Chapter 34: The Soul Hall Nothing More Than an Ant to Be Crushed
Xiao Realm, Tiance Mansion.
After Xiao Xuan left, Xiao Tiance sat alone by the window, sipping tea. His gaze fell upon the training grounds in the distance, where the young members of the Xiao Clan were gritting their teeth and diligently practicing Dou Techniques, sparring against each other.
This scene brought back memories of his own childhood or at least the inherited memories of the original Xiao Tiance.
It had been over a decade since his transmigration. Though he hadn't personally experienced those days, he had fully inherited the memories of his predecessor. After so many years, he found it increasingly difficult to recall what his original world was like.
"Sigh… was I a butterfly dreaming I was Zhou, or Zhou dreaming I was a butterfly?"
The blending of his two lives was becoming harder to distinguish. Was he Xiao Tiance who had traveled to Earth and returned, or the soul from Earth who had replaced Xiao Tiance here? In the end, it didn't matter both were him.
As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Xiao Chun walked into the room.
"Tiance!"
"Second Uncle, you're here. Come, sit."
Xiao Tiance poured Xiao Chun a cup of tea and smiled. "I thought you'd come looking for me as soon as I returned."
"Haha, I was going to, but then I sensed the Clan Leader's presence. I figured the two of you would have important matters to discuss, so I waited until you were done," Xiao Chun replied with a chuckle.
"I see. How are things in the clan lately?" Xiao Tiance asked, nodding.
"Nothing much has happened recently. By the way, why didn't Tianming return with you this time? That boy must be off having too much fun somewhere, isn't he?" Xiao Chun joked, clearly missing his son.
Xiao Tiance immediately understood what Xiao Chun was trying to convey and laughed. "Second Uncle, don't worry about Tianming. I sent him to the northwest."
"The northwest? If I remember correctly, there's not much of interest there," Xiao Chun said, puzzled.
Years ago, when he was younger, Xiao Chun had visited the northwest. Finding no noteworthy experts or exciting events, he had returned to the central region quickly. He couldn't fathom why Xiao Tiance would send a Dou Sheng level powerhouse there.
"Tianming mentioned that he felt a certain tranquility in that land. After returning from his first visit, he decided to go back. But rest assured, Second Uncle, he's safe. There's no need to worry," Xiao Tiance explained.
He recalled how Tianming had behaved differently after his initial trip to the northwest. Though the reasons weren't entirely clear to him, Xiao Tiance had been too preoccupied with studying Spirit Arrays to look into it further.
Hearing this, Xiao Chun laughed and shook his head. "I'm not worried about his safety. A Dou Sheng level fighter like him has nothing to fear in the northwest. It's just that his mother misses him. She's been pestering me to ask about him."
"That's understandable. But it won't be long now, Second Uncle. The Clan Leader will attempt to break through to the Dou Di realm in a year, and the collection of Dou Di bloodlines will be completed within three months.
Once our plan is in motion, our branch of the clan will relocate to Tianwaitian. When we're settled, we can send a message to Tianming and have him visit," Xiao Tiance replied with a smile.
"So soon?" Xiao Chun was taken aback. He had thought they had at least a year left, not expecting the timeline to be accelerated.
"Yes. After discussing with the Clan Leader today, it's clear the situation is becoming urgent. If the Clan Leader fails his breakthrough, the Soul Clan will likely strike immediately.
Moreover, recent intelligence from Tianji Tower and Tianluo Dinet suggests that the Soul Hall has been increasingly active, possibly preparing for something significant.
Based on the analysis, the Soul Hall will likely assist the Soul Clan in besieging the Xiao Clan," Xiao Tiance explained, his voice heavy with concern.
"The Soul Hall? That Soul Clan supported faction?" Xiao Chun asked coldly, a murderous glint in his eyes.
Xiao Tiance quickly raised a hand to calm him. "Second Uncle, don't be angry.
The Soul Hall may have a significant reputation in Zhongzhou, but to the Xiao Clan, they're no more than ants we could crush at any moment.
Even if the Soul Hall participates, they'll only be playing a supporting role. The real threat is the Soul Clan itself.
However, our current situation is precarious. Once we lose the Dou Di bloodline, the strength of our clan members will decline sharply, leaving us at a severe disadvantage against the Soul Clan's forces."
Xiao Tiance sighed heavily. The reality was harsh, and without Xiao Xuan, the Xiao Clan's chances of defeating the Soul Clan seemed slim.
"Today, the Clan Leader also mentioned that our clan's pride prevents us from seeking help from the Gu Clan. Without their support, preserving the entire clan is unrealistic.
In light of this, we can only focus on safeguarding our branch for now.
Second Uncle, in a few days, the other branches will send some of their most promising younger members to us. Please take good care of them," Xiao Tiance said earnestly.
After a brief moment of thought, Xiao Chun nodded. "Rest assured, Tiance. I'll make the necessary arrangements.
Still, isn't there truly no way to save the entire clan? Preserving everyone would be a tremendous boon to our future development."
Xiao Tiance understood his uncle's sentiment. The Xiao Clan had dozens of Dou Shengs and hundreds of Dou Zuns an unparalleled force.
But even with such strength, it wasn't enough to guarantee victory against the Soul Clan.
"Second Uncle, for now, we must proceed cautiously. Many clan members are too proud to accept help, even if it's for their survival.
Perhaps enduring hardship will help them grow. After a year, we can reassess the situation and provide aid if possible," Xiao Tiance replied.
Xiao Chun's face darkened, knowing full well the arrogance that ran deep in the Xiao Clan.
"Sigh… so be it," Xiao Chun murmured.
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