After leaving the Burning Flame Valley, Xiao Yan and his companion had a relatively smooth journey. They entered the territory of the Heavenly Puppet Sect in two days. According to their calculations, barring any unforeseen circumstances, they should be able to reach the Fire Maple Forest within a week.
Along the way, Xiao Yan and his companion followed the principle of keeping a low profile. Apart from traveling, they rarely rested. In order to avoid potential trouble, they walked through some cities. Therefore, after another two days, the two safely passed through the territory of the Heavenly Puppet Sect.
Although the process was somewhat cumbersome, it was at least much safer. Following this method, Xiao Yan and his companion should be able to reach the Fire Maple Forest soon, and they would know whether the Heavenly Flames was there or not at a glance.
The territory of the Ten Thousand Scorpion Sect is relatively desolate and wilder, filled with an aura of savage killing.
Under the rule of the Ten Thousand Scorpion Sect, only the strong survive, and there is no concept of the weak living on. Therefore, those who can come here are either powerful magical beasts or extremely powerful humans. In short, those who can survive here are not good people.
The massive Old Gu city is built on the Gobi Desert. The slightly decayed city walls give people a sense of vicissitude. When the wind blows, sand and gravel are swept up, stinging people's faces.
There were two lines of people queuing to enter the city outside the city gate, and there were people at the gate collecting the fees required to enter.
Aside from a few young people who came to train, almost everyone who entered the city was someone who survived by risking their life on the line. Most were mercenary groups, but a few were lone travelers. Compared to the former, the latter seemed more dangerous.
Soon, it was Xiao Yan and his companion's turn.
One hundred Spirit Stone each.
A slightly shrill voice came from the mouth of a lean man in front of him, causing Xiao Yan's hand, which had just touched his Storage Ring, to pause slightly. He frowned and glanced at the man, and seeing the latter's cold expression, he hesitated before transferring two hundred Spirit Stone into the man's Storage Ring.
Those guys clearly paid fifty Spirit Stone when they entered the city, but when it came to them... If it weren't for not wanting to cause trouble, why would Xiao Yan have so easily handed over those Spirit Stone? Although he wasn't short of Spirit Stone now, it wasn't like he could just take as many as he wanted.
After paying the Spirit Stone, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xuan exchanged a glance, then started walking towards the city.
"Stop."
However, just as the two passed the lean man, he suddenly called out to them, and Xiao Yan's brows furrowed, his displeasure growing.
"This is your first time in the territory of the Ten Thousand Scorpion Sect, isn't it?"
The sharp voice rang out again, and the lean man appeared in front of Xiao Yan and his companion, looking them up and down with disdain.
What advice do you have?
"That's true. In that case, let's add another one hundred Spirit Stone to each person."
Upon hearing this, a cold expression immediately appeared on Xiao Yan's face, but the latter seemed to be used to it, and sneered:
"Boy, you'd better not be ungrateful. I'm taking your Spirit Stone for your own good. Otherwise, with your kind of hotheadedness, you'd be skinned alive and sold for meat in no time once you get to the city. So, if you don't want to die, you'd better hand over your Spirit Stone obediently, or else..."
"Go back!"
A sharp voice rang out, and an aura of the Early-Stage Origin Return Realm power emanated from the lean man's body. Instantly, many people in the back of the group changed their expressions. Although this guy's words were indeed infuriating, his strength was no less than that of most of the people present. It seemed that these two newcomers could only swallow their anger.
"So, according to you, to enter the city, one must possess the cultivation level of the Origin Return Realm?"
Xiao Yan ignored the aura emanating from the lean man before him, speaking calmly. Upon hearing this, the latter's smile became even more sinister.
"Boy, you're right, so you'd better hand over the Spirit Stone to me obediently!"
A sharp laugh rang out again, and at the same time, the lean man's hand reached out to grab Xiao Yan's collar.
"Bang!"
However, the next moment, a muffled explosion rang out. Before anyone could react, the wiry man who had been so arrogant just moments before was now pinned under Xiao Yan's feet, completely immobilized.
"I almost forgot, dealing with someone like you is much simpler with fists than with money."
Xiao Yan remained expressionless, uttered a few words, and then, amidst the stunned gazes of the surrounding crowd, slowly entered the city with Xiao Xuan beside him.
"Domineering."
Upon entering the city, Xiao Xuan suddenly pursed his lips and uttered these two words to Xiao Yan.
Upon hearing this, the latter couldn't help but smile, glancing around at the surroundings as he walked and said:
"Different environments necessitate different approaches to dealing with people. Reasoning with these people is ineffective; they're even more greedy for money. Only force can truly satisfy them."
The two laughed as they walked slowly southwards from the city. Along the way, all they could see was sandstorms and a smoky, foggy environment. They even witnessed violent scenes of fighting, with blood filling the air, swords flashing, and Origin Qi surging. But no one found it strange; they had long since become accustomed to it.
Compared to other places, this place is like a living hell. There are no rules, no order, and no sanctions. To survive here, you have to clench your fists and knock down everyone you encounter, because you never know when someone in front of you might suddenly stab you in the back. No need to know them, no need for grudges, no need for any reason.
However, just as Xiao Yan and his companion were about to leave the city, several surprised gazes suddenly fell upon them from not far behind.
"It's that kid!"
"What a small world!"
"I never expected to run into him here. It was this kid who ruined our plans and caused us to be reprimanded by the Grand Elder. Now that we've run into him, we're determined to get our revenge!"
"And my puppet! I must kill him this time! I will refine this traitor and make him my new puppet!"
Upon seeing Xiao Yan appear here, the group showed a hint of surprise in their eyes, but this quickly turned into intense killing intent. Their faces were filled with deep hatred. If looks could kill, Xiao Yan would probably be dead a thousand times over by now.
The mission failed because of Xiao Yan, and now that they've seen the culprit again, they're naturally not going to let it go.