Amid the vast sky, several small black dots appeared faintly. After a while, the dots gradually grew larger and eventually transformed into a group of fifteen massive griffins roaring past. On the leading griffin, Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes toward the distant horizon, then turned slightly to Wu Hao beside him, asking, "Have we now entered the territory of Black Angular Domain?" Wu Hao nodded, retrieved a scroll of maps from his storage seal, slowly unfolded it, and pointed to a specific region, saying, "According to the latest reports, the major forces of the 'Black Alliance' are heading toward this area. Your second brother, Xiao Li, should also be here. At our current pace, we'll reach the destination by morning tomorrow." Xiao Yan slightly nodded, calming his initially eager thoughts, then settled himself onto the spacious back of the griffin, closing his eyes and meditating. Thanks to the excellent long-distance flying creatures like the griffins serving as transportation, Xiao Yan and the others were spared the tedious travel and the numerous complications of the Black Horn Domain. As a result, they had gradually approached their destination within just one night—something that would have taken no less than four or five days on foot, even with smooth progress along the way. Standing atop the griffin, Xiao Yan gazed out toward the distant mountain ranges veiled in a light mist. As they drew nearer, his growing sense of unease intensified. After lingering in a somewhat restless state for several minutes, he finally could no longer contain his emotions and turned to Lin Yan and Wu Hao, saying, "I'll go ahead. You all catch up as quickly as you can." Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Wu Hao and the others were momentarily stunned, yet did not offer any objections. With their current strength, even within the Black Angular Domain, it would be difficult to find someone who could outmatch him. Moreover, Xiao Yan was no mere rookie—he possessed considerable combat experience and other strengths, making them genuinely confident in his abilities. Thus, Wu Hao and the others merely offered him a habitual reminder to stay cautious. The emerald flames of the dual wings gently fluttered, and Xiao Yan instantly leapt down from the lion-hawk's back. With several swift wingbeats, his figure transformed into a streak of shadow, swiftly vanishing from everyone's sight. "Ah, it seems we'll have to speed up then, or else by the time we reach there, everything will have already been taken care of," Lü Hao chuckled, waving his hand. A dozen lion-hawks roared in unison, then surged forward with their massive wings beating against the wind, gliding swiftly through the air. ... This was a region of complex terrain, a mountainous area dotted with towering trees that rose like pillars straight into the sky, blocking the sunlight and casting the interior of the mountains in a dim, shaded light. Deep within the mountains, a spacious settlement stood sheltered beneath the dense canopy of lush trees, its presence concealed by the thick foliage. Unless one specifically sought it out, it was easy to overlook entirely. The entire village was remarkably quiet, yet the figures moving about were numerous. These dark silhouettes stepped silently, swiftly gliding across the pathways, creating a sense of tension throughout the village—yet without any sign of haste or disorder. On the elevated platform at the village's center, a figure wrapped entirely in black robes stood upright and resolute. From the thick scent of blood emanating from the robe's fastenings, even at a distance, the aroma was distinctly perceptible. Yet to the nearly hundred figures in black standing below the platform, this scent went unnoticed. They remained still and perfectly aligned. The only sounds heard were the soft rustling of the black garments stirred by the breeze, and the faintest footsteps. In the quiet atmosphere, a sudden black silhouette streaked from afar, landing single-kneed at the base of the dais, and reported in a low, steady voice: "Head, according to our covert investigations, the seven or eight hidden outposts we've established deep in the forest have all been quietly eliminated. The traces we've found within the forest suggest our presence has been detected. Now, this location is no longer safe." "So the Black Alliance has finally moved against us," said the figure in black robes, his voice calm and detached. He slowly lifted his gaze, sunlight streaming over the young face, which seemed to radiate a quiet stillness—clearly, it was Xiao Lin's second brother, Xiao Li! "How many of them have been dispatched to surround us?" Though the news was deeply concerning, Xiao Li's expression remained unshaken. With eyes devoid of emotion, he glanced at the figure below and said softly, "At least two hundred, all of them strong in capability, and well-coordinated among themselves." "The shadow figure replied without hesitation. "Who is leading the force?" "I haven't personally seen them, but among the forces we've been fighting, I've spotted members from the Blood Sect. In the worst case scenario, the leader is likely to be Master Fan Lao, the sect's abiding patriarch." "Fan Lao, then?" His eyes slowly narrowed, and after a pause, a cold smile spread across Xiao Li's lips—seeming to suggest a significant grudge between the third brother and this ever-living elder. Back then, during the assault on the inner courtyard, Fan Lao was among the top-ranking warriors. "Well, with time running short, let it be today—let me see this life end with my third brother's as a burial companion." Xiao Li said with a grim smile, then lightly waved his hand, his calm voice echoing throughout the hall: "Sniper unit, infiltrate the forest and fight their way back, gradually wearing down their strength. Remember—even if you fall, you must drag one behind you as a sacrifice. Otherwise, that death will be utterly meaningless!" "Understood!" "Nearly half of those below suddenly responded in unison, then swiftly moved, their silhouettes weaving through the shade, eventually leaping out of the encampment and vanishing into the vast forest. For the