Chapter 171: Delivering the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade, Discovering Traces Left by the Soul Realm
Tianwaitian, Tiance Mansion.
After Qing Lian left, Xiao Tiance finally took a good look at the item Qing Lian had just tossed to him. It was, surprisingly, an Elder's Token.
"Heh, the Elder Token of the Pill Tower, is it? Looks like even the Pill Tower has realized that without high level combat strength to oversee things, all their glory is nothing but a castle in the air.
Qing Lian isn't even an alchemist just someone with immense power and yet they're willing to take the initiative to offer him an Elder Token. How unfortunate for them. That guy has such a playful personality; how could he possibly agree to something like this?" Xiao Tiance muttered to himself.
In the original rules, those who weren't alchemists couldn't possibly join the Pill Tower, let alone become an Elder. The Elder of the Pill Tower held a unique status and could access a wealth of resources.
Now, for the sake of drawing in a Dou Saint like Qing Lian, they had gone so far as to offer the Elder Token. It seemed they were truly frightened by the recent cleansing of the Soul Palace.
"Forget it. While the alchemists of the Pill Tower aren't bad, I don't have the time to bother with their affairs right now. Everything can wait until the Soul Clan is destroyed."
Stowing the Pill Tower Elder Token away, Xiao Tiance turned his attention to studying spirit formations.
From within his storage ring, a notebook suddenly flew out. It was none other than the Spirit Array Master's Notebook. Opening it to the most recently studied page, Xiao Tiance began analyzing the intricate, mottled diagrams of spirit formations. His hands moved quickly, forming one spirit seal after another.
As the number of seals increased, the spirit array in his hands became more complex. It had to be said that setting up a Grandmaster level spirit array was extraordinarily challenging, especially during practice.
"Bang!"
After a long while, the spirit array in Xiao Tiance's hands suddenly collapsed, and all the spirit seals dissipated into a radiant rain of spiritual energy.
"This is indeed troublesome. Without the support of external spiritual energy, breaking through this low tier Grandmaster level spirit array is incredibly difficult," Xiao Tiance remarked.
However, difficult was difficult progress was never achieved overnight. He had never expected to succeed on his first try.
One failure? Then try again. With plenty of time at hand, there was no need to worry.
While Xiao Tiance delved into closed door research on spirit formations, far away in the Black Corner Region, Xiao Yan encountered a figure so powerful that he couldn't even summon the will to fight.
Earlier, Xiao Yan's expression had been grave. The Dou Qi armor on his body had already materialized, and even Yao Chen, residing within the Bone Flame Ring on his hand, looked extremely tense.
"A Dou Saint!"
When Yao Chen's voice echoed in Xiao Yan's mind, his face turned pale with terror. If the opponent were merely a Dou Emperor or even a Dou Ancestor, he might have a chance to fight back with Yao Lao's help.
But the person before him was so overwhelmingly strong that Xiao Yan felt not even a shred of resistance.
Had the person not shown up without displaying any hostile intent, Xiao Yan might have immediately turned and fled.
Even so, in this person's presence, running seemed utterly futile.
With this thought in mind, Xiao Yan cupped his hands respectfully and said in a deep voice, "Senior, this junior Xiao Yan. If I have offended you in any way, I humbly ask your forgiveness."
"Offended me? Heh, young one, you're quite self assured. If you had offended me, you'd already be nothing more than a speck of dust."
The man in black robes chuckled, finding Xiao Yan's words a bit too bold.
After all, the man had already revealed his aura. If he had been an enemy, he could have squashed Xiao Yan with a single slap.
This man was none other than Xiao Tianming. His purpose? Naturally, it was to deliver the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade.
"Although I don't know why Brother Ce decided to hand over the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade to Xiao Yan, he must have his reasons.
Besides, Brother Ce has already explored the Ancient Emperor's Cave Mansion. At this point, the jade isn't of much use. Letting Xiao Yan have it is fine," Xiao Tianming thought to himself.
Opposite him, Xiao Yan breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the man's words. On the Dou Qi continent, strength was the ultimate law. Since the other party bore no grudge against him, there was no need to worry too much.
Though they were in the Black Corner Region, a place infamous for its chaos and rampant killings, a Dou Saint would hardly lower themselves to trouble a junior.
