In the silent night, within a canyon shrouded in black mist, mournful cries occasionally echoed.
Under the cold moonlight, figures could be vaguely seen flickering within the black mist, their movements unlike those of the living, more like walking corpses. And there were many such figures in the canyon, densely packed, wandering aimlessly, turning this place into a deathly wasteland, like the underworld beneath the nine netherworlds, filled with a sinister and terrifying atmosphere.
"Whoosh~"
From afar, a blue streak of light sped over and hovered steadily above the canyon. The newcomer was none other than Han Feng. At this moment, his handsome face was somewhat distorted and ferocious, as if he could not suppress the anger in his heart. His cold gaze was fixed on the dead land below, and he said coldly, "Please come out and have a chat, you two!"
"Hehehe, the Medicine Emperor seems to be in a bit of a temper today. Could it be that someone in the Black Corner Region dares to provoke you?" Accompanied by a low, strange laugh, a strange figure emerged from the black mist amidst the flickering shadows, its scarlet eyes staring eerily at Han Feng.
As the shadowy figure emerged, another, more burly figure appeared from the side. His voice was hoarse, tinged with anticipation: "Well, do you need us to help you eliminate the enemy?"
Recently, their cooperation with Han Feng had been quite pleasant. With his help, they had successively slaughtered two cities, taking hundreds of thousands of souls and bodies, allowing them to advance to the rank of Protector within the Soul Palace. Therefore, the two now had a very good impression of Han Feng and even wanted to continue their cooperation.
If they could slaughter another seven or eight cities, they might even be able to glimpse the Venerable Elder realm!
The thought alone ignited their excitement, making them unable to suppress their inner turmoil.
"That matter has already attracted a lot of attention. It can't continue. I heard that old man mention it years ago; the Black Corner Region has its own rules. If we act too recklessly, we might attract some serious trouble!" Han Feng shook his head and said in a deep voice.
Slaughtering a city once or twice is one thing, but too many times will inevitably attract the attention of some old fogies. Leaving aside the distant examples, the mysterious 'eighth-grade' alchemist right now is already quite troublesome.
Thinking of this, he looked at the two below and continued, "Compared to this, I have a big deal here. I wonder if you two have the guts to take it? If not, you can ask the elders of your branch hall if they are interested in hunting an alchemist with a Spirit Realm soul!"
"?!"
As Han Feng finished speaking, the expressions of the two below changed instantly. The crimson light in their eyes flickered uncertainly as they stared at Han Feng in astonishment, seemingly doubting whether he was joking.
The soul realm has four major realms: Mortal Realm, Spirit Realm, Heaven Realm, and Emperor Realm!
Most people remain in the Mortal Realm throughout their lives. Only some alchemists have the ability to raise their soul realm to the Spirit Realm, or even the Heaven Realm. Without exception, these alchemists are all targets that the Soul Hall focuses on, such as the Medicine Venerable of yesteryear!
The more powerful the alchemist, the stronger and more valuable their soul; one such alchemist is worth millions of ordinary people's souls.
"How could such an alchemist appear in the Black Corner Region? Are you trying to deceive us?"
The leading figure's gaze narrowed, his tone becoming heavier. Alchemists possessing Spirit Realm soul power were at least at the high-ranking seventh grade, and possibly even the eighth. How could such beings come to a place like the Black Corner Region, let alone have contact with Han Feng?
"Of course not. I don't know why that person came to the Black Corner Region. He came to us himself. It seems he has a grudge against my teacher from back then. He heard my name and came looking for me..." Han Feng thought of everything that had happened today, and said through gritted teeth.
He hadn't felt this humiliation in years, kneeling before someone like an ant, begging for mercy.
Thinking of his groveling appearance today, his expression became extremely ferocious, his eyes gleaming with predatory intent, like a wounded beast seeking to vent its rage.
"Oh? Looks like you suffered quite a loss today, hehehe." The leading figure chuckled mockingly.
"...I didn't come here to be a laughingstock!"
Han Feng snorted coldly, dissatisfied.
"We can't give you a direct answer. We don't know that person's strength yet, but an alchemist with a Spirit Realm soul is at least as strong as a Dou Zong. Very troublesome!" The protector standing behind the figure said grimly. He was relatively calm and hadn't been swayed by Han Feng's words.
