“Xiao Yan?” “Third Brother?!” “Alliance Chief?”
As the black-clad youth suddenly appeared on top of the city wall, many people around him were momentarily stunned. Moments later, an overwhelming joy surged through them, and a variety of names and titles resounded. Although several years had passed, the young man looked more mature than before, but the deeply familiar face was recognized by many in an instant.
Smiling at these excited outcries, Xiao Yan was about to speak when his brows slightly raised. A figure, like a phantom, emerged behind him, with a fierce palm strike aimed directly at his back.
“Be careful!”
The sudden attack startled many who shouted in alarm.
“Bang!”
A muffled sound followed, and the crowd watched in astonishment as the expert from the Lion’s Secret Sect, who was at least a Dou Zun, flew backward without warning. Blood spurted from his mouth, and his eyes were filled with shock; he couldn’t even see how Xiao Yan managed to strike.
Effortlessly repelling a Dou Zun, Xiao Yan didn’t even turn his body. Gazing at the beleaguered Flame Alliance on the city wall, he waved his hand and said, “Attack now!”
“Boom!”
As Xiao Yan’s hand waved, a surge of energy erupted from the sky, followed by a series of whistling sounds. Then, dozens of figures flashed through the air, stepping on the void, descending onto the city wall in mere moments.
“Dou Zun experts!”
Both the Flame Alliance and the Lion’s Secret Sect members gasped as they realized that all the figures were Dou Zun-level experts.
“Such a terrifying lineup…”
Xuan Ding and Hai Bo Dong, among others, stared in awe at the floating figures. There were over thirty Dou Zun-level experts; this strength was enough to sweep any force in the northwest continent!
“This guy… it’s hard to tell what level he’s reached in just a few years…”
They looked at the black-clad youth holding the little Xiao Xia, and their hearts swelled with amazement. Then, a sense of relief also arose within them. Despite knowing the strength of the Lion’s Secret Sect, they felt a deep sense of security when Xiao Yan appeared.
“Ha ha, let’s get started! Let’s see how strong these Dou Zun experts from the northwest continent are!” Hu Shizhang laughed and charged towards the Lion’s Secret Sect, followed by the other experts and the guest elders of the Starfall Pavilion. The overwhelming battle energy shook the entire fortress, causing it to tremble.
Xiao Yan smiled at the sudden change and then looked at the little girl in his arms, who was staring at him with her big, dark eyes. He gently asked, “What’s your name?”
“Xiao Xia…”
The little girl, feeling no fear because of the familiar connection, timidly replied.
Xiao Yan’s heart stirred with a strange emotion as he pinched her little nose and smiled, “Do you know who I am?”
She looked at him seriously for a moment before whispering, “Are you Daddy?”
Her words made Xiao Yan’s heart tremble. The warmth and joy spread across his face as he said, “Good girl.”
“Brother, you finally came back!”
As Xiao Yan hugged Xiao Xia, a voice filled with joy rang out. He turned to see the man in the wheelchair, his heart swelling with emotion. “Big Brother, Second Brother, how have you been?”
“You…!” Xiao Li, who usually had a stern face, was now filled with joy as he rushed over and hugged Xiao Yan, patting him hard on the shoulder.
“Are you okay?” Xiao Ding asked, smiling though he couldn’t hide his excitement.
“Yeah,” Xiao Yan nodded. Many things had changed, but the bond between brothers remained.
“It’s good you’re back, not too late,” Xiao Ding smiled.
“Ha ha, Leader, you’ve really shirked your responsibilities admirably,” a familiar voice interjected. It was Ice Emperor Hai Bo Dong, Famu, and the Pill King of the Jia Ma Empire, Gu He.
“Xiao Xia…”
As Xiao Yan greeted the old acquaintances, a red figure arrived and took Xiao Xia from him, inspecting her thoroughly.
Xiao Yan looked at the woman in tight-fitting red armor, his eyes softening, “Cai Lin…”
Hearing his voice, Cai Lin froze, then looked at the black-clad youth, her eyes reflecting a myriad of emotions. She stroked Xiao Xia’s head, “I thought you wouldn’t come back…”
Cai Lin’s voice was tinged with anger and some grievance. For years, she had single-handedly managed the Flame Alliance and raised a child, carrying the burden Xiao Yan had left behind.
“Third Brother, Sis-in-law has had it rough. Don’t you dare bully her, or First Brother and I won’t stand for it,” Xiao Li patted Xiao Yan’s shoulder, his voice firm.
“Right, we’ve all relied on Cai Lin,” Hai Bo Dong and the others nodded in agreement.
Xiao Yan sighed, seeing her lips tightly pursed. He stepped forward, wrapping his arm around her waist, “I’m sorry, I missed you.”
Her heart, usually strong, softened. Her years of hardship and worry faded at his gentle words.
“Don’t think you’re off the hook yet!” Cai Lin, despite her feelings, still bit her lip and pulled away, not wanting to appear weak in front of others.
“Leave the rest to me,” Xiao Yan smiled, then gently squeezed Xiao Xia’s cheek, “Stay with your mother, okay?”
“Okay, Dad, go get ’em,” Xiao Xia nodded, her voice clear and crisp.
“Be careful, they have powerful Dou Zun experts too!” Cai Lin warned.
Xiao Yan stepped into the void, glancing at the golden-haired man watching him with cold eyes.
“So, you’re Xiao Yan, the Flame Alliance Chief?” Liontian’s gaze was fixed on Xiao Yan, envy burning in his heart as he saw him with Cai Lin. Even if the Xuan Huang Fortress hadn’t fallen yet, he considered Cai Lin his forbidden prize, how could he let others take her?
Ignoring Liontian’s cold words, Xiao Yan deflected a massive blade strike, sending a terrifying burst of heat that struck Liontian, who was sent flying, clothes in tatters, crashing to the ground.
Witnessing this, both the Flame Alliance and the Lion’s Secret Sect were taken aback.
“Nine Heaven Lord, come out,” Xiao Yan raised his head, looking towards the distant black mist, his voice resonating like thunder.
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