Laughter echoed through every corner of the Imperial Capital, yet it seemed like a spell, causing everyone's bodies to instantly stiffen, as if turned into statues, motionless... Xiao Yan? This name, once slightly unfamiliar, initially met with a look of bewilderment among the crowd. Over three years, it was easy to forget many things—often, just a small trigger was enough to bring it back to memory. Now, under the weight of this laughter, many people's expressions of confusion persisted for a while before suddenly erupting into gasps. "Xiao Yan? Is he the one who caused such a commotion in the Cloud Ranges Sect three years ago?" "Didn't they say he had died during the pursuit and siege at the Cloud Ranges Sect?" "Nonsense! He had merely been driven out of the Jiamatri Empire by the Yunlan Sect, yet he had already grown so strong in just these three years—what a remarkable feat! Seems the Xiao family was the one that was destroyed by the Yunlan Sect, right? Heh, didn't you hear what he said? The debt collectors have returned—the Yunlan Sect. Well, looks like this time, they're finally going to repay their blood debt! Three years ago, Xiao Yan had already shaken the Yunlan Sect to its core and even killed its Grand Elder. From the way he moved earlier, he clearly has grown stronger since then. Heh, the Yunlan Sect won't be able to boast much longer. The murmurs throughout the city kept spreading, and within a short time, they reached every corner of the capital. Once again, the young black-robed figure bearing a heavy measuring rod was recalled from memories dating back three years. … On the towering spire within the imperial city, Jia Lao gazed upward at the young man in black robes, his emerald-flame wings vibrating. Though he had already discerned the youth’s identity from his aura earlier, now that Xiao Yan had truly revealed himself, the royal guardian could not help but let out a long, deep sigh. His eyes sparkled with a sense of relief, and he smiled warmly, saying, “I never thought it—truly never thought it—this one would actually return again! Hah! The Yunlan Sect’s ambitions might not be so easily realized this time!” “Granduncle, that is…” Tian Ye slowly regained his composure from the shock caused by the single punch that had shattered the four Cloud Commanders. As he heard the name, which seemed vaguely familiar, he furrowed his brows slightly and spoke softly. “Do you remember the rock-fox from the Herbalist’s Grand Assembly back then?” Jia Xingtian smiled. The glow in Feng's eyes flashed, and Yao Ye finally remembered the rising star from the Imperial Capital three years ago, a look of astonishment sweeping across her delicate features. "So it was him... Didn't he flee the Yunlan Sect and become a fugitive from the Jima Empire?" "He left, of course—he could always return," added Jia La with a smile. "I told you back then that he was no ordinary talent. Well, three years ago, his true strength was only that of a Grand Combatant. But now, observe the sharpness of his attacks and the speed he displayed just now—by the way he moved, I'd say even I might be outmatched!" Hearing this, Yao Ye was instantly struck by surprise. She knew all too well Jia Xingtian's capabilities—within the Jima Empire, only the old, somewhat dull master from Yunlan Sect could possibly surpass him. Yet this Xiao Yan, though only barely in his twenties, had clearly achieved something extraordinary. A strong cultivator of about twenty years old, upon recalling this, even with Tianye's usual composure, momentarily lost his composure—this individual truly is formidable. "My grandfather's discernment is indeed sharp; fortunately, we did not become adversaries back then." Tianye gently拍d his full, tender chest, expressing a sense of relief. "Ah, I did indeed believe this person would prove exceptional even then, yet I never expected that in just three years, he would achieve such remarkable progress." The elder sighed, then a touch of satisfaction and amusement spread across his face. "Well, that's settled. With Yunlan Sect now having eliminated the Xiao family and thus becoming the Xiao family's eternal rivals, the addition of Xiao Yan as such a powerful figure to the Jia Ma Empire is most advantageous. Now, I no longer need to be overly cautious about Yunshan!" "Tianye, remember—after today's affairs have settled, make an effort to meet with Xiao Yan. At the very least, secure some favorable impressions of our imperial family in his mind," the elder added, after a brief pause. Gazing upward at the young man in black robes, his emerald wings vibrating, a subtle spark of recognition flickered in Yao Ye's eyes. Indeed, he was a true prodigy. "I propose we immediately deploy our military forces to counter Cloud Lake Sect's offensive. Though arriving now may not be a timely rescue, it's better than waiting until all the complications have settled—by then, even if we make a goodwill gesture, its impact may be negligible," Yao Ye said, her long lashes