"The Black Corner District," a unique area that coalesced due to disorder beyond the ancient and venerable Cane Academy, has long puzzled many on the continent—why would such a chaotic region exist outside of the traditionally serene and refined atmosphere of the Academy. Yet, existence is truth. Despite years of persistent suppression, the Black Corner District continues to expand at a breathtaking pace, and its remarkable resilience—its ability to withstand relentless pressure—has left the forces seeking to contain or diminish it utterly powerless. The expanse of the "Black Corner Domain" is exceptionally vast, and over the years of expansion, it has nearly taken on the distinct character of a well-defined small nation. The only difference from other empires lies in the fact that the latter have a supreme leader, while here, various powers constantly vie for their own interests, engaging in relentless struggles and conflicts—so fragmented and disorganized that they appear like scattered grains of sand. Yet precisely because of this constant turmoil, it is likely that the "Black Corner Domain" has grown increasingly powerful at the heart of the continent. Otherwise, no single power would have allowed this dynamically disruptive and rapidly expanding region to mature into a threat. Though the Black Horn Domain is renowned across the continent for its chaos, the high-level cultivation techniques, combat arts, herbal medicines, and other rare treasures flowing through it have drawn countless powerful figures from the continent. After all, regardless of other factors, these items remain essential and highly coveted. Simply obtaining a cultivation technique superior to one's own current practice can propel a cultivator a significant step forward on their journey to strength—such an incentive is truly irresistible to those already at the pinnacle. Thus, the Black Horn Domain appears much like an ever-deepening, dark abyss, through which countless treasures flow via various channels, then are auctioned off at exorbitant prices, drawing fierce competition from eager participants. … Due to the sudden emergence of this enigmatic organization, the somewhat relaxed state of Xiao Yan’s heart had once again tightened. Though he had not yet been clearly detected by them, merely recalling that even a figure as powerful as the Medicine Elder had been compelled to refrain from appearing freely stirred a persistent chill within him—like a sharp thorn embedded in his back. Under this lingering sense of unease, Xiao Yan finally realized that his previously tranquil, carefree lifestyle had been an indulgence beyond his reach. With so many burdens now weighing upon him—the disappearance of his father, the relentless pursuit of the organization against the Medicine Elder, and the mounting enigmas—these challenges pressed down upon him like an ever-present darkness, leaving him unable to spare even a fraction of his attention for rest or rejuvenation. To unravel these mysteries, he would need formidable strength. And Xiao Yan knew clearly that his strength stemmed not from conventional cultivation, but from the extraordinary, celestial flames that existed throughout the world. Though this path was perilous and seemingly mad, it was undoubtedly the most direct route to becoming a true powerhouse for him. To swiftly enhance his power and to ensure he could stand up against the enigmatic organization when they finally made their move, Xiao Yan needed to secure "Time is once again growing urgent..." A figure streaked across the slightly drowsy sky, Xiang Yan glancing down at the trees retreating rapidly behind him, shaking his head with a faint smile. Since the day the Medicine Elder had shared details about that mysterious organization and its purpose, Xiang Yan had abandoned his original plan to journey all the way to the Gan'an Academy, instead activating his Purple Cloud Wings and setting out day and night along the map's designated route, swiftly flying toward the Black Angular Region. The distance between the Empire of Jamma and the Black Corner Region is exceptionally vast, requiring passage through several smaller states before one can reach the edge of the Black Corner Region. Such a remote stretch—assuming one walks or travels by horse carriage—would likely take three to five months, or even half a year, to cover. Even under ideal conditions of unimpeded travel, this journey is far from straightforward, as the smaller states are far from the serene conditions found within the Empire of Jamma. Due to geographical and political factors, these regions experience constant conflict—mercenary companies clash daily over competing interests. When funds run dry, these very companies often transform into notorious bands of robbers. Any merchant caravan they encounter, especially if its escort is not particularly strong, is typically stripped of its goods and even its women, leaving behind a tragic and devastating fate. While Xiao Yan used the Purple Cloud Wings for transportation, it consumed an immense amount of qi. Fortunately, he had previously prepared Qi-Returning Dan to support him, and his Burned Technique, now evolved to the mid-level of the Xuanyuan stage, provided strong synergy. Together, they enabled Xiao Yan to sustain long-distance flights, though he still needed to alight every two days to engage in a full-day deep training session to restore his nearly numb muscles and spirit. Under such relentless efforts, the destination—Black Corner Domain, which typically required at least six months—or even longer—of leisurely exploration—was now reduced to nearly one-tenth of its