Lin Dong carefully reassembled the "Shattered Origin Shuttle" into a "black sword" and placed it under his feet, flying back and forth in the room for a while. Although his control posture was a bit strange, this could not diminish the ecstatic joy on his young face. To fly with a sword, he never dreamed that such a mythical feat could be accomplished by him.
Lin Dong rode the "Shattered Origin Shuttle" and flew back and forth in the room for a long time. Then, with a slight thought, the "black sword" immediately split into nine black streaks that drilled into his sleeves, and his body gently landed on the ground.
"Not bad, but it still lacks a bit of spiritual energy..."
Lin Dong clapped his hands, sighing in awe yet with a hint of regret. If his spiritual energy were a little stronger... perhaps he could truly be like the legendary powerhouses—flying through the heavens. But now, he feared that he would run out of spiritual energy and plummet headfirst to the ground after flying for only a short while.
After putting away the Shattered Origin Shuttle, Lin Dong observed the Natal Talisman Seal within his Niwan Palace. The Natal Talisman Seal was currently suspended there, but this Talisman Seal looked excessively blurry and dim. Perhaps Lin Dong needed to temper it for a long time before the Natal Talisman Seal could be completely successful.
"First Seal..."
Looking at the Natal Talisman Seal within his Niwan Palace, Lin Dong couldn't help but laugh out loud. From now on, he could officially be considered a First Seal Talisman Master. He wasn't overly interested in engraving characters onto objects like armor or weapons. However, he placed extreme importance on the wondrous uses of spiritual energy, because according to Master Yan, if cultivated to a profound realm, it would not be weaker than some powerhouses who cultivated Yuan Power to overturn rivers and seas. But this was just a fleeting thought in his mind.
However, compared to the presence of Yuan Power, spiritual energy seemed to reveal a sense of ethereal mystery. If one did not possess any talent in this area... it would likely be very difficult to make progress.
In the cultivation of spiritual energy, talent was the most crucial factor. This was also why Master Yan was so moved when he saw Lin Dong's spiritual energy talent.
This kind of heaven-defying power that could overturn rivers and seas was naturally Lin Dong's current goal. However, the fortunate thing was that when the Natal Talisman Seal successfully condensed, he could clearly feel that the spiritual energy he now possessed had obviously increased by a level compared to before. Lin Dong now had enough confidence that if he encountered Lei Pi's attack again, that fellow would definitely not be able to escape.
Lin Dong was very satisfied with this spiritual energy. Lei Pi and his group's actions were obviously just a prelude to their plan to deal with the Lin family. Facing this long-established and reputable family in Qingyang Town, the Lin family would naturally have to respond with all their might, because if there was even a slight oversight, the Lin family would truly be utterly ruined.
And facing the Lin family's counterattack, the Lei family would certainly cut them down completely. This was not what Lin Dong hoped would happen.
Therefore, before the Lei family made a move against the Lin family, he himself had to do his best to increase his own strength. Only in this way could he further ensure a portion of his family's safety.
"The Lei family...!!!"
Lin Dong's eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing within his pupils. Anyone who harbored killing intent towards him would be considered an enemy. If given the chance, he would make the Lei family pay a heavy price for their actions today.
***
In the following days, the atmosphere in Qingyang Town seemed to grow quieter and more tense. The high-ranking members of the Lei and Xie families also began to interact more frequently. Even a small force with keen eyes and ears could sense that something unusual was afoot.
Naturally, the Lin family had also noticed this abnormality. However, due to the urgency of the situation, and because Lin Zhentian had already entered the most critical moment of his secluded cultivation for a breakthrough, no one dared to disturb him. Everyone knew that only if Lin Zhentian successfully advanced to the Yuan Dan Realm would the Lin family no longer fear the combined forces of the Lei and Xie families. Otherwise, in this upcoming conflict, the Lin family's chances of victory would be a complete zero.
After all, although it was said that for the past year, due to the acquisition of the Yangyuan Stone ore vein, the Lin family, in Lin Dong's heart, was no weaker than either the Lei or Xie families. But if these two families joined forces, the Lin family would still be at a disadvantage.
