Xiao Yan stepped out of the conference room with a slightly gloomy expression. As he looked up, he noticed Lin Yan standing at a distance, and gradually saw his own demeanor lighten. He smiled at the latter. "I didn't expect you to still be staying in the Inner Courtyard." Taking a slow step forward, Xiao Yan smiled. "I told you back then that I wanted to go with you to the Gamma Empire." Lin Yan shrugged, smiling. Over the past two years, he had matured considerably—his earlier restlessness had faded away. Xiao Yan was momentarily surprised, then smiled warmly, touched that Lin Yan remembered his words. It was unexpectedly moving. "Don't worry. Once I've settled a few matters, I'll return to the Gamma Empire, and I'll definitely bring you along." Xiao Yan chuckled, his gaze sweeping over Lin Yan, then smiled. "Over the past two years, you've really come a long way—now you've even reached the level of a Battle King." "Ah, how could I possibly compare to you, this constant perfectionist?" Lin Yan shook his head with a wry smile. Over the past two years, even though his cultivation talent was solid, he had only reached the level of Three-Star Battle Sovereign—far behind Xiao Yan's progress, which left him feeling deeply inferior. Yet he wasn't aware that Xiao Yan's remarkable ascent had come at the cost of countless hardships far exceeding those of ordinary cultivators. Xiao Yan smiled lightly and didn't dwell on the topic further. "Next, are you heading to your second brother's place?" Lin Yan asked, smiling. "I know something about your second brother—back then, I was sent out by the Senior Monastery Elder to secretly protect him. But later, after he strengthened his own power, he discovered me and even nearly fought me." "How strong is your second brother now?" Xiao Yan slightly furrowed his brow, a lingering sense of unease lingering in his heart. "Very strong. On his own, I wouldn't be able to match him, especially since his Qi is of the Thunder type, with exceptional offensive power—ordinary Duke-level warriors simply wouldn't stand a chance against him. Still... I always sense something slightly odd about his aura, though I can't quite put my finger on it." Lin Yan paused and said. "Slightly taken aback, Xiao Yan pondered for a moment, then nodded. It was natural that he wouldn't show off strength when his second brother's life was at stake—but still..." "Where should I gather the people? The senior elders from the inner courtyard will likely be assigned to the Grand Elder to prepare for the great battle against the 'Black Alliance.' I'm afraid they won't be able to spare the resources." Xiao Yan said, somewhat hesitant. "Didn't you forget about the 'Pian Gate'? Now both Wu Hao and Hu Jia have reached the peak of the Du-Ling stage, and both are nearing the Du-Wang level. Besides them, there are at least ten other Du-Ling peak cultivators within the Pian Gate—this is no weak force at all. Not to mention Zi Yan, the powerhouse of raw strength. And, coincidentally, I've also had ample time recently. With all these forces gathered, we can certainly stand up to the top-tier strength of Black Angle Domain." Lin Yan chuckled, saying. "I never imagined that the small 'Pian Gate' back then had grown so strong. It seems Wu Hao and Hu Jia have managed it well." Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, then somewhat moved. Back then, when he was dragged down into the depths by the fading Heart Flame, it seemed that not a single disciple from the Pan Sect had reached the peak of Douling. Now, however, their strength had grown so formidable. "As the strongest faction within the Inner Courtyard, this foundation is quite reasonable. Of course, the Pan Sect's current strength would not have been possible without your and Xun'er's influence—no one else could match that impact," Lin Yan smiled. "With your standing within the Pan Sect, as long as you raise your voice, I'm certain at least a hundred disciples would be filled with passion and rush to the Black Angle Domain to rescue your people. To them, you are truly a divine figure." Xiao Yan nodded slightly, somewhat surprised that despite his near-total absence over the past two years, he still commanded such a high reputation. "By the way, among the forces that went to besiege your second brother, there's an old rival of yours—the Blood Sect. That so-called Douhuang powerhouse was none other than Fan Lao, the one from back then." As if suddenly remembering something, Lin Yan said. "Fan Lao?" "Slightly taken aback, Xiao Yan's lips slowly curled into a cold smile as he said, 'Well, back then he managed to escape by luck. Now let's see if he can still be so fortunate.' 