"What are you doing?"

"You old scoundrel! Don't you see whose territory this is?"

"Release our Boss immediately, or don't blame Master Fatty for digging up your ancestors' graves and making sure none of them, for eighteen generations back, ever find peace even in death!"

Fatty, Lu Hong, and the Wolf King burst out of the loft, looking as fierce and malevolent as could be.

Lo Qianxue followed them, her face etched with worry.

Upon hearing this, Ma Cheng flew into a rage and furiously retorted, "I will slaughter every last one of you sooner or later!"

"Enough!"

Yan Nanshan shouted, his voice grave, "Ma Cheng, I never expected you to be so utterly depraved!"

"Brother Ma, you are defying Imperial Majesty and desecrating Imperial Power! You should see reason and repent. I believe Lord Wang Hong will be lenient."

Yan King also chimed in with persuasion.

"So what if I defy Imperial Majesty? So what if I desecrate Imperial Power? I'm even insulting the Emperor right here! What can any of you do to me?"

"The worst that can happen is I'll go into the Desolate Lands, change my appearance, and live under a new name. Who could find me then?"

Ma Cheng's face was a mask of madness. He had thrown all caution to the wind.

"Do you really think you'll be safe if you flee to the Desolate Lands?"

"If that's what you believe, then you're like a frog at the bottom of a well, unaware of how vast the outside world truly is," Qin Feiyang said lightly.

Ma Cheng roared, "Shut your mouth! If you dare utter another word, I'll kill you both!"

"You don't dare kill us. If you do, there's only one path left for you: death."

"However, trading our lives—mine and my sister's—for that of an Eight-star War Emperor like yourself? All things considered, it's actually quite a bargain," Qin Feiyang said with a grin.

Ma Cheng asked ominously, "Are you truly not afraid of death?"

"Everyone dies eventually. If we can drag you down to hell with us, it would be a worthy death," Qin Feiyang replied casually, seemingly unconcerned.

Usually in such situations, it's the hostages who are terrified. This time, however, Ma Cheng—the hostage-taker—was the one beginning to panic.

No, I have to leave quickly! he muttered to himself. Dragging this out would only put him at a greater disadvantage.

"If anyone dares to follow, I'll kill them!"

Ma Cheng glared menacingly at Wang Hong and the others, preparing to take flight with Qin Feiyang and Ren Wushuang.

"What should we do?" Yan Nanshan was consumed by anxiety, looking to Wang Hong for help.

At the same moment, Qin Feiyang gave Ren Wushuang a subtle glance.

"Ma Cheng, no need for you to act! My sister and I will end our own lives!"

Before his words had even faded, they both raised their hands and struck their own chests.

"Damn it!"

Ma Cheng was aghast and hurriedly tried to stop them. If they both truly died here, he wouldn't be able to escape even if he sprouted nine pairs of wings.

However, just as he panicked, Wang Hong made his move.

Battle Intent erupted from his fingertips, piercing Ma Cheng's brow like a lightning bolt!

Blood surged! BOOM! Ma Cheng let out a wretched scream and collapsed lifelessly to the ground, dead.

"Phew!"

Yan Nanshan, Fatty, and the others all breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Qin Feiyang also patted his chest, still shaken from the ordeal.

He kicked Ma Cheng's corpse and muttered, It's finally resolved. Bear King, Old Feng, you can rest in peace now.

Then, Qin Feiyang looked at Wang Hong with a puzzled expression. Wang Hong could have killed Ma Cheng instantly much earlier. Why hadn't he?

Wang Hong smiled and withdrew a hand from his sleeve. In it, an Image Crystal Stone pulsed with a faint light.

Wang Hong explained, "Although I trust Ren Wushuang, Ma Cheng is, after all, the Hall Master of the Elixir King Palace. With him dead, I need to provide a proper explanation to the Lord of the State Office."

Qin Feiyang suddenly understood. So Wang Hong was also trying to force Ma Cheng to reveal the truth. Even I was used. Truly, the older, the wiser.

Wang Hong then said confidently, "Even if Ma Cheng had taken you hostage, killing him would have been simple for me. I just didn't expect a young man like you to be so quick-witted."

Qin Feiyang scratched his head and laughed dryly, feeling somewhat bashful at the praise.

Wang Hong's expression suddenly turned icy. "However, you annihilated the entire Lin family. This crime is punishable by death!"

Qin Feiyang's face paled. "I can explain..." he said hastily.

Wang Hong cut him off. "I have no interest in your personal vendettas. There's no need for an explanation."

Seeing Wang Hong's stern expression and hearing his tone, Yan Nanshan, Fatty, and the others couldn't help but feel a surge of anxiety.

Yan King, however, was visibly gloating.

Wang Hong scanned everyone present, taking careful note of each person's expression. His eyes flickered. He looked at Qin Feiyang and said, "I'll give you one chance. If you can make it to the state office alive, I'll overlook this matter."

"Thank you, Senior!" Qin Feiyang was taken aback, then immediately cupped his hands in gratitude. This wasn't really a punishment. Wang Hong had previously stated that if Qin Feiyang didn't go to the state office with him then, he would have to find his own way there later. So, strictly speaking, this was merely a test.

"Excellent!" Yan Nanshan and the others, recovering from their surprise, were overjoyed.

Only Yan King looked displeased.

Wang Hong continued, "Don't celebrate too soon. No one is to escort you to the state office. You must rely on your own efforts."

"I will not fail your great expectations, Senior," Qin Feiyang cupped his hands and replied.

