Chapter 337: The Third Map
Atop the mountain peak, after a brief conversation, Lin Langtian and Ying Xiaoxiao bid each other farewell, each returning to their respective journeys. As disciples of Yuan Gate and Dao Sect—rival sects—they were destined to be enemies, yet a twist of fate had brought them together, creating a brief yet meaningful connection. But both Lin Langtian and Ying Xiaoxiao knew that, given the hostile relationship between their sects, they had to keep their distance, at least publicly.
Before leaving, Ying Xiaoxiao gave Lin Langtian a long, complex look, then bit her lip slightly, saying, "Lin Langtian, you saved my life, and no matter what happens, I owe you a debt. If there's ever a chance, I, Ying Xiaoxiao, will repay it."
With these words, she waved her delicate hand, summoning a long, azure sword that landed at her feet. Taking one last deep look at him, she stepped onto the sword and flew away.
Watching her figure disappear into the distance, Lin Langtian rubbed his chin and gave a slight, self-deprecating laugh. He would have liked to say, What does Yuan Gate and Dao Sect's feud have to do with me?
In fact, Lin Langtian even wished for Yuan Gate's downfall, as the sect's alliance with demonic forces made it a threat to all living beings in the Great Thousand World. But, of course, he couldn't reveal these thoughts to Ying Xiaoxiao. To most people in this realm, their sect was as sacred as family, and to betray it would be unthinkable.
Lin Langtian stood silently for a moment until Ying Xiaoxiao was completely out of sight. Then, with a small twitch of his shoulder, a pair of flaming, red wings appeared at his back, and with a single flap, he soared toward Black Rock City. Now, he needed to buy a map to find his way back to Yuan Gate and finally leave the Bloodhorn Region.
High above, his crimson silhouette streaked across the sky, like a comet heading for the vast city standing in the plains below.
In a matter of hours, Lin Langtian was within a few hundred meters of the city's edge. Slowing his descent, he retracted his fiery wings and gracefully landed, brushing some dust off his robes before heading toward the massive city built from black rock.
As he drew closer, he noticed the increasing number of people in his surroundings. Many of the passersby exuded an air of hostility, their faces showing that they were not to be messed with. After a few minutes of walking, Lin Langtian stopped, raising his gaze to the towering black walls of the city.
Above the city gate, three enormous red characters, faintly exuding a bloody aura, were carved into the stone: Black Rock City. Reading the name aloud, Lin Langtian let out a small laugh and moved toward the entrance.
At the gate, a group of elite guards kept watch, and to avoid unnecessary trouble, Lin Langtian paid the entry fee and walked through the city gates.
Once inside, the dim passageway gave way to the full view of the city's unusual architecture, characteristic of the Bloodhorn Region. Ancient-looking buildings stretched out around him, and Lin Langtian was intrigued by their odd, unconventional designs.
Surprisingly, order within the city seemed nonexistent, with fights occasionally breaking out on the streets. But this was apparently business as usual, as no one around him seemed bothered.
"Let's buy the best map I can find," he murmured, his interest in the street fights quickly waning.
Without hesitation, he grabbed a passing stranger and asked for directions to a store that sold maps of the East Xuan Region. The stranger initially looked annoyed but became polite and even enthusiastic after Lin Langtian handed him a bag filled with thousands of Nirvana Pills. After thanking him, Lin Langtian turned the corner, heading to the shop the stranger had mentioned—the finest map shop in Black Rock City.
...
After a bit of a walk, Lin Langtian arrived at a modest shop called "Xuan Domain Maps." Surveying the exterior, he raised an eyebrow. Unlike other shops, this one had a simple, antique look.
Intrigued, he stepped inside.
The interior was small but well-lit. Lin Langtian scanned the shop, noting that there were few customers—an almost deserted atmosphere, which made him wonder if he had the right place. However, he soon spotted an elderly man behind the counter, meticulously working on a map. Despite his age and white hair, the elder's hand remained steady as he drew, his ink brush moving with precision.
Respectfully, Lin Langtian refrained from interrupting the man and instead examined the maps on display. The clear markings and routes on them made him nod approvingly.
After a few minutes, Lin Langtian glanced back at the old man, who still seemed absorbed in his work. Deciding to look around, he wandered to a wooden shelf in the shop's corner. The shelf was clearly ancient, full of rotted holes, and held a stack of yellowed, tattered maps—most likely failed copies.
Casually, Lin Langtian picked up a few maps from the shelf, the scent of mold filling his nose as he flipped through the worn pages. Just as he was about to put them back, a small, palm-sized fragment slipped out of the pile and fell to the ground.
At first, he paid it no mind. But as he moved to place the maps back, his eyes drifted over the little fragment, and he froze mid-motion.
"This is…" he muttered, reaching down to carefully pick up the torn scrap. His eyes lit up with a hint of excitement as he examined the mysterious, somewhat familiar route sketched onto the worn fragment. Even the Devouring Ancestral Symbol within him began to tremble slightly.
Staring at the intricate lines and ancient markings, Lin Langtian's eyes narrowed as he took a deep breath, whispering to himself, "It's exactly what I thought…"
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