The Qualitative Change of Contract Fusion and the Shocking Transformation of Wutan City

Jade Fire Cold Pool.

That strange and mysterious energy cycle, like a dreamlike dance that never ceased, had persisted for who knows how long in the river of time. Above the pool, the swirling white mist curled like sheer silk, adorning the entire cold pool in a dream-like splendor. In this ethereal scene, the violent energy fluctuations finally calmed, much like a weary beast.

The cyan flames circulating around Queen Medusa were gently gathered by an invisible hand, retracting completely into her body. The flames transformed into an exquisite long dress with inner radiance, as if woven from the world's most precious silk, perfectly outlining her breathtaking curves that could make the heavens and earth lose their luster. The pale golden phoenix mark between her brows also vanished like a fading glow. However, the cyan flames dancing deep within her purple eyes were more agile and profound than before, appearing like two tiny worlds of fire containing endless mystery and power. A majestic aura, harmonious and far exceeding the peak of a Dou Emperor, radiated from her as naturally as a mountain spring. Clearly, with the help of Xiao Zhan's mysterious and powerful bloodline, she had completely stabilized her current realm and even faintly touched the threshold of a higher level.

She slowly opened those intoxicatingly beautiful eyes, and the first thing to enter her vision was Xiao Zhan, whose aura was also undergoing subtle changes within the pool.

At this moment, the layer of crimson-gold dragon scale phantom on Xiao Zhan's skin had long since dissipated like a dream, but his entire temperament had gained an indescribable weight and density, as if he were an ancient mountain that had weathered the ages. The hideous wound on his left shoulder had completely healed, leaving only a faint mark, like a subtle trace left by time. He soaked quietly in the jade-green pool, eyes closed as he regulated his breath; every pore on his body seemed to have become a tiny breathing orifice, greedily absorbing the strange energy remaining in the cold pool. A faint aura, mixed with the majesty of the Dragon Phoenix and the scorching heat of the Green Lotus, lingered around him, as if he had reached a marvelous resonance with this world.

[Dragon Phoenix Tyrant Body Art proficiency has increased like a rocket! Current realm has entered the "First Glimpse of the Path" stage (15%)!]

[Successfully refined the trace of pure Green Lotus Core Flame origin! From now on, permanent resistance to Heavenly Flames has significantly increased (15%)! Affinity for fire-attribute energy has also been greatly enhanced!]

[Dou Qi cultivation has also seen a slight increase, firmly stabilized at the peak of a one-star Dou Zong!]

The system's notification sounds were like a joyful movement, announcing the massive harvest brought about by this painful "baptism." Xiao Zhan slowly opened his eyes, a flash of brilliance flickering within them as if stars were twinkling inside. He felt his body was stronger than ever before; every inch of muscle and every bone contained endless power, and his control over that power had reached a new height, as if the entire world were within his grasp.

At this moment, their gazes met in the air.

In that instant of eye contact, there was no biting killing intent, no cold scrutiny, and even the frost-like chill from before had vanished. In Queen Medusa's purple eyes, where cyan flames burned, a complex and difficult-to-read emotion emerged for the first time. In that emotion, there was an exploration of the unknown, like a curious child discovering a mysterious treasure; there was contemplation of doubt, as if solving an ancient riddle; there was a lingering trace of desire, like parched earth craving the nourishment of rain; and there was even... a trace of imperceptible approval, like a faint star flickering in the night sky—not dazzling, yet undeniably real. Through the deep resonance of the strange energy cycle and the bloodline contract, she sensed more clearly than anyone the unyielding will within Xiao Zhan, a will as hard as steel that would never submit regardless of the adversity faced. At the same time, she also sensed the noble essence hidden within him, which shared the same origin (Dragon Phoenix aura) as her own—an essence like the majesty of an emperor that commanded awe.

Xiao Zhan's heart also trembled slightly. He could clearly feel that the vast power transmitted through the contract had become more docile and harmonious, like a tamed beast, no longer wild and uncontrollable. Even that power carried a faint hint of... acceptance of his existence? This energy fusion, originating from the depths of the soul, could not be explained by a simple contract; it was like a tacit understanding that transcended matter and language, a dialogue between soul and soul.

"You..." Queen Medusa's red lips parted slightly, her voice still as cold as a mountain spring, yet it seemed to have shed some of its usual aloofness and indifference, "...are not bad."

These simple words, spoken by this queen who had always been arrogant and looked down upon the world, were already an extremely high evaluation, like a rare and dazzling light among the brilliant stars.

