"Indeed, the Black Alliance's chief is no ordinary person—wearing a high-tier storage ring is quite impressive." Xiao Yan gave a slight smirk, firmly removing the deep-blue storage ring from Han Feng's fingers. Storage rings come in different grades, with high-tier ones being exceptionally rare. Even at the auction halls of the Black Angular Domain, they are often priced beyond reach. In fact, over the years, Xiao Yan had never worn a high-tier ring, only managing to use a modest, lower-grade one to make do. Previously, Xiao Yan hadn't placed much emphasis on the requirements for his storage relic. However, since the incident when it unexpectedly shattered during his cultivation practice, he had begun to take it more seriously. He had always kept several valuable items within the storage relic. Thanks to the protective effect of the fallen heart flame last time, those items had remained safe. But he couldn't be certain that such good fortune would continue to hold. Therefore, possessing a high-tier storage relic would indeed provide much greater peace of mind, as high-tier relics were significantly more durable and secure than their lower-tier counterparts. Holding the deep-blue storage relic in his hands, Xiao Yan gently tested his soul energy by attempting to penetrate it—only to be surprised to find that the relic actively reflected his soul energy back. "Indeed, a high-tier storage relic—such protective capabilities are no surprise." With a smile, Xiao Yan also vaguely understood that a high-level storage ring could allow the owner to imprint a soul seal. Thus, even if someone else happened to obtain the ring, they would need to erase that soul seal in order to access the stored items—only then would the original owner become aware of the intrusion. This nearly autonomous protective function was unique to high-level storage rings and a primary reason for their soaring value. Since Han Feng, in essence, had already effectively passed away, Xiao Yan naturally had no concern about being detected. Therefore, a surge of fierce soul energy instantly erupted, forcefully erasing Han Feng's lingering soul seal and immediately imprinting his own upon it. Thus, the high-level storage ring was officially transferred to his ownership! With satisfied contentment, Xiao Yan placed the deep-blue storage ring on his finger, and at once, his soul energy flowed seamlessly into the ring. The exploration lasted only a brief moment before he gradually withdrew his consciousness from within. To his eyes, a sense of undeniable excitement shimmered—over the years, Han Feng had gathered an astonishing array of treasures from the Black Angular Domain. Rare herbs, uncommon outside the domain, were plentiful within the ring, and various cultivation techniques and combat scrolls were neatly arranged, clearly the exchanges made by those who had sought his medicinal alchemy services. Though only a quick glance, the richness of the ring's contents stirred deep enthusiasm in Xiao Yan. Though he had not secured the most vital "Sea Heart Flame" in his victory over Han Feng, he had gained Han Feng's entire fortune—the treasures stored within this deep-blue advanced storage ring were enough to make every elite from the Black Angular Domain utterly enchanted. Queen Medusa gazed at Xiao Yan, who was now chuckling happily while cradling the Na Ji, with eyes still cold. Her brows furrowed slightly, and she sighed with growing irritation. Originally, if she had remained passive today, Xiao Yan would have been certain to die—thus allowing her to exact her vengeance for his contempt. Yet, at that very moment of crisis, when her usually composed heart had suddenly surged with a fierce beat, a subtle pull emanating from her very soul had compelled her to act. "Damn it," she murmured, "eventually, I'll have to settle this matter personally with you!" Gripping her teeth tightly, Medusa was well aware that in her former self, she would not only have stepped in to assist Xiao Yan, but might even have amplified the lethality of the chain attacks, pushing them to even more critical positions. However, these current hesitations were all due to the fusion of the two souls. Though she now held absolute control over her body, the soul of the Sky-Consuming Python was subtly influencing her as well. Having accompanied Xiao Yan for over two years, the Python had grown deeply attached to him, and this attachment—transmitted through the fusion of souls—had gradually and imperceptibly transformed Medusa. Under normal circumstances, once her soul had fully merged with that of the Sky-Consuming Python and her strength had recovered, she should have departed from here and returned to the Serpent People's homeland in Tagoor Desert. Yet, she consistently remains near Xiao Yan—this very presence is a silent testament to the Python's growing affection for him. As Medusa's gaze remained cold and unwavering, Xiang Yan seemed to sense it too, lifting his head with an awkward, embarrassed smile while subtly retreating a few steps. Though he didn't fully understand why this person who