Chapter 206: Traces of the Hun Clan
"Your suggestions make sense. Now let's discuss how we handle the Gu, Lei, Yan Clans, and the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe. Should we annihilate them completely, or just defeat them to keep them in check?" Xiao Tiance asked with a calm smile, addressing everyone in the Tiance Residence in Beyond the Heavens.
Xiao Tiance was not a dictator. He was always open to reasoned arguments and would adopt the best course of action after deliberation.
Opinions on the Four Clans
After a brief silence, Xiao Xuan stepped forward and bowed. "Lord Tiance "
Before Xiao Xuan could finish, Xiao Tiance waved his hand and interrupted. "You're my elder, Brother Xuan. Just call me Tiance as before."
Hearing Xiao Xuan call him "Lord Tiance" made him uncomfortable. Even though the Dou Qi Continent revered strength, and Xiao Tiance could easily overpower Xiao Xuan even at his peak it didn't change the fact that Xiao Xuan had always been like an older brother to him.
If it weren't for Xiao Xuan's decision to stay anonymous, Xiao Tiance would have revealed his identity to everyone.
Behind his mask, Xiao Xuan's eyes glimmered with amusement. "Alright, I'll drop the formalities.
Tiance, I believe it's better to deal with the potential threats posed by the four clan alliance before launching a decisive battle with the Hun Clan.
Compared to the Hun Clan, the combined strength of the Gu, Yan, and Lei Clans, along with the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe whose foundation rivals that of an imperial clan poses a greater threat.
Should they align against the Xiao Clan, they could become a far more dangerous adversary. Whether in terms of high level experts or middle and low tier forces, the four clan alliance is stronger.
If we prematurely engage the Hun Clan and find ourselves attacked from behind by the four clan alliance, the consequences would be catastrophic.
On the other hand, if we neutralize the four clan alliance first, we can face the Hun Clan without distraction and with far greater chances of victory."
Hearing this, the others nodded in agreement.
To Destroy or Spare?
Xiao Tiance nodded thoughtfully. "If we deal with the four clan alliance first, should we aim to annihilate them or merely defeat them to ensure compliance?"
"Kill them all. Those who are not of our clan will always harbor ill intentions," Tianluo said coldly.
"Exterminate them. Dead enemies are the safest kind," the Tomb Spirit added with a sinister smile.
The blunt suggestions from the two caused the group to fall into contemplative silence. While complete annihilation could resolve the problem decisively, it was also excessively ruthless and could have far reaching repercussions.
"Clan Leader," Huang Jiuji said after some thought, "I believe we should exterminate the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe.
Because of Min'er and Lingyun's attack on their territory, our relationship with the Void Dragons is already beyond repair. Furthermore, their nature is vindictive, and once they become enemies, there's no possibility of coexistence. In the world of magical beasts, this is an unbreakable rule."
"As for the Yan Clan, they're little more than opportunistic clowns. We can make an example of them first eliminate them completely.
If we march on the Yan Clan with overwhelming force, the Lei Clan might reconsider and retreat," Xiao Qing suggested.
The Fate of the Gu Clan
Xiao Tiance turned to Xiao Xuan, asking, "What about the Gu Clan? Brother Xuan, you were in charge of the Xiao Clan during the days when our relationship with the Gu Clan was strong. What's your opinion on this matter?"
The Gu Clan was the only one Xiao Tiance was hesitant about. He had repaid his debts to them, but he still wanted to hear Xiao Xuan's perspective.
Xiao Xuan sighed. "The Gu Clan, huh? If possible, spare a branch of their bloodline. That's all I ask."
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance was about to respond when the jade tokens worn by him, Tianluo, and Xiao Qing suddenly glowed. They each infused their tokens with Dou Qi, and moments later, Yafei's excited voice echoed in their minds:
"We've found traces of the Hun Clan!"
Although her message was brief, it brought immediate smiles to the faces of Xiao Tiance, Tianluo, and Xiao Qing.