Xiao Zhan stood up slowly from the jade-green pool, the water cascading down his sturdy and powerful body, shimmering with a crystalline luster under the sunlight. With a calm expression, he cupped his hands in a salute, his voice steady and powerful: "Thanks to Your Majesty's blessing, I have turned a misfortune into a fortune after these twists and turns."

Queen Medusa's gaze inadvertently swept over his bare upper body; the fluid and graceful muscle lines, along with the astonishing explosive power contained within, caused the cyan flames in her purple eyes to flicker slightly, like ripples on a calm lake. But she immediately shifted her gaze away as if nothing had happened.

"The Soul Hall protector Wu Ying has been heavily injured by this Seat and has fled in a sorry state; he will certainly be unable to stir up trouble again for some time." Queen Medusa changed the subject, her tone carrying a cold killing intent like the biting wind of winter. "But the Soul Hall is known for its petty vengeance and will never let this go. The Sacred Palace needs time to recover its vitality, and this Seat must also enter seclusion to thoroughly comprehend the mysteries of the Heavenly Flame."

She looked at Xiao Zhan, her purple eyes filled with unquestionable decisiveness, like cold stars in the night sky, firm and bright: "The contract is formed. Since you are now a guest elder of this Seat, you should know that matters of the Sacred Palace must not be leaked in the slightest. You may return to Wutan City, but remember: if the Sacred Palace summons you, or if the Soul Hall attacks again, you must arrive immediately without delay!"

"Xiao Zhan understands," Xiao Zhan replied in a deep voice, his tone resolute and decisive. This was exactly what he had in mind—to temporarily leave the center of this storm and return to Wutan City to handle his "More Children More Blessings" grand undertaking, adding bricks and tiles to the future of his family.

Queen Medusa nodded slightly, her jade hand flipping to reveal a small, exquisite snake-shaped token condensed from cyan flames. The token was incredibly delicate, and on its back, a faint golden phoenix phantom was vaguely visible, as if containing endless mysterious power. She flicked her finger, and the token turned into a streak of cyan light, shooting toward Xiao Zhan like a meteor.

"This is the token of this Seat. With this, the eight great tribes of the Snake-People Tribe will treat this token as if this Seat has arrived in person. You can also use it to sense the summons of this Seat; do not forget it." Queen Medusa's voice was cold yet carried a trace of imperceptible fluctuation, like an undercurrent beneath a calm lake. "You... take care of yourself."

Having said that, she did not linger for a moment longer. Her purple figure transformed into a dreamlike streak of cyan light, instantly piercing through the barriers of space and disappearing into the depths of the cold pool space, leaving only a faint lingering scent of fire in the air that refused to dissipate for a long time.

Xiao Zhan held the token, which felt warm yet carried a trace of scorching heat, and felt the marvelous resonance between the powerful aura within it and the contract imprint. His heart was like a surging tide, filled with mixed emotions. This trip to the desert could be described as extremely perilous; every step felt like walking on the edge of a cliff, where a single mistake would lead to total destruction. However, the harvest was also immense. His Dou Zong strength was completely stabilized, as solid as a rock; the Dragon Phoenix Tyrant Body Art had progressed, like a sharp blade unsheathed, its edge beginning to show; he had obtained the status of a guest elder of the Snake-People Tribe and the token of Queen Medusa, like holding the key to a mysterious treasure vault; and he had unexpectedly refined a trace of Heavenly Flame origin, an opportunity countless experts dreamed of... More importantly, he had established a connection with that notorious and fearsome queen that transcended friend or foe—a complex and subtle link, like finding a secret passage in the fog.

Just then, the system notification rang crisply in his sea of consciousness:

"Ding! The contract fusion between the host and Queen Medusa (Seven-Colored Heaven-Swallowing Python bloodline) has significantly increased! Favorability +20 (Current: 10→30/100, based on recognition of the contract and power). Special Reward: Detoxification Spirit Bead materialization complete!"

A jade-green spirit bead, the size of a pigeon's egg, emitting a warm and gentle vitality, floated quietly in the system space like a brilliant green star. Inside the bead, swirling green mist seemed to flow, like agile spirits dancing, emitting a refreshing aura. It was a low-tier Heaven-grade treasure capable of alleviating the Woe Poison Body, precious beyond measure!

Xiao Zhan looked at this spirit bead, and the resolute and vibrant figure of Xiao Yan, the gentle yet mysterious appearance of Xiao Yi Xian, and the system's previous hints regarding the "Woe Poison Body Symbiosis Contract" instantly surfaced in his mind.

