Chapter 167: Another Battle and Secrets of the Sky Phoenix Clan
Jia Ma Empire, Yunlan Sect
Yun Shan's expression darkened as his words fell. While he had hoped to avoid a fight with Xiao Yan and his companions, the situation had forced his hand. There was no backing down now; he had to face them in battle.
Opposite him, Xiao Yan's face was equally grim. Yun Shan had not explained why Yun Leng and the others had gone to Wu Tan City, but it was evident they sought revenge against him. Furthermore, Yun Shan likely knew something about the disappearance of Xiao Clan's hundreds of members but chose to remain silent.
Cold fury filled Xiao Yan's eyes. He pulled out the Heavy Xuan Ruler from his storage ring, pointed it at Yun Shan, and demanded coldly:
"Yun Shan, are you truly not going to speak?"
Yun Shan sneered.
"Hmph, Xiao Yan, do you really think someone like you can force me to compromise?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Xiao Yan allowed Yao Chen's soul to take control of his body. In an instant, his aura exploded, sending powerful waves of energy rippling outward.
"Boom!"
The overwhelming aura stirred up a whirlwind, and Yao Chen's voice boomed:
"Yun Shan, my disciple may not be worthy in your eyes, but let's see if you find me unworthy!"
Hearing the phrase "this venerable self," Yun Shan's pupils contracted slightly. A soul body referring to itself as "venerable" indicated its owner had been at least a Dou Venerate in life. Such individuals were to be taken seriously, as their experience and combat skills far surpassed that of most.
Still, Yun Shan remained confident.
"We'll see about that!"
Yun Shan was wary but also calculating. He estimated that Yao Chen's soul body could only display the strength of a Four Star Dou Ancestor at most due to Xiao Yan's limitations as a mere Four Star Dou Grandmaster. Moreover, the boy wouldn't last long under such a burden.
However, the true concern was Medusa, who stood silently nearby, ready to strike at any moment.
Battle Erupts
Medusa didn't wait for Yun Shan's move. Her figure shot forward like lightning, cutting through Yunlan Sect's weaker members without mercy.
"Medusa, you court death!" Yun Shan roared in fury as he watched her slaughter disciples in seconds.
He prepared to intervene, but Yao Chen, wielding the Heavy Xuan Ruler, unleashed a Heaven Rank Dou Technique:
"Flame Splitting Tsunami Ruler!"
"Boom!"
The sheer power of the technique was leagues beyond anything Xiao Yan could produce on his own. Faced with such might, Yun Shan had no choice but to counter with a palm strike, resulting in a deafening explosion.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Yao Chen closed in, engaging Yun Shan in a fierce melee. His goal was clear: pin Yun Shan down, giving Medusa free reign to eliminate as many Yunlan Sect disciples as possible.
The Battlefield Splits
The battlefield divided into two distinct areas:
Yao Chen vs. Yun Shan
Yao Chen's Four Star Dou Ancestor power overwhelmed Yun Shan, forcing the latter into a defensive stance.
Medusa vs. Yunlan Sect Elders and Disciples
Despite facing Yun Yun and five Dou Kings, Medusa's Dou Ancestor strength allowed her to toy with them. In mere minutes, dozens of Yunlan Sect disciples fell to her blade.
Meanwhile, in the Central Plains
At the Heavenly Sky Mansion's entrance, two of the Xiao Clan's Dou Venerates escorted Xiao Zhan and the others safely to their destination. They promptly informed Xiao Tianzuo.
In the Tiance Pavilion's upper level, Xiao Tianzuo was speaking with Huang Jiuji, a high ranking member of the Sky Phoenix Clan, when an attendant entered hurriedly.
"Patriarch, Supreme Elder, Xiao Qi and the two other envoys have successfully brought the Wu Tan City branch of the Xiao Clan back. Please advise on how to proceed."
