"Emperor Han Feng..."
Ruo Lin stared blankly at the imposing man in black robes, kneeling on the ground.
When she heard the name Han Feng, Ruo Lin was also startled.
In the entire Black Corner Region, anyone with a bit of knowledge knew the name Han Feng. The youngest Sixth-grade Alchemist in the Black Corner Region, and also the most powerful, his alchemy skills were divine and otherworldly, and countless Douhuang (Battle Emperor) Strong Ones curried favor with Han Feng, hoping to befriend him.
Although Han Feng was not yet the most powerful person in the Black Corner Region, he was still young, while those seasoned Dou Zong Experts had spent countless years cultivating their strength.
Han Feng's future was clearly destined to surpass theirs.
Yet such a domineering figure was now kneeling before Xu Ran, completely disregarding his own dignity.
This was beyond her imagination.
In her world, Han Feng's status was, at the very least, more noble than that of most Elders in the Inner Court. He was always lofty and superior, not one to easily submit to others, let alone kneel down to someone.
Therefore, for a time, Ruo Lin was unable to react.
She even thought she might have heard wrong, or perhaps it was just someone with the same name as the Medicine Emperor.
But she knew she could not have heard wrong; the fact was as such.
Even Han Feng, in front of Xu Ran, could throw away all his pride, wagging his tail like a dog.
All at once, Ruo Lin's reverence and awe for those great strong ones who could call the wind and summon the rain in the Black Corner Region disappeared. It turned out that those strong ones were no different from anyone else; when faced with someone stronger, they were even more spineless than ordinary people.
Originally, as a cultivator, she had greatly admired those powerful figures.
For Emperor Han Feng, a hot commodity in the Black Corner Region, she naturally had feelings of admiration as well.
But now, she had completely lost that sentiment.
Even, if it weren't for the fact that Han Feng was a Dou Huang Pinnacle Expert, she might even feel sorry for Han Feng.
Although Han Feng was strong, having lost his spirit and pride, he was no better than an ordinary person. Becoming stronger was meant to diminish the bonds that held one, to live more brightly and openly as a person. If even that could not be achieved, then becoming stronger seemed meaningless.
Looking at Han Feng and then at Xu Ran, her thoughts were complicated.
This scene indeed dealt a big blow to her psyche.
And thinking of those Elders of the Inner Court at Canaan Academy who showed such reverence and sought to please Xu Ran, she realized that becoming more powerful was not as wonderful as she had imagined.
If there were no backers, would she also need to be so subservient?
"Have you made your decision? But why should I help you?"
"You seem to have no value to me."
Xu Ran showed some interest.
Han Feng, who was also a minor boss in the original story, otherwise wouldn't have warranted a second glance from Xu Ran.
Emperor Han Feng... If Han Feng had properly cultivated with Yao Chen, perhaps he could have become an Eighth-grade Pharmacist. Han Feng's talent was high, and Yao Chen had given him medicinal baths from an early age, developing his body's potential to the fullest extent.
The biggest pity, Han Feng was proud and arrogant and was incited by Mu Gu Laoren to covet Yao Lao's Burning Decision, which led to Yao Lao's downfall.
However, the Burning Decision is feared to be suitable for only a person like Xiao Yan across the entire Continent. Those who have not suffered from heavy beatings since they were young dreaming of mastering it is pure folly. Only someone like Xiao Yan, who had rich experiences since childhood and a firm will, could have a chance at success.
"My Lord, if you help me, from now on, I, Han Feng, will be at your service, willing to follow your lead. I'm familiar with the Black Corner Region. With my assistance, it will be much easier for you to take over this region."
Han Feng knelt respectfully there, head bowed, not daring to look at Xu Ran.
Xu Ran exuded a terrifying aura, one of a superior.
He originally just wanted to ask Xu Ran for help, nothing more. Even if it meant paying a price, it wouldn't need to be this humiliating. But as soon as he entered the room, he completely lost control of his body.
He felt that Xu Ran was like a superior deity looking down on him, and if he dared show any disrespect, he would die.
The feeling that he was on the verge of death loomed over him, which was why he knelt down in fear.
Before, he had thought that Xu Ran was an expert on the same level as Elder Mu Gu Laoren.
But now, he vaguely felt that Xu Ran was even more terrifying than Elder Mu Gu Laoren!!!
Even in Zhongzhou, he had never seen anyone with such an overwhelming presence.
Merely that aura made it almost impossible for him to breathe.
Although Xu Ran hadn't done anything, there was an innate fear within him.
He understood that this was not simply his overthinking, but rather a normal reaction of his body upon encountering a true superior.
Since Xu Ran dared to kill people from the Soul Hall, he likely really wasn't afraid of the Soul Hall; with this thought, Han Feng felt that Xu Ran was unfathomable.
Even if it had nothing to do with the Soul Hall, he would find a way to seek refuge with Xu Ran.
Only by following someone powerful could he become stronger with ease, and he was well aware of this. He had grown rapidly in Zhongzhou, but upon arriving in the Black Corner Region, where the people around him weren't as strong, he had not been able to break through to become a Dou Zong Expert.
The stronger the company, the stronger he would become; the weaker the company, the weaker he would stay.
But even if he wanted to return to Zhongzhou now, it would be impossible; if the Wind Venerable and the others found out he had harmed Yao Chen, he would only have a death sentence waiting for him.
Therefore, cowering in the Black Corner Region wasn't his desire; it was merely forced by circumstances.
If he could follow Xu Ran, he might be able to return to Zhongzhou in the future.
"I don't lack underlings; what I need beside me is a dog. Are you willing to be my dog? If you are, then I'll help you," Xu Ran said indifferently.
Was Han Feng even worthy to be his subordinate?
Although he wasn't afraid of Han Feng stabbing him in the back, having someone cunning and with ulterior motives by his side would still be displeasing.
Being a servant, that would be more like it.
"You!"
Han Feng trembled with rage.
He had already demeaned himself enough, kneeling before Xu Ran.
In the past, even in front of Yao Chen, he had never knelt. He had shown Xu Ran enough respect and kindness, yet Xu Ran still humiliated him?
Was he not even fit to be a person, only fit to be a dog?
This was excessive bullying!
When had Han Feng ever been in such a sorry state?
"Lord, aren't you being too overbearing? Although I, Han Feng, am not as powerful as you, I am, after all, a renowned figure in the Black Corner Region. I came to the Black Corner Region just a few years ago and have already established a foothold, not to mention I am also a Sixth-Grade Alchemist..." Han Feng struggled to contain his anger.
If Xu Ran's strength wasn't so overwhelming, knowing well that he was no match for Xu Ran, he would have turned hostile long ago.
When had Han Feng ever been so demeaned?
Such humiliation, instead of earning favor, only resulted in such an insult.
This made him feel that he had suffered a great and shameful humiliation!