The massive mountain stands alone and serene upon the plain, its towering peaks resembling sharp blades, subtly radiating a piercing sword-like aura that pierces the sky. Amidst the misty clouds, the resonant sounds of drills and the crisp clashing of metal echo clearly. Yunlan Mountain remains much as it was in the past, yet the Yunlan Sect atop it has undergone a profound transformation. The mountain is now dotted with countless hidden sentries, so that anyone who steps within is instantly observed from the shadows—transformed into a fortress of rigorous defense. This is precisely the Yunlan Sect's stronghold. Thanks to its extensive recruitment of disciples, the sect has grown significantly in size compared to three years ago, enabling it to establish a truly vigilant, well-organized defense system with posts every three steps throughout the vast mountain. Yet although the sect's strength has grown formidable, not only outsiders but even some Yunlan Sect disciples have noticed that today's Yunlan Sect is no longer the holy ground believed by all the Jiamar people. Over the past three years, through a series of actions, it has completely ceased to differ from ordinary powerhouses, pursuing expansion at any cost. On the summit of Yunlan Mountain, the vast sect base stretches all the way to the horizon. On the broad plaza, figures dart and move swiftly, mingling with shouts of anger, clashing swords and blades, their sounds merging into a continuous din. Even the faint mist drifting along the sky has been largely dispersed—once a place of serene and transcendent grace, the sacred site now lacks that very aura. At the central peak, an imposing hall stood like a great beast coiled in place, exuding a sense of time-worn grandeur. This hall had been passed down since the founding of Yunlan Sect, preserving a certain air of serene elegance befitting the ancient Yunlan Sect. Yet the cold-faced white-robed guards stationed outside lent the hall a touch of chill and austerity. Inside, many people sat quietly, their eyes filled with apprehension as they gazed at the elder seated at the head of the hall, silent and still, not daring to make a single sound. The elder wore a white robe adorned with cloud patterns; on each of his sleeves, intricate sword motifs were embroidered. As the sleeves moved, the sword patterns seemed tangible, radiating a sharp, tangible sword-like aura. Though his hair was white, his face shone with a delicate luster, giving him the appearance of a young man. The elder gently closed his eyes, and as he slowly opened them, a subtle gleam of cold intensity passed through his calm gaze. Those who happened to catch that gleam instantly felt a cold sweat break out, hastily shifting their gaze, unable to meet his eyes. With such standing in the Yunlan Sect, besides the Cloud Mountain, who else could it be? "Heard this, Yunshan slightly furrowed his brows, saying, 'Send a message to him: within five days, he must secure control of the Ghost-Controlling Pass. Also, arrange for reinforcements to be dispatched from other locations as needed. As long as we hold the royal army in our hands, we needn't fear any disturbances from them.' 'Yes!' The man who had spoken earlier promptly responded upon hearing Yunshan's orders. 'Heh, over the years, the Master has been decisive and far-sighted. Without realizing it, he's gradually embedded Cloudlan Sect disciples throughout most of the key cities in the Gamma Empire. Once the signal is given, it's likely that half the empire will come under our Cloudlan Sect's influence.'" A middle-aged man smiled warmly at Yunshan, his expression notably flattery. "This is merely the first step. Our Cloud Lane Sect's ambitions will not stop at the Gamma Empire. As long as we fully control the Gamma Empire, our strength will surge dramatically. Then, in the southwest region of the Continent, no other power will be able to challenge us. Once our Cloud Lane Sect becomes the dominant force in the southwest, our rise to true continental supremacy will be within reach." Cloud Shan smiled calmly, yet his eyes sparkled with ambition far out of proportion to his age. "Haha, the Master speaks truly. In the past, at the regional sect gatherings in the southwest, we were often content with merely average performance. I'm certain that at the next gathering, those who once dismissed us as shortsighted and timid will find their eyes wide open with astonishment." A chorus of approving laughter followed Cloud Shan's words. Cloud Shan himself managed a faint, composed smile, then waved his hand and said, "How is the matter I assigned progressing?" "Heard this, one of