Wu dong Qian Kun: I, Lin Langtian, Refuse to be a Supporting Character

Chapter 363: The Battle for Command

"Yuan Cang."

Seeing the man suddenly appear—a man in blue robes with a smile on his face—Lin Langtian's eyes narrowed slightly.

As the most outstanding disciple among Yuan Sect's younger generation, Yuan Cang, often called the "Little Prince," was famous not only in Yuan Sect but throughout the entire Eastern Xuan Region. His arrival instantly drew the attention of everyone present, as if the spotlight had shifted solely onto him. Even Lin Langtian felt a faint pressure emanating from Yuan Cang and looked slightly more serious.

"Ha ha, so you're Junior Brother Lin Langtian, the champion of the Hundred Dynasty Competition. Achieving such accomplishments in Yuan Sect within less than a year is truly astonishing," Yuan Cang remarked with a meaningful smile. His voice was gentle and filled with a disarming charm, despite his appearance being less than striking. As he spoke, his presence felt like a calming breeze, instinctively lowering people's guard.

But Lin Langtian wasn't deceived by appearances. Sure enough, Yuan Cang's voice paused slightly, and he continued, "However, Junior Brother Lin, it seems you show little respect for your seniors. Arrogance can lead to one's downfall. Perhaps you should keep a lower profile.

"You've left Junior Brother Lei Qian seriously injured. Should the sect master, Ren Yuanzi, find out, he would likely be furious. So, why not apologize to Junior Brother Lei and let me mediate the matter?"

Yuan Cang's suggestion made the surrounding disciples exchange glances. Lin Langtian apologizing to Lei Qian was akin to humiliating himself. Doing so would shatter the prestige Lin Langtian had built in Yuan Sect in an instant.

While Yuan Cang appeared gentle, his words were laced with subtle malice, pricking deeply.

Hearing this, Song Yun and two others felt a spark of anger. After all, Lei Qian had been the one provoking them in the first place, and Lin Langtian had only intervened on their behalf. Now Yuan Cang wanted Lin Langtian to apologize? The sheer unfairness of it was frustrating. If Lin Langtian truly apologized, not only would his authority vanish within the sect, but he would also lose the loyalty of his followers.

Behind Yuan Cang, Lei Qian struggled to stand, his eyes glaring menacingly at Lin Langtian. Losing so severely had crushed Lei Qian's dignity, and he bore a deep resentment. Thankfully, Yuan Cang, the Little Prince, was stepping in, which might give him a chance to regain some of his dignity and simultaneously stifle Lin Langtian's arrogance.

Lei Qian's lips twisted into a cold, sinister grin. "Lin Langtian, you're just a newcomer. We three Princes are direct disciples of the sect master. Do you really think you can overthrow us?"

"Oh, apologize, you say…" Lin Langtian's face showed no change, and he smiled faintly as he looked at Yuan Cang. "So, are you saying that the rules of Yuan Sect have changed and that the victor should apologize to the loser?

"If that's truly the case, then I suppose I owe Lei Qian an apology. I underestimated his weakness and may have been too rough."

While the Three Princes were direct disciples of the sect's three masters, they were by no means the only favored disciples, and the previous generation of Princes was still wandering in the chaotic seas of the Demon Realm. Besides, with the three masters so preoccupied, it was unlikely they would interfere in disputes between junior disciples. Yuan Cang's attempt to pressure Lin Langtian with Ren Yuanzi's name held no weight.

"Why, you…" Lei Qian's face darkened upon hearing Lin Langtian's sarcastic "apology," and his eyes flashed with fury. His anger overwhelmed him, causing him to spit out a mouthful of blood. Lin Langtian's apology was more humiliating than if he hadn't apologized at all. How could the once-renowned Lei Prince be subjected to such shame?

"Hmph!" Many Yuan Sect disciples couldn't help but chuckle at the scene. Seeing a victor apologize to a defeated opponent was unheard of in Yuan Sect. But Lin Langtian's approach certainly stung.

"Senior Brother is sharp with words," Mo Tie chuckled, scratching his head.

Song Yun and the others also nodded. While they harbored respect for the Three Princes, seeing Lei Qian silenced by Lin Langtian brought them a sense of satisfaction. Lin Langtian seemed to be the only one capable of countering the Three Princes.

"A fine apology…" Yuan Cang's smile turned cold as he took a step forward, locking his gaze on Lin Langtian. "The three Princes share both honor and disgrace, Lin Langtian. Your treatment of Junior Brother Lei shows utter disregard for me."

