"You're returning to the Central Plains? Then I'll join you as well..." Hearing the conversation between Xiao Yan and the others, Zi Yan smiled and said. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was slightly taken aback, saying, "You're going too? The Eastern Dragon Island has just endured a great battle. If you leave now, it might not be the most favorable timing." Naturally, he knew that Zi Yan wished to assist him in securing the Pure Lotus Demon Flame, and with a four-star Battle Saint-level strength at his side, their chances of success would surely improve. But currently, the Eastern Dragon Island... "Nothing to worry about. The three Dragon Kings have sustained severe injuries—West and South Dragon Kings are now effectively disabled. It's uncertain when they'll recover. The elders will handle the Eastern Dragon Island matters thoroughly." Zi Yan winked at Xiao Yan and smiled, "You've gone to great lengths to assist me this time. I should repay you something, after all." "Seeing Zǐ Yán's determination, Xiao Yan hesitated slightly before finally nodding. With the Net Lotus Divine Flame at stake, the Soul Palace would certainly intervene, and they would no longer underestimate him. The warriors they dispatched would surely be strong. Having Zǐ Yán—such a formidable companion—would greatly enhance their security." "When shall we set out?" Seeing Xiao Yan agree, excitement sparkled in Zǐ Yán's eyes, and her tone carried a clear sense of eagerness. Xiao Yan glanced at her with a slightly puzzled expression. Had she grown bored of staying on Dong Long Island and now wished to make a move and freshen up? "Since there's nothing left to attend to here, let's set off now... Also, Lord Yao Ming, if you return to the Nine-Deep Realm to visit the Meng Snake Clan, could you please take good care of Cai Lin—the hostage from the Tian Yao Huang Clan? First, send back the Nine Phoenixes so they don't lose their patience. As for Kun Huang and Huang Huang, keep them temporarily on the Dong Long Island. With two Dou Sheng-level warriors, they'll still be somewhat constrained. Moreover, with the three Dragon Islands now in disarray, even the Tian Yao Huang Clan may hesitate to intervene freely." Xiao Yan turned to smile at Yao Ming. Though Yao Ming was strong in his own right, he had only recently ascended to the position of Clan Elder and had also incurred the displeasure of the Tian Yao Huang Clan, so he naturally couldn't stay away for too long. Thus, Xiao Yan had not specifically invited him to join in the battle. "Understood," Yao Ming replied with a smile, then bowed to Xiao Yan. "Then, I'll wish you a smooth journey right here." Xiao Yan smiled, then said nothing more. With a sweep of his sleeve, a spatial passage tore open beside him, and he stepped forward slowly, entering first. The others followed swiftly. As for Zi Yan, after quickly assigning a few tasks, she darted into the spatial passage, leaving the East Dragon Island's senior elder with a look of helpless resignation. Staring at Zi Yan, who had just left Long Island and instantly transformed from the dignified Dragon Emperor into a childlike girl, Xiao Yan and the others exchanged glances, only able to shake their heads in resignation—despite her current status as Dragon Emperor, the girl still carried the essence of her original personality. "Let's go. We're already within the Alliance's influence range; we should reach Starfall Pavilion soon..." Xiao Yan scanned the surroundings, determined the direction, then waved his hand and took the lead, swiftly flying toward Starfall Pavilion. With their current speed, their progress was truly astonishing—within just a few minutes, numerous cities flashed by. However, what slightly puzzled Xiao Yan was that many of these cities appeared worn down, as though they had endured a great battle. Clearly, the Alliance had not been calm during this period. "Taking in the situation thus far, Xiao Yan suddenly thought of this. Immediately, his speed surged to an incredible pace, and in a single flash, he vanished at the edge of the sky. ... In the grand hall of the Starfall Pavilion, the elders—Yao Elder, Huo Yun Elder, the Grand Master of Dan Tower, and others—had all gathered here. Their expressions were slightly somber, indicating a less-than-ideal mood. "Over the past period, half of the more than three hundred key cities under the Alliance have been attacked. Although these assaults appear to have originated from various external forces, there are clearly strong members of the Soul Palace embedded among them," Yao Elder said, his gaze sweeping across the hall. A subtle anger flickered in his eyes. "We've also received updates from Dan Tower—recently, attacks have been mounting, and many alchemists have gone missing after being assaulted. The identity of the perpetrators, everyone should already have a clear sense of." "The Húndiàn faction is getting more and more brazen!" Fireyun Elder shook