At the Sand Mercenary Group's base.
"What? The Mo Tie Mercenary Group disbanded? Is what you're saying true?"
Luo Bu exclaimed in shock, standing up abruptly when he heard that his old rival, the Mo Tie Mercenary Group, had disbanded and was leaving Stone Desert City.
"Leader, it's true. Xiao Ding announced it personally. I heard he has joined his younger brother's faction and is leaving Stone Desert City to develop elsewhere."
Mo Xing, whose status in the Sand Mercenary Group was second only to Luo Bu, whispered beside him.
After confirming the news, Luo Bu slowly sat back down, deep in thought.
…
The next day.
Led by Shui Ye, Xiao Zhitian's group of five spent half a day traveling before arriving at Yan City, the largest city in the eastern province of the Jia Ma Empire and the location of the Mo family's headquarters.
"What a big city! It's much larger than Stone Desert City, and much more prosperous. There are so many things for sale!"
Standing before the city gate, Qing Lin held the Little Fairy Doctor's hand and spoke excitedly. Under the influence of Xiao Zhitian and the Little Fairy Doctor, she was no longer the timid girl she once was.
Xiao Zhitian took the opportunity to speak inwardly.
"System, check in."
"Ding! Check-in at Yan City successful. You have received: Thunder Origin ×1, Space-time tribulation, Nine Yang Dragon God Body, Realm +1, and Breath Concealment Art."
Space-time tribulation:Releases Dou Qi to envelop the surrounding environment, causing the five senses of targets one major realm higher than the user to become sluggish. Targets not one major realm higher will lose perception and the ability to act entirely.
Nine Yang Dragon God Body:
Nine Yang Dragon God Body (Heaven-Bound Union Physique)
The Nine Yang Dragon God Body is not merely a supreme physique of cultivation, but a sacred constitution acknowledged by the Heavenly Dao as a symbol of destined union between husband and wife. It is said that when this body appears, heaven itself prepares companions for its bearer, and fate begins weaving invisible threads of connection across the world.
This physique contains Ultimate Yang Qi, representing life, protection, authority, and destiny. It grants the owner an incomparably powerful physical body, immunity to corruption, extreme resilience, and a natural aura of dominance. His presence alone carries the pressure of a Dragon God, causing both experts and fate itself to unconsciously acknowledge his status.
However, the most mysterious ability of the Nine Yang Dragon God Body is its Heaven-Bound Mark.
When the bearer forms a sincere bond of fate with a woman—recognized by the will of heaven rather than by force—a Dragon Mark appears upon her hand. This mark is not a technique, but a symbol of recognition by the Heavenly Dao itself, confirming her identity as someone connected to his destiny.
There are two stages of this mark:
The first is the Black Nine Dragon Mark.This represents a connection of fate and protection. Those who bear it gain subtle blessings: improved cultivation, protection against misfortune, and the ability to temporarily draw upon a trace of Dragon God power during moments of danger. It also serves as a symbol that their destiny has become linked to the owner's.
The second is the Rainbow Nine Dragon Mark, the highest recognition.
When husband wife fully make as one as body and mind this mark will appear.This mark represents complete acknowledgment by heaven as a true wife bound by fate. Once this mark appears, the bond becomes irreversible. The bearer gains the right to wield a portion of the Dragon God's authority, receiving powerful blessings, protection, and temporary power boosts during life-and-death moments. Her fate, fortune, and future become deeply tied to the owner's destiny.
Through this mark, the owner can always sense the general location, life state, and safety of those bound to him by fate. This is not control, but a natural connection recognized by heaven, similar to how stars resonate within the same constellation.
Legends state that when such a union is formed, the Heavenly Dao itself bestows blessings upon both sides.
Because of this, the Nine Yang Dragon God Body is feared not only for its power, but for its authority over fate itself. Those who possess it are not merely powerful cultivators—they are individuals whose bonds, relationships, and destiny are recognized by heaven.
It is a physique of dominance, protection, destiny, and sacred union.
Breath Concealment Art: Conceals the host's aura. No one below the Dou Di realm can detect the host's cultivation.
