Yao Chen and the others entered Maple City without rushing. Instead, they asked the surrounding vendors where Han Feng lived in the city.
From the vendors' accounts, it was clear they resented and feared Han Feng. He let his underlings prey on the people and extorted them with heavy taxes and levies, leaving the populace destitute.
Many innocent people had lost their homes and families after offending him or one of his subordinates.
"That evil disciple used the alchemy techniques I taught him to throw his weight around in this city. What a vile thing to do!"
Listening to the vendors' accounts, Yao Chen was so furious with Han Feng that his teeth ached. He wanted nothing more than to charge over and purge the sect at once.
Han Feng's residence was in the heart of Maple City—the Medicine Emperor Palace.
The palace was a symbol of Han Feng's power.
It was said that after Han Feng had dominated Maple City with his superb alchemy skills and formidable strength, he had launched an extensive construction project and built the Medicine Emperor Palace.
Gazing at the magnificent structure in the city center, Yao Chen flew toward it with Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian.
When they reached the Medicine Emperor Palace, they found it extravagantly decorated.
The palace was built from black boulders, exuding a mysterious and oppressive aura.
Its vermilion gates were studded with golden rivets, both stately and splendid.
The palace roof's upturned eaves were carved with strange medicinal herbs and magical beasts, and studded with countless dazzling gems. They reflected brilliant light, as if symbolizing Han Feng's absolute authority in this place.
"What are you doing here? Don't you know this is our Lord Medicine Emperor's domain? Get lost!"
The guards spotted Yao Chen and the others and rushed over, shouting at them.
Seeing that the guards here were all Dou Shi, Yao Chen waved his hand in disdain.
The Dream-Illusion Blazing Flame in his hand surged toward them. In an instant, the scene fell silent.
At that moment, Han Feng was in his private alchemy chamber, preparing to refine a Sixth-Grade Pill.
Just as he was about to begin, the commotion outside startled him, and he went out to investigate.
He emerged to find three masked figures killing people in front of his palace. But seeing how powerful they were, he addressed them politely.
"Gentlemen, what brings you to the Medicine Emperor Palace? My men were out of line just now. Please don't hold it against me."
Hearing Han Feng's words, Yao Chen remained expressionless, while Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian began to provoke him.
"Those few guard dogs were annoying. At least this old dog that came out is being polite."
Han Feng's expression shifted slightly, but he still probed them.
"Gentlemen, have you come to ask me to refine a pill? You all seem quite powerful, so I'll give you a twenty-percent discount on the alchemy fee."
It was no wonder Han Feng had thrived in the Black Corner Region. His patience was beyond that of an ordinary person.
"Your pills would probably kill whoever ate them. I wouldn't touch them."
Xiao Yi Xian kept fanning the flames.
Han Feng's face darkened further, and a brief silence fell over the scene.
At that moment, Yao Chen turned to Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian.
"Little Yan, girl, I'll leave this evil disciple to you today. It'll also let me see how your training has been going."
After speaking, Yao Chen took a chair from his Storage Ring, sat down nearby, and watched.
"Understood, Master. We'll be the ones to purge the sect this time."
Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian answered.
Looking at them, Han Feng knew they had come to provoke him. Then he heard them talk about purging the sect.
He suddenly thought of his teacher, Venerable Yao—Yao Chen.
"So it's you, old bastard! I failed to kill you back then, and you got away. What a pity. Did you bring these two brats here to hand over the Flame Mantra to me?"
Hearing those words, Yao Chen's heart twisted in agony. He regretted ever raising such an ungrateful wretch, and waved his hand.
At his signal, Xiao Yi Xian and Xiao Yan charged at Han Feng.
Han Feng led them outside the palace and into the air to fight.
High above Maple City, the atmosphere grew unbearably tense.
Xiao Yi Xian's graceful figure radiated formidable power. Her strength as a Two-Star Dou Huang was on full display, and the Dou Qi around her flickered like green flames. Determination and resolve shone in her beautiful eyes.
Beside her, Xiao Yan was only a Three-Star Dou Wang, but his aura was no weaker. He gripped the Heavy Profound Ruler tightly, his eyes ablaze with fighting spirit.
Across from them, Han Feng's black robe billowed in the wind. With the strength of a Peak Dou Emperor, he seemed like a demon god, his immense pressure spreading through the air.
His narrow eyes were full of disdain and mockery. He looked at Xiao Yi Xian and Xiao Yan as though they were two ants foolish enough to challenge him.
At the start of the battle, neither side made a rash move. They sized each other up, searching for a weakness.
Han Feng was the first to break the silence. He swept both hands outward, sending a powerful storm of Dou Qi surging toward Xiao Yi Xian and Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yi Xian flashed aside, evading the storm. At the same time, she formed a hand seal, sending a cloud of green poison toward Han Feng.
Han Feng sneered and casually waved his hand, dispersing the poisonous mist.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan let out a shout and charged at Han Feng, swinging the Heavy Profound Ruler.
Han Feng remained unruffled. He reached out one hand and easily caught Xiao Yan's attack.
Xiao Yan felt an enormous force surge through the Heavy Profound Ruler. His arm went numb, but he gritted his teeth and pushed harder, trying to break free of Han Feng's grip.
Han Feng applied a little force and flung Xiao Yan away.
Xiao Yi Xian seized the opening. She swept her hands through the air, sending countless poisoned needles at Han Feng.
Han Feng moved swiftly, dodging most of the needles, but several still struck him.
His expression darkened. He circulated his Dou Qi, forcing the needles out of his body.
After testing them for a while, Han Feng gradually gauged Xiao Yi Xian and Xiao Yan's strength.
He stopped holding back and launched his full assault.
He formed hand seals and chanted an incantation. A massive flaming palm print shot toward Xiao Yi Xian and Xiao Yan.
Feeling its immense power, they didn't dare meet it head-on and hurriedly retreated.
Han Feng pressed his advantage, unleashing one attack after another. Flaming palm prints thundered toward Xiao Yi Xian and Xiao Yan in an unending barrage.
They could only keep dodging, and soon found themselves in a sorry state.
Xiao Yan grew increasingly anxious. He knew they couldn't go on like this and had to find a way to turn the tables.
Just then, a look of resolve flashed through Xiao Yan's eyes. He decided to use the Earth-tier Low-grade Dou Technique, Devouring Wave Flame Splitting Ruler.
He took a deep breath and poured the Dou Qi in his body into the Heavy Profound Ruler with all his might.
A fierce blaze immediately ignited along the ruler, its flames dancing wildly as if they were trying to break free.
Xiao Yan let out a shout and swung the Heavy Profound Ruler at Han Feng.
A huge blade of flame howled toward Han Feng. In its wake, even space seemed to tear apart.
Feeling its immense power, Han Feng's expression shifted slightly. He formed hand seals, and an even larger flaming palm print surged forward to meet it.
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