Chapter 179: Ling Hua's Reaction, Xiao Tiance's Ruthlessness
As the Xiao Clan finalized their plans to obliterate the Shi Clan and Ling Clan…
Spirit Realm, Ling Hua's Residence
Nestled atop a majestic mountain, Ling Hua's home boasted a massive waterfall at its entrance. The serene and picturesque surroundings made it a true paradise compared to the world outside. Despite his success in leveraging the Xiao Clan's power to suppress the dissent within the Ling Clan and reclaim his position as the Ling Clan's leader, Ling Hua's return to power was far from smooth. His previous declaration of stepping down as clan leader had left a stain, causing ongoing resistance from certain elders and grand elders. Were it not for the looming threat of the Xiao Clan, Ling Hua might already have faced a rebellion led by the very elders he now governed.
"Smash!"
Alone in his residence, Ling Hua furiously hurled his teacup to the floor, shattering it into countless fragments. It was already the tenth cup he had destroyed a testament to the intensity of his anger.
The reason for his fury was simple: the clan's elders, including the grand elders, had secretly forged an alliance with the Yan Clan behind his back. This coalition was not just a casual agreement it was aimed directly at the Xiao Clan.
As a pragmatic and astute individual, Ling Hua knew the Xiao Clan's strength and methods inside out. The betrayal of such a formidable force could only invite catastrophic consequences. He was well aware that if the Xiao Clan learned of their treachery, the Ling Clan would face a devastating and merciless retaliation. For two days, Ling Hua had been racking his brain, desperately searching for a way to avert the impending disaster. Yet no matter how he analyzed it, every possible scenario ended in ruin.
"Damn it! Damn it! Do those fools have rocks for brains?" Ling Hua growled, his frustration boiling over. "Once the Xiao Clan discovers our betrayal, they'll strike back with unimaginable fury. Even the once mighty Hun Clan was forced into hiding by the Xiao Clan! What chance does our weaker Ling Clan have against them?"
The more Ling Hua thought about it, the angrier he became. He realized that his clan's reckless actions were akin to courting death. If the Xiao Clan had not yet learned of their betrayal, it was only a matter of time before their unparalleled intelligence network uncovered the truth. Ling Hua's expression darkened as a dreadful possibility crossed his mind.
"No… Could the Xiao Clan already know?" Ling Hua whispered to himself. "No, I can't just sit here waiting for doom. Whether they know or not, it's only a matter of time before they find out. I must act now. If I can't save the entire Ling Clan, at least I can secure the survival of my own bloodline."
With that, Ling Hua straightened his robe, determined to seek an audience with the Xiao Clan and explain the situation. However, just as he stepped out of his room, seven or eight powerful figures at the Dou Sheng level appeared, surrounding him from all sides.
"Ling Hua, you Xiao Clan lapdog! Get back inside your room. Don't even think about informing the Xiao Clan!"
Lin Chen, the leader of the group, sneered at Ling Hua, his expression cold and menacing.
"Get back inside!" the others echoed with harsh tones.
Ling Hua's face fell as he took in the hostility radiating from the group. He understood immediately this was orchestrated by the grand elders to keep him under house arrest. Were it not for his Eight Star Dou Sheng strength, they might have already attempted to kill him outright. The only thing holding them back was the inevitable losses such a confrontation would incur.
Ling Hua glared at the group, his voice icy as he demanded, "Do you fools even comprehend the consequences of betraying the Xiao Clan? If they discover this treachery, the Ling Clan will face annihilation. You're dragging the entire clan into destruction!"
"Silence!" Lin Chen barked. "The Xiao Clan is strong, yes, but we have allied with the Gu Clan, Yan Clan, and Shi Clan. Together, we're more than a match for them. And you dare speak of betrayal? You're the one who shamelessly reclaimed the clan leader's position with the Xiao Clan's help after stepping down. Now you're just a dog of the Xiao Clan!"
The others chimed in, their voices filled with derision. "We're not afraid of the Xiao Clan! If worst comes to worst, we'll fight them to the death!"
Ling Hua's fists clenched in rage. He knew all too well the Xiao Clan's capabilities. Even now, the Xiao Clan might be mobilizing to annihilate them, and his innocence in this betrayal would count for nothing. Once the Xiao Clan's forces descended upon them, no amount of explanation would save him or his people. Yet surrounded by so many Dou Shengs, with the clan's defensive formation under their control, Ling Hua had no means of escape.
"You'll regret this, Lin Chen," Ling Hua said, his voice low but filled with menace. "You have no idea what you're up against. The Xiao Clan is far stronger than you can imagine. Xiao Tiance alone is a force to be reckoned with. If he acts, even Gu Yuan of the Gu Clan won't walk away unscathed."
"Hah! Spare us your warnings," Lin Chen sneered. "The Xiao Clan's strength has its limits. Against the combined might of four imperial clans, they're nothing. And as for you either you return to your room, or today will be your death anniversary."
Ling Hua glared at Lin Chen and the others, his heart heavy with despair. He could see the writing on the wall his clan's arrogance and overconfidence were paving the way for their destruction. And he, powerless to stop it, would inevitably be swept away in the storm to come.
Why Not Agree?
Ling Chen was seething with rage as he thought back to the days when the Ling Clan was forced to become a vassal of the Xiao Clan. At that time, without any allies, they had no choice but to swallow their pride and submit, hoping merely to survive.
But now, the balance of power had shifted. The Xiao Clan, once so dominant, was now just one clan among many. If they refrained from attacking the Hun Clan, peace might persist. Yet, if they dared to act, it would spell their doom. Did the Xiao Clan think the others would just sit back and do nothing?
