Chapter 35: The Battle is About to Begin
Xiao Realm, Tiance Mansion.
"Sigh, so be it!"
Xiao Chun's resigned sigh echoed through the room, filled with helplessness. How could he not understand the current plight of the Xiao Clan?
Even though the relationships within the clan weren't always harmonious, they were still one family, bound by blood. To do nothing while watching them face their doom weighed heavily on his heart.
Across from him, Xiao Tiance poured a cup of tea and offered a comforting smile. "Second Uncle, don't lose heart just yet. There might still be a turning point. Our preparations in the near future will determine what options we have."
Hearing this, Xiao Chun's eyes lit up with hope. He quickly leaned forward and asked, "Really? There's still a chance?"
"Second Uncle, please don't get too excited. While a turning point is possible, it's better not to pin all your hopes on it. Otherwise, if things don't work out, the disappointment will be unbearable.
After the Clan Leader extracts the Dou Di bloodline from our clansmen, their strength will no longer suffice to resist the entire Soul Clan.
Before we have absolute certainty, I won't risk a head on confrontation. At best, I'll do everything I can to save as many people as possible during the upcoming clash."
Xiao Tiance gestured for his uncle to remain calm, tempering expectations to avoid greater heartbreak. He had already devised a plan to preserve as much of the clan's strength as possible.
"If we can save more people, that's all we can ask for. Tiance, I know my request might make things difficult for you.
But if there's even the slightest chance, please save as many clansmen as you can.
Even those who lose the Dou Di bloodline are still exceptionally talented. The future revival of the Xiao Clan will depend on everyone's efforts," Xiao Chun said earnestly, standing to bow deeply to Xiao Tiance not as an uncle to his nephew, but as a subject showing respect to the clan's leader.
"Second Uncle, please don't do this."
Xiao Tiance quickly stood and helped his uncle up. "I understand your concerns. I also want to preserve the Xiao Clan.
But the turning point doesn't rest with me. To attain the strength of a Nine Star Dou Sheng, I'd need at least two more years. Time is simply not on our side."
"Not with you?"
Xiao Chun furrowed his brows in confusion before realization dawned. "You mean… the Clan Leader?"
"Exactly. The turning point lies with him. Though I'm almost certain he'll fail, his desire for the Dou Di realm surpasses everything else.
If there's any chance of a turnaround, it depends on his condition after his attempt.
If he's in good shape and can hold off Hun Tiandi, we might have an opportunity to catch the Soul Clan off guard and deliver a devastating blow.
Currently, the Soul Clan has only one Nine Star Dou Sheng, Hun Tiandi, along with two Eight Star Dou Shengs and about six Seven Star Dou Shengs. They're formidable, but not invincible.
If the Clan Leader can stall Hun Tiandi, even if the entire Soul Clan attacks Xiao Realm, I'm confident I can ensure they don't leave unscathed.
However, if he fails to hold off Hun Tiandi, my current capabilities won't suffice to inflict significant damage. In that case, I'll have to focus on covert operations to rescue as many clansmen as possible."
As Xiao Tiance explained, Xiao Chun nodded solemnly, grasping the implications of his plan. He also sensed that Xiao Tiance's strength must have reached an extraordinary level if he could speak so boldly about confronting the Soul Clan.
"Tiance, does that mean your current strength has reached the Eight Star Dou Sheng level?" Xiao Chun asked, his eyes gleaming with hope.
"You're sharp, Second Uncle. While my apparent strength is at the late Seven Star Dou Sheng level, my true combat power rivals an Eight Star Dou Sheng at its peak.
Against a Nine Star Dou Sheng, I could hold my own, but only through clever strategies. I can ensure my safety, but outright victory is beyond me.
That's why I won't expose my true strength prematurely. For now, I'll work in the shadows," Xiao Tiance admitted with a wry smile.
Though his forces included himself, Xiao Qing, and the Sky Demon Puppet gifted by Huang Jiuji two Eight Star Dou Sheng level entities and one Seven Star Dou Sheng he remained cautious.
Hun Tiandi was a decisive leader, capable of risking everything. If pushed too far, the Soul Clan might retaliate with devastating force. A single misstep could lead to catastrophic failure.
"Tiance, if you can save them, save them. If not, focus on preserving yourself and our branch.
I don't want you risking your life for others," Xiao Chun said after a moment of contemplation.
"Don't worry, Second Uncle. I'll be careful and act within reason. For now, we'll prepare for both scenarios and hope for a turning point."
"Good. I doubt I can contribute much to the larger plan, but if you need me, this old body can still move," Xiao Chun said with a fond smile, his love for Xiao Tiance evident.
After their conversation, Xiao Chun left to address other matters, while Xiao Tiance returned to his secluded training.
He continued studying spirit arrays, aiming to master the remaining Eight Rank Spirit Arrays and shorten the time needed to reach the Ninth Rank.
Time was of the essence, and he couldn't afford to waste a single moment.
"Survival of the fittest… the law of the jungle remains eternal," Xiao Tiance murmured before entering deep meditation.
Three months passed in a flash.
One day, while studying the ninth Eight Rank Spirit Array in his secluded space, Xiao Tiance sensed spatial fluctuations. He opened his eyes to find Xiao Xuan stepping out of the void.
"Xuan ge, have you completed the Dou Di bloodline extraction for the other five branches?"
"Yes, it's done. Now, let's have a battle!"
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance slowly stood, walked to the window to take in the scenery one last time, and muttered, "It's a shame about this Tiance Mansion…"
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