In the spacious council hall of Feng City, several figures sat in quiet conversation, occasionally exchanging laughter. Graceful maids moved gracefully throughout the hall, serving tea and water to the distinguished guests. "Master Tie is being too polite—each of us simply has what we need." Upon hearing this, Xiao Li offered a calm smile. The three members of the Tie family exchanged smiles, then their eyes naturally turned toward Xiao Li behind him, where three men dressed in robes of the same color stood silently. The three men appeared to be in their thirties, with stern, sharp features. They bore a striking resemblance to one another, suggesting a shared bloodline. Most importantly, the atmosphere emanating from their bodies was noticeable—upon mere sensing, one could immediately perceive that all three were formidable warriors at the Battle King level. The elder of Tian Yin Sect, known as Yin Gu at Black Angle Domain for his shadowed countenance, glanced at the three figures behind Xiao Li and smiled. Xiao Li smiled in return, then waved a hand, saying, "The Yao family brothers aren't under my command—they're merely visiting our Xiao sect as guests." To the others—especially Tie Wu and his companions—their remarks only earned a subtle roll of the eyes. The trio were famously tenacious in Black Angle Domain; if they hadn't come willingly, how could they possibly be expected to stand quietly behind someone, like pillars? As for the conversation unfolding in the hall, the so-called Yao family brothers barely lifted their eyes, their demeanor suggesting that whatever was being said seemed entirely unrelated to them. "As the only woman among the three major powers, Su Mei, the master of the Rojava Gate, lifted her gaze with a seemingly casual, delicate smile and inquired. As she spoke, Iron Wu and Yin Gu Old also gradually paused their actions, their eyes subtly scanning toward Xiao Li, the foremost figure. The popularity of Feng City has grown increasingly formidable, and its profits have become more and more eye-catching. To maintain this solid standing within the Black Corner Domain—a fiercely competitive environment with powerful rivals surrounding it—requires not only impressive strength but also a level of credibility that commands respect. Though the three powers have recently reached an agreement under the strong pressure exerted by Xiao Yan and Medusa, Xiao Yan has not appeared for nearly three months, and Feng City's profitability continues to rise. Given that the three powers have always been formidable, it's only natural that they now harbor other, more subtle intentions. Faced with the intermittently attentive glances of the three leaders, Xiao Li smiled calmly and said casually, "My third brother is someone who doesn't like being constrained. A few weeks ago, he claimed he was heading deep into the mountains to search for herbs for medicinal elixirs—so naturally, he hasn't been able to make an appearance. If any of you miss him, I'll let you know when he returns." On hearing this, the three exchanged smiles. Yin Gu, gently setting down his teacup, added, "Brother Xiao Li, although we did make a promise back then to accompany you to the Jima Empire to deal with our enemies, you know that Yunlan Sect boasts several Douzong-level masters. Without Master Xiao and that one companion with us, we simply wouldn't have dared to go." Xiao Li slightly furrowed his brows—these three were indeed seasoned players, having navigated the Black Angle Region for so many years. Even now, they were still laying out contingency plans for potential issues down the line. "Ah, is there anything about our original agreement that you still find questionable?" he asked with a chuckle. "If so, just let me know directly and I'll speak Just as Xiao Li was about to speak, a soft laugh suddenly echoed from outside the hall, and then two figures slowly approached, moving gracefully under Xiao Li's surprise. Upon seeing the black-robed young man who had appeared unexpectedly, the three members of Tie Wu were momentarily stunned, quickly brightening up and standing up to bow politely, smiling warmly and saying, "Xiao Master, how could we possibly say that? We promised back then, and we certainly won't break our word. Otherwise, how could we face our days in Black Corner Domain?" It's true that everyone benefits when there's wealth—on that point, I have no reservations. But as for those who, once they've received their share, immediately plan to part ways... heh, although Xiao Yan is young, he's not one to hesitate when it comes to firmness. I'm sure you three are well aware of this. Xiao Yan gazed steadily at the three of them, speaking calmly. For such cunning individuals, a well-timed firmness is absolutely essential—Black Angular Domain people prefer firmness over softness. Indeed, upon hearing Xiao Yan's tone, which carried a subtle hint of authority, the three of them each flushed slightly and promptly nodded, affirming their positions. "You needn't worry, I'm merely making a casual suggestion," Xiao Yan said, waving a hand with a smile. "Over the next two months, we may very well make a trip to the Gamma Empire. Please prepare accordingly. Once the matter is settled, I will personally deliver all the Huangji Dan promised to you." "Over the next two months?" "Heard this, the three iron-willed figures were taken aback—wasn't this a bit too hasty? Yet though they murmured in thought, they dared not voice any objections at this moment. Under the strong allure of the vast Emperor's Pill behind them, they hesitated only briefly before nodding and agreeing. 'We'd better swiftly settle matters within the sect,' a thought passed simultaneously through all three. After a few more words with Xiao Yan, they hurriedly excused themselves and departed. Watching the three figures' retreating backs, Xiao Yan gave a slight sigh and coldly remarked, 'Three clever ones—really thinking I'd let them take advantage of my convenience so easily?' 'You've finally returned! These past few months, the affairs of Feng City have truly worn me out,' said Xiao Li, stepping down from his seat and coming to stand before Xiao Yan, patting his shoulder with a smile. 'How has Feng City fared these days?' Xiao Yan asked, smiling. "Very good. Perhaps it was because you initially impressed the Yin and Jin elders, and now, in the Black Angle Domain, few of us are any longer obstructing our progress. Several established merchant houses have also recently settled in the city. The vitality of Feng City's atmosphere is now likely among the top three in the Black Angle Domain. Just think of the profits—over a few months, even if our original mercenary company had worked for two years, they couldn't have matched this." Xiao Li shook his head, marveling at the achievement. "These three are close brothers, all bearing the Yao surname. Though they had never previously joined any faction, their three powerful Du Wang-level warriors constitute a formidable force, earning them some recognition within the Black Angle Domain. In earlier years, they had clashed with the two elder figures—Jin and Yin—and thus have been hiding in the domain ever since. I recently discovered them, and thus brought them on board." Xiao Li explained with a smile beside him. Xiao Yan nodded in understanding, then smiled and addressed the three: "Once you've joined the 'Xiao Sect,' you're now part of the same family. Concern about Jin and Yin elders? Rest assured—they probably still haven't the courage to appear in Feng City." Since their relationship with the two elders had always been strained, Xiao Yan naturally wouldn't exclude these three powerful Du Wang warriors, and upon returning to the Gamma Empire, having more capable warriors under his command was always preferable. Hearing Xiao Yan's words, the Yao brothers also felt a surge of joy on their faces. In recent years, their lives had been quite difficult—Master Jin and Master Yin were so well-known in Black Angular Region that many factions had dared not take them in, for fear of offending those two elderly figures. "Master, as the eldest among the three brothers, I no longer need to mention my name. From now on, simply call me Yao Da, Yao Er, or Yao San whenever you have any matters to assign," the eldest-looking man said respectfully to Xiao Yan. "I'll be heading back to the inner courtyard next. I'll leave the matter of gathering people to you." Xiao Yan smiled. "Got it! Count on me!" Xiao Li grinned, his gaze fixed on the distant southern horizon beyond the hall, a subtle edge of intensity now beginning to ripple across his usually stern features. "Yunlan Sect, the avengers—coming. Are you ready?"