Second Layer of the Ten Thousand Dao Source Ruins.
Taiyan Territory!
Like Blackflame Territory, Taiyan Territory was one of the ten great Three-Star Territories.
Its lord, the Great Rock Lord, was even somewhat stronger than the Blackflame Lord.
Deep within the territory, a middle-aged man in a yellow robe sat cross-legged atop an enormous Source Ruins Dao Stone.
He had a burly build and a steady countenance. A Dao aura as heavy as mountains emanated from his body, as though he and the Source Ruins Dao Stone beneath his feet had fused into one.
"Luo Jie, after serving as my deputy lord for so long, your chance has finally come!"
The Great Rock Lord spoke slowly, his voice low and grinding like rocks rubbing together.
Beside him, a middle-aged man in black robes raised his head.
His face was cold and sinister, and a pitch-black calamity mark rested between his brows. Faint calamity energy coiled around him.
He was Luo Jie, deputy lord of Taiyan Territory.
Luo Jie said coldly, "My Lord, none of those Two-Star Lords are my match. Blackflame Territory is mine for the taking!"
The Great Rock Lord nodded. "As long as you take the seat of Blackflame Lord, Blackflame Territory's resources will effectively mean that half of them fall into my Taiyan Territory!"
"Perhaps in less than a century, I will gather enough resources to challenge the Third Dao-Integration Realm, the Realm-Locking Stage!"
"Once I enter the Realm-Locking Stage, I can venture into the third layer!"
Luo Jie cupped his fists. "Rest assured, My Lord. I will definitely seize Blackflame Territory!"
"Go and contend for it without fear!"
The Great Rock Lord's gaze was deep. "With me here, no one can snatch Blackflame Territory from your hands!"
Nine Creeks Territory was likewise one of the