Chapter 50: The Beginning of Chaos!
"He will."
The corners of Jiang Yun's mouth carried a mysterious smile. He was clearly confident.
Ordinary alchemists, once they possessed a heavenly flame, would no longer have any designs on a new one. But Han Feng, who cultivated the Burning Art, was different. He would definitely try every means to collect heavenly flames. He would never give up his obsession with heavenly flames just because he had broken through to Dou Zong.
Although Su Qian was a bit unsure why Jiang Yun was so confident — was this the mindset of an alchemy grandmaster? — at this moment, he could only choose to believe.
After discussing their plans, Su Qian and Jiang Yun immediately returned to the Inner Academy and began laying out their strategy in the Black-Corner Region.
The Jia Nan Academy moved quickly. Soon, Jiang Yun met the implementers of his plan in a valley.
Three men in green robes, around thirty years old, with grim faces and somewhat similar appearances, stood quietly not far away. Their eyes casually scanned their surroundings, their vigilance extremely high.
"The great reputation of the Yao brothers precedes you. Since you have accepted the Jia Nan Academy's invitation, there is no need to be so wary. The Jia Nan Academy would not stoop so low as to go through all this trouble just for three Dou Wangs."
Not far away, a faint voice came. A blurry figure was rushing over from the distant sky. The figure moved extremely fast. Before the voice had even faded, he seemed to cross space itself and suddenly appeared before the three.
"You..." Seeing the newcomer, the Yao brothers' eyes were filled with shock.
The first thing Jiang Yun gave them was the impression of youth — extremely young, probably not even eighteen. Had he even held his coming-of-age ceremony?
The second feeling was power — overwhelming power, power they could not possibly defeat. The speed he had displayed just now, coming from afar, was already beyond their reach. Now, with him standing quietly before them, his gaze alone nearly suffocated them. Their entire bodies seemed to tremble.
And there was the faint spatial power around him. That was something only a Dou Zong could manipulate, was it not? Even their mortal enemies, the Gold and Silver Elders, did not have such strong spatial fluctuations around them.
A strong expert this young — had the Jia Nan Academy become this terrifying?
Looking at the three who were intimidated, Jiang Yun pondered to himself. The use of spatial power was indeed quite impressive. He could now rely on his control over spatial power to achieve brief steps through the air.
But he would not waste it like that. He now used spatial power to enhance his movement techniques, achieving a teleportation-like effect. It could be said that within the same level, no one could match his speed.
Well... glancing at the trembling three before him, he added in his heart: it could also intimidate people.
"My name is Jiang Yun." Seeing that the three still could not snap out of it, Jiang Yun had to break the tense atmosphere himself.
"Greetings, Young Master Jiang!" The Yao brothers hurried forward to pay their respects, not daring to be the least bit presumptuous. Although Jiang Yun was very young, his aura alone made them tremble. He was definitely an extremely dangerous person.
"No need to be so polite, you three. Since you have accepted the invitation, I take it you are willing to go through with the deal?" Jiang Yun raised his hand slightly. An invisible wave of spatial power surged out. The Yao brothers felt their bodies straighten, unable to bow further. Their shock deepened.
Shocked by Jiang Yun's strength, the eldest of the Yao brothers stepped forward, cupped his hands, and smiled bitterly. "We three brothers have offended the Gold and Silver Elders. We can barely survive in the Black-Corner Region. Since the Jia Nan Academy is willing to deal with us, we will do our utmost."
Although the three were all Dou Wangs, because they had provoked the Gold and Silver Elders, no force in the Black-Corner Region was willing to accept them. Their days were not easy. They not only had to survive in the chaotic Black-Corner Region but also dodge the Gold and Silver Elders' pursuit.
That the Jia Nan Academy was willing to deal with them had already surprised them greatly. At the same time, they understood somewhat. Only a hegemon-level force like the Jia Nan Academy would not take the Gold and Silver Elders seriously.
Jiang Yun nodded. Another reason he had chosen these three was that they were among the few who had no ties to any faction.
"Recently, Maple City in the Black-Corner Region has been wildly recruiting strong experts. It has formed a trend of one power dominating. It vaguely shows signs of plotting against our Jia Nan Academy. That is not a good development."
Jiang Yun slowly spoke, while constantly observing the Yao brothers.
Hearing Jiang Yun's words, the three were secretly shocked. The Jia Nan Academy was going to make a move against Maple City?
That was their first thought. Deeper than that, they did not dare to think. This kind of situation — gods fighting, mortals suffering — was not something that mere Dou Wangs like them could meddle in.
