"Four sect leaders, since you wish to establish the Lightning Punishment Oath, then I should be able to make a request of you."
Xiao Yan grinned and held the scroll high in his hand. Although his words sounded like a discussion, everyone present understood the true meaning behind them.
Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Chen Zhen and the other three couldn't help but lower their expressions. However, after their gazes swept over the Heavenly Severing Steps, they could only sigh helplessly and say in a deep voice:
"Tell me, as long as it's not too outrageous, I can agree to anything you ask."
"Hehe, my request is not difficult for the four of you; in fact, it could be said to be extremely simple."
Xiao Yan smiled slightly and continued:
"My request is simple: one year from now, after we enter the Heavenly Severing Ancient Tomb, none of you must attack me."
Upon hearing this, the four people in front of them couldn't help but frown, and their already gloomy expressions changed even further.
"It seems the four of you are unwilling!"
With a cold expression, Xiao Yan tightened his grip on the scroll, his fingers clenching so tightly that a creaking sound reached the ears of the four. Immediately, Chen Zhen other three felt a sudden tightness in their chests, gritted their teeth, and hurriedly agreed:
"Okay, we'll do as you say!"
Now that the Heavenly Severing Steps are in Xiao Yan's hands, even though they are unwilling, in order to have another chance to obtain Heavenly Severing Steps, the four of them have no choice but to agree to Xiao Yan's request. Following Xiao Yan's wishes, the four of them each made Lightning Punishment Oath.
Then, Xiao Yan Xiao Yan used the Heavenly Severing Steps to make them hesitant to act rashly and not make any demands, which was all within Xiao Yan's expectations.
Having made the Lightning Punishment Oath, Chen Zhen and the other three finally breathed a sigh of relief. Although they hadn't captured Xiao Yan or obtained the Heavenly Severing Steps, they now at least had hope. They only needed to wait a year for the Heavenly Severing Ancient Tomb to finally open, and then the treasures inside would be at the disposal of their Four Great Sects. At that time, the status of the Four Great Sects in the Western Region would surely be elevated once again.
The Western Region will truly become their domain!
"Well, four sect leaders, can we leave now?"
After a long pause, Han Dong spoke again. This time, Chen Zhen and the other three finally stopped lingering. Before Xiao Yan and the other two could leave, they turned around and headed back the way they came.
Only after the four figures completely disappeared from Han Dong's perception range did the latter turn around and look at Xiao Yan with a kind smile.
"Hehe, young friend, you are quite a courageous person indeed. To be able to force these four people to retreat, you are the first I have ever seen in the Western Region."
The old man's gaze swept over Xiao Yan, and he couldn't help but exclaim in amazement, his tone filled with undisguised admiration.
"Senior is too kind. It was only because of the Heavenly Severing Steps that I was able to make them hesitate and not act rashly. If the Heavenly Severing Steps were not enough to truly tempt them, they would have already made their move."
"Haha, you're too modest, young friend. The one who laughs last laughs best. As for today's events, you've already won by forcing them to retreat."
Han Dong stroked his beard lightly, and his soft laughter made Xiao Yan shake his head. He gazed in the direction the four had left, his brows furrowed in thought.
Although Chen Zhen and his group have temporarily left this place, Xiao Yan believes that they will definitely not let it go, especially Ye Luotian. Among the Four Great Sects, he is the one who hides his strength the most. Everyone thinks he is just a Seven-Star Dou Di, but once he truly reveals his strength, then it will probably be the end of the other three major sects.
As things stand, Xiao Yan doesn't know if Ye Luotian will come alone. Given that guy's temperament, he probably wouldn't care whether the Heavenly Severing Steps can remain intact.
Moreover, when facing Ye Luotian, Xiao Yan could always sense a strange aura emanating from him. That aura gave Xiao Yan a rather familiar feeling, but he couldn't quite recall when he had seen it before.
This Ye Luotian is probably no ordinary person. His identity is far more than just being one of the Four Great Sects. Unfortunately, Xiao Yan has no way of finding out any information about this.
For now, Xiao Yan can only take it one step at a time. If the impending storm is one he cannot avoid, then he can only face it head-on.
Growing up amidst storms, isn't that how Xiao Yan has always been?
"Hehe, young friend Xiao Yan, now that they've left, it's time for me to take my leave as well. I did come out on some business, but I didn't expect to run into Xiao Yan by chance. Now that things are settled, it's time for me to depart."
Just then, Han Dong changed the subject, his cloudy old eyes looking at Xiao Yan once again.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was slightly taken aback, then nodded, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards the old man, and said in a humble tone:
"I am deeply grateful for your help today, senior. I will certainly repay you in the future!"
"Young friend, there's no need for such formalities. My intervention was indeed solely to invite you to join my Alchemist Alliance. Since we are both members of the Alchemist Alliance, how could I not lend a hand when I see you in trouble?"
"By the way, the headquarters of my Alchemist Alliance is located in the Western Wilderness Region. If you encounter any difficulties on this trip, you can go to the Alchemist Alliance. Just show your Alchemist Badge, and someone will naturally help you."
Immediately afterward, Han Dong seemed to have thought of something and spoke up to Xiao Yan, offering a reminder.
"Oh?"
Upon hearing Han Dong's words, Xiao Yan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. He never expected that the headquarters of the Alchemist Alliance would be located in the Western Wilderness Region.
However, Xiao Yan quickly regained his senses, nodded gratefully to Han Dong, and once again clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, saying:
"Thank you for reminding me, senior!"
Upon hearing this, the latter stroked his beard with one hand, a peaceful smile on his face, and nodded. Then, the old man smiled and gave Xiao Yan a few more instructions before turning around and flying off in another direction.
In the blink of an eye, only Xiao Yan remained in the vast sky once again.
"Call..."
He let out a long sigh, but the heavy weight on Xiao Yan's heart still hadn't lifted. On the contrary, with Han Dong's departure, Xiao Yan felt even heavier.
He had a vague premonition that this trip to the Western Wilderness Region would probably not be as smooth as he had imagined!
Shaking his head lightly to clear his mind, Xiao Yan moved and once again landed in the city below.
As the group of people in the sky dispersed, the curious gazes from the city below gradually returned to their own.
Everyone seemed unfazed by all of this, as if they had watched a dull play.
However, just when everything seemed to be over, thousands of miles southeast of Shahepu, after Chen Zhen and the others had dispersed, an hour later, Ye Luotian appeared on a mountain peak.
At this moment, a dark figure stood atop the cliff, watching Ye Luotian's approaching figure from afar, and let out a strange cry, seemingly impatient with the latter's lateness.