"Senior Brother Lin Feng, how can you say a cauldron's fate is sealed?"
Lin Feng had hit a nerve, and Xiao Yan rubbed his nose, looking somewhat embarrassed.
"Hahaha, Junior Brother Xiao Yan, there's no need for that. I myself have had my cauldron explode many times in the past," Lin Feng laughed heartily, patting the Myriad Beasts Cauldron in front of him. "Junior Brother Xiao Yan, just accept this cauldron; consider it an investment."
"Senior Brother Lin Feng, I..."
Before Xiao Yan could finish speaking, Lin Feng vanished, leaving only a fleeting shadow and a voice.
"Junior Brother Xiao Yan, work hard! In the future, you'll have a place in the Central Continent."
Xiao Yan remained silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up. He didn't utter any grand pronouncements, but Yao Chen, who knew him well, saw the determination and confidence in his eyes. He stroked his beard slightly, a smile appearing on his face.
Meanwhile, after leaving Yao Chen, Lin Feng went to Elder Su Qian's place to discuss the changing situation in the Black Corner Region. Half a month ago, after executing all the invading bandits, Elder Su Qian and Lin Feng decided to immediately launch an attack to wipe out their forces.
Of course, the most important thing was to obtain the wealth these forces had accumulated over the years. While there were many lone wolves invading, there were also powerful forces like the Eight Doors, whose wealth was coveted even by Canaan Academy.
However, plans don't always go as expected. When Lin Feng and his group split into several teams and headed to the Black Corner Region, they found that the outposts of the various invading forces had already been looted.
Lin Feng and Elder Su Qian's expressions were extremely grim upon seeing this.
After inquiring for several days, they understood the whole story, but they were somewhat amused and exasperated. Especially Lin Feng, upon learning that many forces in the Black Corner Region had acted decisively because they favored him, wondered if he should be grateful to them.
Since the operation had failed, the group didn't linger but returned to the academy.
However, the matter didn't end there. The academy had dealt with the top experts of many forces, yet the fruits of victory were ultimately reaped by others. Without intervention, even with so many powerful figures dealt with, the deterrent effect on these lawless individuals would be insufficient.
Elder Su Qian and Lin Feng reached a consensus: they must gather information on the forces that had profited from this. Afterward, there was no need to personally demand treasures from each one; a large-scale conference, using numerous Dou Zong as a deterrent, would likely suffice.
Furthermore, if any truly fearless individuals dared to challenge them, the academy could take the opportunity to eliminate them and their respective factions, serving as a warning to others. Of course, the quality of the chickens couldn't be too poor, otherwise they wouldn't be a strong deterrent to the monkeys; nor could there be too many, otherwise it would provoke a backlash from these forces.
In their hasty investigation, Elder Su Qian and the others learned that many of the forces that had made this move were veteran powerhouses who had once competed against the old dean.
Among them, the Earth Demon Ancestor, a high-level Dou Zong, was a prime example. If they were to truly break ties and form an alliance, it would certainly hinder the future development of the academy.
After several meetings, Lin Feng proposed requesting one of the two elders, Qian Bai and Bai Er, to intervene.
As for Elder Su Qian's claim that the two elders had been in seclusion for many years and wouldn't intervene unless the academy faced a genuine crisis of destruction, Lin Feng solved this by using a top-grade pill that could increase lifespan by ten years.
After the discussion, Elder Su Qian and the others, in the name of the academy, extended invitations to the various forces in the Black Corner Region that had seized the academy's victory.
Ten days later, Canaan Academy and various forces gathered in Maple City, formerly ruled by Han Feng, for a grand meeting to discuss the return of the spoils of war. Of course, the academy wouldn't force anyone to come, but the consequences were something everyone should carefully consider.
Now, ten days have passed, and the academy has arranged its travel party. Since everyone is certain the Black Corner Region will not wage war, all those traveling are at least Dou Zong level, with only a few Dou Huang elders accompanying them. In addition, students ranked on the academy's strength ranking can apply to accompany them.
With Elder Qian, one of the two elders, personally taking action, it's believed no one in the Black Corner Region can cause any trouble.