The three had guessed one thing wrong. It was not the Jia Nan Academy that was going to move against Maple City, but Jiang Yun against Han Feng. However, Jiang Yun would not explain the difference.
If not for this, unless the Black-Corner Region faced unification, the Jia Nan Academy would not interfere in the conflicts between forces within the Black-Corner Region.
With two Nine-Star Dou Zongs seated there, they could afford to be that overbearing.
"In here is a wisp of heavenly flame. I want you to provoke the Gold and Silver Elders into chasing you. Let them 'accidentally' discover that you possess a heavenly flame. Flee all the way to the Mo Yan Valley. Make as big a commotion as possible."
In the Black-Corner Region, there was another force that could oppose the current Maple City — the Mo Yan Valley. This was also a threat. This time, it would be best to wipe them both out in one fell swoop. At the very least, Han Feng had to die.
"Here are two fifth-grade Frenzy Blood Pills. After taking them, your strength will double for half an hour. But afterwards, you will enter a half-month period of weakness. Consider this assistance."
"After the deed is done, each of you will receive a Dou Ling Pill."
Jiang Yun tossed the Flame Gathering Furnace and a jade bottle to the Yao brothers as their supplies. Otherwise, Jiang Yun was afraid they would be beaten to death by the Gold and Silver Elders before they even reached the Mo Yan Valley.
He believed that once the existence of this treasure, suspected to be a heavenly flame, was exposed, the Yao brothers would become the target of everyone.
As long as the Flame Gathering Furnace was seen, he believed that even the Mo Yan Valley would draw Han Feng in for a visit.
"Three Dou Ling Pills!"
By now, the Yao brothers were already shocked by Jiang Yun's reward. Dou Ling Pills — three of them. These were treasures that could raise a Dou Wang by one star.
The three fell into contemplation. The reward was generous, but the danger was also great.
Soon, the eldest's eyes hardened. In his heart, he was already leaning toward agreeing.
Since the Jia Nan Academy was going to make a move against Maple City, did that not mean the Gold and Silver Elders would also be finished? They would no longer have to hide and flee. Resolving their mortal enemies and receiving three Dou Ling Pills — that would be two pieces of good news at once.
After a moment, the second and third brothers could not help poking the eldest from behind. High risk came with high reward. They felt they could take the gamble for the sake of their future.
The three reaching an agreement, they took the pills and the Flame Gathering Furnace from Jiang Yun and disappeared into the vast forest in the blink of an eye. Although this plan was fraught with danger, they had ultimately chosen to accept.
Jiang Yun watched their departing figures, his gaze profound as he looked into the distance. A gentle breeze stirred. A fallen leaf slowly drifted down before his eyes. A whisper escaped his lips.
"The wind is rising."
Black-Corner Region, a land of chaos in the northwestern continent. This place was home to many factions. It was a paradise for the strong and a hell for the weak.
The Mo Yan Valley, the Black Emperor Sect, Maple City, the Tian Yin Sect, the Raksha Gate — these forces usually kept to themselves. Although there were clashes beneath the surface, on the surface, they maintained a peaceful appearance.
In the past year, as Maple City continued to expand, the atmosphere in the Black-Corner Region had gradually become tense. A storm seemed to be brewing, like a powder keg ready to explode at any moment.
And today, that trigger had been pulled, igniting the entire Black-Corner Region.
Three days ago, people saw the Yao brothers being chased by the Gold and Silver Elders. They had revealed a heavenly flame. Most importantly, the Gold and Silver Elders were reportedly even burned by that heavenly flame, which was how the brothers had escaped.
At the time, countless people heard the furious roars of the Gold and Silver Elders in the distance.
"A heavenly flame?!"
Instantly, the news of the heavenly flame made the entire Black-Corner Region boil over.
A heavenly flame — an extremely rare and precious divine object in the world. It was especially valuable for fire-attributed strong experts, particularly alchemists. Every alchemist dreamed of possessing a heavenly flame.
And even for non-alchemists, the heavenly flame was still a very precious divine object, of great value. It could be traded for rare treasures. Even in the Central Plains, where strong experts were as common as clouds, the heavenly flame was an extremely rare treasure.
The news that the Yao brothers were suspected of possessing 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 became serious. He looked at the other with burning eyes. "Are you sure it is a heavenly flame?"
Han Beng immediately felt his heart tighten. His breathing became difficult. He was a trusted confidant nurtured by Han Feng, with the strength of a Dou Wang. He had never seen Han Feng like this. It was as if he were a starving tiger, capable of tearing apart any prey.
