Chapter 49: Xiao Tiance Takes Action, Temporarily Assumes the Role of Clan Leader
"Well then, it seems the time has come to end this charade."
Xiao Realm, Entrance
Xiao Tiance slowly stood up, rolling his neck as the sound of cracking bones echoed through the air.
"Ah..."
Exhaling softly, he turned to the Sky Demon Puppet, Lao Huang, and commanded, "Let's go. It's time to deliver this gift to Soul Heaven Emperor."
With those words, he and Huang Jiuji stepped into the spirit array and vanished into the Xiao Realm.
Upon entering, Xiao Tiance was greeted by a gruesome sight: lifeless bodies strewn across the battlefield and the ruins of once proud Xiao Clan structures.
The devastation weighed heavily on him. Even though he and Xiao Xuan had agreed to this "baptism by blood" as a way to rebuild the Xiao Clan stronger than ever, seeing it firsthand was far more painful than he had anticipated.
"It seems the emotions tied to this body are stronger than I thought," he muttered inwardly, letting out a long sigh.
Finally, his gaze hardened. "Lao Huang, kill them all. No Soul Clan member leaves here alive."
The Sky Demon Puppet, face obscured by its mask, said nothing, but its aura exploded outward like a raging storm.
The sudden surge of power brought the ongoing battles to an abrupt halt. Everyone, Xiao Clan and Soul Clan alike, turned toward the source.
If Xiao Qing's aura as an early eight star Dou Sheng had left the Soul Clan shaken, then Lao Huang's terrifying peak eight star Dou Sheng aura left them utterly paralyzed.
"Damn it, who is this? How can they have a peak eight star Dou Sheng?" Soul Yuanpo's expression twisted. It had already taken over twenty mid to high tier Dou Shengs just to hold Xiao Qing at bay, and now a stronger opponent had entered the fray.
Before anyone could react, Lao Huang's figure flickered and appeared behind a Soul Clan five star Dou Sheng.
"Boom!"
With a single, unflinching punch, the Soul Clan Dou Sheng was obliterated, his body and soul reduced to nothing.
The efficiency and brutality of the kill sent shivers down the spines of the remaining Soul Clan members.
Meanwhile, Xiao Tiance moved as well. Unlike Lao Huang's brute force, his attacks were precise and calculated.
Approaching a one star Dou Sheng, he casually placed a hand on the man's shoulder. The Soul Clan fighter froze as the energy within his body was completely sealed.
"Heh, so the Solid Spirit Array works like this. Truly, experience is the best teacher," Xiao Tiance remarked as he calmly extended a finger and pierced the man's heart, ending his life instantly.
Blood sprayed as the lifeless body plummeted to the ground.
"Third Uncle!" Xiao Qing, recognizing the newcomer, shouted in relief and excitement.
Xiao Tiance appeared beside him in a flash, shoving back several Soul Clan Dou Shengs with a single palm strike.
"Ah, Qing'er, you couldn't bring yourself to follow through after all," Xiao Tiance said with a wry smile.
Xiao Qing's bloodshot eyes softened as guilt filled his expression. "Third Uncle, I know I've failed you, but I couldn't just stand by and watch our people being slaughtered like this. I'm sorry for letting you down."
Xiao Tiance patted his shoulder and replied calmly, "No need to apologize. I never intended for any of these Soul Clan dogs to leave alive."
On the other side, Soul Yuanpo finally grasped the situation. His face darkened as he addressed Xiao Tiance.
"I see now. You and Xiao Xuan staged this entire act. No wonder you managed to survive his so called betrayal. Truly, you Xiao Clan members are as cunning as ever."
Xiao Tiance chuckled lightly. "Yuanpo, now that you've figured it out, do you have any final words?"
Soul Yuanpo's expression grew grimmer. He remembered all too well the time Xiao Tiance had single handedly held off Soul Heaven Emperor, leaving a lasting impression on the Soul Clan's collective memory.
Reaching into his robes, Soul Yuanpo crushed a jade token.
"You think you're so clever, Xiao Tiance. But if I were you, I'd be running right now. Our emperor fears only two people in your Xiao Clan: Xiao Xuan and you. Once he gets my message, he'll come for you personally, and not even your ashes will remain!"
Xiao Tiance's smile widened. "Oh? I should feel honored, then. But tell me, how will he receive your message when I've already sealed this entire realm?"
Soul Yuanpo froze. His face paled as he realized the truth none of their transmissions had gotten through.
"You… You sealed the space?!"
"Of course," Xiao Tiance replied nonchalantly. "And since your emperor won't be arriving, I'm afraid this is the end for all of you."
Soul Yuanpo's face twisted in desperation. "Retreat! Everyone, retreat immediately!"
The Soul Clan members broke ranks, rushing toward the Xiao Realm's exit in a bid to escape. Xiao Clan elders, including Xiao Tianshan and Xiao Tianyun, began to give chase.
"Don't let them escape! Kill every last one of them!"
However, Xiao Tiance's calm voice echoed through the chaos. "Stop. Do not pursue cornered prey. Everyone, gather here."
Once the Xiao Clan members regrouped, Xiao Tiance conjured countless spiritual imprints and handed the array core to Xiao Qing.
"Use this to transport the rest of our people to Tianwaitian. This time, there are no limits on how many can be saved."
Xiao Qing hesitated. "But Third Uncle, what about you?"
Glancing at Lao Huang, Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. "Don't worry about me. I'll handle the rest."
Accepting the array core, Xiao Qing nodded respectfully. "Understood, Third Uncle. I'll make sure everyone reaches safety."
Xiao Tiance then turned to the assembled Xiao Clan members. His expression turned serious as he declared, "With Xiao Xuan absent, I will temporarily assume the position of clan leader. Does anyone object?"
The crowd exchanged glances before bowing in unison. "We greet the clan leader!"
"Good. Now follow Xiao Qing and evacuate. Once this is over, I will explain everything."
As the Xiao Clan began their retreat, Xiao Tiance and Huang Jiuji moved toward the realm's exit.
Outside, Soul Yuanpo and the remaining Soul Clan members found themselves trapped.
"Damn it! What kind of array is this? Why can't we leave?!"
(To be continued)
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