With this reassurance, Xiao Yan's tense expression eased, and the Dou Qi armor on his body quickly vanished. He cupped his hands again and said respectfully, "Senior, may I ask why you've stopped me? If there's anything within my power, I will certainly do my best to assist."
The moment he finished speaking, Xiao Tianming said nothing. Instead, he directly tossed the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade to Xiao Yan. His figure then disappeared, leaving behind only a single sentence:
"This is the ancient jade that belonged to your father, Xiao Zhan. It bears his soul imprint. As long as the imprint remains, he is still alive.
Xiao Yan, strive to become stronger. Right now, you are far too weak!"
With those words, the man vanished entirely, leaving no trace behind.
Xiao Yan caught the flying Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade, his expression growing increasingly unsettled.
This was about Xiao Zhan and the whereabouts of the hundreds of members of the Xiao Clan an issue that had been left unresolved.
"Who are you? How do you have my father's jade? Come out! Don't leave!" Xiao Yan shouted desperately.
But after delivering the jade, Xiao Tianming was long gone and couldn't hear his cries.
Even if he could hear them, Xiao Yan was currently too weak to pique his interest.
"Xiao Yan, calm down. It seems the other party harbors no ill intent," Yao Chen quickly said as he emerged from the storage ring.
"Teacher, I " Xiao Yan began, but his words were interrupted when the jade in his hand emitted a faint glow, drawing his attention.
Upon inspection, Xiao Yan confirmed that the jade indeed bore Xiao Zhan's soul imprint. Moreover, the imprint's glow was steady, showing no signs of weakness.
"Xiao Yan, the man likely wasn't lying. Your father should still be alive," Yao Chen reassured him.
In truth, when Xiao Tianming had appeared without exuding any killing intent, Yao Chen had already guessed that the man was likely connected to the Xiao Clan.
After all, this was the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade. Any imperial clan that obtained it would protect it as a key to their heritage it was of paramount importance.
Although Xiao Yan was part of the Xiao Clan, his strength was still weak. Why would the Xiao Clan return such a critical treasure to him?
As Yao Chen pondered in confusion, Xiao Yan nodded and said, "The soul imprint on the jade does belong to my father. But, Teacher, do you have any idea which faction that man might come from?
From his words, it's clear he's not the leader of that faction. But if someone as powerful as a Dou Saint isn't the leader, just how strong must their faction be?"
In addition, my Xiao Clan is nothing more than a small, nearly unnoticeable family in Wu Tan City. How could we possibly be connected to such a powerful faction?
Teacher, with your vast knowledge and experience, do you have any idea which faction that person belongs to?"
Hearing Xiao Yan's analysis and questions, Yao Chen could tell that he had calmed down. Although Yao Chen had already guessed that the man came from the Xiao Clan, the fact that the man didn't reveal this to Xiao Yan suggested he didn't want him to know.
With this in mind, Yao Chen sighed and said, "Xiao Yan, regardless of which faction he's from, we can be certain of one thing: he bears no ill will toward you or the Xiao Clan.
While I've seen much and can roughly guess the faction backing that person, telling you now would serve no purpose. As that man just said, you are still too weak. Sometimes, knowing too much before you've reached a certain level of strength will bring you no benefits at all.
What you need to do now is focus on cultivating and strive to become stronger as quickly as possible. I believe that one day, all these mysteries will be unraveled."
"Teacher, you've roughly guessed the person's origins?" Xiao Yan asked again.
"I have, but I won't tell you. It won't help you in any way. However, I can say this much: the man is likely from Zhongzhou." Yao Chen sighed.
"Zhongzhou, huh? I see. Teacher, don't worry I'll work hard to grow stronger and personally go to Zhongzhou to uncover the truth." Xiao Yan muttered softly, before suddenly regaining his composure and speaking with renewed determination.
Meanwhile, in the Black Corner Region, at the Eight Gates in Black Seal City.
After Xiao Tianming disappeared, he reappeared at the headquarters of the Eight Gates.
Currently, while the Eight Gates appeared to still be under the control of their original leader, Yuan Yi, in truth, the faction had been under the control of Tianji Tower for many years.
"Lord Tianming!"
The moment Xiao Tianming appeared, Xiao Lei, Xiao Feng, and others immediately greeted him respectfully.
"No need for formalities. Rise."
After sitting at the main seat, Xiao Tianming smiled and waved his hand.
"Yes."
