The opening ceremony of the Swallowing Star Sect branch went exceptionally smoothly. On that day, many influential forces from the Jia Ma Empire attended, especially the imperial family and the Alchemist Association represented by Jia Xing Tian and Fa Ma. They brought valuable gifts and repeatedly assured Li Xiu that they would provide assistance and care to the Swallowing Star Sect branch after his departure from Jia Ma.
Sometimes, when a force surpasses one's own force, one may develop fear and caution. However, when the gap between the two is too large, such thoughts will disappear altogether.
Although the Swallowing Star Sect branch, which was mainly established by the Xiao family, was only just beginning to take shape as a force, it had fully absorbed all the assets of the Yunlan Sect, a huge entity. With time, its rise and prosperity were certain, especially with a Dou Zun backing it up.
Most importantly, even in the entire northwest of the continent, Li Xiu could walk sideways as long as he did not fall. Whoever did not want to live impatiently and provoked him even slightly would have to flatter him.
During these days, Xiao Yan became more grateful and respectful towards Li Xiu. Not only had his master provided him with everything he had, but he had also elevated the Xiao family's status, making them one of the top forces in the Jia Ma Empire. In addition, Li Xiu had granted permission for Xiao family disciples to practice the first half of the Swallowing Star Scripture, which Xiao Yan felt was a great honor. He believed that his master had arranged everything for the Xiao family very well.
Therefore, when Li Xiu proposed that Xiao Yan accompany him out of the Jia Ma Empire, Xiao Yan did not hesitate.
The Xiao family had been settled and there were no worries to consider. Of course, he should follow his master to see more of the world, travel and train to improve his strength and become a true powerhouse who did not rely on his master's prestige but was equally awe-inspiring. He believed that this was also what his master hoped to see.
The Black-Corner Region is a special region on the Dou Qi continent - dark, bloody, chaotic a paradise for the strong and a purgatory for the weak.
The Black-Corner Region is a vast region on the continent, occupying an area that rivals that of some empires. However, there is no single ruling power in the territory, such as an imperial family. Instead, various forces are mixed and diverse.
In the Black-Corner Region, at any time and in any place, there are forces and people performing bloody and violent struggles for their own interests. It is the most chaotic region on the continent and without any strength or backing, no one would dare to set foot in this dangerous place where they could be attacked by strangers at any time while walking on the street.
Of course, the Black-Corner Region also has its unique features. As long as one is strong enough, they can act as they please. In addition, every day, countless rare Dou techniques, Dou Qi skills and pills/elixirs flow into the Black-Corner Region through various channels. Whether one wants to sell stolen goods or buy things that are not available elsewhere, this place is the perfect choice.
The distance between the Jia Ma Empire and the Black-Corner Region is extremely far, and one would have to pass through several countries to reach it. For an ordinary person, it would take at least a year or two to travel, assuming that everything goes smoothly without any accidents. If they were unlucky enough to encounter bandits or other dangers along the way, their lives would be at risk.
Of course, for Li Xiu and his group, this is not a difficult task. With a Dou Ling, a Dou Huang, and Li Xiu himself, who is almost unmatched on the entire continent, they are unlikely to encounter anything that could be called a perilous situation.
However, at Li Xiu's request to travel by carriage, it still took half a year to arrive. During this time, Li Xiu spent his days practicing alchemy and perfecting the new Flame Mantra.
After swallowing the Green Lotus Core Flame, despite having the foundation and inspiration of the Flame Mantra to devour Heavenly Flames, Li Xiu still spent over two years creating a new Flame Mantra that could be activated using his own spiritual power to devour Heavenly Flames. The amount of time he spent was neither too long nor too short, but in the end, he gained a lot from it.
The new Flame Mantra can not only devour Heavenly Flames, but also merge with the flames in Li Xiu's own bloodline, allowing him to control Heavenly Flames effortlessly and without any sense of sluggishness or difficulty. Moreover, since it is activated by spiritual power, this method will not exhaust his potential for a long time to come.
Although the Soul Breaker Sword is Li Xiu's present trump card, its potential is still inferior to that of the new Flame Mantra.
Li Xiu's trip to the Black-Corner Region this time is precisely to devour Heavenly Flames and continue to strengthen his new divine ability.
There are currently two Heavenly Flames in the Black-Corner Region. One is the Fallen Heart Flame, ranked fourteenth on the Heavenly Flame Ranking, and has taken on a physical form and intelligence. It is imprisoned underground in the Inner Branch Tower of the Jia Nan Academy, and the academy uses it to speed up cultivation by constructing the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower.
The other is the Sea Heart Flame, ranked fifteenth on the Heavenly Flame Ranking, and is owned by Han Feng, who betrayed Yao Chen.
These are all Heavenly Flames that Li Xiu is familiar with, and they are not controlled by any powerful force, making them relatively easy to obtain.
As the carriage continued its journey, the once dense mountains started to thin out. In the distance, a black line appeared, acting like a boundary that completely separated the outside world from the inside.
The Great Plains of the Black Region, the gateway to the Black-Corner Region. Entering here meant stepping into a chaotic world that was entirely different from the outside.
The endless plains were monotonously black, as if they had been scorched by a raging fire. Against the slightly dim sky, a desolate and oppressive atmosphere permeated the air.
On the quiet plains, an apparently ordinary carriage was slowly moving forward. Soon, scattered white tents appeared, resembling a small market to Xiao Yan and Hai Bodong sitting at the front of the carriage.
After a moment of surprise, the two of them had no intention of entering the market to purchase anything, and instead decided to bypass it.
However, several figures suddenly emerged from the market, brandishing strong bows and taking aim at them. It was clear that they were hoping to make some easy money.
"The people on the carriage, each of you hand over a thousand gold coins and we'll let you pass. Otherwise, you'll all stay here!"
A skinny and sinister-looking man with a leader-like appearance threatened them in a harsh voice.
Hai Bodong coldly snorted and unleashed a surge of icy Dou Qi from his palm, freezing all the people in front of him instantly. Several of them didn't even have the chance to shoot their bows and arrows.
Xiao Yan looked disdainfully at the attackers and drove the carriage around them. They probably thought that they could make a quick profit from an unarmed old man and a young boy on a carriage. However, they didn't expect to risk their lives in the process.
With that trick, there were no more obstacles blocking their way, and the carriage quickly passed through the temporary market and headed towards the real Black-Corner Region.
After crossing the plains and mountains, a huge city made up of black boulders gradually came into view, with a vague outline. At the four gates of the city, one could still vaguely see dense black spots, like ants gathering and rushing into the city, making it quite a lively sight.