Chapter 165: Confidence and the Xiao Clan's Collective Disappearance
"If we launch an all out war against the Soul Clan, igniting a war of extermination, even if the other imperial clans know we mean them no harm, they won't sit idly by."
Tianji Tower Headquarters, Central Plains
As Xiao Qing's deep, serious voice filled the room, his sharp eyes glimmered with a trace of worry. He continued, "Third Uncle, I believe we must also remain wary of the Stone Clan, Spirit Clan, and Medicine Clan. Though they have submitted to us, their loyalties are not absolute."
His words, though cautious, served as a thoughtful reminder.
Xiao Tiance, seated at the head of the table, nodded approvingly. **"Both Tian Luo and Qing'er are correct. The moment we declare a war of extermination, every imperial clan will inevitably see us as a threat.
"But today, I have convened this meeting not only to confirm our strategy for annihilating the Soul Clan but also to discuss the Gu Clan. What are your thoughts on their intentions?"**
Views on the Gu Clan
Xiao Qing and Tian Luo exchanged glances before Xiao Qing stepped forward and cupped his fists respectfully.
**"Third Uncle, I maintain my earlier view. If you hadn't spoken to the Gu Clan, we might not need to worry too much about them.
"However, now that you've brought this matter to their attention, based on Gu Yuan's cautious nature and the Gu Clan's history over the millennia, they are likely already deliberating how best to secretly support the Soul Clan.
"With the Soul Clan drawing the brunt of our attacks, the Gu Clan can remain safe in the shadows. And once the Soul Clan is destroyed, they would inevitably fear becoming our next target."**
Tian Luo added with a grave tone, **"Qing'er is right. It's highly probable that the Gu Clan is already devising ways to support the Soul Clan.
"Furthermore, we must prepare for the worst. If we launch a full scale war against the Soul Clan, the Gu Clan might rally other imperial clans to ensure the Soul Clan's survival.
"While we could crush any single imperial clan in a one on one confrontation, and even hold our own against two simultaneously, if three or more clans were to unite against us, we would be at a disadvantage."**
Xiao Tiance absorbed their reasoning and smiled faintly. **"There's no need to worry. Once we locate the Soul Clan, the matter will be resolved in a single decisive battle.
"Hun Tiandi, Gu Yuan, or even other imperial clans they are of no concern. If they dare interfere, we'll simply cut them down.
"Besides, I've been itching to see the full potential of a Grandmaster Level Spirit Array."**
A Grandmaster Level Revelation
The mention of a Grandmaster Level Spirit Array stunned Xiao Qing and Tian Luo. They both exclaimed in unison, "Third Uncle/Your Excellency, you've achieved Grandmaster Level in Spirit Arrays?!"
They knew well the significance of such a breakthrough. A Grandmaster Level Spirit Array corresponded to the realm of a Dou Di (Battle Emperor). With this, the Xiao Clan now possessed a figure who could wield near absolute power, even without reaching Dou Di.
Xiao Tiance chuckled lightly. **"Not entirely. I'm not yet a fully fledged Grandmaster, but I've managed to master one or two Grandmaster Level Spirit Arrays.
"Also, don't forget the spirit jade imbued with high tier arrays that I've already given you. Even someone like Gu Yuan wouldn't last against three to five Tier 9 Arrays.
"If anyone dares oppose us, I'll simply create a few hundred more Tier 9 Arrays. That should suffice."**
He then shifted to a more serious tone. **"Our top priority is locating the Soul Clan's hiding place and quickly. The Soul Clan is elusive and possesses means to revive the dead, as seen with their Four Demon Saints.
"While Hun Tiandi is likely still recovering from his injuries, the Void Swallowing Flame by his side remains a formidable adversary.
"If we can find their location before Hun Tiandi recovers, you may not even need my help to destroy the Soul Clan.
"Tian Luo, I'm putting you in charge of locating the Soul Clan's base.
