Five-star Dou Zong, cleanup complete.

In the Quiet Room of the flying boat.

Shen Wen sat cross-legged, his eyes slightly closed.

His majestic Dou Qi flowed endlessly within his body, like rivers returning to the sea, continuously impacting that invisible barrier.

Cao Ying and Xiong Tao stood guard on either side of the door, their auras steady and focused, alert to any movement outside.

It was unknown how much time had passed when the energy fluctuations within the Quiet Room suddenly intensified, only to return to stillness immediately after.

Shen Wen slowly opened his eyes, a sharp light flickering in his pupils. An aura, far more formidable than before, permeated from his body before quickly retracting.

Five-Star Dou Zong.

He gently clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within him, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Devouring members of the Hall of Souls is truly a great tonic."

He muttered to himself. It wasn't just his Dou Qi Cultivation that had achieved a natural Breakthrough; even his Soul Power had received tremendous nourishment.

His Late Stage Heavenly Realm Soul Power, after this round of devouring and refining, had become much more solid and profound, having already covered more than half the distance to the Heavenly Realm Great Perfection Realm.

The door of the Quiet Room was gently pushed open. Cao Ying walked in, and seeing the Perfection of Shen Wen's aura, she smiled sweetly, "Congratulations, husband, you have advanced further."

Shen Wen stood up and stretched his limbs, "Let's go. In the Northwest Continent, the Hall of Souls has more than just the Heaven Burial Ravine as its claws."

Over the next month, Shen Wen, accompanied by Cao Ying and Xiong Tao, followed the clues obtained from the Heavenly Serpent Mansion and the branch hall of the Hall of Souls, visiting every known outer stronghold of the Hall of Souls in the Northwest Continent one by one.

Most of these strongholds were hidden, either tucked away in deep mountain caves or placed in the shadows of bustling cities.

The strongest individuals stationed in them were only at the Dou Zong level, and often there were only one or two of them.

For Shen Wen, who had just experienced the great battle at the Heaven Burial Ravine and whose strength had further advanced, clearing these strongholds was hardly a challenge.

Each time, he would arrive quietly, use Space Power to seal the area, and then proceed with a lightning-fast cleanup.

Most of the time, there was no need for Cao Ying or Xiong Tao to take much action.

The Soul Hall Protectors and deacons in those strongholds usually only had time to show expressions of sheer terror.

Before they were turned into ashes by the flames of Chaos, biting cold ice, violent thunder, or invisible space cutting, and their Souls and energy were unceremoniously devoured by Shen Wen.

A month later, when the three of them returned to the Jia Nan Academy, the known strongholds of the Hall of Souls on the surface of the Northwest Continent had been completely eradicated.

In the courtyard, Shen Wen crushed the last Jade Slip recording that a certain stronghold had been destroyed, but his brows furrowed slightly.

"What is it, husband?" Cao Ying noticed his expression and asked.

"This cleanup along the way was a bit too smooth." Shen Wen tapped his fingers on the table, "I originally thought I would at least encounter one or two decent figures, such as... Mu Gu Old Man."

"Mu Gu Old Man?" Cao Ying recalled, "That Junior Brother of Venerable Yao? Does husband suspect he is in the Northwest Continent?"

"There were some clues previously that vaguely pointed to him possibly being active here." Shen Wen shook his head, "But this time we caused such a commotion, almost clearing out the layout of the Hall of Souls in this area, yet we never saw a trace of him. It seems he is either hiding very deep, or... he has long since left the Northwest Continent and headed to the Central Plains."

Thinking of this Junior Brother of Yao Lao, who had also betrayed his master and joined the Hall of Souls, Shen Wen felt no ripples in his heart.

Since he wasn't met this time, it would be left for the Central Plains.

He looked out the window. The scene in the Inner Academy was still peaceful, students were coming and going, and the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower stood quietly.

The affairs of the Northwest Continent had come to an end for now; it was time to return to the Central Plains.

Returning to the courtyard and settling down slightly, Shen Wen turned his attention to the unfinished business before returning to the Central Plains.

