"Heh, excellent! Brother Xiao Yan truly commands an impressive presence—defeating two senior masters simultaneously, and doing so so swiftly. If this news reaches the Beast Realm, I'm certain it will stir up quite a commotion!" Ao Ming regained his composure first and burst into laughter, growing increasingly impressed with Xiao Yan. Though Ao Ming himself was at the late stage of a two-star Domain Saint, he hadn't been absolutely certain he could best Xiao Yan. The longer he interacted with him, the more he noticed Xiao Yan's quiet depth and hidden strength—his ability to swiftly make decisive choices in supporting others across the three Dragon Islands and the Eastern Dragon Island was a testament to Xiao Yan's exceptional capabilities. Although Xiao Yan currently appeared only at the late stage of a one-star Domain Saint, such a one-star Domain Saint at his age was nearly unprecedented in Ao Ming's decades of cultivation. How remarkable was Xiao Yan's talent—how much further he might grow in the future, no one could truly predict. At his level, making connections isn't just about the present—it also requires assessing the potential of the person involved. In Yao Ming's eyes, Xiao Yan's potential was absolutely staggering. Otherwise, he would have found it extremely difficult to take such decisive actions even after regaining his position of power. The Tian Yao Huang clan wasn't an easy force to deal with. As a fellow one of the Three Great Clans, the Nine Youu Di Ming Mang clan had firsthand experience with this. Over the years, while the Tai Xu Gu Long clan had remained relatively hidden, the Tian Yao Huang clan had emerged as the true dominant power in the beast realm—outshining even the Nine Youu Di Ming Mang clan. "Heard this, Xiao Yan smiled slightly, then gently softened his expression, his voice cool and composed. 'Right now, I don't want to waste any more words with you. Don't doubt my capabilities. If you're truly stubborn, I won't hesitate to make you pay—let the Tian Yao Huang Clan lose a few pieces of flesh.' Seeing the cold intensity in Xiao Yan's eyes, the Phoenix paused, her ready-to-explode accusations swallowed whole. Though she knew little about him, she could clearly sense the sharp, unwavering tone in his words. 'So, what exactly do you want?' she demanded, voice rising in frustration. Each Dou Sheng warrior was a treasure to the Clan. Losing one was a significant sacrifice—especially for a powerhouse like the Tian Yao Huang Clan. If Xiao Yan were to suddenly eliminate Ying Huang and Kun Huang, the Clan would truly be bleeding. 'I don't want anything in particular,' Xiao Yan replied calmly. 'All I ask is that the Tian Yao Huang Clan refrain from getting involved in the affairs of the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan.' "Hmph. Even if we don't intervene, Donglong Island cannot stand against the three Dragon Islands. With the three Dragon Kings united, do you really think Donglong Island's still immature Dragon Phoenix can hold its own?" The Phoenix coldly snapped. "That's none of your concern anymore..." Xiang Yan glanced at the Phoenix, speaking calmly. "Right now, you have two choices: stay or leave. If you stay, I'll join forces with the Spirit of the Demon Clan to capture you, and then eliminate all three of your so-called Celestial Phoenixes. If you choose to leave, simply depart and deliver a message to the Celestial Phoenix Clan—ask them to refrain from interfering." "I'm afraid you may not have the strength. The Kung Phoenix and Ying Phoenix only suffered minor setbacks due to underestimating you. First, you dealt them a heavy blow, then, while they were still recovering, you sealed them both. With you and the Spirit of the Demon Clan working together, I may not be able to match you, but if I fight to the very end, even you won't fare well!" "Heard Xiao Yan handle the capture of his own so lightly, the Phoenix immediately raised her brows, yet she was no ordinary figure—she merely coldly chuckled. "Indeed, you're no ordinary one—the eldest of the Three Heavenly Phoenixes," Xiao Yan smiled, his hands gradually pressing gently upon the foreheads of the Eagle Phoenix and the Kun Phoenix, speaking softly, "Then, let's make a decision—shall we see who acts faster: you unleashing your own power, or me shattering the magical cores of these two?" Upon hearing this, the Phoenix's expression shifted, her jaw clenched tightly as she fixed her gaze intently on Xiao Yan, yet Xiao Yan remained composed, steadily increasing the pressure of his hands. "Very well—I agree. The Heavenly Phoenix Clan shall no longer interfere in the affairs of the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan. Release them, and I will take them away!" After a brief exchange of glances, the Phoenix finally gave in, gritting her teeth. "Ah, you have the spirit—though you may release others, the Nine Phoenixes and these two shall remain." Xiao Yan smiled slightly, extended his hand toward the sealed space, and with a sudden grasp, lifted the startled Jiu Feng mid-air, pulling him to beside him. With a series of swift palm strikes, he completely sealed the Qi flowing within the phoenix's body. "It seems you haven't been sincere about this deal," said the phoenix, her tone cold. "Do you really think I'm a fool? You handed me these people, expecting me to return to the Tian Yao Hong Clan for a period of consolidation, then send in more powerful members?" Xiao Yan sneered. "These three are hostages. If your Tian Yao Hong Clan still insists on being involved in the affairs of the Tai Xu Gu Long Clan, then prepare to see them buried. But if you