"Qing'er, I want you to oversee the battle preparations. Draft multiple plans both for the best case and worst case scenarios. This time, I don't want to drag things out any longer. Once the Soul Clan is dealt with, it will be time to focus on ascending to Dou Di and opening the gateway to the Upper Realm."**
Hearing this, both Xiao Qing and Tian Luo were visibly excited. They knew Xiao Tiance's character he would not make such bold statements without being fully prepared.
"Understood! We won't disappoint you!"
The two bowed respectfully before leaving to carry out their respective tasks.
The Disappearance of the Xiao Family
Meanwhile, in Wu Tan City, Xiao Yan had just returned, eager to share his recent accomplishments. However, his joy was short lived. He overheard unsettling news two nights ago, the entire Xiao Family had been attacked, and every member had mysteriously disappeared.
"Boom!"
A violent surge of Dou Qi erupted from Xiao Yan, his fury palpable. Unleashing his Purple Cloud Wings, he shot toward the Xiao Family residence like a comet.
Watching him leave, Medusa's delicate face darkened slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes. However, recalling their agreement, she suppressed her irritation and followed closely behind.
Within minutes, Xiao Yan arrived at the Xiao Family compound, only to find it desolate.
Standing amidst the ruins, Xiao Yan's body trembled uncontrollably. Over the years, he had developed deep affection for the Xiao Family, especially for Xiao Zhan, who had always treated him with unwavering kindness.
Medusa, seeing his grief, attempted to calm him. "Don't be rash. There's not much blood here, which means there wasn't a massacre."
From Xiao Yan's mind, Yao Chen's voice echoed, "Medusa is right. While there's no sign of life, it's clear there wasn't a large scale battle."
Clenching his fists tightly, Xiao Yan advanced into the compound. The courtyards bore signs of damage, indicating skirmishes had taken place, but as Medusa and Yao Chen had said, there was minimal bloodshed.
Suddenly, Xiao Yan's sharp eyes caught sight of something. Rushing forward, he found three corpses clad in black lying in the shadows.
Removing their masks, he was shocked. "How could it be them?"
Medusa approached and, with a single glance, recognized the corpses.
"These are the three Dou Wang elders from the Yun Lan Sect. One of them is Yun Leng, their Grand Elder."
"Boom!"
"Yunlan Sect, you court death!"
Xiao Yan's voice was filled with uncontainable rage as his Purple Cloud Wings spread wide behind him. However, just as he was about to take off, Medusa pressed him firmly back into place.
"Calm down," she said coldly.
"Calm down? My entire Xiao Clan hundreds of people have mysteriously disappeared! And now, the corpses of Yun Leng and his men are lying here. If not Yunlan Sect, then who else could it be?" Xiao Yan's fury was palpable, and he tried to swat away Medusa's restraining hand.
"Smack!"
The sound of Medusa's slap echoed through the space. Xiao Yan froze, momentarily stunned. After a long pause, he turned to retort but was cut off by Medusa's calm, sharp analysis:
**"Yun Leng and the others were all Dou Wang level experts. Does your Xiao Clan have anyone strong enough to take on Dou Wang?
"While this situation may involve Yunlan Sect to some extent, the abduction of your clan is unlikely their doing. If they were responsible, they wouldn't have left these three corpses behind."**
Her words doused Xiao Yan's fiery temper. The energy radiating from him dissipated, and the Purple Cloud Wings behind him vanished into light particles.
Xiao Yan stared at the three lifeless bodies on the ground, his thoughts racing as calm gradually returned. Finally, he spoke:
"You're right. But since these three corpses were left here, Yunlan Sect must know something. Moreover, their presence here means they were targeting my Xiao Clan. Regardless, I must go to Jia Ma Imperial City and confront Yunlan Sect myself."
Seeing his resolute determination, Medusa scoffed and said coldly, "You're overestimating yourself. Unless the old man in your ring was at his peak, even with his help, there's no guarantee you'd return alive from Yunlan Sect."