He first sought out Hai Bodong. Since this Ice Emperor had followed him, he had handled affairs reliably. Now that the Northwest matters were finished, an arrangement needed to be made for him.

"Old Hai," Shen Wen said bluntly, "I am about to return to the Central Plains. Do you wish to go with me, or do you have other plans?"

Hai Bodong pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "I am honored by the Young Master's trust, and I certainly wish to follow by your side. It is just... this old body of mine might not be of much use in the Central Plains. It would be better for me to stay in the Northwest to look after some of your industries and connections here, which can also serve as a Foundation."

Shen Wen nodded; Hai Bodong's choice was indeed pragmatic.

The Central Plains had countless experts, and the strength of a Dou Huang was indeed not outstanding; staying in the Northwest could instead play a greater role.

He immediately left behind some resources and contact methods, allowing Hai Bodong to manage things with peace of mind.

After handling Hai Bodong's affairs, Shen Wen came to Cai Lin's room.

She was leaning by the window, her palm gently stroking her slightly protruding lower abdomen, her gaze looking into the distance, as if lost in thought.

"Thinking about the Snake-People Clan?" Shen Wen walked to her side and asked softly.

Cai Lin came back to her senses and nodded, a trace of imperceptible worry in her purple eyes, "Husband, if we go to the Central Plains, how... should the Snake-People Clan be settled?"

Shen Wen had already thought about this matter and said slowly, "Moving the whole clan is unrealistic. Although the Central Plains is more open than the Northwest, the territory suitable for the Snake-People Clan to survive already has owners; seizing it by force will inevitably lead to disputes."

He paused and continued, "I think we might as well select a group of clansmen with potential who are willing to explore and have them accompany us to the Central Plains. I will find a suitable settlement for them in the Central Plains to establish a foothold. As for the clansmen remaining in the Northwest, they will serve as the main branch. The two can support each other, which can also be considered leaving an extra path for the Snake-People Clan. After all, one cannot put all their eggs in one basket."

A look of approval flashed in Cai Lin's eyes; this method was safe.

With the Bloodline dispersed, even if something happens in one place, the entire clan will not be overturned.

She was silent for a moment, an uncharacteristic trace of hesitation appearing on her face, her fingertips unconsciously twisting her sleeve.

"What else is there?" Shen Wen noticed her hesitation and asked gently.

Cai Lin looked up at him, her voice lower than usual, "Husband... if we take away some of the elite, the strength of the clansmen remaining in the Northwest will surely be greatly reduced. I... I was wondering if you could leave some Medicinal Pills for them to use for self-defense and Cultivation?"

She paused and quickly added, "The clan will do its best to gather the necessary medicinal ingredients; we will not let you incur losses for nothing."

Shen Wen heard this, was stunned for a moment, then laughed, reaching out to gently hold her hand, "My Queen, do you still need to be so formal with me?"

He shook his head, his tone carrying a bit of helplessness and doting, "Not to mention that you are my wife, let alone that our daughter will eventually have to take over the Snake-People Clan. As a father, isn't it only natural for me to prepare some assets for my 'own' people in advance?"

Cai Lin felt warm at his words 'own people', the slight embarrassment quietly dissipated, her purple eyes rippled with soft light, and she gave a soft 'En', leaning into his arms.

"You don't need to worry about the Medicinal Pills. I will refine a batch of Medicinal Pills suitable for the Physique of the Snake-People Clan that cater to both Cultivation and healing. As for the medicinal ingredients, use what is in the Snake-People Clan's treasury, and I will make up for what is lacking."

Shen Wen held her and detailed the subsequent arrangements, "You decide on the candidates. Those who are willing to go to the Central Plains should prepare for departure. For those who remain, I will also have Hai Bodong and the Jia Nan Academy look after them more."

Cai Lin listened quietly, and the last weight in her heart was lifted.

With Shen Wen's comprehensive arrangements, the future of the Snake-People Clan could finally no longer be tied to her alone, nor would it be trapped in a corner of the Northwest.

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled in from outside the window, lengthening the shadows of the two embracing figures, peaceful and warm.