seemingly certain fate of death, they offered no hesitation or question—because anyone who had entered the ambush squad and doubted Xiao Li's words had already been eliminated. Those who remained were nearly all who had fully entrusted their hearts and even their souls to Xiao Li." "Others, defend the encampment and remain on high alert!" "Yes!" The remaining figures responded in perfect harmony, then swiftly moved, darting into the shadowed corners of the encampment, their sharp, blackened daggers slowly radiating a cold gleam. Staring coldly at the figures now gone, Xiao Li slowly closed his eyes, a faint, stillness of death surrounding him, like a harbinger of the end. "Third brother, just wait—soon, I'll have someone to take your place!" … The lush forest, at dawn, suddenly erupted in countless piercing, agonizing cries, the wails echoing through the mountains and sending chills down every observer's spine. In the shadowed forest, countless figures radiating fierce combat energy surged forward, swiftly advancing toward their target. Yet as they did, dark silhouettes burst forth from the forest shadows, sharp blades flashing with a sharp, cutting sound—each stroke accompanied by the subtle thuds of flesh being severed and blood splashing forth. Though the sudden ambush inflicted significant losses on the unit, these warriors clearly possessed considerable combat experience, enabling them to swiftly stabilize the situation through sheer numbers. Thus, a fierce, almost brutal clash between the two forces began… "The head: our ambush team has lost more than half its members, though the enemy's casualties are nearly double. Still, this incoming force consists entirely of elite warriors from the major factions, with three Battle Kings and one Battle Emperor joining in! Our assassinations haven't yielded particularly significant results." The voice, low and somber, came from a figure in shadow below. Xiao Li's face remained calm, merely offering a slight nod. "Given their current momentum, they'll reach our outer perimeter within the next ten minutes." "Disperse and prepare to fight to the last." Xiao Li lifted his chin slightly, speaking with quiet assurance. Though Xiao Li had never uttered a single word about retreat, the otherwise motionless figures in black moved without a single protest—each executing his orders precisely. Observing the scattered figures, Xiao Li raised his gaze toward the distant forest, his expression now blazing with fierce determination. The actual situation was even worse than the shadow figure had reported. Just a few minutes later, figures began appearing in the forest, one after another flashing into view, and within a short span of time, the entire mountain stronghold was completely surrounded. At the sound of Fan Lao's command, three Supreme King-level warriors standing behind him instantly flashed fierce glares. With a low roar, their three figures surged forward, radiating powerful momentum, like meteoric bodies plunging from the sky. Together, they swept down with such force that even the air itself seemed to moan under their impact. A fierce roar burst forth from the mouths of the three Dou Wang强者, clearly demonstrating their seamless coordination and mutual trust—men known for their ruthlessness. Together, they launched a powerful joint assault, three streams of robust Dou Qi sweeping across the sky, eventually intertwining into a spiraling triangular cone that surged directly toward Xiao Li. "An ordinary Dou Wang? Daring to challenge the 'Black Alliance'? Truly lacking in self-assessment!"范Lao sneered, a cold edge in his voice, as he watched Xiao Li appear remarkably small beneath the overwhelming force of the three attacks. Fixing his gaze intently on the fierce onslaught rushing toward him, Xiao Li shook his lance, causing a surge of silver light to radiate from the tip. Thunderous rumblings gathered at the spearhead, and instantly, a silver Dou Qi surge, resembling a serpent of lightning, shot forth and collided powerfully with the three incoming attacks. "Boom!" A tremendous roar echoed through the air, and a fierce energy surge radiated outward from the heavens. As this powerful gust spread, Xiao Li and the three Dou Wang强者 alike were knocked back several steps. Clearly, however, Xiao Li suffered more—his low, muffled groan indicated he had sustained a minor injury during direct impact. Although Xiao Li was strong and resolute, he still fell far short of opponents like Fan Lu, a Supreme Sovereign-level master. Such a direct confrontation naturally proved to be his greatest disadvantage. As a result, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, retreating violently across the ground with both feet, until his back collided with a massive boulder. The force of his impact released, instantly causing countless cracks to spread across the stone behind him—seeming only a matter of time before it collapsed. "Third brother, Brother Er is utterly incompetent—he couldn't even manage to secure a backup to take your place." Gazing at the blood spear rapidly expanding within his pupils, Xiao Li's lips slowly curled into a bitter smile as his eyes gently closed. In his heart, he murmured in quiet resignation, "Indeed, it seems Heaven has forsaken our Xiao family..." "Crack!" Just as the blood spear was about to strike Xiao Li, a subtle thunderclap suddenly resonated across the sky. Instantly, a sudden emerald-green wall of flame surged forth before him, appearing abruptly before Fan Lu's face, which had instantly paled. The blood spear, upon touching the flame, melted swiftly—like snow encountering boiling oil—while emitting a steady hissing sound. "Who are you? Our Black Alliance operates with independence—please, don't interfere!" Fan Lu, his expression darkened, turned his gaze sharply upon the unexpected emerald flames and barked out sharply. "Ah, Fan Master, it's been two years since we last met—your prestige has only grown stronger! Back then, you barely escaped with your life. I wonder if today, you'll still be so fortunate?" A soft laugh rose gently across the sky, and then, amidst a series of astonished gazes, a figure in black robes mysteriously materialized in the heavens.