Spirit Realm souls are valuable, but you need the ability to hunt them. Don't end up getting yourself into trouble; that would be a joke.
"Then, Elder..."
Han Feng was about to say something when he was interrupted.
"Don't even think about it. The Elder won't set foot in the Black Corner Region. At their level, there are mutual constraints, and they won't enter the Black Corner Region. Besides, the Elder has to oversee the branch hall; why would he go out for a mere Spirit Realm soul?" the shadowy figure said coldly, shattering Han Feng's illusions.
"Then what do you mean?!" Han Feng asked in a deep voice.
Without a powerful Elder-level expert from the Soul Hall taking action, they could only gamble, betting that the opponent's strength wasn't very high, which was far too risky.
"We can test them. Since the opponent has set foot in the Black Corner Region and even attacked you, their strength must not be high. They shouldn't be a Dou Zun-level expert, at most a Dou Zong. With your title of Medicine Emperor, you should be able to find some Dou Zong-level experts in the Black Corner Region... Let them try!" the leading
shadowy figure said in a chilling voice. For him, it was better to give up on things he wasn't confident about than to risk his life himself and let others go to their deaths.
Because no matter who won or lost, he could harvest the opponent's soul, with almost no loss in the process.
Even if the mysterious alchemist and the opponent were to fight to a draw, he could still reap the benefits—wouldn't that be wonderful?
"A Dou Zong expert from the Black Corner Region..."
Han Feng frowned slightly. In all his years in the Black Corner Region, he had encountered very few Dou Zong experts, and finding one capable of dealing with Yao Yan was proving difficult.
Seemingly sensing Han Feng's troubles, the shadowy figure kindly reminded him, "The patriarch of Demon Flame Valley is quite powerful; you can lure him into making a move."
"What, you've got your eyes on Demon Flame Valley?!"
Han Feng's eyes flickered upon hearing this, then he stared intently at the figure, speaking in a deep voice. He didn't believe the figure would be so kind as to offer such a reminder; their cooperation was solely based on mutual benefit, and they had no personal relationship whatsoever.
"Just a side effect," the shadowy figure didn't deny their intentions.
As their strength increased, their ambitions naturally swelled as well. Compared to 'small-scale skirmishes,' the souls of the strong were far more attractive, especially those at the Dou Zong level. Each soul was extremely cost-effective, whether used to exchange for contribution points in the Soul Hall or to be devoured by themselves.
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"...Alright, I'll give it a try. I was just thinking of making a move against Canaan Academy anyway. Rumor has it that Demon Flame Valley and Canaan Academy don't get along, so perhaps I can take advantage of that."
Han Feng pondered for a moment, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes, and said in a low voice.
He had no way out now; it was either a gamble or he would lose everything. He didn't believe that guy would show him any mercy, and these two newly promoted protectors of the Soul Clan were obviously unreliable either, because the people of the Soul Hall never offered help in times of need, only kicking someone when they were down. Friendships were worthless in their eyes; only interests mattered.
Han Feng was no different from them in this respect, so he understood it perfectly.
"Canaan Academy..." Upon hearing this, the shadowy figure hesitated, because the elder of the branch hall had warned him not to attack Canaan Academy casually. As for the reason, the elder hadn't explained, and now that Han Feng was going to attack it... he seemed to have no reason to stop him.
If Han Feng were to die at the hands of this person, it wouldn't be so bad. He could collect his body; the soul of a sixth-grade alchemist and the Sea Heart Flame of the Strange Fire were quite valuable. It
wouldn't be a loss no matter how you looked at it
. As for why Han Feng had his eye on Canaan Academy, he had no interest in knowing. The Soul Hall people were only
interested in souls. Han Feng glanced at the two below and then turned to leave. He had only come to inform them of this news. He believed that these two would be unable to resist. An alchemist with a Spirit Realm soul was incredibly attractive to the Soul Hall people. As long as he could force the alchemist to reveal his strength, these two would likely make a move.
Just as Han Feng had expected, not long after he left, the two began discussing this alchemist with a Spirit Realm soul.
