Chapter 178: Xiao Clan Meeting, Tianluo's Proposal
"Take your seats. I trust Tianming has already explained why I called you all here?"
In the ninth level of Tiance Mansion in Tianwaitian, Xiao Tiance sat at the head of the table. His gaze swept over the faces of the gathered clan leaders. These were the key decision makers of the Xiao Clan. While the clan's Supreme Elders were not present, their absence wasn't an issue once a decision was made here, the Supreme Elders would never oppose it.
This was one of the unique traits of the Xiao Clan. Unlike other Imperial Clans, where Supreme Elders not only held high status but also wielded significant power, the Supreme Elders of the Xiao Clan held only honorary positions, without real authority.
This arrangement was something Xiao Tiance had deliberately set up.
While he remained in the clan, his immense strength could keep any dissenting voices in check. However, once he left for the Great Thousand World, Xiao Qing, despite having sufficient strength, would still face challenges due to his younger generation status.
To ensure long term stability and harmony within the Xiao Clan, Xiao Tiance had established policies early on. For instance, once Xiao Qing assumed leadership, all those from Xiao Tiance's generation who reached the Dou Saint level would automatically be elevated to the position of Supreme Elder. Meanwhile, Xiao Qing's generation would take over the management of clan affairs.
The Supreme Elders wouldn't handle day to day matters but retained the authority to correct wrongdoings, ensuring that power didn't remain concentrated in a few hands for too long, thereby preventing anyone from developing treacherous ambitions.
As the clan leaders exchanged glances, they eventually turned to Xiao Qing, clearly wanting to hear his opinion first.
Unfazed, Xiao Qing stood and clasped his hands in salute. In a firm voice, he declared, **"I remember Third Uncle once said, 'Before dealing with external threats, one must secure internal stability.'
Since the Stone Clan and Spirit Clan have already betrayed us, they must not be allowed to go unpunished.
I propose that we destroy the Stone and Spirit Clans entirely before launching our campaign against the Soul Clan."**
His words sent a ripple of shock through the room. All eyes turned to Xiao Tiance, whose expression remained unreadable. No one could tell whether he agreed or disagreed with Xiao Qing's suggestion, so the room fell into silence.
Sitting at the head of the table, Xiao Tiance observed their reactions. While his immense prestige was reassuring, he also recognized the downside: if he dominated discussions too much, the Xiao Clan might end up with only his voice guiding its future.
Such a scenario would make the clan overly dependent on him, which wasn't conducive to its long term development.
"I want everyone to speak freely. How should we deal with the Stone and Spirit Clans? Share your thoughts," Xiao Tiance said calmly.
The clan leaders glanced at each other, hesitant. Finally, Xiao Teng broke the silence.
"Young Clan Leader, may I ask do you propose the complete eradication of the Stone and Spirit Clans, or merely the execution of their leaders?"
Xiao Qing responded with a respectful bow. A glint of cold determination flashed in his eyes as he replied, "Uncle Teng, I believe that if we act, we must eliminate the clans entirely. No half measures complete eradication."
"Good, I agree!" Xiao Wu immediately voiced his support.
He had long believed that the Stone and Spirit Clans deserved destruction. If it hadn't been for those two clans interfering in the past, the Xiao Clan could have eradicated the Soul Clan long ago.
At that time, the other Imperial Clans wouldn't have dared to object, as they were still reeling from the Xiao Clan's newly revealed strength.
But now, the situation had changed. The other clans, driven by fear of meeting the Soul Clan's fate, had started forming alliances to resist the Xiao Clan.
Xiao Teng also supported the plan, but he refrained from agreeing immediately. Instead, he analyzed the situation.
**"While the Stone and Spirit Clans are the weakest among the eight Imperial Clans, they should not be underestimated.
If we intend to eradicate them, we must devise a comprehensive plan. Otherwise, their desperate retaliation could cause significant losses on our side, which wouldn't be worth it."**
Xiao Fei, who was familiar with Xiao Teng's cautious nature, nodded in agreement. "That's a valid point. Teng surely has a plan in mind. Let's hear it and discuss it together."
Xiao Wu chimed in, "Yes, Teng. Share your plan."
With everyone's attention focused on him, Xiao Teng glanced at Xiao Tiance for approval. When Xiao Tiance nodded, Xiao Teng began to explain.
**"Currently, the Stone Clan has three notable experts the Stone Clan's Three Sovereigns and a peak Seven Star Dou Saint. Aside from these four, the rest pose no real threat.
I propose that Tianluo personally lead a team of five high level Dou Saints to deal with the Stone Clan. This would be more than sufficient to eliminate any resistance.
