As the black-robed youth appeared, the atmosphere on the mountain peak instantly shifted, though only slightly. The gazes of the shadowy figures standing behind Xiao Li were all directed towards that figure. At this moment, the already quiet atmosphere became even more silent, and an unusual pressure enveloped the mountain, even the roars of the magical beasts in the forest completely disappeared.
Iron Bird, Su Mei, and Yin Gu Lao observed the smiling, black-robed youth with a hint of apprehension, their smiles becoming slightly restrained. Although this young man was much younger than they were, given their experience and ruthlessness honed in the Black-Corner Region, they found it difficult to remain absolutely calm before him. They knew well that this amiable-looking youth had caused the miserable downfall of a Battle Emperor and a near-Battle Sect in the Black-Corner Region. Therefore, while they could joke freely in front of Xiao Li, they couldn’t help but be fully alert and respectful in front of this smiling young man.
“You finally caught up, you scoundrel.” Unaffected by Xiao Yan’s presence, only Xiao Li remained unperturbed. He didn’t pay much attention to the subtle change in atmosphere and instead greeted Xiao Yan with a smile.
Xiao Yan nodded with a smile, then pointed to Lin Yan, Zi Yan, and the other two behind him. “You should know them, these are my friends, and also the helpers I brought along.”
Hearing this, Xiao Li was somewhat pleased. With his discernment, he could clearly see that Lin Yan and the others were extremely strong. Even Zi Yan, who looked like a little girl, left him with a profound and inscrutable feeling. This feeling, he had only experienced when facing Xiao Yan, and now, with this extremely cute little girl.
“Those five over there are powerful individuals I recruited from the Black-Corner Region during this time. Their strength is at the Dou Wang level,” Xiao Li said, pointing to the five figures on the slope. Each of them stood as straight as a spear, emanating a sharp aura.
“Mm, not bad…” As Xiao Yang’s gaze swept over the five figures, he nodded in satisfaction. These five individuals were all around the six-star Dou Wang level. Even if placed anywhere in the Black-Corner Region, they could be considered powerful. According to Xiao Yan’s estimation, their strength was sufficient to rival the so-called ten strongest warriors of the Jia Ma Empire.
“Nice to meet you, Lord Xiao!” Upon seeing Xiao Yan’s gaze, the five stern-faced men forced a somewhat rigid smile onto their faces and shouted in unison. Despite being notoriously unruly in the Black-Corner Region, they dared not show any disrespect to Xiao Yan, who had killed Xue Zong’s Fan Lao and Han Feng. In the Black-Corner Region, might was supreme, a principle deeply ingrained in everyone’s bones. Thus, while they could act casually with Xiao Li, they had to set aside their arrogance and be cautious in front of Xiao Yan.
“Haha, friends, your assistance will be remembered. After we succeed, I will definitely provide a satisfactory reward for everyone,” Xiao Yan smiled and bowed, understanding that these men were willing to risk offending the Cloud Recess Sect in the hopes of substantial compensation. Words of gratitude were far less motivating than the promise of reward.
Sure enough, upon hearing Xiao Yan’s words, excitement surged across the faces of those Dou Wang powerhouses. They had taken such a great risk because of Xiao Yan’s status as a Tier 6 Alchemist. If they could gain favor with him, the rewards in the future would be rich beyond belief.
“With a single command from Lord Xiao, no matter how strong that damn Cloud Recess Sect is, we will make them bleed rivers of blood!” Overcome with excitement, the characteristic bloodthirsty talk of the Black-Corner Region poured out of the mouths of these Dou Wang powerhouses.
Xiao Yan nodded with a smile and made a gesture to calm them down. Then, he turned his gaze towards Yin Gu Lao, Su Mei, and Iron Bird. Soon, his eyes flickered over to the powerful individuals atop the trees from the three factions.
Noticing Xiao Yan’s gaze, Yin Gu Lao and the others felt their hearts skip a beat. While they could speak casually with Xiao Li, a sense of unspoken pressure weighed on them in front of Xiao Yan, making them uneasy.
