A clear blue sky, cloudless, two small black dots hovered high in the distance, gazing down upon the Utan City built along the mountain slopes. From this height, the great魔兽mountain range beside the city came into view, stretching endlessly and appearing magnificent. The purple cloud wings of Ziyun gently fluttered behind as Xiao Yan lowered his gaze upon the city below. After a long moment, he sighed softly. This departure might well be the last time he would return. "I said I'd save you when you were in life-or-death danger. But otherwise..." The Queen of Medusa glanced at him, her brows furrowing suddenly, and flashes of vibrant, rainbow-like light shimmering in her unusual eyes. After a moment, she sighed, murmuring with a touch of exasperation, "Just be quiet! He's not even your relative—why does he need to care so much about him?" The rainbow glimmers in her eyes flickered again, and after a while, the Queen finally clenched her silver teeth, lifting her gaze to Xiao Yan and coldly stating, "Don't worry—you'll survive!" "Thank you for saving me at the critical moment. That's more than enough," Xiao Yan replied calmly. He naturally knew that it had been the soul of the Sky-Consuming Python speaking with the Queen earlier. "Go on showing off then. With Yunshan still standing, how easy do you think it will be to kill Yunling?" "Queen Medusa chuckled, her surprise at Xiao Yan possessing two unique flames being profound, yet she couldn't help but note that the latter's strength was still too low to fully unleash the true potential of both flames. To hope to match a Douzong-level master with this alone was simply impossible. 'Perhaps that's true,' Xiao Yan replied, not in the mood to argue further. He knew this journey to Yunlan Sect was exceptionally perilous—more so than the previous one. This time, the conflict would be truly irreparable. Yun Ling's actions against Xiao's family and his father could only be atoned for by his very life. Therefore, the senior master of Yunlan Sect had to die—no matter how strong the Yunshan stronghold might be. The Buddha's Flame Lotus was Xiao Yan's final reserve. Though its power was formidable, the side effects were truly dreadful—this was the only concern he harbored. 'Let's go.' Once again gazing at the city of Wutan for a long while, Xiao Yan took a deep breath, raised his hand, and with a powerful flap of his wings behind him, turned around and surged forward as a beam of light, heading once more toward the distant Imperial Capital. Watching Xiao Yan vanish into the distance, Queen Medusa murmured, "Is this truly a case of self-sacrifice, or does he simply have the confidence to match Yunshan?" Shaking her head gently, she stepped forward, and ripples spread through the void space, until her form mysteriously dissolved... The day after leaving Wutan City, Xiang Yan, weary from his journey, gradually entered the imperial capital's territory. Yet he did not stop in the city; instead, his body transformed into a streak of light, swiftly gliding overhead before leaping toward a majestic mountain on the horizon. Though Xiang Yan made no停留 in the capital, several of the city's top cultivators sensed him as he sped past at full velocity, and upon recognizing the familiar aura, they all stirred with excitement. Deep within the palace, in a secluded bamboo grove, Jia Xingtian, who had been meditating on the ground, suddenly opened his eyes, gazing in astonishment at the distant sky. After a moment of silence, he exclaimed in bewilderment, "This aura... it's Xiang Yan's! How has he returned again? His path seems to follow the Yunlan Sect's route. What is he up to?" At the bustling council meeting in the eastern city of the Imperial Capital, Hai Bo Dong gently closed his eyes, his body swaying slightly with the chair. Around him, the family elders were passionately debating various matters concerning the clan. Nearby, Ya Fei was also seated, yet she remained silent, neither interrupting nor joining in the heated discussions—her quiet demeanor as if she had not heard a single word of the clamor. "Yafei smiled gently, her gaze sweeping around the room. Suddenly, she whispered softly, 'Hai... Xiao Yan... is he all right?'" "Ah, this question—you've asked it both openly and subtly several times already these past days," Hai Bo Dong chuckled, shaking his head as he glanced at Yafei's slightly flushed cheeks. "Rest assured, that young man is quite capable. Even the Queen of Medusa, a power of that caliber, can stay close to him. Yunlan Sect simply can't do much against him." "Oh." A quiet sigh of relief passed through her mind. As Yafei turned her gaze toward the heated debate at the meeting table, Hai Bo Dong's calm demeanor suddenly shifted—his face went pale, and he abruptly sat upright in his chair, his eyes fixed intently on the ceiling. Hai Bo Dong's sudden movement startled everyone in the hall. The murmurs of the debate instantly fell silent, and all eyes turned to him, watching with cautious attention. "Hai Elder, what's wrong?" Miter Tengshan was also startled, and asked cautiously. "Xiao Yan has come back again—this time to Yunlan Sect? What does he intend to do?" Sea Bo Dong stared blankly at the ceiling, murmuring softly. "Ah?" Upon hearing this, Ya Fei gasped suddenly, and even Miter Tengshan's expression changed slightly. "I should go check—Tengshan, gather the 'Shadow Guards.' This might be troublesome. From the way Xiao Yan looks, I suspect something serious has happened." Sea Bo Dong hurried toward the door, giving instructions as he went. "Wait—gathering the 'Shadow Guards'?" Miter Tengshan was taken aback, gazing at the now-approaching Sea Bo Dong, and said, "Sea Elder, exposing the 'Shadow Guards' for just Xiao Yan—won't that be rather unwise?" "His steps suddenly halted. Hai Bo Dong turned coldly to gaze at the gathered elders in the hall, and in a steady voice said, 'Honestly, in my eyes, Xiao Yan actually holds greater influence than Yunlan Sect. You will come to realize, in the days to come, the significant benefits my decision today brings to