Chapter 204: Xiao Xuan and the Tomb Spirit's Warning, Xiao Yan's Recklessness
"Hmm, Brother Chen is still alive, but he's trapped and unable to escape," Xiao Tiance said.
Within the Heavenly Tomb in the northwestern corner of Beyond the Heavens, Xiao Xuan's face lit up with joy at Xiao Tiance's words.
"That's wonderful! Xiao Chen is still alive! Truly wonderful news!
Back then, after he disappeared, I searched all over the Dou Qi Continent but found nothing. I suspected he might have been trapped in a secret realm. I wanted to keep looking, but when you were ambushed by Hun Tiandi and left severely injured and unconscious, I had no choice but to give up the search.
Now, knowing he's alive it's the best news I've heard!"
Xiao Tiance's heart filled with a tinge of guilt as he listened to Xiao Xuan. Back then, he had always been cautious, leaving backup plans whenever he traveled across the Dou Qi Continent. But when he located Void Swallowing Flame, his excitement dulled his usual vigilance, giving Hun Tiandi the perfect opportunity to ambush him, leaving him gravely wounded and unconscious.
Had it been a direct confrontation, the difference in strength between him and Hun Tiandi wouldn't have mattered escaping would have been easy.
Moreover, Xiao Tiance felt responsible for Xiao Chen's plight. Before Xiao Chen set off to explore the secret realm, he had told Xiao Tiance that he was searching for Heavenly Flames to aid him.
Among the Three Heroes of the Xiao Clan, Xiao Tiance was the only alchemist. His pride back then wouldn't allow him to settle for anything less than a top five ranked Heavenly Flame.
At that time:
The top ranked Emperor Flame was unattainable.
The fourth ranked Golden Emperor Burning Sky Flame was the Gu Clan's inheritance flame.
The fifth ranked Flame of Vitality was missing.
This left only the second ranked Void Swallowing Flame and the third ranked Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame as viable options.
While Xiao Tiance pursued the Void Swallowing Flame, Xiao Chen received news of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame. They set out together, but after years of searching, Xiao Tiance successfully captured the Void Swallowing Flame, while Xiao Chen vanished without a trace.
Xiao Tiance had only remembered this detail after Xiao Xuan's demise, making Xiao Chen's disappearance a painful regret.
Seeing the joy on Xiao Xuan's face, Xiao Tiance sighed and said, "If I hadn't been so arrogant back then, insisting on chasing the top ranked Heavenly Flames, Brother Chen wouldn't have ended up trapped in a secret realm.
Don't worry, Brother Xuan. I will bring him back."
Xiao Xuan shook his head and patted Xiao Tiance's shoulder. "Tiance, don't blame yourself. This was Xiao Chen's fate.
I always found it suspicious that both of you received news about top three ranked Heavenly Flames at the same time.
When you both ran into trouble one after the other, I wondered if the Hun Clan deliberately leaked the information. I couldn't find evidence, though, so I had to let it go."
A New Grudge Against the Hun Clan
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance's eyes narrowed dangerously. "If your suspicion is correct, Brother Xuan, then we have yet another reason to destroy the Hun Clan.
Once we leave here, I'll begin searching for their traces. Once we find them, the Hun Clan will be eradicated in a single battle."
Xiao Xuan nodded solemnly. "The Hun Clan is mysterious. Of the ancient eight clans, they've existed the longest, predating the other seven by several thousand years.
Even when the other Imperial Clans rose to power, their knowledge of the Hun Clan remained superficial.
Tiance, even if you're confident in the Xiao Clan's strength, you must remain vigilant when waging war against the Hun Clan. Complacency could be disastrous."
The Tomb Spirit's Insight
The Tomb Spirit chimed in with a smile. "Xiao Xuan is right. The Heavenly Tomb contains energy forms from the Hun Clan.
Since my creation, I've tried controlling these energy forms, but they're far more resistant than those of the other seven clans.
Even when I succeed, I can't access their memories. It's as if their memories are sealed by a unique restriction any attempt to probe causes the energy form to self destruct.
Tiance, if you're going to deal with the Hun Clan, proceed with caution.
Of course, count me in. I'm quite curious about the Hun Clan's secrets."