his two fiery brows vigorously, speaking with growing intensity. Beside him, the Grand Elder of Dántà nodded slowly, his expression grave—though composed, he too felt a growing irritation at the Húndiàn's underhanded tactics. "Fortunately, the Alliance established patrol and guard forces early on, which has prevented many complications. Still, now everyone outside knows that Húndiàn is exhausting us—the Tianfú Alliance—is leaving us constantly overwhelmed and in disarray. Even some neutral powers that had originally planned to join us are now hesitating, intimidated by Húndiàn's actions. If this continues, our reputation will suffer," said the Elder of the Medicine Sect. "What are your plans?" asked the Grand Elder of Dántà calmly. "Use their methods against them. Whenever they attack our cities, we shall strike back at their branch palaces!" The Elder of the Medicine Sect's eyes flashed with cold determination as he spoke. "Ah?" "Heard this, the Senior Elder Dan Ta and the Old Master of Fire Cloud, along with others, were all slightly surprised. Though the Heavenly Realm Alliance has grown strong in recent years, it still lags behind the Spirit Palace in certain aspects. Under such circumstances, Master Yao daring to proactively launch an attack on the Spirit Palace's branch establishments—this has not happened in many years in the Central Plains. After all, it's like trying to touch the tail of a tiger; under the Spirit Palace's formidable reputation, others barely dare to approach them, let alone venture there to face them head-on." "The Huadian's power is strong, yet many of its elite are stationed at its main headquarters, and the defenses of its branch palaces aren't as formidable as one might imagine. As long as we concentrate our efforts, we won't be able to hold them off. Indeed, the Tianfu Alliance is currently somewhat weaker than Huadian, but the gap isn't vast. Though Huadian has the Huaxiang Clan behind it, that clan is itself under constant surveillance by other ancient races. Therefore, we needn't fear that the Huaxiang Clan will launch a full-scale campaign against the Tianfu Alliance. Xiao Yan holds the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade, and the Gu Clan will certainly not allow the Jade to fall into Huadian's hands. Should the Huaxiang Clan dare to act, the Gu Clan will surely not remain passive." "Hehe, Teacher, you're absolutely right—'come but don't return' is indeed impolite. The Hu Dun's prestige has been overwhelming lately; now might be the perfect time to put some pressure on them." As the assembly remained silent, a clear, resonant laugh suddenly echoed through the hall. A gentle breeze swept past, and soon several figures materialized within the hall—none other than Xiao Yan and his companions. "Xiao Yan?" Upon seeing the figures appear, everyone was momentarily stunned, then their faces brightened with delight. "You've finally returned, young man! Wait—your aura?" Fire Cloud Elder chuckled, about to rise, but suddenly noticed something remarkable. His expression changed, and he fixed his gaze on Xiao Yan with growing astonishment. "Two-star Stellar Saint." The Dantai Grand Elder also fixed his gaze on Xiao Yan. After a moment, he sighed and chuckled, saying, "In just half a year, you've gone from a初级 Stellar Saint to a mid-level Stellar Saint—such speed! It's as if you're deliberately making me feel ashamed, to the point where I can't face the elders without embarrassment..." Yao Elder was equally astonished, clearly not expecting such a remarkable leap in Xiao Yan's strength just within a few months of his departure. But soon he regained his composure, his face brightening as he gently stroked his beard. His eyes then shifted to Xiao Yan's companion, Zi Yan, and immediately grew serious. Though only an advanced half-Saint himself, Yao Elder's soul power was exceptionally strong, allowing him to sense the formidable presence of Zi Yan. "This one?" Yao Elder stood up, showing due respect, and bowed formally to Zi Yan. When the Yeold treated Ziyan with such courtesy, the Huayun Elder and the Dan Tower's Senior Abbot also noticed this formidable figure, their eyes filling with astonishment. How could it be that after just one outing, Xiao Yan had returned with such a powerful presence? Seeing the Yeold's graciousness, Ziyan felt a bit embarrassed. She had previously met the Yeold, but back then she was still a young girl. "Master, this is Ziyan—she's someone you've seen before," Xiao Yan smiled gently. "Now, however, she is the Dragon Emperor of the TaiXiu Ancient Dragon Clan, and she has come to assist me in securing the Jinglian Demon Flame." "The Dragon Emperor of the TaiXiu Ancient Dragon Clan?" Upon hearing this, both the Huayun Elder and the Dan Tower's Senior Abbot felt their hearts leap with surprise, gazing at Xiao Yan with a touch of disbelief—hardly believing he could have established such a connection with someone of such magnitude.