Chapter 550: Chapter 550: Gaining Insight Through Loss

Both of them possessed peerless talents and had undergone the baptism of the Secret Realm Origin, so the matter of their realm was unshackled, and once the energy was attained, it naturally followed.

The two of them broke through almost effortlessly, taking just one day.

Xiao Zhan and Ye Youlong opened their eyes at the same time.

Feeling the surging power within him, Xiao Zhan’s eyes couldn’t help but redden again, joy mingled with an uncontrollable hint of sadness.

If only he had made his breakthrough a few days earlier, he wouldn’t have had to run away and could have faced the Seven-Colored Giant Python alongside Ye Wudi.

Regrettably, there are no what-ifs in this world.

Looking at Ye Youlong in front of him, feeling the even closer connection between them, Xiao Zhan took Ye Youlong’s hand with eyes full of immense cherishment, “It’s only after losing that one truly understands, I really don’t want to experience this feeling of ‘only cherishing after losing’ ever again.”

Xiao Zhan had always cherished Ye Youlong, but reality still made him experience what loss truly felt like.

Losing something truly brings immense pain.

Xiao Zhan sincerely didn’t want to go through it again.

Xiao Zhan left the Contract Room with Ye Youlong.

Ye Youlong followed behind him, head bowed, but repeating Xiao Zhan’s words in his mind.

“It’s only after losing that one truly understands.”

Ye Youlong sighed deeply in his heart.

Could it really be that one only understands after losing something?

They arrived in the grand hall of the Xiao Family.

Su Mulan and others were all present.

Seeing Xiao Zhan and Ye Youlong forming a new Contract, Liu Xin was the first to be a bit surprised, “I didn’t expect you to choose the Life and Death Contract again, with such a good opportunity, I thought you’d consider it more carefully.”

Xiao Zhan said, “There’s nothing to consider, the feelings are real.”

When in love, don’t seek traces of unlove; when not in love, don’t seek traces of love, this is the same principle.

“Take a good rest, we will set off for the Western Holy Mountain in a few days,” Xiao Zhan added.

Then, they arrived at the defensive line of Northern City.

Ye Anu was in total command of the defense line, his face looking somewhat weary; in the absence of Ye Wudi, he had taken up all matters.

“How about taking a break?” Xiao Zhan walked up to him and asked with concern.

“It’s fine, today, with Hose’s help, it felt much better,” Ye Anu said lightly.

A touch of sorrow and stronger determination were evident in his expression, he seemed more mature than a few days ago.

Xiao Zhan knew, it was because of Ye Wudi.

A man’s maturity often comes in an instant.

“Did you find my uncle?”

Xiao Zhan didn’t say the word ‘corpse,’ because he didn’t want to shred this illusion; with no body found, there was at least still hope.

“Not yet.”

Ye Anu shook his head, his voice low, then said, “I’ve sent people to continuously search, but apart from the initial blood traces, nothing else was found, as if he vanished into thin air.”

He vanished into thin air.

Xiao Zhan’s expression also looked grim, his thoughts wandering to the large mouth of the Seven-Colored Giant Python.

If Ye Wudi really was dead, then it was highly probable he had been swallowed by the Seven-Colored Giant Python.

“Don’t lose heart, we will find him.”

Xiao Zhan patted Ye Anu’s shoulder, offering such lackluster comfort.

Then, he asked, “How is Ajian doing?”

Ye Anu replied, “Ajian’s issue has already been resolved, but he knows he made a mistake and has confined himself to his room for self-reflection these past few days.”

Ye Wudi died, and both Ye Anu and Ye Youlong were nearly killed by him. How could he not feel guilty?

Xiao Zhan sighed, actually, it wasn’t really Ye Ajian’s fault.

“Tell him not to be too hard on himself, it wasn’t what he wanted to happen. If there’s anyone to blame, it’s Long Hai.”

“I’ve already spoken to him, but with his stubborn mind, well, let him be,” Ye Anu said with a wave of his hand, showing he wasn’t in the mood to worry about Ye Ajian right now.

“You shouldn’t bother with him either. He doesn’t want to see anyone right now; just let him be, he’ll come out of this on his own,” Ye Anu added to Xiao Zhan.

Xiao Zhan had initially thought of intervening, but hearing this, he then discarded the idea.

“I’m planning to visit the Western Holy Mountain in a couple of days. It shouldn’t take long, and I should be back shortly. You might have to work a bit harder in my absence, but I’ll have Ghost Abacus and Li Teng support you.”

“Western Holy Mountain?” Ye Anu raised an eyebrow, “Is it about the Holy Snow Lotus?”

“Yes.”

Ye Anu lowered his head for two seconds, “You guys go ahead, there shouldn’t be any problems here during this time, don’t worry about this place.”

Xiao Zhan nodded, “Alright, if anything happens, let me know immediately, and I’ll rush back.”

After speaking, Xiao Zhan left with Ye Youlong.

As he left, Xiao Zhan instructed Hose and others to properly maintain the defenses. He also told Ghost Abacus not to skimp on money, to use the best materials for building the defenses.

And to arrange for the most advanced weapons as well.

Xiao Zhan had a premonition that the Demon Beast tide would attack again.

And the next attack would be the time for a decisive battle between life and death.

Several days passed.

The injuries of Xiao Zhan and his companions had fully healed.

They then boarded a plane, heading towards the Western Holy Mountain.

On the way, Qin Wanfeng unexpectedly called, “Are you going to the Western Holy Mountain?”

“How did you know?”

“There isn’t anything I don’t know about,” Qin Wanfeng said with a tone of pride, but quickly changed the subject, “But with you, our strongest force, gone, the situation in Northern City…”

The news of Ye Wudi’s sacrifice was already known to the Federation’s higher-ups.

They were very regretful.

They also allocated a large amount of funds and resources for Northern City to strengthen its defense.

The loss of a Seventh Grade was too great. To compensate for the impact of this loss in combat power, they had to increase resource allocation.

“Don’t worry about Northern City for now, and this trip will be swift and decisive,” said Xiao Zhan.

“It seems you are quite confident about obtaining the Holy Snow Lotus.”

“Have you ever seen me fail?” Xiao Zhan retorted.

“That’s true.”

Qin Wanfeng paused for two seconds and then added, “I’ve sent you all the details I have. The Special Service Bureau will not participate this time; it’s up to you how you play it. Be careful, there’ll also be many people from foreign forces this time.”

“Thanks.”

Xiao Zhan nodded and then casually forwarded the information to everyone on the trip.

“Alright, if there’s nothing else, I have other matters to deal with and won’t keep you,” said Qin Wanfeng.

Before Xiao Zhan could speak, Qin Wanfeng had already hung up the communication.

Xiao Zhan frowned, this was the first time he had seen Qin Wanfeng so rushed.

But considering that Qin Wanfeng couldn’t even get involved with something as critical as the Western Holy Mountain, it was clear he was swamped with more critical issues.