After returning to Ancient Dragon Island, Xiao Ling's life settled back into calmness.
Even though his strength had soared dramatically, his temperament remained steady, without the slightest hint of arrogance or complacency.
Moreover, with Xiao Xuan, a peak Nine-Star Dou Sheng, personally guiding him at his side, Xiao Ling's understanding of his own realm grew increasingly thorough and solid. There was no danger at all of being overwhelmed by his rapidly increased power or finding it difficult to control.
Under Xiao Xuan's careful instruction, Xiao Ling also gradually learned many high-level Dou Techniques passed down through the Xiao Clan.
As his understanding and application of those Dou Techniques deepened by the day, the true combat strength he could unleash steadily rose as well.
Every day, Xiao Ling cultivated diligently under Xiao Xuan's personal guidance. Whenever he had spare time, he played with the two little ones, Xiao Xi'er and Xiao Jin Chen, then spent tender moments with his three beloved women. His days were leisurely and peaceful.
Yet Xiao Ling did not indulge in such comfort. Members of Ancient Dragon Island had been ordered to regularly gather intelligence from the Central Plains. Whenever there was the slightest disturbance, news would immediately be sent back to the island, allowing him to maintain a clear grasp of the current situation there.
The unrest in the Central Plains was also becoming increasingly turbulent. Friction and conflict among the major factions intensified by the day, and behind it all, several Ancient Races were secretly fanning the flames.
Driven by them, the competition between the various factions became ever more heated, while conflicts erupted one after another.
The Hall of Souls in particular had become utterly unscrupulous in its recent actions, growing increasingly arrogant and tyrannical.
Many sects and clans in the Central Plains had