truly intend to take this opportunity—once the turmoil within the Tai Xu Gu Long Clan is settled—I will certainly release them. The Tian Yao Hong Clan is no ordinary force. I know that if I kill them, it will be a death sentence that will never be forgotten. So as long as you remain consistent, I will absolutely honor my word!" "As for whether you believe me or not, that's entirely up to you. But remember this—right now, I'm not negotiating. I'm... threatening!" Xiao Yan slowly emitted creaking sounds as he gripped the palms of the Eagle-Phoenix and the Phoenix, his gaze cold and still as water, fixed firmly on the Phoenix. "Right now, you must immediately return to the Tian Yao Phoenix Clan and have your clan chief carefully consider whether he wants to keep this future clan leader and the two Supreme Elders, or whether he'd rather continue getting involved in the ancient Dragon of Tai Xu's affairs!" The Phoenix trembled all over, shaken by Xiao Yan's blunt and unyielding tone. In the Tian Yao Phoenix Clan and throughout the Zhongzhou region, she was a prominent figure—what person dared speak to her in such a manner? Yet no matter how furious she was inside, she realized that the initiative now lay firmly in Xiao Yan's hands. Indeed, if she didn't choose to self-explode, she would have to fall into the hands of both him and Yao Ming. The entire expanse of space fell silent, clearly stunned by Xiao Yan's words. "Deliver the people to me, and I'll carry your words back!" Phoenix took a deep breath and finally spoke, her voice darkened with resolve. With a wave of her sleeve, Xiao Yan dispersed the twisted spatial prison. A gust of wind pushed all the powerful members of the Tian Yao Huang clan to gather beside Phoenix, though the Nine Phoenixes and the Kuan Huang and Jing Huang remained firmly in his grasp. "Senior Phoenix..." The senior elders of the Tian Yao Huang clan stood awkwardly beside her, surprised that they had ended up as hostages today. "Shut up! A bunch of useless ones!" "The Phoenix is clearly furious now, instantly shouting out in anger, causing the elders' faces to pale in various shades, yet none dares to speak a word. "Xiao Yan, you have boldness indeed! This matter shall be recorded by the Heaven-Phoenix Clan. Should they suffer even the slightest damage, the Heaven-Phoenix Clan will not rest until we are at odds forever!" The Phoenix turned her cold gaze toward Xiao Yan, speaking with icy composure. Deep within her, she felt deeply frustrated. After all, this was her first time leading the delegation out of the mountain range—only to encounter this calamity so soon upon entering this ethereal space. Not only had her troops been severely weakened, but three of her key hostages had been taken captive. Returning with such a humbled appearance would surely draw countless curious glances. "Ah, Phoenix Elder, please rest assured. As long as the Heaven-Phoenix Clan does not prove untrustworthy, I shall certainly ensure the safety of those three hostages." Xiao Yan smiled slightly, then shifted his tone, saying, "I'll keep a close eye on the movements of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan. Should anything go wrong, I'll send someone's head their way first..." The phoenix's mouth twitched, her eyes blazing with fury, but ultimately she managed to suppress her rage. With a firm stroke of her palm through the air, a rift in space appeared instantly. Without pausing, she stepped into the crack, and behind her, the so-called elders and powerful figures of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan hurried in one after another, eager not to be caught off guard by Xiao Yan at this moment. Once the last of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan's elite vanished into the space rift, the atmosphere grew still. Yao Ming blinked several times, and finally could no longer hold back, bursting into laughter. "Brother Xiao Yan, I rarely admire people, but this time I have to admit it—this Heavenly Phoenix Clan has been thoroughly humbled. If word of this reaches the Beasts' Realm, I'm certain many will be quietly chuckling in the background." "Yao Ming raised his thumb in admiration and laughed heartily. Xiao Yan smiled slightly, then handed the three elders to several senior members of the Nine-Youth Earth-冥 Snake Clan, who quickly grasped them. "A true Battle Saint isn't something that can be easily achieved. If these two elders are lost, the foundation of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan will be seriously weakened—this kind of loss isn't something they can afford." Xiao Yan smiled. Among the few powers on the continent capable of bearing such a cost—there are only a handful—such as the Heavenly Palace Alliance. If even one of their senior figures, like Xiao Dan's Grand Elder or Fire Cloud Elder, were to fall, it would truly be a devastating blow. "What should we do now?" Yao Ming asked with a smile. "Head to the Eastern Dragon Island." Xiao Yan exhaled gently, gradually softening the smile on his face. His gaze drifted toward the depths of the void, listening to the phoenix's words—he now suspected that Dong Long Island was likely under siege from the combined forces of the three dragon islands, and that Zǐ Yán might also be in peril. "Seize the moment and set out," he thought. As he pondered this, a slight furrow formed between his brows. With a wave of his hand, he made no further delay, and in a single motion, launched himself forward at full speed toward the depths of the void. Behind him, Yao Ming, Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lin, and the others swiftly followed.