Therefore, no matter what, they had to wait until Lin Zhentian successfully emerged from his seclusion!
***
The unusual atmosphere in Qingyang Town caused the Tie Mu Manor to become exceptionally vigilant. Not only were the normal defenses strengthened, but even at night, people took turns patrolling.
Under this kind of tense atmosphere, half a month quickly passed.
In an open space under the shade of a tree, Lin Dong's body moved, his fists and palms striking out with surging power. Low, rumbling sounds echoed, sending all the leaves on the ground flying.
"Bang."
After a while, Lin Dong forcefully punched a large tree. The fierce Yuan Power shattered the thriving tree trunk into pieces.
"Brother Lin Dong, Father is calling you to the council hall quickly!"
Just as Lin Dong finished retracting his fist, a graceful and beautiful figure suddenly ran over from a distance, her clear voice like a nightingale.
"What?"
Hearing this, Lin Dong was startled, then nodded. He knew that the Lin family was currently in a tense situation.
"Let's go!"
Waving his hand at Qing Tan who had run to his side, Lin Dong didn't delay, turning and running towards the council hall. Seeing this, Qing Tan pouted her small mouth, then quickly chased after Lin Dong.
Council hall.
When Lin Dong entered, not only Lin Xiao, but also Lin He, Lin Hong, and other juniors were present. However, seeing everyone's solemn expressions, Lin Dong's heart skipped a beat.
"What happened?" Lin Dong quickly walked in and asked.
Seeing Lin Dong approach, Lin Xiao, Lin Ken, and the others breathed a sigh of relief. Unconsciously, they seemed to have already come to regard Lin Dong as a pillar of the Lin family.
"During this time, we have secretly moved the Lin family's dependents in Qingyang Town to Tie Mu Manor."
Hearing this, Lin Dong also nodded. If the Lei family were to continue using the same tactics they had used against him, and the Lin family's dependents were captured by the Lei family, then using this as a threat would create a huge restraint on the Lin family.
"Because we were worried about being discovered by the Lei and Xie families, our efficiency wasn't high. Today was the last group, but this time they were discovered by the Lei and Xie families. According to the intelligence we have, the Xie family is currently sending people to pursue the last group of our Lin family's dependents!" Lin Xiao said with a grave expression.
Lin Dong frowned. He saw a trace of tears on Lin He's face and Lin Xiao's grim expression, which suddenly gave him a bad feeling. "Who are in that last group of dependents, Father?"
"Mostly dependents, your eldest aunt, and your mother." Lin Xiao's body trembled slightly, his voice so low it was terrifying.
And the eldest aunt he spoke of was Lin Ken's wife, Lin He's mother.
"Mother?" Lin Dong's face changed instantly, his fists immediately clenched, and his eyes became icy.
"This pursuit is personally led by Xie Qian of the Xie family. I wanted to ask the Mad Blade Martial Arts Academy for assistance, but the Lei family is also being monitored by them, so they won't be able to act." Lin Ken's expression was extremely grim at this moment.
"Xie Qian has the strength of the late stage of the Heavenly Origin Realm. At the very least, Lin Xiao and I would have to personally intervene to stop him. But once we leave, the defenses of Ironwood Manor will weaken. Currently, Father is in the most critical stage; absolutely nothing can be allowed to affect him!"
As soon as Lin Ken finished speaking, the great hall fell completely silent. His meaning was that they couldn't spare any manpower to rescue them.
Lin He's tears flowed again. She bit her lip and stared intently at Lin Ken.
Lin Ken clenched his fists, closed his eyes tightly, his face filled with pain. The Lei and Xie families had already planned to act against the Lin family. Their only hope now was for Lin Zhengtian to break through to the Yuan Dan Realm. Otherwise, even if they rescued the dependents, the outcome would still be the same.
"Father, everyone stay and protect Ironwood Manor. I will go for Mother's matter!"
In the silence, the young man finally took a deep breath, his voice revealing an icy coldness and killing intent that echoed through the great hall.