The Yin Beasts, emerging from Yin Beast Mountain, each carried a dense miasma, the beasts themselves inherently containing Yin energy; this Yin energy was the source of their power, the very foundation of their survival.
Shi Yan's arrival created a powerful vortex that sucked in the Yin energy. The presence of this vortex caused the surrounding Yin energy clinging to the beasts to fly out, instead rushing into the center of the vortex Shi Yan had refined, transforming into Yin power that slowly permeated his body, becoming the Yin Orb within the Yin Vortex in his chest.
The Profound Yin Art, overwhelmingly domineering, possessed the terrifying ability to absorb the ambient Yin energy around Yin Beasts.
At the heart of the layered gloom, a massive vortex gathered and spun above Shi Yan's head; the vortex grew larger, and the suction force it generated intensified accordingly.
Vast amounts of Yin energy converged, pouring into the vortex, converting into pure Yin power that descended into the center of Shi Yan's Yin Vortex.
Nearly a thousand Yin Beasts nearby exhibited signs of terror and agitation. Even the sixth-level monstrous beasts struggled to control the Yin energy cloaking their surfaces, watching helplessly as that energy madly surged toward Shi Yan; panic began to grip the Yin Beasts.
Some higher-grade Yin Beasts attempted to charge forward, intending to quickly strike down Shi Yan, who was drawing in the Yin energy.
However, as soon as these higher-level beasts approached Shi Yan, they immediately sensed the incredibly dense Heavenly Fire power emanating from his body.
Heavenly Fire was the bane of all Yin Beasts. Even from a great distance, the higher-grade beasts perceived the destructive, burning force of the Heavenly Fire radiating from Shi Yan.
Deterred by the Heavenly Fire, the Yin Beasts that had intended to kill Shi Yan retreated almost instantly, without much hesitation.
Before long, the approaching Yin Beasts fled in disarray even faster than they had arrived.
The Yin Beasts in the sky let out strange, eerie screeches, seemingly stimulated by something significant, and abandoning their kin of the Winged Clan, they flew away in the direction of Yin Beast Mountain, fearful of nearing Shi Yan.
Any Yin Beast that remained close to Shi Yan could clearly sense the uncontrollable surge of Yin energy within their bodies, rapidly flowing out and quietly gathering toward his vortex.
Every single Yin Beast realized something was wrong; they knew that staying near him meant the Yin energy within their bodies would diminish.
Thus, the nearly thousand Yin Beasts in the vicinity were gone very quickly.
The dense heavenly Yin energy derived from the Yin Beasts ceased to pour in once they all left the area. The enormous vortex suspended above Shi Yan’s head, no longer receiving additional Yin energy, began to slow its rotation until it gradually vanished.
The thick Yin clouds slowly faded, then disappeared.
As the Yin clouds vanished, Shi Yan’s body began to descend slowly from its suspended position. Without the support of those clouds, he, who had not yet reached the Heavenly Rank realm, naturally could not remain standing proudly in the void, finally falling into the dense woods.
“Thump!”
As his body hit the ground, the vortex above his head was gone without a trace, and the three Yin Orbs within the three Yin Vortices in his chest receded into their respective acupoints.
His chest now housed six Yin Orbs within three acupoints, the orbs containing astonishing Yin power that left him feeling cool and refreshed throughout his body. Furthermore, the Yin Vortex in his chest seemed to operate with greater efficiency under the influence of these Yin Orbs, speeding up the purification of Yin power.
Finally, the Yin Vortex finished purifying all the Yin power and slowly settled down.
Shi Yan opened his eyes then, letting out an involuntary cry, and said in a deep voice, “What are you trying to do?”
Beside him, the three members of the Shadowy Charm Clan—Kaba, Zhameng, and Yitianmo—had glints of strange light flashing in their eyes, seemingly filled with various puzzles. Di Shan of the Black Wing Clan and Yurou of the White Wing Clan watched him with considerable interest, nodding slowly only after he woke.
“Young man, do you possess Heavenly Fire within your body? Do you know how to wield the power of Heavenly Fire?” Yurou of the White Wing Clan smiled sweetly, her tone gentle and soft, making it hard not to feel favorably toward her.
Di Shan squinted, his long, narrow eyes seeming to take in everything about Shi Yan. As his eyes moved, Shi Yan felt an indescribable discomfort, sensing a peculiar power subtly seeping into his body, scrutinizing everything within him.
Shi Yan felt a chill in his heart, unable to gauge the intentions of these people, so he turned his gaze to Yitianmo.
He had communicated with Yitianmo during this period, and Yitianmo had even placed a restriction within his soul. Shi Yan knew that Yicui Bi’s swift warning before Duolong arrived was surely Yitianmo’s doing; he knew Yitianmo temporarily did not wish him dead.
Therefore, he hoped to extract some useful information from Yitianmo’s expression.
“You had better answer honestly; your life depends on it,” Yitianmo said, giving him a subtle, slight nod, then adding coolly, “This is Yurou, the chief of the White Wing Clan, and this one is Di Shan, the chief of the Black Wing Clan. The strength of their two clans surpasses that of Duolong’s Gray Wing Clan. Your escape from Duolong this time was also thanks to them.”
Shi Yan was startled, silently rising to his feet, cupping his hands toward Di Shan and Yurou, and stating calmly, “Thank you.”
