Chapter 168: Revival Preparations, Xiao Yan's Desperate Gamble
"Elder Huang, I promise you this: once I ascend to Dou Di and open the portal to the Great Thousand World, I will not only take Min'er and Ling Yun with me, but also you."
In the ninth layer of Tiance Mansion within Tianwaitian, Xiao Tianzuo's words filled Huang Jiuji with deep gratitude. Rising from his seated posture, Huang Jiuji performed a solemn bow, his voice full of emotion.
"Thank you, Clan Leader. Your kindness is something I shall never forget."
Xiao Tianzuo quickly gestured for him to sit again. Waving his hand dismissively, he smiled warmly.
**"Elder Huang, you overstate it. This is but a small matter. Without the resources you provided from the Sky Phoenix Clan, the Xiao Clan would have taken much longer to reach its current prominence.
"Speaking of which, I've already made progress regarding the physical body I promised to prepare for you. In a short time, it will be ready. Once completed, I suspect your strength will increase significantly possibly reaching new heights."**
As Xiao Tianzuo spoke, a smile spread across his face.
The resurrection of Huang Jiuji would mean adding an Eight Star Dou Saint or even a Nine Star Dou Saint to the Xiao Clan's ranks. If it was the latter, the clan's strength would ascend to yet another level.
Resurrection Materials and Preparations
The materials required for Huang Jiuji's resurrection had long been assembled by Xiao Qing under Xiao Tianzuo's orders.
These included:
Three types of Heavenly Flames,
A Bone Fusion Pill,
The blood and magical core of a Tier Seven Magical Beast,
And a Dou Zong level corpse.
However, Xiao Tianzuo had gone above and beyond. He secured a higher grade pill than the Bone Fusion Pill, a Tier Nine Magical Beast's blood and core, and even multiple Dou Sheng level corpses from Tianji Pavilion's vast collection.
Among these, the most notable corpse belonged to Venerable Fen Yan, the former leader of the Burning Flame Valley, whom Xiao Tianzuo had retrieved during his six hundred year journey.
Huang Jiuji, hearing this, felt a wave of excitement. While Xiao Tianzuo had previously assured him of the possibility of resurrection, this time, his certainty left no room for doubt.
"Thank you, Clan Leader. I've always believed in your word," Huang Jiuji replied, bowing deeply once more.
Xiao Tianzuo nodded.
**"Elder Huang, whether it's fulfilling my past promises or out of the respect I hold for you, I will ensure this is done.
"The materials are ready, and once the current matters in Central Plains are handled, I will accompany you to the northwest and perform the ritual for your resurrection."**
Huang Jiuji, overwhelmed with gratitude, simply replied:
"Thank you, Clan Leader!"
After a brief exchange, Huang Jiuji excused himself to return to Tianhuang Palace, leaving Xiao Tianzuo to his thoughts.
Xiao Huai'en's Determination
As Xiao Tianzuo prepared to enjoy a moment of respite, his personal disciple, Xiao Huai'en, entered and bowed respectfully.
"Teacher!"
Xiao Tianzuo glanced at his disciple, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.
This young man, once an unremarkable member of the Devourer Spirit Tribe, had shown incredible progress under the Xiao Clan's tutelage. From a mere beginner without even Dou Zhe level strength, Xiao Huai'en had now reached the pinnacle of Dou Wang, standing on the cusp of breaking into the Dou Huang realm.
"No need to be so formal. Sit. What brings you here today?" Xiao Tianzuo asked warmly.
Xiao Huai'en smiled sheepishly, sitting down as he replied:
"It's been a long time since I've seen you, Teacher. When I heard of your return, I had to come pay my respects."
His admiration and gratitude for Xiao Tianzuo were evident. Over the years, Xiao Huai'en had poured himself into rigorous training, dedicating every moment not spent eating or sleeping to cultivation.
His efforts had earned him the nickname "madman" among his peers, as he relentlessly sought out stronger opponents to spar with, refusing to rest until he was completely exhausted.
