Volume 1, Chapter 183: No One Leaves Today

"These two longswords were forged from that beast's back bones infused with Taibai Meteor Gold. Consider them my gift." Lin Yu handed the swords to Asang and Ayun. 

"Master Lin, we're already grateful for the Taibai Meteor Gold—how can we accept such precious gifts?" Asang pushed them back, though her eyes lingered on the blades. The swords merged the saber-toothed tiger's ferocity with the Taibai Meteor Gold's sharpness—clear Void Transformation Realm treasures. 

"Master Lin, this is too generous!" Ayun echoed, reluctant to take them without merit. 

"You deserve them." Lin Yu pressed the swords into their hands. Had they objected to the 70/30 split, he wouldn't have given the swords. But their understanding earned them extra favor. 

"Master Lin, these swords can save thousands of our tribespeople. We owe you a debt. If you ever come to the Pure Land, the Cangyue Tribe will serve you loyally." Asang held the sword, eyes shining with respect. 

"Master Lin, we must search for other treasures. Farewell. If you ever need us, the Cangyue Tribe will answer." Ayun nodded gravely. 

"Leave? Hehe—no one leaves today." 

An old, domineering voice cut in. Lin Yu looked up to see a black-robed figure on the mountain peak, silhouetted against the moon and stars, radiating invincible might. The figure leaped down, landing before them as a black streak. 

Bang! 

Gravel flew, dust billowed. When it cleared, a white-bearded elder with yellow-glowing eyes stood before them. Lin Yu guessed his origin at a glance. 

"You're a tiger-clan warrior from Fumeng Sacred Mountain. Quick to arrive." 

"Correct. I am an elder of Fumeng Sacred Mountain. So you're the one who slaughtered our warriors. Today, you pay with blood." Chen Zhan eyed Lin Yu, then greedily noted the swords in Asang and Ayun's hands. "What's your relation to him? Hand over the swords, and I'll spare you." 

Asang and Ayun gripped their swords, standing firm beside Lin Yu. "Master Lin, we'll fight with you!" Though Chen Zhan was Void Transformation Realm Level 2, their swords might threaten him. 

Asang pressed the Taibai Meteor Gold into Lin Yu's hand. "Master Lin, if things go south, we'll hold him off. Please find our Cangyue Tribe warriors and return this to our tribe." 

"I appreciate the offer, but keep it. I can't help with that." Lin Yu smiled—they were willing to die for him. 

"Master Lin, he's a Level 2 Void Transformation Realm warrior! You—" Asang fretted. 

"I can handle him. Go now—you're not needed here." Lin Yu faced Chen Zhan. A Level 2 Void Transformation Realm warrior was perfect. 

"Lord Cauldron, can refining this guy get me to Level 2 Void Transformation Realm?" 

"Ha! You're in luck. Swallowing him will push you to Level 2 for sure!" Lord Cauldron was confident—Lin Yu was already on the cusp. 

Asang and Ayun retreated behind Lin Yu but didn't leave, ready to buy him time if he faltered. Lin Yu sighed—let them stay. He could handle a Level 2 alone. 

"Heh. So you want to die with him. Very well—I'll grant your wish." Chen Zhan raised his hand, summoning a long blade流淌 (flowing) with crimson lava, radiating scorching heat. Swinging it, he drew a fiery arc that set rocks and trees ablaze. 

Lin Yu calmly summoned the Wind Control Sword, flicking its hilt. Thunder and Fire Sword Intent merged into a rainbow, shooting at Chen Zhan. 

"Bold!" Chen Zhan slashed, unleashing a lava torrent that engulfed the sword in a volcanic eruption. 

"Master Lin—!" Asang cried, rushing to help. 

"Wait." Ayun stopped her, pointing. A silver light rose from the lava, splitting the torrent. The Wind Control Sword emerged, howling toward Chen Zhan. 

"Damnation!" Chen Zhan swung again, a lava dragon colliding with the sword. 

Bang! 

Thunder and Fire Intent vanished, but the sword's silver light sliced through the lava, returning to Lin Yu as a cyan streak.