Xiao Sanxiao was a legendary figure in the Storm Riders world, considered the strongest person of the current era. Unlike Deva Path Tian, whose long lifespan didn't necessarily equate to great power, Xiao Sanxiao was different. For one, he had consumed the untainted blood of the Black Tortoise, which was far superior to the processed Phoenix Blood consumed by Deva Path Tian. This fact alone indicated that Xiao Sanxiao was far stronger than Deva Path Tian.
Moreover, Xiao Sanxiao's martial arts talent was leagues ahead of Deva Path Tian's. However, unlike Deva Path Tian, who constantly stirred up trouble, Xiao Sanxiao had quietly observed the world from the shadows. Even though Deva Path Tian's Heavenly Gate was a powerful force, they were completely unaware of Xiao Sanxiao's existence.
Back when Deva Path Tian fought Martial Invincible, one of the Ten Most Powerful Warriors, someone had been secretly observing the battle—none other than Xiao Sanxiao himself.
Legend has it that Xiao Sanxiao was also the twelfth and final member of the Twelve Fearful Figures, the most mysterious of them all.
Although Xiao Sanxiao currently lived in seclusion and rarely interfered with worldly affairs, in the past, he had occasionally indulged in his own mischief—though his actions were far less excessive than Deva Path Tian's. There was even a story of him fulfilling the wishes of others, albeit in a twisted way.
For instance, a martial artist once rose to the position of Martial Alliance Leader and, hungry for more power, sought to become the Martial Supreme. He approached Xiao Sanxiao and wished for this ambition to be fulfilled. The next day, he found himself dressed in dragon robes, seated on the imperial throne—only to be executed by palace guards moments later. Xiao Sanxiao's sense of humor was undeniably dark. In normal circumstances, becoming the Martial Supreme wasn't just about sitting on a throne—it required wielding actual authority. Sitting on a throne in dragon robes was easy; many could do it if they weren't afraid of dying.
There's an old saying: "If you're willing to risk everything, you can even pull the emperor off his horse." It's a fitting sentiment, but most people, when faced with such choices, don't act rationally. For example, Duan Lang and the Twelve Calamities of Tianchi endlessly schemed to become the leaders of the World Society, as if simply sitting in Xiong Ba's position would grant them his dominance. They never considered whether their martial prowess was sufficient for the role.
Greed clouds judgment—a truth that remains eternal.
Daniel Davis, masquerading as Deva Path Tian, naturally couldn't escape Xiao Sanxiao's scrutiny. His decisive handling of Absolute No God particularly caught Xiao Sanxiao's attention. By all rights, Deva Path Tian shouldn't have intervened in such matters.
Despite the differences in behavior, Xiao Sanxiao didn't immediately seek out "Deva Path Tian." After all, throughout the years, Xu Fu (Deva Path Tian) had taken on countless personas, both righteous and villainous. This sudden act of intervention could easily be attributed to another of Xu Fu's inexplicable whims.
Unbeknownst to Daniel, Xiao Sanxiao had taken notice of him. Xiao Sanxiao's ability to remain hidden surpassed even Daniel's observational prowess. Using Observation Haki, Daniel scanned his surroundings and detected no unusual activity, allowing him to dismiss any concerns about Xiao Sanxiao. After all, Xiao Sanxiao wasn't his enemy.
"Not a bad haul. No wonder so many people lust after power."
Returning from Eastern Island, Daniel was thoroughly satisfied with his spoils. Among the treasures he had seized from the Eastern Island Emperor were numerous rare herbs—priceless items that had been hoarded by the royal family for generations. With these resources, Daniel could cultivate even more powerful warriors.
"Luo Xian is worth nurturing. Under her leadership, Luo City has been flourishing."
Before retreating to the Heavenly Gate for another bout of closed-door cultivation, Daniel visited Luo City. He passed on to Luo Xian a portion of the Holy Heart Technique, along with a few Blood Bodhi fruits and other power-enhancing medicines.
The Holy Heart Technique that Deva Path Tian had taught Luo Xian was incomplete, consisting of only a small portion of the original. Daniel similarly refrained from sharing the entire technique.
This wasn't out of excessive caution—after all, even the most potent martial arts required the right person to practice them. For example, although both Qin Shuang and Wind-Cloud practiced the Black Tortoise Divine Skill, their proficiency levels differed vastly. Daniel's main reason for withholding the full Holy Heart Technique was its reliance on Phoenix Blood. While Daniel was generous, he wasn't about to share his Phoenix Blood with Luo Xian.
Even with her current level of mastery, Luo Xian was already quite formidable. Certain techniques within the Holy Heart Technique, such as the Four Calamities of the Holy Heart (including techniques like the Eye Shock Calamity), were unsuitable for her and could do more harm than good. Luo Xian lacked the mental strength that Deva Path Tian had developed over two millennia.
