Chapter 99: Han Feng, Do You Want Yao Chen Dead?

Heading to Jia Nan Academy wasn't an urgent matter—for now, the most critical thing was still Lin Ran's soul power.

While a Spirit Realm soul was indeed sufficient for his current stage, and the aftereffects of the 'Soul Domain' hadn't manifested yet, it was always better to be prepared in advance.

After returning to Black Seal City, Lin Ran immediately summoned the ever-busy Lu Yi.

'Han Feng is dead. Including the old ghost from Demon Flame Valley, all the major powers have essentially been wiped out. What remains are just a few stragglers—not worth worrying about.'

Lin Ran's voice was calm as he stated something that could shake the entire Black-Corner Region: 'Tomorrow, send an invitation to every recognized force in the region. Three days from now, a conference will be held in Black Seal City. Those who don't attend… will bear the consequences.'

'The old ghost from Demon Flame Valley is dead?!'

Lu Yi was momentarily stunned. That was one of the top-tier experts of the Black-Corner Region—and now he was gone?

And from Lin Ran's words, it wasn't just him. All the other prominent powers—Han Feng included—had been eradicated!

'You mean all the forces in the region?' Lu Yi asked, her voice tinged with excitement and her body even trembling slightly. 'Isn't that a bit too hasty? There are just too many.'

'The trash worth noting has been dealt with. The rest ought to learn how to read the situation.'

Lin Ran waved his hand, and space in front of him twisted violently. A huge pile of storage rings floated in midair like falling beans, leaving Lu Yi utterly stunned.

'These…'

'The soul imprints have all been erased. Nothing particularly valuable—mostly basic resources—but there are quite a few martial skills and techniques that should help fill out our reserves.'

For founding a sect, having an ample library of cultivation methods and martial arts was essential.

Lin Ran had methods of his own, but they weren't suitable. Most of Yunyu Sect's techniques were focused around cultivating furnaces—definitely not appropriate for the disciples of Sacred Rain Sect.

But now, that problem was solved.

Though most of the techniques were just Earth-rank Low-grade at best, the sheer volume could easily patch the gaps in Sacred Rain Sect's collection.

Lu Yi carefully accepted the rings, her soul probing them, eyes widening as she did so. The diversity and volume were staggering—no single sect could have amassed this alone. The techniques bore the obvious markings of their originating sects.

The sect leader had truly swept through the entire Black-Corner Region!

With these resources, the early development of Sacred Rain Sect would no longer be a headache.

'Also, keep an eye out for these herbs.'

As Lu Yi smiled with joy, Lin Ran sent a wisp of soul intent into her mind, detailing dozens of rare herbs—many of which she'd never even heard of.

Not surprising. The materials he needed were extremely rare—used in refining high-grade pills and strengthening soul power. Finding them would be a monumental task.

Even someone as capable as Lin Ran couldn't easily track them down. Entrusting the job to Lu Yi, now Sacred Rain Sect's de facto steward, made far more sense.

'I'll get right on it, Sect Master. If there's any word of these herbs, I'll bring them in immediately,' Lu Yi said with confidence.

The Black-Corner Region had been practically flattened. Even old veterans like the Demon Flame Valley patriarch were gone. The remaining sects were toothless tigers at best.

Though newly established, Sacred Rain Sect was now the undisputed overlord of the region.

'Good. Divide these pills into two batches—half for storage, and half to be auctioned at the upcoming meeting.'

Lin Ran flicked his wrist, and dozens of jade bottles appeared.

These pills were mostly plundered from the vanquished—including the "filial" Han Feng.

'Not for free, of course. We'll hold an auction. Han Feng wanted to organize an exclusive pill auction before—well, we'll do it properly. I imagine they'll pay handsomely.'

'Yes, Sect Master,' Lu Yi replied with a chuckle.

They had no choice but to pay. This wasn't just an auction—it was "protection money" in pill form.

With most top-tier elders and sect leaders already dead, the survivors were likely trembling in fear. A pill auction would serve as both a carrot and a stick—solidifying control while luring cooperation.

After all, a sect's growth needed more than just resources—it needed people.

…

The Black-Corner Region was now a barren wasteland in terms of strength. Above Dou King, only a few remained, most of them unaffiliated wanderers.

This wasn't surprising—first there was the Black Seal Auction, then Han Feng's mass-invite. Few dared to ignore the Medicine Emperor.

Now, Sacred Rain Sect ruled unchallenged. Hosting a pill auction was not only feasible—it was a show of dominance.

More than that—it was a large-scale collection of "tribute" disguised as business.

Lu Yi wasted no time, sending announcements across various channels that very afternoon. Every sect in the region received an invitation.