“You are welcome, young man, but you still haven't answered my question,” Yurou pouted slightly, looking relaxed, like an elder sister next door.
Shi Yan gazed at her calmly, a flicker of admiration crossing his face. Yurou possessed the stunning beauty of a dignified noblewoman, with skin as white as snow and a captivating figure, complemented by snowy wings. Such looks and such a unique physique exuded an intense, mesmerizing allure; when she smiled charmingly, she radiated a mature, rich charm that drew men inexorably in.
Shi Yan was no exception.
Staring at Yurou, Shi Yan’s composed eyes gradually softened, and his feelings toward her grew increasingly intimate. He felt that Yurou was utterly trustworthy, someone to whom he could reveal all the secrets in his heart, certain that she would never harm him... A faint ripple suddenly stirred in his Sea of Consciousness.
The Five Demons within the Sea of Consciousness seemed to stir quietly, injecting five streams of peculiar emotion into his heart’s sea, subtly restoring his senses.
His eyes gradually cleared. Shi Yan felt as if cold water had been poured over his head; he awoke from Yurou’s enchantment, drenched in sweat, as if he had just survived a massive battle.
So powerful!
Shi Yan was horrified, his heart filled with panic. He dared not look at Yurou again and obediently lowered his head.
A single word or glance could manipulate another's mind without them realizing it. Even Shi Yan, who considered his willpower firm, had nearly fallen victim. Such a captivating power was terrifyingly formidable.
Had it not been for the subtle movement of the Five Demons in his Sea of Consciousness, Shi Yan might have spilled every secret in his body, even his mysterious Martial Soul, in response to Yurou’s smiling inquiry!
“Big Sister, could you refrain from using those methods? I cannot withstand them,” Shi Yan murmured with a wry smile, keeping his head down. “The secret technique I cultivate is unique. If Big Sister does this many more times, I fear I won’t be able to bear it and might have my soul scattered. Well, by then, whatever you wish to achieve through me, I suspect I will be incapable of helping.”
Yurou’s beautiful eyes darted around, and she chuckled lightly twice, slowly nodding. “An interesting boy. You woke up so quickly; your mental fortitude is beyond my expectations. It’s no wonder you could subdue the Heavenly Fire.”
“The Heavenly Fire and I are friends, partners, not subjugated as you might think. Um, what exactly do you want me to do? Can you make it clearer?” Under the gaze of five super-powered individuals, Shi Yan knew resistance was futile, so he was very cooperative.
“It’s simple. Travel to Yin Beast Mountain and use the Heavenly Fire in your body to break the barrier there,” Di Shan of the Black Wing Clan stated flatly.
“I will cooperate, but once I break the barrier of Yin Beast Mountain, won't it be my time to die? I know Duolong certainly won't let me go—and neither will you!” Shi Yan pointed at Zhameng and Kaba without fear, “Let’s be clear first: will you immediately destroy me afterward?”
“Boy, you’re thinking too far ahead,” Zhameng sneered coldly. “If you don’t cooperate, I can destroy you right now!”
“Then do it,” Shi Yan smiled, shrugging. “Since I’m going to die sooner or later, why should I help you? Well, kill me now, that would be best.”
“Hmm, one who knows how to bargain is a smart person,” Yurou said calmly with a slight smile, pondering for a moment before addressing Di Shan, “If this boy truly manages to break the barrier, sparing his life is not out of the question. Our two clans have spent endless effort to escape this wretched place; he is an opportunity. If he can genuinely help us achieve our desire, I personally am willing to let him live. What do you think?”
Di Shan squinted, thought for a moment, and slowly nodded, “Agreed.”
“Clap, clap!”
Yurou clapped her hands, chuckling lightly, glancing at Shi Yan with a smile, and said charmingly, “Little brother, you can rest assured. As long as you genuinely help us shatter the barrier, Di Shan and I guarantee your life.”
“What about them?” Shi Yan looked at Zhameng and Kaba.
“If we say we will spare your life, you will not die,” Di Shan commanded coldly, looking plainly at Zhameng and Kaba. “Isn’t that right?”
Zhameng and Kaba, the leaders of the Shadowy Charm Clan, dared not speak out under the gaze of Di Shan and Yurou, and they slowly nodded.
“Let’s go; I will take you to Yin Beast Mountain.” Yurou of the White Wing Clan stopped wasting words, reaching out to grasp Shi Yan by the shoulder, spreading her wings, and flying instantly for several thousand meters, like teleportation, rapidly moving toward Yin Beast Mountain.
Di Shan closed his eyes, his figure gradually diminishing until he slowly disappeared.
“What should we do?” After Di Shan and Yurou departed, Kaba looked mournfully at Zhameng and Yitianmo. “That boy harbors Heavenly Fire. Once he grows up, he will inevitably be a major threat to our Shadowy Charm Clan!”
“Di Shan and Yurou are allied; the three of us can ally with Duolong. Then, once the barrier is broken, with Duolong added, we might still be able to eliminate that boy,” Zhameng growled fiercely.
Kaba paused, then nodded, sneering, “That’s right. With that fellow Duolong, we truly don't need to fear Yurou and Di Shan.”
“Let’s go see if that boy can really break the barrier,” Yitianmo said little, his expression indifferent, as if he were contemplating something else entirely.