Another Sneak Attack

Lin Dong was waiting not far outside the courtyard, accompanied by a rather extraordinary-looking young beast at his heel.

The little fellow was about the size of a five-month-old domestic dog, its entire body blazing red like fire. Its fur was smooth and bright, gleaming with a healthy sheen in the sunlight.

The most peculiar part was the tail behind it, which was even longer than its body. Rather than a normal tiger tail, it was covered in dense, fine scales, shaped like a miniature fire python, and it swayed softly and flexibly.

Though its limbs still appeared tender, its claws and teeth already showed initial sharpness. Its gaze was lively, and its poise already held the embryonic demeanor of a king of the mountains and forests—not at all resembling the weak, frail, puppy-sized creature from half a month ago.

This was precisely the Fire Python Tiger cub that Lin Dong had adopted, Little Yan.

Over the past half a month, Lin Dong had spared no expense in using the precious Stone Talisman Spirit Liquid to feed it daily, occasionally even using the spirit liquid to cleanse its marrow and temper its body, causing Little Yan's growth rate to far surpass that of its peers.

Although it was only half a month old now, its physical body and the faintly radiating fierce aura were already sufficient to rival a Body Tempering Third to Fourth Layer Martial Artist.

Upon seeing Luo Heng, Little Yan let out a low "Awoo," appearing both somewhat vigilant and filled with curiosity.

It could sense a complex aura emanating from the person before it, one that made it feel both dangerous and strangely close.

"Brother Luo Heng," Lin Dong walked forward, speaking with a serious expression.

"Dongzi, is this Little Yan? The change is truly massive." Luo Heng looked over the little fellow at his heel with considerable interest.

"It's all thanks to the Stone Talisman Spirit Liquid," Lin Dong nodded without hiding the fact, then said solemnly, "Brother Luo Heng, I want to go to Flame City with you."

Luo Heng looked at him without answering immediately.

Lin Dong's gaze was resolute as he continued, "The stage of Qingyang Town is simply too small. I want to go and see the broader world, experience greater challenges, and furthermore, I want to become stronger—strong enough to protect my family, protect Qing Tan, and also... to be able to help you, Brother Luo Heng, in the future."

His words rang with solid force, filled with a youth's sharp edge and determination. Little Yan beside him seemed to sense its master's fighting spirit as well, puffing out its chest and letting out a youthful yet powerful low growl.

Luo Heng was silent for a moment. In the Original Work, Lin Dong seemed to have also left Qingyang Town at this stage, heading to Flame City to forge his path and experience rapid growth.

Now, with his own guidance and resources, perhaps he could bypass some detours, grow more steadily and rapidly, and bringing Little Yan—a battle beast with extraordinary future potential—along would also be a major aid.

"Flame City is not like this place; its factions are intricately intertwined, and the struggles are far more bloody and cruel. I have a grudge against the Blood Wolf Gang, and if you follow me, you might be directly dragged into danger," Luo Heng said with a calm expression.

"I'm not afraid!" Lin Dong did not hesitate at all, his gaze burning as he continued, "Brother Luo Heng has shown me immense grace as vast as a mountain. If there is danger, I am willing to fight side by side with Brother Luo Heng! Little Yan will help too!"

Little Yan coordinated with a cooperative "Auo." Although its voice was milky and tender, its momentum was fully charged.

Looking at the fighting spirit devoid of any fear in the eyes of both human and beast, Luo Heng felt moved within and finally nodded, saying, "Very well. Tomorrow morning at dawn, meet me at the entrance of the Luo Manor."

Lin Dong was instantly overjoyed, smiling as he said, "Many thanks, Brother Luo Heng!"

Right at that moment, Luo Heng keenly perceived an extremely obscure yet unusually pure wave of Spiritual Power coming from the archaic stone talisman within Lin Dong's palm.

Inside the stone talisman, Xiao Diao's heart gave a jolt. What it sensed from Luo Heng was not only an astonishingly talented aura, but also a profound and bottomless quality that seemed capable of piercing straight to the essence of things.

What surprised it even more was that Luo Heng's gaze toward it was calm and waveless. There was none of the shock or greed ordinary people displayed upon discovering its existence; instead, his look carried a trace of knowing comprehension and... a faint, teasing amusement?

This kid... Xiao Diao muttered inwardly, is a bit freaky.