"Aren't you coming with me?" Xiao Yan asked instinctively.
**"Ha! This king won't interfere. Yun Shan only let you leave because of the presence of those two Dou Zong experts from Tianji Tower.
"If you think Hai Bodong and Ling Ying those second rate weaklings could scare Yun Shan, then you're delusional. Yun Shan is a three star Dou Zong, two levels above me. Even I wouldn't dare claim I could hold him off.
"Moreover, the sect's protective formation isn't as simple as what you saw last time. The Yunlan Sect has stood for hundreds of years, enduring countless strong enemies.
"The last time, Yun Leng a failure of a leader activated the formation. If Yun Yun takes charge, even I would have to tread carefully. And if Yun Shan leads it, no one, not even you and I combined, would escape alive."**
Medusa's icy gaze bore into Xiao Yan. "Our agreement was for me to escort you safely back to Wu Tan City. I've already fulfilled my part. If you storm off to Yunlan Sect now, you're wasting all the time I spent humoring you."
Xiao Yan clenched his fists in frustration. "You "
Before he could finish, Medusa interrupted: "If you insist on going to Yunlan Sect, there are two choices: fulfill your promise to me now, or I'll kill you here and settle the score for your theft of the Green Lotus Core Flame and dragging me out of my clan's sacred ground."
Yao Chen's Guidance
As Medusa threatened Xiao Yan, Yao Chen's voice rang in his mind.
"Medusa is right. The disappearance of the Xiao Clan has little to do with Yunlan Sect."
Xiao Yan frowned but listened as Yao Chen explained:
"Your priority now should be increasing your strength. When you reach Dou Zong, I'll tell you a secret."
Xiao Yan hesitated. "Teacher, even if the Xiao Clan's disappearance isn't their doing, Yun Leng and his men didn't come here with good intentions. I still want to go to Yunlan Sect to find out the truth. Please support me in this decision."
After a pause, Xiao Yan waved his hand, storing the three corpses into his ring.
Inside the ring, Yao Chen remained silent for a while before letting out a sigh. He glanced at the Tianji Token in his hand and said:
"Very well. Yunlan Sect isn't an impenetrable fortress. If you insist, I'll accompany you."
"Thank you, Teacher!" Xiao Yan's face lit up with determination. Turning to Medusa, he said, **"Medusa, my teacher has agreed to support me. If you're unwilling to come, I won't force you.
"If I return alive from Yunlan Sect, I promise to fulfill my vow to you. If I don't, then consider it my failure to honor my word. Either way, I need to find out what happened to my clan."**
Medusa was momentarily taken aback by Xiao Yan's sincerity. After a long pause, she scoffed. "Fine! If you're so bent on dying, I'll go with you. And if you die, I'll crush your bones to dust and scatter them so you can never rest in peace."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Xiao Yan smiled, a flicker of warmth in his eyes.
Medusa, catching his expression, rolled her eyes. "Don't look at me like that. I'm just coming along to make sure I get to kill you myself."
Xiao Yan ignored her sharp words. "Regardless, I'm grateful."
"Save it!"
After a thorough search of the Xiao Clan's compound yielded no further clues, Xiao Yan, accompanied by Medusa, set off for Jia Ma Imperial City.
Tianji Tower's Plan
At the Tianji Tower division in Jia Ma Empire, Wang Chao bowed respectfully toward Xiao Tianming.
**"My lord, Xiao Yan should have reached Wu Tan City by now. As per your orders, we eliminated Yun Leng and his men but allowed one to escape and return to Yunlan Sect.
"Given Xiao Yan's temperament, he's likely already heading back to Jia Ma Imperial City and Yunlan Sect. Should we protect him in secret?"**
Xiao Tianming calmly drained his tea before shaking his head. "There's no need. That girl Medusa is with him, and Yao Chen's soul fragment remains intact. Even if Yun Shan attacks at full strength, he won't gain the upper hand against those two."
(End of Chapter)
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