"Information gathered from multiple sources confirms that the Gold and Silver Elders chasing the Yao brothers were indeed temporarily driven back by a heavenly flame. However, whether it is truly a heavenly flame is still being investigated." Han Beng did not dare to delay. He quickly relayed the information he had obtained.
"Useless!" Han Feng's brows furrowed immediately. He shouted angrily. A surge of energy flew out.
Bang.
Pfft — Han Beng was immediately sent flying. He spat out a mouthful of blood without any ability to resist. However, he did not dare to complain. He trembled and knelt on the ground, begging for mercy.
"This subordinate deserves death!"
"Hmph —, where have they run off to now?" Han Feng snorted coldly.
"According to their route, they are heading toward the Mo Yan Valley."
"The Mo Yan Valley!!!" Han Feng's surprised voice rang out. Then his expression changed. He roared in anger, "Gold and Silver Elders, you have ruined my plans!"
Swish — The sound of air being torn came. Han Feng was already gone from where he stood. But his cold, emotionless voice continued to echo through the hall.
"Han Beng, inform all the honored elders. Gather toward the Mo Yan Valley immediately. If anyone dares not come..."
"After this is over, they can wait to be refined into pill slaves by me."
On the outskirts of the Mo Yan Valley, somewhere in the mountains.
Three figures, covered in blood and fluttering Dou Qi wings, quickly headed toward the Mo Yan Valley.
"Heh heh, you three ants certainly know how to run." In the distance behind them, a mocking voice came. Two old men in gold and silver robes, respectively, who bore a resemblance to each other, followed closely behind. The distance between them was shrinking rapidly.
At this moment, the Gold and Silver Elders had faint burn marks on their snow-white beards. They looked at the Yao brothers with killing intent. It seemed the rumors were not without foundation.
"Second brother, third brother, the Mo Yan Valley is right ahead. We can only fight to the death."
The eldest of the Yao brothers looked at the Mo Yan Valley, now visible before them, and shouted loudly.
The three brothers exchanged glances. Their faces resolute, they nodded. They each took out a pill the size of a longan and swallowed it. Instantly, a terrifying power exploded from within their bodies.
"Go —"
Feeling the surging power within them, the three could not help but moan. But the crisis behind them quickly sobered them up. With a loud shout, their speed suddenly doubled as they rushed toward the Mo Yan Valley's territory.
"Not good —" Seeing this, the Gold and Silver Elders' expressions changed. They stirred their Dou Qi and struck out with their palms toward the three.
"Young Sect Master, our calculations were off. They have high-level pills. They cannot be allowed to escape."
In the shadows, over a dozen figures lurked, hoping to play the role of the fisherman. But seeing the Yao brothers erupt, one of them, wearing an alchemist's robe, grew anxious.
"Attack!" Mo Ya was also a decisive person. He shouted loudly. Immediately, the dozen-plus figures behind him attacked together. Countless Dou Techniques rained down, landing on the brothers' only path forward.
Bang, bang, bang —
Countless explosions sounded, accompanied by the sound of rocks shattering. The 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 expression was ugly. His brows were tightly furrowed as he looked warily at the Black Emperor Sect's group.
In his heart, however, he was secretly anxious. The Black Emperor Sect has already appeared. Where are the Mo Yan Valley people? Are people going to cause trouble right at your doorstep, and you still will not make a sound?
Could it be that the Mo Yan Valley is not interested in the heavenly flame?
"Young Sect Master, this old man senses an extremely strong fire-attributed power on Yao Da. This power is unmistakable — it is a heavenly flame. They absolutely have a treasure related to a heavenly flame on them."
The alchemist beside Mo Ya, Qi Shan — the Black Emperor Sect's chief alchemist — was now looking at Yao Da with burning eyes. His gaze seemed ready to devour the other whole.
As an alchemist very close to the sixth grade, if he obtained this heavenly flame, the sixth-grade alchemist rank would no longer be a distant dream. In the future, he could even look forward to the seventh-grade alchemist realm.
Qi Shan's words immediately made the Yao brothers' expressions change dramatically. The surrounding air also grew heavier.
At this moment, with a peak fifth-grade alchemist vouching for it, the heavenly flame was now confirmed to be real.
Huff — Countless heavy breaths sounded from the shadows. Clearly, those attracted here were far more than just these few.
Receiving his alchemist's confirmation, Mo Ya's eyes lit up. He looked at the Yao brothers with a very friendly expression and said, "Years ago, you three unintentionally offended the Gold and Silver Elders. I imagine it was an honest mistake. If you three are willing to join our Black Emperor Sect today, Mo Ya is willing to act as a mediator and resolve the grievances between you."