Xiao Yan shook his head, feigning helplessness as he looked at Fan Lao, and said:
"However, that's not my ambition..."
Upon hearing this, Fan Lao paused, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before he became wary.
He turned slightly to the side, glancing around to make sure no one was watching their conversation before lowering his voice and asking:
What do you mean by that, Brother Tang?
Xiao Yan did not answer directly, but instead slowed his pace.
Xiao Yan's gaze swept across the sparse lights ahead, his voice low so that only Fan Lao could hear him.
" Sect Leader Fan, we are both intelligent people, so let's speak frankly."
Medicine Emperor Han formed the Black Alliance, ostensibly to fight against the Jia Nan Academy, but in reality, he wanted to unify the Black-Corner Region.
Sect Leader Fan should know this better than I do.
Fan Lao's pupils contracted slightly, and he stopped in his tracks again.
He turned around to face Xiao Yan. The moonlight shone on his face, revealing a complex emotion on his usually indifferent face.
He remained silent for a moment, seemingly weighing his options, before finally nodding slowly.
" Brother Tang is indeed a man of keen insight."
Indeed, Han Feng's ambition is known to everyone in the Black-Corner Region with a brain.
But what good is knowing?
At such a young age, he was already at the Peak Dou Emperor and a sixth-grade alchemist. He also had the intimidating reputation of the renowned Venerable Yao behind him, and the Golden Elder, Gold and Silver Elders, and Elder Ban were all on his side.
The Eight Gates and the Rakshasa Gate, among others, also followed his lead.
Now, joining the Black Alliance is the only way out for everyone in the Black-Corner Region.
Fan Lao's voice carried a hint of helplessness, and even a touch of self-mockery.
He paused, then continued:
"My Blood Sect was once a renowned force in the Black-Corner Region."
But now my Blood Sect has lost all its elite forces, and even my good-for-nothing son has died outside.
The Blood Sect is currently facing a talent shortage, lacking even a decent successor.
Although I, Fan Lao, am still alive, the future of the Blood Sect cannot be determined by me alone...
He looked at Xiao Yan, a hint of earnestness flashing in his eyes.
"So that's why Sect Leader Fan wants to win me over?" Xiao Yan asked.
Fan Lao did not deny it; he took a deep breath, as if he had made a great decision.
"Yes, Brother Tang, I won't hide it from you."
I, Fan Lao, have been in the Black-Corner Region for so many years, I still have a good eye for people.
You are no ordinary person. Your strength, your demeanor, and that indescribable aura about you all tell me that you are not someone to be underestimated.
I need help, and you need a place to settle down. Isn't that a win-win situation?
Xiao Yan stopped and turned around to meet Fan Lao's gaze.
Under the moonlight, their shadows stretched long on the ground, and Xiao Yan's lips curled into a subtle smile.
" Sect Leader Fan, I can help you. But I have one condition."
Fan Lao's eyes lit up, and he quickly asked:
"What are your conditions, Brother Tang? Just name them! As long as it's within my power, I, Fan Lao, will not refuse!"
Xiao Yan's voice was calm, but every word he spoke was firm and resounding.
"I don't want the Blood Sect 'Blood Sect territory or resources. I just want to know all of the Black Alliance's upcoming plans and intelligence."
Fan Lao was stunned. The expression on his face changed from surprise to doubt, and then from doubt to vigilance.
Although Fan Lao did not want the Blood Sect to become Han Feng's stepping stone, only with the existence of the Black Alliance could the Blood Sect continue to eke out a living.
He stared at Xiao Yan for a long time, seemingly trying to discern something from his face.
"What... what do you need these for?"
Xiao Yan smiled slightly, a smile that carried a deeper meaning.
" Sect Leader Fan, you don't need to ask any more questions. You just need to know that I will not harm the interests of the Blood Sect, nor will I touch the Black Alliance. The reason for this is to prevent being betrayed without even knowing it."
Medicine Emperor Han wants to unify the Black-Corner Region, but I don't want to be a fool and be used as a pawn. I fled here not to be won over by him.
I can only feel at ease if I know the Black Alliance's true plan.
Similarly, if one day Han Feng wants to annex the Blood Sect, I can help you preserve Blood Sect.
Fan Lao frowned deeply as he pondered.
