"The operation went more smoothly than expected. The Ancient Jade was obtained within four minutes."
With the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade now in hand, Lin Yuan far away at the Imperial Capital's competition venue felt a heavy burden instantly lifted from his heart. He quickly began arranging the follow-up steps.
First, he confirmed the positions of all parties.
"Protector Wu and the Gu Clan Dou Ancestor are fighting in Sector Six; Yun Shan is intercepting in Sector Seven, he has already stopped a Dou Emperor who tried to break through; the Queen is on her way to Sector Seven and will arrive in about five minutes; Clone One is on standby in Sector Two; the Soul Envoys are about to reach Sector Three and will arrive at Sector One, Wu Tan City, in roughly six minutes."
"Six minutes, more than enough time," Lin Yuan calculated inwardly before issuing decisive commands.
"Have Clone Two (the Soul Envoy clone) fabricate the scene according to the plan, then withdraw via the hidden underground passage."
"Qing'er, once Clone Two withdraws, have the earth-element subordinates stationed there completely destroy and bury the passage, ensuring no trace remains."
"After Clone Two retreats safely, Clone One will move to rendezvous and provide escort."
As the orders were transmitted, all parties began to act.
The Soul Envoy clone spent several minutes restoring the excavation site and completing the staged scene.
Afterward, it concealed its aura, made several light turns in midair, and slipped away from the Xiao Clan like a ghost. It returned to the ancient well, then departed Wu Tan City through the pre-prepared underground passage.
Meanwhile, the earth-attributed serpent magical beasts began their task destroying the tunnels and erasing all possible traces and residual aura.
A few minutes after Lin Yuan's clone departed, several dark figures finally arrived at the Xiao Clan.
"Heh heh heh, so this is the Xiao Clan? Pathetically weak. A clan without even a Dou King, what treasures could it possibly have?"
"Enough nonsense. Begin the operation. Search for the target item and capture the designated individuals."
Immediately, the shadows scattered in all directions, charging into key areas of the Xiao Clan. Before long, cries of alarm, screams, and the sounds of battle echoed throughout the compound.
Elsewhere, Protector Wu was engaged in a fierce battle with the Gu Clan Dou Ancestor.
Although the Gu Clan Dou Ancestor was formidable, he was only a two-star Dou Ancestor, ultimately inferior to Protector Wu, who had already reached four-star Dou Ancestor.
As time passed, Protector Wu gradually gained the upper hand.
"Heh heh heh, looks like I'll be adding a Gu Clan Dou Ancestor's soul to my collection today," he sneered coldly.
The Gu Clan Dou Ancestor's face turned icy as he responded proudly,
"A mere dog raised by the Soul Clan dares attack a member of the Gu Clan? You are courting death!"
At those words, a trace of killing intent surfaced in Protector Wu's eyes. Though he was merely a mid-to-low-ranking Protector within the Soul Hall, he was still a Dou Ancestor.
Yet these Gu Clan members referred to him as a dog at every turn.
His voice grew colder.
"Damn Gu Clan brat, how dare you speak so arrogantly? Once I capture your soul, I'll properly 'educate' you on how to address me."
With that, the two clashed once more in an even fiercer battle.
In Sector Seven, Yun Shan tossed aside the corpse of the Dou Emperor who had attempted to break through and looked toward the southeast. A powerful, unfamiliar aura was approaching rapidly.
Moments later, joy flickered in his eyes, his reinforcements had arrived.
The newcomer was none other than Medusa Queen, her aura altered.
Soon, both Protector Wu and the Gu Clan Dou Ancestor sensed this presence. Protector Wu's expression darkened, but before he could react, he sensed Yun Shan and the newcomer already clashing fiercely.
At the same time, he received an urgent message from Yun Shan.
"Protector Wu, I've dealt with the Dou Emperor earlier. There should be no one left in Wu Tan City capable of obstructing the Soul Envoys."
"This person is the one targeting my Misty Cloud Sect, the one who killed Yun Ling and the others. I am currently engaged in battle with her. If possible, please resolve your opponent quickly and come assist me in killing this person."
Upon receiving the message, Protector Wu's expression darkened further, a trace of regret surfacing in his mind.
"Damn Yun Shan. Was I blind back then? How did I end up choosing you and your Misty Cloud Sect as allies? Useless fools who ruin everything."
With that thought, he turned back to the Gu Clan Dou Ancestor, killing intent surging as their battle intensified further.
Meanwhile, in another area, Yun Shan and Medusa Queen were merely putting on a show. Their Dou Qi clashed violently, creating an impressive spectacle.
After fighting for a while, they received Lin Yuan's message.
