Amidst the rows of nearly stunned gazes in the hall, Xiao Yan casually drew a chair and sat down with confidence, glancing at Luo Bu, who was pale as a sheet, while gently fingering his nails and saying in a calm tone, "Go on, tell me what's been going on lately. Given your nature, it seems you haven't yet possessed the resolve to sweep all the factions in Shishemoc City under your control." Hearing Xiao Yan's slightly critical remarks, Luo Bu could only smile awkwardly, remained silent for a moment, and then sighed, "Indeed, I never intended to monopolize Shishemoc City. Moreover, our Sand Corps doesn't possess the strength to eliminate all the existing factions here." "All this may ultimately stem from the young girl named Qinglin from the Mo Tie Corps," Luo Bu admitted, with a touch of regret on his face. "Luo Bu, be careful what you say! Our family can help you dominate Shishemoc City—yet, we can also bring you to ruin in an instant!" "Just as Luobu was about to reveal everything, the leading man among the group on the side suddenly roared. Hearing the roar, Luobu's face slightly paled, and after a moment, he turned sharply, glaring at the man with fierce anger: "Damn it! If it weren't for you guys, I wouldn't be in this mess today!" "Who are they?" Xiao Yan turned his head, fixing his gaze on the men who weren't from the Sand Company, and asked softly. Seeing Xiao Yan's gaze, the men hurriedly stepped back several paces, their inner ki flowing rapidly through their bodies, their faces filled with apprehension. Their eyes constantly scanned the ground beneath them, fearing that the strange ice layer might suddenly rise from below—clearly, Xiao Yan's earlier actions had already stirred a sense of fear within them. "They're from the Moji Sect. The little girl named Qinglin was personally captured by their Grand Elder. Shortly after their capture, the Moji Sect contacted us, the Sha Clan of Mercenaries, offering to lend us their personnel and help us dominate the Shishemoc City—on the condition that we eliminate every single member of the Mohe Mercenary Corps." Luo Bu glanced at Xiao Yin and the others behind him. "The Moji Sect?" Xiao Ding's face tightened, and he exclaimed in surprise. "What's their background?" Xiao Yin turned to Xiao Ding, whose expression had grown somewhat strained, asking. "The Moji Sect is one of the four major families in the northeastern province of the Jima Empire. While their influence may not match that of the larger families like the Nalan Clan, they are far from insignificant. For years, they've firmly established themselves in the northeastern region, deeply rooted there—effectively functioning as regional rulers. Few dared to challenge them. Yet here they are, determined to take on us." Xiao Ding frowned slightly. "The Mo family... how strong are they?" Gently tapping the table, Xiao Yan asked softly, "The strongest among the Mo family is the one they mentioned earlier—the senior elder. I've heard of him; his name is Mo Cheng, isn't it? His reputation in the eastern part of the empire is quite renowned. Back then, he single-handedly wiped out the Black Whirl Storm bandits, who were notoriously fierce and powerful. The Black Whirl Storm alone had three Grand Battle Masters and over a dozen Battle Masters. Moreover, they were naturally aggressive, and despite several imperial military campaigns, the empire struggled to make significant progress—losing many troops in the process. The battle was truly blood-soaked, which earned him the nickname of a 'cold, unyielding butcher.' "Xiao Ding said solemnly. "Seems like a man of great determination indeed." Xiao Yan smiled lightly. "Of course, although he is a Combat Spirit of high rank and indeed possesses strong capabilities, it is primarily his other identity that has earned him such renown and standing." At this point, Xiao Ding's expression grew slightly unusual. "What other identity?" "That person once studied under Yunlan Sect when he was young. Later, due to family affairs, he left Yunlan Sect. However, he's quite astute—though he's no longer formally affiliated, he sends an enormous annual tribute to Yunlan Sect, and whenever there's a major event at the senior leadership, he personally attends to offer congratulations. He's exceptionally polished and diplomatic. It's said that over a decade ago, when the Master of Yunlan Sect received his first disciple, he was also invited to attend. Upon returning, he has since frequently spoken about this achievement, boasting of it everywhere. Indeed, being invited to such a ceremony is quite an honor." Yet, as he spoke, Xiao Ding gently shook his head, slightly disapproving of Mu Cheng's character. "Oh, by the way... For all these years, the Master of Yunlan Sect has only taken one female disciple—do you know who she is?" Xiao Ding spread his hands, asking. "Ah, yes." "Nodded slightly, Xiao Yan smiled faintly. Besides Lan Yanran, who could it possibly be?" "Therefore, although this person has left the Yunlan Sect, not only has he escaped pursuit by the Sect's enforcement team, but has even earned the title of Outer Sect Official. Over the years, many strong figures operating in the northeastern region have avoided conflict with him—mainly because they respect the Yunlan Sect behind him... Heh, after all, that truly is a formidable force." Xiao Ding sighed and smiled. "Young man, you've actually