Preparing for Action
Noticing the change in their expressions, Huang Jiuji asked, "Clan Leader, is there good news?"
"Haha, indeed, Elder Huang," Xiao Tiance replied. "The Hun Clan has made their move."
Turning to Xiao Qing, he instructed, "Qing'er, go personally to verify the details and bring back the full report."
"Yes, Third Uncle!" Xiao Qing bowed respectfully and quickly departed.
After Xiao Qing left, Xiao Tiance addressed the group with a grin. "Now that we've found traces of the Hun Clan, the situation has become clearer.
However, we must not underestimate them. We still don't know why they've chosen to reveal themselves, so remain on high alert. When the time comes, we may face an unprecedentedly formidable enemy."
"Yes, Clan Leader!" the group replied in unison.
The discussion of strategy halted as they waited for Xiao Qing to return with the details.
Xiao Yi Xian and Xiao Yan Reunite
On the eighth floor of the Tiance Residence, Xiao Yi Xian and Xiao Yan sat together, catching up on their experiences since they parted ways in the Magic Beast Mountain Range.
"Xiao Yi Xian, you've had a tough time," Xiao Yan said, his voice tinged with guilt and concern. "But don't worry. I have three Heavenly Flames, and since Ancestor Tiance has promised the resources you need, I'll help you control your Constitution of Calamity Poison."
"Thank you, Xiao Yan. Once I've gained control over the poison, let's explore the Central Plains together," Xiao Yi Xian said with a bright smile.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan felt a flicker of emotion and nodded. "I wouldn't mind that. But before that, I need to return to the Jia Ma Empire."
"Why?" Xiao Yi Xian asked, surprised.
"My two elder brothers are still in Rock Desert City in the Tagore Desert. When the clan took our people from Wutan City, they didn't bring my brothers along. I need to check on them.
Also, you know I've mentioned before that one of the flames I possess is the Fallen Heart Flame. It originally belonged to the Jia Nan Academy, but after I took it, the academy lost its foundation.
Coincidentally, I acquired a young Fallen Heart Flame from the Venerable Tianhuo. It's not as strong as the original, but with time and nurturing, it can grow powerful enough to restore the academy's Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower. It's the least I can do to repay them."
"I'll take care of these two matters first, then I'll return to explore the Central Plains with you. Is that alright?" Xiao Yan said with a gentle smile.
Hearing this, Xiao Yi Xian felt her affection for Xiao Yan grow even stronger. However, she suddenly remembered the conversation between Xiao Tiance and Huang Jiuji in the Snake Tribe's settlement.
After hesitating for a moment, she decided to tell Xiao Yan about what she'd heard regarding his brothers.
"Xiao Yan, there's something I need to tell you. Please don't get too worked up, and don't worry, alright?" Xiao Yi Xian said cautiously.
"Haha, we've been friends for years. Just say it," Xiao Yan replied, smiling casually.
"It's about your brothers. Before leaving the Jia Ma Empire, I overheard Sir and Elder Huang mention that the Heavenly Mystery Tower sent them word.
Your brothers were ambushed by the Yun Lan Sect. Luckily, the Mittelt Clan helped them secretly. Your second brother managed to escape toward the Black Corner Region, likely to find you."
Before she could finish, Dou Qi erupted uncontrollably from Xiao Yan's body. Furious, he roared, "Yun Lan Sect! Yun Shan, you're courting death!"
Seeing the concern on Xiao Yi Xian's face, Xiao Yan quickly suppressed his rage. "You said my second brother escaped. What about my eldest brother?" he asked, his voice trembling with fear of what he might hear next.
"Don't worry, your eldest brother isn't in mortal danger. Thanks to the Mittelt Clan's help, he's alive, though… he lost both legs," Xiao Yi Xian explained, her tone full of reassurance.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan's anger simmered but didn't fade entirely. Still, he felt a slight relief that his brothers were alive. While his eldest brother's injuries were severe, they weren't beyond repair.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Yi Xian. "Thank you for telling me this. I must hurry back to see them myself.
