Chapter 131: Borrowing Power to Intimidate
With an accurate map in hand, Yao Yan and Cai Lin no longer needed to wander the Black Plains like headless flies.
After about half a day's flight, they left the Black Plains behind. The scenery gradually gained more vitality, and even some mountain ranges came into view. Beyond the rolling peaks, a massive city built from pitch-black boulders finally appeared before Yao Yan.
The city was vast—comparable to any major city in the Jia Ma Empire when viewed from above.
At the four city gates, one could see dense clusters of black dots, like ants swarming into a gluttonous beast's gaping maw, accepting all who approached.
"We're here. If the map that guy gave us is accurate, this should be Black Seal City."
Yao Yan slowed down slightly, eyeing the distant city with interest as he spoke to Cai Lin.
Cai Lin, however, seemed rather indifferent. Unlike Yao Yan, who was somewhat like a sheltered young master, she was the current Medusa Queen. She had witnessed more grand scenes and fought more formidable enemies than Yao Yan ever had. In her eyes, this city wasn't anything special.
Yao Yan went on, "The faction that controls Black Seal City is called the Eight Gates. Their gate master, Yuan Yi, ranks among the top ten on the Black List and is a veteran Dou Huang expert."
The map he received included detailed information, especially on major factions backed by Dou Huang-level powerhouses. Anyone listed in the Black Directory was among the top forces in the Black-Corner Region. While such figures might be average in Central Plains, in areas outside of it, they were absolute monarchs.
One mustn't underestimate the value of a Dou Huang. Even in the top-tier powers and ancient clans of Central Plains, a Dou Huang could hold some status—let alone in a remote region like this, where they could easily reign supreme.
That was likely why Han Feng chose the Black-Corner Region.
It was chaotic enough, filled with all sorts of people and factions. Its location also allowed for the circulation of rare items—Earth-tier Dou Techniques, precious magical cores, medicinal herbs, and so on. Even Han Feng would covet such resources.
"Just a Dou Huang, huh~"
Cai Lin's red lips parted slightly, her gaze cold and tinged with eager restlessness. Perhaps due to spending too much time with Yao Yan, her standards had risen. A mere Dou Huang didn't even register as a threat to her anymore. With her current power, anyone below Dou Zong wasn't worth worrying about—especially with a monster like Yao Yan at her side.
Given enough preparation, he could easily recreate what he did to the Myriad Scorpion Sect.
"The Dou Huangs here might not be the same as those you're used to. Don't underestimate them."
Unlike the increasingly inflated Cai Lin, Yao Yan remained calm. He knew well the disparity between Dou Huangs. A Dou Huang cultivating an Earth-tier technique could easily suppress one who only had a Xuan-tier technique. Add Earth-tier Dou Skills to the mix, and they could even challenge higher levels.
The Black-Corner Region wasn't like the remote Jia Ma Empire—Earth-tier Dou Techniques were far from rare here. Even Black Seal City had auctioned several.
Yao Yan didn't believe the Eight Gates' leader hadn't dabbled in Earth-tier cultivation arts and skills.
"Difference? In my eyes, there are only two kinds of people—those alive and those dead."
Cai Lin gave Yao Yan a cool glance, her tone detached and indifferent. It wasn't arrogance—she was born with a companion soul that inherently placed her above most cultivators. Her combat strength wasn't as simple as one plus one.
You'd really fit in here in the Black-Corner Region... Yao Yan couldn't help but think, then waved his hand toward her. "Let's go down. Black Seal City has a no-flying rule. If we fly in, we'll be attacked."
This was their first day in the Black-Corner Region—he wasn't planning on attracting too much trouble and drawing Soul Hall's attention. Given how much his teacher valued him, the local Soul Hall enforcers were probably already mobilized. There might even be Reverends lurking.
Until he resolved the matter of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's jade, Yao Yan didn't want to meet Hun Xuzi.
Besides, he still had to continue cultivating Flame Mantra. He needed to devour at least one more heavenly flame—maybe even two—to verify the potential of the technique. Otherwise, given Hun Xuzi's personality, he might force Yao Yan to scrap his Dou Qi and start over. As for physical damage? For a ninth-tier alchemy grandmaster, that was hardly an issue.
"Keeping a low profile isn't a bad idea. Your strength isn't enough to do whatever you want in the Black-Corner Region just yet. And don't think this place is simple—the Eight Gates probably has a Dou Zong behind it too…"
Yao Lao's voice echoed in Yao Yan's mind. He'd already calmed down after his earlier emotional turmoil. As a Dou Zun, he wasn't fragile.
"Dou Zong?"
Yao Yan was slightly surprised. He hadn't heard anything about that.
Yao Lao chuckled and explained, "Do you know why Dou Zong is the standard for a faction to be considered first-rate on the continent? It's because of longevity. The difference between a Dou Huang and a Dou Zong isn't just strength—it's lifespan. A Dou Zong, barring accidents, can easily live six to seven hundred years. With the right longevity pills, even a thousand years is possible. A Dou Huang? Two to three hundred years, tops. The difference is enormous."
He paused, then continued, "And then there's the mastery of space. The Dou Qi Continent is vast—so vast that even Dou Zuns haven't explored it all. Only those who control space can travel efficiently and engage with distant factions—or even build spatial wormholes!"
"I've heard of that before."
Yao Yan nodded. Yaonong had taught him these things before.
Yao Lao went on, "So, now it's easy to understand. In a place like the Black-Corner Region, weak factions fall quickly—even with a Dou Huang. Only those with a Dou Zong can survive long term. That's the true foundation of a power."
