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

The Dark Mountains stretched in serrated peaks, each one like a sharp sword piercing the sky, exuding a chilling intensity that seemed capable of cutting through the heavens. One of these formidable mountains was Black Shadow Peak.

Nestled within Black Shadow Peak was the Shadow Training Ground, headquarters of the Tribunal Army’s Seventh Division, Third Battalion. Though Dark City was the core of the Dark Hall, the Tribunal Army’s camps weren’t based there. For secrecy or training purposes, the Tribunal’s forces were stationed in the nearby Dark Mountains.

Guided by Qing Tan, Lin Langtian arrived outside the Shadow Training Ground. Before them stood a camp of fortified black stone buildings, complete with watchtowers and a large training area. From within came the clashing sounds of intense combat drills, and a tangible, bloodthirsty aura filled the air.

”What a powerful, condensed killing aura…” Lin Langtian muttered, astonished by the concentrated malice that nearly solidified above the camp, like a shadow of death itself.

The sheer volume of that killing intent implied countless fallen enemies—likely numbering in the tens of thousands. And this was merely one battalion of the Tribunal Army. How many rebellious forces had the Tribunal obliterated across the vast Northern Xuan Domain?

”Since its founding, the Tribunal Army has been continuously engaged in battles. To date, it has annihilated thirteen superpowers, all of which were led by Reincarnation Realm masters. And as for second- and third-tier forces, there are too many to count,” Qing Tan explained.

”Thirteen superpowers with Reincarnation Realm masters?” Lin Langtian’s eyes narrowed in surprise. In the Eastern Xuan Domain, such a force would be considered on par with the great sects. Each of those eight super sects possessed only a few Reincarnation Realm masters, yet the Tribunal’s achievements dwarfed even that. This force was clearly the core strength that allowed the Hall Master’s faction to dominate the Council of Elders.

”Brother Langtian, the Third Battalion is assembled. Let’s go,” Qing Tan said, glancing at him.

”Alright.”

The two transformed into streaks of light, swiftly appearing on Black Shadow Square.

As Lin Langtian landed, he found himself standing on a large platform overlooking an enormous training ground. The surrounding flags whipped in the fierce wind, and before him were rows of black-clad figures, all wearing eerie ghost masks. The entire battalion stood in solemn, silent formation.

Hundreds of eyes filled with battle-hardened malice turned on Lin Langtian the moment he arrived. The weakest among these warriors held the Seven Yuan Nirvana Realm, while the majority were at the Eight Yuan Nirvana Realm, with dozens at the Nine Yuan Nirvana Realm. Such a gathering would intimidate anyone lacking inner fortitude. But after his initial surprise, Lin Langtian’s expression remained calm, undisturbed by the oppressive presence.

Lin Langtian assessed the battalion of 400 warriors. Most were at the Eight Yuan Nirvana Realm, with some at the Seven and Nine Yuan Nirvana Realms—a composition similar to the elite disciples his sect had sent to the Demon Territory. However, the Tribunal soldiers exuded a bone-chilling bloodlust far beyond what any sect disciple could compare to. Their hardened demeanor explained why Bo Xuan was confident that a single battalion could annihilate a second-tier sect with ease.

Lin Langtian’s gaze eventually focused on the five figures standing at the front of the battalion. Among them, the most eye-catching was a burly man at the head. His imposing aura and fierce killing intent felt like a volcano poised to erupt, ready to obliterate any opponent. His ghost mask featured a distinctive blood-red sword on the forehead, unlike the black swords worn by ordinary soldiers.

Within the Dark Tribunal, ranks were distinguished by the sword colors on their ghost masks. Elders wore gold swords, regiment commanders silver, battalion commanders red, banner commanders purple, squad leaders green, and ordinary members black.

From the aura alone and the blood-red sword on his mask, Lin Langtian recognized the man as Zhong Kui, a Lesser Death Xuan Realm master and the commander of the Seventh Division, Third Battalion.

Behind Zhong Kui stood four more figures with deep, powerful auras. The purple swords on their masks indicated their rank as banner commanders, each possessing the peak Sheng Xuan Realm strength. One among them, a slender figure with a strikingly feminine build, drew Lin Langtian’s attention—one of the banner commanders was a woman.

”Lady Qing Tan.”

Zhong Kui and the four banner commanders approached and greeted Qing Tan respectfully.

As the Hall Master’s personal disciple and likely successor to the throne, Qing Tan commanded significant deference from the battalion. Qing Tan nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping across the battalion as she spoke in a calm yet authoritative tone.

”Everyone, you all know why I am here today, so I won’t repeat myself. Starting today, I, Lin Qing Tan, am an ordinary member of the Tribunal Army. Treat me as just another soldier.”

Although none of the soldiers spoke, their gazes softened with newfound respect. It was evident that being able to share the hardships of the lower ranks made Qing Tan more likely to gain their loyalty—a factor Bo Xuan had likely considered in his decision to have her start from the bottom of the Tribunal.

Lin Langtian nodded in approval. Qing Tan possessed the unique Killing Spirit Body and formidable talent, but to underestimate her intelligence and leadership would be a grave mistake. This young woman would one day rule the Dark Hall and lead the Four Xuan Domain Alliance.

Qing Tan then turned to Zhong Kui. ”Commander Zhong, you know the Tribunal’s regulations. Treat me as you would any other soldier. If I can’t handle this trial, I won’t have the face to return to my master.”

Zhong Kui exhaled in relief at her words. When he first learned of Qing Tan’s assignment to his battalion, he had been apprehensive, fearing the need to make constant allowances for her.

To Commander Zhong Kui, handling Qing Tan felt like a constant tightrope walk: neither strict discipline nor leniency seemed right for the ”little princess.” It had troubled this rough-around-the-edges commander for quite some time.