Once everyone had stood, Xiao Tianming continued, "Xiao Yan has now entered the Black Corner Region and is preparing to enroll at Jia Nan Academy. It won't be long before he arrives in Black Seal City. Pass down the orders protect him in secret, and provide him with everything he needs to grow stronger as quickly as possible."
"Yes, we will carry out your instructions. The Eight Gates are now fully under our control, and our intelligence network spans every corner of the region. As soon as he steps into the Black Corner Region, we will know.
However, there is a concern. While Yao Chen no longer has a physical body, his soul power as a peak tier eighth grade alchemist is formidable. If we get too close, he might sense us, which could lead to complications," Xiao Lei said respectfully.
Hearing this, Xiao Tianming nodded and smiled, "No need to worry. Just carry the Tianji Tokens with you when you act. He has one as well, and if you get close, he'll understand that you're from Tianji Tower.
Also, while it's important to nurture Xiao Yan and provide him with the resources he needs, don't hand things to him directly. Without enduring hardships, how can one become strong?
Do things as you normally would. Unless his life is in danger, you can pretend not to see."
These words put Xiao Lei and the others at ease. To be honest, while they were familiar with Xiao Yan's journey, they still couldn't understand why their clan valued a young Dou Practitioner so highly.
When it came to talent, Xiao Yan was indeed impressive, having reached his current level in just a few years. But the Xiao Clan had countless exceptionally talented individuals. Compared to the others, Xiao Yan would barely cause a ripple in the clan.
Nonetheless, whether it was Tianji Tower or members of the Xiao Clan, they carried out orders from above without question, even if they didn't fully understand.
"Yes, we understand!" Xiao Lei and the others saluted again.
Seeing this, Xiao Tianming nodded and said, "Alright, that's all for now. I'll be returning to Zhongzhou today. The war with the Soul Clan is about to begin, and I need to contribute my strength. As for this region, I'll leave it to you."
"Farewell, Lord Tianming!"
Soon, Xiao Tianming's figure vanished once again. When he reappeared, it was already a month later in Tianwaitian.
On this day, Xiao Tiance had just emerged from closed door cultivation. After tireless efforts, he had finally mastered several Grandmaster level spirit formations. Just as he stepped out, Xiao Bieli quickly approached and greeted him respectfully, "Clan Leader, Elder Tianming has returned!"
"Have him come to see me," Xiao Tiance instructed with a nod.
After freshening up, Xiao Tiance emerged to find Xiao Chun, Xiao Tianming, and Xiao Qing waiting for him.
"Clan Leader!" The three saluted in unison.
"I've told you many times, there's no need for such formality outside of official occasions." Xiao Tiance smiled as he walked to his seat.
Once seated, the three also took their seats.
Xiao Tiance poured tea for them, and with a gentle wave of his left hand, the three cups floated to the others and hovered in front of them.
Accepting the cups, Xiao Chun chuckled, "Tiance, your strength grows more unfathomable by the day!"
Xiao Qing and Xiao Tianming, seated nearby, could perform similar feats, but not with the same effortless grace as Xiao Tiance.
"Hehe, you flatter me, Second Uncle. You've worked hard all these years, tirelessly managing things for me.
Especially you and Qing'er one of you has kept the clan running smoothly, while the other has handled external affairs and Tianji Tower with great care. Our clan's current prosperity is thanks to your efforts," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
Before Xiao Chun and Xiao Qing could respond, Xiao Tianming interjected with an incredulous look, "Brother Ce, what about me? I've been keeping watch over the Northwest for you, too. Why are you only thanking them?"
"You…"
Xiao Tiance laughed, then nodded and said, "Yes, yes, Tianming, you've worked hard too. Thank you for your contributions."
"Hehe!"
Seeing Xiao Tianming's satisfied grin, both Xiao Chun and Xiao Qing couldn't help but laugh.
After some light conversation, Xiao Qing respectfully reported, "Third Uncle, Lord Tianluo has sent word that traces of the Soul Realm were discovered yesterday in the chaotic void currents. However, according to Lord Tianluo, the Soul Realm's location is constantly shifting, so pinpointing its exact position will take time."
"That's to be expected. Both Hun Tiandi and Nihility Devouring Flame are cautious by nature, especially after being hunted down by us like stray dogs years ago. A shifting location for the Soul Realm is no surprise," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
(End of Chapter)
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