Amidst a group of fine steeds, a brilliant red figure drew even more attention. With such a majestic and awe-inspiring appearance, it was naturally Xiao Yan. And at this moment, riding on Xiao Yan's back was Lin Dong. Currently, Xiao Yan's physique was not much different from that of an adult tiger, making him suitable for riding. His leg strength and posture were incomparably superior to ordinary fine steeds. After all, although Xiao Yan was still young, he was ultimately a demonic beast.
"If this brat is also interested, then take him along to see a bit. This is just an experience. But remember, under no circumstances must anything unfortunate happen to him, or neither of you should bother returning to see me!" At the main gate, Lin Zhengtian first glanced at Lin Dong riding on the tiger's back, then his gaze shifted to Lin Xiao and Lin Keng, speaking coldly.
"Father, rest assured." Lin Keng smiled. With two Sky Origin Stage masters protecting him, truly no one within a hundred-mile radius of Qingyang Town could harm Lin Dong.
"Hmm, remember to contact Feng Niao, and be careful with everything. As for the Lei Family's side, I will keep an eye on it." Lin Zhengtian nodded, speaking in a deep voice.
"Yes." Lin Xiao and Lin Keng both nodded. Then, after a quick check of their men and horses, they wasted no more time, directly cracked their whips, and galloped towards the outskirts of Qingyang Town.
"Xiao Yan, follow them."
Seeing them start to move, Lin Dong lightly patted Xiao Yan. A low tiger's roar echoed, then he moved his four paws, stirring up a strong wind, and gave chase.
Such a style of mount, as it passed through Qingyang Town, undoubtedly caused waves of commotion. Every gaze revealed intense envy.
***
Tiemu Manor, a somewhat famous village near Qingyang Town. This place had an abundance of Tiemu. This type of Tiemu was like refined iron, impervious to water and fire, and its wood was thick and sturdy, extremely suitable for crafting weapons and various other structures. Therefore, Tiemu had always commanded a high price, and within a hundred-mile radius, only Tiemu Manor possessed this unique specialty. Thus, in recent years, the Lei Family's enterprises had grown immensely prosperous due to Tiemu Manor.
If the Lin Family could take over Tiemu Manor, their annual profits would at least soar significantly. Conversely, if the Lei Family lost Tiemu Manor, they would suffer no small loss.
Tiemu Manor was approximately half a day's journey from Qingyang Town. After traveling until midday, Lin Xiao and his group arrived within the vicinity of Tiemu Manor.
***
Lin Dong, riding on the tiger's back, looked down the slope. At the end of the main road was a magnificent manor, occupying an extremely vast area. A single glance at the manor revealed no end to its expanse. Looking into the distance, one could vaguely discern those colossal black trees deep within the manor. Those were the specialty of Tiemu Manor – Tiemu.
"The manor gates are tightly shut. It seems things won't be too smooth!" Lin Keng narrowed his eyes, looking at the closed gates, and said indifferently.
Lin Xiao also nodded slightly, then waved his hand. Behind him, the Lin Family members all raised their guard. One could only hear the *swish* of blades and swords being drawn, their cold glint emerging from their scabbards as they sat on horseback. Their expressions were cold, and a faint killing intent began to rise.
On this side, Lin Dong saw this scene, and his hands couldn't help but clench, veins faintly bulging. This was the true world; compared to this genuine life-and-death struggle, his previous fights were like child's play. In a scene like this, a single disagreement could easily lead to a fight to the death.
"Qin Ying, take two men and protect Dong-er well, go!" Lin Xiao growled in a low voice, then cracked his horsewhip and immediately galloped down. A cloud of yellow dust rose.
"Clatter, clatter!"
As Lin Xiao charged down, more than ten clouds of yellow dust followed closely behind. In just a few minutes, they appeared before the manor gates.
"Halt, you who approach! This is the Lei Family Manor. Without permission, you are not allowed to enter!"
As Lin Xiao and his group arrived at the manor gates, a few glints of cold light appeared on the towering courtyard wall, and a person shouted down at Lin Xiao and his group.
"Call your steward out! Today, my Lin Family has come to take over Ironwood Manor!" Lin Xiao bellowed in a deep voice. Aided by his formidable Yuan Power, that voice, like thunder, echoed and spread throughout the entire manor.
"Heh, I say, can your Lin Family no longer hold back? If you want to take over, you should exchange procedures with the Lei Family. Why rush here?" On the courtyard wall, two figures quickly appeared. A slightly mocking voice rang out.
"Lei Ruo, Lei Ying."
Seeing the two figures on the courtyard wall, Lin Xiao and Lin Kai's brows both slightly furrowed. These two were important members of the Lei Family, and their strength had both reached the early Sky Yuan Stage. It seemed the Lei Family was prepared.
"Haha! Brother Lin Xiao! Brother Lin Keng! If my Lei Family said we would hand Ironwood Manor over to your Lin Family, then we will naturally do so. Why are you so anxious? How about this, wait five more days, and my Lei Family will officially hand Ironwood Manor over to you, without any delay, how about that?" On the courtyard wall, a person dressed in ash-gray robes said with a smile.
"Brother Lei Ying, you've already dragged this out for a month. Those words aren't very convincing!" Lin Keng said.
"Are those people trying to delay something?" From a distance, when Lin Dong heard the Lei Family's bickering, his brows couldn't help but furrow. He stared unblinkingly at the two Lei Ying, noticing that when they spoke, the corners of their eyes seemed to involuntarily glance towards the interior of the manor.
"Uncle Qin Ying, something isn't right. Follow me."
Lin Dong's eyes flashed, and he suddenly spoke in a low voice to a burly man protecting him nearby.
"Young Master Lin Dong!"
Hearing this, Qin Ying was startled. He was about to tell Lin Dong to stay put, but when his eyes caught sight of Lin Dong riding Xiao Yan, he remembered that this young man before him was no naive youth. He hesitated for a moment, then waved his hand, quietly leading his two brothers to follow Lin Dong, quickly entering a patch of woods.
"Uncle Qin Ying, do you know any other ways to enter Ironwood Manor?" Once they were in the woods, Lin Dong asked in a low voice.
"Hmm, Ironwood Manor is too large; they can't possibly guard it completely. As far as I know, there are quite a few places we can enter," Qin Ying mused.
"Go! Let's scout inside the manor, and be ready to signal them at any time." Lin Dong said decisively.
"Well... alright then!"
Hearing Lin Dong unexpectedly plan to sneak into the manor, Qin Ying was also startled. But recalling the situation at Ironwood Manor today, with its two Heavenly Origin Realm masters being held back outside, he realized that with their strength, self-defense wouldn't be an issue. Moreover, they were so close that a mere signal would allow Lin Xiao and the others to quickly rush in. Only then did he nod, and then led the way forward.
A group of four people and one beast quickly traversed the forest. A while later, they successfully scaled an unguarded section of wall and jumped into the inner courtyard.
Upon entering the manor, everything seemed remarkably quiet. Lin Dong glanced around, then stealthily made his way deeper into the manor, towards the area where the Ironwood was cultivated.
The Ironwood in Ironwood Manor was all cultivated in a special area within the manor. However, as Lin Dong and the other three stealthily reached that area, his gaze swept over the scene, and his face couldn't help but turn completely pale.
"These bastards..."
Seeing the scene before their eyes, Qin Ying, who was following beside Lin Dong, also gnashed his teeth and cursed angrily.