The Blood Sect was the culmination of his life's work, and he couldn't let Blood Sect be destroyed in his hands.
Han Feng's ambition was clearer than anyone else's. Once the Black Alliance truly unified the Black-Corner Region, forces like the Blood Sect would either be annexed or destroyed.
He had no third option.
And this mysterious " Tang San " before him might be his only hope.
"Good!"
Fan Lao gritted his teeth and ultimately chose to compromise.
Faced with the life-or-death situation of the Blood Sect, he had no choice but to trust Xiao Yan this once.
"From today onwards, I will inform you of all intelligence regarding the Black Alliance immediately."
Xiao Yan nodded, said nothing more, and continued walking forward.
Fan Lao followed beside him, hesitated for a moment, and then couldn't help but lower his voice to ask:
" Brother Tang, who exactly are you?"
Xiao Yan did not answer, but simply said:
" Sect Leader Fan, knowing too much about some things won't do you any good."
But you must understand one thing: I, Tang, fled from Central Plains to this place, and I will always return to fight my way back!
Xiao Yan seemed to inadvertently reveal his origins through his words.
The mere mention of Central Plains" had already begun to give Fan Lao pause for thought.
Sure enough, upon hearing about Central Plains, Fan Lao wisely kept quiet.
Having spent so many years in the Black-Corner Region, he knew one thing well: people with too much curiosity often don't live long.
The two remained silent on the way back to the Blood Sect's headquarters.
As night falls, Maple City is brightly lit.
Han Feng hosted a banquet in the square in front of the bamboo building to entertain the leaders of various forces in the Black Alliance.
This was a grand feast he had meticulously planned, both to celebrate the founding of the Black Alliance and to further consolidate his position within it.
Dozens of round tables were set up in the square, covered with red silk cloth and filled with delicacies from land and sea, fine wines and dishes.
Roasted whole lamb, steamed bear paw, braised camel hump, steamed sea bass... all kinds of delicacies are available, exuding an enticing aroma.
The maids, dressed in matching blue dresses, moved gracefully among the guests, serving wine and food with light and elegant movements.
Huge braziers, each half a person's height, were lit around the square. They burned specially made charcoal, emitting an orange-red glow that illuminated the night sky as if it were daytime.
The warmth of the brazier dispelled the chill of the night, making the entire square cozy and inviting.
Xiao Yan sat next to Fan Lao, looking at the scene before him, and sighed inwardly.
Han Feng is indeed good at winning people over.
During the banquet, Han Feng frequently raised his glass and chatted and laughed with everyone.
His speech was polite and his manners elegant. He didn't seem like a strongman who had been fighting in the Black-Corner Region for many years. He seemed more like a noble young master from a prestigious family.
He could chat with the Gold and Silver Elders, about ancient secrets; discuss the power distribution in the Black-Corner Region with Yuan Yi and others; compete with Fan Lao in drinking; and even chat with the leaders of those smaller forces, asking about their well-being.
" Medicine Emperor Han is so approachable," remarked a leader of a young faction sitting not far from Xiao Yan.
"Of course, Medicine Emperor Han is the pillar of our Black-Corner Region," someone nearby chimed in.
Xiao Yan listened to these discussions, smiled slightly, picked up his wine cup, and took a sip.
" Brother Tang, let me toast you."
Han Feng walked up to Xiao Yan with a wine glass in hand, a gentle smile on his face.
Xiao Yan stood up and raised his glass in greeting.
"You're too kind Medicine Emperor Han."
The two clinked glasses and drank it all in one gulp.
Han Feng put down his wine glass, looked at Xiao Yan, and a deep meaning flashed in his eyes.
" Brother Tang, your battle with Elder Ban today was truly eye-opening. With your strength, you could rank in the top ten even in the entire Black-Corner Region."
Xiao Yan said modestly, "You flatter me Medicine Emperor Han. Elder Ban being lenient with me; otherwise, how could I have gotten such an advantage?"
Han Feng shook his head, leaned close to Xiao Yan's ear, and whispered with a chuckle:
"It's not an overstatement, it's the truth."
I know Elder Ban's strength best; he's not the kind of person who would show mercy.
Brother Tang's ability to fight him to a draw is enough to demonstrate your strength.