Xiao Yan’s face was slightly grim as he walked out of the conference room. Lifting his head, he saw Lin Yan standing not far away. The grimness on his face slowly receded somewhat, and he gave a smile to the latter.
“Didn’t expect you to still be in the Inner Academy,” Xiao Yan said with a smile as he approached steadily.
“Didn’t I tell you back then? I wanted to go to the Jia Ma Empire with you,” Lin Yan shrugged with a smile. In these two years, he had matured quite a bit, and his former impatience had been tamed considerably.
Xiao Yan was taken aback, and then he smiled softly. He hadn’t expected Lin Yan to still remember that sentence. This both surprised and touched him a little.
“Don’t worry, once I resolve some matters, I’ll return to the Jia Ma Empire. When that time comes, I’ll definitely take you with me,” Xiao Yan said with a light laugh, his gaze sweeping over Lin Yan. “It seems you’ve done well in these two years, breaking through to become a Dou Wang.”
“Heh, how can I compare to a freak like you?” Lin Yan laughed and shook his head. Despite his considerable talent, in these two years, he had only reached the level of a Three-Star Dou Wang. Compared to Xiao Yan, this speed left him feeling somewhat inferior. However, what he didn’t know was that behind Xiao Yan’s meteoric rise in strength lay countless hardships.
Xiao Yan smiled but did not dwell on this topic further.
“Next, are you planning to go to your Second Brother?” asked Lin Yan with a smile.
“I know about your Second Brother’s situation. I was secretly sent by Grand Elder to protect him, but later, as his strength increased, he discovered me and nearly fought me.”
“How strong is my Second Brother now?” Xiao Yan furrowed his brows slightly, a sense of unease growing in his heart.
“Very strong. One-on-one, I am no match for him. Moreover, his Dou Qi has lightning attributes, making his attacks extremely powerful. Ordinary Dou Wangs cannot stand against him. However, I always feel something odd about his aura, though I can’t put my finger on it,” Lin Yan said after a moment’s thought.
Nodding silently, Xiao Yan said softly, “First, I need to go to the ‘Stone Gate’ and meet with Wu Hao and the others. Then, I will head to the Black Corner Region.”
“Hehe, this time, you might need to bring some manpower.” Lin Yan smiled. “According to the intelligence, the forces going to besiege your Second Brother are extremely strong, with at least three Dou Wangs, and even a Battle Emperor. Although your current strength is formidable, if the Battle Emperor delays you, the other three Dou Wangs might be able to kill your Second Brother in a short time.”
A bit surprised, Xiao Yan pondered for a while and nodded. This concerned his Second Brother’s life and death; he naturally wouldn’t be foolhardy. However…
“Where will I gather the people? The Elders of the Inner Academy are being mobilized by Grand Elder to prepare for a major battle with the ‘Black Alliance.’ It’s unlikely they can spare anyone,” Xiao Yan said with some difficulty.
“Have you forgotten about the ‘Stone Gate’? Both Wu Hao and Hu Jia are at the peak of Dou Ling, almost reaching Dou Wang. Besides them, there are at least ten peak Dou Ling experts in the Stone Gate. That’s a significant force. Not to mention, there’s Zi Yan, the brute-force king. Furthermore, I happen to be free recently. Gathering these forces will be enough to contend with the first-rate powers in the Black Corner Region,” Lin Yan chuckled.
“I didn’t think the little ‘Stone Gate’ would grow so strong. It seems Wu Hao and Hu Jia have managed it well,” Xiao Yan said, somewhat impressed. Back when he was pulled into the underground by the Fallen Heart Flame, there were no peak Dou Lings in the Stone Gate. Now, it was so strong.
“As the strongest force in the Inner Academy, having this foundation isn’t too much. Of course, the Stone Gate’s current strength is largely due to your and Xun Er’s influence, which no one can match,” Lin Yan smiled. “Given your reputation in the Stone Gate, a wave of your hand will rally at least a hundred to rush to the Black Corner Region. In their eyes, you are a god-like figure.”
Xiao Yan scratched his head. After being absent for almost two years, he was somewhat surprised by this reputation.
“By the way, among the forces besieging your Second Brother, there’s an old enemy, the Blood Clan. The so-called Battle Emperor is the same Fan Lao from back then,” Lin Yan said, seemingly remembering something.
