Black-Corner Region
About ten days after Lin Yuan led Qing Lin and Zi Yan away from the Black-Corner Region.
A shocking piece of news finally spread throughout the region.
Maple City, Blood Sect, Earth Flame Sect, Black Skeleton Sect, Heavenly Poison Gate, and Blade Shadow Sect, several of the most renowned factions in the Black-Corner Region had all been annihilated on the same day without any warning.
Their headquarters were destroyed, and their treasuries completely plundered.
The news was like a violent storm, instantly sweeping across the entire Black-Corner Region.
Several Dou Emperor–level factions wiped out overnight. Numerous Dou King and Dou Emperor experts perished, including five experts ranked in the top ten of the Black Ranking.
Even in the chaotic Black-Corner Region, such an event was exceedingly rare.
While shocked, the various factions also began secretly investigating and speculating about the truth behind the incident.
However, all their efforts proved futile.
The event had occurred too suddenly, and there were very few witnesses. Moreover, the upper echelons of those factions had all been completely eliminated by Lin Yuan, making it extraordinarily difficult to uncover the truth.
After extensive inquiries, the various factions obtained almost no useful information.
As for what truly happened that day, countless rumors began to circulate.
Some claimed it was the work of powerful experts from the Central Plains.
Others believed it was the doing of hidden experts within the Black-Corner Region itself.
There were even those who speculated that the missing Medicine Emperor Han Feng had turned on his allies, wiping out all the factions in a "black-eats-black" scheme before fleeing the region.
The surface was filled with rumors, some true, some false, all impossible to verify.
Amidst the chaos of information, Su Qian, who had been closely monitoring the situation, vaguely guessed the truth.
Lin Yuan along with Zi Yan and Qing Lin.
The conditions matched too perfectly.
Only Zi Yan, with her extraordinary treasure-sensing ability, could locate multiple sect treasuries in such a short time.
And only Lin Yuan possessed the strength to destroy those factions within a single day.
Time, location, ability, and methods all aligned.
However, Su Qian did not make this public. He simply continued observing quietly.
"These little fellows causing such a huge commotion right before leaving."
He sighed softly, yet a trace of pride appeared in his eyes, and a faint smile formed on his lips.
"As expected of students from Jia Nan Academy. Still, some of the destroyed factions had conflicts with the academy. Their destruction isn't necessarily a bad thing."
"But how did he end up clashing with Han Feng?"
Su Qian frowned slightly, rotating the teacup in his hand.
"That fellow is the disciple of the renowned Yao Venerable. Although there are rumors linking him to his master's death, there's no concrete evidence. Even Venerable Feng let the matter go."
After a moment, he shook his head.
"Forget it. Yao Venerable is already dead. With Lin Yuan's personality, if he made a move, he would have handled everything cleanly. It's nothing major."
Taking a sip of tea, Su Qian's expression turned relaxed, a hint of satisfaction appearing in his eyes.
"That boy Lin, possessing such strength at such a young age. In a few years, he'll probably be able to take over my position as Grand Elder."
"When that time comes, I can finally retire in peace and focus entirely on cultivation."
Jia Nan Academy — Outer Academy
On an inconspicuous mountain peak.
At the edge of a cliff stood a young woman dressed in a light-green gown.
Her figure was graceful, her long hair swaying gently in the wind, reaching her waist like a flowing painting. As the breeze brushed past her, the hem of her dress fluttered, faintly outlining her exquisite curves.
She stood quietly, gazing into the distant horizon. Her eyes were as clear as water, her entire presence resembling a blooming green lotus untouched by the mortal world.
After a while, her clear voice sounded softly.
"Come out."
As her voice fell, a black figure appeared silently before her.
Kneeling on one knee, the figure respectfully reported.
"Miss, Young Master Xiao Yan has already arrived at the imperial capital of the Jia Ma Empire."
The young woman slowly turned around, revealing a face as flawless as jade.
It was Gu Xun'er, who had already spent over a year at Jia Nan Academy.
Standing amidst the lush greenery of the cliff, Gu Xun'er looked at the kneeling figure, a gentle smile appearing on her face.
"It's been over a year Xiao Yan-gege has finally reached that place."
Seeing her rare expression of softness, the black-clothed figure wisely remained silent.
After a moment, when Gu Xun'er's gaze returned to him, he respectfully handed over two scrolls.
"Miss, these contain detailed information about Young Master Xiao Yan's experiences, as well as intelligence on the Jia Ma Empire. Over the past year, many changes have occurred there."
Gu Xun'er accepted the scroll detailing Xiao Yan's journey and began reading page by page, her expression shifting as she went.