Medusa Queen steadied her breathing and said calmly, "That's enough acting. Time to withdraw. Yun Shan, follow me to the rendezvous point."
With that, she turned and flew toward the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
"Trying to escape? I won't let you leave today!" Yun Shan shouted, sending one final message to Protector Wu before chasing after her at full speed.
At the same time, the second round of the Alchemist Grand Meeting was nearing its conclusion.
In the stands, Lin Yuan received confirmation that Yun Shan and Medusa Queen had successfully withdrawn. He let out a breath, finally relaxing.
With this, his primary objective had been accomplished. What remained were merely cleanup tasks.
He began issuing the final set of orders in an orderly manner:
"Qing'er, have Clones One and Two regroup with your clone and withdraw along the planned route aboard the Winged Serpent King."
"As for the subordinates stationed in Wu Tan City, have them burrow underground and remain dormant."
"The ones outside the city may withdraw. Only maintain surveillance over Sector Six, where Protector Wu and the Gu Clan Dou Ancestor are fighting."
With the arrangements complete, Lin Yuan turned his attention to the arena below. For the first time, he had the leisure to watch the competition.
The contest had entered its final stage, and the atmosphere was thick with tension.
Xiao Yan, Liu Ling, Yao Yue, and the other promising alchemists were going all out, racing against time to become the first to complete their pills.
The reason for this intensity was the arrogant taunt from the contestant of the Chu Yun Empire.
"Heh, a bunch of mediocrities. Looks like I'm far ahead this round. So this is the level of Jia Ma Empire's alchemists?"
Unfortunately, his pill was indeed nearing completion.
At the current pace, none of the Jia Ma Empire's alchemists could finish before him, he was about to take first place in this round.
Xiao Yan glanced at the gray-robed youth, then at Lin Yuan, who sat in the VIP seats with a faint, knowing smile.
After a moment's thought, Xiao Yan made his decision.
Suddenly, he slammed his palm against the cauldron. The pill still undergoing its final nurturing stage, burst out of the furnace within a blaze of bright yellow flame.
The sudden move shocked the entire audience, all eyes turning toward Xiao Yan.
Fa Ma even gripped the armrest tightly, crushing it into splinters.
"Too reckless! Even if it's the final step, releasing the pill prematurely could easily cause it to collapse and fail!"
But Xiao Yan ignored all eyes upon him.
With a swift motion, he extended his hand, a powerful suction force drawing the pill steadily into his palm.
The moment it landed, a fiercer flame surged from within him, gathering in his hand. Under the refinement of the Heavenly Flame, the previously incomplete pill rapidly stabilized and reached perfection.
Moments later, Xiao Yan flicked his finger. The pill shot into the testing device as a streak of light.
Instantly, a brilliant green glow lit up from the jade mirror before him, the first to shine.
After a brief silence, thunderous cheers and applause erupted, surging like waves and shaking the massive plaza.
"Well done, Xiao Yan," Yao Lao's voice sounded in his mind, filled with approval.
Xiao Yan swept his gaze across the arena before looking toward the VIP seats, finally locking onto Lin Yuan. Lin Yuan, like the rest of the crowd, was applauding enthusiastically.
Xiao Yan chuckled softly, then turned his gaze to the gray-robed youth, whose expression had darkened.
He had only just finished refining his pill.
A trace of youthful arrogance appeared on Xiao Yan's face as he raised his thumb and turned it downward.
"Now tell me, what do you think of Jia Ma Empire's alchemists you alchemist from the Chu Yun Empire?"
Hearing this, the gray-robed youth placed his pill into the testing device, his voice icy:
"Don't get cocky. The final round, that's where we truly compete. And next time, I won't hold back in the slightest!"
In response to his harsh words, Xiao Yan merely shrugged and smiled faintly, then lowered his head and began tidying up the stone platform before him.
As time passed, the thunderous cheers across the plaza gradually subsided. The crowd continued watching the other alchemists, the second round was not yet over.
Half an hour later, Yao Yue and Liu Ling also completed their pills. Seeing the green light illuminate before them, both let out sighs of relief.
Soon after, more and more stone platforms lit up with the green glow representing success. Even so, the number of those who ultimately passed remained small. When the hourglass hanging on the wall finally emptied, out of over two thousand participants, only around one hundred advanced to the final round.
When Fa Ma announced the end of the day's assessment, even Xiao Yan let out a long breath. After two intense rounds, he was somewhat exhausted.
He looked once more toward where Lin Yuan had been seated, only to find that the latter had already left the venue at some unknown time.
After leaving the arena, Lin Yuan fully unleashed his speed, heading toward the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
He was going to the agreed meeting point to rendezvous with Medusa Queen and Yun Shan, remove the Soul Hall's restriction placed on Yun Shan's soul, and complete the final cleanup of the operation.