gently fluttering. Her voice, soft and measured, revealed a keen strategic mind—something that naturally distinguished her as a ruler capable of becoming the Empress of Jia Ma. Upon hearing this, Jia Xingtian hesitated briefly, then firmly nodded. He knew that any further indecision at this moment would seem foolish. With the emergence of figures like Xiao Yan, Jia Ma now held a genuine advantage should a conflict with Yun Shan inevitably arise. Seeing Jia Xingtian nod, Tian Ye immediately felt relieved and, without further hesitation, promptly turned around to issue her commands... Wood Chen beamed with confidence, and the rest of the Wood family members could only nod with weary smiles, sighing inwardly. Who could have imagined that the once-panicked, nearly hunted figure, who had been chased like a fugitive, would truly achieve a level capable of genuinely challenging Yunlan Sect within just three years? ... At the Nalan family, the atmosphere was notably stiff and subdued compared to the laughter and chatter from other areas—this very stillness began with the moment Xiao Yan’s light chuckle had settled, causing Nalan Jie’s body to freeze completely. "Oh…" A deep, bitter sigh escaped Lan Jie, as he slowly waved his hand with a weary air. "I don't know whether Xiao Yan will still pay us any attention, but for the sake of the family, you should make an effort to get in touch with him." "Father, it's all due to Yanran Miss's temper back then. If only she hadn't been so difficult..." Lan Su couldn't help but say, gazing at his father's discouraged expression. "It's not entirely her fault. Back then, when Xiao Yan helped me expel the poison, he was ultimately pursued and killed by Yunlan Sect, yet I, fearing Yunlan Sect, never stepped in. Given Xiao Yan's nature, I'm certain he wouldn't have forgotten this. So, there's also my share of responsibility..." Lan Jie sighed bitterly, self-consciously adding, "I never thought, in my old age, I'd end up blind and forgetful to such an extent..." Lan Su remained silent, sensing the depth of regret swirling within Lan Jie's heart. Yet, in this world, there was no remedy for regret. "Hai Bodo murmured softly, only regaining his composure after a moment, gazing at the young face that seemed faintly familiar, his face gradually lighting up with joy: "You've finally come back, kid!" Seeing Hai Bodo's visibly excited expression, Xiao Yan smiled as well. Yet before he could delve into further details, an incredulous exclamation rang out: "Xiao Yan? How is that possible? You're still alive?" I had said back then that I, Xiao Yan, would return... The expression on Yun Du's face shifted dramatically as the sudden appearance of Xiao Yan completely disrupted their original plans. Fortunately, this young man remained just as solitary as he always had—with Yun Lan Sect's vast influence, no matter how many times Xiao Yan returned, he would still find himself at a disadvantage! "Such an arrogant youngster! We don't even need the Sect Master to intervene—we've long anticipated someone bold enough to get in our way!" Rising to his feet, Yun Du suddenly sneered, then swiftly drew out a signal tube from his storage amulet, tugged it hard, and instantly, a brilliant burst of fireworks surged skyward, spreading out across the distant heavens. Not long after the fireworks erupted, several sharp cries of alarm rose suddenly from beyond the Imperial Capital. Within moments, five streaks of light swiftly traversed the space and materialized on the sky above. And as the five figures materialized, waves of astonishment erupted throughout the city. There, the five radiant streams of aura wings—these five individuals were all powerful warriors at the Duke King level! It was clear that Yunlan Sect had truly invested heavily in ensuring a seamless elimination of the Mitel family. With seven Duke Kings and two Duke Emperors, such an imposing lineup once again caused the entire city to gasp in awe. Yunlan Sect's strength was indeed formidable—today, even with Xiao Yan's strong return, it seemed he would struggle to gain much advantage. Xiao Yan smiled and nodded, then gently lifted his gaze toward Yun Du, suddenly chuckling, "The setbacks I've faced before—do you think I'll be completely unprepared to repeat them?" As he spoke, Xiao Yan lightly clapped his hands, and the sound of the clap surged like thunder, spreading across the sky. At the sight of Xiao Yan's gesture, Yun Du and the others were momentarily stunned. Instantly, a few gusts of wind broke through from the rear. As those gusts sounded, the crowd's eyes quickly shifted, and all of them now stared in wide-eyed wonder at the swiftly approaching figures coming from beyond the imperial capital's sky—ten or so figures, their battle-energy wings vivid and strikingly brilliant. "Then, let us return the favor with equal measure," Xiao Yan said, his tone lighthearted. At the same moment, Yun Du and the others' faces turned pale—so pale they seemed to have lost all color.