'Then, since you've agreed, take me to the Pan Gate now. This matter cannot be delayed any longer—otherwise, things will change.' 'Agreed.' ... The Pan Gate. In the spacious hall, a steady stream of enthusiastic and reverent glances were fixed upon the black-robed young man, who smiled warmly. Some of the older members of the Pan Gate were so excited they could hardly contain themselves. 'Heh, everyone,' said Wu Hao, gazing at the dense crowd, 'he's currently in need of personnel. If any of you feel you've met the requirements and are willing to take on the challenge of venturing into the Black Corner Domain, then step forward.' 'Boom!' A resounding wave of footsteps echoed through the hall as nearly forty figures stepped forward, their faces filled with excitement. Gazing at those figures who stepped forward without the slightest hesitation, even with Xiao Yan's steady composure, a subtle touch of emotion stirred within him, rising like a sense of satisfaction. "Fourteen at the peak of the Du Ling stage, the rest are strong Du Ling cultivators—how about that? Is it enough?" Zi Yan glanced at the ones who had stepped out and then turned to Xiao Yan. "Yes, quite enough," Xiao Yan nodded with a smile, patting her head gently and said, "It's been two years since we last saw each other, and you still haven't grown up, haven't you? Hehe. Don't worry—I'll help you craft a genuine Hua Xing Dan. Then you'll be able to freely change your form." Though initially a bit reluctant to hear the first part of the statement, Zi Yan's face lit up with joy upon hearing Xiao Yan's last remark. While her strength had grown steadily over the past two years, the persistent challenge of maintaining her youthful, childlike physique had been a source of ongoing concern. "This is about par for the course. You've been missing for two years and have left me with two years of subpar herbs—consider that my compensation." The young girl, acting maturely, patted Xiao Yan's arm, her gem-like eyes sparkling with endearing warmth. Xiao Yan smiled, looked up at the enthusiastic crowd filling the hall, and said, "I won't waste time on formalities. Once this is settled, I'll definitely treat everyone to a grand feast!" Hearing Xiao Yan's words, the crowd burst into laughter. Though he had been absent for two years, his reputation had grown richer and more refined over time. Indeed, simply thinking of the true leader of Panmen reappearing now filled them with renewed strength and vitality. "Let's go!" With a sweeping gaze around the hall, Xiao Yan suddenly raised his hand and strode decisively toward the door. Behind him, a large contingent of troops followed with eager enthusiasm. Such a large contingent moving through the inner courtyard naturally caused a significant commotion. As people turned their gaze toward the black-robed young man leading the group, many gasped, clearly recognizing his identity. "Hehe, Grand Elder's kindness—when I return, I'll personally thank you." Xiao Yan smiled and bowed slightly toward the inner courtyard. Then, with a swift wave of his hand, he roared, "Let's go!" As the voice echoed, a large group of figures darted swiftly forward, eventually vanishing beyond the silver-energy gate. Even after Xiao Yan and the others had disappeared, the silver gate gently rippled, then gradually faded, until it was completely gone. Hearing this, the elder could only sigh and nod, for Black Horn Domain was filled with people who never hesitated to kill. "Go inform all the inner court elders. Gather three days from now—this time, we must completely shatter the 'Black Alliance!'" With a sharp glint in his eyes, Su Qian raised his hand and spoke coldly. "Yes!" At these words, the elder was momentarily stunned, then responded solemnly, his form swiftly moving as he quietly stepped out of the room. Inside the room, silence settled gently. Su Qian's gaze flickered, and after a while, he suddenly clenched his fists tightly, his cold voice echoing steadily throughout the quiet chamber. "All grievances—this time, let them be settled once and for all!"