Chapter 41: Huang Jiuji's Astonishment and the Birth of the Azure Lotus Venerable
Tianwaitian, White Jade Pavilion.
Hearing Xiao Tiance's remarks, everyone felt a rush of excitement. None of them were fools they all realized the immense benefits this White Jade Pavilion could bring to the Xiao Clan.
"Tiance, what exactly is this so called Spirit Gathering Array? I've lived for so many years and have never seen anything like it!" Xiao Chun asked joyfully, his curiosity evident.
The others turned their attention toward Xiao Tiance, eager to learn more. Even if they couldn't replicate it themselves, gaining insight would surely be valuable.
"The Spirit Gathering Array is a type of spiritual array. I was fortunate to learn about it by chance. However, on Dou Qi Continent, becoming a spiritual array master is incredibly difficult. Just gathering the necessary materials to set up the array can make most people give up.
In the future, if we have the opportunity, I'll select some talented clan members to study this craft. For now, though, you can simply experience the benefits brought by this Spirit Gathering Array," Xiao Tiance explained with a smile.
As he spoke, Xiao Tiance thought about the difficulties involved. The crafting of the token that converts Dou Qi into spiritual energy had drained a significant portion of his resources. Even now, with careful calculations, he could only create two more tokens at most.
In the worst case scenario, Xiao Tiance might remain the only spiritual array master on the Dou Qi Continent for the foreseeable future.
The others didn't dwell on the limitations, as they were too captivated by the dense Dou Qi within the White Jade Pavilion. If not for the presence of Xiao Tiance and the other clan leaders, some of them might have immediately begun cultivating. The environment's benefits were far too tempting to ignore.
Xiao Chun broke the silence with a serious proposal:
"Tiance, the White Jade Pavilion is an incredible resource for cultivation, but I suggest we impose strict regulations. Only those who contribute significantly to the clan should be allowed to train here, and their time inside should be limited.
Otherwise, once everyone learns about the Pavilion's benefits, they'll never want to leave. I've also estimated that while the White Jade Pavilion has twelve floors, it can only accommodate five Dou Sheng level cultivators at a time. For Dou Zun and below, the number will increase, but not by much."
"Second Elder is right. Please set the rules, Patriarch!" the crowd echoed unanimously.
Even Xiao Qing and Xiao Tianming nodded in agreement.
Xiao Tiance smiled at their collective enthusiasm.
"Since Second Uncle brought up the idea, I'll leave it to him to draft the regulations. Once the rules are ready, we'll vote on them majority rules. Afterward, we'll enforce them strictly.
Additionally, the White Jade Pavilion requires a Dou Sheng level guardian to maintain order. Second Uncle, while drafting the rules, please include a rotation schedule for these guardians. Guardians will be allowed unrestricted access to the Pavilion during their year long tenure, after which the position will rotate."
Xiao Chun nodded, noting everything down carefully. "Rest assured, Patriarch, I'll see to it that everything is arranged properly."
"Good. Thank you, Second Uncle."
Looking at the eager faces around him, Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Today marks the Spirit Gathering Array's first day in operation. Consider it a treat train as you please. When you've reached your limit, leave on your own.
Oh, and while the Pavilion itself is highly beneficial, the surrounding area also has improved conditions. Arrange some spots and let the younger generation compete for access based on merit."
"Yes, Patriarch!"
With everything settled, Xiao Tiance's figure flickered and vanished. Moments later, he reappeared in the Tiance Mansion.
As he arrived, Huang Jiuji's soul form floated over in a hurry.
"Grand Elder."
"Tiance, I sensed a sudden change in the Dou Qi of the surrounding environment. Did you do something?" Huang Jiuji asked with a smile.
Despite being in his soul form, Huang Jiuji's sensitivity as an advanced eight star Dou Sheng remained unparalleled.
"I just activated a Spirit Gathering Array in the northeastern corner, at the White Jade Pavilion. It converts the wild Dou Qi in the air into a refined form, making it suitable for direct absorption during cultivation. The change you sensed likely came from the array's activation," Xiao Tiance replied with a polite bow.
"Did you say... a Spirit Gathering Array that allows direct absorption? Are you joking, Tiance?" Huang Jiuji's expression was one of shock and disbelief.
"Not at all. If you don't believe me, Grand Elder, feel free to visit the White Jade Pavilion. The array has already started condensing Dou Qi into liquid form," Xiao Tiance said with a calm smile.
Hearing this, Huang Jiuji's soul flickered with excitement.
"If that's true, Tiance, you may have solved a longstanding issue! Let me see for myself."
Without waiting, Huang Jiuji's soul quickly departed, leaving Xiao Tiance shaking his head with a wry smile.
Suddenly, Xiao Tiance's gaze shifted to the verdant Azure Lotus not far away. Feeling the energy radiating from the Green Lotus Core Flame, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Duming, so your decade long cultivation has finally ended. It's about time."
From the lotus emerged a spirit resembling a five or six year old child. The Green Lotus Core Flame spirit greeted him in a soft, childish voice.
"Greetings, Master!"
"Come here. It seems your cultivation has borne significant results," Xiao Tiance said, gesturing with a smile.
The spirit of the Green Lotus Core Flame Xiao Duming had grown considerably, reaching a level comparable to a peak Dou Zun. One more step, and it would ascend to the Dou Sheng realm.
"Master, my progress is all thanks to you. Without the powerful beast flames you gathered for me, it would have taken centuries to achieve this level!" Xiao Duming said with a grin.
"You've done well. Unfortunately, you can only grow stronger by absorbing flames, not through traditional cultivation methods. Otherwise, I'd have a perfect place for your training.
Still, with your current strength and Tianwaitian's protection, you're in no danger. Now that you're a peak Dou Zun, you'll hold a respected position in the clan. It's time you chose a proper title," Xiao Tiance said, gently patting the spirit's head.
Xiao Duming tilted his head, deep in thought, before finally looking up at Xiao Tiance with pleading eyes.
"Master, will you choose a title for me?"
"Very well. Since you're the spirit of the Green Lotus Core Flame, you'll take the name 'Azure Lotus.' For now, you'll be called Azure Lotus Venerable. When you become a Dou Sheng, we'll call you Azure Lotus Saint instead," Xiao Tiance decided after some thought.
"Thank you, Master! From now on, I am Azure Lotus Venerable!" the childlike spirit exclaimed, smiling brightly.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon. Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1