Old Marten?

At dawn the next day, before Luo Manor.

Luo Heng and Lin Dong stood side by side, bidding farewell to their families who had come to see them off.

At Lin Dong's feet, Little Yan curiously looked around at the surrounding crowd. It had already gained intelligence and knew it was setting out on a long journey, appearing both excited and well-behaved.

"Heng'er, be careful in everything. Send word home often," Su Yi said, holding her son's hand, her eyes full of reluctance.

"Don't worry, Mother. I will," Luo Heng reassured her gently.

Luo Yun patted his son on the shoulder. Though he had a thousand words to say, he only said, "The Luo Family will always have your back."

Luo Shan smiled at his grandson. Unless something unexpected happened, his grandson's combat strength had long surpassed his own. As long as he kept a low profile, there would be no problem.

On the other side, Lin Dong also bade farewell to his father, Lin Xiao, and his younger sister, Qing Tan.

Qing Tan's eyes were red as she clung to her brother's arm, secretly glancing at Luo Heng in the distance.

"Brother, take care of yourself and come back soon," Qing Tan choked out.

"Don't worry. I'll take good care of myself, and I'll think of you often too." Lin Dong rubbed his sister's hair, then looked at Luo Heng and said softly, "And help me take good care of Brother Luo Heng too."

Qing Tan blushed and lightly punched him. Then, gathering her courage, she walked up to Luo Heng and stuffed a sachet embroidered with simple bamboo leaves, which she had been tightly clutching in her palm, into his hand. In a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, she said, "Brother Luo Heng, this... is for you. May you have a safe journey."

The stitching on the sachet was not especially fine, but it revealed a young girl's care.

Luo Heng was slightly taken aback, then carefully put it away. "Thank you, Qing Tan. I'll keep it safe."

Seeing the faint redness in the girl's eyes and how hard she was trying to hold herself together, Luo Heng's heart softened. In the end, he only said softly, "Cultivate well. Wait for me to return."

Qing Tan nodded vigorously. Her tears finally fell, but her gaze was incomparably resolute.

At last, Luo Heng and Lin Dong exchanged nods before turning and leaping onto the fine horses that had long been prepared.

Lin Dong placed Little Yan into the soft cloth pouch secured before his saddle.

"Set off!"

The horses' hooves shattered the morning dew. The two young figures, accompanied by a young exotic beast just beginning to reveal its majesty, galloped toward the rising sun and down the official road, gradually disappearing from everyone's sight.

Luo Heng and Lin Dong galloped at full speed. Little Yan had been settled into the specially made cloth pouch before Lin Dong, with only its little head exposed. Its crimson fur fluttered in the wind as its tiger eyes curiously surveyed the rapidly retreating scenery.

Though it was not yet large, the liveliness and vigorous vitality of a future king of the mountains had already begun to show.

With Luo Heng, a Middle Heaven Yuan Realm martial artist, using Primal Energy to lightly enhance the horses, and with both mounts being excellent steeds, the two traveled extremely quickly.

The journey of over two hundred li from Qingyang Town to Flame City was more than half completed in less than half a day.

By noon, Flame City's distinctive black walls could already be seen in the distance.

"Is that Flame City?" Lin Dong reined in his horse and stared at the city walls stretching like a black dragon, awe flashing through his eyes.

Compared to it, Qingyang Town's walls were practically earthen ramparts.

"Yes." Luo Heng nodded, his gaze sweeping over the patrolling guards atop the walls and the endless stream of people at the city gate.

"Flame City is an important city in Tiandu Prefecture of the Great Flame Dynasty. The forces here are tangled and complicated, with experts everywhere. Once we enter, watch more, listen more, and speak less."

"I understand, Brother Luo Heng." Lin Dong answered solemnly, feeling both excitement and a measure of vigilance. Since he had come with Brother Luo Heng, he could not tarnish Brother Luo Heng's prestige.

The two slowed their horses and followed the crowd to pay the entry fee, smoothly entering Flame City.

The sights within the city left Lin Dong dazzled. The broad bluestone streets were wide enough for several carriages to travel abreast, and from time to time, disciples from various factions dressed in uniform attire could be seen passing by.

What caught Lin Dong's attention even more was the occasional faint fluctuation of Spiritual Power along the streets. That was the distinctive aura of Talisman Masters, something exceedingly rare in Qingyang Town.

"Talisman Masters hold a high status in Flame City." As Luo Heng led the way, he explained, "The Flame City Symbol Master Association is one of the city's most influential forces, standing alongside the City Lord's Mansion, the Myriad Gold Merchant Guild, and the Blood Wolf Gang. Your talent in Spiritual Power is good. Joining the Symbol Master Association will benefit you."

