Chapter 296: Choosing a Sect
On top of Hundred Dynasty Mountain.
With the battle's conclusion, the powerful figures from the various super sects gradually descended, hovering above the mountaintop. As they appeared, the excited murmurs around the summit began to quiet down, with many eyes lighting up in anticipation—they all knew what was coming next.
"Everyone, it seems we can skip the final phase of the competition, yes?" The elegant woman from the Nine Heavens Supreme Palace looked around with a charming smile and then turned to the other super-sect elders floating beside her.
"The purpose of this Nirvana Golden Ranking battle was simply to determine the top talent. I think we can all agree that the champion has already shown themselves," added the powerful figure from the Primordial Temple with a nod and a knowing smile.
Hearing this, the other super-sect elders exchanged glances and then nodded in agreement, each directing their gaze toward a tall, young figure standing below them.
Elder Liu Tong's eyes followed their line of sight and settled on Lin Langtian, his expression gleaming. The title of Hundred Dynasty Battle Champion was more than just a title; for these super sects, it held significant value.
By rule, the super sect that recruited the champion would be granted the most prestigious selection rights among the new disciples. And with Lin Langtian's obvious talent, it was no wonder that every elder from the eight super sects desired to bring him into their ranks.
All eight of them fixed their gaze on Lin Langtian, and soon the crowd's attention shifted to him as well, every eye now focused on him alone.
The sudden shift in attention didn't affect Lin Langtian's calm demeanor; after all, he had already decided which sect he would join.
"Lin Langtian," the woman from Nine Heavens Supreme Palace spoke with a smile, her tone alluring, "which of the super sects would you like to join?" Her words held an enticing charm that could have easily swayed any young man with less resolve.
The burly elder from Primordial Temple gave a dissatisfied huff but remained silent as he, along with the others, awaited Lin Langtian's response.
Under this intense scrutiny, Lin Langtian's gaze eventually rested on Liu Tong.
For most people, choosing a super sect was a crucial decision since they'd be spending a significant amount of time there, likely bearing its mark for life. But Lin Langtian knew this restriction didn't apply to him.
For him, joining a sect was just a temporary step in his journey, a means to further his own growth. Ultimately, no sect in the Eastern Mystic Region would ever be his final destination.
Given his goal of reaching the Great Thousand World, his choice was clear: he would join the sect that could most quickly enhance his strength.
As the Eastern Mystic Region's strongest sect, the Yuan Sect not only had vast resources but also held to the rule of survival of the fittest. Such a place, without sentiment or concern for seniority, was precisely what Lin Langtian needed at this stage of his journey.
After a moment's silence, Lin Langtian lifted his head, cupped his hands respectfully, and said, "Esteemed elders, I would like to join the Yuan Sect."
A wave of envious murmurs rippled across the summit as his words echoed. Yuan Sect—the most powerful sect in the Eastern Mystic Region—was every competitor's dream, and now Lin Langtian had achieved that dream.
But of course, everyone understood that with Lin Langtian's unmatched talent, the Yuan Sect would have recruited him no matter what. As the most exceptional talent in several generations, he was a prized recruit for any super sect.
The eight elders in the air each had different expressions as they heard Lin Langtian's choice. Elder Liu Tong's gaze grew calm, and a smile of satisfaction appeared on his face, while the others showed varying degrees of regret.
"An excellent choice, Lin Langtian!" Liu Tong said with a beaming smile. "As the leading sect of the Eastern Mystic Region, the Yuan Sect will give you the best possible foundation for your talents. With our guidance, you'll no doubt secure a great place in the Eastern Mystic Region."
Lin Langtian gave a polite nod, his expression respectful. "It's an honor to join the Yuan Sect, the region's foremost sect," he replied.
Though outwardly respectful, Lin Langtian privately sneered. He knew that the Yuan Sect's interests did not align with his. Moreover, he suspected that the Yuan Sect had already formed an alliance with demonic forces—a betrayal that disgusted him to his core.
Yet as long as the Yuan Sect kept up its human facade, Lin Langtian would play along. After all, he could use their resources to grow stronger.
Liu Tong's approving smile widened at Lin Langtian's courteous words. "Those who wish to join the Yuan Sect, release your energy. If not, simply suppress it within your body," he announced.
As established by the super sects' rules, with the champion Lin Langtian joining the Yuan Sect, the Yuan Sect was entitled to the largest selection and first choice of disciples from the Hundred Dynasty Tournament.
As Liu Tong's voice faded, energy flared up all around the summit as the majority of participants eagerly released their power to signal their desire to join the Yuan Sect. Only a few kept their energy concealed for personal reasons.
With a wave of his robe, Liu Tong released beams of light, each one enveloping a promising candidate among the gathered competitors, marking the start of the sect's selection process.
Lin Langtian watched Liu Tong begin selecting disciples and, after a moment's thought, turned to Mo Tie, Liu Yuan, and the others beside him. "Would you all like to join the Yuan Sect?"
Mo Tie and the others looked momentarily surprised, then exchanged uneasy glances before answering with a bit of embarrassment, "Of course, we'd like to follow you into the Yuan Sect, Senior Brother. But it's the top sect in the Eastern Mystic Region. Given our talents, it'll be hard to get in unless they make an exception…"
Mo Tie was telling the truth. Yuan Sect maintained its strength by constantly recruiting talented disciples, and most of the ones being selected now were from powerful royal dynasties. Compared to them, Mo Tie and the others were, admittedly, less impressive.