As for the Spirit Clan, their leader Ling Hua is an Eight Star Dou Saint. Under him are several high level Dou Saints, including Ling Chen. Moreover, the Spirit Clan possesses some unusual secret techniques, so they shouldn't be underestimated.
The Young Clan Leader could personally lead the attack on the Spirit Clan. With his status as a Nine Star Dou Saint and the assistance of the Heavenly Demon Puppet bestowed by the Clan Leader, two Nine Star Dou Saints along with five additional high level Dou Saints would be enough to suppress the entire Spirit Clan.
To prevent the Ancient Clan and Flame Clan from intervening, the Clan Leader could hold them off. Gu Yuan is formidable, and only the Clan Leader has the strength to contend with him.
As for the Flame Clan's leader, Yan Jin, we could leave him to the Supreme Elders.
With a two pronged strategy, we can annihilate both the Stone and Spirit Clans."**
Xiao Teng's plan was detailed and well thought out, allocating the Xiao Clan's high level combat strength effectively.
If executed correctly, it would indeed be possible to destroy the Stone and Spirit Clans in one swift campaign.
Xiao Chun, who had remained silent until now, nodded before shaking his head. **"Teng's plan is thorough, but I believe it overestimates the threat posed by the Stone and Spirit Clans.
Frankly, the Clan Leader alone could annihilate both clans.
To avoid leaks, the Clan Leader could personally seal the Spirit Realm's entrance. Once inside, he could ensure no one escapes.
As for the Stone Clan, the Clan Leader could provide a spirit array to seal their domain. Then, Tianluo, Tianming, Xiao Wu, and others could clear out the Stone Clan from the outside."**
Xiao Chun then turned to Xiao Tiance. "By keeping the operation small, we won't attract the attention of the other Imperial Clans. Once these two clans are eradicated, neither the Ancient Clan nor the Flame Clan will dare to retaliate on their behalf."
The group pondered Xiao Chun's suggestion, realizing it was indeed the most efficient and safest approach.
Xiao Qing then stood and bowed to Xiao Tiance. "Clan Leader, I believe Grandfather Chun's plan is the best. However, I would like to accompany you on the mission to contribute to the Xiao Clan's efforts."
Seeing that the group had reached a consensus, Xiao Tiance nodded. **"It seems we are all in agreement.
Very well, seal off Tianwaitian to prevent any leaks. We'll proceed with this plan."**
"After all, there are quite a few people from other Imperial Clans within our ranks."
As soon as these words fell, Xiao Wu and the others immediately reacted. Over the past few years, nearly every Imperial Clan had forged marriage alliances with the Xiao Clan. If any information were to leak, it could potentially cause panic among the other clans.
"Clan Leader, how about temporarily detaining those from other Imperial Clans within the Xiao Clan? Once everything is settled, we can decide how to handle them," Xiao Wu suggested.
"Clan Leader, Xiao Wu's idea makes sense. We should temporarily imprison those from other clans," Xiao Teng and Xiao Fei added in agreement.
"That's inappropriate," Xiao Tiance rejected the proposal. "If they have already joined the Xiao Clan, doing so would create mistrust. How will those who marry into our clan in the future see their place here?"
Over the years, more than a thousand people from various Imperial Clans had married into the Xiao Clan. If the Xiao Clan were to turn against all the other Imperial Clans, how would those people feel about their position in the future?
Such a move could sow discord within the Xiao Clan itself. After all, not everyone could resist the influence of pillow talk and familial ties.
For example, Xiao Qing's wife, Gu Yue, was a member of the Gu Clan. If the Gu Clan truly clashed with the Xiao Clan, how would Gu Yue react?
That was the family that gave her life, raised her, and still had her relatives. If they were all killed, it would be highly inappropriate.
If they weren't killed, it could lead to future instability.
For a moment, everyone fell silent.
Initially, they had only considered eliminating the Stone and Spirit Clans to vent their frustrations. But now, a more pressing and realistic issue was right in front of them.
If the Stone and Spirit Clans were entirely eradicated, could the Xiao Clan still trust those who had married into the clan from these two clans?
Moreover, what about the women from these clans who had already married into the Xiao Clan, becoming wives and mothers? How should they be treated in the future?
Feelings and emotions were complicated. If one of the descendants of these women turned out to be a prodigy, would you choose to nurture them or not? Would you trust them or not?
Faced with these thoughts, everyone hesitated.
As Xiao Tiance was about to speak, a spatial fluctuation appeared near the entrance. A moment later, Tianluo stepped out of the void.
Upon entering, Tianluo noticed the expressions on everyone's faces. He first saluted Xiao Tiance and then greeted the others before asking, "Clan Leader, is there a problem troubling everyone?"
