The Black Corner Region—a lawless territory established just beyond the borders of the prestigious Jia Nan Academy—has long been a subject of bewilderment for many across the continent.
How could such a chaotic land exist right beside the ancient and revered institution?
Yet, regardless of the confusion, its existence is undeniable.
Despite repeated attempts to suppress it over the years, the Black Corner Region has only expanded at an alarming rate.
Its tenacious resilience, like a stubborn weed refusing to wither, has left even the most powerful forces feeling helpless.
The region's domain is vast, having grown over time into what could almost be considered a small, independent nation.
The key difference, however, is that while other empires have a centralized ruler, the Black Corner Region is a battleground of endless strife. Factions clash ceaselessly, driven by self-interest, turning the land into a cesspool of chaos.
Yet, paradoxically, this very chaos has allowed the Black Corner Region to thrive at the heart of the continent.
Had it not been for its anarchic nature, the major powers would never have tolerated its existence—let alone its rapid growth into a force capable of threatening them.
Despite its notorious reputation, the Black Corner Region remains a magnet for powerful figures across the mainland. The reason? The endless flow of high-level dou methods, dou techniques, rare pills, and other treasures circulating within its borders.
For cultivators, the allure of obtaining a technique superior to their own—one that could propel them further on the path of strength—is irresistible.
Thus, the Black Corner Region functions like a bottomless abyss.
Countless rare treasures funnel through its shadowy channels, only to be auctioned at exorbitant prices, sparking frenzied competition among desperate bidders.
…
Having parted ways with the Snake-People Tribe, Gu He wasted no time and headed straight for the Black Corner Region.
After nearly five days of travel, the dense mountain ranges below gradually gave way to an endless expanse of black.
Standing atop the Hei Lin, Gu He raised his gaze toward the horizon, where a vast, ink-black plain stretched like a dividing line between two worlds.
"So this is the Great Plains of the Black Region..."
As the dark line expanded in his vision, the weariness on Gu He's dust-covered face faded, replaced by a relieved smile.
This Great Plains of the Black Region was the gateway to the Black Corner Region. Stepping into it meant entering a world of lawlessness, utterly divorced from the order of the outside.
"I should find a map first before venturing deeper."
With that thought, Gu He guided the Hei Lin downward, descending toward the plains below.
The Great Plains of the Black Region was vast—an unbroken stretch of darkness that made navigation nearly impossible without guidance. Without a map, entering the Black Corner Region would be a time-consuming ordeal.
Moreover, arriving on the back of a Hei Lin would attract far too much attention.
Despite his current strength as a Nine-Star Dou Ancestor—coupled with the might of an eighth-tier magical beast—enough to dominate the entire Black Corner Region, Gu He preferred a low-profile approach.
After careful consideration, he decided to gather information first.
Though he had knowledge of the region from the original plot, firsthand experience was far more reliable.
"After all, the Hall of Souls lurks within the Black Corner Region."
Worse still, deep within the region lay Buried Soul Ridge, home to a hidden branch of the Soul Clan.
From Protector Wu's memories, Gu He knew a Hall of Souls Venerable—a Dou Venerate level powerhouse—resided there.
Drawing too much attention could alert the Hall of Souls, placing him at a severe disadvantage.
That was the last thing he wanted.
Upon landing, Gu He stored the Hei Lin in his system space, suppressed his aura, and made his way toward a nearby settlement.
Before long, a tribal encampment came into view. Gu He slowed his pace as he approached its gates.
His spiritual senses had already revealed the settlement's scale—dozens of tents sprawled across the area, bustling with activity.
Just as he neared the entrance, his expression turned cold as he sidestepped abruptly.
"THWACK!"
A razor-sharp arrow embedded itself into the ground where he had stood moments before, its shaft quivering violently.
From atop the wooden palisade, a low chuckle sounded.
"Just passing through. I only wish to restock supplies. What's the meaning of this?" Gu He's voice was icy as he glared toward the source.
"Hah! A rookie, eh? Don't you know the rule? A hundred-meter toll before entry!"
A lean figure leapt onto the fence, eyeing Gu He with a mix of amusement and greed.
Gu He frowned. "Toll?"
"Five hundred gold coins. Hurry up—don't waste my time. Don't tell me you can't even afford that?" The man's smirk widened.
"So this is the most chaotic place on the continent—shakedowns before you even step inside."
With a cold smile, Gu He flicked a pouch of coins toward the man, who caught it eagerly, counting the contents before barking, "Open the gate!"
The creaking wooden door revealed a lively street lined with stalls and armed wanderers.
"Come on in, rookie." The man grinned, his eyes glinting with malice.
"Truly, no normal people in the Black Corner Region..."
Gu He stepped forward, feigning carelessness. Behind him, the man's sneer grew darker.
Inside, the chaotic marketplace unfolded before him—makeshift stalls peddling strange wares, armed figures prowling like wolves.
"First, a map."
Just as he moved to enter the street, three men blocked his path, blades gleaming.
"Listen, rookie. Let me teach you a rule of the Black Corner Region—never let anyone see you're new here."
The archer's mocking voice rang out as he knocked another arrow, aiming squarely at Gu He.
"Hand over everything—money, weapons, all of it. If I'm feeling generous, I might just take an arm as your lesson."
Gu He's gaze swept the street. The onlookers watched with amusement, none lifting a finger to help.
"So this is how it is..."
In the Black Corner Region, weakness invited predation. Mercy was nonexistent.
"Scram." Gu He's voice was frosty.
The three men lunged without hesitation, blades slashing toward his throat.
"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"
Before their strikes landed, a blur of motion sent them flying like ragdolls, crashing through tents in sprays of blood.
"Bastard!" The archer's face twisted in panic as he drew his bow—
"Next time, learn the difference in strength before acting. Though... there won't be a next time."
A palm struck his back.
"SPLAT!"
Blood and viscera erupted as the man collapsed, lifeless.
Without a second glance, Gu He strode into the street. The crowd, previously jeering, now averted their eyes, their earlier mirth replaced by wary silence.
As his figure vanished around a corner, murmurs rose in his wake.
"Damn, that guy's ruthless. Quick, decisive—no hesitation to kill. He'll do just fine in the Black Corner Region."
…
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