"He will!" Jiang Yun's lips curved into a mysterious smile, clearly confident.
Most Alchemists, after acquiring one Heavenly Flame, wouldn't harbor any further desires for new ones. However, Han Feng, who cultivated Flame Mantra, was different. He would undoubtedly try every method to collect Heavenly Flames and would not abandon his obsession with them just because he broke through to Dou Zong this time.
Although Su Qian couldn't quite grasp why Jiang Yun was so confident, wondering if this was how a Grandmaster Alchemist thought, he could only choose to believe him at this moment.
After discussing the matters, Su Qian and Jiang Yun immediately returned to the Inner Court and began to strategize for the Black-Corner Region.
Jia Nan Academy moved swiftly, and Jiang Yun soon met the implementers of his plan in a valley.
Three men, dressed in cyan robes, around thirty years old, with grim faces and somewhat similar appearances, stood silently not far away. Their eyes casually scanned their surroundings, their vigilance extremely high.
"The great name of the three Yao brothers is like thunder to me. Since you have accepted Jia Nan Academy's invitation, there's no need to be so wary. Jia Nan Academy wouldn't stoop so low as to expend such effort for three Dou Kings."
Not far away, a faint voice drifted over. A blurred figure was rushing from the distant horizon. The figure was extremely fast, and before his voice had even faded, he seemed to have crossed space, suddenly appearing before the three men.
"You—" Seeing the newcomer, the three Yao brothers' eyes filled with shock.
Jiang Yun's first impression on them was that he was young, extremely young, probably not even eighteen. Had he not even had his coming-of-age ceremony yet?
His second impression was powerful, incredibly powerful, so powerful that they couldn't defeat him. The speed he displayed earlier when coming from afar had already left them far behind. Now, as he stood silently before them, his mere gaze almost suffocated them, making their entire bodies tremble.
And the faint spatial power around him—this was something only a Dou Zong could control, wasn't it? Even their mortal enemies, the Gold and Silver Elders, didn't have such intense spatial fluctuations around them.
Such a young powerhouse—had Jia Nan Academy become this terrifying?
Watching the three men who were stunned into silence, Jiang Yun mused to himself, the application of spatial power was quite intimidating. He could now temporarily walk on air by manipulating spatial power.
However, he wouldn't waste it like that. When he used spatial power to augment his movement technique, achieving an effect similar to teleportation, it could be said that within the same level, his speed was absolutely unmatched.
Hmm. He glanced at the trembling trio before him and added silently, 'And it's quite a bluff!'
"My name is Jiang Yun!" Seeing the three men still unable to recover, Jiang Yun had to break the tense atmosphere first.
"Greetings, Young Master Jiang!" The three Yao brothers quickly stepped forward to salute, not daring to be the slightest bit presumptuous. Although the Jiang Yun before them was young, his mere aura made them tremble. This was definitely an extremely dangerous individual.
"There's no need for formalities, all three of you. Since you've accepted the invitation, I presume you're considering the trade?" Jiang Yun raised his hand, and an invisible spatial power surged out. The three Yao brothers felt their bodies straighten, unable to bow again, their shock deepening.
Shocked by Jiang Yun's strength, the eldest of the three Yao brothers stepped forward, cupped his hands, and gave a bitter smile: "Because we three brothers offended the Gold and Silver Elders, we find it difficult to move in the Black-Corner Region. Jia Nan Academy is willing to trade with us, and we will do our utmost."
Although all three were Dou Kings, because they feared the strength of the Gold and Silver Elders, no faction in the Black-Corner Region was willing to accept them. Therefore, their lives were not easy; not only did they have to survive in the chaotic Black-Corner Region, but they also had to evade the pursuit of the Gold and Silver Elders.
This time, Jia Nan Academy was willing to trade with them, which was already a surprise. At the same time, they also had some realization: only a hegemonic force like Jia Nan Academy would not put the Gold and Silver Elders in their eyes, right?
Jiang Yun nodded. The reason he chose the three was also that they were among the few who had no factional ties.
"Currently, Maple City in the Black-Corner Region is aggressively recruiting powerhouses, creating a trend of dominance that subtly poses a threat to Jia Nan Academy. This is not a good sign!"
Jiang Yun spoke slowly, his gaze constantly observing the three Yao brothers.
The three men were suddenly startled by Jiang Yun's words. Jia Nan Academy was going to make a move on Maple City?
That was their first thought. Deeper than that, they dared not think. This kind of situation, where immortals fight and mortals suffer, was not something their small Dou Kings could get involved in.
The three were wrong about one thing. It wasn't Jia Nan Academy making a move on Maple City, but Jiang Yun, making a move on Han Feng. However, Jiang Yun wouldn't explain the difference.