"Should we inform the elder? An alchemist with a Spirit Realm soul is enough to make the elder violate the rules and make a move," the burly figure behind the black shadow said coldly, his eyes flashing with greed. If he weren't weak enough, he would have liked to take action himself and devour the alchemist.
A spirit realm soul... I wonder what it feels like.
"I've already notified them, is there any chance for you or me?" the leading figure sneered, retorting. His
increased strength had fueled his ambition; more than a protector, he wanted to become a venerable elder. While protectors enjoyed a certain status and freedom, they couldn't compare to venerable elders. If he could devour a spirit realm soul, he might have a chance to reach the venerable elder realm.
"We can't defeat them," the latter said calmly, not yet blinded by greed.
"How will we know if we don't try? Let Han Feng test the waters first. If it doesn't work, we can inform the venerable elders."
"Alright!"
...
...
Time flew by, and ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
For the past ten days, Yao Yan had been living comfortably with Han Feng, who in turn served him exceptionally well, fulfilling his every request and never daring to show the slightest disrespect. Yao Yan, in turn, constantly pressured Han Feng, urging him to take action against Canaan Academy. As for whether Canaan Academy would find out, he wasn't worried.
As a half-Soul Clan member, you don't really think Yao Yan is a good person, do you?
In a sense, Yao Yan was also a selfish person, only this selfishness had some limits and didn't appear utterly inhuman. Perhaps this was one of his last remaining obsessions from his previous life, making him slightly different from the people of this world.
"Senior, I have persuaded several Dou Huangs from Demon Flame Valley to help me storm the inner courtyard of Canaan Academy… However, the location of that strange fire still needs further investigation."
Han Feng stood respectfully beside Yao Yan, reporting his recent actions, not daring to even raise his eyes, like a sycophant.
Yao Yan leaned against a beautiful maid's chest, his legs enjoying the kneading of two maids. He listened to Han Feng's report with half-closed eyes, and only after Han Feng finished did Yao Yan say indifferently, "Then investigate. Inform me when you have results... If you can't find it, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Han Feng cursed inwardly, a smile tugging at his lips. He replied, "This junior understands!"
With that, he respectfully rose and left, preparing to deal with the attack on Canaan Academy. The deadline Yao Yan had given him was fast approaching. As for escaping... where could he go? Once he left the Black Corner Region, many people in the Central Continent were watching him.
Did they really think the Venerable Yao had no friends back then?!
There were many suspicious points surrounding his death, and many people wanted to find him to get answers. If he hadn't run fast, he probably would be dead.
After Han Feng left, Yao Yan slightly opened his eyes, a thoughtful look in his depths. His original plan was to follow Xiao Yan's path, pretending to be forced to refine the Fallen Heart Flame. However, he later realized it wasn't necessary, as it would take some time for the Fallen Heart Flame to break through the seal, and he didn't have the time to wait.
"Fine, I can fool you for a while, but not forever," Yao Yan thought to himself, already having some plans for his next move.
With that thought, he lost interest in enjoying himself.
He raised his hand to stop the four beautiful maids from leaving, then sat cross-legged on the soft couch. He took out a Dou Ling Pill from his storage ring and swallowed it. Soul power surged from his brow, sealing off the area around the room, shielding it from all external aura, and began refining the medicinal power, preparing to raise his strength from a six-star Dou Wang to a nine-star Dou Wang in one go.
His strength had already stabilized his battle qi, allowing him to continue improving. Although this was somewhat risky and hasty, with his current soul power, he didn't need to worry about losing control of the power, and his body could withstand it. The time he spent building his foundation hadn't been wasted.
The Battle Spirit Pill melted instantly upon entering his mouth, transforming into streams of pure energy that flowed into his limbs and bones. At the same time, the surrounding天地能量 (heaven and earth energy) rapidly surged towards him, continuously strengthening his aura. Meanwhile, the battle qi flowing within his meridians grew increasingly powerful, expanding several times with each circulation, and its speed increased exponentially.
The bottleneck between the Battle King and Battle King levels seemed nonexistent; he traversed the sixth to seventh level in the blink of an eye, and then visibly advanced towards the eighth level…
(End of Chapter)