Journey to the Central Plains, Inevitable

The clamor and glory of the Xiao Sect Ceremony gradually settled, and Wutan City returned to its usual order. Yet beneath that order surged a brand-new balance of power centered on the Xiao Sect. Deep within the residence, however, Xiao Chen's quiet room carried the heavy solemnity of parting.

Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan were both present, their expressions grave. They had just heard Xiao Chen's decision.

"Chen'er, you've only been back for a short while, and now you're going to the Central Plains? Isn't this too hasty?" Xiao Zhan's eyes were full of reluctance and worry. His eldest son had been missing for fourteen years, and they had only just reunited. He truly did not wish for him to travel far again, especially to a place like the Central Plains, where experts gathered like clouds and dangers lurked everywhere.

"Father, I understand your concerns." Xiao Chen's tone was gentle, but his gaze was exceptionally firm. "But precisely because of that, I must go."

He looked at Xiao Yan. "Brother Yan has devoured the Fallen Heart Flame and broken through to the Dou Emperor realm, while our Xiao Sect has also gained a firm foothold in the Jia Ma Empire. It may seem as though everything is going well, but hidden dangers have already been planted. Soul Hall will never turn a blind eye to the changes in the Jia Ma Empire, especially with the existence of an 'anomaly' like me. The next person they send will definitely not be someone like Protector Wu."

"Rather than wait passively, we should take the initiative." Xiao Chen's gaze was profound. "The Central Plains are the core territory where Soul Hall's forces are entrenched, as well as a place where intelligence gathers. Only by going deep within can we uncover their movements and perhaps... find their weaknesses. At the same time, I need to search for clues about my master, Xu, and seek an opportunity that can allow Yao Lao to recover completely."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's fists clenched slightly. He knew his brother was speaking the truth. Their enemy was far more powerful than they could imagine; they could not place their hopes in the other side's mercy or sluggishness.

"Brother, I'll go with you!" Xiao Yan said without hesitation. He was now a Dou Emperor himself and believed he was qualified to fight alongside his elder brother.

But Xiao Chen shook his head. "Brother Yan, your path does not lie there. The Jia Ma Empire and even the Black Corner Region still have places where you must temper yourself. Your Fen Jue needs more Heavenly Flames, and your alchemy needs time to settle and improve. Besides..."

He paused, his gaze seemingly drifting casually toward the direction outside the quiet room. "The Xiao Sect has only just been established, and Father needs help. The Snake People Race has only just migrated, and our alliance needs to be strengthened. All of this requires you to remain behind and hold the fort."

Xiao Yan opened his mouth, wanting to say more, but when he saw the unquestionable look in his brother's eyes, he ultimately swallowed his words. He knew his brother's decision must carry a deeper meaning.

"Chen'er, this journey... will be fraught with danger. You must be careful in all things!" Xiao Zhan knew he could not change his eldest son's mind, so he could only repeatedly urge him to take care.

"Rest assured, Father. I know what I'm doing." Xiao Chen nodded, then took out several Jade Slips and a number of Jade Bottles. "These contain some cultivation insights and formation diagrams I organized, along with several high-grade medicinal pills. Leave them in the sect; they can help Father and the elders increase their strength and reinforce our defenses."

He then looked at Xiao Yan and tossed him a special black jade talisman. "Keep this safe. It contains a trace of my Soul Mark and spatial coordinates. If you encounter a life-or-death crisis, crush it. No matter where I am, I'll sense it and do my utmost to return. But remember, do not use it unless absolutely necessary."

"I understand, Brother!" Xiao Yan solemnly accepted it. Feeling the obscure yet vast fluctuations within the jade talisman, warmth surged through his heart.

After settling the family's affairs, Xiao Chen pondered for a moment before adding, "After I leave, Father will handle all Xiao Sect affairs, with Brother Yan assisting him. Tell the outside world that I have entered secluded cultivation. As for the alliance with the Snake People Race, you must treat them sincerely. Queen Medusa... is an ally and an expert worthy of great importance."

At the mention of Queen Medusa, Xiao Yan's expression turned slightly unnatural. His relationship with that Your Majesty was truly impossible to untangle because of his soul connection with the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python.

Xiao Chen noticed his younger brother's reaction but did not expose it. He merely said calmly, "Let fate take its course. Follow your heart. There is no need to force anything, nor is there any need to deliberately avoid it."

Xiao Yan nodded, seeming to understand only part of it.

Once everything had been arranged, Xiao Chen stood and walked to the window, looking toward the Central Plains.

"Central Plains..." he murmured, anticipation in his eyes along with a cold, razor-sharp edge. "Soul Hall, it is time for us to slowly settle our debts."

He turned and gave Xiao Zhan a deep bow. "Father, take care."

Then he patted Xiao Yan's shoulder. "Brother Yan, work hard and grow stronger. When I return, I hope to see a more powerful Xiao Sect—and a you who can stand on your own."

With that, he did not hesitate any longer. Xiao Chen took a step forward, and his figure vanished soundlessly within the quiet room like ink dissolving into water, without causing the slightest Spatial Fluctuation.

He had come suddenly, and he left with effortless grace.

Only Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan remained in the quiet room, staring at the place where Xiao Chen had disappeared in silence for a long time.

The air seemed to still carry that faint, reassuring presence, but it also brought with it a weighty sense of responsibility and expectations for the future.

Xiao Yan gripped the black jade talisman tightly, his gaze becoming incomparably resolute.

"Brother, go without worry. I've got things at home!"

He looked into the distance and shouted in his heart:

"Central Plains... one day, I, Xiao Yan, will go there too!"

Meanwhile, high above the sky thousands of miles away, Xiao Chen seemed to sense something. He turned back for one last look in Wutan City's direction, a gentle smile appearing on his lips.

Then he turned his gaze forward, his eyes sharp as blades. His speed suddenly erupted, and he became a streak of light that tore through the sky, shooting straight toward the legendary Central Plains continent, where experts gathered like clouds and opportunity coexisted with danger!

A new journey had begun!