With Dou Qi wings augmented by the Eagle Wings and Three Thousand Lightning Movement, Lin Yuan's speed surpassed that of an average Dou Ancestor.
His figure was like a bolt of lightning, tearing through the sky as he sped toward the rendezvous point.
On the other side, the battle between Protector Wu and the Gu Clan Dou Ancestor had already concluded. The massive crater below bore witness to the ferocity of the fight.
Above the crater, a mass of eerie black fog churned, signifying the victor of the battle: Protector Wu.
However, his condition was far from ideal. The black fog surrounding him was noticeably thinner than before the fight.
The fog rolled continuously, occasionally emitting mournful wails along with chilling chewing sounds. Accompanied by these ominous noises, the black fog around him gradually thickened once more.
After half an hour of recovery, it finally returned to its former density.
Looking down at the crater, a dark gloom flashed in Protector Wu's eyes, his cold voice tinged with anger:
"Damn those Gu Clan bastards, so stubborn. They'd rather self-destruct than hand over their souls. I suffered quite a loss this time, expending a good portion of my collected souls."
"And that useless Yun Shan assigned to interception, yet he dared abandon his post to pursue enemies. Neglecting duty for personal grudges utterly incompetent."
"Luckily nothing went wrong this time. Otherwise, I would have killed him myself."
"Once he's no longer of use, I'll extract his soul and torment him properly."
After venting his anger, Protector Wu regained his composure. Turning into a gust of dark wind, he swiftly headed toward the Xiao Clan.
Upon arrival, the Xiao Clan had already been reduced to ruins devastated and in shambles.
Sensing Protector Wu's presence, four Soul Envoys quickly gathered before him, each holding a captive in their hands.
"Have you secured the items and the targets?" Protector Wu asked coldly.
"Reporting to Protector, we have thoroughly searched the Xiao Clan. All green jade pieces have been collected. The Xiao Clan's head, his close associates, and two elders have also been captured," replied the Soul Envoy holding Xiao Zhan.
Protector Wu pondered briefly.
"That Gu Clan Dou Ancestor attempted to send a message during the battle. This place is no longer safe, delay may bring complications. With the Xiao Clan head in hand, we already have enough to report back."
With that thought, he no longer hesitated.
"Very well. We leave."
In the next instant, he transformed into a streak of black fog and shot into the horizon like lightning, disappearing from sight.
Outside the Outer Academy of Jia Nan Academy, atop an unremarkable mountain peak, Gu Xun'er stood quietly in a pale green dress. The cold moonlight illuminated her exquisite face, making her appear distant and aloof.
After a moment, her cool voice rang out softly, carrying a trace of suppressed anger:
"Come out."
As her voice fell, a black figure appeared like a ghost, kneeling on one knee as he said respectfully,
"Miss."
Gu Xun'er said nothing more. She took out a crystal-clear jade piece from her storage ring and lightly tapped three spots on it. The faintly glowing soul imprints there had already vanished, signifying the deaths of those three individuals.
"Ling Yue, Ling Tong, and Ling Lan's soul imprints have disappeared. This means a major incident has occurred within the Xiao Clan. Immediately arrange for people to investigate."
The black figure responded in a low voice,
"Yes, Miss. I will arrange for an investigation at once."
After a brief moment of thought, Gu Xun'er spoke again:
"This matter must be reported to Elder Ling immediately. He must proceed with caution. However, do not dispatch him to investigate for now have him continue protecting Brother Xiao Yan. Also, before the three-year agreement is concluded, do not inform Brother Xiao Yan of this matter."
At this point, a trace of concern appeared in her heart:
"Unfortunately, our clan's forces within the Jia Ma Empire are limited. There are not many available resources left."
She continued:
"Additionally, if assistance for Brother Xiao Yan becomes necessary but our strength is insufficient, allow Elder Ling to negotiate with that person called Tian Shu. If needed, you may act in my name."
"If my judgment is correct, that person should be considered trustworthy."
"Miss…" The black figure seemed about to speak, but upon meeting Gu Xun'er's calm yet resolute gaze, he chose silence and bowed respectfully.
"Understood, Miss."
"Miss, should this incident be reported to the clan immediately?" he asked.
"I will decide that myself. You may withdraw," Gu Xun'er replied calmly.
"Yes, Miss."
The black figure bowed once more and vanished into the night like a phantom.
After he left, Gu Xun'er gazed in the direction of the Jia Ma Empire, worry flickering in her eyes.
"Brother Xiao Yan come to Jia Nan Academy soon. The Jia Ma Empire is no longer safe. Only when you come here can Xun'er protect you better."
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