When the referee's voice rang out above the mountaintop, both sides fell into a moment of silence. Immediately after, an unexpected cheer of joy erupted from the side of Wanjin Chamber of Commerce.
This result was completely beyond everyone's expectation!
No one had anticipated that even after Jiang Li used the "Blood Conversion to Primordial Energy Technique" to forcibly elevate his strength to the Little Yuan Dan Realm, he would still be defeated by Lin Dong.
"Xuan Su, your insight remains as experienced as ever. This Lin Dong may not have very strong yuan energy himself, but his mental power is extremely formidable. Judging from the mental secret skill he displayed earlier, it appears he has already reached the level of a second-seal spirit master," Xia Wanjin's face also glowed with satisfaction due to this unexpected victory, and he laughed while speaking to Xuan Su beside him.
Upon hearing this, Xuan Su also faintly smiled. Although her pretty face remained calm, there was no doubt that waves of thoughts were surging in her heart at this moment.
According to what Master Yan said on that day, Lin Dong's cultivation time for mental energy seemed not long. However, now he has reached a level comparable to a second-seal spirit master, this speed... was simply astonishing!
"This young man's mental talent likely far exceeds Master Yan's expectations. His future achievements will be extraordinarily terrifying..." A serious expression flickered in Xuan Su's beautiful eyes. Lin Dong's current strength might not be considered too strong in this Flame City, but his potential was unmatched by anyone!
A person like this, if unable to be recruited, must never be offended.
Xuan Su always held great confidence in her own judgment.
"This guy has hidden his abilities so deeply." That Xia Zhi Lian glanced at the disheveled Jiang Li, then looked at the youth standing in the field, emitting a kind of fierce aura, and couldn't help but blush slightly.
Of course, this wasn't shyness; rather, Xia Zhi Lian recalled the words she had once spoken to Lin Dong: two wins out of three rounds, and you're just here to make an appearance...
Now, comparing the current scene with her past words, Xia Zhi Lian's cheeks turned red with embarrassment. This was practically slapping her own face, and loudly at that.
...
"Lost..."
Compared to the cheers of the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce, the Blood Wolf Gang side became unusually quiet, and Yue Shan et al.'s expressions turned particularly ugly.
What was originally thought to be a sure win ended up with such a result!
"It seems that young man is the trump card of the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce." An old man with a shadowy face beside Yue Shan bitterly laughed in a low voice.
"What exactly is this young man's background?"
Yue Feng frowned, his voice tinged with coldness as he asked. Among the younger generation in Flame City, he was almost at the top tier. Even he didn't have absolute confidence in defeating a Little Yuan Dan Realm expert, yet Lin Dong, who appeared younger than him, managed to do just that. This made a bit of jealousy rise within him.
"Unknown, this person is extremely unfamiliar, perhaps not from our Flame City."
Hearing Yue Feng's conversation, Yue Shan's eyes narrowed slightly. He stared at Lin Dong, a hint of coldness flickering in his gaze.
"President Yue, the three matches have been decided, we concede."
When Yue Shan's gaze was fixed on Lin Dong, Xia Wanjin also chuckled lightly and bowed respectfully.
"Hmph, President Xia really invited a good helper."
Yue Shan sneered coldly.
"Mutual benefits. However, since our Wanjin Chamber of Commerce has won two out of three matches, this 'Dan Immortal Pool' belongs to us. On this point, President Yue should have no objections, right?" Xia Wanjin smiled.
Upon hearing these words, Yue Shan and others clenched their fists tightly. The Dan Immortal Pool was extremely important for those at the late Tian Yuan Realm. If they could absorb its energy, it would certainly shorten the time needed to advance to the Yuan Dan Realm by several times!
Seeing the actions of the Blood Wolf Gang members, many experts from the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce tightened their faces, slowly reaching for the weapons at their waists.
"What? President Yue doesn't intend to acknowledge the results? All forces in Flame City know about today's event. If news spreads, it won't be good for the Blood Wolf Gang's reputation." Xia Wanjin remained composed, staring at Yue Shan as he spoke calmly.
Yue Shan's expression changed repeatedly. After half a while, he finally coldly laughed: "Rest assured, my Blood Wolf Gang can afford to lose."
"Dad!" Hearing this, Yue Feng called out unwillingly.
"Leave!"
Yue Shan sternly shouted. Then he waved his hand, instructing two people to support the disheveled Jiang Li, before leading the Blood Wolf Gang away down the mountain. When his footsteps passed Lin Dong, he paused briefly, looked at him, and suddenly smiled: "This young friend is truly formidable. Our Blood Wolf Gang lost without regret. If you're interested in the future, feel free to visit our Blood Wolf Gang. I will surely treat you with respect!"
