Battle Through the Heavens: Starting from the Jia Ma Empire

Chapter 217 The Crippled Old Man

"Senior Brother Lin Feng, how can you say the matter of alchemists is certain to be resolved?"

Lin Feng had pointed out his embarrassing moment, and Xiao Yan touched his nose, looking somewhat awkward.

"Haha, Junior Brother Xiao Yan, there's no need for that. I've had my share of cauldron explosions back in the day," Lin Feng laughed heartily, patting the Myriad Beasts Cauldron in front of him. "Junior Brother Xiao Yan, just accept this cauldron as an investment."

"Senior Brother Lin Feng, it's me."

Before Xiao Yan could finish speaking, Lin Feng vanished, leaving only a fleeting afterimage and a voice behind him.

"Junior Brother Xiao Yan, work hard! In the future, you will have a place in Zhongzhou."

After a moment of silence, Xiao Yan suddenly looked up. He didn't utter any grand pronouncements, but Yao Chen, who knew him intimately, saw the determination and confidence in his eyes. He couldn't help but stroke his beard slightly, a smile appearing on his face.

Meanwhile, after leaving Yao Chen, Lin Feng went to Elder Su Qian's place to discuss the changing situation in the Black Corner Region. Half a month ago, after Elder Su Qian and Lin Feng had executed all the invading villains, they decided to launch an immediate attack to wipe out their forces.

Of course, the most important thing is to obtain the wealth accumulated by these forces over the years. Although there are quite a few lone wolves attacking this time, there are also powerful forces like the Eight Doors, whose wealth is something even Canaan Academy would covet.

However, plans can't keep up with changes. When Lin Feng and his group split into several teams and headed to the Black Corner Region, they discovered that the outposts of the various invading forces had already been completely looted.

Lin Feng and Elder Su Qian's expressions were extremely gloomy upon witnessing this scene.

After inquiring for a few days, they understood the whole story, and were somewhat amused and exasperated. Lin Feng, in particular, was unsure whether he should be grateful to these people after learning that many forces in the Black Corner Region had acted decisively because they believed in him.

Since the operation failed, the group did not linger and returned to the academy.

However, the matter did not end there. The academy dealt with the top experts from numerous forces, yet the fruits of victory were ultimately reaped by others. Without intervention, even with the elimination of so many powerful figures, the deterrent effect on these lawless individuals would have been insufficient.

Elder Su Qian and Lin Feng reached a consensus on this matter: they must gather all the information on the forces that would reap the benefits of this situation. Afterwards, there would be no need to go door-to-door demanding treasures; simply holding a grand meeting and using the numerous Dou Zong as a deterrent would surely make them obedient.

If there are any truly fearless individuals, the academy could even seize the opportunity to eliminate them and their respective factions, serving as a warning to others. Of course, the quality of these individuals cannot be too poor, otherwise they won't be a strong deterrent; nor can there be too many, otherwise it might provoke a backlash from these factions.

During their hasty investigation, Elder Su Qian and the others learned that many of the forces that had made this move were veteran powerhouses who had once competed against the old dean.

Among them, the Earth Demon Ancestor, a high-level Dou Zong, is a prime example. If they were to truly break off relations and form an alliance, it would pose a certain obstacle to the future development of the academy.

After several meetings, Lin Feng proposed that one of the two elders, Qianbai, should step forward.

As for what Elder Su Qian said about the two elders having been in seclusion for many years and not intervening unless the academy was truly in danger of destruction, Lin Feng solved the problem with a top-grade pill that could increase lifespan by ten years.

After the discussions were completed, Elder Su Qian and the others, on behalf of the academy, extended invitations to the various forces in the Black Corner Region that had seized the fruits of the academy's victory.

It was agreed that ten days later, Canaan Academy and various forces would gather in Maple City, formerly ruled by Han Feng, for a grand meeting to discuss the return of the spoils of war. Of course, the academy would not force anyone to come, but the consequences would be something everyone should carefully consider.

Ten days have passed, and the academy has finalized its travel arrangements. Since everyone is certain that the people of the Black Corner Region will not initiate hostilities, all those selected for this trip are at least Dou Zong level, with only a few Dou Huang elders accompanying them. In addition, students ranked high on the academy's strength ranking can apply to join the trip.

