"Hahaha, Fu Yulong, you've got quite the nerve. No matter how big your Sea Cloud Palace is, how can it be bigger than the Alchemist Alliance? The other forces in the Southern Region have seen through everything your Sea Cloud Palace has done these past few years. Before you prepare how to deal with me, I advise you to think about how to protect yourself. If it weren't for the Alchemist Alliance's rule against easily interfering in the affairs between regional forces, I think your Sea Cloud Palace would have been wiped out long ago!"
High above, a loud laugh, laced with sneer, echoed once more. The words caused Fu Yulong's expression to shift. Although he was unwilling to admit it, the man's words were undeniably true. In recent years, the actions of the Sea Cloud Palace had already affected the interests of other forces in the Southern Region. Many forces hated Sea Cloud Palace with a vengeance, but due to the mutual checks and balances between the various forces, Sea Cloud Palace had temporarily maintained a stable situation.
However, Fu Yulong was also very clear in his heart that this so-called stability was only temporary. If he could not make himself stronger before those forces launched an attack on him, then the future Sea Cloud Palace would face a fierce attack like a storm, or even destruction!
Moreover, even more terrifying than these forces were the people behind Wu Kui. Compared to the other forces in the Southern Region, those behind Wu Kui were truly powerful. It was precisely for this reason that even though Fu Yulong wished he could tear Wu Kui apart alive, he ultimately couldn't make a move. If he provoked the forces behind him, his fate would be even more miserable, just like...
The thought of that outcome sent a chill down Fu Yulong's spine.
Therefore, whether it was for his own survival or for the Sea Cloud Palace behind him, Fu Yulong had no choice but to keep moving forward. At this point, he had no other option.
Before him stood the major powers of the Southern Region, and behind him was a colossal behemoth that he could not afford to offend no matter what. Unbeknownst to him, Fu Yulong had fallen into an endless abyss, and even he himself did not know whether what awaited him in the future was survival or death.
A ship that sets sail will only go further and further away, and will never be able to see the way it came. If it does not continue to move forward, it will end up not until tomorrow.
So, you've come here today to stop me?
After a long silence, Fu Yulong finally sighed deeply, his body trembled slightly, and then he slowly raised his head and spoke solemnly.
"Haha, if you were targeting anyone else, I might have stood by and watched, but since you're after Qingyang City, then I had no choice but to come."
As the laughter subsided, a powerful aura suddenly surged outward from the figure in the sky, quickly enveloping the entire area. Instantly, an extremely terrifying pressure descended upon the city below.
When Bai Hua sensed this imposing aura, a look of surprise flashed across his face. The cultivation level of this person was clearly similar to his own, yet this imposing aura was so powerful, and the domineering aura contained within it made people feel a sense of fear.
If you are afraid of fighting against someone of the same level, it will be extremely disadvantageous to the battle.
Those who are cowardly before the battle is bound to be defeated in the battle.
What secrets does Qingyang City hold that have drawn you here?
Feeling the overwhelming pressure descending from the sky, Fu Yulong's heart sank. Even though he was already aware of the other party's domineering aura, the strange thing was that even though he was on guard, he still couldn't help but feel fear, which made his tone of voice much more subdued.
"This aura is..."
At the same time, when Zhong Li and the others sensed the domineering aura contained within this aura, they were immediately startled. Memories deep in their minds quickly surfaced, and soon, a burly, bald man appeared in their memories.
"Ahem... So it's... Senior Zhou Tai... I didn't expect you to come too."
Xiao Yan stood on the ground, pale-faced, supporting Bai Hua who had come to him. He looked up at the black figure in the sky, which was rapidly descending and had arrived in front of Fu Yulong.
Sunlight streamed down, illuminating a burly figure clad in a black alchemist's robe, with a bald head. A familiar, aged face was revealed – it was Zhou Tai, the former chief alchemist of the Alchemist Guild whom Xiao Yan had met in the Ancient Wilderness City!
