The morning sun had barely risen when Wang Yan quietly left Tiandou City after his farewell with Tang Yuehua, and although her warmth lingered in his thoughts, duty called him back to Lingyun City.
He knew that the Bloodscale Patriarch must have estimated that he would have obtained information about his direct involvement in the attack on the shipment containing the Soul Bone, and he must have kept his spies watching Iron Guard's every movement for his return. Any careless move could alert enemies who were already observing. Shadows and secrecy were his only allies. He moved swiftly, unseen, slipping through the narrow streets of Lingyun City until the familiar walls of the Iron Guard headquarters loomed before him.
No one noticed as he entered through a side passage, silent as a shadow. His steps led him straight to Liu Ming's room, bypassing guards and companions alike. Inside, Liu Ming stirred, sensing a presence. His Spear Martial Soul manifested instinctively in his hand, ready to strike — but before he could move further, Wang Yan's hand shot out, stopping him.
"Wang Yan…?" Liu Ming's voice was tense, uncertain. Recognition flashed across his eyes.
Wang Yan's presence had become more dominating and commanding, radiating an unmistakable sharpness and pressure that made those around him instinctively aware of his power.
Wang Yan revealed his face, calm and steady. "It's me."
For a moment, Liu Ming froze, then joy overwhelmed him. "You… you're alive!" Without thinking, he rushed forward and embraced Wang Yan tightly. "We thought… we thought you were dead! After all this time…"
Wang Yan placed a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder. "I am here," he said. "Now, call Chen Yu and Zhao Qing, and make sure they don't get too excited — just tell them there is an important thing to discuss."
Liu Ming nodded and quickly went to summon their friends.
Soon, the door opened quietly, and in stepped Chen Yu. His eyes immediately caught sight of Wang Yan, and relief flooded him.
"Wang Yan…?" Chen Yu's voice was concerned.
Behind him, Zhao Qing appeared, recognition dawning instantly. Both friends rushed forward, and Wang Yan felt strong arms wrap around him in a fierce, heartfelt embrace.
"We… we thought something had happened to you!" Chen Yu exclaimed, pulling back slightly. "Why did you come back so late? Are you alright?"
Zhao Qing's eyes glistened with concern. "You're… really fine?"
They both looked at him, eyes wide and fixed, their relief mingled with awe, silently taking in the dominating, commanding presence Wang Yan now radiated.
Wang Yan gently placed a hand on each of their shoulders. "I'm here," he said calmly. "Now, calm down. I need you both to listen carefully — there is something important I must explain."
After a moment to catch their breath, Chen Yu looked at him expectantly. "Tell us… after you went after that Soul Emperor, what happened?"
Wang Yan took a deep breath, his eyes sweeping over his friends. "After I pursued the Soul Emperor, I learned who sent him and why they attacked the shipment for the Soul Bone. The Bloodscale Patriarch of the Bloodscale Clan orchestrated everything. The attack was based on information provided by the assistant manager of the Tian Dou Auction House."
Liu Ming nodded seriously. "The whole city already knows that the Second Minister is dead. Now it's clear — the Lingyun Auction House sold the Soul Bone to the Second Minister, and just a few days later, he was found dead. The Bloodscale Clan was behind it. And now, they already have the Soul Bone."
Chen Yu and Zhao Qing exchanged solemn looks, fully realizing the scale of the Bloodscale Clan's reach.
Liu Ming finally spoke, his voice low but firm. "If that's the case… what should we do now? What's our strategy?"
Wang Yan's eyes sharpened, his presence radiating that quiet, commanding intensity that made them instinctively listen. "For now, we must remain low. The Bloodscale Patriarch must have investigate what caused his plan to fail and must be watching Iron Guard closely. I will not be operating openly. We have to be careful and act only when the time is right."
Liu Ming's eyes narrowed slightly, a mix of curiosity and concern in his voice. "If you already knew all this… then why were you gone for three years? Where were you all this time?"
Wang Yan took a steady breath, his aura calm but carrying the weight of countless battles. "After pursuing the Soul Emperor, I arrived at a strange, abandoned village. The air there… it was thick with killing intent, sharper than anything I had ever felt. Following its source, I discovered a hidden path that led to the Slaughter City. I trained there for two years… and gained the Death God Domain."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle in the room. His friends could feel the difference — the presence he carried now was sharper, more commanding, almost overwhelming.
"After that," he continued, his tone measured, "I spent a year in Tiandou City, mastering control over my killing aura. At first… even the slightest stir of anger could unleash it uncontrollably. I had to train myself to maintain balance, or it would act on its own."
He shifted slightly, his voice softening just enough to show a trace of warmth. "During that year, I met someone — Tang Yuehua. She guided me, helped me calm my mind, and taught me the basics of music, which… helped me channel my aura. With her, I learned to control it fully."
Chen Yu blinked, his smirk appearing naturally. "So… she was your… personal aura tutor?"
Zhao Qing shook his head, a short laugh escaping him. "No wonder it took you three years to return… you were with your girlfriend, huh?"
Wang Yan's lips curved into a calm, confident smile. "Fifty-fifty," he said simply. "We are in love… and I have chosen her as my partner."
The friends exchanged glances, surprise and subtle amusement flickering across their faces.
Wang Yan's gaze sharpened, the weight of his presence pressing down even in the quiet room. "Since I cannot operate openly in Lingyun City, I have decided to establish a branch of the Iron Guard in Tiandou City. From there, we can act quietly, gather intelligence, and prepare for what comes next."
Chen Yu's lips curved into a teasing smile. "Oh? You just returned, and now you're already heading back to your… sweetheart?"
Wang Yan's eyes flickered, a faint edge of irritation in his tone. "I have chosen her," he said firmly, his voice carrying the calm authority of someone who has no doubt. "Since I love her, it is my duty to be with her."
The three friends let out a burst of laughter, the tension in the room breaking for the first time in hours. Chen Yu shook his head, still chuckling. "Fine, fine. You can be with her… just don't forget about us, okay?"
Wang Yan allowed a small, rare smile to touch his lips. "Don't worry. I haven't forgotten."
Liu Ming's expression shifted to a thoughtful one, a hint of excitement in his eyes. "Actually… this is not a bad thing," he said. "If we establish a branch in the capital of the empire, it will be very helpful for the growth of Iron Guard. From there, we can expand quietly, gather resources, and strengthen our influence without drawing too much attention."
Zhao Qing nodded in agreement, the earlier teasing forgotten. "Yes… this could be a turning point for us. We just need to be careful, and move wisely."
Wang Yan's gaze sharpened once more, the presence around him like a drawn blade. "Exactly. For now, patience and subtlety are our greatest allies. Every step must be calculated. The Bloodscale Patriarch will not wait forever."
The friends nodded in unison, their expressions a mixture of determination, respect, and renewed energy.
End of chapter.