Morning light streamed through the lattice windows of the inn in Falling Wind Town, casting dappled shadows across the floor. Xiao Yan put the last Qi-Gathering Pill into his Storage Ring. The eight-star Dou Wang Dou Qi swirling around his fingertips had fully stabilized. After several days of rest, he had not only recovered all the Dou Qi spent purifying Xiao Yi Xian, but his mysterious yellow flame had become even purer. Fine purification runes could faintly be seen flowing within its golden flames.
"Is everything ready?" Nalan Yanran pushed open the door and entered, having changed into a fitted white outfit suited for movement. The Wind Spirit Sword hanging at her waist gleamed coldly. She spread a map across the table and traced the area west of Black Wind Valley with her fingertip. "The Ten Thousand Beasts Valley has replied. Their valley master agreed to meet us, but he wants us to deal with the mutated wolf pack lurking outside the valley first."
Xiao Yan studied the wolf territory marked on the map. It lay right beside the patrol routes of the black-robed men that Xiao Yi Xian had drawn. "It's right along our route. Dealing with the wolves will earn the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley's trust and clear the obstacles around Black Wind Valley." He turned to Xiao Yi Xian, who was packing pills. "How is your poison body recovering?"
Xiao Yi Xian sealed the last pill bottle. The fluctuations of Dou Qi beneath her purple dress had steadied. "The mysterious yellow flame's gentle nourishment has been very effective. I still can't fully control my poison body, but protecting myself is more than manageable. I've refined twenty Poison-Cleansing Pills and ten Calamity-Breaking Pills. They should be enough to handle the forest's poisonous creatures and the Otherworldly Demon poisonous qi." She placed the bottles in a specially made hide bag and slung it onto her back, her movements brisk and capable.
When the three left Falling Wind Town, the town's mercenaries gathered of their own accord to see them off. The tavern owner thrust a bag of smoked meat into Xiao Yan's hands. "Take care, heroes! Black Wind Valley is dangerous. This dried meat will keep hunger at bay!" A mercenary who had previously gossiped about the Poison Fairy even presented a waterproof cloak made from magical beast hide. "This cloak keeps low-tier poisonous creatures out. It'll come in handy in the forest!"
Xiao Yan solemnly accepted the gifts and bade everyone farewell with cupped hands. His Azure Luan Wings unfurled, carrying the three toward the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley. The deeper they ventured into the Black-Corner Region, the denser the forest became. Towering ancient trees blotted out the sky and sun, leaving only scattered flecks of sunlight to fall through gaps in the foliage. The smell of blood grew stronger, and the occasional roar of a magical beast echoed from afar.
"The Ten Thousand Beasts Valley's territory is just ahead." Nalan Yanran pointed at a valley shrouded in white mist below. "According to our intelligence, the mutated wolf pack is lurking on Wolf Fang Slope at the valley entrance." The three landed and walked through a patch of low shrubs. Soon, Wolf Fang Slope came into view-hundreds of black wolves gathered below the slope, their fur an eerie gray-black, their eyes glowing red, and corrosive saliva dripping from their jaws.
"There are at least fifty, and they've all reached the strength of third-tier magical beasts," Xiao Yi Xian said quietly, faint green mist curling around her fingertips. "Their brains have been contaminated by Otherworldly Demon poisonous qi. They've lost all reason and know nothing but slaughter." Xiao Yan tightened his grip on the Heavy Sword, and mysterious yellow flame ignited in his palm. "End this quickly. Don't alert the black-robed men in Black Wind Valley."
Nalan Yanran struck first. Her wind Dou Qi transformed into several wind blades that sliced precisely toward the sentries on the edge of the pack. "Awooo!" The sentry wolves let out piercing death cries, instantly rousing the entire pack. Fifty mutated black wolves turned at once, the red glow in their eyes blazing as they surged forward like a black tide. Their foul, bloody stench hit the three head-on.
"Poison Vines: Entanglement!" Xiao Yi Xian formed seals with both hands. Countless green vines burst from the ground, binding more than a dozen black wolves at the front. Thorns pierced their bodies, and dark green venom spread rapidly. After a brief struggle, the wolves fell twitching to the ground. But more black wolves charged over their companions' corpses, sharp claws and fangs flashing coldly.
