Mu Ying, the Soul Protector, wasn't surprised by his superior's attitude. In the Dou Qi Continent, strength ruled supreme—and within the Soul Palace, this principle was even more absolute.
While collecting souls, these Protectors also used them to enhance their own power.
Compared to the souls they harvested, none could match the purity of a Protector's soul energy.
Backstabbing and infighting among colleagues were nothing new to Mu Ying, who had clawed his way up from the bottom.
From the very beginning, he had never intended to monopolize this monumental achievement—especially now that he had reported the matter to the branch palace and called in reinforcements.
"Over two years ago, I sent a Soul Envoy to investigate a certain city in the Jia Ma Empire, but he never returned. Though no news came back, this only strengthened my suspicions," Mu Ying explained methodically.
The other Protectors responded with eerie, mocking laughter.
"Perhaps the branch palace should replace whoever's in charge of overseeing the Jia Ma Empire region," one sneered.
Xuan Hu, the Protector, snorted arrogantly before boasting about his own accomplishments.
"The Black-Corner Region under my control is far more chaotic. Not only have my Soul Envoys collected the most souls, but not a single one has ever perished."
Mu Ying chuckled. "The Black-Corner Region may be lawless, but it's also teeming with strong fighters. With no restrictions on combat, it's naturally incomparable to other places. What I've discovered holds far greater value than a mere collection of souls."
"Oh?" The three swirling black mists abruptly stilled. The Soul Palace always measured merit by soul collection—what kind of secret could give Mu Ying such confidence?
Silver Protector pressed, "What did you find?"
"Remnants of the ancient Xiao Clan," Mu Ying replied casually.
"What?!" The three Protectors were stunned by his nonchalant revelation.
The Soul Palace had been searching for these people for nearly a thousand years. If they could recover the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade fragments hidden among them, it would be an unparalleled achievement.
Mu Ying was pleased with their reaction and continued, "The Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade fragments we've been searching for might very well be in Wutan City, within the Jia Ma Empire."
"How can you be so sure?" Silver Protector questioned. After all, the Soul Palace had scoured the land for centuries without success.
Mu Ying explained, "The Xiao Family in Wutan City was utterly unremarkable until recent decades, when a man named Xiao Lin emerged and propelled the family to its peak."
"Xiao Lin had decent talent, with the potential to reach the Dou Huang level. It was because of him that his family caught my attention. Unfortunately, his luck ran out—he was severely injured by enemies years ago and later vanished, likely dead."
"Afterward, I sent a Soul Envoy to investigate. On the surface, it was just a routine mission, but his death only confirmed my suspicions."
"I see." Silver Protector grew serious. Even among the remnants of ancient clans, bloodline mutations could occasionally occur. Mu Ying's theory was entirely plausible.
Xuan Hu, impatient, interjected, "If we have a lead, why not act immediately? Even if someone's bloodline has mutated, they'd be nothing before four Dou Zongs—we could crush them effortlessly."
Mu Ying countered, "That was my original plan. However, the neighboring Chu Yun Empire has recently seen the rise of a Poison Sect. In a short time, they've taken control of the entire nation and even killed one of our Protectors."
"Even in this backwater, unknown experts can emerge," Mu Ying said meaningfully. "We've finally found a clue about the Xiao Clan—we can't afford to be reckless."
Recalling the seven-star Dou Huang they had encountered earlier, the three Protectors calmed down.
The previously silent Protector spoke, "You're familiar with the Jia Ma Empire. What's your plan?"
Having long lurked within the Yunlan Sect, Mu Ying was well-prepared.
"The Yunlan Sect Master's disciple, Nalan Yanran, is engaged to a member of the Xiao Clan. She's always resented this arrangement, and recently, after taking a peculiar pill, her strength has surged. Conflict between her and the Xiao Clan is inevitable."
Xuan Hu quickly grasped his intent. "Using the Yunlan Sect as our vanguard while we conserve our strength—that's a clever strategy."
"Keke, then we'll wait and see how the Xiao Clan reacts," Silver Protector cackled, finalizing the decision.
They still had to avenge his younger brother, and the Poison Sect that dominated the Chu Yun Empire was no small foe. Avoiding unnecessary losses among the three Protectors was ideal.
The next morning, in the Yunlan Sect's grand hall, over a dozen figures stood in attendance, their luxurious robes marking their high status within the sect.
"Steward Nalan, what brings you here?" Yun Yun's cool, authoritative voice echoed through the quiet hall.
The old man sighed. "Sect Master Yun, after learning of the young lady's decision to annul the engagement, the master's internal poison flared up, leaving him bedridden. He sent me to request that you recall her. The Nalan and Xiao families have been allies for generations..."
"Allies?" Yun Yun's delicate brows furrowed as she scoffed. "Allies who haven't visited in over a decade?"
"Yanran is my personal disciple and the future successor of the Yunlan Sect. As her master, I have every right to handle her personal affairs. Moreover, I've ensured she brings ample compensation to placate the Xiao family."
The steward's worry remained. "Having the engagement broken publicly would bring shame upon the entire Xiao family—a stain they could never wash away..."
If Yun Yun had secretly eliminated the Xiao family, it might have been one thing. But sending gifts to a family destined to become enemies? That was hardly wise.
Yun Leng, standing nearby, grew irritated by the old man's nagging. "It's just a minor family from Wutan City. Did you expect the entire Yunlan Sect to march to their doorstep?"
Under the pressure of a Dou King's aura, cold sweat broke out on the steward's forehead.
Yun Yun cast a cool glance at Yun Leng. No matter how lowly the steward's status, he was here on behalf of Nalan Jie. Still, she was annoyed—what was the Xiao family, that they should dare make demands? If the Yunlan Sect truly descended upon them, the Xiao family wouldn't even have the courage to face them.
"Go back and tell Nalan Jie this: the Xiao family is nothing. The fact that I'm sending someone to accompany Yanran and explain things in person is already giving them face beyond measure."
The steward nodded repeatedly. Compared to the colossal Yunlan Sect, the Xiao family—who no longer even had a Dou Ling—was indeed insignificant.
"This matter ends here." With a wave of her hand, Yun Yun rose to her feet, her authoritative gaze sweeping the hall. "Yanran's marriage will be decided by her after she passes the Life and Death Gate. Until then, no one is to disturb her cultivation."
(End of Chapter)
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