"Yan'er... and that girl named Xiao Yi Xian..." Xiao Zhan's eyes narrowed slightly, as if pondering something. "I must find a way to get this bead to them as soon as possible, so as not to delay."

On the edge of the Magical Beast Mountain Range, the canyon that was the only path to Green Mountain Town lay across the earth like a winding giant dragon, with towering cliffs on both sides like silent giants guarding this mysterious land.

"Swish! Swish-swish!"

Several arrows tipped with lethal poison tore through the air like meteors in the dark night, emitting shrill and sharp whistling sounds as they slammed into the tree trunk Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian had just dodged behind. The arrow tails still trembled violently, as if telling of the shooter's ferocity and unwillingness.

"Over there! Don't let them get away!" Mu She's roar, filled with resentment and madness, rang out like a thunderclap in the dense forest behind them. Along with this roar, the chaotic footsteps of a large group of mercenaries approached like dense drumbeats, accompanied by the low, fierce growls of magical beasts, all intertwined like a chaotic symphony.

Xiao Yan held Xiao Yi Xian's hand tightly, his figure weaving nimbly through the jagged rocks and dense woods like an agile ape. His face was as heavy as frost; although Yao Lao's soul power could provide early warnings of danger, Yao Lao had not yet recovered from his severe injuries, and his soul power was greatly diminished. At this moment, carrying Xiao Yi Xian, his speed was severely restricted. Mu She was clearly driven mad this time; not only had he gathered the remnants of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, but he had also used some wicked method to drive several "Tracking Hounds"—second-tier magical beasts with incredibly keen senses—to follow them closely like maggots on a bone.

"This won't work!" Xiao Yi Xian panted slightly, a trace of anxiety and determination on her delicate face. A wisp of gray-white poison mist quietly swirled around her fingertips like a tiny venomous snake, ready to strike at any moment. "Xiao Yan, put me down! I can hold them off for a while!"

"Shut up!" Xiao Yan barked without looking back, gripping her hand as if holding the most precious treasure in the world. "I said we go together! I won't abandon you! Teacher Yao Lao, how much further until we exit the canyon?"

"Almost there! The exit is one mile ahead! But there must be an ambush at the exit!" Yao Lao's voice was as heavy as iron. "That old dog Mu She is cunning; he won't let us escape back to Green Mountain Town so easily!"

No sooner had he spoken!

"ROAR--!!"

A deafening roar, as if capable of shaking mountains, erupted from the canyon exit ahead! A massive beast, as large as a small hill—the second-tier peak magical beast "Earth Armor Dragon"—appeared before them. Its entire body was covered in thick, hard, earth-yellow scales, each one appearing like a shield polished by the ages, its fangs bared and flashing with a cold luster. It was like a moving city wall, firmly blocking the narrow exit, its scarlet eyes burning like fire, locked onto the two figures rushing toward it, exuding a violent and fierce aura as if it would crush all living things!

Behind the giant beast, Mu She led dozens of murderous mercenaries, swarming in like a pack of vicious wolves. They held bows, crossbows, and blades, the cold light flashing as they sealed off all possible paths of retreat. Mu She's eyes were bloodshot, like a mad beast, staring fixedly at Xiao Yan with bone-deep hatred, wishing he could swallow him alive to avenge his son!

"Little bastard! Let's see where you run now! Pay for my son's life!" Mu She sneered, the muscles on his face twisted like a demon, and he waved his hand violently. "Fire arrows! Kill them!"

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh--!"

A dense rain of arrows, like dark clouds pressing down, covered Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian with sharp killing intent! The Earth Armor Dragon also cooperated by letting out a heaven-shaking roar, taking heavy steps that made the earth tremble, pressing toward the two like a tank! Caught between the front and back, Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian were trapped in a desperate situation!

Xiao Yan's pupils constricted, a flash of determination and madness crossing his eyes. He instantly shielded Xiao Yi Xian behind him like a knight protecting his most precious treasure, the Heavy Xuan Ruler held horizontally before his chest, his Dou Qi surging wildly, his entire body glowing with a brilliant light like a burning flame! At this moment, he had no choice but to fight with his life!

"Teacher!"

"Prepare!" Yao Lao's voice also carried unprecedented determination, like a champion about to charge into the battlefield!

Just at this critical, life-or-death moment!

"SCREE--!!!"

A piercing cry, filled with supreme majesty and fury, exploded in the sky above the canyon like a thunderbolt from the nine heavens! The sound seemed to pierce the soul, making all living things tremble in fear!