"Senior Brother Yuan," Lin Langtian said calmly, "we're all members of Yuan Sect. Honor and shame are shared by all, so why make distinctions? My sparring with Lei Qian was entirely consensual, just as he provided my disciples with 'guidance' moments ago. So what you call 'disrespect'—where does that come from?

"Aside from my role as the Flame Division commander, I am also Deputy Head of the Enforcement Division. So if you intend to use your authority to pressure me, I'm afraid that won't work either."

Yuan Cang's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Lin Langtian, his smile turning icy. Generally, disciples who dared contradict him wouldn't even live to tell the tale, and the elders would turn a blind eye. However, Lin Langtian's position in the sect afforded him certain privileges, and Yuan Cang had no choice but to show some respect.

"Have you heard of the Sect Competition, Junior Brother?" Yuan Cang asked suddenly.

Lin Langtian was taken aback but nodded. "Of course."

The Sect Competition was an elite event where the most talented disciples from the Eastern Xuan Region's top sects fought for glory. Only the cream of each sect's younger generation participated, and the stakes were high. Lin Langtian knew of the competition's significance.

"According to the usual rules, Senior Brother Yuan Cang is granted command over Yuan Sect disciples during the Sect Competition. This means that everyone is required to follow his orders," added Ling Zhen, closing his folding fan with a cold smile.

Hearing this, Lin Langtian's brows furrowed. If Yuan Cang indeed secured command, Lin Langtian would be at his mercy in battle. Whether as a pawn or a sacrifice, Yuan Cang would have a hundred ways to punish him.

"Of course, you do have a chance, Junior Brother Lin. If you take first place in the Sect Trials, you will earn the right to command during the Sect Competition. All you need to do is defeat me," Yuan Cang said, his gaze piercing. "I hope I'll see the rumored powers of your Chaos Demon Flame, Lin Langtian."

Standing nearby, Lei Qian and Ling Zhen exchanged sinister smiles. They knew that Yuan Cang was seething with murderous intent toward Lin Langtian. This naive newcomer was foolish to think he could outshine them.

Lin Langtian's eyes flashed with a cold light. Yuan Cang's threat had unveiled his intent to control him entirely. If the command were handed to Yuan Cang, Lin Langtian's allies would likely suffer as a result.

"I look forward to the Sect Trials, Senior Brother Yuan," Lin Langtian replied coolly. If control during the Sect Competition was at stake, he would claim it himself. With the Chaos Demon Flame in his arsenal, he was confident he could take down Yuan Cang.

"Oh, how bold. I'll be waiting," Yuan Cang said, smiling darkly as he turned and left. His footsteps echoed ominously.

Ling Zhen, standing nearby, chuckled as he looked at Lin Langtian. "You're the first disciple in Yuan Sect to openly challenge Senior Brother Yuan. I hope you won't regret it during the trials."

With that, Ling Zhen left, helping the injured Lei Qian away. Lei Qian shot Lin Langtian a look filled with venomous hatred.

With Yuan Cang and the others gone, the crowd began to disperse. Song Yun and Mo Tie approached Lin Langtian.

"You three alright?" Lin Langtian asked, looking over their injuries.

"It's nothing serious. Being here in Yuan Sect, Lei Qian couldn't really go all out on us. Besides, with you here, we feel avenged," Song Yun replied, smiling despite his bruised face.

Lin Langtian nodded, satisfied with their resilience.

"Senior Brother, challenging Yuan Cang could be risky," Song Yun said hesitantly. Unlike Lei Qian, Yuan Cang was the undisputed leader among Yuan Sect's younger generation, powerful enough to be on par with division leaders.

"Don't worry," Lin Langtian replied with a faint smile. "I wouldn't challenge him without a plan. I won't let Yuan Cang seize command."

Hearing Lin Langtian's confidence, Mo Tie and the others felt reassured. Over time, Lin Langtian had proven his ability to achieve the impossible.

"Let's get some rest," Lin Langtian said, waving them off as they returned to their division.

In the days that followed, Lin Langtian focused on training. His fight with Lei Qian had become the talk of Yuan Sect, solidifying his position as the Flame Prince among disciples.

The excitement within Yuan Sect continued to grow, and the anticipation reached a fever pitch. Finally, one day, it erupted…

With a creak, Lin Langtian opened his door and stepped into the sunlight, letting its warmth wash over him. He took a deep breath, listening to the charged atmosphere around him, then opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and determined.

The Sect Trials had finally arrived.

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