The entire region was shaken—but few dared to move immediately.

After all, the Black Seal Auction was still a fresh wound. No one wanted to walk into a trap.

But could they refuse?

The last line of the invitation was chilling: "Those who do not attend—bear the consequences."

No one dared dismiss it as empty words. Lin Ran had already proven he could wipe out Dou Sect experts like sweeping dust.

'Young Valley Master, Sacred Rain Sect just sent us an invitation!'

In Demon Flame Valley, an elder stumbled into the hall holding the invitation like it was a death warrant.

The great hall erupted in chaos. The elders, already rattled, turned pale as death.

On the high platform, the Young Valley Master took the letter with trembling hands. His face paled more with every word.

'Elders… what should we do?'

No one could answer.

Demon Flame Valley, once the region's mightiest, had fallen. The founder, a Seven-Star Dou Sect expert, was dead. Three peak Dou Kings gone. What remained? One Dou King and a few weak elders.

They were a shell of their former glory—yet had deep enmity with Lin Ran and Sacred Rain Sect.

This wasn't an invitation—it was a guillotine.

After long silence, an elder stepped forward. 'Young Master, I believe we must go.'

'Why?'

'Because Sacred Rain Sect invited everyone. We're already a thorn in their side. Not going would be asking for annihilation. If we attend, perhaps we can show submission.'

Some elders nodded. The logic was sound. Going might be risky—but not going guaranteed doom.

'And perhaps… they aren't looking to kill, but to rule,' the elder added.

Hope began to flicker.

'Very well. Prepare the resources—we depart immediately.'

'Yes, Young Master!'

Across the region, many sects made similar decisions.

Everyone understood. Sacred Rain Sect gave them a chance—they had to give face.

In just a day, a tidal wave of people began surging toward Black Seal City. The turnout even exceeded the Black Seal Auction.

Lin Ran's influence was now undeniable.

…

Inside a secluded chamber—

'Hmm. A seventh-rank beast core… and a Dou Sect-level soul.'

Lin Ran was burning the Demon Flame Valley old ghost's corpse with his Green Lotus Core Flame. Once the final wisp of corpse aura vanished, he fired two energy blasts into the corpse's chest and forehead, leaving two fist-sized holes.

'Ice attribute, huh? This core will do nicely.'

A blue crystal core floated over—an Ice Python core he had seized earlier. It fit perfectly into the chest cavity.

He then summoned a pitch-black soul pouch, filled with an eerie, thick soul aura.

'Unlock.'

A wisp of gray-blue mist shot out, but was quickly sealed by Lin Ran's golden-green Dou Qi, searing it with flames.

'Lin Ran! Spare me! I know countless alchemy secrets, secret realms, rare pills—spare me!'

'So noisy, you damn filial dog.'

Han Feng's soul writhed in pain, his voice gradually growing faint.

Even without a body, Han Feng was still at peak Dou King soul strength—comparable to Dou Sect experts.

Looking at the corpse before him, he realized Lin Ran intended to turn him into a puppet.

'Please… let me go…'

'No can do. I need a strong soul to make a puppet. Yours is just right.'

'No! I can offer anything—anything but this!'

'Like what? Your Flame, your pills, your secrets? All things I'll get once you die anyway.'

Han Feng fell silent. Indeed—dead or alive, Lin Ran would get it all. The only difference was he'd lose his consciousness.

'Wait! I have something! A technique—far beyond Heaven-rank!'

'Oh?' Lin Ran raised a brow but looked skeptical. 'You, possessing a technique stronger than Heaven-rank? Please.'

'It's true! It's called Flame Mantra! My teacher left it to me—it evolves by devouring Heavenly Flames!'

Lin Ran paused. A technique that could evolve infinitely by consuming Heavenly Flames?

He recalled something.

'So that's how it is… that explains everything.'

'You killed your teacher to steal his Bone Spirit Cold Flame, didn't you? Truly a filial disciple.'

'How do you know?!'

'Guess.'

'You… met him?'

'He's just a soul now, hiding in a brat named Xiao Yan. They're close—like father and son.'

'What?! He's alive?!'

Han Feng's soul shook with horror. His pride shattered.

Lin Ran's cold voice cut in: 'So your Flame Mantra means nothing. I can get it from your teacher directly.'

'No! That's too dangerous! Kill him and it's lost forever! I'll give you the Heart Flame too!'

'Still not enough.'

Han Feng gritted his teeth. 'Then what do you want?'

'Good question.' Lin Ran smirked. 'You betrayed your master. Normally, I'd kill you outright. But now, I have a different idea.'

He leaned in, voice low and cold.

'Han Feng… do you want Yao Chen dead?'

(End of Chapter)