Doupo: When Yan DI returns to the three-year agreement!

Hearing Xiao Yan's shout, everyone in the Yunlan Sect, who had been anxiously waiting, turned their eyes toward him.

From the sky above Yunlan Mountain, a dense black mist suddenly surged forth. It rapidly condensed in the air, forming an ominous, ten-foot-wide fog of darkness.

"This aura... I didn't expect that a mere Yunlan Sect would be involved with the Soul Palace. No wonder the powerhouse backing Xiao Yan would launch an attack without warning," Ling Ying remarked solemnly, his gaze fixed on the ominous mist.

"What is this?"

The sudden emergence of the black mist caused unrest among the Yunlan Sect disciples.

Yun Yun also stood up, shock evident on her beautiful face. The manner in which this entity appeared made her instinctively wary. But why would her teacher be involved with such a being? Why had she never heard any mention of it before? A sense of unease settled in her heart as she pondered the origins of this mysterious force called the "Soul Palace."

"The one Xiao Yan seeks has finally appeared. But will he be able to deal with him so easily this time?" Jia Xingtian, Hai Bodong, and Fa Ma exchanged serious glances. They could all sense the terrifying strength hidden within the black mist.

A sinister, crow-like laughter echoed from within the mist.

"Jie Jie... I didn't expect that in this small, remote corner of the northwest continent, there would still be someone who recognizes the name of my Soul Palace... And so young at that?"

The figure within the mist was clearly taken aback. He had expected a more seasoned opponent, not a youth who barely looked twenty. Even among the superpowers of Zhongzhou, geniuses of such caliber were rare.

"Protector Wu, an ant like you is only qualified to terrorize a backwater place like this!"

As the black mist loomed, Xiao Yan slowly stepped forward, his sharp gaze piercing through the darkness.

"Yun Shan, what is going on?"

Scarlet eyes gleamed from within the mist as a cold voice directed its suspicion toward Yun Shan.

"I don't know either. It was this young friend, Xiao Yan, who requested your presence," Yun Shan replied helplessly. He couldn't afford to offend either side in this confrontation.

"Xiao Yan?"

The Protector Wu's gaze locked onto Xiao Yan. "Why have you called for me?"

"To kill you."

Xiao Yan's words were simple and direct, sending a wave of shock through everyone present.

This figure within the black mist was not only shrouded in mystery, but his aura far surpassed that of Yun Shan. Yet, Xiao Yan spoke of killing him without hesitation. Could it be that Xiao Yan was even stronger than this unknown force?

"You wish to kill me? That depends on whether you have the ability!"

With a furious snarl, the Protector Wu lashed out. A black chain, like a venomous serpent, shot forth from the mist, tearing through the space between them at lightning speed. The tip of the chain glowed with intricate runes, spiraling with an eerie energy. This was no ordinary weapon.

"Move back!"

Sensing an impending battle, the Yunlan Sect members scrambled away in fear of being caught in the crossfire.

"Xiao Yan..."

As Yun Yun retreated, she cast a worried glance back—only to find that Xiao Yan had already vanished from his spot, reappearing directly in front of the incoming chain.

"Peng!"

A dull impact rang out in the sky. But instead of an explosive clash of energy, only a silent ripple of dark energy mixed with cyan spread outward. The very air trembled under the force of their clash.

"Damn it! Why is this kid so strong? Where did this monster come from?"

In that instant, the Protector Wu realized the terrifying power behind Xiao Yan's attack.

"Who are you?!" he demanded.

Xiao Yan scoffed. "Too much talk."

In a flash, he closed the distance between them with speed that even the strongest present could barely track.

"Peng!"

"Peng!"

Two precise, unrelenting strikes landed cleanly, sending the Protector Wu flying from the black mist. His concealed form was forced into the open—a cloaked figure, shrouded completely in black robes.

However, Xiao Yan alone could see the truth. Underneath that robe, there was no physical body—only a soul entity.

"What?!"

The spectators were stunned. The Protector Wu, whose strength had far surpassed Yun Shan, had been utterly overwhelmed in mere moments.

"Xiao Yan, since you know of the Soul Palace, you must also know its might. If you dare to attack me today, the Soul Palace will not let you go!"

Though weakened, the Protector Wu's sinister gaze was laced with venomous intent.

Xiao Yan sneered. "You? You're just a lowly errand boy for the Soul Palace."

"You—!"

The words struck a nerve. The Protector Wu's position within the Soul Palace was indeed menial—outranked by Heaven Protectors, Elders, and even greater forces above them. He had long resented his thankless role.

"You may be strong, but killing me won't be so easy!"

"Nine Forests Devour the Hundred Souls!"

With a desperate shout, the Protector Wu tore open a pouch at his waist. A swarm of black mist billowed forth, surrounding him before being greedily swallowed into his mouth.

A grotesque chewing sound echoed.

The black mist around him thickened, surging skyward. Darkness spread across the sky, completely blocking out the sun. The entirety of Yunlan Mountain was plunged into eerie twilight.

A powerful, oppressive aura enveloped the land.

The Protector Wu's move left the onlookers in awe.

The sheer magnitude of his power was terrifying.

And yet, Xiao Yan remained unfazed.