" a nearby disciple tried to console him.
The other disciples around Xiao Lie mirrored his anger. He had been the top candidate for the Fire River Baptism this year, and he had every intention of securing it. Yet this newly admitted disciple had unexpectedly swooped in and snatched it, so Xiao Lie's fury was understandable.
"Hmph, he's just a rookie, even if he is the Dynasty War champion. He'll soon understand that he lacks the experience. If he wants this Fire River Baptism, he'll have to work his way up for a few years in the Fire Division first!" Xiao Lie sneered coldly.
Hearing this, the other Fire Division disciples around him nodded with smirks. In Yuan Gate, discipline was strict, and seniority was highly respected. For Lin Langtian to be granted the Fire River Baptism was a serious misstep. Of course, strength could always override seniority—but only if one had enough of it.
Xiao Lie was at the peak of the Sevenfold Nirvana Stage and had three years of experience within the Fire Division. He was the leader of a small faction there, someone Lin Langtian would be foolish to oppose. In fact, Xiao Lie was far from the only disciple irritated by Lin Langtian's privilege, and several other direct disciples were also gathered, arms crossed, to see what would unfold. They all knew that Lin Langtian would not receive the Fire River Baptism without a fight.
Suddenly, the sound of whooshing wind caught everyone's attention, and over a dozen figures flew toward the platform, landing swiftly. Leading them was none other than Lin Langtian.
Upon Lin Langtian's arrival, the noisy platform fell silent as numerous gazes, some tinged with amusement, focused on him. As he glanced around, Lin Langtian noticed the hostile stares directed his way but remained unfazed. He knew that the ruthless, competitive atmosphere of Yuan Gate would make it difficult for him to gain acceptance as a newcomer, even as a direct disciple. His privilege of receiving the Fire River Baptism would naturally stir jealousy among the more experienced disciples.
Mo Tie, Liu Yuan, and a few other former allies from the Flame Alliance had stuck close to Lin Langtian as they entered the Fire Division, forming a small group of their own. They trusted Lin Langtian's strength and judgment implicitly, hoping that if he could establish a solid footing, their small group might one day grow into a powerful faction within the Fire Division.
"Brother Langtian, it looks like these guys aren't too friendly…" Mo Tie murmured, his tone cautious as he observed the crowd around them. Lin Langtian merely nodded and motioned for them to stay calm.
"Are you Lin Langtian, the new direct disciple in the Fire Division?" called a voice, breaking through the murmurs.
The speaker was Xiao Lie, who had stepped forward from the crowd, his red robes flaring around him. His entrance signaled the start of the confrontation everyone had been waiting for.
"Yes, that's me," Lin Langtian replied, giving Xiao Lie an indifferent glance.
Seeing Lin Langtian's calm expression, which seemed even more composed than his own, Xiao Lie's face darkened. The crimson robe around him seemed to flicker like flames stoked by rage.
"You may be the Dynasty War champion, but that's nothing special here in Yuan Gate. We are the leading sect in the Eastern Profound Region, and we're never short on champions," Xiao Lie sneered. "I'll give you a choice—hand over the Fire River Baptism, or I'll make your life in the Fire Division unbearable. I'll make sure you understand the meaning of true misery here."
Lin Langtian was no stranger to such threats. After all, even the higher-ranking members of Yuan Gate were often ruthless, let alone the disciples.
With a calm but mocking smile, Lin Langtian replied, "Well, if Senior Brother insists on being so aggressive, then as a junior, I have no choice but to ask for a lesson to see how strong you truly are."
This confrontation was precisely what Lin Langtian had been hoping for. As a newcomer, he needed to make a strong impression to secure his position in the Fire Division. Xiao Lie would serve perfectly as his first stepping stone on the path to achieving his goals within Yuan Gate.
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