The Old Schemer's Plan!

"I've always been curious, since I don't know anything about the Ancient Clan bloodlines."

Yang Shan smiled wryly, "If I hadn't overheard your conversation with my senior, I really wouldn't have known that the Soul Hall people's target was actually my senior!"

At this point, Yang Shan advised, "Senior, I dare not take Senior Sister away from the Jia Nan Academy again. That Black-Clothed Man is very likely a Dou Zong expert. In the Inner Courtyard, with you, Senior, and Great Elder Su Qian, that Black-Clothed Man will be hesitant to act rashly. Once he leaves..."

"No problem!"

Ling Ying said domineeringly, "Don't talk about some Dou Zong. Even if Dou Zun were to come in person, anyone who dares to harm the young lady would face certain death!"

Yang Shan pretended to let out a long sigh of relief:

"I'm relieved to hear that from you, senior. Now I can take my senior to explore the Black-Corner Region!"

Ling Ying widened:

"No!"

Yang Shan pretended to be ignorant:

Why?

Ling Ying: "You said that there are people from the Soul Hall in the Black-Corner Region who want to kill the young lady, and you still dare to take her there?"

Yang Shan looked puzzled. "Didn't the senior say that even if Dou Zun came, he would still die? Senior is about to leave, and I wanted to give her one last good time before she left."

Ling Ying: "No, the people from the Soul Hall are no pushovers. Just to be on the safe side, Miss has to stay in the Inner Courtyard! Besides, Miss will be leaving the Inner Courtyard soon. If you want to take her to the Black-Corner Region, I'm afraid you'll have to stop before you get very far!"

Yang Shan exclaimed in surprise, "So fast?"

Ling Ying: "It will take at least seven days, and at most no more than half a month."

Yang Shan sighed, "Alright, but I'll probably have to go back to the Black-Corner Region in a few days. Life at the academy is good, but it's a bit monotonous. That Black-Clothed Man gave me too much pressure, which only strengthened my resolve to become stronger!"

Ling Ying: "Just like you said, parting is for the sake of meeting, and the song may end but the show never ends! Kid, when you're more capable, come to Central Plains, and maybe you'll be able to meet the young lady again!"

Yang Shan: "Alright! Senior, I'd like to ask, is there really some deep-seated grudge between the Ancient Clan and the Soul Hall?"

Ling Ying sneered, "The Soul Hall's grudges are indeed considerable."

Yang Shan nodded. "Understood, senior. If I find that Black-Clothed Man, do you have a way to deal with him?"

Ling Ying: "Why are you asking this?"

Yang Shan said sincerely, "Since you said that even a Dou Zun would die if he came, and the Ancient Clan has a great feud with the Soul Hall, and that Black-Clothed Man even wanted to kill Senior Sister, I thought I would give her a gift before she leaves!"

Ling Ying squinted and stared at Yang Shan for a long time. "The other party is Dou Zong!"

Yang Shan: "I have Extraterrestrial Ghoul Lightning that can fool even Dou Zong. I'll only investigate his whereabouts. As for taking action, you'll have to do it!"

Ling Ying: "Even I, an old man, cannot defeat Dou Zong, but young man, I am very pleased that you have this intention. It is no wonder that the young lady admires you so much!"

Ling Ying took out a piece of jade from her Storage Ring: "This piece of Heartmind Jade Tablet, if you infuse it with a trace of your Soul Strength, I can detect your location within three thousand miles! You must always pay attention that a blood-red dot must appear in the center of this jade before you can use it! Because at that time, our Ancient Clan will have a powerful figure to protect the young lady on her journey to Central Plains."

At this point, Ling Ying's face showed a hint of murderous intent. "As long as you can find that person from the Soul Hall, I guarantee you'll make him wish he were dead!"

Excellent! Yang Shan secretly gave a thumbs up.

Elder Ling speaks with authority! The Ancient Clan's genius, Ling Quan, will come to the Jia Nan Academy to pick up Xiao Xun'er. This was something Ling Ying said to Xiao Xun'er herself during their previous conversation!

Although Ling Quan was a stepping stone for the protagonist Xiao Yan in the original novel, anyone qualified to be a stepping stone for the protagonist must have some skills!

Ling Quan now is conservatively estimated to be at the level of a two- Dou Zong, and he has learned advanced techniques and Dou Technique from the Ancient Clan.

Protector Liu, a lackey who hasn't even been granted a soul surname yet, would be beaten to a pulp if he encountered Ling Quan.

(PS: In the original novel, Ling Quan first appeared using Dou Qi wings, so he hadn't reached the Dou Zong level yet. However, he introduced himself as the newly promoted deputy commander of the Black Annihilation Army. But the Black Annihilation Army is the most elite "army" of the ancient races, with the supreme commander, Black Annihilation King, being an eight-star Dou Sheng. The four generals and eight commanders of the younger generation are all Dou Zun, so ordinary commanders must at least be high-star Dou Zong, and even the weakest deputy commander should be a Dou Zong, not a Dou Huang. Therefore, the game made some modifications, and Ling Quan's strength at the beginning is much higher than in the original novel.) Yang Shan is a very trustworthy person.

If he says he'll help that Hun Dan kill Protector Liu, he'll definitely find a way to do it! After deliberately going online while Ling Ying and Xiao Xun'er were talking, that Old Schemer Yang Shan was already planning it.

Through Ling Ying and Xiao Xun'er, the matter reached Ling Quan's ears.

Ling Quan, that dim-witted guy who usually acts all high and mighty like a stepping stone, how could he tolerate it when he heard that someone from the Soul Hall dared to make a move on Xiao Xun'er?

If Protector Liu hadn't died, then all the Dou Di Bloodline in Ling Quan's body would have been wasted!

Protector Liu died.

That Hun Dan can "fly freely in the sky"! That Hun Dan is Dou Di Bloodline of the Soul Clan! As long as his bloodline is stable, after he goes back and gets "certified", even if he is just a trash Dou Wang, he will enjoy extremely exaggerated resources and status in the future.

Even the "elders" at the Dou Zun level in the Soul Hall had to bow and call him "Young Master" when they saw him! As the greatest contributor to the rise of the Hun Dan, it was only natural that the group of elders called him "Mister E."

Doesn't this mean he's directly infiltrated the Soul Hall's upper echelons? What Soul Envoy? Even if he's just a trashy Dou Wang, he can still get a Guardian Token through his connection with Hun Dan! Thinking of this, Yang Shan's heart was already filled with cackling smirks!

Yang Shan carefully put away the jade and silk, then said to Ling Ying:

"There's no time to lose, I'll set off immediately. Senior, please keep this a secret for me."

Ling Ying: "I understand. Miss cherishes you as a friend. If she knew, she certainly wouldn't stay in the Inner Courtyard. Go ahead and do as you please. This time, I can only go against my conscience and deceive Miss once!"

The timeframe is only seven to two weeks within the game.

Yang Shan still needs to go to the Black-Corner Region to make proper arrangements! There's no time to say goodbye to Xiao Xun'er.

She will understand when she sees Protector Liu.

Who knows, they might even gain more favorability points then.

After all, he was a Dou Wang, yet he risked everything to "track" Dou Zong in order to deliver a gift to Xiao Xun'er! Yang Shan directly activated his Dou Qi Transformation Wings.

The ban on Inner Courtyard has not yet been lifted, and students are not allowed to leave the Inner Courtyard without permission.

However, this ban is ineffective against Yang Shan.

Rules are made by people. Given Yang Shan's contributions to the Jia Nan Academy, he could become an elder of the academy immediately if he wanted to! If he wanted to leave, no elder would utter a single word of "no"!

After the "Canaan Academy Disaster" storyline concludes, all players in the Black-Corner Region will receive a system notification:

[Players please note that Medicine Emperor Han Feng (and the chief disciple of the Venerable Yao), fearing retaliation from the Jia Nan Academy, has begun establishing the "Black Alliance." This faction will offer numerous high-yield quests, and players may choose to join.]

This "Black Alliance" existed in the original work. With the status and influence of Medicine Emperor Han Feng, it brought together many forces to fight against the Jia Nan Academy and seize the Fallen Heart Flame again.

In the previous life, the conflict between the Jia Nan Academy and the Black Alliance lasted for several versions, with players from both sides fighting back and forth for a long time.

Yang Shan would definitely join this Black Alliance! But only as the Soul Envoy "Cheng E" of the Soul Palace Soul Envoy!

After leaving Jia Nan Academy's sphere of influence, Yang Shan immediately changed into Cheng E's attire.

Carry with "Unseeable".

The combination of "Unseeable" and the "Strange Concealment" effect of the Extraterrestrial Ghoul Lightning made it impossible even for Dou Zong expert to see his true appearance!

Yang Shan didn't rest at all and kept traveling, arriving at Mad Lion City at top speed.

Protector Liu is determined to keep the Hun Dan occupied, so he doesn't go anywhere and stays by the Hun Dan every day.

Luo Xie also got a rare "vacation".

Protector Liu's intention was to make Luo Xie slack off.

Once the Hun Dan returns to the Soul Hall within the allotted time, Luo Xie will be credited with a great achievement! Luo Xie was quite happy to have some peace and quiet.

After all, he had come to the Black-Corner Region all alone, and he was also flustered.

The Black-Corner Region is a godforsaken place; who knows how many Dou Zong are hidden there? As a Seven Star Dou Huang, he is under immense pressure!

However, Luo Xie was a rather ambitious person. Since he had nothing better to do, he simply took out the secret manual to read and study it.

At the Dou Emperor level, progress was slow, so Luo Xie hoped to make a breakthrough in Dou Technique.

Hearing footsteps at the door, Luo Xie looked up, his smile truly genuine:

"Little Brother E, you're back?"

Yang Shan hurriedly said, "Brother Luo Xie, we can talk about it later. I want to see Protector Liu!"

Before Luo Xie could answer, Protector Liu had already come out from the back door. "Cheng E, what brings you here as soon as you get back?"

When Yang Shan left, Protector Liu specially gave him a Soul Accumulation Pearl, sending Yang Shan to the Black-Corner Region to harvest souls.

So when Yang Shan disappeared for a period of time, Protector Liu not only had no doubts, but also thought that Yang Shan was very sensible!

Yang Shan was seriously injured while trying to bring the Hun Dan back, so Protector Liu still has 5 points of goodwill towards Yang Shan!

If it were an ordinary Dou Wang Soul Envoy, Protector Liu probably wouldn't even bother to give it a second glance.

Yang Shan: "Protector Liu, I was hanging around in Thousand Speck City a few days ago and found out that Medicine Emperor Han Feng and master of Maple City, gathered a large group of forces to go to the Jia Nan Academy. It seems that a major conflict broke out. After returning, Han Feng announced that he would establish the Black Alliance to fight against the Jia Nan Academy!"

Protector Liu raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Medicine Emperor Han Feng?"

Luo Xie whispered a reminder: "My lord, Medicine Emperor Han Feng is the disciple of Venerable Yao. He cooperated with our Soul Hall to kill Venerable Yao and then came to the Black-Corner Region."

Protector Liu nodded slightly. "Now that you mention it, I remember, there seems to be such a thing!"

Protector Liu asked, "Why did you mention Medicine Emperor Han Feng?"

Yang Shan now acted like a trusted confidant advising a powerful figure. "Guardian, think about it. Our Soul Hall is in the business of collecting souls. If Han Feng wants to establish the Black Alliance and fight against the Jia Nan Academy, how many people will die?"

Yang Shan patiently guided:

"I haven't been with the Soul Hall for long, but I've been following Brother Luo Xie for quite some time. Brother Luo Xie spent ten years building the Bloodshed Hall, but he couldn't cause any major trouble in the Black-Corner Region. But now, if we do nothing, there will be a huge mess!"

Protector Liu wasn't stupid; after being misled by Yang Shan, he immediately realized:

"You mean, you want Han Feng to work for the Soul Hall?"

Yang Shan then started to play dumb. "Huh? Working for the Soul Hall? I... I... I just wanted to give Han Feng some benefits and give him Soul Gathering Pearl so that he could help us collect souls when we clash with the Jia Nan Academy."

If one were to pay attention, one could extract a key piece of information from Yang Shan's words: he was not asking Han Feng to work for the Soul Hall!

Having Han Feng collect souls can be a "personal matter"! But if you want Protector Liu to leave Mad Lion City and go to Maple City to find Protector Liu Han Feng, you have to offer him enough tempting benefits!

Good!

Yang Shan's scheme was never just Protector Liu's doing!

And Han Feng too!

Of the known Heavenly Flames, Jia Nan Academy possesses the Fallen Heart Flame.

Medusa Queen possesses the Green Lotus Core Flame.

But Yang Shan had no idea how to refine either of them.

But Han Feng is different! Han Feng's Sea Heart Flame has already been refined!

In the original novel, before being captured by the Soul Hall, Yao Lao gave his Heavenly Flames, "Bone Spirit Cold Flame," to Xiao Yan.

This allows Xiao Yan to control the Bone Spirit Cold Flame, but the Soul Imprint remains in Yao Lao's hands.

Later, after Yao Lao reshaped his body, he erased the Soul Imprint. After a period of nurturing, Xiao Yan easily refined the Bone Spirit Cold Flame.

Unlike the previous types of Heavenly Flames, it doesn't require risking your life every time!

Therefore, following the logic of the original work, in the game, if one steals another's Heavenly Flames, it's highly likely that the most dangerous "taming" stage can be skipped, and "refining" can be done directly. (Taking the Extraterrestrial Ghoul Lightning as an example, capturing the Extraterrestrial Ghoul Lightning is taming, and putting the Strange Lightning Origin into the Naling is refining; the most difficult part is "capturing.") So, if Yang Shan steals Han Feng's Sea Heart Flame, and still has a Naling, without any fortuitous encounter or preparation, he can possess a Heavenly Flames at the fastest speed! Thus fulfilling the prerequisite for "Complete Overload"!

With the help of Ling Quan, the deputy commander of the Ancient Clan's Black Submerging Army, and his subordinates, they should be able to take down both Protector Liu and Han Feng at the same time! Besides, there's also Ling Ying! If all else fails, once Xiao Xun'er unleashes her Golden Emperor Burning Flame, ranked fourth on the Heavenly Flame Ranking, Han Feng's Sea Heart Flame will be no match for her.

Of course, it's possible that Ling Quan might have designs on Sea Heart Flame.

But Xiao Xun'er has absolutely no affection for Ling Quan!

At that time, with just one word from Senior Sister, would Ling Quan dare to reach for the Sea Heart Flame? Of course, the only difficulty might be that Yang Shan must snatch Han Feng's kill from Ling Quan.

This way, Xiao Xun'er will have a sufficient reason to support Yang Shan!

Yang Shan could already picture that moment, with his senior sister's frosty expression and domineering tone. "My junior brother killed him, and you dare to steal his spoils? Ling Quan, who gave you the guts? The Black Submerging King?"

Protector Liu must die, Han Feng must die, and Sea Heart Flame, Hai Yang Shan, must also die!

Senior is so awesome!

At this moment, the 5 points of goodwill took effect, and Protector Liu was indeed somewhat tempted by Yang Shan's words.

The main reason is that Protector Liu doesn't know many people in the Black-Corner Region. Among the short ones, Yang Shan is the one that Protector Liu admires the most.

Even Luo Xie has to step aside! "Very good, Cheng E, you have indeed brought me good news!"

Jia Nan Academy and the Black Alliance are locked in a fierce battle. If the battle is intense and prolonged, several Dou Emperor, a bunch of Dou Wang, and countless Dou Ling and Da Dou Shi will surely die.

What an enormous amount of souls this is! Although Protector Liu is the servant of Young Master Hun Xian, he also needs to become stronger and needs resources! His primary task on this trip is to keep an eye on Hun Dan. There are still his superiors operating within the Soul Hall, so as long as Black-Corner Region doesn't hand over souls during this period, the Soul Hall will not impose any punishment! No need to hand them over.

"Then we'll take them all!" Protector Liu said with an air of superiority. "In that case, Luo Xie, go and make the trip for me."

Protector Liu, was clearly not blinded by greed.

The most important thing is still that Hun Dan! Yang Shan quickly said:

"Protector Liu, I'm afraid you'll have to go there in person to handle this matter."

Protector Liu was somewhat displeased. "Why?"

Yang Shan: "That Medicine Emperor Han Feng is Nine Star Dou Huang, and also Peak Sixth-Grade Alchemist. If Brother Luo Xie goes, I'm afraid Han Feng won't give him any face!"

Yang Shan merely blinked, and Luo Xie immediately smiled wryly:

"My lord, Cheng E is absolutely right. Han Feng always looks down on people. If I were to propose cooperation to him, he might not even be interested. As a Dou Zong expert, Han Feng would have to lower his head immediately when he sees you. Only you have enough authority to make Han Feng do things properly!"

Luo Xie's words were indeed of a certain standard, and after pondering for a moment, Protector Liu nodded:

"Then I really have to make the trip."

Yang Shan quickly said, "Guardian, may I come with you?"

Protector Liu raised an eyelid. "What are you going to do?"

Yang Shan said somewhat embarrassedly:

"My lord, the Soul Accumulation Pearl you gave me before were really too difficult to obtain. I'd like to go with you to get acquainted with you, so that when the Black Alliance and Jia Nan Academy clash, I can also go and kill a few people."

Protector Liu: "Hmm, it's good to have ambition. Very well, considering your previous merits, I'll give you this opportunity!"

Yang Shan said he wanted to salvage souls between the Black Alliance and Jia Nan Academy, but in reality, he was also trying to steal food from Protector Liu.

But in Protector Liu's view, Yang Shan was just a Dou Wang; how much could he possibly rob? If you want your subordinates to work wholeheartedly, you have to give them benefits!

This is the most basic common sense for someone in a position of power! Protector Liu pointed at Luo Xie and said:

"Luo Xie, you keep a close eye on that Hun Dan Young Master. If he leaves the courtyard even half a step..."

Luo Xie repeatedly bent over:

"Don't worry, sir! I'll risk my life to take good care of Hun Dan. It's too dangerous outside. Hun Dan must stay in the courtyard to be safe!"

Protector Liu then laughed, "Very good, you two have quite good eyesight. I appreciate you. If this matter goes smoothly, I will naturally reward you!"

Protector Liu flicked his sleeves, displaying his superior style:

"Cheng E!"

Yang Shan: "Your subordinate is here!"

Protector Liu: "Lead the way!"

Yang Shan: "Your subordinate obeys!"