the Mi-Ter family.' With that, Hai Bo Dong turned and stepped out through the main doors, completely ignoring the stunned elders who had never imagined that Xiao Yan would carry such weight in his mind. … The Yunlan Sect, the Hall of Deliberation. Several figures sat around the wide table, most of them dressed in white robes, each bearing a distinctive badge on their chests that signaled their high standing within the sect. On the other side of the table, Dan Wang Guo He sat casually, with Liu Ling standing respectfully behind him. Yet his gaze kept drifting toward a woman in a moon-white robe—she was none other than Nalan Yanran. "The Master... me and the others, we simply went out for a personal matter." Hearing the woman's voice, Yun Ling, seated in the foremost position among the elders, tightened her grip slightly before quickly smiling. Following Yun Ling's gaze, one saw a woman dressed in a moon-white robe seated at the center of the table. On her composed and noble face, currently radiating a subtle anger, was clearly the current Master of Yunlan Sect—Yun Yun. "You've gone to Wutan City, haven't you?" Yun Yun said, giving a sharp sigh. Yun Ling was momentarily stunned, glanced at the other two figures at the conference table, who were all smiling with resignation, and, with no hope of escape, nodded reluctantly. "Master, Xiao Yan has seriously damaged the reputation of our Yunlan Sect. If we simply let him off this time, wouldn't people think that anyone could step on our sect's dignity in the future?" Moreover, he bears an undeniable connection to Mo Cheng's death; logically, even if he were listed among Yunlan Sect's targets for pursuit, that would not be surprising. "Our disputes with Xiao Yan were fully settled upon the completion of the three-year agreement. Now, by personally sending someone to the Xiao family, you're making it seem as though Yunlan Sect lacks grace and magnanimity—how could anyone else come to trust us in the future?" Glancing at Nalan Yanran, whose expression had subtly darkened upon hearing the name, Yun Yun shook her head in resignation before speaking firmly, "Besides, don't think I'm unaware that your current actions stem more from personal resentment than from any genuine concern. As for Mo Cheng's death, it's likely merely an excuse—his relationship with you hasn't been that strong, after all." Hearing Yun Yun's sharp rebuke, Yun Ling's face turned from pale to flushed, yet he dared not interject. Instead, he cast a pleading gaze toward Yun Shan, who sat beside Yun Yun, seemingly asleep. "You don't need to look at me. According to the sect's regulations, Yun'er is now the abbot, and whatever she says, I can only listen." Though her eyes were closed, Yun Shan spoke calmly, as though she already knew Yun Ling's thoughts. Upon hearing this, Yun Ling sank completely. "Abbot, the Senior Monks has always acted in the best interest of the sect. Moreover, during his visit to Wutan City, he caused only minor damage—mostly some buildings and homes—without inflicting significant losses on the Xiao family. After all, he is still the Senior Monk of our Yunlan Sect. If he has to bow down and apologize to a small family, wouldn't that tarnish our sect's reputation? As for me, since no one in the Xiao family has recognized the Senior Monk's true identity, why not simply treat this matter as if it never happened? We can always offer some benefits to the Xiao family later." A senior monk stood up and smiled, attempting to mediate. "Have you completely forgotten about Xiao Yan? The drama that unfolded at Yunlan Sect just a few days ago—haven't you had enough yet?" Xiao Yan wasn't a fool—he would eventually suspect Yunlan Sect. Given his temperament, do you think he'd endure it quietly? Hah! Queen Medusa, with such a powerful backing, even his teacher wouldn't dare claim a certain victory against her, would they?" Yun Yun furrowed her brows and coldly remarked. "Er…" Seeing Yun Yun's slightly cold expression, the elder couldn't press further and merely shrunk back to sit down. "So, what plans does the Abbot have now? Does he intend to hand me over to Xiao Yan as a means of venting his frustration?" Yun Ling, too, had been slightly reprimanded and couldn't help but voice his irritation. "You won't be handed over, that's true. Even if you are, the Xiao family wouldn't have the courage to accept you. But don't expect any relief—internal penalties are certain to follow." Gazing at Yun Ling with a calm expression, Yun Yun continued, "Good news—your actions thus far haven't been too significant. In a few days, I'll send someone to coordinate with the Xiao family. Even with the support of the Queen Medusa, I'm certain Xiao Yan wouldn't want to incur too much displeasure from Yun Lan Sect in the Gamma Empire." Hearing this, Yun Ling finally quietly exhaled, easing his breath. Though the sect's penalties were strict, given his standing and connections within Yun Lan Sect, the officials from the Court of Justice would likely hesitate to push too hard. "This matter shall be concluded here," Yun Yun said, rising from her seat. With a dignified gaze, she swept her eyes over the hall, stating, "I'd like to reiterate—today's incident has officially ended. To lose a single person like Mu Cheng for the sake of a conflict with Xiao Yan is simply not worth it!" "Understood," the senior monks and elders nodded in unison. As Yun Yun took a deep breath, preparing to send the gathering to disperse, she noticed Yun Shan's face suddenly shifting—his closed eyes snapped open, and a powerful, imposing aura surged throughout the hall. "Teacher? What's wrong?" Yun Yun was slightly taken aback and quickly asked. "Although we had hoped to simply conclude this matter, he refuses to agree." Cloud Shan's expression was slightly gloomy as he gazed toward the sky beyond the hall. Not long after Cloud Shan finished speaking, a cold, resolute voice—laden with unmistakable fury—crashed down from the heavens like thunder, swiftly spreading across the entire mountain range. "Cloud Ling old dog, come out and die!"