Chapter 211: The Double Agent
"We can't push the Xiao Clan too hard, nor can we completely exhaust the strength of the Four Clan Alliance."
In the Gu Realm, within the Gu Clan's conference hall, Hun Tiandi's plan had just been laid out, sending a chill through everyone present.
Hun Tiandi's ruthlessness was on full display. The individuals he had sent out as sacrificial pawns were all well known figures of the Hun Clan. Disposing of them so decisively was something few could stomach.
Looking at the uneasy expressions on Gu Yuan and the others, Hun Tiandi continued, "This request shouldn't be too difficult for you, should it?"
After a brief silence, Gu Yuan cupped his hands and replied, "Fine. If it's just to provide cover for your clan members, the Gu Clan agrees."
"The Yan Clan agrees!"
"The Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan also agrees!"
"The Lei Clan has no objections!"
With Gu Yuan, Yan Jin, and the others all expressing their agreement, Hun Tiandi burst into hearty laughter and moved on to the next step of his plan.
For the next half an hour, Hun Tiandi explained the intricate details of his strategy before leaving with Void Swallowing Flame. Shortly after, Zhukun, Yan Jin, and the others also departed.
Lei Clan Territory
Upon returning to the Lei Clan, Lei Ying hurried back to his private chambers. As soon as he stepped inside, he found Xiao Tiance waiting for him with a calm smile.
"Greetings, Brother Xiao. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long," Lei Ying said with a polite bow.
Xiao Tiance returned the bow and graciously poured a cup of tea for Lei Ying.
"You've worked hard, Brother Lei. I'm truly at a loss for words to express my gratitude for your efforts on behalf of the Xiao Clan."
Lei Ying chuckled, shaking his head. "Brother Xiao, you flatter me. It's just a matter of gathering information; it's no trouble at all.
"By the way, I not only obtained the information you requested during my visit to the Gu Realm, but I also encountered Hun Tiandi and Void Swallowing Flame."
Lei Ying then recounted everything that had transpired in the Gu Clan's conference hall in detail.
Xiao Tiance listened intently, remaining silent for a moment after Lei Ying finished. A subtle smile appeared on his face.
"Heh, so this is what they've been planning. I must thank you, Brother Lei. This information is incredibly valuable."
Lei Ying waved his hand modestly. "No need for thanks. Consider it my way of repaying the debt I owe Xiao Xuan."
Xiao Tiance nodded knowingly. The debt Lei Ying referred to stemmed from a long standing incident. In the past, Lei Ying had challenged Xiao Xuan, only to suffer a decisive defeat. If not for Xiao Xuan sparing his life, Lei Ying might not have survived that encounter.
This debt of gratitude was why, just days ago, when Xiao Tiance visited the Lei Clan with Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling, Lei Ying had agreed to act as an undercover informant for the Xiao Clan.
Inside the Lei Clan Chamber
"Brother Lei," Xiao Tiance said with a smile, "your help has been invaluable. With the information you've provided, we now have a clearer path for dealing with the Hun Clan and their allies.
"However, until the final battle is over, I must ask you to continue your role in this act. It's for the Lei Clan's benefit, after all.
"The Lei Clan may be strong, but compared to the combined forces of the Hun Clan, Gu Clan, Yan Clan, and Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, it's still at a disadvantage."
Lei Ying frowned slightly but knew Xiao Tiance was speaking the truth. Despite his pride, he couldn't deny that the Lei Clan alone would struggle against such a formidable alliance.
After a moment of contemplation, Lei Ying nodded. "Brother Xiao, rest assured, I know what needs to be done.
"But, if I may ask, what's your next step? While the Xiao Clan is powerful, if Hun Tiandi and the others succeed in their plan, it could spell disaster for your clan."
Lei Ying's tone carried genuine concern. He believed that with Xiao Tiance now aware of Hun Tiandi's strategy, the Hun Clan's plans were unlikely to succeed. But if, by some chance, they did...
Xiao Tiance sipped his tea slowly, his expression calm. "There's no need to worry, Brother Lei.
"Hun Tiandi may be ruthless, sacrificing so many of his clan's elites as pawns, but I won't let such an opportunity slip by.
"As for their plan... let's just say I've already accounted for it.
"Having visited the Ancient Emperor's Cave myself, I've made certain preparations.
"In fact," Xiao Tiance added with a sly grin, "I'm quite looking forward to seeing them enter the cave. It will be the perfect opportunity to take them all down in one fell swoop."
Xiao Tiance stood up, cupping his hands in thanks. "Once again, I must thank you, Brother Lei. Now that we have this information, I leave the rest to your capable hands.
"If Gu Yuan or the others request your assistance, feel free to comply. I'll ensure that, should it come to conflict, the Xiao Clan will spare your men."
Lei Ying's eye twitched at Xiao Tiance's casual remark. Spare my men? What does that even mean?
Had it not been for the vast gulf in strength between them, Lei Ying might have wanted to exchange a few blows with Xiao Tiance. However, knowing he was no match, he simply offered a polite smile.
"In that case, I look forward to the Xiao Clan's performance."
"Farewell," Xiao Tiance said, vanishing as suddenly as he had appeared, leaving behind no trace of his presence.
"Finally," Lei Ying muttered, releasing a long sigh of relief. His eyes glinted with a mixture of thoughts before he composed himself.
After Xiao Tiance's Departure
Xiao Tiance didn't return to either Tianwaitian or the Tianji Tower Headquarters immediately. Instead, he had other plans in mind.
After relaying the critical information to Xiao Qing for further arrangements, Xiao Tiance appeared in a bustling tavern near the Gu Realm.
