In the western part of the Imperial Capital of Gamma, there stands a vast manor estate—grand and imposing, befitting the esteemed status of the Mitel family within the Gamma Empire. Deep within the estate, by the side of a serene, tranquil lake, a woman in a soft purple silk robe stands gracefully. Though her face is not visible, the mere silhouette of her is enough to inspire vivid imaginations. Her eyes, like sapphires, are slightly distant, gazing at the rippling waves on the lake's surface. Her face is that of a classic oval beauty, delicate and alluring; her slender, well-proportioned figure, wrapped in the luxurious silk, exudes a mature, velvety charm. "He introduced himself, and it turned out he was the lady who had once been close to Xiao Yan. Turning then to the elderly man in blue robes, one could see that he was none other than the battle companion of Xiao Yan back then—Hisbo Dong, the Ice Emperor. Hisbo Dong smiled and approached, gently patting the lady's shoulder with his dry hands, then stood with his arms folded, gazing steadily at the center of the lake, remaining silent for a while before sighing, 'I wonder how that young one is doing. It's been nearly three years since he left the Gamma Empire now.' The lady nodded lightly, smiling, 'That boy may appear harmless, but he's actually quite cunning. Hisbo Dong, you needn't worry too much.' 'Heh, I'm not particularly worried. I believe he'll live a more comfortable life than anyone else.' Hisbo Dong chuckled, then his expression slightly darkened. 'Still, he seems to hold the family very dear. Now that the Xiao family is being relentlessly pursued by Yunlan Sect in the Gamma Empire, they've been reduced to the status of a family in exile. Without our quiet support, I daresay their members in the Gamma Empire would have already vanished "Back then, Xiao Li said he was going to the Jia Nan Academy to find Xiao Yan. I still don't know whether he actually reached there successfully. Given Xiao Yan's nature, if he had learned of such a major upheaval in his family, he would surely have rushed back immediately. Yet now, everything seems so calm—does that mean Xiao Li never delivered the news?" Hai Bo Dong murmured. "Ah, perhaps it's better that he hasn't returned yet. Though he has good cultivation potential, truly competing with a powerhouse like Yunlan Sect is no easy task. I truly hope he can remain patient. He's still young; he has plenty of time to seek his revenge." With a gently softened gaze, Ya Fei's delicate, alluring eyes slightly narrowed, speaking softly. Over the years, Yafei has gradually and completely taken control of the practical power of the Mitel family. Aside from the one before her, Hai Bodo, few in the family now command a reputation equal to hers. As a woman of relatively modest background, achieving such standing is no small feat—though her success has undoubtedly benefited from Hai Bodo's support, her own capabilities are unquestionable. Over the years, she has established an intelligence network that spans nearly the entire Gamma Empire, even keeping abreast of every move made by Yunlan Sect. Such a woman is far from ordinary. Though she is not particularly skilled in Qi cultivation, who would say that without Qi cultivation, one cannot rise to the top? "You must know he's still young, and impulsiveness is simply the privilege of youth," Hai Bodo smiled suddenly. "I heard you've assigned several members of the Xiao family to the capital? Given how close the capital is to Yunlan Sect, this arrangement seems rather unsuitable." "Yafu, with her hands as smooth and pure as jade, casually plucked a flower that had curled out from a nearby branch, smiled, and said, 'In other cities, Yunlan Sect has been thoroughly investigating us. The Imperial Capital, however, is the most solidly rooted territory of the imperial family. Even Yunlan Sect wouldn't dare to be too bold. With our Mitel family's subtle maneuvers, I'm certain they won't even notice our movements.' 'Well, then, let it go—these matters are clearly your forte, not ours.' Haibo Dong shook his head, then turned his gaze toward the northern sky, where the towering peaks rose and faded into view, his brows furrowed. 'I simply can't understand what Elder Yun is up to. Even though there's some friction between Xiao and him, surely he wouldn't go after the Xiao family? This move only serves to deeply anger Xiao, doesn't it?' Yafu slightly furrowed her brows, gently playing with the flower in her hand, murmuring, 'Through my investigation, I've found that Yunlan Sect seems to be searching for something specific among the Xiao family members...' 'Something specific?' Could the Xiao family possibly still have something that could move all of them? Hai Bo Dong furrowed his brow. His gaze flickered slightly, and after a moment, Lady Ya shook her head gently, smiling lightly, "I'm not entirely sure—perhaps it's just a feeling." "Ah, the Yunlan Sect is becoming increasingly strange these days. It's said that Yun Yun has been temporarily removed from her position as Sect Master, and now the Sect is firmly under Yun Shan's control. This old man seems quite different from what he used to be..." Hai Bo Dong sighed, pausing thoughtfully. "Indeed, there have been noticeable changes. Their activities have grown more active, and even the imperial family has grown concerned, sending numerous spies to monitor the Yunlan Sect—this is a marked departure from their previous approach." "Yafei also nodded. The Yunlan Sect used to be powerful, yet never paid attention to ordinary matters. But now... "I have no idea what they're actually doing... Hehe. Let's just wait and see how long they can keep their pride. That young man—I have full confidence in him. When he returns to the empire next time, I believe it will be the very moment when the Yunlan Sect is completely turned upside down." Haibo Dong looked up at the towering mountain peak, chuckling. "Moreover, I have a strong feeling that that day isn't far off..." The fusion of the two distinct flames was slow and prolonged, yet no matter how gradually it progressed, there would always come a moment when it reached its end—when spring warmed