the attendees immediately rose and bowed respectfully, stating, 'Report to the Master: the personnel have been gathered. All that remains is for the Master's command, and then they can proceed directly to the Imperial Capital to uproot the Mitel family!' As he spoke, he paused slightly, hesitating, and added, 'However, Sea Wave Dong of the Mitel family possesses the strength of a Battle Sovereign. If we rely solely on the current personnel, I fear we may not be sufficient...' "Hehe, under the宗主's assistance, the two senior monks, Yun Du and Yun Sha, have also achieved the Du Huang level over the past three years. With their involvement, the sea waves from Hai Bo Dong won't be able to rise much," the one who had just reported smiled, looking at the two elders now standing up. Hearing his somewhat flattery-laden words, Yun Du and Yun Sha smiled in return, then exchanged a glance—within their eyes, a subtle, mysterious black gleam passed unnoticed. "Your task is to eliminate the Mi Ter family and locate the remnants of the Xiao family, as well as any other factions within the Imperial Capital. I should expect no one to intervene—of course, if any faction proves particularly bold, they may be dealt with as well," Yun Shan said calmly, his gaze slowly sweeping across the room. Upon hearing this, Yun Du and Yun Sha nodded again. Having finished assigning tasks, Yun Shan leaned back against the soft chair, waved his hand, and said, "Then, let each of you take up your responsibilities. For now, we'll clear the Mitel family out..." Hearing Yun Shan's dismissal, the guests in the hall promptly nodded and rose, bowing respectfully to him before slowly stepping out. As they departed, the hall grew quiet once more. After this stillness lasted for a while, a shadow in a dark corner of the hall stirred, and then a strange black mist emerged, rising mysteriously. "Remember—this time, no one from the Xiao family is to be spared! Last time, your performance wasn't up to par." The mist swayed and drifted toward the center of the hall, its deep, quiet voice speaking slowly. "What exactly are you looking for in the Xiao family? They're just a small clan—how can they possibly hold something of interest to you?" "Yun Shan furrowed his brow, having been curious and puzzled about this question for a long time. "Questions that shouldn't be asked—better not to ask at all. Some things, once known, may not benefit you. Our Huan Pavilion can elevate you to a Douzong strength, or just as easily reduce you back to your original state." The cold voice echoed throughout the hall, sending a shiver down the spines of those present. "As for this name, Yunshan has it etched deeply in his memory, so upon hearing it, his expression immediately grew somewhat unnatural. He said, 'That young man hasn't sent a word in three years—perhaps he's already forgotten where he died...' 'Hah! I'm afraid this will leave you disappointed,' came a strange laugh from within the black mist. 'A few weeks ago, I received a message from the hall. In the Black Corner Region, thousands of miles away from the Jima Empire, I've seen traces of Xiao Yan's presence. Moreover, that young man's strength has now grown to the point where he can even defeat a Duke-level warrior.' 'Defeat a Duke? How is that possible?' Yunshan's face instantly changed, and he leapt from his chair, exclaiming. Though back then, the boy had indeed used a powerful fire lotus technique to defeat Yun Ling, a warrior of Duke rank, the leap to defeating a Duke-level warrior was a completely different matter—one that seemed as vast as the difference between heaven and earth." "There's nothing impossible... When you let him escape the Gamma Empire back then, that was a mistake, hmph. Perhaps someday, you'll truly fall at his hands." The voice from the black mist was cold and sharp. Cloud Shan's face trembled slightly, and a cold resolve stirred in his eyes. "What good will it do to kill a Battle Sovereign? Back then, I made him flee like a homeless dog. Next time, I can do it just as well!" "Hah! Then I wish you all the luck in the world. But before that, you must secure every remaining member of the Xiao family—otherwise, the Hall Master will truly be furious..." The black mist swayed and drifted, then suddenly vanished in an odd ripple, leaving behind a lingering chuckle. Upon hearing the word "Hall Master," even Cloud Shan, so strong and resolute, grew slightly pale. He gazed at where the mist had disappeared, his fists slowly tightening, a glint of cold, ominous intensity flashing in his eyes. "This time, I will eliminate the entire Xiao family without a single survivor!"