Xiao Tianzuo nodded and gestured for Huang Jiuji to wait. Turning to the attendant, he instructed:
**"Hand them over to Elder Xiao Chun for settlement. Assign them private courtyards and ensure they meet Elders Xiao Xian and Xiao De.
"Though they are from Xiao Xuan's branch, we will give them time to adapt. Once they've integrated into the clan, we'll treat them like any other members."**
While Xiao Tianzuo wasn't interested in personally meeting Xiao Zhan's group, he ensured they would receive proper treatment. Xiao Xuan's branch deserved respect, but only Xiao Yan showed true promise.
After the attendant left, Xiao Tianzuo turned back to Huang Jiuji.
"Huang Lao, let us resume our discussion."
Huang Jiuji nodded, but his expression grew somber.
**"Before we continue, Patriarch, I must bring up a matter involving the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan.
"Ling Yun and Min'er recently sent word that they encountered the Dragon Emperor, Zhu Kun. You may recall that our former clan leader fell in battle against him. Min'er's father was the clan leader, so upon learning Zhu Kun's identity, her emotions took a sharp turn.
"If not for Ling Yun and Tian Luo arriving in time, the consequences could have been dire."**
Xiao Tianzuo frowned slightly, finally understanding Min'er's behavior.
**"So that's why. Min'er has always been sharp and restrained, but the sight of Zhu Kun must have brought her father's death back to her.
"I suggest we recall her from the Beast Region. Ling Yun alone is sufficient to oversee it, especially with three additional Six Star Dou Ancestors to back him. Don't you agree?"**
Huang Jiuji shook his head with a wry smile.
**"Patriarch, you underestimate Min'er. Though she appears lighthearted, once she sets her mind to something, she's nearly impossible to dissuade.
"If Zhu Kun hadn't shown up, she might have managed to suppress her anger. But now that he's appeared before her, convincing her to leave the Beast Region will be far more challenging."**
"Simply sending her a message won't work. To bring her back, we'll likely need you to personally make the trip, Clan Leader."
This statement was undeniably true. Huang Min's personality was well known if Xiao Tianzuo didn't go in person, she probably wouldn't return.
Moreover, reports from Tianji Pavilion's operatives suggested that the Sky Phoenix Clan might be planning a major operation targeting the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan.
If Zhu Kun had not returned, Huang Min, Ling Yun, and their allies from the Nine Nether Serpent and Heaven Eater Python Clans might have successfully suppressed the Taixu Ancient Dragons.
But now that Zhu Kun, a Nine Star Dou Saint Peak powerhouse, was involved, even the dozens of Tier Nine Spirit Arrays Xiao Tianzuo had given Huang Min and Ling Yun might not be enough to harm him.
**"Fine. Let her vent her frustrations for now. If she and Ling Yun have decided to attack the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, let them try.
"Both of them carry Soul Jade Tokens I provided. Should anything happen, I will sense it immediately.
"A sheltered fledgling cannot learn to soar freely. Let this operation test the fruits of their years of training."**
Xiao Tianzuo sighed deeply, ultimately deciding not to summon Huang Min back for the time being.
Huang Jiuji, sitting nearby, wasn't worried. He knew Xiao Tianzuo treated Huang Min and Ling Yun like his own children and would never let them face genuine danger.
The Emperor's Relic and Its Spoils
Suddenly, Huang Jiuji shifted the topic.
"Clan Leader, you previously mentioned locating the Emperor's Relic. What treasures did you uncover within?"
Xiao Tianzuo's face lit up.
**"The haul was substantial. We retrieved over a hundred volumes of Heaven Tier Dou Techniques and Cultivation Methods rare and extraordinary items.
"But the most valuable find was an Embryonic Emperor Pill. Though it isn't a fully matured Emperor Pill, it can be refined further to become one.
"Once completed, it will be potent enough to help a Nine Star Dou Saint Peak cultivator break through to the Dou Di realm."**
Huang Jiuji's eyes widened in shock.
"Are you serious?"
He had expected the Emperor's Relic to hold treasures but hadn't imagined it contained such a legendary item.
