Deep within the stone forest, Xiao Yan, dressed in a black robe, sat cross-legged with his eyes closed and his face deathly pale.
Judging from his furrowed brow, the latter seemed to be enduring immense pain.
In his mind, Xiao Yan was staring intently at the Soul Bead before him, his face filled with solemnity.
The Soul Bead, which should have been pitch black, now appeared as a soft white, but that white was not the color Soul Bead should have; rather, it emanated from within the Soul Bead.
The soft white light was as gentle as a pearl, posing no threat whatsoever, and even inspiring an urge to hold it in one's arms and admire it closely. But to Xiao Yan at this moment, all of this was particularly terrifying.
Beneath this seemingly pure and soft white light, the flower bud that had rapidly taken root deep within Xiao Yan's soul began to bloom at a visible speed. At the same time, a tremendous suction force was released from the flower bud, like an invisible ghostly hand, tearing the vast Spiritual Strength contained within the Soul Bead into it.
"Hiss!"
The excruciating pain emanating from the depths of his soul made Xiao Yan grit his teeth and gasp. In that instant, all the muscles in his body tensed up, veins bulging and contorting as if they were about to burst out from under his skin.
The pain from the depths of his soul was unavoidable for Xiao Yan. The Soul Origin contained within the Soul Bead was being frantically torn apart by the strange flower bud like a jackal. Even the soul phantom that Xiao Yan had condensed outside was gradually dimming and eventually dissipated uncontrollably.
"Damn it! Are we just supposed to watch helplessly?!"
A painful scream echoed in Xiao Yan's heart. To his horror, Xiao Yan discovered that as his Soul Origin was forcibly devoured by that strange flower, his body's functions were rapidly declining. His breathing became slower and slower, and the life force that belonged to a living person was quickly dissipating.
This body has broken free from Xiao Yan's control, resembling a corpse. Xiao Yan 'Xiao Yan soul is being rapidly devoured by the strange flower, and his consciousness is becoming increasingly blurred as his Soul Origin weakens.
Once Xiao Yan's consciousness completely dissipates, he will be officially declared dead.
Seeing his Soul Origin about to be completely devoured, Xiao Yan was powerless to stop it.
The Soul Bead is the abode of the soul, Dou Qi cannot enter it at all. If one were to force its way in, not only would it not achieve any effect, but it would also cause irreparable damage to the Soul Origin. Therefore, until the very last moment, Xiao Yan must reconsider no matter what.
Meanwhile, in Golden Radiance City, at the Formation Master Association...
" Qin Yun, what do you mean by this?"
Inside the main hall, Fan Siyuan and other high-ranking members of the Formation Master Association sat facing Qin Yun and his group. Fan Siyuan's gaze slowly swept over the five people standing behind Qin Yun, his expression solemn.
These five people are all genuine Nine-Star Dou Di. In addition to the two Dou Di experts who guarded Qin Yun that day, there are two more.
In particular, when his gaze fell upon the person behind Qin Yun, whose entire body was shrouded in black robes and whose face was vaguely visible through a mask, his heart sank even further. With just one glance, he could tell that this person's strength was above his own!
"Hehe, President Fan, I wonder if you're interested in what I mentioned the other day?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Yun smiled faintly, held up his teacup, took a small sip, glanced at the latter, and asked with a smile.
"You mean the matter of joining forces with you?"
"Or rather, join us."
No sooner had Fan Siyuan finished speaking than Qin Yun interrupted him without any politeness, his words revealing his arrogance.
"You're dreaming! You want my Formation Master Association to join you? That's impossible!"
Upon hearing Qin Yun's words, Huo Lie, standing beside Qi Ming, snorted angrily and slammed his hand heavily on the table beside him. The terrifying force instantly shattered the table. Behind Qin Yun, the figures standing there immediately took half a step forward, and their powerful aura swept over them, instantly suppressing the anger in Huo Lie's heart.
"Third brother!"
Fan Siyuan frowned and rebuked him in a deep voice, causing the latter to tremble and avert his gaze.
"Young Master Qin, your Qinhuang Lost Valley has dominated the Western Region for many years. A mere Five-Star Dou Di is nothing to you. If you truly wished, wouldn't you have captured him with ease? Moreover, your father is..."
" President Fan, I've come to see you today simply to ask how you've considered the matter I raised. If you're willing to join us, it would be immensely beneficial for both of us. If not, then naturally I can't force you. So, I just want to know the answer I'm looking for."
When Fan Siyuan mentioned his father, a subtle glint flashed in Qin Yun's eyes. He stared intently at the latter, his gaze sharp and piercing, causing Fan Siyuan to feel a slight chill.
After Qin Yun finished speaking, Fan Siyuan and the other members of the Formation Master Association fell silent. The three of them looked at each other, their eyes meeting, and they were silently considering their options.
Although Qin Yun's words sounded quite carefree, judging from today's situation, his arrival was clearly hostile. However, in the end, Fan Siyuan shook his head, looked up at Qin Yun, and said solemnly:
"In my opinion, it's unnecessary. Although that kid is exceptionally strong, our Formation Master Association is not to be trifled with. He can't possibly do anything to us on his own. We are very grateful for Young Master Qin's sincere invitation, but I also believe that we are capable of dealing with him."
As he spoke, Fan Siyuan's gaze involuntarily turned to the black-robed man behind Qin Yun, a look of solemnity flashing across his eyes.
Upon hearing this, Qin Yun narrowed his eyes slightly, a barely perceptible glint flashing deep within his pupils. He then smiled slightly, put down his teacup, and stood up.
"Since President Fan has said so, then I will not disturb you any longer. I only hope that the Formation Master Association will truly be safe and sound."
After speaking, Qin Yun did not hesitate for a moment. He turned around and walked out of the main hall with the five people behind him. Fan Siyuan and the others followed with smiles.
After seeing the six people off, Fan Siyuan's expression darkened. He glanced at Qi Ming, who was standing to the side, and frowned, feeling a sense of unease.
"Issue a city-wide lockdown of Golden Radiance City! No one is permitted to enter or leave!"