"You're right. If the Eight Gates only had a Dou Huang, how could they dare host auctions in a place like this~"
Yao Yan agreed. If they didn't have a Dou Zong, those auctions would've attracted strong robbers long ago. In the Black-Corner Region, there were no rules—only power.
Whoever had the biggest fist made the rules.
He relayed Yao Lao's words to Cai Lin. The word "Dou Zong" clearly struck a nerve with her, and her once indifferent expression turned serious. It was obvious the title still held weight—it could pressure even her.
"Don't worry. If anything happens, I'll protect you."
Yao Yan patted his chest and promised, looking at the fully-covered sister-in-law beside him.
"You're the one who needs protection."
Cai Lin shot him a sideways glance before transforming into a streak of light and flying downward.
Yao Yan followed closely.
As they landed, the two walked together toward Black Seal City. Along the way, they witnessed various customs of the Black-Corner Region—like robbery, for instance. No one here sympathized with the weak. The weaker someone was, the more they were bullied. Strong people liked to pick on the weak because it was the safest route—even if the profit was small.
Of course, every now and then someone would run into a hidden monster disguised as prey—and end up dying horribly.
But none of that trouble came Yao Yan's way. He wasn't trying to "play pig to eat the tiger." His Dou Wang-level pressure radiated freely, and within ten meters, no one dared approach. Few even dared to look directly at him, fearing they'd provoke something fatal.
The guards at the city gates were sharp. The moment they sensed his strength, they didn't even ask for an entrance fee. One of them stepped forward respectfully, hands clasped: "Sirs, I am Shi Yu, an outer disciple of the Eight Gates and gatekeeper for today. If you need anything, feel free to command me."
"Eight Gates, huh? Perfect. I'd like to meet your gate master. Pass along a message: a seventh-tier alchemist wants an audience. Ask if he's free."
Yao Yan's eyes flickered slightly. Using soul force, he transmitted the message. He wasn't interested in posturing at the city gate. Just the title of seventh-tier alchemist was enough to shake all of Black Seal City—maybe even the entire Black-Corner Region. But he didn't want to stir up trouble yet. He was here for information—and the final piece of the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame map!
In the original story, that last piece ended up in the hands of the Eight Gates.
"…Yes!"
Shi Yu was dumbfounded. Seeing no one around reacting, he quickly realized it was a soul transmission—a method of alchemists. His voice trembled as he bowed deeply, then turned to his subordinates and ordered them to take good care of Yao Yan. He himself raced off toward the city lord's manor.
Even at Dou Shi level, he ran like a storm.
…
In the city lord's manor of Black Seal City—
A fat man lay slumped on a soft couch, fingers playing with his beard, his expression grim and troubled. It seemed he was worrying about something—but it was something he couldn't speak about aloud. Not even a word.
This was the Black-Corner Region, after all—a place where the strong devour the weak. The moment your weakness is exposed, wolves descend in droves to rip you apart.
"What a headache…"
He sighed, closing his eyes.
This man was none other than Yuan Yi—the current visible head of the Eight Gates. A two-star Dou Huang ranked among the Black List's top ten, albeit near the bottom. Still, thanks to the reputation of the Eight Gates, no one dared question his position.
The Eight Gates had existed in the Black-Corner Region for centuries—an old powerhouse dating back to when Canaan Academy was founded.
Decades ago, two Dou Huangs and more than ten Dou Wangs tried to take over Black Seal City. That act forced their reclusive ancestor out of seclusion. With a single slap, he wiped them all out. Since then, no one in the region dared provoke the Eight Gates again.
But what outsiders didn't know was that after that slap, the ancestor had entered eternal seclusion—and his soul jade had long since shattered.
The Eight Gates now was merely borrowing the tiger's might. If anything happened, Yuan Yi couldn't hold the line—he knew it well.
His power gave him no real sense of safety. Stronger individuals were everywhere in the Black-Corner Region. The Black List only reflected known names. No one knew how many old monsters still lurked in the shadows.
"Sigh… so difficult~"
Yuan Yi sighed again. Only when an urgent commotion sounded from outside did his frown disappear—replaced by a smiling mask. He stood, radiating Dou Huang pressure.
He smiled like a cunning fox. "What's the noise? Didn't I say—no disturbances while I'm cultivating, hmm?"
As he spoke, his eyes swept across the crowd, quickly locking onto the source—a young man in an outer disciple uniform. His eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity. "What is it?"
"Gate Master! Two important figures have arrived at the gate—one of them wishes to see you!"
Shi Yu quickly reported.
Yuan Yi raised an eyebrow, then looked the boy up and down. "Wants to see me? Since when can anyone just ask for a meeting?"
"He claimed to be a seventh-tier alchemist!"
Shi Yu blurted it out, knowing Yuan Yi's temperament—he didn't dare hold back.
"?!"
Yuan Yi's pupils shrank. In a flash, he appeared in front of Shi Yu, grabbed his collar, and barked, "Repeat everything. From the beginning!"
Shi Yu nodded and described both visitors' appearance and their exact words.
"Very young? Could be an old monster in disguise… and a snake-woman with him? What a bizarre combo…"
Yuan Yi muttered, eyes narrowing further.
After a moment's silence, he reached out and straightened Shi Yu's collar, a smile once again on his face. "You did well. From today on, you're an inner disciple. No more guarding the gate. Report to the auction house—I'll speak to them tomorrow."
Shi Yu was overwhelmed with joy. "Thank you, Gate Master!"
Yuan Yi waved it off, then spread his Dou Qi wings and soared toward the city gate in a streak of light. He was eager to see what kind of person this seventh-tier alchemist really was!
(END CHAPTER)
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