Chapter 412: Temporary Stay at Nine-Tails Village, Sudden Trouble!
A seemingly bottomless abyss stretched across the land, and within it stood a lone mountain peak.
From the peak extended several massive iron chains, forming bridges that connected it to the outside world.
Atop the mountain, a giant protective formation glowed faintly, forming a dome of light that completely enveloped the peak.
Through the barrier, Lin Fan could make out a number of structures—a well-constructed village nestled atop the mountain.
"This formation looks pretty solid," Lin Dong observed, his attention focused on the glowing barrier.
"Lord Lin Dong, that's our Nine-Tails Clan's guardian formation. It's one of the few inherited from ancient times. If not for it, our clan would have suffered far worse," Xinqing explained softly.
Lin Dong nodded, saying no more.
Lin Fan smiled. "Xinqing, you should be able to contact your people, right?"
"Mhm!" she nodded quickly. "I'll blow the fox whistle now. Once they hear it inside the village, they'll know we've returned. I'm sure the clan will be very happy to meet you both."
Xinqing and the two other Nine-Tails girls took out uniquely shaped whistles and placed them near their lips. A soft, eerie sound echoed out across the air.
As Lin Fan looked toward the mountain, he could clearly sense some activity stirring within the village.
Soon after, delicate figures began to emerge from the light barrier. In the blink of an eye, the mountain was alive with the fluttering of graceful silhouettes.
Before long, the protective formation opened a passage, and Lin Fan and Lin Dong, escorted by the three girls, entered Nine-Tails Village.
The village was lush with green, dotted with vibrant blossoms, and filled with the songs of birds and the laughter of women—it felt like a paradise hidden from the world.
As they made their way through the village, curious eyes followed Lin Fan and Lin Dong. Whispered giggles and hushed conversations spread among the girls, as if they had discovered something new and fascinating.
"Please don't mind them, sirs," Xinqing said apologetically. "Our Nine-Tails Clan is a bit secluded. It's rare for outsiders to enter, especially humans…"
"No problem," Lin Fan waved it off casually.
"Just ahead is our main village center. The elders are waiting to meet you both," Xinqing said with a smile as they continued forward.
Before arriving, she had already informed the clan of Lin Fan and Lin Dong's identities.
Soon, a spacious courtyard appeared before them.
Standing at the front was a group of people. At their head was a graceful and elegant woman, whose eyes lit up the moment she saw Xinqing.
"Mother!"
Xinqing's eyes reddened as she rushed into the woman's arms.
Clearly, this was Xinqing's mother.
The woman embraced her daughter lovingly, fussing over her while the others gathered around with smiles of relief.
After the reunion, Xinqing introduced Lin Fan and Lin Dong once more—this time detailing how Lin Fan had saved two of their clanswomen on the journey.
The gathered members of the Nine-Tails Clan expressed deep gratitude toward Lin Fan.
Xinqing's mother also spoke warmly, "Young Master Lin Fan, on behalf of the Nine-Tails Clan, I thank you for what you've done for Xiao Liu and the others."
Lin Fan smiled. "The village chief is too kind. It was just a small matter—and since Xinqing guided us here, I simply did what I could."
"No need to call me 'village chief.' If you don't mind our clan's humble home, just call me Aunt Xin," she replied gently.
Despite her age, Aunt Xin was strikingly beautiful, her face untouched by time.
"Then I'll respectfully comply," Lin Fan replied with a smile, accepting the address without resistance.
"I've already heard about your journey to the Beast Battle Region. Let's go inside and talk," Aunt Xin said, her tone friendly and relaxed.
"Please lead the way, Aunt Xin," Lin Fan responded politely.
She turned to guide them, and soon, everyone arrived in the Nine-Tails Clan's guest hall.
Once seated, Aunt Xin personally served tea before asking softly, "You came to the Beast Battle Region to find someone in the Heavenly Demon Marten Clan? Could you share their names? Perhaps our people can help you gather information."
"We're looking for two brothers. One is named Lin Diao—he belongs to the Heavenly Demon Marten Clan. The other is Lin Yan, who should be part of the Heavenly Demon Tiger Clan now."
"Lin Diao, Lin Yan…" Aunt Xin frowned slightly, then shook her head. "As far as I know, no one by those names has appeared in the region recently. It's possible they really did reach the Heavenly Demon Marten Clan."
Lin Fan asked, "Then, Aunt Xin, would you happen to have a full map of the Demon Domain? We're planning to head to the Marten Clan next."
Aunt Xin gave a wry smile. "In the days when our clan flourished, we might have had such a map. But it's long been lost."
"However, we should have some partial maps of different regions. I'll check the clan archive later and try to find the most complete one we still have. It may help you."
"Much appreciated, Aunt Xin." Lin Fan cupped his hands. He wasn't too disappointed—he knew obtaining a complete map of the Demon Domain was no easy task.
While the Demon Domain was smaller than the Chaotic Demon Sea, it was still vast, and each region was controlled by different races. Only top-tier clans like the Heavenly Demon Marten Clan might possess a full map.
"You're too polite, Lin Fan," Aunt Xin smiled. "I regret I can't be of more help. But for now, why not rest here for a few days? I'll get those maps ready as soon as I can."
"Then we'll impose for a while," Lin Fan said after exchanging a glance with Lin Dong, both nodding in agreement.
Aunt Xin summoned a young girl and asked her to guide Lin Fan and Lin Dong to their quarters.
And so, the two remained at Nine-Tails Village for the time being, taking the chance to rest.
On the third day of their stay, however, a group of girls—led by Xinqing—suddenly showed up at Lin Fan's residence.
"Lord Lin Fan, would it be alright if we stayed here with you for a while? We promise we won't disturb you!"
Xinqing stepped forward, clasping her hands together with pleading eyes.
"Yeah, we won't get in your way at all. And if you ever feel upset, just let Xinqing warm your bed for you," one of the girls teased, giggling.
Lin Fan narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing something was off.
"Did something happen?" he asked casually.
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