BTTH : Emperor Yang

The sky was a deep blue, with the scorching sun hanging high, and distant white clouds drifting leisurely across the horizon.

Outer Region of the Magic Beast Mountain Range

Whoosh!

A black figure flashed through the sky, swiftly soaring between the cliffs and precipices.

Behind him, a pair of black wings, spanning approximately three meters, gently flapped. Purple patterns adorned them, giving off a mysterious and somewhat demonic aura.

"The feeling of flying freely... it's incredible."

Wei Yang's lips curled into a pleased smile as he relished the sensation of gliding through the air.

After a moment, he landed atop a mountain peak, withdrawing his wings as his body gently descended.

"However, the energy consumption of flying is really significant."

"Even with my current cultivation at the six-star Dou Shi level and practicing an High-level Xuan-Grade cultivation method, which makes my Dou Qi both dense and of high quality, I can only sustain flight for about an hour before more than half of my Dou Qi is depleted."

"Even if I divert a portion of my focus to breathing techniques and circulate my cultivation method to recover while flying, I can at most extend my flight time by another half an hour before exhausting most of my Dou Qi. At present, I still can't achieve self-sufficiency."

Wei Yang shook his head in contemplation.

"It seems that to sustain long-term flight and reach a state where consumption and recovery are balanced, I need to at least advance to the Da Dou Shi realm."

Cross-legged, Wei Yang sat down and began operating his cultivation technique to recover the depleted Dou Qi.

As his technique circulated, the Dou Qi within his body started replenishing at a steady pace.

With a High-level Xuan-Grade cultivation technique, the recovery speed was quite considerable.

Due to his previous expenditure of Dou Qi while using his flying Dou Technique, his reserves had been significantly depleted. However, with controlled breathing and circulation, his Dou Qi rapidly replenished. Within just ten minutes, he had restored nearly seventy to eighty percent of his energy.

Compared to when he cultivated the Crimson Flame Art, the difference in both consumption and recovery was immense.

No wonder everyone aspired to obtain higher-grade cultivation techniques.

A short while later, Wei Yang opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing across them.

His depleted Dou Qi had been fully restored, and he even experienced a slight improvement.

After leaving the cliff cave, he had not rushed to leave the Magic Beast Mountain Range but instead chose to remain nearby to cultivate.

Now, after four months, he had regained his six-star Dou Shi level.

Although he was still a six-star Dou Shi, his strength was incomparable to before.

His overall combat power had increased more than tenfold.

"This trip to the Magic Beast Mountain Range has been extremely rewarding. It's time to head back."

Wei Yang stood up and turned his gaze toward Qingshan Town.

Whoosh!

Unfolding his black wings, Wei Yang's figure transformed into a dark streak as he soared out of the mountain range.

The return journey was much faster. After all, flying was significantly quicker than traveling on foot.

Within ten minutes, he was already nearing the outskirts of the Magic Beast Mountain Range.

In the distance, the outline of Qingshan Town was faintly visible.

Upon reaching this point, Wei Yang found a secluded forest to land in, withdrew his wings, and chose to walk out of the mountains instead.

He didn't want to attract unnecessary attention.

In a place like Qingshan Town, the strongest individuals were only at the two or three-star Dou Shi level, and even they were rare. Their knowledge was extremely limited, and most had likely never even heard of flying Dou Techniques.

If they suddenly witnessed someone flying, they would assume it was Dou Qi transformation into wings—a feat exclusive to Dou Wang powerhouses.

A Dou Wang was considered a high-ranking existence in the entire Jia Ma Empire, let alone in a small town like Qingshan.

And if they saw a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old boy flying...

Wouldn't that be enough to scare them to death?

It wouldn't take long before the entire Jia Ma Empire would be in an uproar.

How could he maintain a low profile then?

...

Wei Yang walked along a forest trail, his footsteps light and his mood pleasant. This path had been trampled into existence over years by mercenaries.

He had spent nearly five months in the Magic Beast Mountain Range, and his transformation upon returning was immense. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he had been reborn.

His entire being seemed to have undergone a metamorphosis. His gaze carried a newfound confidence, and his demeanor had subtly changed.

This was the kind of self-assurance that came from increased strength.

An intangible aura surrounded him.

...

Qingshan Town

"Since I just returned, I shouldn't rush off right away. I'll rest here for two days first," Wei Yang thought to himself.

Having spent nearly five months in the mountain range, it was only natural to take a short break before continuing his journey.

Thus, he headed straight to the inn where he had stayed before his departure.

"Innkeeper, give me an upper room, prepare hot water, and serve a good meal," Wei Yang instructed as he stepped inside.

"Of course, young master!" The innkeeper responded promptly before calling out, "Ah San, lead this young master to his room."

"Right away! Young master, please follow me." The attendant respectfully gestured for Wei Yang to follow.

Wei Yang stepped forward but suddenly halted, his gaze shifting toward a corner of the inn's main hall.

There, a beautiful young girl, no older than twelve or thirteen, sat alone.

She was slender and slightly frail-looking, dressed in a simple white dress that bore signs of travel wear. Her skin was fair, though her small, delicate face was smudged with dust, and her slightly unkempt hair hinted at her hardships. However, beneath those traces of fatigue, her refined features revealed the makings of a great beauty.

The girl quietly nibbled on a steamed bun in the corner, exuding an ethereal and pure presence, akin to a delicate white orchid blooming in a secluded valley.

Her petite frame was already beginning to develop, hinting at a budding elegance.

Most striking of all was the slender waist encircled by a simple white sash—just barely graspable with one hand.

Her willow-like eyebrows furrowed slightly, revealing a trace of weariness and melancholy.

"It's her!" Wei Yang's brows arched slightly, and his thumb instinctively brushed against the black ring on his index finger.

Xiao Yixian!

Even without other clues, her unique aura, combined with that distinctive, exquisite waistline, confirmed her identity beyond doubt.

What a coincidence.

He had just left the Magic Beast Mountain Range, only to run into her immediately.

It seemed that Xiao Yixian had only recently arrived in Qingshan Town as well.

"Fate truly is mysterious," Wei Yang murmured.

Some things seemed predestined.

He had taken the Rainbow Poison Book from the cliff cave and had yet to decide whether to eventually give it to Xiao Yixian. He had merely planned to bring it back to Wu Tan City for further study.

Yet now, mere moments after exiting the mountain, he encountered her. It was almost as if fate had arranged it.

Wei Yang narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Young master?" The attendant hesitated before carefully reminding him when he noticed Wei Yang staring intently at the young girl.

Wei Yang shot him a glance, and the attendant shuddered, quickly lowering his head in silence.

Hmph.

Wei Yang withdrew his gaze and strode away.

A mere coincidence, nothing more.