known that Yunlan Sect is our Mo Family's backer. Then, show some sense and follow us back to the Mo Family—quite a feat, really..." Hearing Xiao Ding's account, one of the younger men among them couldn't help but display a touch of pride. The ease and confidence in his demeanor clearly indicated that he wasn't unfamiliar with such displays of arrogance—far from being a first-time occurrence. Yet... before he could finish his proud remarks, Xiao Yin simply waved his hand casually, and an instant layer of ice spread from beneath his feet, swiftly encasing him and cutting off the rest of his words. "Even if Yunlan Sect's Master arrives today, he won't be able to take you away. So stop talking such nonsense—whenever anyone speaks, they'll be turned into an ice statue." Xiao Yin didn't even glance at the newly formed ice figures, his tone calm and indifferent. Hearing Xiao Yan speak in such a passionate tone, the four remaining figures on the other side flushed with anger, yet with the ice statue stationed beside them, they could only grit their teeth and remain silent. "Though these people are indeed odd—having taken our people and then turning around to wipe us out entirely? Are they out of their minds, or are they afraid we know something?" Xiao Ding furrowed his brows slightly, murmuring in bewilderment. "Do you know what they intend to do with Qinglin?" Xiao Yan asked, looking at Luo Bu. "This... I don't know." Luo Bu glanced sideways at the extra ice statue, swallowed hard, and awkwardly shook his head, as if afraid Xiao Yan might doubt him. He quickly added, "I haven't had much contact with them. Even Muran, the highest-ranking member of the Mo family I've ever met, is already quite impressive." Xiao Yan stared intently at Luo Bo, and only after a long pause did he finally nod, pointing his finger at the several men of unknown origin. "They must be the Mo family members," he said. "Yes." Luo Bo quickly agreed. Smiling, Xiao Yan turned his gaze to the men whose faces had now turned pale. "Could you please explain to me your reasons for capturing Qinglin?" The man standing at the forefront glanced nervously at the ice sculpture standing beside him, his throat moving slightly as he struggled to speak. "We have only been following orders. We are truly unaware of the inner details." Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, lightly tapping his finger, and the strange ice layer spread once again from the foot of one of the men, instantly transforming him into a human-shaped ice stick. "I want the truth," Xiao Yan said, his gentle smile appearing terrifying to the Mo family members. "We truly don't know!" The man's heels were slightly trembling, his face slightly bluish from fear, his voice hoarse as a result. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan maintained his composed expression, about to raise his hand again. Yet at that moment, Hai Bo Dong suddenly interjected, "Don't ask them anymore. They truly know nothing. Given the Mo Family's strict confidentiality, they wouldn't disclose such important information." Pausing mid-motion, Xiao Yan turned to look at Hai Bo Dong and smiled, "Do you know anything?" His gaze met the ink-black eyes for a moment, then shifted slightly after a while, as he murmured, "I once had contact with the Mo family, so I'm aware of some secrets. Their ancestors produced a pharmacist, but he wasn't particularly enthusiastic about traditional pharmaceutical practices. Instead, he focused on studying rather unusual things—such as removing strong claws or bones from various wild beasts and transplanting them onto human bodies..." "Quite eccentric," Xiao Yan said lightly. "Hehe, indeed quite eccentric. But that person does have some talent—eventually managed to develop a few things. At the time, many members of the Mo family adopted these innovations, though their bodies ended up so transformed that they seemed neither human nor ghostly. After studying the beasts extensively, he then turned his attention to certain human beings possessing unusual organs. You know, there are always some individuals with unique traits. The ancestor of the Mo family went to great lengths to capture such people, extracting their rare organs and transplanting them onto others, significantly boosting their capabilities." As he spoke, a clear sense of distaste passed over Hai Bode's face, indicating his own strong reservations about these eccentric practices. "I suspect the young girl named Qinglin might be one of those exceptional individuals. Otherwise, I can't quite understand why they would expend so much effort to capture a mere child." Hearing Sea Wave Dong's words, Xiao Yan's face suddenly turned extremely grave. Of course, he knew that Qing Lin had certain qualities different from ordinary people—the so-called "Azure Serpent Triple-Flower Eyes" had even been highly praised by Yao Lao. If the Mo family discovered this secret, given their eccentric nature, they would surely do everything possible to capture her. "Damn it! So these people have been eyeing Qing Lin's eyes all along!" Xiao Yan's expression was as dark as water. With clenched fists, he swept his sleeve outward, and a surge of pale flame erupted forth. Among the several Mo family men present, aside from the one who had spoken earlier, the others—still unable to cry out in pain—were instantly incinerated and vanished into thin air.