the land and the cocoon broke, transforming into a butterfly. Drowsy and drifting, the mind half-conscious, suddenly a subtle, unusual sound emerged quietly from within the spiraling aura. As that sound resonated, the flowing qi within his body instantly ceased. As awareness gradually returned, Xiao Yan first gazed around with a moment of bewilderment, then, with a sudden mental shift, the scene within the spiraling aura came into clear view before him. As the spirit just entered the vortex, a gentle emerald glow surged forth. With a single sweep of the spirit, a deep, bone-tingling joy began to rise slowly from the depths of Xiao Yan's inner being. Within the vortex, the original blend of pale and greenish flames had completely vanished, replaced by a jade-like emerald flame that flowed steadily. At first glance, it resembled a deep green molten lava—though this lava appeared almost delicious, like a fine nectar. "Success?..." Xiao Yan stared silently at the emerald flame, his mind still in wonder. After a long while, he finally took a deep, steady breath. Then, within his spirit, a silent, thunderous roar erupted—how many sacrifices had he made? How many years had he waited for this moment? As the roar surged within him, a flush of red spread across Xiao Yan's eyes, and moisture gently seeped to the corners of his lashes. Back then, when he had been chased out of the Gamma Empire like a dog in distress, journeying all the way to the Cangnan Academy, and even when he heard the news of his family's destruction—still, he had managed to swallow the humiliation, biting his tongue through it all. That very endurance—hadn't it been for this very day? A profound, indescribable joy filled his heart, yet as Xuanyin was about to step out of his meditative state, his face suddenly paled. He clearly sensed that the "Nalings" infused with the emerald flame had suddenly trembled violently. "What on earth is happening? Could this be a side effect of the harmonization of the hetero-flames? My teacher did indeed mention that when hetero-flames merge, certain issues may arise—could it be…?" His heart felt as though gripped tightly by an invisible giant hand, and he could scarcely imagine the sheer madness that would unfold if something went wrong at this very moment. As Xuanyin's mind brimmed with anxiety, the pulsation of the "Nalings" abruptly ceased. Yet he sensed a strange, malevolent flame suddenly spreading from within the "Nalings," swiftly radiating throughout every part of his body. This unusual evil flame posed no special harm to Xiao Yan, yet it caused his entire body to feel intensely warm—a condition reminiscent of having consumed an exceptionally potent spring tonic. "Damn it... So that was the issue all along?" murmured Xiao Yan, his body's qi surging wildly as he attempted to suppress the flame. Yet the fire proved remarkably tenacious; the more he pressed it down, the stronger it rebounded. As a result, after several exchanges, the crimson hue had completely filled his eyes. "I can't hold it anymore..." gasping heavily, Xiao Yan finally stood up, his reason succumbing to desire. With his blazing crimson gaze sweeping across the room, he paused suddenly, fixing it on the nearby alluring beauty—Queen Medusa, her eyes closed. His throat bobbed as if agitated, his face glowing as though on fire, and he slowly, deliberately, took each step toward her. If he were in a clear-minded state and given the courage, he would never have dared to so deeply disrespect the capricious Queen Medusa. Yet now, consumed by passion, he had completely forgotten what it meant to be cautious. He took slow, steady steps toward the Queen. Medusa, seemingly sensing something, suddenly opened her eyes—her once serene soul-body now blazing with an icy, lethal gaze fixed directly upon Xiao Yan. "Are you trying to die?" The soul-body swiftly reentered her body. With her eyes tightly closed, Queen Medusa instantly opened them, her elegant, slender gaze now filled with deadly intent, staring steadily at the steadily approaching Xiao Yan, and roared fiercely. At this fierce, murderous roar from the Queen, Xiao Yan, now utterly out of his senses, paid no attention whatsoever. His face flushed crimson, and his breathing grew labored, like that of a bull. "Ahhh—" Staring coldly at Xiang Yan approaching closer and closer, a surge of killing intent finally flashed through Queen Medusa's eyes. With a graceful gesture of her hand, she first channeled energy to form a red gown upon her body, then launched a vibrant, seven-colored ribbon of energy from her fingertips, which struck squarely against Xiang Yan's chest—yet only momentarily halting his movement. "By the gods...!" Upon witnessing the attack now appearing significantly weaker, Queen Medusa was first stunned, then quickly realized: having just completed the fusion of her souls, she could only muster half her previous strength. Thus, this was the moment when Queen Medusa was at her most vulnerable! "Roar!" A deep, resonant roar erupted from Xiang Yan's throat. His blazing crimson eyes burned with fierce determination, fixed upon the stunningly beautiful form of Queen Medusa—so alluring that it could drive any man mad. With a sweeping motion of his hand, a circle of emerald flames burst forth, tightly ensnaring Queen Medusa's hands. At this moment, Xiao Yan had not the slightest regard for the delicate beauty of the Queen Medusa, nor did he even notice the jade-like wrist of the queen, now scorched a deep red by the emerald flames. Standing before the queen, Xiao Yan's face was flushed, gazing down upon her with an air of superiority, as she had never once offered him a favorable expression. "Xiao Yan, you dare to do what you have done! When I regain my strength, I will crush you to pieces!" Even now, the proud Queen Medusa remained unyielding, her teeth clenched, her tone frosty and resolute. To Xiao Yan, this threat from the queen was entirely insignificant. Once again, a deep, furious roar erupted from his throat. His eyes burned crimson with increasing intensity, and as he leapt into the air, his hands moved rapidly, sending sharp, crisp cracks resonating throughout the molten world.