“Ahem, Lord Xiao, the journey to the Jia Ma Empire is extraordinarily long. Even a Dou Wang cannot fly for so long, let alone us with our Dou Ling companions,” Yin Gu Lao hurriedly explained, noticing Xiao Yan’s slightly furrowed brows. He glanced furtively at the alluring Meidusa Queen not far behind Xiao Yan, and only breathed a sigh of relief when he saw her unmoved.
Nodding, Xiao Yan responded with a smile, “Your presence here is already a fulfillment of our agreement. I have no intention of blaming you.”
Hearing this, Yin Gu Lao and the others secretly relaxed, relieved that Xiao Yan wouldn’t insist on additional manpower.
“However…” Xiao Yan continued, causing the three to tense up again, “this mission is dangerous and important to me. I ask that you give it your full attention when fighting the Cloud Recess Sect. Otherwise…”
Xiao Yan’s eyes flashed with a cold and fierce glint, his voice adding a hint of chill. Though everything was ready, Xiao Yan understood the nature of characters like Yin Gu Lao. If he didn’t occasionally remind and intimidate them, they might play tricks behind his back. This return to the Jia Ma Empire was too crucial, and he wouldn’t allow any mistakes to ruin everything. Any interference with his plans would be met with no mercy.
Understanding the warning and chill in Xiao Yan’s voice, the three’s expressions changed. With a dry laugh, Yin Gu Lao spoke, “Lord Xiao, rest assured. Since we agreed to help, we are in the same boat. We wouldn’t do anything foolish to sink the ship.”
“Good, just as I hoped. After we succeed, I will reward you all without delay,” Xiao Yan smiled warmly, his voice calm and assured.
Watching Xiao Yan’s face change as swiftly as turning a page, the three laughed outwardly but inwardly marvelled at his shrewdness, which rivaled that of seasoned foxes.
Having intimidated the three, Xiao Yan turned to Xiao Li. The two brothers exchanged a knowing smile.
“The journey to the Jia Ma Empire is too long. Even a Dou Wang cannot use their wings for such an extended period. We also have many Dou Ling followers,” Xiao Li explained, as the situation stabilized under Xiao Yan’s intervention.
Xiao Yan nodded, recalling his own arduous journey from the Jia Ma Empire to the Black-Corner Region. Even with his current strength, he would need several breaks to cover such a distance.
“Hehe, if we were to travel by land, it would take at least half a year,” Xiao Li chuckled, whistling sharply. Below the mountain, the forest echoed with the low growls of magical beasts, followed by the simultaneous flight of birds. Ten large, fierce-looking beasts with wide, muscular wings rose swiftly to the mountain peak, roaring at Xiao Li.
“These ten Tiger Eagle Beasts are genuine Tier 4 beasts, known for their ferocity and excellent long-distance flying abilities. However, they are wild and difficult to tame. It took a considerable cost to obtain them from the Beast Taming Sect.”
Pointing to the ten impressive Tiger Eagle Beasts, Xiao Li smiled. “Tier 4 beasts, hmm… aren’t they equivalent to ten Dou Ling powerhouses?”
“All the necessary supplies have been arranged. We can leave for the Jia Ma Empire at any time,” Xiao Li added, his eyes gleaming with eagerness.
“Well, then…” Xiao Yan grinned, his eyes glowing with intense heat. Raising his voice, he declared, “Let’s go! Everyone, get on the Tiger Eagle Beasts and head to the Jia Ma Empire immediately!”
As Xiao Yan finished speaking, the hundred or so black shadows on the slope quickly leapt onto the backs of the Tiger Eagle Beasts. The powerful experts from the Sky Shadow Sect and the other two factions also returned to their flying beasts hovering above.
Seeing everyone in place, Xiao Li whistled again, and the ten Tiger Eagle Beasts stood up, their mighty wings flapping, lifting them into the sky. A fierce wind gathered in the sky as Xiao Yan raised his head, looking at the flying beasts. A hot surge filled his chest. With a low cry, his emerald fire wings spread, and he darted to the head of the leading Tiger Eagle Beast. Behind him, Medicinal Elder, Xiao Li, and the others followed swiftly.
Standing atop the Tiger Eagle Beast, the fierce wind blew through Xiao Yan’s clothes. He gazed at the shrinking ground below, then lifted his head to the distant southern sky, a cold smile forming on his lips. “Jia Ma Empire, Cloud Recess Sect, Xiao Yan, has returned!”
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