In this world where strength reigned supreme and the strong were revered, sects and clans, kingdoms and empires actually had limited influence.
Still, if such powers did exist, they could serve certain strategic advantages.
Beyond their possession of rare treasures and cultivation resources, their dominance over territories and talent recruitment alone granted them a significant head start.
For Lin Ran, this kind of advantage was of immense value.
After another intense round, Lin Ran gently caressed Yun Yun's flushed, fair skin and said softly, "Take this."
As he spoke, Lin Ran took out a jade token from his storage ring and placed it in Yun Yun's hand.
"What is this?"
Yun Yun took it curiously.
The token was about the size of a palm, with mysterious engravings on both sides. However, only half of the figure was carved. The top half was blank, as though something had yet to be etched there—an unfinished record.
Upon closer inspection, the token contained a powerful, masculine energy.
"Soon, I'll be going to the Black-Corner Region and staying there for quite a long time."
Lin Ran explained, "This Sacred Jade Token contains a strand of my soul and some of my Dou Qi. It's not only a symbol of identity, but can also unleash three attacks equivalent to my full strength."
"Keep it. First, for protection. Second... it's also your identification."
"Identification..."
Yun Yun whispered in her heart, her cheeks slightly rosy. Was he giving her an official status?
"Wait, why are you going to the Black-Corner Region?"
Yun Yun was worried.
That place was not like the Jia Ma Empire. As the junction of three major empires, the Black-Corner Region was one of the most chaotic regions on the continent due to its unique geography.
Countless fugitives from different nations had established brutal rule there.
There were no laws—only one rule: the law of the jungle. In other words, the weak had no right to live.
Even Dou Huang experts weren't guaranteed safety. Dou Zong powerhouses might even be ambushed and killed through treacherous means.
After all, if those lunatics in the Black-Corner Region decided to act, they'd use any despicable trick available.
"Relax. That kind of place is exactly where I can stretch my limbs."
Lin Ran chuckled, unafraid.
"In a few days, I'll have you return to Yunlan Sect. But replacing the royal family won't happen overnight. The seeds of chaos have been sown. All we have to do now is wait for the right moment."
"But you need to be prepared."
"Gu He was released by Medusa, but all the other powerhouses were killed. A battle between the serpentfolk and the Jia Ma Empire is inevitable."
"Moreover, compared to the other empires, Jia Ma is long impoverished and weak. Once word spreads about the deaths of so many top experts, or if the serpentfolk go to war with the empire, the neighboring Chu Yun, Luoyan, and Mu Lan Empires won't miss such an opportunity."
"Turbulent times are coming—that will be your and the Yunlan Sect's opportunity!"
"You're serious about this?"
Yun Yun looked dazedly at Lin Ran. He really intended for the Yunlan Sect to replace the imperial family... to make her the Empress of Jia Ma?
"Of course. Have I ever spoken empty words?"
Lin Ran gave her a playful slap on her perky backside. "Work hard. If all goes well, I'll visit Yunlan Sect in two months."
Two months later... wasn't that when Yanran's agreement with the Xiao family boy was due?
Was that a coincidence?
Yun Yun was doubtful but quickly shook her head.
Someone like Lin Ran, with such mysterious origins and overwhelming strength, wouldn't bother about a duel between Yanran and that Xiao kid. Clearly, she was overthinking.
...
Time passed like sand through fingers. In the blink of an eye, three days had gone by.
For three days straight, Lin Ran hadn't taken a single step outside the residence. He was constantly in intense combat with Yun Yun.
For some reason, Lin Ran never grew tired of Yun Yun. The moment he touched her, flames surged within him.
At first, Yun Yun had been shy and resistant. But as the days passed and the battles escalated, she gradually let go of all reservations.
Eventually, she even started accommodating some of Lin Ran's preferences.
After three days, the noble Sect Master of Yunlan Sect had become entirely molded to Lin Ran's desires.
Watching Yun Yun's departing figure, Lin Ran stepped out of the inn, stretching lazily, his spirit thoroughly refreshed.
But before he could take another step, space beside him distorted. A charming and seductive figure appeared next to him.
Who else could it be but Medusa?
"You're strong, yes, but I must remind you—men who lose themselves to lust rarely meet good ends."
"Also, she's the Sect Master of Yunlan Sect. If they find out you're toying with her, they might come after you with everything they've got!"
"The Sect Master of Yunlan Sect has already submitted to me. Who's coming after whom?"
"Still, thanks for the reminder. But there's that saying: good people die young, bad ones live forever. I guess I'll be immortal."
Lin Ran turned toward Medusa with a brilliant smile, his hand naturally wrapping around her slender waist. In a lowered voice, he said, "Looks like my beauty missed me after three days apart."
"Nonsense! And your hand!"
Medusa's expression turned to one of both shame and anger. This damn man had just spent three days with Yun Yun, and now, as soon as she left, he turned his attention to her?
Was that really all he ever thought about?!
Seriously! Truly infuriating!
"The elders were quite enthusiastic about your proposal. They want to hear more details."
Unable to stop Lin Ran, and to prevent him from pushing further, Medusa quickly changed the topic to serious matters.
"There are no special details. But since you've made up your minds, then prepare for war."
Lin Ran toyed with her slender waist. Medusa's waist was completely different from Yun Yun's. The latter had delicate curves, soft and supple, while Medusa's was like a graceful willow branch—slender, flexible, full of allure.
"You wiped out many of Jia Ma's pillars. But since I released Yun Yun, it won't cause much of a stir. That said, you should stir the pot yourself."
"Stir the pot?"
"Declare war on the Jia Ma Empire."
"!!!"
Medusa's pupils contracted. She was so shocked she didn't even notice Lin Ran's hand wandering further.
Lin Ran's words were too startling. Declaring war on the Jia Ma Empire was a matter that affected the entire serpentfolk tribe!
"No need to be so surprised. It won't be just you against the empire."
Lin Ran smiled. "Gu He led Jia Ma's powerhouses and allied with Chu Yun Empire's poison masters to attack the Tager Desert. Medusa broke through during the battle and routed the enemy."
"Gu He's plan failed. The poison masters of Chu Yun were enraged and demanded compensation. When refused, they turned on Jia Ma, sparking full-blown conflict."
He spoke smoothly, but Medusa frowned deeply.
Chu Yun poison masters?
Where had those come from?
"Made-up. Illusions. It doesn't matter whether they exist. What's important is the show must begin."
Lin Ran laughed. "We pull Chu Yun into the water first. Once things are muddled, that's when we act."
"I'll arrange everything. You just prepare the serpentfolk."
(End of Chapter)