An aura far exceeding a Dou Emperor, even more terrifying than when Queen Medusa evolved earlier, descended like a tangible curtain of heaven! The entire canyon trembled under this pressure, as if welcoming the arrival of a supreme expert!

Time seemed to be gripped by an invisible hand, freezing solid in this very moment as all sound and motion in the world ground to a halt.

The arrows raining down from the sky, like moths hurling themselves into a flame, collided with an unseen yet impenetrable wall. They hung suspended in mid-air, as if frozen by time itself, before shattering into fine powder and drifting away with the wind.

The Earth Armor Dragon, which had been charging with ferocious, earth-shaking momentum, was struck as if by an invisible giant hammer. Its massive body stiffened abruptly, and its scarlet beast-eyes were instantly flooded with boundless terror—a fear that surged like a tidal wave, drowning it completely. It let out a shrill, mournful whine, its four limbs went limp, and it collapsed to the ground with a heavy "thud." Its massive head buried deep into the soil, its body trembling violently like a small beast encountering its natural predator, stripped of all its previous ferocity.

Mu She and all the mercenaries were struck as if by lightning, standing frozen on the spot. Under that terrifying pressure, which seemed to descend from the primordial era and tower above all living things, they felt their very souls trembling and wailing as if cast into an endless abyss. Their circulation of Dou Qi stalled instantly, like a frozen river unable to flow. Their knees buckled uncontrollably, and they collapsed one after another like wheat being harvested, "thud, thud" echoing as they fell. Even Mu She, a peak Dou Grandmaster, was forced to his knees without the slightest power to resist. His face was a mask of horror, beads of sweat the size of beans rolling down his forehead; he could not even lift his head, only tremble under the crushing weight.

"Who... who is it?!" Mu She let out a desperate roar from within, the sound squeezed from the depths of his soul, filled with endless fear and unwillingness.

Just then, a massive shadow, like a cloud covering the sky, drifted slowly over the canyon with an aura that blotted out the sun. Wherever the shadow passed, the light dimmed.

It was a divine, colossal bird of indescribable size! Its wingspan was vast, obscuring the heavens as if it could shroud the entire sky. Its body was covered in magnificent, purple-gold feathers that refracted dreamlike luster under the sunlight, as if it were clad in armor woven from stars. It wore a golden crest upon its head, dazzling and brilliant, a symbol of royalty. Its eyes were like burning purple-gold suns, radiating a supreme majesty that looked down upon the world, making one dare not meet its gaze. Its mere passage, the shadow it cast and the pressure it radiated, forced all living things below to prostrate themselves like ants, devoid of any thought of resistance.

"Pur... Purple-Gold Winged Lion King?! No! That's not it! It's stronger than the Lion King! Is this... could this be the legendary... Tier 6 peak Magical Beast?!" Yao Lao's voice, shocked to the point of losing its composure, rang out in the depths of Xiao Yan's soul, filled with disbelief and deep awe.

The giant bird's purple-gold eyes, burning with scorching light, seemed to contain the profound mysteries of the cosmos as they swept casually over the tiny, ant-like crowd in the canyon below. Wherever that gaze fell, it carried an invisible force that made everyone tremble. When the gaze lingered for a fleeting moment on Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian, a warm current seemed to brush over their bodies and minds, yet it carried an indescribable, mysterious quality. Immediately after, the giant bird let out an even more high-pitched, piercing cry that seemed to pierce the clouds, tinged with a hint of impatience, as if it were weary of all the trivialities of this world. Then, it flapped its wings violently, instantly whipping up a monstrous current that churned the surrounding air into chaos like a violent storm. In the blink of an eye, it vanished into the distant horizon, leaving behind only a gradually blurring silhouette.

As the giant bird departed, the terrifying pressure dissipated from the canyon as quickly as a receding tide.

The canyon fell into a deathly silence, as if time itself had stopped. Everyone remained immersed in that immense fear, unable to pull themselves out. It was a full dozen breaths later before anyone recovered from the extreme shock, letting out whimpers of survival and sounds of emotional collapse. The sobbing echoed in the silent canyon, sounding exceptionally miserable.

Mu She struggled to lift his head, his face as pale as paper, as if all the blood had been drained from him. His entire body was soaked in cold sweat, his clothes clinging to him, making him look utterly wretched. The look he cast toward Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian was filled with boundless fear and lingering dread. That single glance just now had been like a bolt of lightning, striking his soul directly and making him realize just how close he had been to death. Could it be... could it be that behind these two people, there really stood a terrifying existence of that caliber? At the mere thought, his body couldn't help but tremble uncontrollably.

