The Yin-Yang Flames suddenly erupted, releasing a terrifying heat that forced all nearby spectators to retreat repeatedly.
Burning Flame!
Another Xuan-rank battle technique erupted. The Strange Fire filled every inch of the wind wall, intertwining with the wind-attribute Dou Qi within it. At that moment, those trapped inside finally realized what kind of calamity they had provoked.
But—
Regret was meaningless now.
Wind Wall, merge!
Xiao Jian silently shouted as his seals changed once more.
The four wind barriers slowly closed inward. Carried by unbearably high temperatures, the Strange Fire crept closer to the Mo family lackeys.
"We're leaving! Please spare us, young master!"
Someone screamed desperately from within.
Xiao Jian ignored them.
Turning toward Xiao Li, his expression softened as he asked, "Second brother, how are you? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine—cough, cough. You came back fast. Big brother and I thought you'd need two or three months with Xiao Yanzi to find the Strange Fire. Didn't expect you to make it back in time. That's good."
Xiao Li was covered in glaring scarlet blood, yet he still smiled.
The smile, paired with blood-stained white teeth, looked particularly ferocious.
Seeing this, Xiao Jian immediately took out a healing pill from his storage ring and stuffed it straight into Xiao Li's mouth.
"Brat, we're members of the Mo family! If our Grand Elder finds out about your arrogance, he'll tear you apart!"
A cowardly yet vicious threat rang out from behind.
Xiao Li frowned.
Xiao Jian, however, showed no anger. He merely snapped his fingers.
In the next instant, piercing screams echoed one after another.
"What a joke—the Mo family!"
Xiao Jian sneered as the flames intensified. Moments later, the screams abruptly ceased, replaced only by the crackling sounds of bones bursting under extreme heat.
"Your methods are even more ruthless than your second brother's."
Xiao Ding walked over, smiling faintly.
"Qinglian has been captured?"
Xiao Jian shook his head slightly, then spoke in a grave tone.
"Yes. It happened a couple of days ago. She went out and never returned. I had people investigate—she was indeed kidnapped. These people only arrived today.
"The Mo family is one of the four major families in the northeastern region of the Jia Ma Empire. Though not as powerful as the Nalan family, they're far from weak. They've dominated the northeast for years—local tyrants, really. Very few dare provoke them. Xiao Jian, it seems you already knew the Mo family was behind this."
Xiao Ding was sharp; he had already pieced together the clues from Xiao Jian's reactions.
"Yes. I'd heard some rumors. Qinglian's physique is somewhat special, so she was likely targeted. I originally thought it wouldn't happen within just a month… I didn't expect them to succeed anyway."
Xiao Jian's expression turned cold, helplessness flashing across his face.
He couldn't possibly take Qinglian into Snake-People territory.
Fortunately, Mo Cheng shouldn't be in a hurry to gouge out her eyes for transplantation.
That meant Xiao Jian still had time—time enough to find someone to wipe out the Mo family completely.
"Hm. Since you anticipated this, you must already have a plan."
Xiao Ding said thoughtfully.
"Hehehe, you know me best, brother!"
Xiao Jian grinned and gave a thumbs-up. After his two elder brothers finished handling the mercenary group's affairs, the three brothers sat together and talked.
"How was the journey with Xiao Yanzi to find the Strange Fire?"
Despite being wrapped in bandages, Xiao Li casually draped an arm around Xiao Jian and asked.
"It was alright—dangerous, but rewarding. I gained a major opportunity. I should be able to break through to Dou Wang within two years."
Xiao Jian nodded with a smile.
"Damn right! You were only a six-star Dou Shi when you left, and now you're already a Great Dou Shi! That cultivation speed in just one month is terrifying!"
Xiao Li laughed, patting Xiao Jian's shoulder.
"So… the Strange Fire?"
Standing to the side, Xiao Ding understood immediately and asked with a smile.
"Little Flame should already be absorbing it. Or maybe it's already finished and will return tomorrow."
Xiao Jian replied calmly.
"Haha, you actually succeeded?"
Xiao Li's face filled with admiration.
That was stealing from Queen Medusa herself—a feat almost no one in the entire Gama Empire would dare even imagine.
"Mm. We were lucky. Queen Medusa was too busy to bother with us."
Unlock 400+ Chapters via My Patreon Collection
✨ Available in Shop Now
patreon.com/HeavenlyYinYang