Chapter 301

Even with Xiao Yan's current abilities, what he said sounded like a tale from the distant past.

Suddenly, Ya Fei's beautiful eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting slightly as she asked in astonishment, "So that's why you took Feng Cheng—to establish yourself in the Black Horn Region!?"

Xiao Yan nodded lightly, confirming Ya Fei's guess, saying, "The Black Horn Region is a peculiar place; its location dooms it to chaos. It is the hub for all black-market transactions across the Dou Qi Continent, and daily traffic here may even surpass that of Zhong Zhou."

Upon hearing this, Ya Fei nodded gently; though she had never been to the Black Horn Region, the presence of the Mitel Auction House in Feng Cheng, along with the data and goods flowing through its Black Horn auctions, made clear just how terrifying this place was.

Especially now, with Han Feng dead and Xiao Yan—the Black Horn Region's 'Spirit God'—having seized control and allied with three major factions to defend it, Feng Cheng's security has become extremely high, ranking among the top cities even within the Black Horn Region.

"I have a faction within Jia Nan Academy, and within it, a subordinate Alchemist Guild composed entirely of Alchemists. While I can't guarantee it with absolute certainty, I believe many Alchemist Guild members who graduate from the Inner Court will come to Feng Cheng—no, to my Xiao City." Xiao Yan declared with ambitious resolve.

When he left, he performed Spirit Refining in the Inner Court, teaching Alchemy not merely as repayment to Jia Nan Academy, but to ensure his name remained etched there—and to subtly hint to those Alchemist Guild members that if they wished to refine their Alchemy, they should come to Xiao City, my city, Xiao Yan's city.

Alchemists from the Alchemist Guild without powerful backgrounds would naturally think of Xiao City first upon graduation.

Xiao Yan pulled out a storage ring and placed it on the table, saying slowly, "Inside are some medicinal materials and pills I no longer need, ranging from One-Grade to Six-Grade."

"You want me to host a Pill auction at the Mitel Auction House in Xiao City, and use your name to attract Alchemist Guild members and free Alchemists from the Black Horn Region?" Ya Fei, no stranger to controlling Mitel from behind the scenes, quickly understood Xiao Yan's intent.

Ya Fei also understood the purpose behind all of Xiao Yan's preparations.

Xiao Yan smiled and nodded in affirmation. Talking with a clever person was never tiring.

Xiao Yan had grand ambitions—he wanted to turn Xiao City into the Holy Land for Alchemists in the Black Horn Region, drawing in every Alchemist, black or white, to gather there!

"These matters should have been handled by me, but if I did them myself, it would draw too much attention, so—"

Before Xiao Yan could finish, a jade finger pressed gently against his lips; Ya Fei said softly, "Since Hai Lao has already given you half of his Mitel Trading Company, you naturally have the authority to determine its future direction."

"And—"

Ya Fei's face flushed instantly, and Xiao Yan's eyes flickered with a strange hue; both simultaneously recalled what Hai Bodong had once said—that he had betrothed Ya Fei to Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan stammered, "About that matter—"

At that moment, a fragrant breeze drifted in, sweet and soothing, carrying a faint scent like morning dew—immediately refreshing the spirit and filling one with renewed vigor.

Ya Fei's hair brushed lightly against Xiao Yan's nose as she leaned into his arms, making him feel a soft warmth. Elegant and beautiful, clad in a silken night robe that clung to her fiery figure, she resembled a peach blossom fairy.

Her jade hand gently caressed Xiao Yan's cheek; the warmth of her palm sent a tremor through his heart.

"I know the person most important to you is Xun Er. With your talent and strength, Jia Ma Empire is not where you should stay. I cannot accompany you across the ends of the earth, but I am glad there is still something I can do for you." Ya Fei's voice was gentle, each word sinking deep into Xiao Yan's heart.

Her voice was so tender, so softly spoken, as if afraid of startling him.

Xiao Yan looked down at the radiant woman in his arms; no man in Wutan City had ever dreamed of such a sight with Ya Fei—if others saw this, they would be consumed by envy.