"Retreat... retreat quickly!!!" Mu She no longer dared to linger for even a second, his voice hoarse as he screamed at the top of his lungs. The sound seemed to be squeezed from the depths of his throat, laden with endless fear and despair. He scrambled away, dragging the equally terrified mercenaries with him, fleeing the canyon in a panic like stray dogs. They ran in such a hurry that they didn't even care about the Earth Armor Dragon still playing dead on the ground, as if the beast itself carried the scent of that terrifying existence.

The crisis was resolved in such an inconceivable manner.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian stood in the canyon, gazing at the direction where the giant bird had vanished, looking at each other in bewilderment. Their eyes were filled with extreme shock and confusion, as if they had just experienced a dreamlike nightmare.

"Wha... what was that just now?" Xiao Yi Xian's voice trembled, a tremor born of both fear of the unknown and awe for that mysterious existence.

"I don't know..." Xiao Yan took a deep breath, struggling to suppress the raging waves in his heart. His eyes flickered with complex light—doubt, speculation, and a hint of faint expectation. "But whatever it was... it saved us." A ridiculous thought surfaced in his mind: Could it be... related to Father? But he immediately dismissed the idea. How could Father possibly command an existence of that level? That was a terrifying entity that stood above all living beings!

"This place is not to be lingered in, leave at once!" Yao Lao's voice carried an unprecedented gravity, faintly mixed with a hint of indescribable doubt. "The aura of that giant bird... it seemed to have a trace of familiarity? But thinking about it carefully, I have no clue... Let's leave here first!"

The two dared not delay in the slightest; their figures moved like lightning, quickly crossing the canyon and sprinting toward Green Mountain Town. As for the Earth Armor Dragon, which had been scared out of its wits, it only dared to lift its head tremblingly once their figures had completely vanished from sight. Tucking its tail, it fled into the deep mountains in a panic, just like a stray dog.

In the Xiao Family meeting hall in Wutan City, the atmosphere was tense and ready to snap.

"Scoundrels!!!"

Xiao Ding was furious, his eyes seemingly spitting fire as he slammed a palm onto the sandalwood table beside him. With a loud "crack," the sturdy table was instantly shattered, wood chips flying like snowflakes.

Jialie Bi! Aoba Pa! You two despicable, shameless villains! Xiao Li's eyes were bloodshot, as if they were about to drip blood. His fists clenched until they creaked, and lightning flickered around his body like electric snakes, radiating a dangerous aura.

The atmosphere in the hall was suffocating, as if an invisible mountain were pressing down on everyone's hearts. Ya Fei sat in the main seat, her beautiful face as cold as frost. Her originally charming and moving eyes were now burning with cold fury, as if she wanted to incinerate all evil. The three elders of the Xiao Family also had ashen faces, gloomy and terrifying like the sky before a storm.

Just moments ago, the Jialie Family and the Aoba Family had suddenly colluded to launch an attack! They had obtained some baseless information from somewhere and slandered the Xiao Family for colluding with an enemy nation (an enemy of the Jia Ma Empire), and had even "discovered" a large number of forged "secret letters of collusion" and "contraband" with great fanfare! Even more detestable, they had colluded with the City Lord's Mansion guards to seal off over seventy percent of the Xiao Family's markets and businesses in Wutan City with lightning speed! A large number of Xiao clansmen had been beaten and detained, their screams echoing, and the Xiao Family had instantly fallen into an unprecedented crisis.

"Miss Ya Fei, what about the City Lord's Mansion..." Great Elder Xiao Shan's voice was dry, like sandpaper rubbing together. He looked at Ya Fei with worry, his eyes full of expectation.

"The City Lord has accepted generous gifts from both the Jialie and Aoba families and is now determined to be their accomplice!" Ya Fei's voice was as cold as frost, as if it could freeze the air. "My Miteer Auction House representatives tried to negotiate, but they were blocked under the pretext of 'Imperial Law'! Now, they are bringing people, aggressively heading toward the Xiao Family ancestral home! They claim they are here to 'invite' the two young masters, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, to the City Lord's Mansion to 'assist in the investigation'!"

"Assist in the investigation? Hmph, I see clearly that they intend to wipe out our Xiao Family and leave no one alive!" Xiao Ding gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead, his eyes filled with hatred and unwillingness. "Father is not in the clan now, so they are acting so unscrupulous and arrogant!"