However, the latter is quite different now compared to before. His aura has reached the Late Origin Transformation Realm, and even his Spiritual Strength is exceptionally vast, probably not inferior to Xiao Yan now.
This guy is now a Fifth-Tier Alchemist!
Fifth-Tier Alchemist —such a status carries considerable weight even within the Alchemist Alliance. No wonder Fu Yulong reacted that way upon seeing Zhou Tai.
" Zhou Tai..."
Fu Yulong murmured something in a very low voice. Upon hearing this, the latter gave a cold laugh and glanced at the crowd on the ground below. When he saw Zhong Li and the others, he was slightly surprised. However, when his gaze fell on Xiao Yan and he saw that familiar face, Zhou Tai's pupils suddenly shrank, his movements froze instantly, and even his breathing suddenly stopped.
Immediately afterwards, the color of ecstasy that had been lurking in his old eyes burst forth uncontrollably, and an unstoppable smile appeared on his face.
" Xiao Yan... Hahahaha... I can't believe my eyes, it really is you!"
When Gu Li and the others learned of Xiao Yan's true identity, Zhou Tai naturally learned of it as well. Moreover, through them, Zhou Tai also learned about the relationship between Qingyang City and Xiao Yan. It was precisely because of this that he left the Alchemist Alliance and came here when Qingyang City was in trouble.
"Hahaha, you bastard! You left the Ancient Wilderness City without a word back then, and when I returned, all I heard was that you led a group to beat up Mu Han. It's a pity that guy wasn't even in the Ancient Wilderness City anymore, otherwise I would have given him a good beating!"
Ignoring Fu Yulong in front of him, Zhou Tai laughed with Xiao Yan. Although he saw the latter's disheveled appearance, he showed no concern. He believed that the guy who could retreat safely in the Void Lightning Pool was not so easy to get into serious trouble.
"Ahem... I'm so sorry, but as for that guy Mu Han, I killed him a few days ago."
Upon hearing Zhou Tai's words, Xiao Yan couldn't help but chuckle dryly, a look of weariness appearing on his face.
Now that Zhou Tai has shown up, he no longer needs to worry too much. With Bai Hua here, dealing with Fu Yulong, who is also seriously injured, should be more than enough.
When Zhou Tai heard that Xiao Yan had killed Mu Han, a look of surprise flashed across his face. He never expected that the grudges from years ago would be resolved all at once, and even some other things from back then would collide again. The word "fate" is truly unfathomable...
With a quick glance, a smile appeared on Zhou Tai's face. He then turned back, his gaze returning to the Fu Yulong before him, and slowly said:
"Originally, I should have given Xiao Yan a big gift after meeting him, but after thinking about it, I think I should deal with you first."
You want to kill me? You probably don't have the ability!
Upon seeing Zhou Tai's gaze, Fu Yulong's face darkened. As he took a step back, he quickly mobilized all the remaining Origin Qi in his body, cautiously staring at Zhou Tai.
"Heh, I can't kill you, but I don't need to. My only goal is to get you out of here. If you want to go home now, I won't stop you. But if you want to do anything else, don't blame me for taking action!"
Zhou Tai's expression was cold. His body trembled, and the surging Origin Qi within him burst forth, transforming into a wave of energy that rolled around in the void around him. Its majestic aura was truly awe-inspiring.
Seeing this, Fu Yulong was even more conflicted. Facing two experts at the Late Origin Transformation Realm, he would naturally not have to be afraid if he were at his peak. However, he was injured and his strength was restricted by most of his strength. Although he had enough power left to deal with these people, the price would inevitably be extremely heavy.
However, if he doesn't intervene, Xiao Yan might escape this time, but it will be even more difficult to deal with him next time. If Xiao Yan retaliates then, he will likely be the one who gets hurt.
The thought of Xiao Yan's uncanny abilities filled him with an invisible pressure.
After much deliberation, Fu Yulong realized that neither option would be beneficial to him, which put him in a difficult position.
