Suddenly, gusts of wind erupted high in the distance, followed swiftly by a multitude of small black dots that rapidly coalesced into figures darting past. The wind pressure generated by their swift movement carved deep, water-like furrows across the forested hills below. The sheer presence of these powerful figures sent every beast throughout the mountain range trembling, emitting low, plaintive murmurs—even the more advanced, intelligent high-tier creatures remained silent, aware that this overwhelming force could easily sweep the entire mountain range clean. Xiao Yan gazed toward the horizon of the mountains, and at that moment, a figure flashed past beside him, Su Qian stepping into view and offering a reminder. "Yes, there are indeed many strong individuals in that city. I can sense them, and their energies seem somewhat familiar—seems like most of them were part of the attack back then." Xiao Yan nodded slightly. Thanks to his exceptional soul perception, he could even detect the number of powerful individuals in the city more clearly than Su Qian could. Su Qian, not at all surprised by Xiao Yan's ability, nodded in turn, his expression slightly gloomy. "In the beginning, over the past two years, those scattered factions indeed struggled against the Cangnan Academy. But since the formation of the 'Black Alliance,' we've never managed to gain an advantage." "The Black Alliance has grown so strong?" Xiao Yan furrowed his brows, speaking softly. "Ah, though the Grand Elder of the Canaan Academy is numerous, most of them are only at the Duel King level. In contrast, several leading figures within the Black Alliance are already at the Duel Emperor level. Fortunately, we have a numerical advantage, which allows us to hold our ground. Although I myself am at the Duel Master level, the old man, Jin Ying, who never seems to tire, can constantly keep me occupied. On average, the combined strength of our forces balances out against theirs. However, every time there's a conflict, Han Feng leverages the power of the Unique Fire to swiftly defeat the inner academy warriors blocking him, then joins forces with Jin Ying and the two elders to launch an attack against us. You know, though Han Feng is only at the peak of the Duel Emperor level, his 'Sea-Heart Flame' is so potent that even I have to remain cautious—when he fights us three on one, I often find myself completely helpless." "Though the Inner Academy's strength has grown considerably in recent years, it still pales in comparison to the rise of the Black Alliance's elite. As a pharmacist yourself, you must understand the influence of a Sixth-Rank Pharmacist—how many of the powerful figures in Blackhorn Domain wouldn't eagerly seek a pill crafted by Master Han Feng?" Xiao Xin nodded gently, surprised by Han Feng's ability. In just two years, he had managed to gather a force capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the ancient Cen Academy. While the Cen Academy undoubtedly harbored many true powerhouses, they remained largely inactive—only stepping forward during critical moments. Recall how, during that devastating assault on the Inner Academy years ago, they had not even appeared. Now, with conflicts that were far from severe, their presence was even more unlikely. "Han Feng, I'll take care of him. With the Grand Elder handling the two elder masters—Gold and Silver—I'm confident we'll manage," Xiao Xin smiled. "The two elder masters, though they can temporarily hold their own against me thanks to their twin-like synergy, will inevitably fall behind if the battle drags on. The gap between a Duke Rank and a Sovereign Rank cultivator isn't something that can be easily closed." Hearing Xiao Yan's affirmation, Su Qian finally exhaled in relief and smiled with confidence. "Then that's settled," Xiao Yan nodded, his gaze slightly flickering. After a moment, he suddenly murmured, "Senior Elder, if we achieve a decisive victory and capture Han Feng, could you hand him over to me?" Su Qian was momentarily taken aback, then regarded Xiao Yan with a thoughtful expression, saying, "Are you planning to target the 'Ocean Heart Flame' within him?" Xiao Yan merely smiled, neither confirming nor denying. "The Ocean Heart Flame is indeed an exceptionally rare type of divine flame. However, as far as I know, even alchemists typically master only one type of divine flame at most. You've already surpassed expectations by mastering two—could you possibly go on to control a third?" Su Qian smiled, there being an unspoken significance in his words. Subtly, the hand within his robe tightened, yet Xiao Yan's expression remained unchanged. He offered a calm smile, saying, "To gain strength, one must make sacrifices. The Senior Elder knows I obtained two unique flames, but he doesn't know the intense suffering I endured beneath the molten rock—so severe that, without sheer luck, I might not have made it out alive. Bearing a deep personal grudge, I would hardly have the strength to even consider anything particularly dangerous. Perhaps regaining control of the 'Sea Heart Flame' will still require life-or-death trials. Yet everything comes with a chance. What I seek is merely a modest probability of success—because once I succeed, I will have gained sufficient strength. Should I fail, being consumed by the flames is entirely natural. You're gambling your life once again." "Su Qian stood in silence for a moment, then sighed and said, 'Given your talent, even with ordinary cultivation methods, you'd surely achieve significant accomplishments.' 