Chapter Sixty-Seven: The Eagle Guardian

"Although I don't know why the Empire of Izumo withdrew its troops, overall, this outcome is something the Jia Ma Empire can accept," Jia Xing Tian remarked as he looked at Lin An.

He was unaware of what had transpired afterward, but the words spoken by Yan Xiao before leaving were clearly meant to inform everyone that Lin An had lost. In the eyes of the crowd, Lin An's bitter smile further confirmed this suspicion.

"Since everything is settled, let's head back," Lin An said.

"Alright," Nalann Yanran nodded, agreeing with Lin An's suggestion. She sensed that Lin An seemed to be concealing something from her.

"Young master, is there anything amiss?" Yao Chen asked worriedly.

"Don't worry, it's nothing," Lin An replied. "I just find the situation increasingly interesting," he added with a smile.

Soon after, the Amethyst Winged Lion King transformed into its massive form and carried Lin An and the others toward the Cloud Mist Sect.

Upon returning, Lin An immediately sensed that the atmosphere within the sect felt somewhat off.

"Sect leader, something terrible has happened! A powerful Dou Zong cultivator is currently sitting on your throne in the main hall," an elder who had been guarding the entrance exclaimed excitedly upon seeing Yun Yun and the others finally return.

"A Dou Zong expert? I don't recall the Cloud Mist Sect knowing anyone of that caliber," Yun Yun replied, a sense of unease welling up within her.

"You wouldn't know. If my guess is correct, that person is probably the Eagle Envoy from the Soul Hall," Yun Shan interjected, appearing now with his strength fully restored.

"Soul Hall? You're still in contact with them?" Yao Chen's demeanor shifted upon hearing the name. Years ago, his downfall was caused by individuals from the Soul Hall who aided his traitorous disciple Han Feng. If not for his fortunate survival, he might have perished at their hands.

Hearing the name now, it was impossible for him to remain calm.

"Back then, when I was trapped at the peak of Nine-Star Dou Huang, unable to break through to Dou Zong, they approached me, seeking cooperation. One condition was to help me break through," Yun Shan explained with a bitter smile. "If not for the young master, I would have become one of their people."

"Eagle Envoy is seeking me again, likely for another Soul Hall member, but that person has already died at the young master's hands. So… I fear this visit is nothing but trouble," Yun Shan said grimly. He knew Eagle Envoy's strength; he stood no chance against him. As for Yao Chen, the Amethyst Winged Lion King, and other Dou Huang experts, they were insignificant in Eagle Envoy's eyes. What’s more, Eagle Envoy might not even be alone.

"To be safe, young master, you shouldn't show yourself," Yun Shan suggested. Since Eagle Envoy had come for him, he would face it himself.

"Not show myself? Actually, I'm still holding a bellyful of anger. Since he's come knocking, let me meet him," Lin An replied with a smile. "Besides, I'm just a mere disciple—he shouldn't pay me much mind, right?"

Yun Shan realized Lin An was right; Eagle Envoy would have no reason to focus on him, since his target was Yun Shan alone.

"In that case, let's go," Yun Shan said, leading the way, with Yun Yun, Lin An, and the others following.

Soon, the group arrived at the Cloud Mist Sect's main hall. Not far away, Eagle Envoy sat arrogantly upon the throne reserved for the sect leader, a blatant provocation to all present. After all, if anyone could sit on the leader's seat, it would lose its significance.

"Eagle Envoy, what is the meaning of this?" Yun Shan demanded.

"You think that, with Soul Hall's help, breaking through to Dou Zong gives you the right to defy us?" Eagle Envoy replied coldly. The last place Kun Yu was seen was in the Cloud Mist Sect, and among those capable of killing him, there was no one besides Yun Shan.

Thus, Eagle Envoy sat on the leader's seat so brazenly, for the sect was no longer worth supporting.

"Kun Yu's death has nothing to do with me. Do you think I have the strength to kill him?" Yun Shan's expression remained calm and unflustered throughout.

"The truth no longer matters. I came today not only to kill you, but also for the person behind you—Yao Chen!" Eagle Envoy declared. "To think that Yao Chen, the once-renowned Medicine Sovereign, would lower himself to a small place like this and even acknowledge a master! If word got out to Central Plains, your reputation would be ruined by your own foolishness."

Eagle Envoy turned his cold gaze to Yao Chen, sneering. A seventh-rank alchemist was always a target for Soul Hall, and hearing that Yao Chen's strength was still at Dou Huang made him even more eager.

"I was planning to wait till the young master became stronger before seeking trouble with Soul Hall, but I didn't expect you'd be so eager to court death," Yao Chen retorted.

"Court death? That remains to be seen," Eagle Envoy replied. "Yun Shan, I'll give you a chance: kill Yao Chen and offer up his soul. I'll forgive what happened before, and perhaps… even help you reach a higher realm."

"If it were truly that simple, wouldn't every Soul Hall member be a Dou Sheng? Why are you still stuck at Dou Zong?" Lin An finally spoke, unable to tolerate any more.

He saw clearly now: Eagle Envoy intended to kill them all from the start. The only reason he hadn't acted yet was to toy with them.

"So you're Yao Chen's master? You don't look like much. I thought you were from one of the ancient eight clans. Yao Chen, your judgment has grown worse," Eagle Envoy continued, his disdain evident. Frankly, upon seeing Lin An, any expectations he had vanished. To reach such a realm at his age was impressive—even in Central Plains he'd be considered a genius—but no more than that.

"Whether Yao Chen's judgment is poor isn't for you to decide," Lin An replied. "And as it happens, I'm in a foul mood. Since you claim to be so formidable, let me see just how impressive you really are."

With that, Lin An leapt forward, appearing before Eagle Envoy in an instant. His speed drew a flicker of admiration from Eagle Envoy; to possess such speed was remarkable.

Yet, Eagle Envoy's expression soon changed. The martial technique Lin An used was one cultivated only by Soul Hall members, but now it appeared unmistakably in Lin An's hands.

Did this mean that Kun Yu's death was somehow connected to the young man before him?