Black Dragon Stronghold

The next day, outside Ironwood Manor, a massive convoy gathered once more.

"This trip will attract some people with ill intentions." Lin Zhentian stared at the convoy with a grave expression, his voice carrying a hint of concern.

"Oh? Could the Lei Family be making a move against us?" Lin Ken and the others' expressions changed slightly upon hearing this.

"Lei Bao puts up a fierce front but is fainthearted. He cherishes his own life when undertaking great deeds, yet risks it all for petty gains. Why would he act so easily?" Lin Zhentian sneered disdainfully. "According to the scouts' investigation, the ones planning to strike at our Lin Family this time are Black Dragon Stronghold!"

"Black Dragon Stronghold? How did they learn that our Lin Family has Yang Yuan Stones? And they should understand that the Lin Family is not easy to deal with." Lin Xiao was somewhat puzzled.

Within several hundred miles of Qingyang Town, there were quite a few bands of bandits, and Black Dragon Stronghold was the largest force among them. Most of its men were ruthless and exceptionally cruel, and it also had two leaders at the Heavenly Origin Stage.

Black Dragon Stronghold and the Lin Family had always stayed out of each other's way. Why had they suddenly decided to attack them? Lin Mang frowned. "Could the Lei Family be stirring things up again?"

"Who else could it be besides the Lei Family?" Lin Ken's expression darkened as well.

"That's right." Lin Zhentian nodded slightly. "I will personally lead the convoy again this time, with Lin Xiao and Lin Mang accompanying me. Lin Ken, Lin Changqiang, and Lin Dong will remain behind to guard Ironwood Manor."

Only then did a smile appear on Lin Zhentian's face. He looked toward the silent Lin Changqiang and Lin Dong. "They surely never imagined that our Lin Family has gained two more Heavenly Origin Stage experts. When the time comes, no matter where they attack, it will be two against three!"

Lin Xiao and the others clicked their tongues in amazement as they looked at Lin Dong and Lin Changqiang, leaving both of them somewhat embarrassed. They could only nod.

"There's no time to lose. Lin Xiao, Lin Mang, let's go!"

"Yes!"

Before long, thunderous hoofbeats rang out beyond the manor. The deep rumble was like a storm on the verge of breaking.

Standing atop the courtyard wall, Lin Dong watched the convoy leave the manor in a mighty procession. Under everyone's gazes, it kicked up clouds of yellow dust and galloped toward the end of the road.

"I hope they'll be all right." Lin Dong let out a soft breath. He could sense the tense atmosphere around him; under such pressure, even the younger generation wore solemn expressions.

"Always hoping for the best." Lin Changqiang muttered, then casually slapped Lin Dong's shoulder. "What are you so nervous about? Black Dragon Stronghold only has two Heavenly Origin Stage experts, while we have three. What is there to fear?"

The sudden slap made Lin Dong shudder in fright. When he turned and saw that it was Lin Changqiang, he shot him an annoyed glare but said nothing.

Lin Changqiang's words gradually eased the previously tense atmosphere. The other younger members looked at the two of them with admiration, and even Lin Hong was no exception.

"That's right, Changqiang is correct." Lin Ken smiled, then shouted, "Everyone, keep your eyes peeled! The moment you spot anyone suspicious, sound the alarm immediately!"

"Yes!"

Calls of acknowledgment rose from the courtyard walls. The arrows gleaming with cold light shone brightly under the sun, and the entire manor instantly entered a state of alert.

At the same time, a hummingbird flew into the Lei Family and landed on Lei Bao's shoulder. Lei Bao removed a tiny rolled slip of white paper from beneath its foot, swept his eyes over it, and a cruel smile slowly curled his lips.

"Ding, congratulations, Host, for triggering the mission: Battle of Ironwood Manor—The Lei Family still refuses to give up its ambition to destroy us and has actually incited Black Dragon Stronghold to launch a surprise attack on Ironwood Manor. You must defend Ironwood Manor and crush the invaders' arrogance, strengthening the confidence of everyone in the Lin Family.

Mission successful: Reward: Gao Lao Village. It normally takes the form of a capsule. When activated with Yuan Power, it transforms into a three-story villa capable of blocking all attacks below the Host's current Yuan Power realm. While activated, it continuously and slowly consumes the Host's Yuan Power. Blocking attacks will increase the consumption.

Mission failed: One Lottery Draw Opportunity will be deducted."

"There's even something like this?" Lin Changqiang blinked. "At least I won't have to sleep rough whenever I travel in the future."

Just then, everyone in the Lin Family turned to look outside Ironwood Manor. At the end of the road, billowing yellow dust suddenly rose into the sky, while thunderous hoofbeats exploded like spring thunder.

"It's Black Dragon Stronghold's men. Their target really is Ironwood Manor!" Lin Ken's brows furrowed slightly, but soon relaxed again. Three against two—what was there to fear?

"Uncle, when the time comes, you and Lin Dong hold off that Mid Heavenly Origin Stage chief for now. I'll go kill the second chief first." Lin Changqiang suddenly had an idea and grinned slyly.

"Fine."

Lin Dong agreed without another word. He knew Lin Changqiang was not the type to recklessly show off. Lin Ken hesitated briefly before nodding in agreement. In his view, with Lin Changqiang's Mid Heavenly Origin Stage cultivation, even if he could not swiftly defeat Black Dragon Stronghold's second chief, he would still firmly hold the upper hand. Meanwhile, under the combined assault of Lin Ken and Lin Dong, the opposing chief would not last long either.

As Black Dragon Stronghold's men drew nearer, a flag embroidered with a black dragon came clearly into everyone's view. The black dragon twisted and coiled across the banner, emanating a savage and ferocious aura.

At the same time, Lin Changqiang calmly equipped Guardian's Armor, Thorn Gauntlets, and Enduring Boots in his three equipment slots, then narrowed his eyes at the scene ahead.

"Earlier, I sent word to Mad Saber Martial Hall and had them keep an eye on the Lei and Xie Families. Now, we only need to focus on driving back Black Dragon Stronghold's men." Lin Ken shouted with a relaxed expression, prompting everyone to laugh. A lighthearted atmosphere filled Ironwood Manor, both inside and out.

"Hahaha! Lin Ken, we finally get to meet, yet you make me eat a closed-door reception?" Before long, Black Dragon Stronghold's men finally arrived outside Ironwood Manor. A burst of laughter came from among them, and then everyone saw two figures riding black horses to the front of the formation.

That casual tone made Lin Changqiang secretly dissatisfied. Did he think he could meet the President of the United States whenever he wanted?

Everyone focused their eyes and saw that one of the men on horseback was broad and burly, with a simple, honest smile on his face. Yet only those familiar with him knew how vicious and ruthless he truly was. The title Wind-Tearing Hand Yun Shan was not earned for nothing!

The other man was much leaner. His otherwise unremarkable face was covered in crisscrossing knife scars. He was Yan Yan, Black Dragon Stronghold's chief!

The two slowly advanced. Behind them, several hundred Black Dragon Stronghold men gradually spread out, their bright blades reflecting icy glints. The atmosphere of an imminent battle instantly enveloped all of Ironwood Manor.