Xiao Tianzuo chuckled at Huang Jiuji's astonishment.
**"It's true. Furthermore, while dismantling the barriers on the Emperor's Relic, I broke through to the rank of Grandmaster Spirit Array Master.
"I can't yet deploy all Grandmaster level Spirit Arrays at will, but give me a few more years, and I'll reach that level.
"Once that happens, even a Dou Di will be powerless before me."**
Huang Jiuji immediately stood and bowed deeply.
"Congratulations, Clan Leader! This is a monumental achievement!"
Xiao Tianzuo quickly helped him up and gestured for him to sit.
**"The harvest was indeed significant, but without breaking through to the Dou Di realm, I still cannot open the portal to the Upper Realm.
"Right now, I'm prioritizing eliminating the Soul Clan. Only once they're dealt with will I focus on advancing to Dou Di.
"What are your thoughts, Huang Lao?"**
Huang Jiuji nodded solemnly.
**"Your strategy is sound. Breaking through to the Dou Di realm is perilous and requires eliminating all threats first to ensure success.
"However, I do have a request. Clan Leader, please grant it!"**
This was the first time in over a millennium that Huang Jiuji had asked Xiao Tianzuo for a favor. Naturally, Xiao Tianzuo paid close attention.
"Speak freely, Huang Lao. You have done so much for me and the Xiao Clan. If there is something you need, I will do everything in my power to fulfill it."
Huang Jiuji bowed again.
"Clan Leader, I hope that when you ascend to the Upper Realm, you can take Min'er and Ling Yun with you, allowing them to return to our ancestral homeland."
Xiao Tianzuo was taken aback.
The term "ancestral homeland" confirmed what he had long suspected: the Sky Phoenix Clan wasn't native to the Dou Qi Continent.
"Huang Lao, does this mean the Sky Phoenix Clan is not originally from the Dou Qi Continent?"
Huang Jiuji fell silent for a long time, his face clouded with nostalgia. Finally, he spoke.
**"Clan Leader, you are correct. My clan's ancestors hail from the Great Thousand World.
"Our lineage descends from the union of the Sky Phoenix and Nine Nether Sparrow.
"Millennia ago, when several Dou Dis coexisted on the Dou Qi Continent, they attempted to forcibly open a portal to the Upper Realm.
"During this event, the portal destabilized, and our ancestor fell to the Dou Qi Continent.
"The Dou Dis captured our ancestor and forced him to reveal his origins. This is how they learned of the Great Thousand World.
"Eventually, our ancestor escaped while the Dou Dis were busy exploring the portal, which later closed permanently. Trapped on the Dou Qi Continent, our ancestor began building our clan."**
Huang Jiuji sighed deeply and continued:
**"With their extraordinary bloodline and unmatched physical strength, our clan quickly became the strongest beast race, unrivaled for a time.
"However, the bloodline weakened over generations, allowing the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan to rise as our equals.
"Our history is steeped in enmity with the dragons. In the past, we hunted them as prey, leading to a deep seated feud.
"But as our bloodline thinned and their power grew, we became evenly matched.
"Then came the calamity: while fending off invaders from the Outer Realms, the dragons betrayed us, nearly driving us to extinction.
"Our clan leader perished in battle with Zhu Kun, succumbing to his injuries.
"Before he died, he left us a mandate: the descendants of the Sky Phoenix must one day return to the ancestral homeland."**
At this, Huang Jiuji's eyes filled with sorrow and determination.
"Clan Leader, I implore you to honor this mandate and help our clan's descendants return to the Great Thousand World."
Xiao Tianzuo sat in stunned silence. This revelation added a new dimension to his understanding of the Dou Qi Continent's history.
After a moment, he nodded firmly.
"Huang Lao, I give you my word. If I ascend to Dou Di and open the portal to the Great Thousand World, I will take Min'er, Ling Yun, and you with me."
Huang Jiuji's expression softened as he bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Clan Leader."
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