Dugu Bo swept his cold gaze over Hu Yanzhen, who was slumped weakly against the mountain wall, and then looked at the terrified members of the Elephant Armored Academy. His voice was like ice. "Originally, I couldn't be bothered with ants like you, but since you're seeking death, don't blame me for what happens next. It's not easy to cultivate that turtle shell of yours to the Spirit Douluo level. What a pity…"
His gaze then fell on Hu Yanli. "Perfect. That head of yours… I think I still have some use for it."
Hu Yanzhen's eyes widened in horror. "No… don't…"
Dugu Bo completely ignored him. His figure flickered, appearing before Hu Yanli as if he were a ghost. With a swift grab of his bare hand, he bloodily ripped the head Spirit Bone directly from Hu Yanli's skull.
In Dugu Bo's hand was a head Spirit Bone, glowing with an earthy yellow light and radiating immense power. He casually shook the blood from it and tossed it to Ye Yin. "Kid, keep it."
Ye Yin caught the Spirit Bone and smiled. "Thanks, old freak."
Only then did Dugu Bo turn his attention back to the kneeling disciples and the ashen-faced Hu Yanzhen, who had completely lost their will to fight.
"Li'er!" the heavily injured Hu Yanzhen roared in grief and rage. "Dugu Bo! If you have the guts, kill me today! Otherwise, I will never rest until you are dead!"
A smirk curved Dugu Bo's lips. "You dared to lay a hand on my grandson-in-law. Did you really think I would give you a chance to leave here alive?" He raised a hand and pointed. A domineering green light struck Hu Yanzhen's body with a bang. The Sect Master's body instantly turned a translucent, emerald green before he fell heavily to the ground, dead.
"There's no need for me to deal with the rest, is there?" Dugu Bo asked, turning to the Shrek group.
They all looked at him, their hearts filled with shock. The might of a Titled Douluo was truly terrifying. Without Hu Yanzhen's threat, the remaining disciples were no match for them. Ye Yin then took out two Upgraded Zhuge Divine Crossbows. Each bolt he fired accurately struck a disciple's eye socket, easily taking their life. The valley quickly returned to silence. From that day on, the Elephant Armored Sect was finished.
Ye Yin toyed with the head Spirit Bone in his hand, feeling the profound power within it, before casually tossing it to Dai Mubai. "Mubai, this one suits you. Absorb it, and your defense and strength will go up another level. When you get to the Star Luo Empire, beating people up will be even more satisfying."
Dai Mubai took the heavy, blood-stained Spirit Bone and nodded, his eyes incredibly firm. "Yin Ge, no words can express my gratitude!"
The convoy set off again, passing through the blood-soaked valley and slowly heading toward their territory. The ambush was like a stone thrown into a lake; it stirred up ripples, but then the waters quickly settled. After clearing the road, they continued southwest. The further they traveled, the more rugged the terrain became. The population thinned, and the land grew more vast and desolate.
Several days later, a wild and somewhat barren land came into view. This was the southwestern frontier of the Empire, Ye Yin's fiefdom—Yin Feng Territory. In the distance were rolling, dark green mountains that marked the endless edge of the Star Dou Great Forest, filled with an aura of primal danger. Closer by were large areas of undeveloped land, shrubbery, and scattered woods, with a clear river snaking through it all like a jade belt.
A city built of grey-white stone was nestled against the mountains and by the water—Yin Feng City. The city walls were tall and thick but clearly ancient, with visible signs of erosion from centuries of wind and rain. Most of the buildings inside were low and crude. There were few pedestrians, and those on the streets had weather-beaten faces and the unique vigilance of border residents in their eyes.
When Ye Yin's convoy arrived, the city defense officer and a few old clerks were already waiting respectfully at the gate, along with a team of guards in worn uniforms.
"Welcome, Lord Count!"
The city defense officer was a middle-aged man with a scar on his face, named Shi Jian. He was a Spirit King assigned by the Empire to remain here. The guards behind him, though not well-equipped, all had steady auras, clearly veterans of many battles.
"General Shi, there's no need for such formality," Ye Yin said as he stepped down from the carriage. He looked over the city and the soldiers before him with a gentle smile. "From now on, the safety of Yin Feng Territory will depend on you and all these brothers."
His calm attitude, completely lacking any aristocratic airs, slightly relaxed the tense expressions of Shi Jian and his men.
"It's our duty!" Shi Jian cupped his fists and said in a deep voice. "Lord Count, sirs, please enter the city. The City Lord's Mansion has been tidied up for your arrival."
Entering Yin Feng City, the frontier atmosphere was even stronger. Aside from essential shops and taverns, there were none of the bustling entertainment venues seen in Heaven Dou City. Most of the people were dressed as hunters, mercenaries, or farmers, and they cast curious and scrutinizing glances at Ye Yin's brightly-dressed group.
The City Lord's Mansion was a fortress-like building in the center of the city, constructed from huge rocks. It was sturdy, but the interior was simple, even crude.
"It's a small border town, and the conditions are simple. I hope Lord Count and everyone will excuse it," Shi Jian said, a little embarrassed.
Ning Rongrong looked around curiously. "Though it's a bit old, it's very sturdy! It has a different kind of feel to it."
Xiao Wu blinked her large eyes. "It feels like everyone here is very powerful!"
Zhu Zhuqing, sensing the faint tension in the air, said coolly, "It's not peaceful here."
Ye Yin nodded and turned to Shi Jian. "No matter. General Shi, please tell me about the situation in the territory, especially the security issues."
Shi Jian's expression became serious as he began his report. "Lord Count, Yin Feng Territory is vast and rich in resources. However, it's close to the edge of the Star Dou Great Forest, so powerful spirit beasts often escape and attack villages and merchant caravans. Additionally, we border the Balak Kingdom to the west and the Xilxis Duchy to the south. Those two countries have been restless recently, and their troops or bandits often cross the border to raid us. The city's garrison should be three hundred strong, but we only have two hundred and forty men, mostly old soldiers like myself. Our equipment is also outdated. As for taxes, because it's not peaceful here, the trade routes are unsafe, and the territory's income is very meager."
The situation was even more severe than they had expected. There were threats from spirit beasts, greedy neighbors, insufficient troops, and financial difficulties. It was, simply put, a mess.
But Ye Yin showed no sign of dejection. Instead, an interested expression appeared on his face. He stroked his chin. "That's interesting."
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion