Aftermath of the Battle

The corpse of the宗-level Exotic Beast crashed to the ground, stirring up dust mixed with the scent of blood that permeated the canyon. Fang Yan knelt on one knee, leaning on his Little Black Sword. The power from the Martial Emperor Realm trial card was still flowing slowly within him, but over-activating the Profound Ice Domain had caused his meridians to ache faintly. Zhao Gang quickly stepped forward to support him, his gaze sweeping over the cheering soldiers. His voice, filled with barely concealed excitement, said, "Fang Yan, we owe it all to you this time! Without you, Black Wind Canyon would have fallen today."

Fang Yan waved his hand, using Zhao Gang's strength to stand up. He watched the scattered remnants of the Dark Demon Race flee towards the horizon of the wasteland and said in a deep voice, "First, clear the battlefield and treat the wounded. The demon corpses and exotic beast remains must also be handled properly to prevent the spread of plague." He knew that the advantage brought by the Martial Emperor trial was only temporary; true stability required a solid foundation.

The soldiers immediately sprang into action. The defensive fortifications on both sides of the canyon had been largely destroyed during the fierce battle. Several trebuchet supports were broken, and the wooden railings of the arrow towers had been pierced by the attacks of the exotic beasts. Several Martial Masters gathered around the corpse of the宗-level exotic beast, marveling at it. Its golden fur glinted in the sunlight, so tough that it could withstand the full force of a Martial Master's attack.

"The Inner Core of this Sect-level exotic beast is a treasure," a white-haired old Martial Master crouched down, his fingertip tracing the beast's brow. "The energy contained within is comparable to ten Inner Cores from Martial King Realm demonic beasts. If you can refine it, it might help you break through to the Martial King Realm."

Fang Yan's heart stirred. He reached out and placed his hand on the beast's brow. As Profound Ice True Qi was injected, a golden Inner Core the size of a pigeon's egg slowly emerged. It felt warm to the touch, and pure energy continuously overflowed from his palm. He could clearly feel that although the energy within this Inner Core had opposing attributes to his Profound Ice True Qi, it had a strong nourishing effect.

"Put it away. You might need it later," Zhao Gang handed him a beast-skin bag. "If the Alliance finds out you killed a宗-level exotic beast, they'll surely offer a generous reward. However, right now, your exposed strength might bring trouble."

Fang Yan put the Inner Core away, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. The strength of the Martial Emperor Realm far surpassed that of his peers. Once the news spread, it was bound to attract the covetous gaze of certain forces. He said softly, "Just say that the exotic beast was killed by everyone's combined effort, and I was lucky enough to deliver the final blow."

For the next three days, Black Wind Canyon entered a period of full-scale rest and recuperation. The soldiers repaired the defensive fortifications and melted down the weapons left by the demons to forge arrows. Fang Yan, meanwhile, hid in a temporary tent, repeatedly savoring the feeling of power from the Martial Emperor Realm.

Closing his eyes, the sensation of that day's majestic True Qi surging through his body was still clearly discernible. He discovered that the core of the Martial Emperor Realm was not simply a surge of Blood Essence, but the control of "momentum"—the ability to merge one's True Qi with the Spiritual Qi of heaven and earth, allowing the Profound Ice Domain to no longer be confined to his surroundings but to spread freely within tens of feet at will. What surprised him even more was that the insights gained from the trial card had actually imbued his Profound Ice True Qi with a trace of "Imperial Aura," increasing its circulation speed by nearly thirty percent.

"Ding! Host has comprehended a fragment of Martial Emperor Realm law. Profound Ice Domain proficiency has increased to 80%. Blood Essence has broken through to 55 points, advancing to the early stage of the Martial King Realm!"

The system notification suddenly rang out. Fang Yan's eyes snapped open, True Qi surging through his body like a tide. The surge in Blood Essence made his senses even sharper. The barrier from the Great Martial Master Realm to the Martial King Realm had quietly shattered in the lingering afterglow of the trial card.

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside the tent. A scout lifted the curtain and entered, his expression grave. "Captain Fang Yan, General Zhao, traces of an unknown force have been discovered west of the wasteland. Their attire doesn't resemble the Alliance army, nor the Dark Demon Race."

Fang Yan and Zhao Gang exchanged a glance and immediately rose to head towards the highest point of the canyon. Through the telescope, a troop of knights in silver armor appeared on the distant wasteland. Their warhorses were magnificent, and on the flag fluttering at the front of the formation, a burning longsword was embroidered.

"It's the Blazing Knights!" Zhao Gang's pupils contracted. "They are the strongest ace unit in the Alliance. Why would they suddenly appear here?"

Fang Yan gripped his Little Black Sword tightly. The commander of the Blazing Knights was a renowned Martial Ancestor Realm expert, and this unit had always carried out only the highest directives of the Alliance. Their arrival likely meant that the battle for Black Wind Canyon had already caught the attention of the entire Alliance.

The silver-armored knightly order soon arrived at the entrance of the canyon. The middle-aged knight at the forefront dismounted, his gaze sweeping across the entire scene like a falcon's before finally settling on Fang Yan. "Which one of you is Fang Yan, the one who killed the sect-level exotic beast? My commander wishes to see you."

Fang Yan stepped forward and cupped his fists. "I am Fang Yan. May I ask why your commander is looking for me?"

A hint of surprise flashed in the middle-aged knight's eyes. He clearly hadn't expected the warrior rumored to have slain a Sect-level exotic beast to be so young. He handed over a golden token. "The commander is waiting at the Ancient Fort of the Wasteland and has important intelligence regarding the Dark Demon Race to share. Please accompany me."

Zhao Gang stepped forward to interfere but was stopped by Fang Yan's gaze. Fang Yan took the token, feeling the faint Martial Ancestor pressure emanating from it, and made up his mind. "Alright, I'll go with you."

Before leaving, Fang Yan handed the宗-level exotic beast's Inner Core to Zhao Gang. "If I don't return in three days, give this to an Alliance messenger." He knew that this meeting might hold danger, but it also might provide a crucial clue to breaking through to the Martial Emperor Realm—after all, the true path of the Imperial Way could not be walked solely with trial cards.

Mounting his horse, Fang Yan was escorted by the Blazing Knights into the depths of the wasteland. In the setting sun, the silhouette of Black Wind Canyon gradually shrank. Fang Yan glanced back, thinking to himself: This brief peace has finally ended. And his Martial King path has only just begun.