In just half a day, Xiao Heng returned to Stone Desert City. Xiao Yan and Hai Bodong were already at the Mo Tie Mercenary Corps' base. Without pausing outside, Xiao Heng flew directly to the corps' headquarters, hovering above.
"A powerful presence approaches!" Hai Bodong said within the hall. Having undone Queen Medusa's seal, his Dou Qi had recovered to two-star Dou Huang.
"No need to worry, Master Hai. That's my third brother, Xiao Yan's elder brother," Xiao Ding, seated at the head, explained.
"I see," Hai Bodong replied. Once an elderly figure, he now appeared as a white-haired middle-aged man.
Xiao Heng landed in the courtyard and strode into the hall.
"Third Brother, you're back alone? Where's Qing Lin?" Xiao Ding asked.
"I've rescued Qing Lin. I'm here to let you know my plans," Xiao Heng said.
"Where are you headed, Third Brother?" Xiao Li inquired.
"The Black-Corner Region," Xiao Heng answered.
"The Black-Corner Region? I've heard it's a chaotic place where might makes right," Xiao Ding said, concern lacing his voice.
"This young friend is not only remarkably strong for his age but also bold!" Hai Bodong chimed in from the side.
"You must be the Ice Emperor, one of the Jia Ma Empire's top ten experts!" Xiao Heng said humbly, showing none of the arrogance his youth and strength might suggest.
"I'm hardly worthy. Before you, I feel somewhat inadequate," Hai Bodong said, lowering his stance. Xiao Heng, roughly Xiao Yan's age yet matching his own strength, stirred a pang of envy in the older man.
"I've heard of Master Hai's prowess. If not for Medusa's seal, you might already be a Dou Zong," Xiao Heng flattered.
"I'm flattered, but with your talent, young friend, you'll likely reach Dou Zong in just a few years," Hai Bodong returned the compliment.
The two traded praises for a while until Xiao Yan, exasperated, cut in. "Enough, enough! Let's talk about the Black-Corner Region!"
This old fox is smooth. You'd think they were lifelong friends, Xiao Yan thought, rolling his eyes.
"Right, the Black-Corner Region," Xiao Li echoed.
"My strength is more than enough to thrive there. Once I've claimed a city, I'll send for you all. Stone Desert City's stage is too small," Xiao Heng said.
"Your heart's in the right place, but prioritize your safety," Xiao Ding cautioned.
"Don't worry. Within a month, I'll send people to fetch you," Xiao Heng assured.
"Brother Heng's got allies, huh?" Xiao Yan teased.
"Of course! Just wait and see!" Xiao Heng grinned. After bidding farewell, he soared into the sky, vanishing into the sandy horizon.
"Big Brother, Second Brother, the three-year agreement is nearing. I'm heading to the capital," Xiao Yan said.
"Travel safely," Xiao Ding replied, keeping it brief.
"Oh, and Big Brother, Second Brother, what Brother Heng said is likely true. You should start preparing the mercenary corps' affairs," Xiao Yan added before leaving the hall with Hai Bodong, flying toward the capital.
Watching them depart, Xiao Li turned to Xiao Ding. "Big Brother, should we prepare?"
"Third Brother went from Dou Zhe to Dou Huang in two years. Taking a city in a month should be far easier by comparison," Xiao Ding mused.
"Makes sense. I'll arrange things," Xiao Li said, heading off to gather the corps' leadership.
On a rocky outcrop in the eastern desert, the purple-robed Zi Ran stood respectfully to the side. Xiao Yi Xian, in her stunning purple skirt, and Qing Lin, in a pale green dress, chatted warmly. Their shared hardships had forged a sisterly bond in just half a day.
"Sister Xiao Yi Xian, you're amazing—a Dou Zong at such a young age! I'm only at nine-stage Dou Zhi Qi," Qing Lin said, her eyes gleaming with admiration. With the Twin-Headed Fire Spirit Snake's aid, her Dou Qi cultivation far outpaced ordinary peers.
The snake, gravely injured by Mo Cheng, had fully recovered after taking Xiao Heng's healing pills. Third- or fourth-grade pills sufficed for a Dou Ling's injuries; Xiao Heng's only shortage was high-tier herbs, as he hadn't had time to gather them.
"Your Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils, as Xiao Heng said, will make your cultivation speed soar later on," Xiao Yi Xian said, patting Qing Lin's head.
"I'll train hard to protect Young Master and Sister Xiao Yi Xian someday!" Qing Lin declared, raising a tiny fist.
"Silly girl," Xiao Yi Xian said fondly, tempted to pinch Qing Lin's cheeks.
A pale blue streak approached from the horizon. "Young Master's back!" Qing Lin exclaimed, running to meet Xiao Heng as he landed.
"We'll stay here two days to wait for Lu Man and Bai Ya," Xiao Heng said, tweaking Qing Lin's cheek.
"Alright," Xiao Yi Xian replied, her sweet, gentle voice melting Xiao Heng's heart.
That night, Xiao Heng fell asleep with Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin in his arms. Zi Ran, the Black Scale Poison Mosquito in human form, showed no reaction to the scene.
Two days later, after refining fifth-grade healing pills for Lu Man and Bai Ya, Xiao Heng instructed them to rendezvous in a month at a designated spot. He then released them.
"The Black-Corner Region is vast. Where are we headed?" Xiao Yi Xian asked.
Xiao Heng studied a map of the region, marked with its major factions. "Rakshasa Sect. Its territory is relatively close to the Jia Ma Empire, and the surrounding forces aren't too strong," he said, pointing to the area labeled "Rakshasa."
"But Eight Gates' territory is even closer to the Jia Ma Empire," Qing Lin noted, eyeing the map.
"True, but Rakshasa Sect's leader is the only female Dou Huang in the Black List's top ten," Xiao Yi Xian said with a teasing smile, emphasizing "female."
"Oh! I get it. Young Master likes beautiful women," Qing Lin said, as if a revelation had struck.
"I don't! Qing Lin, don't slander me!" Xiao Heng protested.
"Why so nervous, Young Master? Liking beautiful women is normal, isn't it?" Qing Lin said with an innocent smile.
"Go ahead and pursue them. I'm not stopping you," Xiao Yi Xian added.
"Heh, heh," Xiao Heng managed an awkward laugh.
"Let's go!" he said, changing the subject. Xiao Yi Xian scooped up Qing Lin and flew ahead, with Zi Ran, the Black Scale Poison Mosquito, close behind. Xiao Heng, a two-star Dou Huang, trailed after them.
Xiao Yi Xian, a five-star Dou Zong, and Zi Ran, a one-star Dou Zong, flew swiftly. Xiao Heng struggled to keep up. In less than five days, they entered Rakshasa Sect's territory, still some distance from its heart, Rakshasa City.
Half a day later, they reached the city. Its black walls loomed grander than Yan City, rivaling the Jia Ma Empire's holy capital in scale.