Xiao Tiance nodded. Although he had great confidence in the Xiao Clan's strength, the warnings of Xiao Xuan and the Tomb Spirit sobered him.
Moreover, the life trajectory of the Void Swallowing Flame had already changed due to his actions. If the flame fully committed to aiding Hun Tiandi, its extensive knowledge of ancient history and Dou Di tombs could be a significant advantage for the Hun Clan.
Keeping this in mind, Xiao Tiance replied, "I understand. Don't worry I'll proceed carefully."
Hearing his assurance, both Xiao Xuan and the Tomb Spirit relaxed.
Xiao Yan Awakens
Suddenly, Xiao Yan, who had been cultivating, opened his eyes. His aura surged briefly before stabilizing. Exhaling deeply, he smiled and approached Xiao Tiance, Xiao Xuan, and the Tomb Spirit.
"Thank you, Ancestor Tiance, Ancestor Xiao Xuan, and Senior Tomb Spirit. The improvements I've made are entirely thanks to your help," Xiao Yan said respectfully, bowing.
He then turned to Yao Chen and Yao Tianhuo, bowing once more.
"Hehe, no need to thank me," Xiao Tiance said, waving a hand dismissively. "I promised that if you helped me revive someone, I'd provide you with a great opportunity. You've earned this."
"You're part of my bloodline," Xiao Xuan said with a smile. "Helping you is my duty."
The Tomb Spirit added with a chuckle, "You helped revive me. Giving you something in return is only fair."
Xiao Yan bowed again and replied humbly, "Regardless, I'm still deeply grateful. There's no harm in showing respect, after all!"
"Hahaha, interesting, very interesting. I've heard Tiance say those exact words before, and now you're saying them too. It seems you and Tiance are truly kindred spirits," Xiao Xuan said with a hearty laugh.
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance remained calm, showing no reaction, but Xiao Yan's eyes flashed with shock.
As Xiao Yan speculated whether Ancestor Tiance might also be a transmigrator like himself, Xiao Xuan interrupted his thoughts. "I've activated the power of your bloodline. Since I've already started helping you, let me give you a secret technique as well!"
Saying this, Xiao Xuan extended a finger and touched Xiao Yan's forehead. Instantly, a surge of immense information flooded Xiao Yan's mind, causing him sharp pain.
Moments later, as the pain subsided, Xiao Yan's eyes cleared, and a glimmer of excitement flashed across them. "This is the Three Mysterious Transformations of Heavenly Flame!" he exclaimed in delight.
Seeing his joy, Xiao Xuan smiled. "You're quite lucky. With three Heavenly Flames in your body, this technique will amplify their power exponentially.
Although you're currently at the peak of Dou Huang, one step away from Dou Zong, using the Three Mysterious Transformations of Heavenly Flame could push your strength to rival that of a high level Dou Zong.
If you weren't a descendant of the Xiao Clan, I'd have to capture you and interrogate you about your freakish cultivation technique.
Ordinary people can only refine one Heavenly Flame in their lifetime, but you, boy, have three! If news of this spread, your future would be far from peaceful."
Xiao Xuan sighed deeply before adding, "That said, the flames in your body Green Lotus Core Flame, Fallen Heart Flame, and Sea Heart Flame are ranked too low. None of them are in the top ten of the Heavenly Flame rankings.
Even if you combined all three, their power would still fall short of the Golden Emperor Burning Sky Flame that Tiance wields."
"Golden Emperor Burning Sky Flame?" Xiao Yan stammered in shock. "The golden flame Ancestor Tiance used earlier was actually the Golden Emperor Burning Sky Flame? But Xun'er said that flame was the Gu Clan's inheritance. How does Ancestor Tiance have it?"
Xiao Yan's surprise was written all over his face, and his gaze toward Xiao Tiance was filled with awe.
Xiao Xuan's Explanation
Xiao Xuan raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. He hadn't known Xiao Yan had ties to the Gu Clan. Xiao Tiance, noticing this, sent a secret transmission to Xiao Xuan:
"The girl Xiao Yan mentioned is Gu Yuan's daughter. She was sent to the Xiao Clan in Wutan City from a young age. She and Xiao Yan grew up together."
