The next day, on a small peak not far from the boundary of the Peaceful Town of the Canaan Academy, figures could occasionally be seen moving amid the dense forest. At the top of the peak, several figures stood facing the wind. The fierce gale blew but did not even stir their robes. The oppressive aura exuded by these figures made the entire mountain peak silent.
The black-robed youth stood at the forefront, his eyes slightly closed, his hands behind his back. After a while, his ears twitched slightly, and he said softly, “They’re here…”
Soon after his words, dozens of small black dots appeared on the horizon. In the blink of an eye, these dots transformed into human figures, dashing towards the small peak. As they neared, they gradually slowed down and descended slowly from the sky.
“Haha, Lord Xiao, it’s been years, I hope you are well,” roared a sturdy man with a bare upper body, emanating a menacing aura, as he laughed towards the black-robed youth.
“Leader Tie, your might is as formidable as ever. It’s hard to find such a robust presence in the Black-Corner Region,” Xiao Yan greeted the former Gang Leader of the Mad Lion Gang, Wu Tie, with a bow, recalling their past cooperation against the Yunlan Sect.
“Who can match the magnificence of Lord Xiao? Everyone in the Black-Corner Region knows that Lord Xiao single-handedly defeated the three great elders of the Demon Flame Valley and banished the Earth Demon Old Ghost, who was a formidable Battle Sect at the seven-star level—almost invincible in the Black-Corner Region. It looks like the Black-Corner Region will soon belong to the Xiao Sect,” chimed in a beautiful woman in red, her alluring charm evident.
This woman was also someone Xiao Yan knew well: the leader of the Raksasa Gate, a cold-blooded and ruthless collaborator from their past.
“Hehe, the rise of the Xiao Sect in just a few short years is truly the fastest ascension I’ve ever witnessed. And Lord Xiao’s contributions are invaluable,” agreed an elderly man with a somewhat sinister countenance.
“Lord Su and Old Yin jest, it’s just rumors…” Xiao Yan smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over the group, his expression growing serious. His voice, though not loud, was clear in every ear, “I’m sure you all know why you’re here, and since you’ve come, you must have chosen your position. Some of you are old friends and allies; you know me well. Rest assured, if this matter succeeds, the reward will be satisfactory.”
As Xiao Yan finished, the strong contingent, who had accepted the invitation, quickly responded with courteous laughter. With Xiao Yan’s reputation in the Black-Corner Region, no one dared to be disrespectful. They were also aware that Xiao Yan was a sixth-grade alchemist, and having him owe them a favor would be invaluable. With the Demon Flame Valley weakening, it was unlikely to challenge the Xiao Sect. Assisting now would likely earn them goodwill. Therefore, most of the strong ones present had responded without much hesitation, bringing their subordinates.
“As for the details, everyone is well aware, so I’ll keep it brief. The feud between the Xiao Sect and the Demon Flame Valley is deep, and I hold a grudge against Han Feng. Today, we will resolve this matter decisively. Be prepared.”
“Rest assured, Lord Xiao. The Demon Flame Valley has always been arrogant and domineering. We’ve long been displeased with them. Today, we’ll show those scoundrels a thing or two,” laughed one of the crowd.
“True, Han Feng is a hypocrite, and he betrayed many of us in the past. I, too, have been tricked by him several times,” another chimed in.
Hearing the crowd’s criticism of the Demon Flame Valley and Han Feng, Xiao Yan exchanged a smile with Xiao Lie. These guys might be opportunistic, but they were still a help. With their assistance, the Demon Flame Valley would be truly wiped out from the Black-Corner Region.
“Alright, it’s time to set off,” Xiao Yan looked up at the sky and interrupted the chatter. He then turned to the forest, waving his hand. A rustling sound followed, and dozens of figures emerged, flapping their Dou Qi wings, hovering in the sky.
“Let’s go…”
Xiao Yan exhaled, spreading a pair of crystal-clear bone wings. He flapped them, and his figure rose into the air.
Seeing this, Xiao Lie and the others swiftly followed. Among them, Little Healer Immortal and Elder Su Qian were the most impressive, walking on air, a true manifestation of their Battle Sect strength.
When Su Mei and the others saw them, they were stunned. So, indeed, the Xiao Sect had two Battle Sect-level powerhouses, plus Xiao Yan’s own terrifying strength. The three of them alone could face three Battle Sect-level fighters. Such a lineup… It seemed the Demon Flame Valley was doomed.
Without delay, Su Mei and the others summoned their Dou Qi wings and took to the sky.
Seeing everyone was ready, Xiao Yan’s expression turned resolute. He waved his hand, and his figure moved first, leading the way towards the Demon Flame Valley. His companions followed, a faint aura of killing intent permeating the air.
—
The Demon Flame Valley was nestled in a massive canyon within a mountain range in the northern part of the Black-Corner Region. Its area was comparable to a city, with a large population, mostly composed of outer gate members. Inner Valley members were selected elite, usually comprising only a tenth of the total. Despite its long existence, the Demon Flame Valley remained prosperous due to the presence of the Earth Demon Old Ghost, a seven-star Battle Sect.
However, since Xiao Yan’s emergence, the Demon Flame Valley had become much more subdued. Losing their top-tier fighters, the valley’s dominance had waned. Nevertheless, the remnants, coupled with Han Feng’s reemergence, had somewhat restored the valley’s strength. Han Feng, being a Battle Sect and a high-rank alchemist, had quickly gathered a significant following, even managing to invite powerful factions like the Black Emperor Sect to form an alliance against the growing Xiao Sect and Canaan Academy.
Today, the Demon Flame Valley was bustling. At the entrance, heavily armed guards checked for invitations, forming a long line. In the central square, Han Feng, seated at the head, surveyed the crowded area, feeling a sense of victory similar to his glory days as the Pill Emperor.
“Xiao Yan… Our grudges will soon be settled, and I’ll make sure you hand over the ‘Flame Decisive’ entirely!”
As Han Feng clenched his teacup, a cruel grin spread across his face. Unbeknownst to him, Xiao Yan and his army had quietly arrived. A major battle was about to erupt!
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