Xiao Tianzuo chuckled, pouring tea for his student.
"I hear you've been training hard perhaps too hard. Pushing yourself to the point of injury isn't wise."
Xiao Huai'en scratched his head, grinning.
**"The clan has provided me with such excellent conditions, and there are so many experts here. I couldn't resist challenging myself.
"Besides, as your disciple, I can't allow myself to lag behind. My senior brother and sister are both high level Dou Shengs. Even though I've only been under your guidance for a short time, I must do everything I can to become stronger, or I'll disappoint you."**
Xiao Tianzuo waved dismissively, gesturing for him to relax.
**"You're too young to burden yourself with such pressure. Your senior siblings have been training under me for over a thousand years.
"You're still growing, and your body isn't yet equipped to endure such intense regimens. Take your time. As I've said before, haste leads to setbacks."**
His tone softened as he shifted topics.
"By the way, I noticed your soul strength has increased significantly. How is your alchemy training progressing?"
As a practitioner of fire based Dou Qi with traces of wood attributes, Xiao Huai'en was naturally suited for alchemy.
"Teacher, I've already reached the level of refining Tier Five pills. Elder Mu Yin believes that with consistent practice, I'll stabilize my current abilities and touch the threshold of Tier Six within three months."
Xiao Tianzuo's smile deepened.
"Impressive. To reach this stage in just a few short years is no small feat. Keep up the good work, but remember: balance is key. Your diligence is admirable, but overexertion can lead to setbacks. Understand?"
Xiao Huai'en nodded earnestly.
"Yes, Teacher. I understand."
As the two continued their conversation, the bond between master and disciple became even more apparent.
"When you become a Tier Six Alchemist, let Qinglian help you find a Heavenly Flame. Not only will it boost your combat strength, but it will also speed up your alchemy process.
However, as I've said before, the bloodline of the Devourer Spirit Tribe in your body will benefit you more if awakened later rather than sooner."
Xiao Tianzuo nodded with a satisfied smile, his gaze on Xiao Huai'en full of approval.
"A true genius indeed," he thought.
Huai'en's physique and comprehension abilities were rare, one in a million. Coupled with his unrelenting diligence, Xiao Tianzuo estimated that within ten years, the boy could reach the threshold of Dou Sheng.
"Thank you for the reminder, Teacher. Your disciple understands."
Xiao Tianzuo nodded.
"Good. Since you're here, stay and have a meal before leaving. Oh, and take these."
He retrieved a high level Heaven rank cultivation technique, several Earth and Mystic rank combat techniques, and a few bottles of pills he had personally refined. These pills could heal hidden injuries in Huai'en's body and accelerate his cultivation.
Huai'en accepted the items with great care, his hands trembling as he glanced at them briefly. Then, with a deep bow, he knelt before Xiao Tianzuo.
"Thank you, Teacher!"
"Get up. Train hard. Once you become a Dou Sheng, if you wish to officially become my direct disciple, I'll accept you."
Xiao Tianzuo smiled and waved his hand, signaling Huai'en to rise.
He then instructed Xiao Bieli to arrange for food to be brought.
A Warm Gathering
Half an hour later, Xiao Bieli led a group of servants carrying dishes, but to everyone's surprise, Gu Yue personally carried the tray.
"Greetings, Third Uncle!"
Xiao Tianzuo glanced up, recognizing the girl. He smiled.
"Rise. What brings you here?"
Gu Yue smiled softly.
"Since Qing isn't here and it's rare for Third Uncle to visit, I wanted to serve you in his stead and show my respect on his behalf."
Xiao Tianzuo chuckled.
"Very well. Set the dishes down and join us for the meal."
"Thank you, Third Uncle!"
The three sat down to eat. After sipping a cup of wine, Xiao Tianzuo turned to Gu Yue with a faint smile.
