Chapter 338: The Mysterious Elder
Upon seeing the ancient, mysterious map fragment in his hand, Lin Langtian's eyes filled with unmistakable joy. He had not anticipated that in such an unlikely place, he would stumble upon a familiar map fragment.
This fragment was identical to the other two he had previously obtained, each detailing locations related to a former wielder of the Devouring Ancestral Symbol. Known as the most enigmatic of the eight Ancestral Symbols, every past wielder had been a legendary powerhouse. The inheritance contained within each map was bound to be extraordinarily valuable.
If Lin Langtian could collect all the fragments and inherit such a legacy, the boost to his power would be unimaginable.
"Oh, lucky you," Aunt Ling's amused voice echoed within Lin Langtian's mind. "I didn't think you'd find the third fragment in a place like this."
Such map fragments were typically scattered across vast regions. Even the most powerful beings rarely succeeded in gathering them. Yet here Lin Langtian was, with the third piece within just a few years—a true stroke of fortune.
Lin Langtian nodded in agreement, a smile of joy spreading across his face. He could hardly believe his luck.
The white-haired elder in the shop had noticed the commotion, slowly lifting his head and glancing at the fragment in Lin Langtian's hand. A flicker of curiosity crossed his otherwise clouded and calm gaze. The elder's face, though plain and weathered, held a pair of eyes that hinted at experience beyond measure, evoking a sense of inscrutable depth.
Feeling a strange intensity from the old man, Lin Langtian held up the ancient fragment and gave a respectful bow. "Sir, I'm interested in buying a detailed map of the East Xuan Region. And if possible, would you be willing to sell this map to me? I'm prepared to pay handsomely."
The elder glanced at him and replied in an unyielding tone, "A map of the East Xuan Region costs ten thousand Nirvana Pills. As for that fragment in your hand..." He paused. "It is not for sale."
Hearing this, Lin Langtian felt a twinge of disappointment and sighed inwardly. It seemed he couldn't acquire this fragment so easily after all.
Just then, Aunt Ling's voice sounded within him, warning, "Be careful. This elder is no ordinary person."
Startled, Lin Langtian looked closely at the old man, a peculiar thought arising. Could this elder be one of those hidden masters found only in stories? A recluse, perhaps?
"Did you detect something specific, Aunt Ling?" he asked inwardly.
"Yes. Based on my assessment, this old man's true strength likely exceeds the Life and Death Profound Realm. However, some form of power seems to be suppressing him. Currently, he's operating only at a lesser Life Profound Realm strength—similar to that of Mu Ku, whom you recently defeated," Aunt Ling explained.
"Beyond Life and Death Profound Realm..." Lin Langtian whispered in shock. "So, he's on par with the three Grandmasters of Yuan Gate?"
"Possibly," she replied. "There may be some differences in strength, but he is likely close to that level. But don't be too surprised. In the Great Thousand World, strange and powerful beings are everywhere. It's not uncommon for some of them to adopt odd lifestyles, even living as commoners."
Lin Langtian stifled a laugh.
"Leave ten thousand Nirvana Pills and take the East Xuan Region map," the elder said dismissively. "But don't think of taking that fragment. Trying anything rash won't end well for you."
After a long sigh, Lin Langtian shook his head and replied, "Yes, it seems that someone of your caliber, once equal to the grandmasters of the eight super sects, would be impossible to rob."
"Crack!"
The elder's table suddenly cracked and shattered to dust, as if under tremendous pressure. The elder's eyes turned cold, and he lifted his head, fixing Lin Langtian with a sharp, penetrating gaze.
"You…" he said, his voice icily calm, "know who I am?"
With a wave of his hand, the elder closed the shop door, his sharp gaze pinned on Lin Langtian. A powerful aura emanated from him, exceeding the Nirvana Realm's level.
"Don't misunderstand, sir," Lin Langtian said carefully, feeling the elder's oppressive energy intensify. "I don't actually know who you are. I'm just a rune master with heightened mental awareness. I sensed the extraordinary energy within you."
Holding up the mysterious fragment, he added, "This fragment is my sole interest. If you name a price, I'll pay whatever I can afford."
"I already told you, the map is not for sale," the elder said coldly. "I won't repeat myself."
Hearing this, Lin Langtian frowned, feeling a flash of frustration. This old man clearly didn't understand the importance of the map. Yet he remained firm, refusing to part with it for any price.
"Sir, this fragment is extremely important to me. If you refuse, I'll have to take it by other means," Lin Langtian said firmly, his tone hardening.
"By your means?" the elder sneered. "Do you think a child like you could take anything from me?"
Ignoring the elder's sneer, Lin Langtian gave a dismissive shrug and leapt toward the door.
"Trying to escape?" the elder growled, malice flashing in his eyes as he stepped forward, moving at lightning speed toward Lin Langtian.
Feeling the elder's terrifying intent, Lin Langtian's heart sank. Facing such a formidable opponent, it seemed he would have to rely on Aunt Ling once more.
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