Amidst the lush, verdant mountains, thunderous beastly roars occasionally echoed, startling countless flying magical beasts resting within the forest.
Hidden beneath the thick canopy, there was a steep and rugged mountain. At the base of this peak, a massive fissure split the terrain—viewed from a distance, it resembled a deep, narrow valley.
On either side of this valley rose smooth, nearly vertical stone walls, too steep to climb. The only way in or out was a narrow passage, barely two zhang wide.
Just then, a black shadow streaked rapidly across the dense forest, nearing the valley's exit.
High atop the mountain above the valley, a figure flickered into view. A man in gray robes, flapping his Dou Qi wings, appeared in mid-air and looked down at the shadow below with a commanding tone:
"Who dares trespass into Demon Flame Valley?"
"I am Han Beng of Maple City from the Black-Corner Region. I've come on behalf of my master to request an audience with the Valley Master of Earth Demon Valley," the black figure replied, his tone neither arrogant nor servile.
"Someone from the Medicine Emperor, Han Feng?" the gray-robed man frowned slightly, then asked, "What urgent matter brings you to request our Valley Master's audience?"
"My master requests the Valley Master's assistance with an important task. As for compensation—whatever the Valley Master desires, so long as my master can provide it, it shall be done."
These words made the gray-robed man's expression shift. Clicking his tongue, he muttered, "Truly worthy of the title Medicine Emperor. That was bold. However, your timing is unfortunate. The Valley Master has recently entered secluded cultivation and left strict orders—unless the valley faces destruction, he is not to be disturbed. So… return from whence you came."
"Wait," Han Beng called out, recalling the instructions Han Feng had drilled into him. "Is Elder Fang Yan of the valley present?"
"Elder Fang Yan?" the gray-robed man repeated, puzzled.
"Yes. My master said that if the Valley Master is in seclusion, seeking Elder Fang Yan's help would also suffice."
The gray-robed man gave Han Beng a long, scrutinizing look, then nodded. "Follow me."
Black-Corner Region – Black Emperor Sect
Within a massive, pitch-black hall, an elderly man clad in a golden robe sat atop a grand throne. Several golden serpents were embroidered across his garment, radiating a sinister air. His gaze bore down on the kneeling black-robed figure below as he asked, puzzled:
"Our Black Emperor Sect has never meddled in Maple City's affairs. Why has your master sent you here?"
"My master asks Sect Master Mo for a small favor. Name your price—as long as it's within his means, he will meet any demand," the black-robed man replied solemnly.
"Hmph. Han Feng may be a peak-tier sixth-grade alchemist, but I truly wonder—what could he possibly offer that would tempt me?" the golden-robed elder snorted coldly.
Before he could speak further, an alchemist in a long robe—his face ruddy and flushed—sneered from behind the throne.
This man was Qi Shan, chief alchemist of the Black Emperor Sect, second only to Han Feng among sixth-grade alchemists in the entire Black-Corner Region.
Qi Shan prided himself on being comparable to Han Feng in every way—except for refining pills that required Heavenly Flames. He believed that for any sixth-grade high-grade pill or lower, he was not inferior in the slightest.
"Haha. The Medicine Emperor's offer is appreciated, but this sect leader truly cannot help with such a minor matter," Sect Master Mo Tianxing chuckled, rejecting the proposal tactfully.
He understood well that while alchemists admired one another, envy often festered among them too. Though Qi Shan was proud of his abilities, the world only recognized Han Feng as the Medicine Emperor, rarely acknowledging Qi Shan. This had long bred resentment in his heart.
Mo Tianxing saw no reason to offend his own people for the sake of Han Feng's reward.
Somewhere Deep Within the Black-Corner Region
"Envoy of the Medicine Emperor Han Feng, requesting an audience with Elder Ying Shan!"
Maple City – Feng Clan
Within a lush bamboo grove, a middle-aged man in an alchemist's robe sat cross-legged on the ground. A delicate character, "Feng," was embroidered on the back of his robe. A gentle blue flame revolved slowly around him, heating the surrounding air until it shimmered like water.
After a moment, the flame slowly withdrew into his body, and he opened his eyes. Turning slightly, he said calmly, "Since you've come, you might as well show yourself."
A faint swirl of black mist emerged from the bamboo grove, gradually forming into a blurry silhouette.
"Since your injuries are healed, how is the plan progressing?" the shadowy figure asked.
"I've already dispatched messengers," Han Feng replied, his eyes narrowing. "But I estimate we'll only be able to secure one Dou Zong at most."
"One is enough. Including the Gold and Silver Elders, that gives us four Dou Zong-level experts. That should be more than enough to deal with Queen Medusa."
"Four? Including me, that's only three. Where's the fourth coming from?" Han Feng questioned sharply.
"Heh. You underestimate the strength of the Hall of Souls. With my rank, I may not be able to call upon the Venerables, but summoning another Protector is well within my authority."
"Let's hope you're right."
Wu Tan City – In Front of the Miteer Auction House
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Yafei stood in front of the auction house, which was only about one-fifth the size of their headquarters. A trace of melancholy flashed across her elegant face.
She hadn't expected that she would already be leaving—barely half a year after arriving.
Dressed in a fiery red qipao, she stood gracefully beside Chen Mo. Her right foot lifted slightly, revealing a glimpse of her snow-white calf beneath the hem. Though her attire was modest, a natural allure and elegance radiated from her.
Now, she no longer needed to hide her relationship with Chen Mo. Casting one last look at the auction house, she gently leaned her head on his shoulder and looked at Gu Ni and the others who had come to see them off.
"Uncle Gu Ni, you really won't come with us to the imperial capital?"
Gu Ni chuckled, "No need. These old bones of mine aren't suited for the hustle and bustle of the capital. Retiring in Wu Tan City suits me just fine."
"Then… Uncle Gu Ni, Yafei is off now. Goodbye!" She waved, then lightly tapped her toes against the ground and leapt onto the back of the Amethyst Winged Lion King.
"Goodbye," Gu Ni also waved, then turned his gaze toward Chen Mo and earnestly said, "Young Master Chen, I leave the young lady in your care. She may seem strong on the surface, but in truth…"
"Uncle Gu Ni!" Yafei cut him off playfully with a hint of reproach.
"Don't worry, Uncle Gu Ni. I'll take good care of her," Chen Mo smiled as he leapt onto the lion's back, wrapping his arms tightly around Yafei's waist.
With a flap of its mighty wings, the Amethyst Winged Lion King rose into the sky, its small lion cub clumsily following behind.
A great roc rides the winds in a single day, soaring ninety thousand li into the sky.
Goodbye, Wu Tan City!
Shortly After Chen Mo's Departure – Back Mountain of the Xiao Clan
Standing atop a cliff with his hands behind his back, Xiao Zhan looked at Xiao Yan beside him and sighed. "Yan'er, do you truly feel no regrets?"
Xiao Yan clenched his fists tightly. "None."
"Grandpa Ling, let's go!"
In Xiao Yan's room, Xun'er had left behind a spatial ring and a handwritten letter. As the door creaked shut, the last rays of sunlight vanished through the gap.
Her departure had gone unnoticed by anyone
****
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