After reading the first part, her eyes softened.
"To have the courage to train in the Magical Beast Mountain Range while still at the Dou Practitioner stage and to rise from a four-star Dou Practitioner to a Dou Master in just nine months, even becoming a second-tier alchemist."
"Such astonishing talent, as expected of Xiao Yan-gege."
After reading the second part, pride flickered in her eyes.
"In the Tagor Desert, he even subdued the Heavenly Flame ranked eighteenth on the Heavenly Flame Ranking—Wind and Thunder Fury Flame, advanced to a seven-star Dou Master, and defeated a Dou Grandmaster."
"To refine a Heavenly Flame at the Dou Master stage and fight above his level such terrifying combat strength as expected of Xiao Yan-gege."
However, when she read the third part, her expression became somewhat subtle.
"Oh? Xiao Yan-gege was actually targeted by a Dou Spirit–level snakewoman and nearly lost his chastity? Who was it?"
"And he even saved Princess Yao Ye of the Jia Ma Empire, accepted her invitation, and trained in the army."
"During that time, he defeated the geniuses of the major clans, the Mittel Clan, Mu Clan, He Clan, and others and won first place in the military competition."
"Now, all these great clans want to marry their daughters to him to win him over, even the royal family has the same intention."
She smiled faintly, her tone calm but with a barely noticeable hint of resentment.
"Such overwhelming charm, as expected of Xiao Yan-gege."
The black-clothed figure kneeling before her suddenly felt an inexplicable pressure and did not dare respond.
After carefully rereading that section, Gu Xun'er finally relaxed slightly.
"Fortunately, Xiao Yan-gege changed his appearance and used a false name. His identity hasn't been exposed."
"Yan Xiao that's truly a good name. As expected of Xiao Yan-gege."
She then opened the second scroll regarding the Jia Ma Empire.
After reading for a while, her eyes lit up.
"The Jia Ma Empire Alchemist Grand Meeting is about to begin?. So that's why Xiao Yan-gege went to the imperial capital."
"The championship of the alchemist competition, as the first step to becoming famous across the continent, it's indeed perfect."
"Xiao Yan-gege, let the world witness your brilliance. I quite like seeing you shine so dazzlingly."
However, upon reading another piece of intelligence, she frowned slightly.
"Yun Yun, after being defeated and captured in the desert, lost the prestige of the Yun Lan Sect and has been expelled."
"Now the former sect master Yun Shan has returned and regained control and has already broken through to the Dou Ancestor level."
"In that case, when the three-year agreement arrives, even with Ling-shi protecting Xiao Yan-gege, there will still be risks. It's not safe enough."
After thinking for a moment, Gu Xun'er quickly made a decision.
"Very well. Among the items sent by my clan, there is one that is of little use to me for now. I'll give it to that soul beside Xiao Yan-gege."
"Based on current intelligence, that pale, bone-chilling flame must be the Bone Chilling Flame. Combined with such a powerful alchemist soul, that soul is very likely the remnant soul of the former Yao Venerable."
"It seems he has formed a master-disciple relationship with Xiao Yan-gege. If I can help him recover some of his strength, it should be enough to handle the three-year agreement."
"And by helping him now, he can continue to support Xiao Yan-gege's growth in the future."
"Xiao Yan-gege truly is remarkable, even in this remote northwestern region, he has gained the favor of the continent's former number one alchemist."
Thinking of this, a trace of pride appeared on her face.
Gu Xun'er then took out a jade box from her storage ring.
Inside was a green plant shaped like ginseng, emitting a faint fragrance. Even the black-clothed figure felt his spirit refresh upon smelling it.
If Lin Yuan were here, he would instantly recognize it. Heaven Soul Branch, a soul-type treasure comparable to the Seven Magical Green Spirit Saliva.
Gu Xun'er handed the jade box to the kneeling figure.
"Deliver this to Ling-shi. Have him pass it to the soul beside Xiao Yan-gege, without Xiao Yan-gege noticing."
The black-clothed figure hesitated for a moment, as if wanting to speak, but ultimately accepted the jade box.
"Yes, Miss."
"Remember, under no circumstances can Xiao Yan-gege find out about this. I don't want him to think I'm sending people to follow or spy on him. He doesn't like that kind of thing."
Gu Xun'er spoke with a serious expression as she reminded him.
"Yes."
Hearing his young mistress's words, the black-clothed figure could not help but sigh inwardly.
'What an enviable yet infuriating fellow… I truly don't know how he managed to win the young mistress's favor. With her proud temperament, she actually fell for a man…'
Of course, if he were to learn the full truth, it would likely be even more amusing.
