By the time Xiao Yan returned to the Qing Xuan Continent with a temporarily satisfactory answer, the scorched wasteland he had left behind had overnight reverted to its former lush, verdant state.
Only, the impact Red Dragon had unleashed at the end had been far too powerful. The center of the Qing Xuan Continent could no longer return to the Spirit Peak where the Spirit Veins had once converged. Instead, it had become a vast crater sunk into the earth, though the scent of burning flames and charred soil had long since vanished.
Above the crater, the stone gates stood wide open, carrying the imposing air of ruling over the entire world.
Xiao Yan stopped before the Heavenly Tomb Gate. Looking at the carpet of green grass before him, he unconsciously took a deep breath.
"How is it? Everything is peaceful and serene, just as it should be, right?"
Her voice rode the wind into his ears, and the corners of his lips unconsciously lifted.
"Yes... If possible, I truly hope this scene can continue forever."
Xiao Yan murmured, yet once the words left his mouth, he did not forget that beneath this lush green view lay the desolate scorched earth of only one night ago.
"That will depend on our own abilities."
Yao Wan let out a long breath, then seemed to feel that her words had been a little too discouraging. She could not help changing the subject. "Right—how did the talks with the Continent of Merchants go?"
"Everything went smoothly. If nothing unexpected happens, we should know the outcome in seven days."
Xiao Yan nodded slightly.
"How much did you offer them?"
Yao Wan asked instinctively.
"Huh?"
Xiao Yan had not expected Yao Wan, who had never cared much about such matters, to ask about this. He