Gazing at Ye Fan’s dazed expression, Su Qingxue felt a pang of sadness. Regrettably, nothing in this world is perfect.

At that moment, Ye Fan regained his composure and sighed at the bracelet. "I will cherish your feelings for me. You will live on in my world, just in a different way!"

He put away the Flame Tower bracelet.

For some reason, when Ye Fan spoke these solemn words, Su Qingxue’s heart ached, yet amidst the pain was a sense of relief and urgency. This was the influence of the Flame Witch’s memories.

"Darling, our love for each other is the greatest comfort to her!"

"You’re right!" Ye Fan pulled Su Qingxue into his arms, completely unaware that she was still dangerously powerful.

CRACK!

The sound of bones breaking filled the air.

"Ah!" With a pained howl, Ye Fan clutched his chest and scrambled away from Su Qingxue, looking utterly wronged.

"Darling, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!" Su Qingxue cried out.

"Qingxue, not so hard! It hurts!" Ye Fan coughed up a mouthful of blood and actually started to cry. What kind of cruel world is this? Even a loving embrace leads to such suffering!

Su Qingxue gave Ye Fan an innocent look and backed away, not to leave for good, but just to maintain a safe distance. For the next two days, Ye Fan focused on teaching her how to control her strength. The results were quite good, though it came at the cost of Ye Fan repeatedly getting injured as he used his own body for her practice. Still, Su Qingxue didn’t disappoint him; she came close to killing him on several occasions.

What a fierce woman. Ye Fan, for his part, had learned a very painful lesson.

The Shadow Stream Master’s surprise attack drove home the importance of power. Breaking through to the Emperor Level was now Ye Fan’s top priority. If he couldn’t reach it, all his efforts would be for naught. Even being the strongest expert at the King Level, he would still be powerless against such sudden upheavals. Therefore, he planned to visit the Yan Clan. Perhaps there, he would find a path to his breakthrough.

But before he could leave, there were many loose ends to tie up, starting with the aftermath of the attack on the manor. Both King Hall and Heavenly King Hall had suffered heavy losses, so he made his way to Heavenly King Hall. When he arrived, Ye Fan found the atmosphere subdued. Tian Can approached to report on the number of dead and seriously injured from the battle.

"Boss, Heavenly King Hall lost one hundred men, with eighty injured," Tian Can reported. "King Hall lost sixty, with more than a hundred seriously injured!"

"The losses are heavy," Ye Fan said grimly.

"Our opponents numbered just over a hundred, yet they inflicted such a devastating blow. If not for the intervention of the Divine Continent Sword, our casualties would have likely doubled!"

Tian Can nodded in agreement. The arrival of the Divine Continent Sword had caused the Japanese ninjas’ defenses to completely collapse, allowing them to secure victory.

At this point, Ye Fan said, "It seems that while we were expanding, we forgot something important."

"What’s that?" Tian Can asked curiously.

"We’ve neglected to cultivate our mid-tier strength," Ye Fan explained. "We’ve always focused on cultivating high-end power—or rather, we’ve prioritized quantity over quality. That’s why, when faced with a battle like this, our defenses nearly crumbled. This time, I want to make a change. We will cultivate quality, not quantity!"

Hearing this, Tian Can nodded thoughtfully. Just then, Black Fog arrived.

Ye Fan smiled. "You’re about to break through to the King Level, aren’t you?"

"Yes," Black Fog nodded, not denying the fact.

"Black Fog, thank you for everything you’ve done for Heavenly King Hall," Ye Fan said. "I know I forced you to join, but you have fought for this place with everything you have. So, the first person I must thank is you."

"I don’t need your thanks," Black Fog replied. "I won’t go back on my promise." He had his own principles and refused Ye Fan’s gratitude.

At this, Ye Fan continued, "Black Fog, I once said you would serve me for three years, but I’ve decided to change my mind. You’re about to become a King, and a King shouldn’t be commanded by anyone. Therefore, once you break through, you are free to leave. Our contract will be terminated.

"Of course, you are always welcome to use Heavenly King Hall’s resources. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, just let me know, and I, Ye Fan, will do everything in my power to help!"

Ye Fan genuinely admired the stoic Martial Fanatic, especially since Black Fog had been of immense help recently.

After a moment of contemplation, Black Fog suddenly asked, "Are you trying to send me away?"

"No, that’s not it at all!" Ye Fan hastily explained. "Black Fog, you should know the code among Kings. Once you break through, I can no longer command you. A King-level expert has their own dignity!"

But Black Fog said, "In the past, I was a cold-blooded assassin for Dark Night. I knew nothing of brotherhood or family. All I knew was how to take lives. Life was dull. But after joining Heavenly King Hall, I finally understand what it means to have brothers, to have a family.

"I’ve grown to like it here. Plus, joining this place has shown me a way to increase my strength faster than ever before. So, even after I break through to the King Level, I will not leave."

Black Fog spoke plainly, but it was clear that every word came from the heart. It was also the first time he had ever said so much. Though the words were simple, coming from someone like him, they were exceptionally precious.

Ye Fan stepped forward and clapped him on the shoulder. "Thank you, brother. Everyone in Heavenly King Hall is my brother. You will always be welcome here!"

"Mm," Black Fog nodded.

Ye Fan hadn’t expected Black Fog’s insistence on staying. He had always seen him as a proud loner, but it turned out that even someone so aloof had this passionate side to him.

Huo Yun and Lei Kai had already returned to their main base, King Hall, as there were many matters to attend to there. At that moment, the high-ranking members present in Heavenly King Hall were Tian Can, Di Que, and Black Fog.

Ye Fan said, "I’ve called the three of you here today for one reason: reform!"

"Reform?" the three of them asked, puzzled. Even the Martial Artists below had no idea what kind of changes this "reform" entailed.

"Surprised, are you?" Ye Fan continued. "Good. This time, I’m going to put you under pressure!"

"Pressure?" Di Que looked at Ye Fan in confusion.

"Tian Can, Di Que," Ye Fan declared, "you are both at the peak of the Postnatal Master realm. I am now giving you an ultimatum. You must break through to become Innate Experts within two months.

"If you haven’t succeeded by then, pack your bags and get back to King Hall! And don’t you ever say that you are from Heavenly King Hall again!"

Instantly, their faces fell. They knew their boss was dead serious this time; his tone left no room for doubt.