Otherwise, unless the Black-Corner Region was facing unification, Jia Nan Academy would not interfere in the struggles between factions within the Black-Corner Region.
With two Nine-Star Dou Zongs in charge, it was just that arrogant!
"Inside this is a wisp of Heavenly Flame. I want you to attract the pursuit of the Gold and Silver Elders. In an 'unintentional' manner, let them discover that you possess a Heavenly Flame. You are to flee all the way to Demon Flame Valley! Make as much commotion as possible!"
There was still another force in the Black-Corner Region that could contend with the current Maple City, and that was Demon Flame Valley. This was also a threat. This time, it would be best to catch both parties in one fell swoop, or at the very least, kill Han Feng.
"These are two Rank 5 Frenzied Blood Pills. After consuming them, your strength will double, but it will only last for half an hour. Afterward, you will enter a half-month period of weakness. This is to aid you!"
"After the mission is complete, one Dou Ling Pill each!"
Jiang Yun threw the Fire Gathering Cauldron and a jade bottle to the three Yao brothers, considering it as assistance. Otherwise, Jiang Yun feared that the three might be beaten to death by the Gold and Silver Elders before even reaching Demon Flame Valley.
He believed that once the news of this treasure, suspected to be a Heavenly Flame, was exposed, the three Yao brothers would become the target of all.
As long as they saw the Fire Gathering Cauldron, he believed that even Demon Flame Valley and Han Feng would try to seize it.
"Three Dou Ling Pills!"
At this moment, the three Yao brothers were already shocked by Jiang Yun's reward. Dou Ling Pills, and three of them—these were treasures that could raise a Dou Wang by one star.
The three fell into deep thought. The reward was generous, but the danger was also great.
Soon, the eldest's eyes hardened, and he was already inclined to accept!
Since Jia Nan Academy was going to make a move on Maple City, did that mean the Gold and Silver Elders would also be finished? Then they wouldn't have to hide anymore. Solving their great enemy in life and also getting three Dou Ling Pills—this was simply a double blessing.
A moment later, Yao Er and Yao San couldn't help but nudge their elder brother from behind. High risk came with high reward. They felt they could take a gamble for their future!
After reaching an agreement, the three took the pills and the Fire Gathering Cauldron given by Jiang Yun, and in a flash, disappeared into the vast forest. Although this plan was fraught with danger, they ultimately chose to accept it.
Jiang Yun watched their retreating figures, his eyes deep as he gazed into the distance. A gentle breeze stirred, and a fallen leaf slowly drifted past his eyes. A soft murmur escaped his lips.
"The wind is rising!"
The Black-Corner Region, the chaotic land of the Northwest Continent, was a place with numerous forces, a paradise for the strong, and a hell for the weak.
Demon Flame Valley, Black Emperor Sect, Maple City, Heavenly Yin Sect, Rakshasa Gate—these factions had always been well-behaved in the past. Although there were frictions in secret, they maintained a peaceful facade openly.
In the past year, as Maple City continued to expand, the atmosphere in the Black-Corner Region gradually became tense, like a powder keg ready to explode at any moment.
And today, that catalyst arrived, igniting the entire Black-Corner Region!
Just three days ago, someone saw the three Yao brothers being pursued by the Gold and Silver Elders, revealing a strange flame. Most importantly, the Gold and Silver Elders were also suspected to have been burned by the strange flame they released, which allowed them to escape.
At that time, countless people heard the roars of the Gold and Silver Elders from afar.
"Heavenly Flame?!"
Instantly, the news of the Heavenly Flame caused the entire Black-Corner Region to boil over.
Heavenly Flames, an extremely rare and precious divine object in the world, were extremely valuable to fire-attribute powerhouses, especially Alchemists. Every Alchemist dreamed of possessing a Heavenly Flame.
Moreover, even if one wasn't an Alchemist, this Heavenly Flame was still an extremely precious divine object, of great value, capable of being exchanged for rare treasures. Even in the Central Plains, where powerhouses were numerous, Heavenly Flames were extremely rare treasures.
The news that the three Yao brothers allegedly possessed a Heavenly Flame immediately drew the attention of the entire Black-Corner Region.
Maple City.
Han Feng listened to Han Beng's report, his expression immediately becoming serious, his eyes burning as he looked at the other party: "Are you sure it's a Heavenly Flame?"
Han Beng's heart tightened, and he found it difficult to breathe. He was a trusted subordinate cultivated by Han Feng, possessing the strength of a Dou Wang. He had never seen Han Feng like this before, like a hungry tiger that had been starved for half a year, capable of tearing any prey to shreds.
"News from multiple sources indicates that the Gold and Silver Elders, pursuing the The three Yao brothers, were indeed temporarily forced back by a strange flame. However, whether it's a Heavenly Flame or not, investigations are still ongoing!" Han Beng dared not delay and quickly relayed the information he had received.
