At the edge of Star Dou Forest, dust swirled through the air.
A travel-worn group slowly emerged from the forest.
At their head was a young man with black hair draped over his shoulders and calm, steady eyes. It was Ye Ruilin.
Beside him, Ma Hongjun still wore his usual cheerful expression, though his brows now carried the resoluteness forged through experience.
Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan had become even more restrained in their auras, yet their gazes had grown sharper.
The journey through Star Dou Forest had yielded Ye Ruilin and Ma Hongjun considerable gains.
However, before they could enjoy the joy of returning, an infuriating piece of news reached their ears.
"Boss, have you heard?"
"Heaven Dou Empire has issued a death order. No merchant is allowed to transport grain to our Qilin Empire. Anyone who disobeys will be executed on the spot!"
Ma Hongjun's face flushed with fury. He smashed his fist into a nearby tree trunk, sending fallen leaves scattering.
Dugu Yan's elegant brows knit tightly together.
"What is Heaven Dou Empire trying to do?"
"The Qilin Empire has only just been established and has countless matters demanding attention. Our grain reserves were never abundant to begin with. Blocking grain shipments at a time like this... they are practically trying to starve us to death!"
Dugu Bo snorted coldly, green light flickering in his eyes.
"What else could they be doing? That old Xue Ye is jealous—and afraid."
"A newly established empire fears instability most."
"And famine is the most direct and effective means of causing unrest. Cut off the grain, and the people's hearts will fall into chaos. With an unstable foundation, the empire naturally cannot threaten them."
Ma Hongjun said in a grave voice, "This is far too vicious. The empire has only just