Chapter 311: A Brand New Fusion Power
On the spacious platform, the atmosphere grew tense as a sudden, stern shout brought silence. Many disciples from the Fire Division exchanged glances, then quickly fell quiet.
They were well aware of Zhang Hao's temperament. Even if Lin Langtian hadn't seriously injured Xiao Lie previously, Zhang Hao likely wouldn't allow a newly-joined disciple, who had been with the Fire Division for less than a month, to be appointed as the division's chief disciple.
Elsewhere, Ling Chi watched with a playful glint in his red eyes. Despite Lin Langtian's intimidating aura as a newcomer, a faint trace of apprehension lingered in Ling Chi's mind. Still, as a Spirit General, he wouldn't demean himself by directly confronting a mere newcomer.
Zhang Hao, one of the seven chief disciples, who was at the peak of the Eight-Origin Nirvana Realm, was the perfect candidate to test Lin Langtian's mettle.
Mo Tie and others frowned, casting worried glances at Lin Langtian. Aligned with him in this division, they hoped for his rise within the Fire Division. However, Zhang Hao's vocal opposition left them feeling a bit helpless. After all, Zhang Hao held much greater fame in the division than Lin Langtian did.
Yet, under their watchful eyes, Lin Langtian remained unperturbed, his expression steady and calm, as though entirely unaffected.
High above, Master Fen Cang glanced at Zhang Hao with a slight frown and asked sternly, "Zhang Hao, are you questioning your division leader?"
"Master Fen Cang, I would never question your orders," Zhang Hao replied, bowing respectfully. "However, as the chief disciple of the division, one must not only have exceptional strength but also a credible background that commands respect. Brother Lin Langtian may indeed be talented, but promoting him to the chief disciple position now seems a bit hasty, doesn't it?"
Ordinary disciples usually addressed Fen Cang as "Division Leader." Yet, chief disciples like Zhang Hao had the privilege of calling him "Master," highlighting their esteemed status.
Fen Cang's stern expression softened, and he nodded thoughtfully. "You make a fair point. Lin Langtian, what do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Hao turned to Lin Langtian and smiled, "Brother Langtian, though you are talented, I don't think you're qualified to stand on equal footing with the seven of us chief disciples."
His words were harsh, and the Fire Division disciples on the platform subtly smirked. Mo Tie and the others seethed, regarding Lin Langtian as their leader within the faction. But with Zhang Hao belittling him, their anger was palpable.
However, no one dared to speak out recklessly; after all, this was Yuan Gate, a place with strict ranks and hierarchies. Zhang Hao's position and strength within the Fire Division far surpassed their own. Consequently, they looked toward Lin Langtian, whose handsome face broke into a faint smile as he met Zhang Hao's gaze.
Seeing Lin Langtian's calm demeanor, Zhang Hao sneered, folding his arms across his chest as his powerful aura pressed down on Lin Langtian with the full force of his Eight-Origin Nirvana Realm mastery.
"Oh, Senior Zhang," Lin Langtian asked, a smirk on his face, "What kind of qualifications are you referring to?"
The Fire Division disciples looked at each other in surprise at Lin Langtian's bold response, intrigued by the spectacle unfolding before them.
Mo Tie and the others held back their amusement. Lin Langtian had subtly insulted Zhang Hao without a single profane word, reaffirming his reputation as a forceful and unyielding figure who wouldn't easily suffer a loss.
At Lin Langtian's words, Zhang Hao's expression darkened. Although not as prestigious as the Three Little Kings and the Eight Spirit Generals of Yuan Gate, he was still among the core figures of the thousands of disciples.
"Brother Zhang, your point is fair," Lin Langtian said. "Since I'm still new to the Fire Division, I haven't gained the full trust of everyone here. But as for strength…" Lin Langtian paused, looking straight at Zhang Hao. "Would Senior Zhang care for a little contest?"
Lin Langtian's calm voice echoed across the platform, stunning the disciples around him.
Challenging Zhang Hao was quite the bold move. Zhang Hao, unlike Xiao Lie, had mastered the Fire Division's signature martial technique, The Emperor's Flame Manual. Even though Lin Langtian had a record of fighting opponents beyond his level, defeating Zhang Hao would be no small feat.
"A mere newcomer dares to challenge me?" Zhang Hao sneered, his voice cold.
"Because I am Lin Langtian!" Lin Langtian replied boldly.
His powerful statement stunned even those who opposed him, inspiring them with his confident demeanor and stirring respect. Zhang Hao, caught off guard by Lin Langtian's boldness, saw the admiration in the disciples' eyes and felt a surge of jealousy. Flicking his sleeve, he sneered.
"Fine. Let's see if you're a rising star or just a fool! If you can withstand a single strike from me, I'll acknowledge your position as the chief disciple!"
"A single strike?"
The surrounding disciples looked at one another, their eyes flashing with concern. Knowing Zhang Hao, even one attack wouldn't be taken lightly. Lin Langtian might very well risk his life in this contest.
Mo Tie and the others grew anxious but, recalling Lin Langtian's battlefield achievements, managed to steady their nerves. Since Lin Langtian dared challenge Zhang Hao, he must be confident in his abilities.
"Since you two have decided on this one-strike contest to determine the chief disciple position, I won't intervene," Fen Cang said, nodding after a moment's thought.
At his words, Fen Cang cleared the platform for Lin Langtian and Zhang Hao. The Fire Division disciples, eager for the showdown, grew visibly excited. It had been decades since a newcomer challenged a chief disciple!
"Seeking your own doom!" Zhang Hao glared at Lin Langtian, his narrowed eyes brimming with a killing intent. Since becoming the chief disciple, no one had dared confront him so brazenly. With a single step, he released a storm of fierce energy that outmatched even Xiao Lie.
Boom! Boom!
In the sky above, fiery clouds gathered, and the elemental energy around them grew violent. Streaks of fire surged down, transforming the entire area into a world of flames.
Suspended in the air amid the fire, Zhang Hao, with a fierce expression, raised his hands, pulling the flames together as if he were the very embodiment of the Flame Emperor.
"Now, I'll let you experience the pinnacle of my Fire Division techniques. If you can withstand this attack, I'll recognize you as the chief disciple!" Zhang Hao's voice thundered with fiery determination. He raised his hands in a peculiar stance.
"Is that…?" the Fire Division disciples murmured, recognizing his technique.
"Senior Zhang Hao is using The Emperor's Flame Manual!"
The countless flames from the fire clouds poured down, filling the platform with scorching heat. Zhang Hao's followers chuckled disdainfully, convinced that Lin Langtian had no chance.
But Lin Langtian wasn't intimidated. With his spirit focused, he channeled his powers—Nine Nether Energy, Spiritual Power, Devouring Power, and even the Vermillion Bird Flame—all merging to create a beam of dark red light.
"Condense!"
With a rapid sequence of hand signs, the pillar behind him materialized into a massive dark-red hand and a mighty martial shadow, exuding an aura of ancient strength and destruction.
"Great Desolate God Hand!"
"Martial Shadow Devouring Heaven Technique!"
With a deep shout, Lin Langtian launched his powerful attack. The hand and martial shadow collided fiercely with Zhang Hao's massive flame hand, sending shockwaves through the space.
"Oh, two spiritual techniques at once… but what is that strange power?" Fen Cang muttered, observing the tri-colored energy that even he, with his strength, couldn't fully comprehend.
The two forces collided, producing a massive, reverberating impact. The platform cracked under the force of their clash, leaving the onlookers stunned.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 15 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1