He slowly clenched his fist beneath the black robe.
So this is what it feels like… power acknowledged by heaven itself.
Even without circulating Dou Qi, he could clearly feel it—his body was no longer that of an ordinary cultivator. Every bone felt like tempered divine steel, every drop of blood carried a scorching yet gentle warmth. The Ultimate Yang Qi within him flowed naturally, not violently, as if his flesh itself had become a living cultivation furnace.
"If I were to take that attack head-on just now…" Xiao Zhitian thought, eyes narrowing slightly, "…I wouldn't even need to dodge."
The Nine Yang Dragon God Body wasn't loud or explosive. It was absolute.
A body that resisted decay, corruption, poison, and fear. A body that instinctively rejected weakness. Even a Dou Huang's full-force strike would struggle to leave more than a superficial wound on him now. This wasn't just defense—it was authority over the physical laws that governed flesh and blood.
He suddenly understood why it was called a Dragon God Body.
Dragons did not dodge ants.
At the same time, a deeper, warmer sensation echoed from his dantian—like distant dragon roars resonating through fate itself. Xiao Zhitian realized that the strength of this physique did not end with him alone.
The Heaven-Bound Mark.
Though none of the women bound to his fate were present here, he could faintly sense them—Qing Lin's lively vitality, the Little Fairy Doctor's calm yet dangerous balance. Their life auras resonated with his own, like stars responding to the same constellation.
"If they are ever in danger…" Xiao Zhitian thought slowly, "…the Dragon God Physique will respond."
Through the Dragon Mark, his wives would not merely be protected by him—they would be strengthened by his existence.
In moments of crisis, the Dragon Mark could awaken, drawing a fragment of Dragon God authority. Their bodies would become tougher, their souls steadier, their luck sharper. Even fate itself would hesitate before cutting them down.
And if the Crimson-Golden Nine Dragon Mark were to appear…
Xiao Zhitian exhaled softly.
At that stage, they wouldn't just be protected companions.
They would be queens standing beside a Dragon God.
Not controlled. Not restrained.
But acknowledged—by heaven.
That was the true terror of this physique. Not domination through force, but bonds that even the Heavenly Dao dared not sever.
Above the ruins, Shui Ye calmly turned his gaze toward the escaping Dou Huang, water intent quietly gathering.
Xiao Zhitian stepped forward at last, his voice steady and unhurried.
"Old Shui," he said lightly, "leave him half a breath."
The cyan figure froze mid-air in despair.
Because at that moment, an indescribable pressure descended—not Dou Qi, not killing intent, but something far older.
As if a Dragon God had opened his eyes.
Xiao Zhitian looked at the fleeing figure with detached calm.
"This world," he thought, "has not yet realized it."
"But from today onward… my body, my bonds, and my destiny are no longer something it can casually test."
Looking at the skill description, Xiao Zhitian raised an eyebrow. Whether it was strong or not didn't matter—what mattered was that it was flashy enough.
The realm breakthrough reward activated instantly, and Xiao Zhitian's cultivation rose to Five-Star Dou Ling.
"Hmm? Xiao Zhitian, you broke through?" Hai Bodong asked, sensing the change in aura. The others also turned toward him in surprise.
"Yes, I just happened to break through," Xiao Zhitian replied with a calm smile.
"Young Master is truly a genius. You can even break through just by standing there," Qing Lin said with sparkling eyes, completely turning into a little fangirl.
"Haha. Alright, let's go. Let's enter the city and take a look," Xiao Zhitian said, smiling as he activated the Breath Concealment Art.
Hai Bodong suddenly realized that he could no longer sense Xiao Zhitian's cultivation. However, he didn't ask further. Such matters were personal.
The group passed through the city gates and entered the main street, quickly noticing that most shop signs bore the character "Mo."
"It seems the Mo family is doing better and better by relying on the Cloud Mist Sect. When I came here before, there were still several factions that could contend with them. Now, they appear to be completely dominant," Hai Bodong sighed while observing Yan City.
Within Yan City, aside from imperial forces, the Mo family reigned supreme. Most industries were under their control, making them practically the local overlords.
