The message had come from his elder brother. Demon Flame Valley's three Grand Elders had ambushed a Heaven Punishing Divine Palace transport convoy. Xiao Li had been wounded in the attack.
Fortunately, as a core member of the Heaven Punishing Divine Palace, Xiao Li never traveled without protection. This time, Hai Bodong had been escorting him. It was Hai Bodong who had used his strength and presence to suppress the three enemy Grand Elders and lead Xiao Li to safety.
"It seems I let you live too long. You've grown bold enough to stir up trouble."
"The Black-Corner Region is due for a reshuffle."
Xiao Tian stood in the void, speaking quietly to himself. Then he sent several messages through his sound transmission stone.
---
Five minutes later, figures began streaming into the meeting hall of Heaven Punishing Divine Palace. The seats filled quickly. This was the first time Xiao Tian had ever issued a gathering order, and everyone had dropped whatever they were doing to rush over. Even Medusa, Yun Yun, Xiao Zhan, Xiao Ding, and the others had come.
They knew about the attack on Xiao Li. Xiao Tian had always been fiercely protective of his family—especially his brothers, who had been good to him since childhood.
"What's so urgent that the Palace Master summoned us like this?"
"No idea. But it looks serious. Could it be a fight? My blade's been itching for action."
Low murmurs rippled through the hall. Faces were filled with curiosity and doubt, heads bent together in speculation. Only a few who already knew the inside story understood what was truly happening.
Xiao Tian's figure materialized from the void, appearing like a ghost before the chief seat. His face was stern. His deep eyes swept over everyone present, carrying an invisible pressure. Those caught under his gaze felt as though they had been plunged into an ice cellar, the chill sinking straight into their bones.
"Palace Master!"
Everyone in the hall rose to their feet, their voices filled with undisguised awe.
Xiao Tian sat. His slender fingers lifted slightly, then pressed down. "Sit."
That single word—low, weighted—fell into the silent hall like a boulder dropped into still water. Silence crashed down. Everyone returned to their seats, not daring to breathe too loudly.
Xiao Tian swept his senses over Xiao Li's body. With the support of Heaven Punishing Divine Palace's pills, his brother had nearly fully recovered.
After a long pause, Xiao Tian finally spoke. His voice echoed through the silent hall, filled with unshakable resolve.
"I have gathered you today for one reason. During this period, Demon Flame Valley attacked a Heaven Punishing Divine Palace transport convoy. The objective of this mission is to eradicate Demon Flame Valley. Eliminate all its members. Let them vanish from the river of time forever."
As his words faded, the hall was deathly still. No one dared make the slightest sound or voice a single doubt.
Demon Flame Valley was an old, entrenched power in the Black-Corner Region. But as core members of Heaven Punishing Divine Palace, they already knew that Demon Flame Valley's founder had died at their hands. They continued watching Xiao Tian, silently waiting for the specific orders.
In the Black-Corner Region, destroying a sect and severing its legacy was common. No pretext was needed to strike. The weak were simply bullied. That was the law here.
Many newly joined elders rubbed their fists eagerly, ready to make a name for themselves. This mission was practically handing out rewards. There was no pressure at all.
Xiao Tian paid no attention to their thoughts. He leaned forward slightly, his expression growing even colder.
"At the same time, Maple City will be brought under our control. Maple City is the most prosperous city in the entire Black-Corner Region—essentially its heart."
Hai Bodong rose to his feet. "Palace Master, we have been keeping a close watch on Maple City during this time. We have already secretly taken control of many areas. The recent attack may also be connected to Maple City. According to our intelligence, a significant number of Demon Flame Valley members have appeared there."
Xiao Tian's eyes glinted with cold, sharp light. Endless killing intent and resolve poured from them.
"Then we will settle old scores and new ones together."
He divided the forces into two groups. One would strike Demon Flame Valley. The other would move on Maple City.
Xiao Tian himself would lead the Demon Flame Valley assault, accompanied by Xiao Yi Xian, Medusa, Xiao Li, and numerous elders. Wen Yan would command the Maple City force, with Jin Mo, Hai Bodong, and the remaining elders.
With Wen Yan's Eight-Star Dou Zong strength, he could walk sideways across the entire Black-Corner Region. Taking a city that was already half in their grip would be effortless.
"Old Wen. I want Maple City intact. If anyone refuses to cooperate or resists, eliminate them immediately. Then record the forces backing those who resisted. They will be next."
Hearing Xiao Tian's words, laden with killing intent, those present could already envision rivers of blood.
Many felt their blood begin to boil. In the Black-Corner Region, there was no place for mercy.
Though Heaven Punishing Divine Palace had not yet added any new Dou Huangs, they possessed many Dou Kings—several at the peak. Among them, Miteer Tengshan had reached Peak Dou King during this period. The old man was now the most fiercely loyal person in Heaven Punishing Divine Palace. He had always been driven by profit, and now both his family and his personal strength were flourishing beyond anything their ancestors had achieved. The Mittel Family had already expanded beyond the Jia Ma Empire.
After finishing his arrangements, Xiao Tian swept his gaze over them again. He saw only excitement—no trace of retreat. He nodded in approval.
He waved his hand, dismissing them to prepare. One by one, they withdrew, issuing orders for their ongoing duties.
Soon, only Xiao Tian and his women remained in the hall.
He looked at Yun Yun and Ya Fei. "You two—do not come out unless it is necessary."
The Heaven Punishing Divine Realm followed him. They had authority here, but their current condition was not suited for battle.
Both women understood. They nodded seriously.
Nearly all of Heaven Punishing Divine Palace's high-end combat power had been deployed. The safety of the realm itself was beyond question. Xiao Tian could enter it at any moment. And if anyone else tried to come in, they would only be delivering themselves as food.
---
Roughly half an hour later, streams of light shot out from Heaven Punishing Divine City.