"Come to think of it, the Holy Heart Technique would be perfect for Esdeath and other women like her."
The Holy Heart Technique, with its ice-based nature, would complement Esdeath's Ice Teigu perfectly, further enhancing her control over ice. Additionally, the technique's benefits in preserving youth, beauty, and healing injuries were highly desirable.
In comparison, chakra cultivation methods were less appealing. Unless Daniel managed to replicate the Divine Tree's fruit, chakra lacked a clear path for progression. By contrast, the qi cultivation in this world offered the possibility of achieving the Immortal Ascension Realm, even if it was exceedingly difficult.
Of course, considering Esdeath's differences from himself, Daniel didn't intend to overload her with too many cultivation systems.
"It's time to leave. The next time I return, it'll be to slay dragons."
After organizing his gains from the Storm Riders world, Daniel handed over control of the Heavenly Gate to Luo Xian under the pretense of entering a death-seclusion. His earlier efforts to strengthen Luo Xian were intended to prepare her for this responsibility.
As for the martial world, although Daniel had resolved many issues, chaos remained the norm. Only the core region of the World Society showed slight improvement.
Meanwhile, Nie Feng was still caught between Second Dream and You Ruo, while Bu Jingyun's relationship with Chu Chu and Jian Chen appeared to have improved. This was likely because Jian Chen had betrayed his master, Nameless, for Chu Chu's sake. Though Jian Chen's actions were a grave betrayal of Nameless, they deeply moved Chu Chu, giving Jian Chen a glimmer of hope for their future.
"They've all gone to Sky Island."
Returning to the world of One Piece, Daniel discovered that his companions were absent from their secret base. They had left a message indicating they had gone to explore Sky Island.
Sky Island was a magical place in the One Piece world, particularly appealing to adventurers like Ida and archaeologists like Robin.
Exploring the entirety of Sky Island was normally challenging. While the island's White Sea and White-White Sea connected various locations, some islands were inaccessible by boat. However, with the Quinjet at their disposal, transportation was no issue for Daniel's group.
Thus, the entire group had gone to Sky Island together. Initially, only Ida and Robin had intended to go, but when the others realized they had no pressing matters, they decided to join.
Upon reaching Sky Island, Chelsea and the others, captivated by its unique environment, decided to establish a base there. Compared to the base in the Calm Belt, a base on Sky Island would be far more hidden.
The World Government's reach on Sky Island was minimal.
"It's time to secure the Warp-Warp Fruit for Black Hitomi."
Daniel initially planned to head straight to Sky Island, but after finding Chelsea's message, he changed his mind.
He had been meaning to obtain the Warp-Warp Fruit for Black Hitomi. He had long known its location, but various circumstances had prevented him from retrieving it.
Black Hitomi had no objections, but Chelsea, ever considerate of Black Hitomi's feelings, had been mindful of the fact that her sister, Akame, already possessed the Clear-Clear Fruit.
"The Giant Golden Ship, Gran Tesoro—time to pay it a visit."
In the One Piece world, the Gran Tesoro was a renowned den of vice, akin to the Sabaody Archipelago. Known as the world's largest entertainment city, it offered everything for a price: Devil Fruits, famed weapons, armaments, slaves, and even lives.
The Gran Tesoro's owner, Gild Tesoro, wielded the Gold-Gold Fruit and controlled nearly 20% of the world's wealth. His immense fortune earned him a degree of respect even from the Celestial Dragons. Ironically, Tesoro himself had once been a slave to the Celestial Dragons, escaping during Fisher Tiger's raid on the Red Line.
Now, Tesoro profited from selling slaves to the very people who had once enslaved him—a darkly ironic twist.
His most important collaborator was none other than Doflamingo. Tesoro had obtained the Gold-Gold Fruit by seizing it from Doflamingo, much to the latter's frustration. Despite Doflamingo's repeated attempts to eliminate Tesoro, the latter's strength forced him to settle for a partnership.
Doflamingo had lost three powerful Devil Fruits over his lifetime: the Op-Op Fruit, the Gold-Gold Fruit, and the Flame-Flame
Fruit. Reflecting on these losses must have been a sore spot for him.
"Looks like the Warp-Warp Fruit is in good hands—for now."
Daniel stepped off the passenger ship and onto the Gran Tesoro's deck, his eyes scanning the luxurious and ostentatious golden city before him. He had no intention of revealing his identity just yet and had arrived inconspicuously via a public ship.
As he surveyed his surroundings, he spotted a familiar face: the Warp-Warp Fruit's current user, Tanaka, a peculiar man with a massive head emerging from the floor. Daniel smirked, impressed by the fruit's unique abilities.
Now, it was time to claim it.
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I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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