Chapter 280: Crafting the Beast Puppet
In the quiet depths of the Mirror World, a surge of powerful energy suddenly exploded outward from Mo Ying's location. The overwhelming aura only lasted for a brief moment before Mo Ying swiftly reined it back in, but this sudden change immediately caught Lin Langtian's attention. With a swift movement, Lin Langtian appeared nearby.
"Fourth Yuan Nirvana Stage, is it..." he murmured, sensing the new strength emanating from Mo Ying. Mo Ying had reached the peak of the Third Yuan Nirvana Stage six months ago. Now, thanks to the unique cultivation environment in the Mirror World, he had broken through this threshold and truly entered the Fourth Yuan Nirvana Stage.
Even though the Flame Alliance's strength was considerable, and he had Lin Dong and the others as trusted allies, Lin Langtian knew that only Jinwu and Mo Ying could follow his commands precisely without question.
Seeing Lin Langtian approach, Mo Ying withdrew his aura and respectfully bowed.
Lin Langtian gave a satisfied nod before, with a thought, summoning a massive skeletal beast to appear before them. Waves of primal energy rolled from the gigantic, bleached bones, causing the surrounding air to thicken and still.
"This is the skeleton of an ancient beast—the Sky Desolation Divine Ox. Mo Ying, do you think you can turn it into a beast puppet?" Lin Langtian asked, turning to him.
At this, Mo Ying's expression remained blank as he paused to consider. "Master, I do know some methods for crafting puppets. However, this beast's strength in life likely surpassed the Nirvana Stage, and it has a powerful bloodline. With my current abilities, crafting a fully-functional beast puppet might be too challenging. However, I can try using the Mirror World's dark energy to control the beast's body somewhat. Without the Sky Desolation Divine Ox's bloodline, though, it would likely only have strength equivalent to an Eighth Yuan Nirvana Stage warrior."
"Eighth Yuan Nirvana Stage…" Lin Langtian muttered, nodding in approval. "That should do for now. Focus on animating the body, but don't touch the bloodline powers yet."
A puppet with the power of an Eighth Yuan Nirvana Stage warrior was already quite formidable, even on par with a core disciple of a super sect. In the future, when Mo Ying's abilities advanced, he could refine it into a true Death Profound Stage battle puppet. For now, the millions of Nirvana Pills spent on this acquisition would not be in vain.
Lin Langtian then glanced at the flourishing Green Wood Yuan trees and Heavenly Rune trees, nodding in satisfaction before leaving the Sky Desolation Divine Ox's skeleton with Mo Ying and returning to his physical form.
"Let's get moving."
With his consciousness back in his body, Lin Langtian stretched. After giving everyone a moment to rest, it was time to fully plunge into the heart of this core region. By now, it was bound to be teeming with powerful rivals, though the Flame Alliance, now stronger than ever, would be among the most formidable of these factions.
Following Lin Langtian's words, Lin Dong and the others rose from their rest, nodding with burning determination in their eyes. Their year of grueling cultivation in the Ancient Battlefield was now coming to its final test. Whether they would return to their kingdoms in disgrace or gain the attention of the super sects would depend on how they performed next.
In the dense forest, a swift gust of wind announced a hundred figures darting gracefully through the trees like agile monkeys. The forest's uneven terrain posed no challenge to their nimble movements.
"Senior Brother, up ahead is the Hundred Dynasty Mountain. We're about a day's travel away from our destination," Mo Ling reported, lightly tapping his foot on a branch to keep pace with Lin Langtian.
Lin Langtian turned, revealing his familiar face. Since the start of the Hundred Dynasty War, Lin Langtian's group had encountered few enemies, as most who saw the Flame Alliance simply fled in fear.
"The Hundred Dynasty Mountain..." Lin Langtian nodded, recalling the legends surrounding this place, the final point where countless powerful warriors would converge. Only those who could make it here, rising from the trials of the Ancient Battlefield, would earn the right to be noticed by the super sects.
"Senior Brother, with your strength, even the top talents from the super dynasties pale in comparison," Su Kui said with an envious sigh. Though he had some talent, he couldn't compare to Lin Langtian and the others, and without joining the Flame Alliance, he would likely have never made it this far.
Still, Su Kui felt fortunate, especially since his younger sister, Su Rou, had gained an incredible opportunity, which made the journey worthwhile even if only she were noticed by the super sects.
"Rest assured. If the super sects notice the strength within Su Rou, they'll likely select her—and by extension, you'll be welcomed too," Xiao Diao teased, already aware of Su Rou's hidden power.
Su Kui paused, then chuckled, "I hope that's the case."
"Let's keep moving."
With a wave, Lin Langtian led the group forward. They dashed through the thinning forest until Mo Ling signaled ahead, "Senior Brother, there's a rest stop up ahead."
"Let's bypass it," Lin Langtian replied. He wasn't interested in wasting time here. Mo Ling nodded, and as they approached, Lin Langtian suddenly slowed his pace.
"Senior Brother? What's wrong?" The others halted in surprise at his sudden change.
Lin Langtian raised his head toward a clearing surrounded by broken rocks. Amidst the bustling figures, the air shimmered with bursts of chaotic energy, suggesting the place was far from peaceful.
"There are some familiar presences there," Lin Langtian said, glancing at Lin Dong beside him with a knowing smile.
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