"Useless!" Han Feng immediately frowned, scolding, and a surge of energy flew out.
"Bang—"
"Pfft—" Han Beng was instantly sent flying, spitting out a mouthful of fresh blood without any resistance. However, he dared not show any resentment, trembling as he knelt and begged for mercy.
"This subordinate deserves to die!"
"Hmph—, where have they run off to now?" Han Feng snorted coldly at the sight.
"According to their route, it's towards Demon Flame Valley!"
"Demon Flame Valley!!!" Han Feng's astonished voice rang out, then his expression changed, and he roared, "Gold and Silver Elders, you've ruined my great plan!"
"Whoosh—" A whooshing sound echoed, and Han Feng's figure was long gone from the spot. However, his cold, emotionless voice continued to reverberate throughout the hall.
"Han Beng, inform all the revered elders to quickly gather at Demon Flame Valley. If anyone dares not to come..."
"Afterward, they can wait to be refined into medicine slaves by me!"
In a certain mountain forest on the outskirts of Demon Flame Valley, three figures, covered in blood and flapping their Dou Qi wings, swiftly headed towards Demon Flame Valley.
"Heh heh, you three ants sure can run!" From a distance, a sneer came. Two old men with similar appearances, dressed in gold and silver robes respectively, followed closely behind them, and the distance was rapidly closing.
At this moment, the Gold and Silver Elders' pristine white beards subtly showed traces of scorching. In their eyes, as they looked at the The three Yao brothers, was a towering killing intent. It seemed the rumors were not groundless.
"Second Brother, Third Brother, Demon Flame Valley is right ahead. We can only fight to the death!"
The eldest of the three Yao brothers, seeing Demon Flame Valley close by, shouted loudly.
The three brothers exchanged glances, their faces resolute as they nodded. They took out a dragon-eye-sized pill and consumed it. Immediately, a terrifying power exploded within their bodies.
"Go—"
Feeling the surge of power within their bodies, the three couldn't help but groan, but the danger behind them quickly sobered them up. They roared, their speed instantly doubling, and they charged towards the vicinity of Demon Flame Valley.
"Not good—" Seeing this, the Gold and Silver Elders' expressions changed. They stirred their Dou Qi and launched a palm strike towards the three.
"Young Sect Master, we miscalculated. They have high-grade pills. We can't let them escape!"
In the shadows, over a dozen figures lurked, intending to be the fishermen. However, seeing the break out of the three Yao brothers, one of them, dressed in an Alchemist's robe, immediately grew anxious.
"Attack!" Mo Ya was also a decisive person. He roared, and immediately, more than a dozen figures behind him attacked simultaneously. Numerous Dou Techniques rained down, striking the path the three had to take.
"Bang bang bang—"
Numerous explosions rang out, accompanied by the sound of rocks shattering. The three Yao brothers looked grimly at the Black Emperor Sect's forces blocking their way.
"Young Sect Master Mo, we brothers have never offended the Black Emperor Sect!" Yao Da's face was grim, his brows tightly furrowed, and he watched the Black Emperor Sect group with vigilance.
In his heart, however, he was secretly anxious. The Black Emperor Sect's people were already out, so where were the fellows from Demon Flame Valley? They were causing trouble right at your doorstep, why aren't you making a sound?
Could it be that the people of Demon Flame Valley weren't interested in the Heavenly Flame?
"Young Sect Master, this old man sensed an extremely strong fire-attribute power on Yao Da. This power is absolutely unmistakable; it is a Heavenly Flame. They definitely have treasures related to a Heavenly Flame on them."
The Alchemist beside Mo Ya, who was Qi Shan, the chief Alchemist of the Black Emperor Sect, was looking at Yao Da with burning eyes at this moment. His gaze made it seem as if he wanted to devour the other party alive.
Being extremely close to a Rank 6 Alchemist, if he obtained this Heavenly Flame, a Rank 6 Alchemist would no longer be a distant hope, and in the future, he could even aspire to the realm of a Seventh-Rank Alchemist.
Qi Shan's words immediately caused the The three Yao brothers' expressions to change drastically, and the surrounding air became even heavier.
At this moment, with another peak Rank 5 Alchemist vouching for it, this Heavenly Flame was real!
"Hoo—" Numerous heavy breaths sounded in the shadows. Clearly, there were far more people attracted than just these few.
Receiving confirmation from his own Alchemist, Mo Ya's eyes immediately lit up. He looked at the three Yao brothers with a benevolent expression and said, "The three of you unintentionally offended the Gold and Silver Elders back then; I imagine it was an oversight. If the three of you join my Black Emperor Sect today, Mo Ya is willing to act as a mediator and resolve the grievances between both sides."