With the Thousand Elders, one of the Thousand Elders, personally taking action, it is believed that no one in the Black Corner Region can stir up any trouble.

After everything was ready, the group headed to the inner courtyard plaza, where several enormous griffins were already in place. Twenty members of the academy's top rankings were also waiting there, including Han Yue, Xiao Yan, and Xiao Xun'er, whom Lin Feng recognized.

"Greetings, esteemed elders!"

Upon seeing Elder Su Qian and his entourage arrive, the numerous individuals on the power ranking immediately bowed in respect.

"Hahaha, you are all top students in the academy, but this meeting has brought together the most powerful forces in the entire Black Corner Region." Elder Su Qian's expression was serious as he stared intently at the students.

"If negotiations break down, it could escalate into a massive war, at which point even we wouldn't be able to protect your safety at all times. A single misstep could mean your demise in the Black Corner Region. It's not too late to withdraw now. When it comes to life, we respect your choice."

As Elder Su Qian finished speaking, the twenty students on the field remained silent, but their eyes showed a variety of expressions, from resolute to indifferent. However, none of them took a single step back.

Seeing this, many elders nodded, stroking their beards, and marveled at how the quality of this year's students was no less than that of previous years.

"In that case, let's set off!"

As soon as Elder Su Qian finished speaking, he leaped onto the leading griffin, followed quickly by Lin Feng and the others, and then by many other students.

"howl"

Several towering griffins roared in unison after everyone was in position, instantly displaying the might of peak fourth-tier magical beasts. Of course, among this group, even the seemingly weakest, Xiao Yan, was only a four- or five-star Dou Ling, so he naturally had no fear of these griffins.

Before long, the tall and majestic griffin began to flap its huge wings and quickly took off, flying towards Maple City.

Maple City was named after the Medicine Emperor Han Feng, who stayed there. While Han Feng was still alive, let's set aside his character for now. But even with his unparalleled alchemy skills, the most powerful in the Black Corner Region, no one dared to act recklessly there.

Perhaps it's because alchemists naturally prefer quiet environments, but the security here is excellent; in fact, it's not much worse than Canaan Academy.

However, the peace of the past has long been broken. Since half a month ago, many powerful forces hidden in the undercurrents of the Black Corner Region have analyzed that Han Feng will definitely not return, they have begun to strike to seize the rare and precious materials in the territory of these forces.

As the home of Han Feng, the number one alchemist in the Black Corner Region, Maple City naturally became the most eye-catching jewel. In fact, many powerful figures from various major forces even fought each other to seize Maple City's treasures.

Even with some restraint, the sheer power of the Dou Zong expert's attack still caused the massive wall to tremble and teeter on the verge of collapse.

Since that day, Maple City has been in chaos.

Arson, murder, looting, and rape of women in the streets—the chaotic state of the Black Corner Region, seemingly corrupted by the corruption, is beginning to reappear here.

Of course, this situation wasn't too serious, because while many people were ruthless, their sensitivity to danger was undeniable. After Canaan Academy issued the application, most people restrained themselves, and as the tenth day approached, Maple City returned to tranquility, as if its lord, Medicine Emperor Han Feng, had returned.

All of this was merely an illusion. As one enormous magical beast after another descended, carrying the true powerhouses of the Black Corner Region, the people of Maple City were truly amazed.

"The Earth Demon Ancestor has arrived at Demon Flame Valley!"

A loud voice rang out, followed by the appearance of a huge demonic beast carrying the group from Demon Flame Valley. Leading the group was none other than the Earth Demon Ancestor mentioned earlier.

The moment they saw the thin old man, a chill instantly surged into their hearts, and even a Dou Huang powerhouse was no exception.

"斯"

Everyone gasped in shock; there was no faking it, and they began to whisper amongst themselves.

"That old bastard, Earth Demon, was beaten down by Mang Tianchi of Canaan Academy back then. I never thought that after so many years, he would have reached this level. I wonder how Canaan Academy will deal with this today."

"Hehe, you country bumpkin, do you know that Canaan Academy currently has a peak sixth-grade alchemy master? With the foundation of Canaan Academy, if it could continuously provide powerful pills like the Breakthrough Pill, who knows how many Dou Zong are hiding in the shadows now. Even if it were a group fight, they could crush that old bastard Earth Demon."

