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Chapter 460 - Chapter 460: Internal Strife in Heaven Mansion

Chapter 460: Internal Strife in Heaven Mansion

"Is this... another Spatial Ancestral Symbol?"

Zhou Tong stared in shock at the two identical symbols in Lin Langtian's hand. His usually calm expression now revealed profound astonishment.

The Eight Great Ancestral Symbols were treasures formed by the supreme laws of heaven and earth. Each was uniquely powerful and completely irreplaceable. Yet, now before his eyes appeared two identical Spatial Ancestral Symbols, shattering his understanding.

Seeing Zhou Tong's shocked expression, Lin Langtian didn't hide the truth. After all, they would be allies in future battles, and trust was essential. Without hesitation, Lin Langtian briefly explained how he had duplicated the Ancestral Symbol, though he omitted details regarding the mysterious Golden Spirit Wheel Mirror, as even he wasn't certain of its exact origin.

"A treasure capable of duplicating Ancestral Symbols?"

Hearing this explanation, Zhou Tong's astonishment deepened. The Ancestral Symbols were known as unique existences, each possessing unimaginable power, yet Lin Langtian could duplicate them with such perfection?

Zhou Tong stared silently at Lin Langtian, understanding that this youthful leader not only possessed exceptional talent but also hid many profound secrets.

"Elder Zhou," Lin Langtian continued, gently placing the original Ancestral Symbol in Zhou Tong's hand, "the duplicated Spatial Ancestral Symbol is already bound to me. It's only right that the original returns to you. After all, without it, your strength would diminish greatly."

Zhou Tong hesitated briefly before nodding gratefully. "Thank you, Mansion Master."

Lin Langtian smiled warmly. "Since your revival has succeeded, let's leave this Pill River dimension provided by the Hall of Darkness."

"As you wish, Mansion Master," Zhou Tong replied respectfully.

The two men exchanged glances, simultaneously activating their Spatial Ancestral Symbols. The surrounding space instantly twisted, and their figures disappeared from the dimension.

In a tranquil bamboo forest outside the Pill River space, Chen Kui had waited patiently. Seeing Lin Langtian finally emerge, he rose quickly, smiling warmly.

"Brother Lin, you're finally out of seclusion."

Lin Langtian greeted him amicably. "Chen Kui, where are Qing Tan and Senior Bo Xuan?"

Chen Kui explained, "During these two months, Qing Tan's Seventh Division has been dispatched on missions to quell rebellions. As for Master, he has entered seclusion, preparing to break through to the Reincarnation Realm."

Chen Kui glanced curiously at Zhou Tong, sensing a formidable presence reminiscent of his master's aura.

Lin Langtian noticed Chen Kui's gaze and introduced Zhou Tong: "This is Zhou Tong, an Elder in my newly founded Heaven Mansion."

Chen Kui politely nodded, impressed that Lin Langtian had already attracted such a powerful ally, sensing Zhou Tong's formidable aura.

Lin Langtian then turned to Chen Kui and asked, "Chen Kui, could I trouble the Hall of Darkness for a favor?"

Chen Kui responded without hesitation, smiling sincerely. "Of course! Master instructed me explicitly to assist you in any way possible."

Lin Langtian gratefully requested, "My Heaven Mansion's forces are currently gathered in the South River Region. I'd like to borrow some of your Hall's Dark Tiger Battleships to transport our members safely to the Eastern Xuan Region."

Chen Kui nodded immediately. "Simple enough. I'll dispatch ten Dark Tiger Battleships immediately for your use."

Lin Langtian expressed his thanks, and after some additional discussion, departed toward the South River Region along with Zhou Tong.

South River Region, Fire Cloud Sect Headquarters

Within the grand hall of the Fire Cloud Sect, now temporarily serving as Heaven Mansion's main headquarters, leaders of over twenty factions from the region had gathered. Initially united under Lin Langtian's leadership, tensions now brewed beneath the surface due to his prolonged absence.

Sitting at the head seat was Elder Yan, appointed by Lin Langtian as the Mansion's Grand Elder. Below him were numerous powerful cultivators, each emanating Life Profound Realm strength or greater. Among them, a burly middle-aged man stood out distinctly. His aura contained unmistakable Death Qi, signifying that he had successfully entered the Death Profound Realm. His name was Liu Kun, former master of the Asura Gate, now a significant presence within Heaven Mansion.