Lin Dong nodded. Little Marten in his arms also sent him information through their spiritual connection. "Kid, although this Flame City Symbol Master Association is only a local organization, it's enough to lay your foundation at your current stage. There should be some decent Concentration Methods and talisman-making inheritances inside."

It had such things too, but their level was too high. Lin Dong, who was only at the Earthen Yuan Stage, simply could not learn them.

Before long, the two arrived outside the Symbol Master Association compound.

When the two blue-clothed disciples standing guard at the entrance saw Luo Heng, they immediately saluted respectfully. "Senior Brother Luo, you've returned!"

Their gazes swept over Lin Dong and Little Yan, who was poking its head out from Lin Dong's arms. Curiosity flashed in their eyes, but they did not ask further.

They knew Luo Heng's status within the Symbol Master Association very well.

"Yes."

Luo Heng gave a slight nod and continued, "Is Master Yan here?"

"The president is in the Bamboo House in the rear courtyard. Senior Sister Ziyue is there as well," one disciple answered.

Luo Heng led Lin Dong directly into the compound. Passing through the bamboo-lined path, familiar scenery came into view.

Several Talisman Master disciples were either studying scrolls before the Bamboo House or practicing with Rune Pens controlled by Spiritual Power in the open space. Upon seeing Luo Heng, they all stopped what they were doing and greeted him respectfully, their gazes likewise falling curiously on Lin Dong.

Lin Dong sensed the faint sandalwood fragrance and spiritual pressure permeating the air, and inwardly marveled.

Any disciple here had Spiritual Power fluctuations far more condensed than those so-called "experts" in Qingyang Town.

"How does it feel?" Luo Heng asked.

"Very powerful. The cultivation atmosphere here is far beyond Qingyang Town," Lin Dong replied honestly.

"It's good that you can sense that. On the Path of the Talisman Master, environment and inheritance are crucial," Luo Heng said with a smile.

Before the Bamboo House in the rear courtyard, Master Yan and Zi Yue sat facing each other, drinking tea and discussing difficult problems in Fu Dao.

"Teacher, Young Master Luo has returned." Zi Yue sensed the familiar aura, and an imperceptible brightness flashed through her cool eyes.

Master Yan set down his teacup, stroking his beard with a smile. "This kid finally decided to come back. By my count, he only has four months left before the Tower Battle."

No sooner had he spoken than Luo Heng and Lin Dong emerged from the bamboo grove and arrived before the Bamboo House.

"Master Yan, Miss Zi Yue." Luo Heng cupped his hands in greeting.

"This junior is Lin Dong. Greetings, Master Yan and Miss Zi Yue." Lin Dong hurriedly followed suit, his attitude respectful.

Master Yan's gaze swept over them both, lingering briefly on Luo Heng. A trace of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He could sense that Luo Heng's aura was more profound and restrained than when he had left. The faint sharpness emanating from him made even Master Yan, a Four-Mark Rune Master, feel a slight palpitation.

His Sword Intent has improved again... This kid hasn't been idle in Qingyang Town either. Master Yan silently praised him, then looked at Lin Dong. His gaze lingered on Lin Dong for a moment, admiration flashing through his eyes. "Your talent in Spiritual Power is good, and your foundation is solid. You're a fine prospect. You're Lin Dong, aren't you? Kid Luo mentioned you in his letter."

Lin Dong looked at Luo Heng in surprise. He had not expected Brother Luo Heng to have already recommended him to Master Yan.

"Yes, this junior is from the Lin Family of Qingyang Town," Lin Dong said respectfully.

"This little beast... a Fire Python Tiger?" Master Yan's gaze finally fell upon Little Yan, who was poking its head out from Lin Dong's arms, and a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes.

A Fire Python Tiger would reach the Heaven Yuan Realm upon adulthood and possessed extraordinary potential. Demon Beast cubs of this kind were not commonly seen.

"That is correct. This junior acquired it by chance and named it Little Yan," Lin Dong explained, secretly admiring Master Yan's discerning eye.

"Not bad fortune." Master Yan nodded, then said to Luo Heng, "Kid Luo, your return came at the right time. The Tower Battle is imminent, and Tianhuo City has been especially arrogant lately. That old fellow Han Yun has declared that this time, he'll make our Flame City Symbol Master Association lose the Symbol Master Tower completely."

Luo Heng's expression remained calm. "When the day of the Tower Battle arrives, the outcome will reveal itself."