**"You are Qing'er's wife and the future matron of the Xiao Clan. Tasks like this should be left to the servants. Your primary responsibility now is to give Qing'er a child.
"As the next Clan Leader, it's vital for him to have an heir. Otherwise, it might cause unrest among the younger generation."**
Gu Yue's cheeks instantly turned crimson, but instead of anger, she felt a sense of joy.
Xiao Tianzuo's affirmation of Xiao Qing's position as the future Clan Leader and his encouragement to secure the role with an heir reassured her of her husband's standing.
"I understand, Third Uncle. I'll do my best."
Back to the Yunlan Sect
Meanwhile, at the Yunlan Sect, the battle had reached its climax.
Cloud Mountain (Yun Shan) was sent flying by a single palm strike from Yaochen. His body hit the ground with a heavy crash, and he spat out a mouthful of blood. Yet, instead of despair, his face lit up with twisted joy.
The strike's power was far weaker than the previous one that had broken two of his ribs.
Sure enough, as he sensed Yaochen's aura weakening, Yun Shan began laughing maniacally.
"Hahaha! Borrowed power is fleeting. You won't last much longer. When this ends, I will ensure you and your disciples suffer a fate worse than death!"
Above, Yaochen, inhabiting Xiao Yan's body, looked down at Yun Shan with cold eyes.
"Xiao Yan, we can't delay any longer. Your body can only endure for another half a stick of incense."
Xiao Yan clenched his teeth.
"I understand, Teacher!"
His gaze shifted to Medusa (Xiao Yi Xian), who was still trapped within the Smoky Cloud Sun Array. Anxiety gripped him as he watched.
Medusa had sent a message earlier her control over her body was slipping. Soon, Xiao Cai, the spiritual serpent inhabiting her, would seize full control.
With Yaochen's spirit waning and his body nearing its limits, Xiao Yan realized that if this continued, none of them would leave alive.
Inside the array, Medusa had indeed lost control of her body. She reverted to her true form: a massive, five tier serpent.
"Hisss!"
Suddenly, a sharp arrow shot through her body, spilling crimson blood.
"Xiao Cai!"
Xiao Yan shouted in alarm. He rushed to retrieve the serpent, intending to nurse it back to health.
Yaochen acted swiftly, breaking the barrier of the Smoky Cloud Sun Array with a single strike. Reaching Xiao Cai, he fed the serpent a pill to stop the bleeding before storing it safely away.
But as they attempted to retreat, Yun Shan blocked their path, his expression savage.
"Xiao Yan, do you think the Yunlan Sect is a place you can come and go as you please?"
Yaochen's voice rang out coldly.
"Fool. If I wanted to leave, you couldn't stop me."
Yet, Yun Shan sneered, leaping beyond the array's coverage.
Forcefully taking control of the Smoky Cloud Sun Array from Yun Yun, he raised the barrier once more, this time with even greater power and speed.
"Trouble, Xiao Yan!" Yaochen warned.
Xiao Yan's mind raced as he recalled Yun Yun's earlier injuries when the array was first broken.
"Teacher, if we destroy the array again, Yun Shan will also be hurt, right?"
Yaochen nodded.
"Yes. By tying his Dou Qi to the array, its destruction would cause him significant injury. But Yun Shan's strength isn't to be underestimated. Even with Bone Chilling Flame, breaking the array would be difficult."
Xiao Yan gritted his teeth.
"Then I'll do it! Teacher, if I use the Flame Lotus, will it force you into another slumber?"
Yaochen hesitated before replying.
"My soul's current strength should be sufficient to support you. However, after using that move, my power will weaken significantly. Don't expect much help from me afterward."
At that moment, a massive cloud arrow materialized within the array. Its oppressive aura sent chills down both Xiao Yan's and Yaochen's spines.
"There's no time. We have to destroy the array now, or we'll face the same outcome either way."
Xiao Yan's resolve hardened.
"Understood. Teacher, let's give it everything we've got!"
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