"Then let's walk around first, gather information, and confirm whether all their key members are present," Xiao Zhitian said, smiling as he watched the excited Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin.
Just as Xiao Zhitian and his companions entered the city, the Mo family was holding a family meeting, completely unaware that the butcher's knife had already been raised above their heads.
During their stroll, Xiao Zhitian purchased many accessories, clothes, and small trinkets for Qing Lin and the Little Fairy Doctor.
He himself bought a large amount of medicinal herbs, planning to refine pills later and give them to Xiao Ding to use for development in the Black-Corner Region.
Hai Bodong also successfully found the materials needed for the Revival Spirit Purple Pill.
Just as the group was about to finish shopping, a series of exclamations, furious shouts, and the crack of a whip echoed from ahead.
"Lowly commoner! How dare you block my path!"
A woman dressed in a tight red outfit rode arrogantly through the bustling marketplace. Those who failed to dodge in time were struck away by her whip.
As she passed Xiao Zhitian's group, the red-clad woman turned her head to glance at him before continuing toward the city center.
"Damn it. Isn't she just relying on being the Second Young Miss of the Mo family? What's she so arrogant about?" a middle-aged man nearby muttered bitterly.
"It seems arrogance runs in the Mo family's blood," Hai Bodong said while stroking his chin.
"Overlords tend to develop that mindset over time," Xiao Zhitian said, watching the woman's retreating figure. "Isn't this someone perfect to lead the way?"
The group moved into a secluded area. After putting on wide black robes, Shui Ye concealed their auras, and they followed the direction the red-clad woman had taken.
Soon, they arrived at the Mo family headquarters, located in the city center. The estate resembled a fortress—high walls, heavy security, and constant patrols.
"Tsk tsk, looks like the Mo family is swimming in money," Xiao Zhitian said, rubbing his hands as he stared at the headquarters.
Old Shui's eyes gleamed with understanding.
"Hall Master, many people are gathered inside the main hall. They appear to be discussing arrangements for the Mo family Grand Elder's birthday banquet. It's likely that all the core members are present," Shui Ye reported quietly.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Old Shui," Xiao Zhitian said calmly. He hadn't expected such good timing—it saved considerable effort.
Shui Ye's body slowly rose until he stood suspended in midair above the deliberation hall.
"Who goes there? This is the Mo family's deliberation hall! Uninvited guests, leave immediately!"
The patrolling guards spotted the black-robed figure and shouted in alarm.
"Hmph."
Shui Ye let out a soft snort. The guards—mere Dou Zhe cultivators—instantly exploded into bloody mist.
Boom!
The deliberation hall itself was shattered in an instant.
"Who dares to cause trouble at the Mo family?!"
The Mo family's core members burst out from the collapsing building. Though each suffered minor injuries, they quickly stabilized themselves and stared at the black-robed figure in the sky.
"Walking on air… a Dou Zong (Battle Ancestor)?!"
Mo Lan, the Mo family patriarch, trembled uncontrollably.
"Esteemed senior, for what reason have we offended you? We are willing to apologize and offer compensation!"
"It's not about offense," Shui Ye said coldly. "I simply cannot tolerate your secret experiments using humans and magical beasts."
"Myriad Stream Seal."
A water-blue seal formed out of thin air, resembling countless flowing streams. It rapidly expanded, covering a hundred-meter radius before pressing downward.
"Block it together! If we don't, we'll all die!" Mo Lan roared in terror.
Desperation drove the Mo family's experts to unleash all their Dou Qi. But their combined resistance was like a single drop falling into the ocean.
The giant seal descended mercilessly.
"Ah! No, I don't want to die!"
"Senior, spare my life!"
These were the final cries of the Mo family's core members.
The deliberation hall and everything within a hundred meters were erased, leaving behind only a massive crater.
This outcome was Xiao Zhitian's deliberate instruction—so they would experience the same despair as those they once treated as experimental tools.
At that moment, a cyan figure suddenly shot out from beneath the ruins, releasing the aura of a Dou Huang (Battle Emperor) expert.