“Fan Lao?” Xiao Yan frowned slightly, a cold smile slowly forming on his lips. “Just right. He managed to escape last time. Let’s see if he’s as lucky this time.”
“Then, let’s go to the ‘Stone Gate’ now. We can’t delay any longer. Otherwise, unexpected changes might occur.”
“Okay.”
……
At the Stone Gate, numerous eyes filled with fanatical reverence fixed on the black-robed youth with a smiling face. Some of the old members of the Stone Gate were almost beside themselves with joy.
“Everyone, Leader says he needs manpower. If you think you meet the conditions and have the guts to follow us into the Black Corner Region, step forward,” Wu Hao said, looking at the packed hall filled with eager faces.
BOOM!
The sound of synchronized footsteps echoed in the hall as nearly a dozen figures stepped forward with excitement.
Looking at those who stepped forward without hesitation, even the composed Xiao Yan felt a touch of emotion. A sense of satisfaction welled up in his heart.
“Fourteen peak Dou Lings, and the rest are Dou Lings. Is that enough?” Zi Yan looked at the people who stepped forward and turned to Xiao Yan.
“Enough,” Xiao Yan smiled and nodded, patting Zi Yan’s head. “Two years and you haven’t grown at all. Don’t worry, I’ll help you refine a true transformation pill, and you can change your body as you wish.”
Though initially displeased by the first part, Zi Yan’s face brightened significantly at Xiao Yan’s promise. Though her strength had grown in these two years, she was still in a girl’s body, a fact that troubled her greatly.
“That’s more like it. You disappeared for two years, and I had to eat nasty herbs for two years. Consider this repayment,” the little girl patted Xiao Yan’s arm with a mock maturity, her gem-like eyes twinkling with laughter.
Xiao Yan smiled and looked at the excited and fervent faces in the hall. “I won’t say much. Once this is done, I’ll treat everyone to a good drink…”
Everyone in the hall burst into grins. Despite Xiao Yan’s two-year absence, his reputation had only grown stronger, and the thought of their leader reappearing filled them with combat enthusiasm.
“Move!”
Xiao Yan’s gaze swept the hall, and he suddenly waved his hand, leading the group out the door. Behind him, a large contingent followed with fervor.
Such a large group naturally caused a stir in the Inner Academy. Seeing the black-robed youth at the forefront, many people called out in surprise, recognizing his identity.
Ignoring the various gazes, Xiao Yan led the group to the exit. Through the woods, they saw the concealed spatial gate already open, outside of which, the roar of griffins sounded continuously.
“Outside, there are dozens of griffins waiting. They will fly you directly to your destination,” Lin Yan appeared suddenly, explaining to the group. “These were prepared by the Grand Elder.”
Xiao Yan was taken aback. So, Su Qian knew about this. By the rules, private matters could not use the Inner Academy’s resources, but Su Qian clearly did not object and even helped.
“Hehe, many thanks to the Grand Elder. I’ll express my gratitude when I return,” Xiao Yan bowed in the direction of the Inner Academy, then waved his hand and shouted, “Go!”
The crowd surged out, disappearing beyond the silver energy gate…
After Xiao Yan and the group disappeared, the silver gate rippled and gradually faded, eventually vanishing completely.
……
In a pavilion deep within the Inner Academy, Su Qian stood with his hands behind his back, gazing in the direction of the exit. After a moment, he said softly, “They have gone.”
“Grand Elder, letting Xiao Yan take the Inner Academy students to the Black Corner Region, is that…?” An elder behind Su Qian spoke hesitantly.
“Hehe, don’t worry. With Xiao Yan’s strength, there shouldn’t be any casualties. Besides, the students need to experience real battles; it will be good for them,” Su Qian said with a smile, waving his hand.
The elder could only nod with a wry smile. The Black Corner Region was full of ruthless killers.
“Notify the Elders. Prepare to mobilize in three days. This time, we must completely crush the ‘Black Alliance.'”
Sharp coldness flashed in Su Qian’s eyes as he spoke. The elder replied affirmatively, then quietly left the room.
The room grew silent, and Su Qian’s eyes flickered. His fist suddenly tightened, and a icy voice lingered in the air.
“All grievances, let’s clear them all this time!”
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