Inside the Tavern
As soon as Xiao Tiance arrived, Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling turned their gazes toward him.
"Tiance, how did it go?" Xiao Xuan asked eagerly.
Before Xiao Tiance could respond, Mu Ling chuckled, exuding a relaxed demeanor. "Judging by his expression, it seems our friend got exactly what he wanted."
Xiao Tiance smiled and nodded. "Mu Ling is right. Brother Xuan, I managed to obtain the information I needed from Lei Ying."
He then proceeded to recount Lei Ying's report in detail, from Hun Tiandi's ruthless sacrifices to Gu Yuan's willingness to align against the Xiao Clan.
Upon hearing this, both Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling were astonished.
First, they were shocked by Hun Tiandi's cold blooded decision to sacrifice his clan's renowned elites as disposable pawns.
Second, they were surprised at Gu Yuan and his allies' resolution to oppose the Xiao Clan.
Mu Ling took it in stride. His loyalty to the Xiao Clan, particularly his gratitude toward Xiao Tiance for granting him a human form, meant he would follow orders without question. Thinking and strategizing weren't his responsibilities.
Xiao Xuan, however, was visibly conflicted. Xiao Tiance immediately noticed the change in his expression.
"Brother Xuan, there's no need to dwell on it. The choice has always been Gu Yuan's, not ours," Xiao Tiance said, trying to console him.
Xiao Tiance understood Xiao Xuan's feelings. When Xiao Xuan had led the Xiao Clan, he and Gu Yuan had sworn a blood pact of unity, vowing to share prosperity and adversity. Yet, with the Xiao Clan's rise to power over the centuries, Gu Yuan's attitude had shifted, leaving Xiao Xuan feeling betrayed.
Xiao Xuan's Request
"Ah... I suppose there's no point in lamenting the past," Xiao Xuan sighed heavily. "Tiance, if possible, leave the Gu Clan a way out. I know you've repaid my debt to them, but no matter what, our clans share a deep bond and a history of generations of friendship.
"Gu Yuan has lost his way, standing against us, but while he may be unjust, we cannot act without righteousness."
Xiao Xuan's tone carried a trace of sorrow.
Xiao Tiance responded with a reassuring smile. "Brother Xuan, you don't need to worry. I've never intended to annihilate the Gu Clan.
"As you said, they may be unjust, but we will not be without honor.
"Here's what we'll do: I've entrusted Qing'er with handling the Hun Clan. As for the Gu Clan, I leave the decision to you."
Xiao Xuan's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected Xiao Tiance to agree so easily to spare the Gu Clan. Xiao Tiance was known for being genial but resolute in his decisions, rarely swayed by others' counsel.
"Thank you, Tiance," Xiao Xuan said, his voice filled with gratitude.
He realized that if he took charge of dealing with the Gu Clan, there might still be hope for reconciliation. If left to Xiao Tiance, however, there was little chance that any opposition would be left standing.
Back in the days when the three prodigies of the Xiao Clan Xiao Xuan, Xiao Tiance, and Xiao Chen were hailed as the "Xiao Clan's Three Titans," Xiao Tiance had always been seen as the gentlest, compared to Xiao Xuan's ferocity and Xiao Chen's unwavering resolve.
Yet, Xiao Xuan knew better than anyone that when it came to ruthlessness, Xiao Tiance was unmatched. Once he set his sights on an enemy, he would strike with overwhelming force, leaving no room for survival.
On Hun Clan Affairs
"Tiance, earlier you mentioned entrusting Qing'er with dealing with the Hun Clan. While his strength is commendable, he lacks the necessary experience. Wouldn't it be wise to send Mu Ling to assist him?"
Mu Ling perked up at this suggestion. Since acquiring his human form, he hadn't had the chance to fully test his strength. Xiao Tiance had provided him with powerful techniques, but he was eager to see their effects in battle.
However, Xiao Tiance shook his head gently. "No need. Mu Ling, stay with Brother Xuan for now. As for Qing'er, Tian Luo is by his side.
"Tian Luo is steady and reliable. With his assistance, I have full confidence in Qing'er's success."
Xiao Xuan frowned slightly, curiosity evident in his expression. "Tiance, who exactly is Tian Luo? There's something familiar about his aura."
Tian Luo was a mysterious figure. Though he had served alongside Xiao Tiance for many years, only a handful of people knew his true identity.
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Brother Xuan, do you remember entrusting me with your body all those years ago?
"Tian Luo is the result of that. He's a Tian Yao Puppet crafted from your body. During the process, there was an unexpected incident I infused nearly half of my soul into him.
"In essence, you can think of Tian Luo as a part of me, a clone of sorts.
"As for his identity, only a select few are aware. I meant to tell you earlier but simply forgot. I hope you can forgive me."
Xiao Xuan was stunned. "So that explains it! No wonder his aura felt so familiar.
"I always assumed you gave the Tian Yao Puppet to Qing'er. I didn't expect you to keep it by your side."
Xiao Tiance smiled. "Qing'er's Tian Yao Puppet was crafted from the remains of Huang Jiuji. Its identity is also kept secret from most."
On Succession
Xiao Xuan nodded in understanding but then hesitated before asking, "Tiance, are you really planning to pass the position of Clan Leader to Qing'er?
"You're still young. Why the rush to decide? What if, in the future, you have children of your own? With your guidance, they'll undoubtedly be extraordinary. Wouldn't this create conflict within the clan?"
Xiao Tiance couldn't help but laugh. "Brother Xuan, what children? I don't even have a wife yet!"
(End of Chapter)
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