After a moment of contemplation, a cold glint flashed in Fu Yulong's eyes, and he turned and retreated with a livid face. At the same time, the Origin Qi within his body began to circulate secretly.
Seeing Fu Yulong turn and leave, Zhou Tai secretly breathed a sigh of relief. After all, the other party was a powerful expert at the Origin Return Realm. Even though he was seriously injured at the moment, his cultivation level was still there. If he insisted on fighting, it would be a real problem.
Watching Fu Yulong walk away until his figure disappeared from sight, Zhou Tai finally looked away. At the same time, Xiao Yan secretly loosened his grip on his Storage Ring.
He was always prepared that if Fu Yulong launched a counterattack, he would definitely choose him as the target. In order to guard against this guy's surprise attack, Xiao Yan was always ready to release the Northern King from his Storage Ring. He believed that with the Northern King present, even if he couldn't deal with Fu Yulong, he could definitely block this guy's surprise attack. At least, it wouldn't be a problem to wait for Zhou Tai and the others to make a move.
Immediately, Xiao Yan sat cross-legged on the ground. He had already swallowed the pill, but because he was on guard against Fu Yulong, the medicinal power of the pill had not fully dissipated. Only now could he finally begin to refine the pill in his body with complete peace of mind.
As the medicinal effects of the pill spread, Xiao Yan's injuries began to heal rapidly. Apart from some more serious wounds that took longer to heal, the external injuries all over his body and the damaged meridians inside his body were healing at a speed visible to the naked eye. Seeing this, Bai Hua, who was standing to the side, finally relaxed.
Zhou Tai, on the other hand, stared at Xiao Yan with a smile for a long time before turning his gaze to the direction outside the city. At this moment, a figure was flying towards them at an extremely fast speed. Soon, he arrived in front of everyone and immediately bowed respectfully to Zhou Tai upon seeing him.
The newcomer appeared to be a young man, with a cultivation level of only Three-Star Dou Di. From his address to Zhou Tai, everyone knew that this young man was Zhou Tai's disciple. This piqued the curiosity of Zhong Li and the others. Zhou Tai's temper was not very good; he could be happy one moment and stubborn the next, making him difficult to understand. How could anyone dare to become his disciple?
"Hehe, kid, haven't you been hoping to see your benefactor again? Today, I'll grant your wish."
Ignoring the strange expressions on the faces of the others around him, Zhou Tai spoke to the young man, pointing a finger at Xiao Yan, who was sitting cross-legged on the ground not far away. The young man's gaze followed, and he saw that familiar face that was etched into his memory.
It was he who restored his dignity and gave him a deeper understanding of alchemy.
Even though Xiao Yan only said one sentence to him at the time, that one sentence alone benefited him immensely. He had already regarded Xiao Yan as his master back then. If he hadn't met Zhou Tai later, and under Zhou Tai's repeated persuasion, he had inadvertently mentioned Xiao Yan, he probably wouldn't have become Zhou Tai's disciple.
Although he now has a master, the young man still holds Xiao Yan in high esteem, regarding him as a master rather than a master.
After a long while, when Xiao Yan came out of his cultivation state and opened his eyes, he saw a somewhat unfamiliar young man's face in front of him. Then, he turned around and saw Bai Hua and the others with suspicious looks on their faces, as well as Zhou Tai with a mocking expression. This guy obviously knew the reason behind it, but he just didn't tell them.
"Bang."
However, just as Xiao Yan was stunned, the young man in front of him suddenly knelt down in front of Xiao Yan in front of everyone present, and even performed a grand junior's salute without hesitation.
"Well..."
This scene stunned not only everyone else present, but even Xiao Yan himself. He was completely taken aback by the sudden turn of events. He didn't even know who this guy was, yet he had knelt down before him. Even if he wanted to become his disciple, he should at least introduce himself.
"Junior Mu Leng, I am deeply grateful for your guidance back then, Senior!"