seemed determined to have him die instantly would come to save him, he deeply respected and feared the Queen of Medusa—especially now, when he was at his most vulnerable, barely able to muster the strength to flee. "Um, thank you so much, Your Majesty," Xiang Yan stammered, his voice trembling slightly under the Queen's almost detached gaze. "I'll never forget this kindness. I'll repay you when I can!" Staring at Medusa's actions, Xiao Yan's forehead immediately broke into a sweat—this woman truly was capricious. She had just saved him moments before, yet now seemed determined to strike again. "Shhh!" As Medusa's footstep was about to advance, a sudden gust of wind erupted from the heavens, and then Su Qian's elderly figure materialized before Xiao Yan, his eyes alert, gazing intently at the queen. With a bow, he smiled politely, "I wonder, sir, if you are some distinguished guest? Might I ask your name? Perhaps we have known each other before, even if it's through our shared ties to the Gan'an Academy." Su Qian's arrival instantly eased Xiao Yan's anxiety. He carefully shifted himself to the elder's back, speaking softly, "Senior Elder, be cautious—this woman changes her mind as swiftly as she turns a page." Hearing Xiao Yan's soft reminder, Su Qian couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth, unsure of just how much trouble he had gotten himself into. Not only had the person he had offended been relentlessly pursuing him, but what was even more frustrating was that while he had indeed caused trouble, he had specifically chosen to provoke such high-level强者. Should a confrontation arise with this woman, even if he himself were to fight, his chances of victory would barely exceed fifty percent—this was evident from the way the woman had previously stunned the entire "Spirit Palace" delegation with just a single move. Watching Medusa depart, Xiao Yan finally wiped a cold sweat from his forehead, shook his head with a sigh, and muttered, "Meeting someone like this is truly a headache. I really need to find a proper time to talk to her seriously—otherwise, this endless pursuit will never end!" Stirring up a good cough, Xiao Yan felt awkward, shaking his head. At this moment, besides pretending to be confused, he didn't know what else to do—when it came to women, such a situation seemed hardly something to be proud of, even though this woman couldn't be judged by ordinary standards. "Ah well, anyway, just be careful yourself. This woman is truly formidable—my chances of winning against her aren't even strong." Seeing Xiao Yan still unwilling to speak, Su Qian sighed, patting his shoulder. Xiao Yan nodded with a wry smile. "Hm? Is this the Yuhai Storage Ring? You're quite generous—back then, Han Feng had to go to great lengths just to secure this very ring. I didn't expect it to fall into your hands so easily." Su Qian's eyes widened as he noticed the deep-blue storage ring on Xiao Yan's finger, his voice tinged with admiration. Xiao Yan shrugged and smiled, "Just some loot, that's all." "The credit for defeating Han Feng is almost entirely yours, even though it was that woman who delivered the final blow—naturally, no one would have claimed it from you." Su Qian smiled, then turned his gaze toward Feng City, where the walls were crowded with a sea of people. "Now that Han Feng has fallen, the Black Alliance may soon collapse on its own. That persistent thorn in my side will finally be removed." Xiao Yan nodded slightly, expressing a touch of regret. "Unfortunately, I didn't manage to secure the Sea Heart Flame—it had already been refined by Han Feng. When he lost his soul, the flame followed." "With the compensation of the Yuhai Naji Ring, that's quite satisfactory," Su Qian shook his head, gradually smoothing out the smile on his face. "But the most crucial point is that you've now become a target of the 'Spirit Palace.' That mysterious organization isn't comparable to ordinary factions." By the end of the conversation, a trace of concern subtly appeared on his face, clearly indicating that he was deeply wary of the enigmatic "Spirit Hall." Xiao Yan smiled gently, his voice calm as he said, "Even if they don't come looking for me, I'll eventually find them—there's no way I can escape this." Su Qian was momentarily stunned, gazing at Xiao Yan's serene smile, and nodded silently without pressing further. He simply patted Xiao Yan's shoulder and sighed, "For now, focus on healing your injuries. While the organization is still on the horizon, strengthen your abilities as much as you can. Later, you'll come to understand just how formidable they truly are." With that, Su Qian turned and walked slowly toward the plains beyond. Xiao Yan watched Su Qian's gradually approaching figure and smiled. He had anticipated meeting the Huan Pavilion today, but what brought him relief was that, at present, he now possessed both the strength to protect himself and to safeguard the Elder of Medicine. If he had been at his peak today, he was confident he could have repelled that strange black mist. Now, he had just such strength!