original distance. … After Xiao Yan had flown on the Purple Cloud Wings for nearly ten days, the uniformly repeated mountain ranges below suddenly began to appear more spaced out and varied. He paused slightly, then looked up and scanned the horizon, only to see a vast expanse of dark black plains stretching out at the far edge—like a solid black line that completely separated the outer world from the inner one. "This is... the Black Domain Plain?" As the dark line grew larger in his view, the weary and windblown expression on Xiao Yan's face instantly brightened. A smile of relief spread from his lips. According to the map, the "Black Domain Plain" was the gateway to the "Black Corner Domain." Once he stepped into it, he would have entered a world entirely distinct and chaotic from the one outside. "Finally here..." Gently rubbing his large, dark circles under his eyes, Xiao Yan slowly descended to the ground. Though the Black Horn Domain was nearby, he did not immediately decide to enter it. Since even the old medicine master had repeatedly emphasized the chaos there, he felt that entering such a hazardous environment in his current state of exhaustion might not be the most prudent choice. "Let me first restore my condition," the old medicine master's voice echoed in his mind. "It has been quite tiring over the past ten days of travel, yet this has proven beneficial for you—your internal qi thrives precisely through such continuous consumption." Xiao Yan nodded slightly, his body settling gently into a forest clearing. After quickly scanning the surroundings and confirming no signs of animal or human presence, he settled into a quiet spot, seated cross-legged. He produced a Qi-Reviving Pill, placed it in his mouth, and then formed hand seals while closing his eyes. As Xiao Yan entered his state of cultivation, a subtle energy ripple began seeping out from within him, drawing in energy from the surrounding space with a gentle, almost imperceptible suction. This energy was then refined and channeled into the combat crystal at the heart of his spiraling aura, which had grown slightly dimmer due to the consumption of qi. The quiet cultivation process lasted nearly the entire afternoon, and only then did the subtle energy ripple gradually fade, eventually disappearing entirely. His tightly closed eyelashes trembled slightly before slowly opening. In his dark eyes, a flash of jade-like flame briefly appeared, then vanished. His mouth slightly parted, and a breath emerged—slightly turbid, tinged with a dark hue. The dark, murky vapor rose slowly, and wherever it touched, the leaves were instantly corroded and dissolved into nothingness. At the very moment the strange black vapor was expelled, the weary expression on his face completely vanished, replaced instead by a soft, luminous glow of warm jade. Xiao Yan raised his head, furrowed his brows, and stared at the faint black mist rising upward. His eyes narrowed slightly, then suddenly glanced down at his right middle finger. There, where the once long and pale finger had been, it had now turned completely black as ink—most peculiar. "This... the searing toxin? I thought it had naturally dissipated. It seems it's been lurking all along." Seeing the blackened finger, which had not appeared for a long time, Xiao Yan couldn't help but chuckle softly. "If this is handled well, it might become a surprising asset in your future battles. On the other hand, if not managed properly, it will become a serious issue. This toxin has mutated and now exhibits resistance to many traditional detoxifying remedies—its destructive power is truly remarkable," the Elder of Medicine said, his tone slightly serious. Xiao Yan nodded with a sense of resignation, then waved his finger. The blackness began to fade rapidly and, within a moment, disappeared entirely—like it had vanished into some hidden place Xiao Yan hadn't even noticed. "If it weren't for the 'Seven Phantoms Azure Spirit Saliva' to help revitalize my teacher's soul, I wouldn't have gone to assist that old man at all. His words are as hollow as wind—really, a consummate old hand, full of cunning." Xiao Yan stood up and suddenly coldly chuckled. After completely expelling the toxins from Lan Jie, the old man had been deeply grateful, yet later, when Xiao Yan found himself being pursued by Yunlan Sect, he had done absolutely nothing. "Well, let's set aside that disappointing old fellow. Master, shall we enter the 'Black Horn Domain' now?" Xiao Yan shook his head, standing atop the mountain and gazing toward the distant black plain. "Yes." The Elder of the Herbs nodded and then added, "In the 'Black Horn Domain,' try to use your 'Purple Cloud Wings' as little as possible. Flight techniques are rare and can even be forcibly taken away by others. Should you encounter any strong opponents, they might grow greedy and take everything—including your life." "Hm?" Xiao Yan stared, then finally chuckled with a wry expression: "It seems this place truly is a mess. At least in the Jima Empire, even the strongest ones still carried a certain dignity—rarely did one see them rushing to fight and seize resources. But here, it's as if everything happens casually, like eating a simple meal." Everything was neatly arranged, the massive Xuanzhong尺 also inserted behind him. Xiao Yan twisted his neck, then forcefully planted his feet into the ground. A surge of energy erupted from his soles, and in an instant, his figure surged forward like an arrow released from its bow, transforming into a streak of black against the vast, dark grassland. "Hey, Black Horn Domain—let's see just how chaotic you can get!"