"Flame Wave: Impact!" Xiao Yan swept the Heavy Sword across his body. Gold-and-cyan flames formed a fan-shaped wall of fire, burning the leading wolves to charcoal. The flames hissed as they touched the wolf carcasses, and the Otherworldly Demon poisonous qi steamed away in the intense heat. Nalan Yanran moved like lightning, her Wind Spirit Sword weaving through the pack. Every stroke drew a flash of blood as she struck precisely at the wolves' vital points.
The three worked in perfect harmony. Xiao Yi Xian's poison arts controlled the perimeter, Nalan Yanran's wind Dou Qi cut down isolated wolves, and Xiao Yan used his two heavenly flames to suppress the main pack. Half an hour later, the last black wolf turned to ash in the flames. Burning wolf carcasses littered Wolf Fang Slope, and the air carried both the smell of charred flesh and the fresh fragrance of purified Dou Qi.
"A clean job." Nalan Yanran wiped the blood from her sword, its gleam sharper than before. "These wolves' magic cores are still usable. They contain only a little Otherworldly Demon energy, but they can be used to make low-tier Purification Talismans." Xiao Yan placed the collected magic cores into his Storage Ring. There were exactly fifty, enough for the association's disciples to practice making talismans.
Beyond Wolf Fang Slope, the mountain gates of the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley opened into view. Unlike the gloomy world outside, the valley was lush with vegetation and rich in spiritual energy. Various tame magical beasts raised within could be glimpsed among the greenery. A girl in a hide skirt was already waiting at the gates. Surprise and delight lit her eyes when she saw the wolf carcass in Xiao Yan's hand. "You must be the three experts from the Jia Ma Empire! The valley master is waiting in the main hall!"
The master of the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley was a burly middle-aged man, his bronze chest showing beneath a beast-hide cloak. A lifelike snake tattoo coiled around his arm. Upon seeing the Beast-Bone Token Xiao Yan presented, he burst into hearty laughter. "So you really are Brother Xiao's descendant! If Brother Xiao hadn't helped us back then, the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley would have been destroyed in the magical beast rebellion!"
Once host and guests were seated, the valley master went straight to the point. "The Otherworldly Demon Altar in Black Wind Valley is indeed strange. It suddenly appeared deep in the forest three months ago, and the surrounding magical beasts began mutating wildly. Not one of the disciples we sent to investigate returned alive. The only message they sent back said that the black-robed men had erected a barrier around the altar, and a blood-red runic formation could faintly be seen inside."
Xiao Yan took out the map. "We suspect the altar is connected to Xiao Zhan's disappearance. The black-robed men mentioned using his bloodline for a sacrifice. Do you know the altar's exact structure?" The valley master considered this. "The barrier is supported by seven Obsidian Pillars, each engraved with Otherworldly Demon runes. To enter the altar, you must destroy those pillars first."
Xiao Yi Xian added, "The Obsidian Pillars contain dense dark energy. Ordinary attacks can hardly damage them. Only Dou Qi or flames containing purification power will work." Nalan Yanran frowned. "All seven pillars are guarded at the same time. There are only three of us. Breaking through their defenses simultaneously will be difficult."
The valley master slapped the table and rose. "The Ten Thousand Beasts Valley will send forces to help! We may not be skilled at purification, but we can deploy our high-tier magical beasts to hold back the black-robed men!" He looked at Xiao Yan. "Before that, though, there is something I'd like to discuss with you, young friend Xiao. The Black-Corner Region is a tangled mix of factions, and order has crumbled even further since the Otherworldly Demon turmoil. We intend to unite the nearby factions into an Anti-Demon Alliance. Would the Xiao Clan be willing to join?"
Xiao Yan's interest stirred. "Form an alliance?" The valley master nodded. "Exactly! The Spirit Gatherer Association in the Jia Ma Empire has already agreed to join, and we also intend to invite Jia Nan Academy. If you can join on behalf of the Xiao Clan, we can form a defensive network linking the Jia Ma Empire and the Black-Corner Region, with east and west answering each other. Then we'll no longer have to fear Otherworldly Demon invasions!"
The proposal suited Xiao Yan perfectly, and he immediately said, "I agree to join! But the Xiao Clan has just weathered a war, and we need to establish a foothold in the Black-Corner Region first. I intend to set up a branch of the Xiao Gate near the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley and gather our scattered clansmen. Would that be possible?" The valley master was overjoyed. "Nothing could please me more! Bluestone Terrace on the eastern side of the valley is vacant. Its terrain is strategically defensible, easy to hold and hard to attack. It's ideal for establishing a base!"