But Lin Langtian knew that having his loyal allies from Flame Alliance with him in the Yuan Sect could be helpful, especially since he would be entering new territory. His experience taught him that there was strength in numbers, no matter the place.
"Go ahead and release your energy," Lin Langtian suggested. "I'm sure Elder Liu Tong will take my recommendation into account."
Mo Tie and the others looked at each other before nodding and, following Lin Langtian's advice, released their energy.
The moment the powerful auras of the nearly one hundred Flame Alliance members filled the air, light beams descended from the sky, enveloping Mo Tie, Liu Yuan, Ling Zhi, and around twenty others.
Lin Langtian smiled with satisfaction as he observed this. It appeared that expressing his interest in the Yuan Sect had indeed paid off. Liu Tong, though not taking in the entire Flame Alliance, had at least recruited Mo Tie, Liu Yuan, and a few others.
Mo Tie and the others were equally thrilled, their faces brimming with gratitude as they looked toward Lin Langtian. They all knew that, without his recommendation, joining the Yuan Sect would've been challenging, given their talent.
Those who weren't selected couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment, but their gaze toward Lin Langtian remained full of admiration and appreciation. Thanks to his influence, they still had good chances of joining other super sects.
Lin Dong, standing nearby, hesitated for a moment. Just as he was about to release his energy, Lin Langtian gently stopped him.
Smiling, Lin Langtian said, "Brother Lin Dong, the Yuan Sect isn't quite right for you. I suggest you join the Dao Sect instead."
Lin Langtian had his reasons for joining the Yuan Sect, but he knew that Dao Sect was better suited for Lin Dong, just as it had been in their previous encounters in another time. He understood that Dao Sect was more compatible with Lin Dong's temperament.
Lin Dong's expression softened as he looked at Lin Langtian. Although he had felt it natural to follow Lin Langtian into the Yuan Sect as a fellow member of Flame Alliance, he nodded in understanding. "If that's what you think, Brother Langtian, then I'll join Dao Sect."
"Joining a super sect doesn't mean we're parting ways forever," Lin Langtian said with a reassuring smile as he patted Lin Dong's shoulder. "We're both from the Lin clan of the Great Yan Dynasty. No matter where we go, we'll always be brothers. The most important thing is for you to choose the right sect."
While Lin Langtian had his reasons for joining the Yuan Sect, Lin Dong was better suited to Dao Sect, especially since Little Marten had a longstanding grudge against the Yuan Sect. This arrangement avoided unnecessary tensions.
Lin Dong thought carefully about Lin Langtian's words, and, after a glance at Little Marten, he nodded with a resolute expression. "You're right, Brother Langtian. I'll join Dao Sect."
"Good. Just remember that no matter what conflicts may arise between the super sects, we'll always be family," Lin Langtian said with a meaningful look.
Lin Dong looked thoughtful as he took in Lin Langtian's words, nodding solemnly as he reflected on their deeper meaning. Lin Langtian hoped that this would prepare him for the future; inevitably, Yuan Sect's actions would clash with Dao Sect, and he knew that he and Lin Dong might someday face each other. He trusted that Lin Dong's wisdom and loyalty would help him understand when the time came.
After their conversation, Lin Dong formally approached the Dao Sect elder and expressed his desire to join them. Lin Dong had performed exceptionally in the Hundred Dynasty Battle, and even though Lin Langtian had been the star, Lin Dong's achievements hadn't gone unnoticed. Furthermore, the Dao Sect elder seemed pleased to welcome him, as they shared a deeper connection.
Not only did Lin Dong join Dao Sect, but he also took with him Mo Ling and over twenty Flame Alliance members. The other Flame Alliance disciples were also gradually selected by other super sects, and those who weren't were still able to find decent sects to join. It was a fulfilling outcome for all.
One minor issue arose when Su Rou expressed her desire to follow Lin Langtian to the Yuan Sect. However, after some kind persuasion, Lin Langtian convinced her to join Nine Heavens Supreme Palace instead, which suited her better.
"Don't feel down about it," Lin Langtian said with a gentle smile as he patted her head. "Yuan Sect isn't right for you. Focus on training well at Nine Heavens Supreme Palace, and remember not to get into too much trouble."
Su Rou's eyes welled up, her expression full of reluctance. While she had faced dangerous battles with them and occasionally had to put up with Little Marten's attitude, she had also felt the sincere care of everyone in the Flame Alliance.
"Super sects aren't as peaceful as you think. You'll need to toughen up. Otherwise, you'll end up crying to us, and no one will be able to help," Little Marten said in his usual lazy, taunting tone, though those who knew him could sense a hint of softness in his eyes.
Having grown accustomed to Little Marten's blunt words, Su Rou knew he meant well. She nodded firmly, promising herself she'd do her best.
Lin Dong couldn't help but smile as he watched. Despite his sadness over Flame Alliance disbanding, he knew that they'd endured a year of trials together on the treacherous Ancient Battlefield, and he cherished the bond they'd formed.
Meanwhile, in the sky above, the super sects completed their selection. The eight super sects had successfully recruited nearly every talented participant from the various royal dynasties gathered on the mountaintop.
Lin Langtian glanced around the summit, which was abuzz with excitement, and exchanged a meaningful smile with Lin Dong. Then, together, they turned their gazes beyond the summit, looking out toward the vast, boundless world that lay ahead of them.
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