"Thank you for President Yue's kindness."
Lin Dong did not neglect this top-tier expert from Flame City. He bowed with a smile, making eye contact with Yue Shan, but inwardly he was somewhat startled. From Yue Shan's eyes, he detected a trace of coldness, indicating that Yue Shan's heart was not as rough as his surface suggested. This person possessed deep scheming.
After putting on a show of magnanimity, Yue Shan didn't bother saying more and left. Behind him, Yue Feng and others also cast slightly unfriendly glances at Lin Dong.
Lin Dong ignored their gazes. Although this might offend the Blood Wolf Gang, it was unavoidable for the sake of the "Dan Immortal Pool." Moreover, this incident could strengthen the relationship between him and the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce. In total, the gains outweighed the losses.
As the Blood Wolf Gang retreated like a tide, the mountaintop became much quieter.
"Ho ho, thank you for your great assistance in this dispute over the immortal pool, Young Friend Lin Dong." After the Blood Wolf Gang retreated, Xia Wanjin also walked over with a smile, his attitude undoubtedly much better than before.
"Just doing what needs to be done."
Lin Dong smiled.
"Rest assured, since I promised you the opportunity to absorb the energy of the Dan Immortal Pool, I won't go back on my word." Xuan Su gracefully stepped forward and smiled charmingly.
Hearing her words, Xia Wanjin hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn't say anything more. The strength Lin Dong displayed gave them the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce a reason to recruit him.
Xuan Su led the way toward the immortal pool beneath the mountain wall. As they approached, Lin Dong could feel an extremely concentrated and pure yin-yang qi floating out from the pool water.
"When I first discovered the Dan Immortal Pool, there was a very powerful beast guarding it. I fought with it for a long time, but failed to drive it away. Instead, Yue Shan sensed it and arrived. In the end, we joined forces to severely injure the beast and force it to flee. It was precisely because of this that this dispute over the immortal pool arose." Xia Wanjin stood beside the Dan Immortal Pool and sighed lightly.
"Oh?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Dong was somewhat surprised. What kind of beast was so powerful that it required two complete Yuan Dan Realm experts to drive it away?
"The energy of the Dan Immortal Pool has already been tested by us. It should only be sufficient for four people to absorb. Since Xuan Su has made this promise to Young Friend Lin Dong, it naturally needs to be fulfilled. So, let's decide this way: four slots - Zhi Lian, Liu Yi, Lin Dong, and Xia Shi." Looking at the Dan Immortal Pool, Xia Wanjin paused for a moment and made a decision.
The first three were participants in the competition, and the last one was also a fairly renowned person within the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce.
Regarding Lin Dong's sudden inclusion, no one opposed it. If it weren't for Lin Dong's earlier reversal of the situation and defeat of Jiang Li, it would probably be their Wanjin Chamber of Commerce leaving with tails between their legs.
Thus, even Xia Zhi Lian didn't say a word at this moment, clearly recognizing Lin Dong's strength and contribution.
"You four, enter the Dan Immortal Pool now. This area isn't large, but it's extremely deep. Moreover, the deeper areas are filled with intense cold. You should avoid going too deep to prevent any mishaps. During this time, we'll guard you here."
"As for how much benefit each of you can obtain from the Dan Immortal Pool, that depends on your individual fortunes."
Upon hearing Xia Wanjin's words, the four of them nodded. Their eyes then all lit up with excitement as they gazed at the pool emanating yin-yang qi.
"Ho ho, since everyone knows, let's begin..."
Xia Wanjin smiled faintly and sat cross-legged on a nearby rock. The rest of the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce personnel dispersed around, keeping watch.
"Plop!"
The first to enter the Dan Immortal Pool was naturally Xia Zhi Lian. She circulated her yuan energy throughout her body, forming a thin layer like a veil, then jumped directly into the Dan Immortal Pool.
As Xia Zhi Lian entered the Dan Immortal Pool, the surface of the water immediately formed a vortex. Streams of pure yin-yang qi rapidly converged, indicating that she had begun absorbing it.
Seeing this, Liu Yi and the big man named Xia Shi also quickly jumped into the pool. The energy here was limited, and if they waited too long, it would be unfortunate.
Seeing their eager behavior, Lin Dong couldn't help but chuckle. He then mimicked Xia Zhi Lian's method, spreading his yuan energy throughout his body, and dove into the Dan Immortal Pool like a fish leaping into water.
"Plop."
As Lin Dong and the others entered, the whirlpool on the surface of the Dan Immortal Pool expanded further. The splashing water sounds echoed around...