The hall fell into a strange silence.
After Ning Fengzhi's words echoed through the space—"He is the Chief Manager's only direct disciple"—even the air itself seemed to freeze.
The Seventh-tier Magic Beast Kings who had just moments ago been relaxed, probing, or openly greedy now subconsciously restrained their auras. The oppressive beastly pressure that had filled the hall receded like a tide pulling back from shore.
For beings who had lived hundreds, even thousands of years, that title carried a weight far beyond ordinary status.
The Chief Manager of the Sacrificial Shop was not merely a powerful cultivator.
He was the face of a force that even the Soul Hall treated with extreme caution.
And now—
This unassuming youth before them was his sole direct disciple.
The Iron Arm Ape King was the first to react.
His massive body straightened almost instinctively, muscles tightening beneath his thick fur. The previous casual arrogance vanished, replaced by an expression bordering on solemnity.
"So that's how it is…" he muttered, then let out a deep breath.
He stepped forward, slapped his chest hard with one massive palm, producing a dull thunderous sound.
"In that case," the Ape King said loudly, his voice echoing through the hall,
"this escort is no longer a matter of profit."
"The Soul Hall dares to stretch its claws into the northwest? Hmph. They are forgetting whose territory this is."
He turned his gaze directly to Xiao Yan, no longer examining him as prey or bargaining chip, but as someone whose future status was guaranteed to stand above most living beings.
"Protecting the Chief Manager's disciple," he declared,
"is my duty."
The Black Water Mystic Dragon remained silent longer than the rest.
Its enormous serpentine body lay coiled, scales glinting faintly under the hall's light. Its eyes—deep, dark pools like an abyss—never left Xiao Yan.
After several breaths, it finally spoke.
"School Master Ning… you are indeed bold."
Its voice was calm, measured, without mockery.
"To provoke the Soul Hall is no small matter. Even in the Central Plains, few forces dare to confront them openly."
The Dragon paused, then continued slowly,
"However, if the one being escorted is the Chief Manager's disciple, then this matter takes on a different meaning."
It lowered its massive head slightly—just a fraction, but enough to signal acknowledgment.
"I will participate."
The Dragon's tail swayed once, stirring a cold current of air.
"But I do not need the sacrificial coins."
This instantly drew several looks.
The Dragon's gaze sharpened as it continued,
"In the future, if water-attribute treasures appear within the Sacrificial Shop, suitable for my tribe, I hope this young friend will remember today's assistance."
Its intent was clear.
It was not seeking immediate profit, but long-term ties.
Directly tying itself to the Chief Manager's lineage.
Xiao Yan stepped forward without hesitation.
He clasped his hands respectfully, his posture straight, his tone steady.
"Senior's kindness," he said earnestly,
"I will not forget."
"If such treasures appear in the future, I will report truthfully to my Master and do my utmost to secure priority for your tribe."
He did not overpromise.
He did not exaggerate his authority.
But his sincerity was unmistakable.
The Black Water Mystic Dragon studied him for a moment longer, then gave a slow, satisfied nod.
"That is enough."
With the two strongest Magic Beast Kings taking clear stances, the remaining Seventh-tier beasts quickly followed.
Some pledged assistance openly.
Others expressed neutrality but promised not to obstruct the escort route.
None dared to oppose.
At the side of the hall, Yun Shan's expression shifted repeatedly.
Shock.
Realization.
Then finally—relief.
So that was the truth.
No wonder the Sacrificial Shop's branch was placed in Gama.
No wonder Ning Fengzhi was willing to pay such an enormous price.
No wonder Gu Yuena had acted without hesitation.
Everything finally connected.
Yun Shan let out a slow breath and stepped forward.
"School Master Ning," he said gravely,
"the Yunlan Sect will also participate in the escort."
Not out of enthusiasm—
but out of survival instinct.
If the Soul Hall truly set its sights on Xiao Yan, then neutrality was no longer an option.
Better to stand clearly on one side.
Only after the matter was settled did Ning Fengzhi finally relax slightly.
He turned to Xiao Yan.
"From this moment on," he said calmly,
"your name will no longer remain hidden."
"The Soul Hall will investigate you.
The Central Plains will take notice.
Your path will only grow more dangerous."
He paused, then added quietly,
"Are you prepared?"
Xiao Yan clenched his fists.
Images flashed through his mind—
his father pushing him away,
the ancient jade pressed into his palm,
the Xiao Family scattering into the forest,
the blood-soaked night.
His gaze hardened.
"I am," he said firmly.
"No matter what they want from my family…
no matter what price I must pay…"
"I will face it."
Ning Fengzhi nodded once.
"Good."
"Then this escort," he concluded,
"is not merely a retreat—"
"It is the beginning of your true entry onto the stage."
Far beyond the northwest.
Far beyond the Gama Empire.