The sky was shrouded in a dull gray haze. From afar, a massive eagle-type magical beast, its wingspan exceeding five meters, cut through the clouds like a streak of lightning.
"Young Master, is this the Black-Corner Region? Ever since we entered this area, I've been feeling… uneasy."
The young girl in white robes sat gracefully upon the eagle's back, her delicate brows furrowed slightly as she turned toward the calm and handsome young man beside her.
The man, dressed in white robes as well, gazed ahead at the gloomy horizon and replied evenly, "This region's oppressive atmosphere stirs the darkness in one's heart. That's why this place is filled with lawless brigands and killers. But the place we're heading to—Jia Nan Academy—is one of the few sanctuaries within this chaos."
The pair was none other than Liu Xi and the Xiao Yixian. After settling his family safely in the imperial capital, Liu Xi had bid farewell to his parents and teacher, departing once more for his next journey.
Before leaving, he promised them that he would return to visit in less than three years. The timing was perfect—Vice President Qie Mi'er of the Alchemist Association had approached him, hoping Liu Xi would attend the Association's grand alchemist conference held every eight years to serve as an honored witness and guide for the younger generation.
As the Alchemist Association's Grand Elder, Liu Xi's participation was both an honor and a statement. He had gladly agreed.
Though the Xiao Yixian's Woeful Poison Body might have been better nurtured in the Poison Masters' homeland of the Chu Yun Empire, Liu Xi couldn't let her go alone. Who knew how many near-death trials she would face before reaching the rank of Dou Wang?
"In truth," Liu Xi continued, his gaze scanning the desolate land below, "the Black-Corner Region is vast and chaotic, almost like a separate empire. Because it's lawless, it's also where countless stolen treasures end up. You might find rare poisons or unique techniques here—perhaps even clues about the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva or a 7th Rank Sky Poison Dragon Scorpion Beast's magic core."
He spread his soul sense outward while speaking, checking for signs of human life nearby.
The Black-Corner Region was nearly devoid of ordinary people; the harsh environment made survival impossible for them. In this dim and sprawling wasteland, not even a trace of human habitation could be seen.
The Xiao Yixian merely smiled faintly, her voice soft. "Mm." Her eyes, however, lingered gently on Liu Xi's face, full of warmth and quiet trust.
But flying carelessly in this place was courting danger.
Without warning, a sharp whistling split the air. Several bolts shot out from a concealed position on the ground, aimed straight at their mount.
Yet the Blue Eagle—now a 2nd Rank Magical Beast thanks to Liu Xi's pills—was no longer the fragile creature it once was. Strength and speed surged through its wings, and its sharp eyes gleamed with scorn.
With a powerful flap, it conjured a roaring gale that deflected the oncoming bolts, sending them spinning uselessly to the ground.
"Xiao Lan, descend," Liu Xi ordered calmly.
The eagle shrieked sharply and began a spiraling dive toward the spot where the ambush had originated.
Seventeen men awaited below, three of them Dou Zhes. Their bloodstained weapons and killing intent made it clear—these were bandits, long accustomed to slaughter.
"Hah! Someone's actually flying over the Black-Corner Region on a beast? Must be fresh meat!"
"Look at that pretty little thing! Haha, boys, looks like we've hit the jackpot today!"
A burly man with scars across his face stepped forward, hefting a massive cleaver in his hands. His lustful eyes swept over the Xiao Yixian before turning toward Liu Xi with a cruel grin.
"Kid, I'll admit you've got guts. Surviving my armor-piercing bolts and flying down to meet us? Hah! I almost respect that. Here's your chance—hand over your storage ring, and leave the woman behind. Do that, and maybe I'll let you crawl away alive."
The Xiao Yixian's expression darkened with disgust. Without a word, she retrieved a small pouch of white powder from her ring, holding it discreetly as she whispered, "Young Master, what should we do?"
Liu Xi's voice was calm and indifferent. "No need."
He took a single step forward, his gaze cold and merciless. Then, without warning, he flicked his wrist.
Bang!
A burst of invisible force shot forth. The scar-faced man's eyes widened in disbelief as his chest caved inward like shattered glass. A mouthful of blood and mangled organs sprayed out as his massive body was hurled backward, crashing lifelessly onto the dirt.
Silence.
Utter silence.
The bandits froze, faces drained of color. Their leader—an experienced 7-Star Dou Zhe—had been obliterated in an instant.
Weapons slipped from trembling hands. Knees buckled. One after another, the men dropped to the ground, fear twisting their faces.
"M-Mercy, my lord! I was forced to join them!"
"My lord, I have an old mother and a child at home—please, I beg you!"
Their pitiful cries echoed through the still air.
Liu Xi watched them coldly, his expression unchanging. He didn't believe a single word. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a flicker of hesitation in the Xiao Yixian's gaze.
"Don't pity them," he said evenly. "In the Black-Corner Region, there are no good men. That's the first lesson I learned here—when you strike, never hold back."
"…Understood, Young Master."
Liu Xi turned back to the kneeling men. His voice dropped, icy and commanding.
"Be silent. I'll ask, you answer. Speak out of turn, and you die where you kneel."
The crowd fell quiet instantly.
"Where's your base?"
"W-Wolf Fang Town…"
"You have a map?"
"N-No, sir!"
"How far?"
"Eighty li… maybe less!"
Liu Xi's eyes narrowed. "Good. You'll take me there. But if anyone tries to run or mislead me…"
He didn't finish the sentence. The unspoken threat was enough.
Two of the Dou Zhes exchanged a desperate glance—then suddenly turned and bolted, igniting their Dou Qi in panic.
"Cowards!" someone shouted, and chaos erupted.
The rest of the bandits fled in terror, trampling over one another to escape.
Liu Xi sighed lightly, then pressed a foot onto Xiao Lan's back.
"Chase them."
The Blue Eagle let out a piercing screech and launched into the air like an arrow, streaking after the fleeing men as the wind howled around them.
(End of Chapter)
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