The next morning, atop a mountain outside Tian Dou City, several figures stood in swift motion. Gazing steadily at the vast city below, Xiao Yan exhaled softly and turned to the young physician beside him, saying, "Are you really going with me?" "Yes," the young physician replied calmly. "I've settled all matters within the sect. Even if something happens to me upon my return, it won't matter—having established the Toxin Sect once, I'm certain I can do it again." She spoke with little concern. When she first founded the Toxin Sect, it had been merely a spontaneous endeavor; in terms of dedication and effort, she naturally didn't match Xiao Yan's deep commitment to the Inflame Alliance. Seeing this, Xiao Yan said nothing further, his gaze shifting to Medusa. "Then it's up to you to carry the Inflame Alliance." "As long as I live, the Inflame Alliance will remain standing," Medusa nodded gently, her words resolute. "And should I not return within two years, I will personally ensure that the 'Heaven-Soul and Blood-Infused Pill' reaches you." Staring at that refined and alluring face, Xiao Yan felt a touch of warmth and gratitude—Medusa had indeed helped him so much. "It would be best if you came back yourself," Medusa said, her eyelids slightly lowered, her voice soft. Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, then a gentle smile spread across his face. He stepped forward, hesitated slightly, and gently extended his arms to embrace Medusa. As soon as his arms touched hers, Medusa's body stiffened abruptly. A delicate blush rose on her otherwise cool and composed face, yet she did not shy away. After gently embracing her soft form, Xiao Yan released her and said softly, "Take care." "And you—be careful too. Should you encounter any difficulties that you can't resolve, simply inform me, no matter where you are. I will make sure to come to you," Medusa replied, her lips lightly pressed together, her voice unusually quiet. Such a demeanor, so tender and reserved, in this queen of the serpent race, who rarely blinked when faced with death—was truly rare. Zi Yan, standing by, watched the two with growing boredom, rolling her eyes. It wasn't even just a brief separation—how could it have turned into such a dramatic farewell? Sensing Zi Yan's condescending gaze, Xiao Yan quietly added a few words to Medusa before slowly stepping back. A tremor passed through his shoulders, and his emerald fire wings extended outward. With a single flap, he rose into the air, finally gaining momentum, and swiftly turned toward the horizon. "Medusa, take care. I'll be back to see you soon," Zi Yan said, waving her small hand. With a graceful leap, she too ascended into the sky, quickly following after Xiao Yan. The young healer glanced at Medusa before she was about to rise. At that moment, Medusa suddenly spoke, "Make sure to protect him." A slight pause, and the young physician gazed at the gentle plea that had unexpectedly surfaced in Medusa's usually cold gaze toward her. Her expression softened considerably, and she spoke softly, "He is my only friend. Rest assured, even if I die, I will go before him." "Thank you." "If I return safely and successfully manage the Nightmare Poison, I might have the chance to speak with you in depth." The young physician smiled warmly, then moved gracefully, gliding upward, and finally stepping into the void, her form transforming into a streak of light, swiftly vanishing at the horizon. Standing alone atop the mountain peak, Medusa gazed steadily toward the direction where Xiao Yan and his companions had vanished. After a long while, she finally sighed. She had a strong feeling that this time, Xiao Yan’s departure would last longer than any of his previous absences—and when he returned, his strength might even surpass hers, becoming something she could only admire from afar. ... Three streaks of light raced across the vast expanse of sky, swift as stars and moonbeams, their astonishing speed drawing the attention of many powerful figures within the Yuchun Empire. However, upon sensing the overwhelming strength of the three energies, they all promptly decided against making the journey. The Yuchun Empire's territory was no smaller than that of the Jima Empire, and thus, even at the pace of Xiao Yin and his companions, it took two full days to reach the empire's border. This time, with only three of them traveling, there was no need for them to rely on flying beasts—these travelers moved far faster than such creatures. Had it not been for the large contingent accompanying them initially, Xiao Yin would never have chosen what he considered a rather sluggish mode of travel. After pausing at the border of the Yuchun Empire to examine the maps and determine their direction, the trio immediately resumed their swift flight, racing toward their distant destination. Though the Yun Empire was nearly ten thousand li away from the HeiJiao Domain, Xiao Yan and his two companions were no ordinary travelers. Xiao Yan and Zi Yan were both Divinity Realm masters. Although the use of Divinity Qi wings to travel consumed considerable energy, this was manageable thanks to the numerous Qi-restoring pills Xiao Yan carried. As for Xiao Yixian, who had already reached the Divinity Sect level, she no longer needed to use her Divinity Qi wings to fly—merely by focusing her mind, she could freely draw upon the ambient energies of the natural world. Her method of travel was not only swift but also highly energy-efficient, a level of consumption that amounted to almost nothing for a Divinity Sect master. During this journey of exploration, Xiao Yan and his companions inevitably encountered powerful, formidable beasts within the mountain ranges. Though they did not secure the specific materials they sought, thanks to Zi Yan's unique treasure-hunting abilities, they gathered a considerable amount of rare medicinal herbs—some of which were precisely the ingredients needed to craft the Tian Hún Róng Xuè Dan, a development that left Xiao Yan pleasantly surprised. With these benefits, Xiao Yan and his companions grew increasingly enthusiastic, deliberately choosing mountain ranges known for their fierce and dangerous wildlife. However, the journey was far from smooth—hidden within these formidable ranges were numerous true beasts of great strength. On several occasions, they faced off against seven-tier super-beasts. Had it not been for Xiao Yi's timely intervention, Xiao Yan and Zi Yan would have undoubtedly encountered serious difficulties. After encountering such incidents several times, Xiao Yan had grown more cautious. He no longer dared to enter mountains radiating an exceptionally strong aura at will, for otherwise, one day he might stumble upon a world-class beast capable of defeating even the young He-Shen—something truly entertaining indeed. Amidst the journey and the constant quest for various celestial and terrestrial treasures, the monotony of travel had gradually faded. However, the duration of the journey had significantly extended. According to Xiao Yan's estimation, since leaving the Chuyun Empire, it had now been nearly three or four months—time comparable to the duration of the previous large-scale return to the Jima Empire. Of course, although the journey had taken some time, it had not been entirely without benefits for Xiao Yan. Having traveled for an extended period and fought fiercely against wild beasts in the forests, his aura had grown increasingly fierce and dangerous over the four months. His agility had also improved. Most importantly, through countless battles, Xiao Yan's strength had officially reached the level of Three-Star Duke of the Realm—a development that filled him with great excitement. Indeed, the constant travel and life of eating on the go in the forest had proven immensely beneficial. After nearly five months of such a lifestyle, the endless mountain range finally disappeared from view, giving way to an expansive, deep black plain that stretched out as far as the horizon, appearing like a vast black curtain spreading across the landscape. And as they gazed upon the vast, dark plain that seemed somewhat familiar, the figures of Xiao Yan and his two companions gradually came to a sudden halt. A sense of relief spread across the former's face, and he couldn't help but burst out laughing—his voice resonated like thunder, spreading outwards in all directions from his center. "Blackhorn Domain, Cana College—Xiao Yan is back again!" Seeing Xiao Yan's joyful expression, Xiao Yixian smiled gently, her eyes fixed on the immense dark plain, and murmured softly, "This must be the Blackhorn Domain."