In the “Black-Corner Region,” a unique area that coalesced due to chaos and was built outside the ancient and revered Gan Nan Academy, many on the continent wonder why such a chaotic region exists, one that starkly contrasts with the academy’s atmosphere. Yet, no matter the questions, existence is truth. Despite numerous attempts to suppress it over the years, the “Black-Corner Region” continues to expand at a staggering rate, displaying a remarkable resilience that leaves those who wish to curb its influence feeling helpless. The expanse of the “Black-Corner Region” is vast, and through its recent expansions, it has almost become a distinct small nation. However, unlike other empires, this region lacks a supreme leader. Instead, various factions fight for their own interests, creating a fragmented and chaotic society. It is precisely this chaos that allows the “Black-Corner Region” to grow stronger at the heart of the continent, as no faction would idly watch such a dangerous territory rise to threaten them.
Despite its notorious chaos, the “Black-Corner Region” attracts many strong figures from across the continent due to the high-level cultivation techniques, combat skills, and medicinal pills that flow through it. These items are highly coveted, and obtaining a more advanced technique can significantly advance a cultivator’s power. This allure is fatal to those seeking to climb the ranks of strength. Thus, the “Black-Corner Region” is like an endless black hole, drawing in countless treasures through various channels, only to auction them off at astronomical prices, causing fierce competition among many.
The sudden appearance of a mysterious organization has tightened Xiao Yan’s previously relaxed mind. Although he has not yet been discovered by the group, the thought of even someone as powerful as Elder Pharmacist being forced into hiding fills him with a chilling unease. Driven by this cold, shadowy dread, Xiao Yan realizes that a leisurely, peaceful life is too luxurious for him. With his father’s disappearance and the relentless pursuit of the Elder Pharmacist, these enigmas press upon him, making rest impossible. To unravel these mysteries, he needs formidable strength, and he knows that the source of his power lies not in conventional cultivation but in the wondrous Heavenly Fires that exist in the world. Though this path is perilous and mad, it is the quickest route to becoming a true powerhouse.
To rapidly enhance his strength and be prepared to face the mysterious organization, Xiao Yan must obtain the “Fallen Heart Flame” from Gan Nan Academy as quickly as possible. “Time is growing tight again…” Under a dim sky, a figure flashed past like a streak of lightning. Xiao Yan glanced down at the trees rapidly retreating below, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. After Elder Pharmacist informed him about the mysterious organization, Xiao Yan abandoned the idea of traveling to Gan Nan Academy. Instead, he activated his Purple Cloud Wings and set off day and night along the map’s route, heading straight for the “Black-Corner Region.”
The distance between the Jia Ma Empire and the “Black-Corner Region” is vast, requiring passage through several small countries before reaching the edge of the “Black-Corner Region.” Such a journey would take at least three to five months or even half a year by foot or carriage, assuming smooth travel. However, the smaller nations are far from peaceful, with constant conflicts and battles for resources. Mercenary groups engage in large-scale battles, and when money runs out, they turn into notorious bandits, plundering any poorly defended merchant caravans they encounter.
Using the Purple Cloud Wings, Xiao Yan could travel long distances, albeit with significant energy expenditure. Fortunately, he had prepared Reqi Pills and the intermediate Xuan-class Fierce Flame Technique, which allowed him to sustain his flight. However, every two days, he needed to land for a full day of deep meditation to recover his muscles and spirit from the strain of extended flight. This relentless travel reduced the time to reach the “Black-Corner Region” to a mere fraction of what it would normally take.
After about ten days of flying, the dense mountain ranges below began to thin. He paused, then looked ahead, seeing a dark line in the distance—like a boundary dividing the outer and inner worlds. “This is… the Black-Domain Great Plain?” As the dark line expanded in his vision, Xiao Yan’s weary and travel-worn face suddenly brightened, a relieved smile spreading across his lips. According to the map, the “Black-Domain Great Plain” marked the entrance to the “Black-Corner Region.” Once inside, he would enter a world of utter chaos.
“Finally here…” Rubbing his dark circles, Xiao Yan slowly descended. Although the “Black-Corner Region” was near, he did not rush in. Recalling Elder Pharmacist’s warnings about the chaos, he knew it was unwise to enter in his current state. “Let me recover first. Though this journey was exhausting, it has also been beneficial. Your internal energy strengthens through continuous consumption,” Elder Pharmacist’s voice echoed in his mind.
Xiao Yan nodded, landing in a secluded part of the forest. After confirming the absence of any living beings, he sat cross-legged, consumed a Reqi Pill, and began to meditate. Energy gradually seeped out of his body, drawing in and refining the surrounding energy, restoring his depleted energy core.
The quiet meditation lasted nearly half the afternoon. As the energy fluctuations faded, Xiao Yan’s closed eyelashes trembled, then opened, revealing a flash of green flame in his eyes. He exhaled a slightly blackish breath, which swirled and corroded nearby leaves. His exhausted face, after expelling the strange black breath, regained a faint glow.
Staring at the rising black mist, Xiao Yan’s eyes narrowed, glancing at his right middle finger, which had turned black again. “Is this… the Poison Brand? I thought it had dissipated, but it was lurking all along.” Xiao Yan sighed bitterly. “If handled well, this could be a powerful secret weapon. If mishandled, it will be a great trouble. The mutated poison has developed resistance to many antidotes, and its destructive power is astounding,” Elder Pharmacist warned gravely.
Xiao Yan nodded, noticing the blackness fading from his finger, as if it had retreated to some hidden place. “If not for the Seven Illusionary Blue Spirit Saliva to help my teacher’s soul, I wouldn’t have helped that old man. He made promises like passing wind. He’s truly a cunning old fox,” Xiao Yan scoffed, remembering how the old man, Nalan Jie, had shown gratitude after Xiao Yan cured him but offered no help when Xiao Yan was hunted by Yun Lian Sect.
“Let’s forget that annoying old man. Teacher, shall we enter the ‘Black-Corner Region’ now?” Xiao Yan shook his head, standing on the mountain peak, gazing at the distant black plain.
Elder Pharmacist nodded, cautioning, “In the ‘Black-Corner Region,’ use the Purple Cloud Wings sparingly. Flying techniques are rare and can be forcibly taken. Greedy strongmen might try to kill you for them.”
Xiao Yan sighed, “This place is indeed chaotic. In the Jia Ma Empire, strongmen still have some pride and rarely resort to such actions. Here, it seems as common as eating a daily meal.”
“Ha! If it weren’t so, how could the ‘Black-Corner Region’ be called the most chaotic region on the continent?” Elder Pharmacist laughed. “Alright, let’s go. Though it’s dangerous, there are plenty of treasures to be found. You need to collect the herbs for the Rebirth Purple Spirit Pill, don’t you? You’ll find everything here.”
Xiao Yan smiled, grateful for Hai Bo Dong’s assistance in the Jia Ma Empire. Gathering the materials for the Rebirth Purple Spirit Pill would ease his burden. After organizing his things and securing his Heavy Black Scale, Xiao Yan stretched, then stomped the ground, launching himself like an arrow towards the black plain. “Heh, ‘Black-Corner Region,’ let’s see just how chaotic you can be!”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage