Chapter 38: The Soul Clan's Unfathomable Strength
Tianmu Mountain Range, Tianwaitian.
Three days after returning to Tianwaitian, the previously desolate secret realm grew lively once again.
Tiance Mansion, Ninth Floor.
Huang Jiuji sat across from Xiao Tiance, listening to his account of recent events. He clapped in admiration and praised:
"Not bad, not bad. Your plan is simple but comprehensive, addressing all angles. The most brilliant part is the switching of life tablets. Even if the other ancient clans harbor doubts, the shattered life tablets will erase their suspicions entirely."
Xiao Tiance let out a sigh, followed by a bitter smile.
"Senior, it was our only option. Without such measures, we couldn't have faked our deaths and escaped. If I had already broken through to the Nine Star Dou Sheng realm, the Soul Clan wouldn't be a threat, and there'd be no need to resort to such methods."
Huang Jiuji shook his head with a smile.
"Didn't you once say, 'As long as the green hills remain, there's no fear of running out of firewood'? A temporary retreat is nothing. Now that you've shifted from the open to the shadows, the initiative is in your hands. A little humiliation is a small price to pay.
But it's a pity. If your clan leader's obsession weren't so deep, with both you and him around, the Xiao Clan would undoubtedly remain the most powerful force on the Dou Qi Continent. Such a pity, Xiao Xuan truly is a remarkable individual."
The repeated mentions of "pity" brought a somber expression to Huang Jiuji's face. Xiao Tiance knew he was recalling the tragic state of the Tianhuang Clan.
After a moment's thought, Xiao Tiance chose not to console him, instead sighing:
"Indeed. Xiao Xuan knows very well that without Source Qi, breaking through to the Dou Di realm is impossible, yet he persists. His determination is both admirable and heartbreaking."
"What's done is done. Dwelling on it changes nothing. A strong willed person like Xiao Xuan will stick to his path, even knowing it leads to failure. It's all a matter of fate.
But according to your timeline, you'll master the Nine Tier Spirit Array within two years. When that happens, will you choose to stay in hiding?" Huang Jiuji asked softly.
To him, Xiao Tiance had already done everything he could. It was time to focus on the future rather than dwelling on what was inevitable.
Xiao Tiance remained silent for a moment before looking up and shaking his head.
"I'll wait until this matter concludes. But I'll likely have to step out of the shadows eventually. The exact timing will depend on when my identity is exposed.
After all this, I'll focus on mastering the Nine Tier Spirit Array. Then, I plan to visit the Yao Clan personally and request their clan leader's assistance in refining a Nine Tier Golden Pill to help your two descendants emerge.
By that time, even if my identity is revealed, it won't matter. As a Nine Tier Spirit Array Master, I'll have nothing to fear even when facing the entire Soul Clan alone."
Hearing this, Huang Jiuji's eyes sparkled with joy. Though he'd hoped Xiao Tiance would agree to his conditions, he hadn't expected the latter to act so swiftly. He had assumed the process would take centuries, but Xiao Tiance's decision to involve the Yao Clan changed everything.
"Words cannot express my gratitude. I will remember this kindness forever," Huang Jiuji said with a smile.
"Senior, you jest. Now that you're the Xiao Clan's Supreme Elder, fulfilling your request is only right.
It's a shame that reaching the Nine Tier Alchemy Master level isn't easy. Rather than making you wait centuries, it's better to enlist the Yao Clan's help. With their clan leader's alchemical prowess, crafting a Nine Tier Golden Pill should be no trouble at all," Xiao Tiance replied with a grin.
"Haha, then I eagerly await that day. If my descendants can be brought back, I'll have no regrets in this life," Huang Jiuji laughed heartily, his eyes filled with hope.
"That day will come," Xiao Tiance said with certainty. Once he became a Nine Tier Spirit Array Master, even the Yao Clan couldn't refuse him. Obtaining the pill and aiding the Tianhuang Clan's descendants would finally free him from this debt of gratitude.
As they spoke, Xiao Qing entered the room quickly.
"Third Uncle, Master, I've returned."
Xiao Qing respectfully saluted the two elders. Despite remaining at the Seven Star Dou Sheng peak for years, his Dou Qi had grown solid and refined. Had Xiao Tiance not ordered him to suppress his cultivation, he would have already advanced to the Eight Star Dou Sheng stage.
"Speak. Have the other seven clans received the news?" Xiao Tiance asked with a faint smile.
"Yes, Third Uncle. The other clans have received the news. However, apart from the Soul Clan, the others haven't shown any reaction," Xiao Qing reported dutifully.
"That's expected," Xiao Tiance replied with a chuckle.
"Although the ancient eight clans share the same rank, their situations differ greatly.
The Xiao, Gu, and Soul Clans have always been the most powerful, while the Yan, Lei, Yao, Shi, and Ling Clans' strongest individuals are merely Eight Star Dou Shengs. Even if the Xiao Clan faces annihilation, the other five wouldn't dare act rashly.
As for the Gu Clan, Gu Yuan is a peace loving man. As long as no one invades his territory, he'll remain neutral.
The Soul Clan's response, however, is entirely expected. If Hun Tiandi intends to destroy the Xiao Clan, he'll surely mobilize his full force. And why wouldn't he? The Xiao Clan and the Soul Clan are mortal enemies. With Xiao Xuan inactive, the Soul Clan feels invincible."
Huang Jiuji nodded in agreement before interjecting:
"Thousands of years ago, I heard about your Xiao and Soul Clans' conflicts. It seems nothing has changed even after all this time."
Xiao Tiance smiled.
"You're right, Senior. But things have calmed considerably in recent centuries. Both sides established rules prohibiting high level Dou Shengs from participating in battles, so the conflicts have become less severe."
"True. Over time, both sides learned restraint. Well, I'll take my leave for now. You and Qing can continue your discussion," Huang Jiuji said, excusing himself with a smile.
Once he left, Xiao Qing continued, "Third Uncle, I captured a Soul Clan member recently and learned about their forces. The Soul Clan currently has four Eight Star Dou Shengs, plus Void Devouring Flame, making five. Including their other Dou Shengs, they have over a hundred.
If they fully mobilize, it's hard to imagine the Xiao Clan surviving such overwhelming power."
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