Wang Hong nodded. Looking at Yan Nanshan and Yan King, he coldly said, "The matter of Zuo An is of grave importance, yet you concealed it. What punishment do you think you deserve?"

"Huh?" Startled, the two turned to look at Qin Feiyang.

Qin Feiyang's expression was filled with remorse, directed at Yan Nanshan.

"Don't look at him!" Wang Hong barked.

Both men trembled and hastily said, "We understand our fault and are willing to accept punishment."

"Regarding this, I will report truthfully to the Lord of the State Office and request his decision," Wang Hong stated coldly. "As for you two, clean up this mess immediately!"

"Yes, sir," the two bowed in acknowledgment.

"Hmph! What a disgrace!" Wang Hong glanced at the two and snorted coldly. He waved his hand, and a portal instantly appeared. "Ren Wushuang, come with me," he said.

"But..." Ren Wushuang hesitated, her gaze flickered towards Qin Feiyang.

Wang Hong frowned. "He has his own path to walk. You should not interfere."

Qin Feiyang looked at Ren Wushuang and smiled. "Sis, don't worry about me. I'll come find you at the state office."

Ren Wushuang nodded. "Alright. Be careful on your journey."

"Qin Feiyang, beyond the Death Desert and then the Sea of Despair lies the jurisdiction of the state office. You're on your own now."

"Do not reveal the route to the state office to any third party."

Wang Hong stepped into the portal. But his voice resonated directly in Qin Feiyang's mind.

Qin Feiyang was stunned. This was a Soul Message! Only those who surpassed the War Emperor realm could do such a thing!

Ren Wushuang, along with the Blood Eagle and the old eagle, also stepped into the portal.

Soon, the portal vanished.

I never imagined Wang Hong was so powerful! To surpass a War Emperor... he's a truly awe-inspiring figure! Qin Feiyang muttered.

But then, a bitter smile spread across his face. To get to the state office, I actually have to cross the Death Desert? I've experienced its dangers firsthand. With my current strength, going there is simply suicide, not to mention whatever this Sea of Despair is.

"Qin Feiyang, you're truly ruthless! After using us, you reported these matters to the higher-ups. I've never seen such a treacherous villain!"

A grating voice pulled Qin Feiyang back to reality. He looked up at Yan King, whose face was contorted with hatred.

Qin Feiyang calmly retorted, "When it comes to treachery, ten of me combined wouldn't even come close to you."

"Yan Nanshan, do you see this?"

"This is the disciple you've always protected! He's nothing but an ungrateful White-Eyed Wolf!"

"Sooner or later, he'll be the death of you!"

Yan King sneered, then vanished into the sky.

Yan Nanshan frowned deeply.

Qin Feiyang said, "Hall Master, I..."

Yan Nanshan raised his hand to stop him. The lines on his brow smoothed out, and he smiled, "I know you reported this because of Ma Cheng and Elder He. I don't blame you."

Qin Feiyang cupped his hands. "Thank you, Hall Master."

Yan Nanshan said, "Alright, don't blame yourself. Get some proper rest. I must be going."

Qin Feiyang nodded.

Yan Nanshan waved his hand, collecting the corpses of Ma Cheng and Elder He. He then transformed into a streak of light and swiftly vanished into the distance.

Did I really do something wrong? Qin Feiyang murmured to himself.

"Kid, you did nothing wrong," Chief Li patted Qin Feiyang's shoulder and said reassuringly with a smile. "If you hadn't, Ma Cheng and old He would have eventually wreaked havoc, and the situation would have become far more severe. When the truth inevitably came out, the punishment Yan Nanshan would face would have been far greater. So, in a way, by reporting it now, you've actually helped Yan Nanshan."

Qin Feiyang felt a tangle of emotions.

Chief Li smiled. "Well then, I should also return to sort things out. Madam, let's go back to the Treasure Pavilion together."

Lo Qianxue nodded. "Feiyang, Chief Li is right. You helped Yan Nanshan, you didn't harm him. There's no need to feel guilty."

Qin Feiyang said, "Alright. Once things here are settled, I'll visit you at the Treasure Pavilion. Please take care."

"Okay," Lo Qianxue smiled, then left with Chief Li.

"They're all gone. It's finally over," Lu Hong sighed deeply.

Fatty said, "It's not over yet. Don't forget King Pan and that gold-armored giant."

Qin Feiyang shook his head. "They're not an immediate concern; we can deal with them later. What worries me most right now is how the Lord of the State Office will handle the Hall Master."

If Yan Nanshan were to lose his life because of this, Qin Feiyang knew he would be tormented by guilt for the rest of his days.

WHOOSH!

Just then, Elder Wan descended in a flash, landing by the lake. In his hand, he held a middle-aged man—it was Lin Chang, not seen for a long time.

Elder Wan tossed Lin Chang down in front of Qin Feiyang. "He was found in the Elixir King Palace not long ago," Elder Wan said. "Elder Ji and I discussed it and agreed it would be best for you to deal with him."

Qin Feiyang looked down at Lin Chang, a chilling glint flashing in his eyes.

Lin Chang crawled to Qin Feiyang in a panic, pleading, "Feiyang, your uncle truly realizes his mistake this time! For Yiyi's sake, please, spare my life!"

"And did you give Yiyi a path to live?"

"As her father, you colluded with the Blood Slaughter Palace against your own daughter!"

"If I hadn't managed to send Yiyi away first, she would have already fallen victim to your vile scheme! Even a vicious tiger doesn't eat its own cubs!" Qin Feiyang roared in fury.

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