"If they dare to act like this, I will definitely make them pay the price!" A fierce light flashed in Xiao Li's eyes, like a provoked beast, his body radiating a violent aura. "Let's fight them! At worst, we'll go down together!"

"Fight? With what will you fight?" Ya Fei remained calm, analyzing the situation logically. "Jialie Bi and Aoba Pa are both Dou Grandmaster level experts, and the City Lord has even reached the realm of a Dou Ling! They have brought out all their elites, their subordinates are numerous, and they have the support of the City Lord's Mansion guards. If we rashly fight them head-on, the Xiao Family will surely be bathed in blood, which is exactly what they want!"

"Then are we just to sit and wait for death, letting them bully us?" Xiao Li roared unwillingly, his voice tinged with a hint of despair and anger.

Cold light flashed in Ya Fei's beautiful eyes, like a meteor streaking across the night sky, cold and sharp. Her jade fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest, as if striking the heartstrings of everyone present. "The reason they dare to be so unscrupulous is simply because they see that the Clan Head is not in the clan, and the Misty Cloud Sect has temporarily retreated, thinking our Xiao Family is isolated and helpless. But they have forgotten..."

She stood up slowly, a majestic aura of someone who had long held a position of power and looked down upon the world radiating from her, like a queen controlling life and death. "My Miteer Auction House has stood in Wutan City for many years; we are not soft persimmons to be bullied! Pass the order!"

"Present!" Gu Ni and several auction house guard commanders bowed immediately, their expressions solemn, their eyes revealing firmness and loyalty.

"Immediately activate the auction house's highest-level defensive formation to ensure the auction house is as solid as a fortress! All guards are to enter combat readiness, stand by, and not show the slightest slack!"

"Yes!" everyone replied in unison, their voices loud and powerful.

"Send someone with my token to the Miteer branch in 'Heiyan City,' the closest to Wutan City, and mobilize all available experts! Tell them that someone in Wutan City is bold enough to touch my Miteer Auction House's core partner, and have them rush here to support!"

"Yes!" The response was crisp and decisive, carrying unquestionable determination.

"Additionally," a flash of ruthlessness crossed Ya Fei's eyes, like cold light in the dark night, "spread the word quietly! Declare that... Clan Head Xiao has accidentally found an ancient ruin in the mysterious depths of the Magical Beast Mountain Range. This ruin contains a massive opportunity, which the Clan Head has already obtained, and he will return in glory soon! At the same time, release the news that the Jialie and Aoba families are harboring the empire's wanted criminal, 'Blood Butcher,' and that the concrete evidence is hidden in the secret chambers of their families!"

"This..." Gu Ni paused slightly, a look of hesitation appearing on his face. "Miss, the first piece of news is fine, but the second... we have no concrete evidence!"

"Evidence?" Ya Fei sneered, the sound like ice shards in a cold wind, sharp and frigid. "If I say there is, then there must be! Have the 'Shadow Guards' move out immediately to 'create' concrete evidence! Move quickly; it must be completed before they arrive at the Xiao Family!"

"Yes! This subordinate understands!" A fierce glint flashed in Gu Ni's eyes, like a leopard about to strike, and he immediately took the order and hurried away.

Ya Fei turned to look at Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, her expression solemn and firm. "Two young masters, immediately gather all clansmen, abandon the outer industries that are already in jeopardy, and retreat to the core area of the ancestral home! Rely on the ancestral home's incredibly sturdy defensive formation and hold your ground with all your might! What we must do is one word—drag! Drag until my reinforcements arrive! Drag until... Clan Head Xiao returns in glory!"

Having said this, she walked to the window, her gaze like a torch, looking toward the direction of the Jialie Family and the City Lord's Mansion. Her red lips were pressed tightly together, and her originally charming and moving face was now covered in a layer of thousand-year-old ice, radiating a chilling coldness.

"Want to touch the Xiao Family? Then step over my dead body first! I want to see if they can really cover the sky of Wutan City with one hand and do whatever they please!"

Just then, a commotion and heavy footsteps approached from near and far, rolling in like muffled thunder. Accompanying this noisy sound was Jialie Bi's arrogant and overbearing voice:

"Xiao Ding! Xiao Li! Come out and surrender obediently! Otherwise, don't blame us for leveling the Xiao Family and erasing your Xiao Family from Wutan City forever!"

The Xiao Family ancestral home was now covered in dark clouds; a storm was about to break, and the situation was on the verge of exploding!