Laughter resonated through the grand hall, drawing everyone’s gazes to the entrance. There, a young man in a black robe stood with a smile, bathed in sunlight streaming through the windows. The light illuminated his face, now more mature and reserved than the slightly familiar one from three years ago, with less of the youth and sharpness it once had.
Staring at the black-robed youth standing at the entrance, all in the hall felt a vague sense of disbelief. Three years was not a long time for them, but in those short years, the young boy had undergone a transformation from within.
“Ha ha, Brother Xiao Yan, I didn’t expect you to reach such heights after three years. You truly make this old man feel a bit ashamed,” Galley, who was the first to recover, stood up and exclaimed with a hearty laugh.
Beside Galley, a woman in luxurious robes sat gracefully. She was the same Xuner whom Xiao Yan had met before, though she now wore no phoenix crown, looking less stern and more feminine. As the black-robed youth appeared, Xuner’s gaze lingered on him with a hint of a charming smile.
Xiao Yan glanced at the old man in a simple robe, smiled, and slowly walked into the hall. “Elder Galley, you remain as impressive as ever.”
While speaking, Xiao Yan’s gaze swept over the bright hall. Beside Galley, there were familiar faces: Mu Chen of the Mu Clan, and Nalan Jie and Nalan Yanran of the Nalan clan, who both looked somewhat ill at ease.
“Brother Xiao Yan, please take the seat. We’ve been waiting for you,” Mu Chen, the head of the Mu Clan, said, looking at the unusually tall and striking black-robed youth. He glanced at Mu Zhan, the most outstanding young member of the Mu Clan, and sighed inwardly. Three years ago, they were on the same level, but now, the gap was significant.
Mu Zhan, noticing his father’s gaze, rolled his eyes, staring at Xiao Yan, who was about his age, feeling speechless. Despite his hard work, he had only reached the strength of a Seven-Star Dou Ling. Compared to Xiao Yan, the difference was immense.
“This guy, how did he advance so quickly?” Mu Zhan thought, recalling their encounter where they were evenly matched. Now, the disparity was daunting.
Noticing Mu Chen’s smile, Xiao Yan returned a courteous smile. Although the Mu Clan had not aided him as much as the Mitter family, Xiao Yan still had some goodwill towards them due to his interactions with Mu Tie.
Walking slowly into the hall, Xiao Yan greeted several people. However, he intentionally ignored Nalan Jie and Nalan Yanran.
Nalan Jie and Nalan Yanran’s smiles were strained as Xiao Yan sat down beside Hai Bo Dong, clearly indicating his lingering resentment. Given the Nalan clan’s past actions, they could only sit stiffly, aware that Xiao Yan’s current strength made them less significant.
The other occupants of the hall noticed the Nalan clan’s disregard without comment, maintaining their cheerful demeanor. Soon, Pharnix and Meter arrived, and with the gathering of the leading figures of the strongest factions in the Gama Empire, the meeting was almost complete.
“Bringing everyone together, I’m sure you all know why, so I’ll get straight to the point,” Xiao Yan said, lifting his gaze.
Hearing Xiao Yan’s words, everyone fell silent, knowing the main event was beginning.
“Three years away, and I find that the Yun Lai Sect has expanded far beyond my expectations,” Xiao Yan said, untroubled by the silence. “The Yun Lai Sect destroyed my Xiao clan, a blood debt that must be repaid. I, Xiao Yan, am at an impasse with the Yun Lai Sect. I have summoned you all here to join forces and eradicate this tumor of the empire!”
“Ha ha, Mister Xiao Yan, the Yun Lai Sect is indeed powerful, but it does not seem to pose a direct threat to us,” Xuner interjected, smiling. “As the royal family, we do not wish to see any faction become too strong, disrupting the balance. If you truly have a plan to deal with the Yun Lai Sect, the royal family might offer some assistance within our capabilities.”
Looking at the strategic woman, Xiao Yan shook his head and revealed, “On my way back to the Gama Empire, I encountered a Yun Lai Sect elder at the border checkpoint ‘Zhen Gui Guan.’ They were helping a subordinate seize the highest command. If they succeed, the troops will likely fall under the Yun Lai Sect’s control.”
This news shocked both Galley and Xuner. “How is that possible?”
Xiao Yan smiled, realizing Mu Tie had not yet reported the incident. “Commander Mu Tie, a member of the Mu Clan, is involved. Truth will be known soon.”
Galley and Xuner’s expressions changed, realizing the Yun Lai Sect might be targeting the royal family. “The Yun Lai Sect’s ambitions are clear. When the time comes, you will either be destroyed or submit. Your hard-earned legacies would be in jeopardy if you surrendered.”
“Thus, I called you here to push you to choose sides. The empire no longer allows neutrality. I am prepared for a decisive battle with the Yun Lai Sect. Before the final showdown, you must choose a stance.” Xiao Yan’s words made it clear; if he fought the Yun Lai Sect, he would not allow anyone to stand idly by, risking unexpected treachery.
His words were firm, but no one felt them inappropriate, knowing Xiao Yan had the right to make such demands.
The atmosphere in the hall grew tense as Mu Chen, Galley, and others deliberated. Choosing a side was not a trivial matter, as the wrong choice could lead to destruction.
“Ha ha, the Mitter family will stand with Xiao Yan. Joining the Yun Lai Sect won’t bode well, and Cloud Mountain … Think wisely,” Hai Bo Dong chuckled.
Hai Bo Dong’s support, though predictable, was not without a touch of envy. Not many had the courage to risk offending the Yun Lai Sect like he did.
“Ahem, Mister Xiao Yan, what are your chances of defeating the Yun Lai Sect?” Mu Chen asked, noting the change in address.
“Fifty-fifty,” Xiao Yan replied, smiling.
The answer was unsatisfactory, and Galley dryly laughed, “You brought many Dou Wangs, but the Yun Lai Sect has its own. There are at least two or three Battle Emperors on Cloud Mountain, and of course, Yunshan. Can you handle him?”
Xiao Yan smiled, flicking a green flame out the window. A gust of wind followed, and three figures appeared, their powerful auras causing everyone to gasp. “I have Battle Emperors too,” he pointed to the new arrivals.
As the figures appeared, a faint, elderly figure emerged, and the room filled with a profound aura. “I also have a Battle Sect,” the elder said, his voice echoing through the hall.
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