"Alright, you should leave the academy for now. Don't stay here too long. Jia Nan Academy is extremely wary of outsiders. If you're discovered, it may lead to unnecessary trouble."
After arranging everything, Xun'er waved her hand and gave a final reminder.
"Yes, Young Mistress!"
The black-clothed figure bowed respectfully and prepared to leave.
Suddenly, he recalled the recent upheaval in the Black-Corner Region, and his tone turned serious.
"Young Mistress, recently, several Dou Emperor-level factions in the Black-Corner Region were wiped out overnight. Even Han Feng, who had reached the peak of Dou Emperor, has gone missing. The entire region is in turmoil now. Unless necessary, it would be best for you not to go there anytime soon."
"Oh? Something like that happened?"
Gu Xun'er raised her brows slightly.
"When did this occur?"
"About half a month ago," the black-clothed figure replied.
"I understand."
Gu Xun'er nodded faintly.
Half a month ago could it be related to those three auras?
At the same time, she recalled the three powerful auras she had sensed leaving Jia Nan Academy half a month earlier. The reason she had noticed them at all was because when those auras passed by, the Heavenly Flame within her body had shown a slight disturbance.
The last time such a reaction occurred was nearly a year ago, on the day Hu Jia had casually told her that Lin Yuan, the true number one genius of the Outer Academy, had returned.
Thinking of this, Gu Xun'er asked,
"What about that Lin Yuan you mentioned earlier? Have you found anything?"
Although she had never met Lin Yuan, she had heard his name many times.
As early as the enrollment period of Jia Nan Academy, she had heard about him from students and instructors alike. He was a legendary figure—at just fifteen years old, he had become a Dou Grandmaster and a Fourth-Grade alchemist, widely acknowledged as the number one genius of the academy.
Even individuals as proud as Hu Jia and the battle maniac Wu Hao spoke of him with admiration.
Of course, being a fifteen-year-old Dou Grandmaster and a Fourth-Grade alchemist alone was not enough to attract Gu Xun'er's attention. After all, her Brother Xiao Yan had advanced from third stage Dou Disciple to nearly breaking through to Dou Grandmaster in just over two years.
What truly piqued her interest was that Lin Yuan had not only reached Dou Grandmaster at fifteen, but had also broken through to Dou King at the same age.
Such rapid advancement, if it was due to some opportunity was something she naturally wanted to investigate for Xiao Yan's sake.
"Reporting to Young Mistress, the information on Lin Yuan can be divided into two periods. His records before the age of fifteen are easy to verify, and we have already reported them to you. However, information after the age of fifteen has been tightly sealed by Jia Nan Academy."
"At present, we only know that he indeed broke through to Dou King at fifteen, became an elder of the academy, and entered the Inner Academy. His alchemy skills are also above the Fifth-Grade. Furthermore, he is very likely one of the candidates to become the next Grand Elder of Jia Nan Academy."
Even as he spoke, the black-clothed figure could not help but feel a trace of admiration.
A fifteen-year-old Dou King, if achieved through true cultivation, would be considered outstanding even within the Gu Clan. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, reaching the Dou Venerate level would not be an issue.
"Continue the investigation. Find out how he broke through, why his cultivation suddenly skyrocketed."
Gu Xun'er spoke calmly, though a faint intuition lingered in her heart.
She had a feeling that she would have many interactions with this mysterious Lin Yuan in the future.
"Yes, Young Mistress."
The black-clothed figure bowed once more before his form strangely dissipated into thin air.
Gu Xun'er slowly turned around, her gaze drifting toward the direction of the Jia Ma Empire. A trace of anticipation and longing appeared in her eyes.
"Brother Xiao Yan it's been over a year since we parted. Even I am surprised by your progress. Hurry and settle everything, then come to Jia Nan Academy. I've been waiting here for you for a long time, it's a little lonely."
At the same time, within a palace in the Jia Ma Sacred City.
On a bed, Xiao Yan sat cross-legged.
Energy fluctuations surged around him, and his aura steadily climbed higher and higher. When it reached a certain threshold, the surrounding energy abruptly came to a complete halt.
Suddenly, Xiao Yan's tightly shut eyes snapped open.
A bright yellow flame surged within his pupils before quickly fading. A sharp, piercing glint burst forth from his dark eyes.
Maintaining his cultivation posture, Xiao Yan opened his mouth slightly and exhaled a mouthful of faintly black, turbid air.
After expelling the impure qi, the sharp glint in his eyes gradually receded, and the aura filling the room was withdrawn back into his body.
"Nine-Star Dou Master!"
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