Hearing this, Xiao Xuan snorted coldly in reply, "Hmph, Gu Yuan is truly shameless. If I ever see him, I'll be sure to mock him properly."
Out loud, Xiao Xuan turned to Xiao Yan and explained, "The Golden Emperor Burning Sky Flame that Tiance wields is merely a fragment of the original flame.
However, once we leave here, if you're interested in obtaining more Heavenly Flames, I can help you find some higher ranked ones."
Returning to Beyond the Heavens
"That's enough for now," Xiao Tiance interjected, cutting the conversation short. "It's time for us to leave."
Everyone nodded in agreement and quickly made their way out of the Heavenly Tomb.
Once outside, Xiao Tiance activated the ninth level spirit array he had previously set up, sealing the tomb entirely. The glowing barrier around the tomb added a layer of solemnity to the atmosphere.
Xiao Xuan glanced at the barrier and smiled. "Tiance, your methods are as unpredictable as ever. Even I would struggle to break through this shield."
"Hehe, you're too kind, Brother Xuan. It's just a minor trick not worth mentioning," Xiao Tiance replied with a smile.
"From now on, call me Xuanhuang," Xiao Xuan instructed. "And remember don't reveal my identity to anyone."
The group nodded in unison, committing the name Xuanhuang to memory.
Xiao Yan's Painful Lesson
Looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings, Xiao Yan turned to Xiao Tiance and asked, "Ancestor Tiance, where are we?"
"This is Beyond the Heavens, the home of the Xiao Clan.
For now, go see your father and the others. Afterward, have someone bring you to Tiance Residence. I'll introduce you to an old friend," Xiao Tiance replied with a smile.
"So, this is Beyond the Heavens?" Xiao Yan muttered, instinctively spreading his soul power to explore.
But the next moment
"Ahh! It hurts!" Xiao Yan screamed in pain, clutching his head.
Xiao Tiance chuckled and teased him. "You're bold, boy. Do you think this is just anywhere? This is the Xiao Clan's headquarters!
Your Heavenly Soul Realm strength might be impressive in the outside world, but here, there are hundreds of experts with Heavenly Soul power.
If this weren't Beyond the Heavens, your reckless probing would've shattered your soul into pieces."
As he spoke, Xiao Tiance tossed a jade bottle to Xiao Yan and then led the group onward.
Introducing New Allies
Soon, the group arrived outside the Tiance Residence. Xiao Tiance instructed Xiao Bieli to take Xiao Yan to meet Xiao Zhan and the others while he brought Xiao Xuan and the Tomb Spirit to the ninth floor.
"Greetings, Clan Leader!" Huang Jiuji greeted with a bow as Xiao Tiance entered.
"Greetings, Sir!" Xiao Yi Xian followed suit.
"Elder Huang, there's no need to be so formal. Xiao Yi Xian, you as well," Xiao Tiance said warmly before introducing his companions.
"Let me introduce these two. This is Xuanhuang, a Nine Star Dou Sheng peak level expert and my newly recruited bodyguard.
And this is the Tomb Spirit, also a Nine Star Dou Sheng expert. He's a good friend of mine."
Surprising Strength
Hearing this, Xiao Yi Xian and Huang Jiuji gasped, unable to hide their shock.
Since when were Nine Star Dou Sheng experts so easy to encounter?
Huang Jiuji quickly regained his composure, bowed, and greeted Xiao Xuan and the Tomb Spirit. "It's an honor to meet you both!"
Xiao Xuan and the Tomb Spirit were about to return the gesture but hesitated, unsure of Huang Jiuji's name.
Seeing this, Xiao Tiance clarified, "Xuanhuang, Tomb Spirit, this is Elder Huang, Huang Jiuji. He's one of the Xiao Clan's revered elders and a descendant of the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix Clan. You may address him as Elder Huang."
"Xuanhuang/Tomb Spirit greets Elder Huang," the two replied respectfully, bowing slightly.
"Haha, there's no need for such formality. In the Dou Qi Continent, strength is what matters most, and the two of you surpass me. There's no need to treat me as a senior," Huang Jiuji said with a hearty laugh.
Xiao Tiance smiled and said, "Elder Huang, they're not outsiders. You should just accept their respect."
(End of Chapter)
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