"Indeed, indeed! Canaan Academy, a peak sixth-grade alchemist—truly terrifying."

"."

After the Demon Flame Valley, led by the Earth Demon Ancestor, made its appearance, the powerful figures hidden in Maple City who hadn't participated in the distribution of the spoils were frantically discussing the day's results. This would influence the future格局 (geju, a term referring to the overall situation or structure) of the entire Black Corner Region, and they couldn't afford to be careless.

As for a Dou Zong powerhouse like the Earth Demon Ancestor, his use of spatial power is already superb. At least, the telepathic messages of these Dou Huang and Dou Wang are nowhere to be hidden from him.

Although he felt somewhat offended, given his magnanimity, he wouldn't take action over such a trivial matter.

In his eyes, the Earth Demon only had one opponent: Mang Tianchi. Thinking of this, a young figure appeared in the Earth Demon Ancestor's mind, smiling and radiant. "Perhaps, we should also add this terrifying prodigy."

"Mo Tianxing, the leader of the Black Emperor Pavilion, has arrived with all members of the Black Emperor Pavilion!"

"The disabled old man has arrived!"

"Thick Earth Gate, the Old Man of Rock Has Arrived!"

"."

The appearance of the Earth Demon Ancestor seemed to have set off a series of powerful figures appearing one after another, riding on enormous magical beasts, either attacking from the sky or emerging from underground.

Among them, the most powerful magical beast is a divine bird in the Black Emperor Pavilion whose body is engulfed in crimson flames, and whose aura has reached the sixth level.

Given the power of magical beasts, even a mid-level Battle Emperor might not be a match for them, let alone a flying magical beast. If they were determined to escape, a mid-level Battle Emperor would not be able to catch up with them.

Of course, the strangest thing was that the old man with the disability was riding a wolf with only three legs, which puzzled everyone.

"You may not know this, but this disabled old man was born with only one leg, and his parents abandoned him when he was young because of it." Seeing the confusion of the crowd, an elderly passerby who had crossed over from another world suddenly spoke up.

However, when everyone's eyes turned to him, he stroked his beard and remained silent.

"Senior, could you please explain this to us?"

"Yes, sir. From today onwards, we would like to invite you to that enchanting place for drinks and revelry. What do you say, sir?"

"."

With such a secret before them, yet unable to find out, everyone was frantic, scratching their heads in frustration. Of course, these lawless scoundrels would never be so obedient as to ask questions; it was only because of the body on the ground that was still bleeding.

Looking at the powerful finger marks still remaining on the corpse, a sure sign of a fatal blow, everyone felt a pang of unease. That corpse was a peak Dou Wang in life; although a lone wolf, the ability to kill a peak Dou Wang so decisively suggested he had reached the intermediate or even advanced Dou Huang level.

These people would naturally not offend such powerful individuals over trivial matters.

"Hahaha, seeing as you're so honest, I'll tell you!"

An elderly passerby stroked his beard, clearly pleased with the scene.

"Although this crippled old man was born with one leg missing, his talent seems to be unimaginably powerful because of it. He entered the realm of battle qi at the age of three, became a battle master at nine, a battle spirit at fifteen, a battle king at twenty-three, a battle emperor at forty, and a battle sect master at sixty."

An elderly passerby slowly recounted the origins of the disabled old man, leaving everyone deeply shocked.

"Moreover, what's most terrifying is that this old man with the disability has never taken any pills since he began cultivating, and his foundation is stronger than anyone else's imagination. If this trend continues, he might even have a chance to become a legendary Dou Zun powerhouse in the future."

"The Dou Zun realm... in the Northwest Continent, that's truly a rare sight indeed!"

"Furthermore, the leg techniques he cultivates are self-created based on his observation of many crippled animals, yet they are comparable to the high-level Earth Rank. Can you imagine that?"

"斯"

Many powerful figures gasped in shock. Fortunately, the Earth Demon Ancestor, a grandmaster of ice attributes, was present today. Otherwise, this place would surely be scorching hot.

"No, if that's the case, why does the aura of that crippled old man seem weaker than that of the Earth Demon Ancestor?"

Just then, an elderly man surnamed Hua noticed the blind spot and asked a question.

(End of this chapter)