Ling Hua surveyed Ling Chen's stubborn expression, as well as the Dou Shengs encircling him, not to mention others lurking in the shadows nearby. He snorted coldly and spoke with icy disdain:
"You are all so obstinate. Let's hope you won't regret it. Unfortunately, the thousand year legacy of our Ling Clan is about to be destroyed by your recklessness. When the consequences come, I wonder if you'll have the face to meet our ancestors!"
"A short sighted bunch completely unworthy of serious discussion!" Ling Hua spat.
Turning angrily, he waved his sleeve and stormed back into his room just as Ling Chen appeared ready to strike.
Seeing Ling Hua retreat, Ling Chen sneered and barked orders:
"Surround the area! If Ling Hua makes any move, report it immediately."
"Yes, Grand Elder!" the others chorused.
Meanwhile, hidden Xiao Clan spies embedded within the Ling Clan had already sent the news back to the Heaven Beyond Heaven.
Heaven Beyond Heaven – Tiance Mansion
After Tian Luo's plans to annihilate the Shi Clan and Ling Clan were approved, he worked tirelessly from morning until night, finalizing every detail. Finally, all the preparations were complete.
Just then, Xiao Bieli hurried into the room, holding a scroll in his hand. Bowing respectfully, he said:
"Clan Leader, Elders, we've received a secret message from the Ling Clan!"
Xiao Tiance raised his left hand, and with a gesture, the scroll flew into his grasp. After signaling Xiao Bieli to leave, he opened the scroll and read its contents.
Moments later, a flicker of understanding crossed his eyes. He smiled faintly and said:
"Everyone, take a look at this."
Hearing this, Xiao Qing stepped forward, received the scroll, and read it before passing it to the others. Once everyone had finished, Xiao Tiance spoke again with a calm smile:
"I had wondered if Ling Hua, with his intelligence, would truly betray us. Now that I've seen this, it all makes sense."
"Hmph!" Tian Luo scoffed. "Ling Hua is useless! Even with so many resources at his disposal, he couldn't suppress dissent within his clan. He let others take advantage of him. In my opinion, we should just include him among the traitors and eliminate him along with the rest!"
Xiao Qing stepped forward and bowed. "Clan Leader, I believe that since Ling Hua has been imprisoned and seems loyal to our clan, we should spare him during our operation. His strength is considerable. Once the Ling Clan is destroyed, a homeless Ling Hua will have no choice but to rely on us for survival.
"Moreover, whether Ling Hua is genuinely loyal or not doesn't matter. As long as we remain strong, someone like Ling Hua poses no real threat."
After hearing both arguments, Xiao Tiance nodded and looked around.
"What do the rest of you think?"
"I agree with the Young Clan Leader."
"Me too. Ling Hua may be weak, but he's still an Eight Star Dou Sheng. Without a Nine Star Dou Sheng, he's essentially unbeatable. Losing such a powerful fighter would be a waste."
"I also support the Young Clan Leader's suggestion."
Seeing the majority align with Xiao Qing's view, Xiao Tiance nodded and declared:
"Very well. Let's give Ling Hua one more chance. Since he hasn't betrayed us, he will be treated differently. Besides, his presence might hasten the Ling Clan's downfall."
"Clan Leader, your wisdom is unparalleled!" the elders said, bowing in unison.
Xiao Tiance waved them off before turning to Xiao Qing and Tian Luo.
"Xiao Qing! Tian Luo!"
"Present!"
"After the plans are set, the two of you will take charge together. You have half a month. If the Gu Clan and Yan Clan don't act on the messages we've leaked, proceed with the second plan: launch a direct assault on the Ling Clan and Shi Clan."
"Yes, Clan Leader!" Xiao Qing and Tian Luo bowed in acknowledgment before retreating.
Xiao Tiance then turned to Xiao Wu, Xiao Teng, and Xiao Fei.
"You three will oversee our forces. Do not act unless necessary. But when you do, strike with overwhelming force."
"Yes, Clan Leader!" the three replied in unison.
Finally, Xiao Tiance addressed his uncle, Xiao Chun, with a softer tone:
"Second Uncle, the task of stabilizing the clan falls to you. Also, take this."
He retrieved several jade tokens from his storage ring. Each bore intricate engravings and inscriptions, marked with names such as Ling One, Ling Two, Stone One, and Gu One, totaling seven.
Xiao Chun examined them closely and asked, "Clan Leader, are these connected to the Gathering Spirit Arrays we provided them?"
"Precisely," Xiao Tiance confirmed with a smile. "When I created those Gathering Spirit Arrays, I left contingencies in place. If they become our enemies, these jade tokens can disable the arrays and detonate the accumulated Dou Qi within them.
"The blast's radius extends a hundred meters. Even a Dou Sheng caught within it won't escape unscathed."
Xiao Chun hesitated but ultimately bowed. "Understood, Clan Leader. I'll ensure the clan remains stable and use these tokens if necessary."
Xiao Tiance smiled. "Good. Remember, they chose to oppose us. We didn't act against them without cause. If they wish to blame someone, they should blame themselves for picking the wrong side."
At this, Tian Luo clapped his hands in approval.
"Exactly, Clan Leader! From the start, our target was the Hun Clan. If the other imperial clans insist on interfering, we'll show them the Xiao Clan is not to be trifled with."
Xiao Chun sighed but nodded. "Rest assured, Clan Leader. I won't fail you."
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