'But my goal is far beyond that so-called "significant accomplishment,"' Xiao Yan smiled lightly. The ambition in that smile was enough to make even Su Qian, this seasoned observer, feel quietly struck. Only now, after this moment, did he begin to grasp that he had perhaps underestimated this young prodigy who had continually defied expectations... 'Very well. If this time we truly achieve a decisive victory and capture Su Qian, I'll hand him over to you.' Su Qian remained silent for a while before finally nodding. He placed his palm on Xiao Yan's shoulder and whispered softly, barely audible, into his ear, 'Also, if you have the chance, could you kindly extend my regards to the Medic Monarch? The former headmaster and he once shared a cordial relationship.' The emerald flame wings pulsing behind him suddenly stilled, and at that moment, Xiao Yan's eyes slightly narrowed as he turned his gaze to Su Qian, who was smiling warmly beside him, "How did you sense it?" "Don't underestimate a Dao Cong cultivator's keen perception," Su Qian said, waving gently at Xiao Yan. "I've actually met the Medicinal Sovereign before—though back then, I hadn't yet reached this level of prominence." "Rest assured, I won't reveal this to anyone. However, given your deep resentment toward Han Feng, I suspect the Medicinal Sovereign's demise might have been connected to him in some way." The tense body gradually relaxed, and Xiao Yan silently nodded. In his heart, however, a sudden sense of ease settled in. Now, he was no longer the young Douling from two years ago. With his current strength, if he gave his full effort, even Su Qian could not defeat him. Thus, even if the news of the old medicine master were to come to light, he was confident he could protect his teacher. As this thought passed through his mind, he recalled the past events, and a gentle smile appeared on his lips. Over the years, the young boy who once relied on the old medicine master's protection had, without realizing it, transformed into a true powerhouse. Now, Xiao Yan finally soared beyond the old master's wings, flying freely through the skies. "Ah, then thank you very much, Senior Elder, for keeping my secret safe." Xiao Yan smiled and bowed to Su Qian, then suddenly turned his head, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. There, the lush mountain ranges gradually faded, and further ahead, those familiar essences grew ever more distinct. "It's here," Su Qian said, lifting his eyes, a glint of frost in his gaze. His voice cut sharply, resonating clearly in every listener's ears: "If we are to redeem the shame of those rogue attacks on our inner courtyard, it will be today!" "Yes!" A chorus of voices rose from the sky, harmonizing in perfect rhythm. The collective momentum surged dramatically—so powerful was the wave of气势 that even the clouds above were shattered into countless fine white fragments, scattering across the heavens. "Whoosh! Whoosh!" Far off in the distance, dark silhouettes streaked across the sky like meteors, rushing swiftly toward the city in the Black Corner Region, renowned for its prestige. … The immense aura radiated by the powerful figures within the inner courtyard was not concealed at all. Even before their physical presence reached the city, this overwhelming pressure had already enveloped the entire Feng City, instantly silencing the once bustling urban scene. A wave of stunned gazes turned toward the direction from which the aura emanated. "Who dares to challenge our Feng City?" Not long after the aura of the inner courtyard's elite had begun to envelop the city, a large group of figures suddenly burst forth from the magnificent manor at the city's center, spreading out and hovering in the sky. Leading the group, a figure dressed in a refined alchemist's robe, emitted a cold laugh interwoven with the surge of ki, which rolled across the heavens like thunder, resonating with a deep, resonant boom. As the numerous figures shimmered across the sky, a surge of excitement rippled through the city of Fengcheng. As the rightful lord of Fengcheng, Han Feng's reputation here was unmatched. Of course, the people of HeiJiao Region revered strength above all—Han Feng's prestige stemmed precisely from his own prowess. Should a stronger figure emerge, however, his standing might suddenly diminish. Han Feng slowly scanned the array of powerful figures appearing in the inner courtyard, his gaze finally halting abruptly—right at the source of that intense, flame-like aura that even the "Sea Heart Flame" had once feared! "Unexpectedly... it's you... Xiao Xiang!" His face subtly tightened, and his low, grave voice resonated across the heavens. With the name now known throughout the Black Thorns Region, the entire city erupted once more.