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

”Greetings, Clan Leader!” Lin Langtian stepped respectfully into the depths of the Lin Clan estate, pushing open the door to a quiet study.

Inside, calm reigned, and a middle-aged man with black and white-streaked hair sat cross-legged, deep in thought. Hearing Langtian’s entrance, he gave a slight smile and opened his eyes, revealing a pair of clear, wise pupils.

”Ah, Langtian, come in and sit,” he said warmly. Langtian returned the courtesy with a respectful bow, finding a seat nearby.

”I’ve heard about your recent achievements in the capital,” the Clan Leader, Lin Fan, said with a hint of pride breaking through his usually stern face. ”You’ve done very well; you truly are the pride of our Lin Clan.”

”You honor me, Clan Leader,” Langtian responded modestly. ”I’ve only done what I should for the family.”

With a chuckle, Lin Fan continued, ”The legacy of our clan flows on, always bringing forward new talent. I heard that you not only won the favor of Ling Qingzhu but also eradicated a second-rate gang, the Black Tiger Gang, in the capital. To have defeated a seasoned Condensing Qi Stage expert while still in the Molding Qi Stage—why, even I was never capable of such feats when I was your age. If you keep this humility, our ancestors will surely look upon you with pride.”

After praising him, Lin Fan’s sharp gaze took in Langtian’s form, as if assessing something. Though Langtian wasn’t someone he’d watched grow up, Lin Fan had observed his talent from a young age, ordering that resources be allocated toward his development. Until recently, Lin Fan believed that, while Langtian was talented, he could hardly compare to the rare prodigies that emerged only once every few centuries. Yet, recent events had caused him to reassess.

Was it possible that he had underestimated Langtian’s potential, and that this young man was even more gifted than he’d realized?

With a soft smile, Lin Fan said, ”Langtian, I wish to propose you as the Lin Clan’s Junior Clan Leader. What do you say?”

Since he’d always been focused on cultivation, Lin Fan himself had no children. Langtian’s remarkable talent, however, had convinced him that he could be the Lin Clan’s future head. The position of Junior Clan Leader would groom him for that responsibility.

Momentarily taken aback, Langtian quickly gathered his thoughts. To be the Junior Clan Leader meant he’d be recognized as the Lin Clan’s heir—a position that would ultimately place him among the most influential people in the Great Flame Empire.

After a pause, Langtian bowed his head and replied, ”I appreciate your generous offer, Clan Leader, but my heart is set on a different path. The Hundred Dynasty War in a few years—that is where I intend to prove myself. You are still in your prime, so I believe another young talent from the clan would be more suitable for the position.”

”The Hundred Dynasty War...” Lin Fan’s eyes grew distant for a moment before he nodded with a faint smile. ”As you wish. With your talent, you might indeed distinguish yourself there and even join a supreme sect, bringing greater honor to the Lin Clan.”

”I will not let you down, Clan Leader!” Langtian replied, bowing again.

”Oh, one more thing,” Lin Fan added with a slight frown. ”I’ve heard you’ve taken up spiritual cultivation and become a Sigil Master?”

Lin Fan was skeptical about this decision. While dual cultivation of Yuan Power and spiritual energy might seem impressive, it was notoriously difficult. Even some prodigies would not dare to split their focus between the two. Given that Langtian was already the Lin Clan’s top talent and a prime candidate for the elite sects, Lin Fan was concerned that such a path could be a distraction.

Seeing the Clan Leader’s expression, Langtian knew he wanted to persuade him to abandon spiritual cultivation. However, Langtian had already developed his own philosophy on cultivating as a Sigil Master, and he had no intention of stopping.

After a brief pause, Langtian replied, ”Thank you for your concern, Clan Leader. But I’ve taken up spiritual training precisely because it doesn’t hinder my Yuan Power cultivation. This way, not only can I advance in Yuan Power, but I’ll also gain extra tools for defeating enemies. Should I find later on that spiritual cultivation interferes, I’ll make adjustments accordingly.”

Lin Fan seemed prepared to argue further but stopped himself, sighing. ”Very well. Since you’re confident, I won’t press further. But remember, spiritual cultivation becomes harder as you go. If the time comes when you must choose, I hope you’ll make a wise decision.”

”Thank you for your advice,” Langtian replied with apparent gratitude, though he had already resolved to continue on this path.

With a nod, Lin Fan continued, ”Your achievements have indeed brought great honor to the clan, and I’ve dealt with the Huangpu Clan’s interference. But you still deserve a reward for your efforts. The Hundred Dynasty War is approaching, and I believe you are now ready to learn the Lin Clan’s ancestral technique, the Grand Celestial Phoenix Seal.”

Hearing this, Langtian couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. This powerful Transcendence-level martial art was well-known within the Lin Clan. Legends said that a previous Lin Clan leader had once wielded it at the peak of the Creation Stage, eradicating an entire enemy sect. That sect had included two formidable Creation Stage experts, both of whom fell to the Grand Celestial Phoenix Seal’s power.

Langtian knew that in his previous life, the original Lin Langtian had wielded this technique in his battles with Lin Dong, nearly overwhelming him. Though he’d ultimately failed, the Grand Celestial Phoenix Seal had proven its might as the Lin Clan’s prized technique. If Langtian had possessed it when he faced Huang Yin, he could have defeated him without relying on the Black Flame.

”Thank you, Clan Leader!” Langtian said, bowing gratefully.

”No need to thank me; this is your reward, and it’s well-deserved. Remember, this technique brings both honor and responsibility. The clan eagerly awaits your performance in the Hundred Dynasty War.”

Lin Fan’s gaze rested on Langtian, filled with high expectations. With a flick of his finger, a silver light shot out, touching Langtian’s forehead.

Suddenly, Langtian’s vision shifted. It felt as though he’d entered a vast, empty space where, not far ahead, a colossal silver phoenix, hundreds of feet tall, hovered in the void. The creature’s imposing aura spread out, slicing through the air with an unmatched intensity.

Standing tall in the blackness, the silver phoenix seemed like a divine bird born at the dawn of time, its sheer presence embodying boundless power and fierceness.

In that moment, Langtian’s eyes locked onto the silver phoenix, its awe-inspiring aura sending shivers through him. This was martial skill at its peak—terrifying and magnificent.

Drawing a deep breath to steady himself, Langtian’s gaze focused on the center of the phoenix. There, amidst the creature’s silver feathers, he could make out several ancient silver characters, glowing with a strange light.

The words read: ”Grand Celestial Phoenix Seal.”

(End of Chapter)