After everything was ready, the group headed to the inner courtyard plaza, where several enormous griffins were already in place. Twenty members of the academy's strength ranking were also waiting there, including Han Yue, Xiao Yan, and Xiao Xun'er, whom Lin Feng knew well.
"Greetings, Elders!"
Upon seeing Elder Su Qian and his entourage, the numerous individuals on the ranking list immediately bowed in respect.
"Haha, you are all top students within the academy, but this meeting has gathered the most powerful forces in the entire Black Corner Region." Elder Su Qian's expression was solemn as he stared intently at the students.
"If the negotiations break down, it could escalate into a massive melee. At that point, even we cannot guarantee your safety at all times. A slight misstep could lead to your demise in the Black Corner Region. It's not too late to withdraw now. In the face of life, we respect your choice."
As Elder Su Qian finished speaking, the twenty students present remained silent, their gazes displaying
varying degrees of determination and composure, yet none of them retreated a single step. Seeing this, the elders couldn't help but nod, stroking their beards, marveling at the quality of this year's students, which was no less than that of previous years.
"In that case, let's go!"
Elder Su Qian's words fell as he leaped onto the lead griffin, followed quickly by Lin Feng and the others, and then by the numerous students.
"Howl!"
Several towering griffins roared in unison after everyone was in position, instantly displaying the might of peak fourth-tier magical beasts. Of course, among this group, even the seemingly weakest, Xiao Yan, was only a four- or five-star Dou Ling, so he naturally had no fear of these griffins.
Before long, the tall and majestic griffins began to flap their enormous wings, quickly taking to the air and flying towards Maple City.
Maple City was named after the Medicine Emperor Han Feng, who had stayed there. While Han Feng was still alive, let's set aside his character for now. But even with his unparalleled alchemy skills in the Black Horn Region, no one from the lawless Black Horn Region dared to act recklessly there.
Perhaps it's because alchemists naturally prefer quiet environments, but the security here is exceptionally good, even comparable to Canaan Academy.
However, this peace has long been shattered. Half a month ago, after numerous powerful forces hidden beneath the surface of the Black Corner Region deduced that Han Feng would not return, they began their attacks to seize the rare and precious materials within their territories.
As the home of Han Feng, the Black Corner Region's number one alchemist, Maple City naturally became the most eye-catching gem. In fact, many powerful figures from various forces even clashed fiercely over Maple City's treasures. Even
with some restraint, the sheer power of the Dou Zong experts' attacks caused the massive walls to tremble and teeter on the verge of collapse.
Since that day, Maple City has descended into chaos.
Arson, murder, looting, and public rape of women—it seems as if the city has been corrupted, and the chaotic state of the Black Corner Region has begun to reappear.
Of course, the situation isn't entirely severe, because while many are depraved, their sensitivity to danger is undeniable. After Canaan Academy issued its application, most people restrained themselves, and as the tenth day approached, Maple City returned to tranquility, as if its lord, the Medicine Emperor Han Feng, had returned.
All of this was, of course, an illusion. As one enormous demonic beast after another carried the true powerhouses of the Black Corner Region to their deaths, the people of Maple City were truly amazed.
"Demon Flame Valley, Earth Demon Ancestor has arrived!"
A loud voice rang out, followed by a massive demonic beast carrying several people from Demon Flame Valley. Leading the group was none other than the aforementioned Earth Demon Ancestor.
The moment they saw this thin old man, a chill instantly ran through their hearts; even a Dou Huang powerhouse was no exception.
"Hiss!"
This time, everyone truly gasped. There was no faking it; they secretly began to murmur amongst themselves.
"That old bastard, Earth Demon, was beaten down by Mang Tianchi of Canaan Academy back then. Who would have thought that after so many years, he'd reached this level? I wonder how Canaan Academy will handle this today."
"Heh, you bumpkin, do you know that Canaan Academy currently has a peak sixth-grade alchemy master? With Canaan Academy's resources, if they could continuously provide powerful pills like the Breakthrough Pill, who knows how many Dou Zong are secretly hiding there? Even a group fight would be enough to crush that old bastard, Earth Demon."
"Exactly! A peak sixth-grade alchemist from Canaan Academy, terrifying indeed!"
"..."