To have such fortune, to be treated this way by Ya Fei—

But Xiao Yan silently sighed within; indeed, as Ya Fei said, Xun Er held too vital a place in his heart. Even though Xun Er had left, and perhaps he would never see her again, never reach the status or strength required for the Gu Clan to acknowledge him—

Xiao Yan's heart still belonged to the Gu Clan.

Seeing the struggle in Xiao Yan's brow, Ya Fei knew when to retreat; she slowly rose to her feet—she had already overstepped.

"I'll keep this ring for now."

"Sister will wait for you in Wutan City, until you've completed everything."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan sighed inwardly, nodded, and left without further delay.

Early the next morning, Xiao Yan looked around but saw no Ya Fei to see him off; he boarded the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King with his companions and flew toward the Yan Alliance's border, leaving Jia Ma Sheng Cheng behind.

"Aren't you saying goodbye to him?" After seeing Xiao Yan off, Hai Bodong sat in Ya Fei's office and asked.

Ya Fei gently brushed her hair aside and pulled a pill from her storage ring—a Six-Grade Pill of Eternal Youth, capable of preserving youth and slowing physical aging for ordinary people.

"He's already told me everything I needed to hear."

Across an endless plain, two towering mountain ranges pierced the sky; their height made them nearly impossible for ordinary people to scale. Between them, a colossal fortress stood guard like a primordial beast, blocking the main route from the Snake Tribe Empire to the outside world—this fortress was the Snake Tribe Empire's most vital defense; if breached, not only would the Snake Tribe Empire fall, but even the rear of Jia Ma Empire might be overrun by the iron hooves of the Three Empires' armies.

The fortress's size was staggering; its walls were forged entirely of pitch-black volcanic inkstone, possessing extraordinary durability—even attacks from Dou Huangs could hold against them for long periods.

Along the walls, dense ranks of soldiers were everywhere, and hidden among them were countless massive crossbows, each loaded with steel bolts as thick as a man's thigh, ready to unleash devastating power. Under this overwhelming defense, the line was virtually impregnable; even the alliance of the Three Empires would pay a bloody price to break through.

At the center of the wall, several figures stood, their gazes filled with concern as they stared far beyond the fortress—where vast armies stretched like dark clouds, endless in sight. From the towering banners rising above them, three distinct emblems were visible—the Three Empires had launched a joint assault.

Yet what worried them most was not these ordinary troops, but the Dou Huangs hidden among them; in the eyes of true masters, common soldiers posed little threat—a single Dou Wang could easily hold off a ten-thousand-man army, which is precisely why masters held authority surpassing that of kings on the continent.

On the Dou Qi Continent, strength reigns supreme; royal power comes second.

"Sigh, I heard the leader of this force includes the Grand Elder of Jin Yan Sect and a Dou Huang Elder from Mu Lan Valley. The Poison Sect, however, has kept their involvement secret—rumor says their Grand Elder leads them." One of the Eight Snake Tribe Chieftains gazed for a moment, then slowly looked away and sighed.

Though the Snake Tribe Empire had joined the Yan Alliance, benefiting from its ties, some of its subordinates had relocated to the mountains owned by Yun Lan Sect, and since the alliance, trade with Jia Ma Empire had brought many goods and elixirs, improving the Snake Tribe's living conditions.

But now that Mei Du Sha was absent, the Three Empires eyed the Snake Tribe Empire like ravenous wolves, long eager to devour this rich prize.

At first, it was only minor skirmishes led by Dou Wangs, but the Three Empires' Dou Wangs were no match for Nalan Yanran, so they abandoned honor and sent Dou Huangs into battle.

The Yan Alliance had been restraining itself, matching opponents at the same level, fearing the war would escalate.

"We sent messengers to Jia Ma Empire for aid yesterday. If they receive the message, they'll come to help—but distant water cannot quench immediate thirst; we fear that by the time reinforcements arrive, the situation will have changed entirely." Another chieftain sighed softly.

They never expected that with only half a year left until the Sect Grand Meeting, the Three Empires would dare such actions—did they truly fear no consequences for dragging down their own performance at the meeting and inviting invasion from other empires?

After all, there were powerful nations surrounding the Three Empires!

All the Snake Tribe chieftains turned to the noble, regal woman beside them—she was now the only Dou Huang guarding the border.