After reaching an agreement, the valley master immediately sent someone to guide Xiao Yan to Bluestone Terrace. Backed by the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley's defensive barrier and facing an open river valley, it was indeed an excellent location for a base. Xiao Yan took out a formation disc obtained from the Misty Cloud Sect's treasury. "We only need to set up a Defensive Formation here, then build some simple wooden houses and cultivation rooms. That will meet our clansmen's basic living needs."
Xiao Yi Xian pointed at an empty patch beside the river valley. "The soil there is rich in spiritual energy and suitable for growing medicinal herbs. I can establish an herb garden. It will supply ingredients for pills while purifying the lingering Otherworldly Demon aura nearby." Nalan Yanran studied the wind and terrain. "Wind Dou Qi flows smoothly here. We can set up three watchtowers. No unusual movement will escape detection."
Once the planning was finished, Xiao Yan left Nalan Yanran and several Ten Thousand Beasts Valley disciples to prepare for the sect's establishment, then headed to Jia Nan Academy with Xiao Yi Xian. Jia Nan Academy stood amid the volcanic mountains in the eastern Black-Corner Region. The lava fields surrounding it formed a natural defensive barrier, with only a single magically reinforced stone bridge leading to its main gates.
From the stone bridge, they could see dozens of stone towers rising within the academy. Flames that never went out burned atop them-the Heavenly Flames Towers, Jia Nan Academy's signature sight. In the square below, students in matching uniforms were cultivating. Their Dou Qi fluctuations moved in perfect unison, brimming with vigorous life.
"I never imagined the Black-Corner Region would have such a well-organized academy." Xiao Yi Xian watched the students sparring in the square, envy flickering in her eyes. "Their cultivation methods are systematic, far more efficient than independent cultivators fumbling their way forward." Xiao Yan nodded. "Jia Nan Academy's alchemy and Dou Qi theories are famous throughout the continent. Besides discussing the alliance, we're here to check on the younger clansmen's studies."
The elder receiving them had already been notified. As he guided them across the square, many students looked over curiously. Upon spotting the Xiao Clan token at Xiao Yan's waist, several youths who had been cultivating immediately gathered around. "Brother Xiao Yan!" "We knew you'd come!" They were the Xiao clansmen previously sent to Jia Nan Academy for further study.
The youth at their head was named Xiao Chen, Xiao Zhan's nephew. He had now reached the peak of Da Dou Shi. Excitedly, he reported to Xiao Yan, "The academy's instructors think highly of us. They've not only taught us high-tier cultivation methods, but also allowed us to cultivate on the lowest floor of the Heavenly Flames Tower! It's just... signs of Otherworldly Demons have recently appeared near the academy too. The instructors are all tightening their guard."
The receiving elder sighed. "Not only nearby. Even the academy's treasured ancient texts show signs of Otherworldly Demon corruption. Black patterns have appeared on their pages, and many precious cultivation insights are almost unreadable. We've tried every method we could, but nothing removes them. We heard your mysterious yellow flame can purify Otherworldly Demon poisonous qi, young friend Xiao. Would you be able to..."
"I'll try." Xiao Yan followed the elder to the academy's Library Pavilion. In a secret chamber deep within the building, dozens of ancient books lay neatly arranged on jade platforms. Their pages were indeed covered in black patterns, giving off a faint Otherworldly Demon aura. Xiao Yan extended his palm, and mysterious yellow flame became a soft golden veil of light, gently enveloping one of the books.
To their astonishment, the instant the golden light touched it, the black patterns receded like ice and snow beneath the sun. The pages gradually regained their original yellowed hue. The elder exclaimed, "It works! It really works!" Xiao Yan continued purifying them for half an hour, clearing every trace of Otherworldly Demon aura from the ancient books. A faint fragrance of ink and fresh Dou Qi immediately filled the Library Pavilion.
The dean hurried over upon hearing the news. The old man, whose hair and beard were entirely white, clasped Xiao Yan's hand. "Words of thanks cannot repay such a great kindness! These ancient texts represent a thousand years of the academy's accumulated knowledge. Had they been ruined, the loss would have been immeasurable!" Xiao Yan seized the opportunity to propose the alliance. The dean immediately replied, "We've long wanted to unite the various factions against the Otherworldly Demons, but we could never find a suitable leader. If the Xiao Clan is willing to step forward, you have our full support!"