After the Demon Flame Valley, led by the Earth Demon Ancestor, made their appearance, the powerful figures hidden in Maple City who hadn't participated in the distribution of the spoils were frantically discussing today's results. This would affect the future格局 (geju, a term referring to the overall situation or structure) of the entire Black Corner Region, and they couldn't afford to be careless.
And a Dou Zong powerhouse of the Earth Demon Ancestor's level, his use of spatial power was already divine; at least, the telepathic communication of these Dou Huang and Dou Wang was completely transparent to him.
Although he felt somewhat offended, given his magnanimity, he wouldn't resort to violence over such a trivial matter.
In his eyes, he, the Earth Demon, only had one true opponent: Mang Tianchi. Thinking of this, a young figure appeared in the Earth Demon Ancestor's mind, smiling and radiant, "Perhaps, we should also add this terrifying prodigy."
"Black Emperor Pavilion Master Mo Tianxing, leading the Black Emperor Pavilion members to their positions!"
"Old Man Tiancan has arrived!"
"Old Man Panshi of the Thick Earth Sect has arrived!"
The
Earth Demon Ancestor's appearance seemed to have opened a curtain, with one powerful figure after another appearing on enormous magical beasts, either attacking from the sky or emerging from the ground.
Among them, the most formidable magical beast was a divine bird from the Black Emperor Pavilion, its body engulfed in crimson flames, its aura reaching the sixth rank.
Given the beast's strength, even a mid-level Dou Huang might not be its match, let alone a flying magical beast. If it wanted to escape, a mid-level Dou Huang couldn't catch it.
Of course, the strangest thing was that the old man with the disability was riding a wolf with only three legs, a bizarre sight that puzzled everyone.
"You don't know, this old man with the disability was born with only one leg, and his parents abandoned him when he was young because of this." Seeing everyone's confusion, an old man who had crossed over from another realm suddenly spoke up.
However, when everyone looked at him, he stroked his beard and remained silent.
"Senior, please enlighten us!"
"Yes, senior, after today, we invite you to that wonderful place for drinking and merrymaking. What do you say?"
"..."
With such a secret in front of them, they couldn't know it, and everyone was anxiously scratching their heads. Of course, these lawless people would never ask so obediently; it was only because of the body on the ground that was still bleeding.
Looking at the powerful finger marks still remaining on the corpse, a fatal blow, everyone felt a sense of unease. The corpse was a peak Dou Wang (Battle King) in life. Although he was a lone wolf, the fact that he could kill a peak Dou Wang so decisively meant he must have reached the intermediate or even advanced Dou Huang (Battle Emperor) level.
These people naturally wouldn't offend such a powerful figure over a trivial matter.
"Hahaha, seeing how honest you are, I'll tell you!"
The old man stroked his beard, extremely satisfied with this scene.
"Although this crippled old man was born with one leg, his talent seems to stem from that missing leg, making him unimaginably powerful. He entered the Dou Qi realm at three, became a Dou Zhe (Battle Master) at nine, a Dou Shi (Battle Master) at eleven, a Dou Ling (Battle Spirit) at fifteen, a Dou Wang (Battle King) at twenty-three, a Dou Huang (Battle Emperor) at forty, and a Dou Zong (Battle Sect Master) at sixty."
The old man slowly recounted the crippled old man's origins, leaving everyone utterly shocked.
"Moreover, what's most terrifying is that this crippled old man has never taken any pills since he began cultivating, and his foundation is stronger than anyone else's imagination. If this trend continues, he might even have a chance to become a legendary Dou Zun powerhouse in the future."
"The Dou Zun realm! In the Northwest Continent, that's truly a rare sight!"
"Furthermore, the leg techniques he cultivates are self-created based on his observation of many crippled animals, yet they are comparable to the high-level Earth Rank. Can you imagine that?"
"Hiss!"
Many powerful figures gasped again. Fortunately, the Earth Demon Ancestor, a grandmaster of ice attributes, was present today. Otherwise, this place would definitely be scorching hot.
"Wait, if that's the case, why does the crippled old man's aura seem weaker than the Earth Demon Ancestor's?"
Just then, an old man surnamed Hua noticed the blind spot and asked.
(End of this chapter)