"Yun Sect Master, this battle—"

Yun Yun stared at the dark sea of troops ahead, her powerful perception sweeping over them: "Two low-level Dou Huangs."

If it were only two low-level Dou Huangs, Yun Yun's current Six-Star Dou Huang strength could handle them easily—but don't forget, Chu Yun Empire is stronger than the other two, especially the Poison Sect—they surely have Dou Huangs too.

Yun Yun's talent far surpassed Hai Bodong's; Hai Bodong took two years to rise one star to Seven-Star Dou Huang, but Yun Yun rose three stars.

After the Xiao Clan took control of Yun Lan Sect, Yun Yun became a hands-off leader, which ironically gave her more time to cultivate.

The faces of the several Snake Tribe chieftains with Dou Wang strength grew grim; the eldest, Yin Shi, said, "Together, using terrain, we can hold off other Dou Wangs—but for Dou Huangs, we can only rely on you, Yun Sect Master."

"Now that we are allied, we share the same fate—when one suffers, all perish." Yun Yun spoke softly.

Suddenly, a thunderous drumbeat rolled across the distance, spreading throughout the fortress.

"They're launching their attack!" Hearing the urgent drumming, Yun Yun and the others grew solemn.

Soon after the drums echoed, the earth trembled; far off, the endless tide of troops surged forward like ocean waves, their footsteps thundering across the sky, pressing a crushing weight upon the soul.

"All warriors of the Snake People tribes! Defend our homeland—kill!!"

As the fortress entered battle readiness, the sea of black-clad soldiers surged forward amid deafening cries of combat; above them, streaks of light shot through the sky—these were the Dou Wangs of the Three Empires, the very ones most intensifying the fortress's pressure.

When the endless tide of black-clad troops halted nearly a kilometer from the fortress, they suddenly dropped to one knee, and two towering Dou Huang spiritual pressures erupted from within, instantly engulfing the entire fortress!

"Heh, the Yan Alliance doesn't seem so formidable after all. Why not submit to our Luo Yan Empire? As long as you pay sufficient tribute in Snake Slaves, we'll ensure you live in silk and jade."

Another Dou Huang fixed his piercing gaze on the tower at the fortress's center and growled, his voice laced with Dou Qi: "Yun Yun, your disciple killed mine—today, I demand blood for blood!"

"These shameless bastards—they're Dou Huangs, yet they dare to gang up on one!" Several Yun Lan Sect Dou Wangs who had come with Yun Yun glared angrily at the two old men in the sky, unable to hold back their curses.

Yun Yun stopped the furious Elders and said: "Stay within the fortress and stop any Dou Wangs who try to fly in. I'll handle these two."

The fortress was designed only to block those below Dou Wang rank—since those above can fly, they can simply cross the walls. No Dou Wangs must be allowed to enter and slaughter within.

A terrifying spiritual pressure of Six Star Dou Huang exploded from Yun Yun's body; a pair of wind wings sprouted from her back. In an instant, she shot skyward like a green meteor, her sword in hand, her Soul Force locking onto the two.

"Heh, Sect Master Yun Yun, don't blame us for lacking decorum—after all, your Cultivation Realm far surpasses ours. If we didn't join forces, no one could possibly stop you." The Luo Yan Sect Elder, Luo Yan Cai, lightly flapped his golden, radiant goose wings as an excuse.

Yun Yun said nothing; her sword slowly stirred a swirling wind. She had never been one for words.

"At your age, you're already a Six Star Dou Huang—your talent, and your disciple's, are both terrifying. But geniuses always die young—today, I'll avenge my disciple!" Mu Lan Tianhua snarled.

Unlike the Jia Ma Empire and Chu Yun Empire, the Mu Lan Empire and Luo Yan Empire were both controlled by their nation's strongest Sects—Mu Lan Valley and Luo Yan Sect—making them Sect Empires.

Seeing Yun Yun's imposing aura, Mu Lan Tianhua and Luo Yan Cai exchanged glances, each seeing a ruthless gleam in the other's eyes. Both were only Three Star Dou Huangs—they could only defeat Yun Yun by joining forces.

Shiiii! Shiiii!! Their speeds exploded; weapons in hand, they flanked Yun Yun from left and right.

(End of Chapter)