owlsbooks Chapter 239 The City Lord's Trial
Chapter 239 The City Lord's Trial
"Alright, don't be so polite with me." Xiao Yan waved his hand heartily.
"Go quickly, don't waste time here. Be careful once you reach the level two main city; the situation there is much more complicated, and there are many more formidable opponents!"
Lin Tian nodded, said no more, and turned to leave the mage instructor's room.
Stepping out of the still bustling professional hall, the sunlight outside was a bit dazzling.
Lin Tian determined the direction and headed towards the City Lord's Mansion, the core of the city's power.
Lin Tian had been here once before and had completed the important task of clearing out the forces of the Abyss, so he was considered a "regular" and a meritorious person here.
Therefore, when he arrived at the grand gate of the city lord's mansion this time, the two squads of guards standing at the gate, clad in bright silver armor and exuding a fierce aura, did not stop him with their spears or question him as they had done the first time.
The captain of the guards leading the group clearly recognized Lin Tian, a hint of awe flashing in his eyes. He snapped to attention and gave Lin Tian a crisp military salute before respectfully saying:
"Lord Lin Tian, you've arrived!! Are you requesting an audience with the City Lord? Please wait a moment, I'll go in and inform him immediately!!"
Lin Tian nodded calmly and said, "Thank you for your trouble."
Then he stood with his hands behind his back outside the city lord's mansion, waiting quietly. He looked at the magnificent building before him, his thoughts already drifting to the second-tier main city.
Not long after, only a minute or two, the guard captain who had gone in to report earlier rushed out, bowed to Lin Tian again, and spoke with even greater respect:
"Lord Lin Tian, the city lord is waiting for you in his study. Please come with me."
As he spoke, he led the way.
Lin Tian followed and stepped into the mansion that symbolized the highest power in Luoxia City once again.
After passing through several courtyards and corridors, the captain of the guard stopped in front of a heavy wooden door carved with intricate magical patterns and bowed, indicating, "My lord, the city lord is inside."
Lin Tian pushed open the door and entered, where he saw Huangpu Yun, the Lord of Luoxia City, sitting behind a large desk and looking at him with a smile.
......
Huangpu Yunduan sat behind the large desk carved from a single piece of warm jade, his fingers unconsciously stroking an urgent military report from the border, a lingering solemnity between his brows.
However, when his gaze fell on Lin Tian, who pushed open the door and entered, his solemn expression was instantly replaced by an undisguised astonishment, and he even subconsciously straightened up slightly.
The study was filled with the faint scent of ink and sandalwood. A huge military map of Luoxia City and the surrounding area hung on the wall, marked with many symbols that only the city lord could understand.
Huangpu Yun did not speak immediately; his deep, abyss-like eyes scanned Lin Tian from head to toe.
The more he perceived, the more turbulent the waves in his heart became.
The young man before me had undergone a complete transformation in his demeanor compared to when we last met!
If Lin Tian before was like a newly sharpened sword, its cold light flashing, then he now is more like a bottomless starry sky, vast and tranquil, yet containing terrifying energy that can make the world lose its color.
Huangpu Yun could even faintly sense that the vast magical power within his body had become somewhat obscured under the influence of Lin Tian's silent aura!
He had only ever felt this kind of oppressive feeling from certain legendary old generals who had guarded the borders of second-tier main cities for many years and fought against powerful enemies from other worlds!
"Incredible... Truly, the younger generation is formidable!" Huangpu Yun took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his heart. His voice was filled with undisguised amazement, and even a hint of emotion that he himself did not realize.
"Young friend Lin Tian, how long has it been? Your growth rate has simply shattered the limits of this city lord's understanding! Throughout the history of Luoxia City, no, even looking at a wider region, you are absolutely the fastest-rising and most terrifyingly promising professional I have ever seen!! Without a doubt!!"
His praise was extremely high, and it came from the bottom of his heart. In this world where strength is revered, the strong are always worthy of respect, especially a prodigy like Lin Tian, who seems to have no bottlenecks in his development.
Faced with the city lord's high praise, Lin Tian showed little pride, but simply nodded calmly in response to the compliment.
He has never liked wasting time on such pointless formalities.
Seeing that he remained calm in the face of both honor and disgrace, Huangpu Yun's opinion of him rose even higher. He then composed himself and got to the point, asking in a gentle tone, "Young friend, you must have come here for some important matter. Please speak freely. As long as it is within my ability, I will do my best."
Lin Tian got straight to the point, without any beating around the bush, and said directly, "Lord City Lord, I have come here to inquire about the whereabouts of several materials."
He then clearly recited the names of the rare materials: "Abyssal Demon Iron," "Immortal Soul," "Fragment of Law," "Astral Dust Crystal," "Eternal Well Water," and "Star Core."
Upon hearing these names, Huangpu Yun's relaxed expression vanished instantly, replaced by extreme seriousness and contemplation.
He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, making a rhythmic "tap, tap" sound, lost in thought for a long time.
For a moment, only the soft knocking sound and Lin Tian's steady breathing filled the study.
After a long pause, Huangpu Yun slowly raised his head, his gaze sharp as he looked at Lin Tian, and spoke frankly and solemnly:
"Young friend Lin Tian, the materials you mentioned... if I may be so bold, are all rare and precious treasures! Their rarity and difficulty in obtaining them far exceed the imagination of ordinary people."
He paused, organizing his thoughts, and continued to explain:
Even in second-tier main cities with richer resources and numerous powerful individuals, these items are incredibly rare and valuable! They typically only appear briefly at the highest-level auctions or as the final reward of certain legendary quests. Obtaining them through ordinary means is virtually impossible!
He stared intently at Lin Tian, his gaze filled with a hint of inquiry:
"However, with the strength and foundation you have demonstrated so far, you are indeed fully qualified to venture into a level-two main city."
In fact, it could be said that Luoxia City is far too small for you, and will only limit your development. I have high hopes for your future.
However, the conversation abruptly shifted at this point.
Huangpu Yun leaned forward slightly, placed his hands crossed on the desk, and his expression became extremely solemn:
"However, among these materials, regarding [Abyssal Demon Iron]... I happen to know some information that might be useful to you."
Lin Tian's spirits lifted, and he focused his gaze on Huangpu Yun, waiting for what was to come.