Luo Heng withdrew his gaze, smiled at Lin Dong, and said, "Dongzi, aside from Little Yan, you're also carrying a rather interesting 'little companion' on you."

A look of surprise crossed Lin Dong's face. When Luo Heng had first learned of the stone talisman, he had already been surprised, but he hadn't expected Brother Luo Heng to know about Xiao Diao as well.

"There's no need to be nervous." Luo Heng waved his hand, his tone relaxed as he said, "Fortuitous encounters depend entirely on one's own karma, and I have no intention of prying. However..."

His tone suddenly shifted, the amusement in his eyes deepening as he leisurely spoke toward the direction of the stone talisman, "That friend inside—judging by the age of the Heavenly Demon Mantis Clan, you're probably still a youngster who only reached adulthood not too long ago, right? Calling you 'Senior' seems like it might age you a bit too much."

As soon as those words left his mouth, Xiao Diao inside the stone talisman almost bristled with fury!

How did he know about the Heavenly Demon Mantis Clan? And how did he even know my approximate age?!!

Lin Dong also looked at Luo Heng in shock. Brother Luo Heng was simply too powerful; it seemed like he knew everything.

After several seconds of silence, an illusory black light shadow drifted out from Lin Dong's embrace, condensing into a palm-sized black marten suspended in the air.

Its purplish-gold pupils stared fixedly at Luo Heng while its voice carried astonishment and a feigned, aged maturity as it said, "Kid, just who on earth are you? Why do you know of matters concerning the Heavenly Demon Mantis Clan?"

Luo Heng looked over this legendary Heavenly Demon Mantis, feeling a wave of emotion inside. This was precisely one of Lin Dong's most important future partners and mentors.

"Who I am is not important," Luo Heng said indifferently. "What is important is that since you chose Dongzi, you should properly assist him. As for how I knew..." He paused, a trace of profundity flashing through his eyes as he continued, "I simply happen to know a thing or two about many matters in this world."

Feeling the composure and foundation in Luo Heng's words—which was definitely not an empty bluff—Xiao Diao's gaze grew several degrees more solemn.

Could this kid be a Reincarnator? But he doesn't look like one, nor does he look like someone who has been possessed. How strange.

"Humph, putting on a mystical act." It curled its lip, though its tone softened slightly as it said, "Still, your talent is indeed quite rare. A Sixteen-Year-Old Middle Heaven Yuan Realm, Peak Two-Seal Symbol Master, and Rudimentary Sword Intent... In this backwater place, you can be considered top-tier."

"Overpraised," Luo Heng smiled, continuing with a teasing tone, "Then, how should I address you? 'Old Marten'?"

"You're the old one!" Xiao Diao instantly became irritated, snapping, "I am right in the prime of my youth!"

"Then 'Xiao Diao'?" Luo Heng followed the flow, calling out the name from the Original Work.

Xiao Diao glared at him, its purplish-gold eyes filled with suppressed grievance. In the end, it turned its head away and snorted, "Whatever you want! So lacking in manners!"

Lin Dong watched this scene from the side, utterly dumbfounded. When had he ever seen the high-and-mighty, mysteriously unfathomable little rat—cough, cough, cough—little marten suffer a defeat with mere words?

"Dongzi," Luo Heng turned toward Lin Dong, saying with a serious expression, "Xiao Diao has an extraordinary background and vast knowledge; he is a rare opportunity and friend. But remember, external force can be borrowed but must not be relied upon. The foundation of cultivation lies within oneself."

"I understand, Brother Luo Heng." Lin Dong nodded solemnly.

Hearing this, Xiao Diao looked at Luo Heng with an added trace of unusual color in its gaze. He neither coveted nor feared it, and instead reminded Lin Dong to rely on his own strength. This sort of mindset and bearing made it look upon him with newfound respect.

"Kid, you're not bad." Xiao Diao adopted a rare, serious tone as it continued, "For Lin Dong to be able to befriend you is his good fortune."

"With or without me, he would still grow. Having me merely accelerated the process a little bit," Luo Heng chuckled and shook his head.

Next, Luo Heng seized the opportunity to ask Xiao Diao for guidance regarding the finer points of Spiritual Power tempering and sword intent cultivation.

Although Xiao Diao refused to spare any sharp words, considering that both Lin Dong and Luo Heng were indeed extraordinary and caught his eye, he did offer a few pointers, giving Luo Heng quite a bit of inspiration.

As the sun gradually descended, Luo Heng took his leave.