Chapter 94: When Enemies Meet, Tensions Ignite
Zhongzhou, Tianji Tower Headquarters
"I'm just worried that Hun Tiandi might sense the danger and hide the entire Soul Clan away," Tian Luo said, his voice heavy with concern.
Xiao Qing nodded in agreement. "Third Uncle, Tian Luo's concern isn't unfounded. If the Soul Clan goes into hiding, we'll be exposed while they remain in the shadows. Having such an enemy lurking out of sight would be a significant disadvantage for us."
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance waved dismissively. "It doesn't matter hidden or exposed. Our strength is on full display, and I'm not worried about any underhanded tactics from the Soul Clan.
"What's the current situation? Have there been any updates from the various operations?"
"Not yet, but we should hear back soon. Each group is accompanied by high level Dou Shengs hidden in the shadows. I doubt the Soul Clan anticipated the speed and force of our attacks.
"Also, Uncle Xiao Wu is stationed at the entrance to the Soul Realm, using the eight grade concealment spirit array you provided. If any high ranking Dou Sheng from the Soul Clan makes a move, he'll notify us immediately," Xiao Qing reported respectfully.
Tian Luo chimed in with a smirk, "With how swiftly we've acted, the Soul Clan is likely still distracted by the Xiao Clan's reemergence and our failed diplomatic efforts with the other clans.
"Hun Tiandi might even be laughing at us right now, thinking we've accomplished nothing."
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "If so, that works in our favor."
No sooner had he spoken than the space around the Tianji Tower Headquarters rippled. Moments later, groups of Xiao Clan members who had participated in the raids against the Soul Hall began to appear.
"Clan Leader, Tian Luo, mission accomplished!"
Each arriving group echoed this phrase until the final team, led by Xiao Teng, emerged.
"Clan Leader, Tian Luo, we arrived too late. Hun Mie Sheng fled with the Soul Hall members before we could act, but we did recover this."
Xiao Teng cursed his misfortune under his breath but presented a Soul Source to Xiao Tiance.
Following suit, other groups brought forward their loot, including additional Soul Sources, all radiating pure soul energy.
Xiao Tiance waved his hand, and the gathered Soul Sources floated toward him. After inspecting them, he smirked. "As expected of the Soul Clan. When it comes to mastering soul manipulation, no other clan can compare."
"Indeed, this is valuable material," Tian Luo added, marveling at the pristine Soul Sources.
In the original timeline, Xiao Yan had once obtained a single Soul Source, which allowed him to elevate his soul strength to the Great Perfection of the Heaven Realm. The Soul Clan's centuries of soul harvesting were far from futile.
Xiao Tiance didn't hesitate. With a flick of his finger, the Soul Sources flew toward the Dou Shengs whose soul power had not yet reached the Heaven Realm's Great Perfection.
"Absorb them and elevate your soul levels. The effects will not disappoint.
"As for the remaining spoils, each team may divide them as extra rewards for your efforts."
"Thank you, Clan Leader!"
The gathered members were thrilled. The Soul Hall, having existed for a millennium, had hoarded countless treasures. Among these were abundant pills, as the Soul Clan often targeted alchemists for their souls.
Tian Luo turned to Xiao Tiance and asked, "Shall we launch an assault on the Soul Realm next, or wait for them to come to us?"
Before Xiao Tiance could answer, his expression hardened. He abruptly raised his hand, channeling his Dou Qi, and struck at the void above.
"Who's there?"
Both Tian Luo and Xiao Qing called out as Xiao Tiance's sudden attack startled them.
However, his powerful strike was intercepted. Moments later, Xiao Wu stumbled into view, looking disheveled. He bowed to Xiao Tiance and said, "Clan Leader, my carelessness activated my Dou Qi, and Hun Tiandi, along with Void Swallowing Flame, detected me!"
No sooner had Xiao Wu spoken than Hun Tiandi and Void Swallowing Flame stepped out from the void, their expressions dark. Behind them were the Soul Clan's Four Demon Saints, each at least an eight star Dou Sheng at the late stage.
"Heh, Xiao Tiance, I should have known. That battle between you and Xiao Xuan a millennium ago it was all a farce for the world to see," Hun Tiandi sneered, though his voice betrayed a hint of anger.
Xiao Tiance glanced at the six enemies before him and sneered back. "Ah, Hun Tiandi, we meet again. I've remembered the blow you struck from behind for over a thousand years."
Void Swallowing Flame also stepped forward, his tone icy. "You remember his strike? I remember how you ambushed me after I escaped from the void's seal. If not for Hun Tiandi, you would have refined me that day!"
Xiao Tiance smirked. "Void Swallowing Flame, it's impressive. A thousand years have brought you to the late stage of the nine star Dou Sheng realm. But now that you're here, why not stay?"
"You think you can make me stay? Dream on! Attack!" Void Swallowing Flame roared, ready to move, but Hun Tiandi raised a hand to stop him.
"What are you "
Hun Tiandi interrupted him, his face grim as he scanned the area below. "Xiao Tiance, I regret not using more power in my strike a thousand years ago. If I had, you wouldn't be standing here now.
"Still, I didn't expect that not only would you reach the peak of the nine star Dou Sheng realm, but that the Xiao Clan would now boast two other nine star Dou Shengs, six eight star Dou Shengs, and over ten seven star Dou Shengs.
"It seems I underestimated the Xiao Clan's recovery."
Hun Tiandi's words dripped with regret. The sheer number of Dou Shengs present was already alarming, and he knew this wasn't even the entirety of the Xiao Clan's forces.
Xiao Tiance smirked. "The past is the past. There's no medicine for regret. The only path forward is battle.
"Come, Hun Tiandi. Let's see how much you've improved in a thousand years!"
Hun Tiandi raised a hand. "Before we fight, answer me one question."
Xiao Tiance snorted. "Fine. Since you'll die today, I'll grant you this last curiosity."
"The hundred plus Dou Shengs who invaded the Xiao Realm a millennium ago were they all killed by your hand? Even Xiao Xuan couldn't have killed so many in an instant. How did you do it?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled coldly. "You want to know? Very well, I'll tell you!"
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