Xiao Tiance smiled and looked toward Xiao Qing, who quickly stepped forward to explain the situation to Tianluo.
After listening, Tianluo frowned slightly and asked, "Does everyone agree that we should eradicate the entire Stone and Spirit Clans?"
"Lord Tianluo, that's what we were leaning toward. But the Clan Leader pointed out that even if we manage to suppress the consequences now, the clan may face internal chaos in the future," Xiao Qing respectfully explained.
Hearing this, Tianluo nodded and turned to Xiao Tiance. "Does the main body have a solution in mind?"
If there was anyone in this world who understood Xiao Tiance best, it was undoubtedly Tianluo.
As a soul clone of Xiao Tiance, Tianluo shared not only his memories from before the split but also much of his thought process. Even though he had been separated for over a thousand years, Xiao Tiance's way of thinking was unlikely to have changed.
Suddenly, inspiration struck Tianluo, and he clasped his hands in salute. "Clan Leader, how about using a strategy of sowing discord combined with borrowing the strength of others to do our work?"
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance smiled. As expected, the only one who could match his thinking was his own soul clone.
"Sowing discord is feasible, and borrowing strength could work too. But how would you sow discord? And whose strength would you borrow?" Xiao Tiance asked.
"The Gu Clan," Tianluo replied confidently.
"Hahaha, that's not a bad idea."
Xiao Tiance laughed heartily, and a plan began forming in his mind.
The others, however, were puzzled. They couldn't understand how they could borrow the Gu Clan's strength to achieve their goal. How could that even be possible?
"Clan Leader, the Spirit and Stone Clans have already allied themselves with the Flame and Gu Clans. How could we possibly sow discord between them?" Xiao Qing asked in confusion.
Seeing the similarly puzzled looks on the others' faces, Xiao Tiance smirked slightly and turned to Tianluo. "Since it was your idea, why don't you explain the plan in detail?"
Hearing this, Tianluo realized that Xiao Tiance had likely already thought of this plan.
As the Xiao Clan's leader, Xiao Tiance needed to maintain his dignity and reputation. A plan as underhanded as this one would be unbecoming of his status to suggest directly.
Moreover, Tianluo suspected that Xiao Tiance hadn't fully agreed to the plan of exterminating the entire Stone and Spirit Clans from the beginning. However, since everyone else supported it, he couldn't oppose them outright.
Instead, Xiao Tiance subtly pointed out the potential long term issues of such a plan, causing the others to hesitate and rethink their stance.
After all, the Xiao Clan's future would ultimately rest in the hands of these individuals. If unresolved issues lingered, it could lead to problems down the line.
As Xiao Tiance's soul clone, Tianluo was the perfect person to propose such a plan. Most of the Xiao Clan members didn't even know of his connection to Xiao Tiance, making him an ideal candidate to present the idea.
After organizing his thoughts, Tianluo clasped his hands and began to explain.
**"The Stone and Spirit Clans were originally our vassals. However, the Gu and Flame Clans used a strategy of sowing discord to turn them against us.
So why can't we turn the tables and do the same to them?
Currently, while the Spirit and Stone Clans have allied with the Gu and Flame Clans, their alliance has not been made public.
If we quietly spread a rumor that the Spirit and Stone Clans are only pretending to ally with the Gu and Flame Clans as part of a plan to help the Xiao Clan sabotage them, what do you think would happen?
If you were from the Gu or Flame Clans and heard such rumors, would you believe them or not?
Even if you didn't believe them initially, what if someone attacked members of the Gu and Flame Clans shortly afterward?
Wouldn't that seed of doubt grow into suspicion?
And if they did believe it, as stronger clans compared to the Spirit and Stone Clans, wouldn't they turn their wrath against their weaker allies?
After all, the Xiao Clan's strength is well known, and the Gu and Flame Clans wouldn't dare provoke us directly."**
Tianluo finished explaining his plan in one breath. Xiao Wu and the others immediately looked astonished.
If they were members of the Gu or Flame Clans and heard such rumors, they would certainly become suspicious. Once doubt was planted, even a minor misunderstanding could escalate into outright hostility.
Imperial Clans valued their reputation. If they believed they had been deceived by weaker clans, their wrath would be swift and merciless.
And once the Gu and Flame Clans acted, the Xiao Clan could send its forces to finish off the Spirit and Stone Clans. At that point, they could shift all blame onto the Gu and Flame Clans, ensuring that the Xiao Clan's reputation remained untarnished.
"Lord Tianluo, your plan is brilliant. We are in awe!" Xiao Qing and the others saluted respectfully.
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