Elder Yan began the meeting gravely. "Today, we must evaluate how well your forces have integrated. According to news from the Hall of Darkness, we won't be able to remain in the Northern Xuan Region much longer."

Silence fell over the hall as the gravity of their situation sank in.

Suddenly, Liu Kun's cold voice broke the quiet. "Considering we're about to relocate, shouldn't our esteemed Mansion Master finally appear? Or has he simply abandoned us after uniting us under his banner?"

His words immediately stirred whispers among those present. Liu Kun, having reached the Death Profound Realm, had grown ambitious, viewing Lin Langtian's absence as an opportunity to seize control. Secretly, he had already gathered followers, creating a powerful faction within Heaven Mansion.

Elder Yan's expression darkened visibly, yet due to Liu Kun's strength, he found himself unable to suppress the challenge openly.

Seizing the advantage, Liu Kun continued confidently, "Perhaps, for the Mansion's benefit, we should appoint an acting Mansion Master in Lin Langtian's absence?"

Elder Yan countered sharply, "And whom do you propose?"

Liu Kun smiled smugly. "Naturally, the strongest should lead. I believe all present agree?"

Immediately, voices supporting Liu Kun began rising, causing tension in the hall to escalate rapidly. Despite Elder Yan's protests, it became clear that Liu Kun had rallied considerable support.

"If Elder Yan still disagrees, perhaps we should hold a vote," Liu Kun proposed with feigned fairness.

Outraged, Elder Yan stood abruptly, rebuking sharply, "Liu Kun! Without the Mansion Master's approval, your actions blatantly violate our rules!"

Liu Kun sneered defiantly. "Where are the rules when our Mansion Master refuses even to appear? Stop brandishing your false authority!"

The hall descended into chaos. Just as the conflict reached its peak, a calm, amused voice resonated clearly through the chamber:

"My, my… I never expected such excitement to occur during my short absence."

All eyes snapped to the head seat, mouths agape in shock. Seated comfortably on the Mansion Master's throne, Lin Langtian regarded them with a gentle smile, exuding overwhelming pressure. Beside him stood Zhou Tong, his silent aura alone profoundly intimidating.

"Man—Mansion Master? You've returned?" Elder Yan stammered joyfully.

Liu Kun's face turned ashen, panic flickering briefly across his features before quickly regaining composure. He swiftly stood, feigning respect. "Mansion Master Lin, your return is indeed timely."

Lin Langtian smiled lightly, ignoring Liu Kun momentarily and addressing Elder Yan kindly, "Elder Yan, you've worked hard."

Elder Yan lowered his head shamefully. "I failed in my duties."

Lin Langtian shook his head reassuringly. "The fault lies not with you. The Mansion's growth inevitably brings friction."

He then fixed his gaze on Liu Kun, his smile suddenly growing colder. "Elder Liu, proposing to replace me in my absence is quite a bold move. Perhaps you'd like to explain yourself?"

Liu Kun's heart jolted with fear, but pride pushed him to resist, forcing a rigid smile. "Mansion Master, I meant no disrespect. It was merely a suggestion born of necessity."

Lin Langtian's gaze sharpened dangerously. "Necessity, indeed. But now I have returned. Do you still feel the necessity to discuss my replacement?"

Liu Kun, feeling cornered, swallowed dryly, replying stiffly, "Of course not, Mansion Master."

Lin Langtian observed him coldly, then smiled faintly, releasing a fraction of his newly enhanced aura. The immense pressure instantly silenced the entire hall, astonishing everyone present—especially Liu Kun, who paled dramatically, realizing the Mansion Master's strength had advanced significantly beyond expectations.

With authority firmly reestablished, Lin Langtian addressed the entire hall decisively:

"Heaven Mansion stands united. Those who waver now have one chance to reconsider. My patience has limits."

A powerful silence swept through the hall, unchallenged by any further dissent. Liu Kun's rebellion evaporated immediately, leaving him trembling silently.

At this moment, everyone present understood that Heaven Mansion's Mansion Master had truly returned, stronger and more formidable than ever.

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