69: Xiao Yan bids farewell and heads to Canaan Academy!

Following the deaths of Han Feng and the Soul Hall Protector, the massacre in Maple City that shook the Black-Corner Region finally came to an end.

After this battle, the top powers of the Black-Corner Region were forcefully reduced by almost half.

Of the once famous experts on the black list, some died and some surrendered, with fewer than three in ten remaining.

Those Dou King experts who had relied on Han Feng were utterly terrified by Jiang Luo's decisive methods; their robes were soaked with cold sweat as they slumped on the ground, their minds filled with the miserable sight of Han Feng's decapitation, fearing they would meet the same fate if they made a single mistake.

Fortunately, Jiang Luo did not exterminate them all, but instead left them a path to survival.

Facing the remnant forces left behind by Han Feng, he directly ordered a complete takeover: “All who willingly surrender will have their past offenses forgiven and may retain their original positions to serve!”

“If anyone secretly hides resources, resists in the dark, or harbors malicious intent attempting to cause trouble, they will all be dealt with by decisive methods without exception!”

After the order was issued, Jiang Luo assigned special personnel to rectify the market order.

During the previous chaos, many Loose Cultivators took the Opportunity to loot shops and oppress the common folk; now, they were all dispersed and detained, and those who dared to resist were suppressed on the spot!

The Black-Corner Region has always revered strength. Jiang Luo could effortlessly kill even a Dou Zong Protector of the Hall of Souls. Such strength had already intimidated the entire city. How could the people of Maple City and the remnant forces dare to show any resistance?

In just three days, the city recovered its former vibrancy.

There was no longer the chaos of random fights on the streets. Merchants set up their stalls to hawk goods again, and even farmers from the distant outskirts dared to bring their wares into the city to trade. The violent Qi in the air had significantly dissipated, replaced by a rare sense of peace.

During this time, Jiang Luo also did not stop Cultivating.

He took out the Sea Heart Flame, the Heavenly Flame left behind by Han Feng, and used his Dou Zun cultivation to refine it with Dou Qi.

The Sea Heart Flame is a water-attributed Heavenly Flame. Although its intensity is not as great as the Green Lotus Core Flame, it excels in its cold, enduring nature, perfectly complementing Jiang Luo's own Scarlet Dou Qi.

The foundation of the Dou Zun rank was already profound, and with the nourishment of the Heavenly Flame, in just a few days, the Dou Qi within his body became even more concentrated and pure, his aura grew deeper and more unfathomable, and his cultivation directly achieved a Breakthrough to Three-Star Dou Zun!

As he raised his hand, the Scarlet Dou Qi contained flowing mist, making its power even greater than before.

On the other side, with his great vengeance achieved, the stagnant foul Qi accumulated in Xiao Yan's heart completely dispersed, making him feel much lighter.

That day, he proactively sought out Jiang Luo, his expression carrying a degree of seriousness: “Big Brother Jiang, thank you for stepping in this time and helping me and Teacher avenge ourselves.”

“Now that Maple City is stable, it is time for me to set off for Jia Nan Academy.”

“Actually, I was originally a freshman at Jia Nan Academy. I took a three-year leave to enter the Black-Corner Region specifically to seek Opportunity and improve my strength. Now it is time to return to school.”

Yao Lao's Soul body floated nearby, cupping his hands toward Jiang Luo and saying, “Little Friend Jiang, this great favor, this old man and Xiao Yan will engrave it in our hearts.”

“Jia Nan Academy is a top institution in the Northwest Region, hiding many secrets. Xiao Yan going there can both Cultivate systematically and avoid the Hall of Souls' pursuit. When his strength is sufficient, he will certainly return to repay Little Friend.”

Hearing this, Jiang Luo nodded and smiled, “Jia Nan Academy is indeed a good place. You can both hone your cultivation and make friends with fellow practitioners of the Dao.”

“When you go, don't worry about repayment. Just focus on Cultivating diligently and don't disappoint your talent.”

After speaking, he took out a Jade Bottle containing Medicinal Pills and handed it to Xiao Yan. “Inside are three Qi Gathering Powders. Although they are not top-grade, they can help you stabilize your Realm and accelerate the circulation of your Dou Qi. Keep them with you; they might come in handy.”

Xiao Yan received the Jade Bottle, warmth surging in his heart, and bowed solemnly, saying, “Thank you, Big Brother Jiang! I will definitely Cultivate diligently at Jia Nan. If Big Brother Jiang ever has need of me in the future, Xiao Yan will not shrink from death!”

The next morning, Xiao Yan packed his belongings, said goodbye to Jiang Luo, Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lin, and the others, and set off alone on the road toward Jia Nan Academy.

Watching his receding figure, a flicker of expectation flashed in Jiang Luo's eyes.

Given Xiao Yan's tenacity and Yao Lao's guidance, in due time, he will certainly make a name for himself on the Fighting Qi Continent.

Meanwhile, in Maple City, Jiang Luo's efforts to consolidate power were still underway.

The Medicinal Pill reserves and weapon stockpiles left by Han Feng were checked one by one, and useful resources were distributed to meritorious subordinates.

The willing Dou King experts and Dou Huang experts who surrendered were reorganized and assigned specific duties.

Even forces from surrounding cities, having heard of Jiang Luo's renown, proactively sent people to show goodwill, hoping to become affiliated with him.

The structure of the Black-Corner Region was quietly changing due to Jiang Luo's arrival.

However, this flourishing situation did not last long before it was broken.

That day, Jiang Luo was inspecting a map of the Black-Corner Region in the hastily organized great hall when a subordinate rushed in to report: “Lord Jiang, the Black Emperor Sect and the Demon Flame Valley have sent people!”