But now, since Qing Tan herself had insisted on following the Tribunal Army’s rules, Zhong Kui finally felt relieved. This unexpected respect he now held for her also left him more at ease.

”Commander Zhong, this is my elder brother and personal Shadow Guardian, Lin Langtian,” Qing Tan introduced, gesturing toward Lin Langtian beside her.

At this, Zhong Kui and the four other banner commanders turned their attention to Lin Langtian, curiosity lighting up their eyes. They had all heard of the great battle at the ceremony—a Sheng Xuan Realm junior defeating Mo Ming, who was at the peak of the Sheng Xuan Realm. Lin Langtian’s reputation as a prodigy was well known throughout the Northern Xuan Domain.

”Shadow Guardian Lin, I hope you will keep Lady Qing Tan safe,” Zhong Kui said gravely, after sizing him up.

He knew well the weight on Lin Langtian’s shoulders, for the Tribunal Army’s duties were fraught with constant warfare and ever-present danger.

”Rest assured, Commander Zhong. I’ll protect Qing Tan,” Lin Langtian replied simply, yet with a tone of unwavering resolve.

”I’m sure Brother Langtian will keep his word. And I’m not some delicate flower; I’ll protect myself, too,” Qing Tan smiled, then asked, ”Commander Zhong, which banner will Brother Langtian and I be joining?”

Each battalion in the Tribunal was divided into four banners, with each banner further divided into three squads of around thirty warriors.

”Let’s assign you to Banner Commander Lan Yan’s unit,” Zhong Kui said, after a moment’s thought. Perhaps he felt Qing Tan would be more comfortable in a squad led by another woman, and so he gestured to the tall, graceful Lan Yan.

”Commander, rest assured. I will take care of Lady Qing Tan,” Lan Yan replied with a light smile, bowing slightly. As she did, a glimpse of pale skin showed beneath her dark collar, creating an entrancing contrast that could easily draw attention.

Even under her mask and black robes, the pairing of peach blossom eyes and porcelain skin hinted at Lan Yan’s striking beauty. Lin Langtian noticed that when Lan Yan bowed, the other three banner commanders shifted their gazes and seemed slightly wary. Clearly, this beautiful banner commander was a ”rose with thorns.”

But in a place as deadly as the Tribunal Army, only a truly formidable woman could survive—let alone rise to the rank of banner commander.

Qing Tan seemed indifferent to Lan Yan’s charms, giving a brief nod and replying, ”In that case, Brother Langtian and I will join the ranks. We’ll follow orders from here.”

With that, Lin Langtian and Qing Tan moved to stand with the warriors under Lan Yan’s command, taking their places as ordinary soldiers in the Tribunal.

Seeing them join the ranks, Zhong Kui nodded. Now, to him, Lin Langtian and Qing Tan were simply two members of the Tribunal Army, nothing more. Such was the rule of the Dark Tribunal.

Next, Zhong Kui leaped onto a platform overlooking the assembled troops. His gaze swept over the four hundred soldiers before him, his eyes full of a killing intent that seemed to press down on the crowd as he spoke.

”Warriors, the Tribunal Army is the enforcer of the Dark Tribunal, the strongest force of the Dark Hall, and the Hall Master’s deadliest sword. Today, the Fire Cloud Sect in the Southern River Domain has killed the Dark Hall’s branch leader and launched a rebellion. What is the Tribunal Army’s answer?”

”Kill!”

”Kill!”

”Kill!”

…

With each shout, a murderous aura surged forth like a mighty river, condensing into a palpable force of malice that seemed capable of crushing any resistance.

Drums thundered and flags flew as an overwhelming atmosphere of slaughter filled the air.

In the ranks, Lin Langtian felt the immense killing intent of the formation wash over him, causing him to tense. Although he had slain numerous powerful foes, even wiping out a squad of five hundred core disciples from the Tianxuan Sect, the sight of the entire Tribunal Army, primed for war, was still deeply stirring.

And this was only a single battalion. The full might of an entire division, or even the whole Tribunal Army, would be a sight beyond imagination.

Beside him, Qing Tan’s face had turned slightly pale from the overpowering aura, but she quickly steadied herself. She had already resolved to become a true warrior—not just a young girl sheltered by her brother Lin Langtian or Lin Dong.

”Excellent! This is the spirit of the Tribunal Army!” Zhong Kui called from the platform, his eyes flicking briefly over Lin Langtian and Qing Tan, clearly satisfied.

Then, with a bloody grin, he raised a hand, the red sword on his ghost mask gleaming with a gory sheen, as if drenched in the blood of countless enemies.

”Our destination: the Southern River Domain. Our objective: annihilate the Fire Cloud Sect. Move out!”

Buzz!

With that, he formed a series of hand seals, channeling his vast Yuan power into a formation on the ground below. As energy surged, a massive teleportation array took shape, its runes glowing with a steady light.

The Dark Hall had long since set spatial markers in the Dark Mountains, enabling them to activate teleportation arrays to swiftly dispatch forces across the Northern Xuan Domain. This allowed the Tribunal Army to respond instantly to outbreaks of rebellion, for the Northern Xuan Domain was too vast to cover effectively with only tens of thousands of soldiers, no matter how powerful.

Seeing the completed formation, Lin Langtian exhaled deeply, sharing a look with Qing Tan. The campaign to suppress the rebels was finally beginning.

”Let’s go.”

With a brief pause to collect himself, Lin Langtian stepped forward, following the soldiers ahead of him into the array. Qing Tan followed closely behind; with the dangers of the unknown battlefield awaiting them, the two naturally stuck together.

As the last soldier entered the formation, a brilliant light erupted from the array. Lin Langtian looked up for a final glance at the camp, a glint of anticipation sparking in his eyes…

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