Support me at patreon for 500+ advanced chapters :
patreon.com/YaoIk
**
Dozens of powerful auras suddenly erupted.
Figures shot into the sky from all directions—mountains, forests, and towers alike. They quickly formed a ring, surrounding the entire Holy Land valley, sealing off even Wei Yang within.
Wings of Dou Qi flapped in the air, and those at the front were all Dou Huang experts. Further out, even more Dou Wang followed in formation.
Wei Yang's eyes swept over the surroundings as he gave a small nod. "Just outside this valley alone, there are dozens of Dou Huang and even more Dou Wang on guard. Looks like the Yang Yan Alliance has developed quite well over the years."
"Who are you, sir? Why have you trespassed into the restricted grounds of our Yang Yan Alliance?" one peak Dou Huang, seemingly the leader, asked cautiously. Though his expression was solemn, he didn't dare act rashly.
"My name is Wei Yang," Wei Yang said calmly.
"Wei Yang?" The leading Dou Huang frowned, feeling that the name sounded strangely familiar.
Around him, the gathered Dou Huang and Dou Wang experts were also momentarily stunned. Some widened their eyes in disbelief. Most of these people had joined the Yang Yan Alliance later on.
Many weren't even from the Jia Ma Empire, so they didn't immediately recognize Wei Yang. To them, the name merely rang a faint bell. However, among the crowd were indeed some from the Jia Ma Empire, and for them, this name was unforgettable.
An elderly man stepped forward slightly, studying the young, handsome face before him. His expression was filled with hesitation and a trace of excitement. "Sir... could you be Wei Yang, Alliance Master Wei?"
"Alliance Master Wei?" the others echoed in surprise, and suddenly, realization dawned across their faces.
Of course—that's why the name had sounded familiar! Wei Yang was the name of the mysterious second leader of the Yang Yan Alliance!
Naturally, there had been portraits of the two Alliance Masters within the Yang Yan Alliance. But the man before them looked quite different from the image in those old paintings.
Even his aura was completely different. The burning black sun mark upon his forehead—that certainly hadn't existed in the portraits.
"It's me," Wei Yang nodded.
As soon as he confirmed it, the heavy atmosphere instantly loosened. Everyone's expressions shifted to curiosity and awe as they stared at the black-clothed youth before them. The legendary Alliance Master had appeared in person.
In the Jia Ma Empire, both he and Xiao Yan were regarded as near-mythical figures.
The old man who had spoken earlier was the first to react, his face lighting up with joy as he bowed deeply. "Mu Tuo greets Alliance Master Wei!"
"Greetings, Alliance Master Wei!" the others followed in unison, bowing respectfully.
Wei Yang glanced faintly at the old man called Mu Tuo. "Someone from the Mu Clan, I see."
Then he waved his hand lightly. "I'm just passing through, came back to take a quick look. You can all go about your business."
"Yes, sir." Though they were reluctant, none dared to hesitate. One by one, they dispersed.
Wei Yang remained floating in the air, hands clasped behind his back. His gaze lowered, piercing directly through the spatial barrier below as he looked into the valley's interior.
The spatial formation Xiao Yan had set up was indeed impressive—but it couldn't block Wei Yang's eyes. Besides, he was more than familiar with Xiao Yan's methods.
Inside the mist-shrouded valley lay a place that felt both familiar and strange.
Gone was the tranquil, natural beauty it once had. Now, stone walls were riddled with cave dwellings carved into them—densely packed, circling the entire valley. Many of those caves were sealed shut; clearly, people were cultivating in seclusion within.
Even the wild herbs that used to grow freely everywhere had been replaced. They were now neatly organized into orderly medicinal fields. Rows upon rows of lush, high-grade herbs flourished in those plots.
Not a single weed remained—obviously tended by dedicated caretakers. Seeing this, Wei Yang suddenly felt a wave of disinterest wash over him. The urge to go down there vanished.
He had originally planned to stay for a couple of days—to rest, check on the energy lake beneath the valley, and perhaps travel through that spatial tunnel to the depths of the void, leaving behind a wisp of Life Spirit Flame's Seed Fire.
But now, he felt no such inclination. This place was no longer the serene little valley he once knew. Of course, he didn't blame Xiao Yan or the Alliance for it—he just felt a faint sense of regret. That bittersweet feeling of things remaining, but people having changed.
He stood quietly for a moment longer, then turned and left without a word, flying swiftly toward the Jia Ma Imperial Capital. Before long, he had turned into a streak of faint light, vanishing beyond the horizon.
