Chapter 39: Baptism of Blood and Fire
"Tallying over a hundred Dou Sheng experts in total, if the Soul Clan truly deploys their entire force, it will be devastating for the Xiao Clan."
Tianmu Mountain Range, Tianwaitian, Tiance Mansion.
Hearing Xiao Qing's report, Xiao Tiance knew it was accurate. This was why he had resolved to remain hidden until he had absolute confidence.
Looking at Xiao Qing's worried face, Xiao Tiance raised a hand to reassure him.
"Qing'er, there's no need to worry. I was already aware of these matters.
The Soul Clan, as one of the Ancient Eight Clans, naturally has such deep foundations. If they were so easy to deal with, we wouldn't have relocated to Tianmu Mountain.
Moreover, our Xiao Clan also boasts numerous Dou Sheng experts comparable in number to the Soul Clan. Unfortunately, due to the clan leader's decision to extract the Dou Di bloodline, the strength of our clan has drastically diminished. Otherwise, how would the Soul Clan pose any threat, even with their full might?"
Xiao Qing nodded, pondering for a moment before speaking:
"Third Uncle, you're absolutely right. But the current balance has shifted. Once the clan leader fails in his attempt to reach the Dou Di realm, the Xiao Clan alone won't be able to withstand the Soul Clan's onslaught.
If war breaks out, the Xiao Clan could collapse under the first assault. Shouldn't we do something, Third Uncle?"
Seeing Xiao Qing standing respectfully, Xiao Tiance gestured for him to sit.
"Sit and let's talk."
Once Xiao Qing was seated, Xiao Tiance continued,
"The situation is clear: there's a disparity in power. But tell me, Qing'er, should we remain spectators or intervene? What do you think?"
Xiao Tiance wanted to groom Xiao Qing as the Xiao Clan's next leader. This question was both a test and an opportunity to refine his judgment.
After a moment of deep thought, Xiao Qing looked at Xiao Tiance and said solemnly:
"Third Uncle, in Qing'er's opinion, we cannot simply stand by. No matter what, they are still our clan. To do nothing while they face destruction would leave me with unbearable guilt."
Xiao Tiance nodded but didn't express approval or disapproval.
"I understand your perspective. Now tell me, if we intervene, how should we go about it?"
Xiao Qing respectfully bowed before responding:
"Third Uncle, if the Soul Clan is deploying their entire force, they are undoubtedly determined to annihilate the Xiao Clan. If they succeed, the Soul Clan will become even more unrestrained in the future.
However, the clan leader's strength remains formidable. Even if he fails to ascend to the Dou Di realm, the Soul Emperor and the Eight Star Dou Shengs won't likely engage directly with the clan.
As long as the clan leader is alive, the Soul Emperor will prioritize containing him over attacking the rest of the Xiao Clan. He won't risk inciting the wrath of a vengeful Xiao Xuan.
Therefore, Qing'er believes that while the Soul Emperor's focus will be on the clan leader, the remaining Soul Clan forces may target the Xiao Clan. In such a scenario, we could assist in saving as many clansmen as possible to bolster the Xiao Clan's future strength."
Xiao Tiance listened intently, nodding occasionally. Once Xiao Qing finished, Xiao Tiance smiled approvingly.
"You've grown, Qing'er. Your reasoning is sound. The Soul Emperor will indeed focus on the clan leader before turning his attention to the rest of the clan. However, this does not guarantee the safety of our clansmen.
If I were the Soul Emperor, I'd divide my forces: one group to contain the clan leader and another to annihilate the Xiao Clan. Even if the clan leader survives and seeks revenge, the Soul Clan's goal of destroying the Xiao Clan would already be achieved."
His tone turned cold, and he asked Xiao Qing,
"If the Soul Emperor splits his forces, how should we respond?"
Xiao Qing was momentarily taken aback. He hadn't considered this angle. After a moment's silence, he replied:
"Third Uncle is right. If the Soul Emperor adopts a dual strategy, the Xiao Clan will be in grave danger."
Lost in thought, Xiao Qing furrowed his brows. Xiao Tiance waited patiently, giving him time to reflect. After about ten minutes, Xiao Qing spoke again:
"Third Uncle, in that case, I believe we should focus on rescuing the clansmen rather than intervening in the clan leader's battle.
You and I together could save a significant number of people, which would strengthen our clan's foundation for the future."
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly but shook his head.
"If that's the case, why not relocate the clansmen now? Let the Soul Clan attack an empty domain, preserving the Xiao Clan's full strength. Wouldn't that be even better?"
Xiao Qing's confusion was evident. Xiao Tiance elaborated:
"Qing'er, our situation boils down to two critical issues.
First, after enjoying tens of thousands of years of glory, many clansmen have become arrogant and unyielding. They believe that the clan leader's success will restore their strength, allowing them to dominate once more.
This arrogance blinds them to reason. Both the clan leader and I have observed this. Without bloodshed, they won't change their ways.
Second, our distance from the Xiao Realm and the clan leader's cooperation in faking my death are strategic. If the clan leader fails, we lack the immediate strength to confront the Soul Emperor. Exposure would mean certain death and the destruction of the Xiao Clan's final hope."
His voice grew cold, and a trace of killing intent flickered in his eyes.
"It's not that the clan leader and I are heartless. The Xiao Clan must endure a trial by fire to rise again.
'Breaking leads to rebuilding; destruction leads to rebirth.' Only by confronting harsh truths will the clan embrace change. While cruel, this is the reality of the Dou Qi Continent: the strong thrive, and the weak perish."
Xiao Qing fell silent. This was his first time hearing such a perspective, and it shook him deeply.
After a long pause, he looked up at Xiao Tiance with newfound resolve.
"Then, Uncle, are you saying we should intervene only after the clansmen's illusions of hope are shattered?"
"Exactly. True change requires sacrifice. This will be their baptism of blood and fire.
But when we act, it must be in the shadows. The Soul Clan must never discover it was us."
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