The two sides soon reached an agreement: Jia Nan Academy would provide cultivation resources and intelligence, while the Xiao Gate and the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley would handle practical defense and extermination missions. The three would exchange what they needed and share intelligence on the Otherworldly Demons. The dean also promised, "The younger members of any faction joining the alliance may study at Jia Nan Academy. We will establish dedicated anti-demon courses to teach methods for fighting the Otherworldly Demons."
During his three-day stay at the academy, Xiao Yan thoroughly examined the Xiao clansmen's cultivation progress and used resources obtained from the Misty Cloud Sect's treasury to tailor cultivation plans for them. At the sight of the high-tier cultivation methods and pills Xiao Yan had brought, Xiao Chen and the others were thrilled. "With these, we'll soon be able to break through to Dou Ling! One day, we'll protect the clan just like Brother Xiao Yan!"
Before leaving, Xiao Yan held a simple ceremony establishing the Xiao Gate before the Heavenly Flames Tower. Besides representatives sent by the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley and elders from Jia Nan Academy, mercenaries from Falling Wind Town and leaders of nearby minor factions had hurried over upon hearing the news. Xiao Yan stood on a hastily built platform, slowly releasing the aura of an eight-star Dou Wang as his voice carried across the gathering:
"Today, the Xiao Gate swears here to take the protection of the Black-Corner Region and resistance against the Otherworldly Demons as its duty! Anyone who joins the Xiao Gate, regardless of birth or background, may share our resources and cultivate alongside us, provided they hold justice in their heart! With Bluestone Terrace as our foundation, we will unite with the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley, Jia Nan Academy, and every righteous faction to drive the Otherworldly Demons out of the Black-Corner Region once and for all!"
"Yes!" The crowd below cheered in unison, eagerly declaring their willingness to join. The master of the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley presented a Beast-Bone Token. "With this token, you can command the valley's magical beasts below the third tier!" The dean offered ten communication Jade Slips specially made by the academy. "These Jade Slips can transmit messages across regions, allowing you to request aid swiftly in an emergency!"
As the sun sank in the west, Xiao Yan stood before the temporary base on Bluestone Terrace, watching the younger clansmen and their allies bustling about. His heart filled with a resolve stronger than any he had known before. The Xiao Gate's banner snapped in the evening breeze. Its flame totem stood beside Jia Nan Academy's scroll totem and the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley's beast-pattern totem, symbolizing the formal founding of their three-way alliance.
Xiao Yi Xian approached and handed Xiao Yan a freshly refined pill. "This Soul-Gathering Pill was made using the academy's heavenly flame lotus seeds and the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley's spiritual herbs. It can stabilize your soul power and help you purify Otherworldly Demons." Nalan Yanran also put away the defensive formation diagram she had finished drawing. "All the barrier's main nodes have been marked. We can begin setting it up tomorrow. It should withstand attacks at least at the Dou Emperor level."
Xiao Yan closed his hand around the Soul-Gathering Pill, feeling its gentle warmth through his fingertips. From the Xiao Clan estate in the Jia Ma Empire to the Xiao Gate's base in the Black-Corner Region, from facing the three-year agreement alone to forming this three-way alliance, his strength had continued to grow, and his responsibilities had grown heavier with it. Yet as he looked at the trusting gazes around him and felt the eight-star Dou Wang Dou Qi surging within him, he knew this path could not have been more right.
As night deepened, bonfires blazed on Bluestone Terrace. The alliance members sat around them, sharing their combat experience and intelligence on the Otherworldly Demons. Xiao Yan sat beside a fire, mysterious yellow flame burning quietly in his palm and illuminating his young, resolute face. The Otherworldly Demon Altar in Black Wind Valley still awaited him, and his father's whereabouts remained unknown. But he was no longer alone-his clansmen supported him from behind, dependable comrades stood beside him, and a shared goal lay ahead.
The Xiao Gate's story had only just raised its curtain beneath the starry sky of the Black-Corner Region. And this war against the Otherworldly Demons, uniting clan, academy, and tribe, would soon face its true test in the depths of Fog Forest. Xiao Yan watched the dancing bonfire and tightened his grip on the Heavy Sword. The Dou Qi of an eight-star Dou Wang flowed slowly within him, gathering strength for the challenges to come.
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