After all, he still carried the title of Alliance Master. Since he had returned, he should at least show his face at the Alliance headquarters. Otherwise, if he just slipped away unnoticed, those elders in the Alliance would probably curse him to the heavens.
The Imperial Capital was still the same as before—only now, it had become far more prosperous. In less than ten years, the Yang Yan Alliance had grown into one of the most powerful organizations in the entire northwest region.
Within the alliance, Dou Zong experts were no longer a rarity.
With such strength, they could easily challenge the entire Black-Corner Region alone and come out on top. Because of that leading position, the Jia Ma Empire had naturally drawn in countless strong cultivators from across the lands.
Living here, Dou Wang and Dou Huang experts were now considered commonplace. Even Dou Zong could occasionally be seen walking the streets.
Figures like Jia Xingtian, President Fa Ma, and Hai Bodong—all of whom had once been considered top experts in the empire—had now stepped into the Dou Zong realm.
When Xiao Yan returned more than two years ago, he left behind numerous cultivation techniques, Dou Techniques, and medicinal resources, which caused the Alliance's growth to skyrocket even faster.
After that, Xiao Yan departed again, taking Medusa and Xiao Xiao with him. The alliance was now being managed by Xiao Ding. It was worth mentioning that Xiao Ding had already reached the peak of Dou Huang, while Xiao Li had successfully broken through to become a Dou Zong.
Because of Xiao Yan's reputation—and the full support of the Council of Elders—no one had any objections to Xiao Ding taking charge of the Alliance. Xiao Ding's leg injury had long since healed, and Xiao Li's hidden ailment had also been resolved.
High above the capital, Wei Yang hovered in the air, casually sweeping his spiritual sense across the area. In an instant, he understood the current state of the Alliance. He turned his head toward the distant Yun Lan Mountain, towering several dozen miles away.
Back then, it had been devastated by a great war, left in ruins. But now, it had once again become lush and green. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he moved, descending toward the capital below. Wei Yang's return naturally caused quite a stir within the Alliance.
Many old acquaintances, upon receiving the news, rushed over to the Alliance headquarters as fast as they could. At that moment, inside the grand hall of the headquarters, the atmosphere was lively and warm.
Wei Yang sat at the head of the table, smiling.
Seated along both sides were familiar faces—though not many. Those who could sit here today were all part of the true core of the Alliance. Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, Jia Xing Tian, Fa Ma, Hai Bo Dong—all were present.
They were all old friends, so the gathering was relaxed, without formalities.
Wei Yang didn't put on any airs of a Ban Sheng; he didn't even release the faintest trace of aura. To everyone, he appeared just like an ordinary man, chatting amiably as they reminisced. The group spoke freely, sharing laughter and stories.
Wei Yang casually mentioned a few things about the Central Plains, while Xiao Ding and the others talked about the Alliance's growth in recent years.
Eventually, Fa Ma chuckled and said, "Wei Yang, I heard that you and Xiao Yan won first place at the latest Pill Gathering?"
"It's true," Wei Yang nodded with a faint smile.
"Five-colored Tier 8, huh?" Fa Ma sighed in admiration.
That level of achievement was something he could only dream of. Even now, he was still only a mid-grade Tier 7 alchemist. Everyone in the hall couldn't help feeling both astonished and proud.
After all, the Jia Ma Empire had produced two dragons of talent who had gone to the Central Plains and made their names shine bright.
Then, Fa Ma's eyes suddenly gleamed mischievously. "Since you're finally willing to come back, you should at least show us a little of your skill—let us see the true might of a Tier 8 alchemist master!"
"Yes, exactly!"
"That's right, we must see it!"
The others immediately joined in, nodding eagerly, faces filled with anticipation.
Xiao Ding lowered his head slightly, exchanging a quick glance with the others, then smiled faintly. That little suggestion, in fact, had been Xiao Ding's idea from the start. Naturally, it had received unanimous and enthusiastic approval.
It wasn't easy getting Wei Yang to come back. From what he'd said, he didn't plan to stay long—just a few days before leaving again. That made everyone anxious. There was no way they'd let him leave so easily.
This carefree, hands-off Alliance Master—who barely ever showed up—had finally returned. Now he wanted to just stay a few days, pat his backside, and leave again?
Ridiculous! Dream on!
As the saying goes, the crying child gets the milk. If they didn't "cry" now, when would they?
Faced with such a valuable Tier 8 alchemist of an Alliance Master, even if they had to shamelessly cling to him, they had to get some pills out of him—to enrich the Alliance's treasury, of course. So, one by one, they stared at Wei Yang like a pack of hungry wolves.
"..." Wei Yang.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Support me at patreon for 500+ advanced chapters :
patreon.com/YaoIk