I need to make sure my brothers are safe. After all, if it weren't for me, they wouldn't have been targeted by the Yun Lan Sect."
Seeing him regain his composure, Xiao Yi Xian waved her hand. "There's no need to thank me. I'm sure your brothers will be fine."
"I hope so. Here's what I'll do: I'll first request the materials needed to revive my teacher and Venerable Tianhuo from Ancestor Tiance. After that, I'll help you control your Constitution of Calamity Poison," Xiao Yan said decisively.
"Right now? Sir and the others seem to be in an important meeting. With so many top tier experts gathered, it's unlikely they're just chatting. Are you sure it's a good time?" Xiao Yi Xian asked, concerned.
"I'm in a hurry. I must settle things here quickly so I can return to the Jia Ma Empire.
Ancestor Tiance is kind and understanding; I'm sure he'll empathize with my situation," Xiao Yan replied confidently.
Xiao Tiance's Plan
On the ninth floor of the Tiance Residence, Xiao Tiance, whose soul was passively monitoring the eighth floor, overheard the conversation between Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian.
He had hoped to hear lighthearted banter or even romantic talk, but Xiao Yan's urgency and his usual lack of romantic sensitivity left Xiao Tiance shaking his head.
Deciding to help, Xiao Tiance sent a message to Xiao Bieli, instructing him to deliver two sets of revival materials to Xiao Yan. Additionally, he included the necessary items for Xiao Yi Xian to suppress her Constitution of Calamity Poison.
Within minutes, Xiao Bieli arrived with the supplies and led Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian to a secret chamber beneath the Tiance Residence.
Preparing for the Revival
"Xiao Yan," Xiao Bieli said, "the Clan Leader has instructed that you may use this chamber to revive Yao Chen and Venerable Tianhuo.
Here are two bodies one at the Half Saint level and the other at the Two Star Dou Saint level. However, with your current strength, crafting these bodies might be beyond your capabilities.
The Clan Leader has arranged for some elders to assist you by providing Dou Qi."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan bowed deeply. "Thank you, Ancestor Tiance, and you as well, Sir."
Xiao Bieli waved it off with a smile. "No need to thank me; it's all arranged by the Clan Leader.
Take some time to prepare. I'll return shortly with the elders."
Xiao Qing Brings Critical News
Meanwhile, at the Heavenly Mystery Tower, Xiao Qing reviewed the message he'd received and was visibly shocked.
Turning to Yafei, he said, "This information is critical. I'll return to Beyond the Heavens immediately.
Also, instruct the Heavenly Mystery Tower's entire network, including all members of the Heavenly Net, to closely monitor the movements of the Gu, Yan, and Lei Clans, as well as the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe."
"Yes, Lord Xiao Qing. I will see to it at once," Yafei replied respectfully.
Despite her short tenure at the Heavenly Mystery Tower, Yafei had already reached the strength of a Five Star Dou Huang. The former Mittelt Clan member had come a long way from her days as a lowly Dou Zhe in the Jia Ma Empire.
"I trust your abilities. I leave the headquarters in your hands," Xiao Qing said before activating a teleportation array and disappearing.
Returning to Beyond the Heavens
About an hour later, Xiao Qing arrived back at Beyond the Heavens. Without delay, he used spatial travel to reach the ninth floor of the Tiance Residence.
As he stepped through the spatial rift, everyone in the room turned to look at him.
"Third Uncle, I've retrieved the details. Please take a look," Xiao Qing said respectfully, presenting a scroll with both hands.
Xiao Tiance gestured for him to rise and beckoned the scroll into his hand with a wave.
After scanning its contents, Xiao Tiance's brow furrowed deeply. He tossed the scroll to Xiao Xuan and said in a grave tone, "Take a look.
The Hun Clan, which has remained hidden for years, has suddenly surfaced across the Central Plains. Their high profile activities could mean they're planning something bigger."
Speculations
As the scroll made its way through Xiao Xuan, the Tomb Spirit, Tianluo, and the others, all of them frowned after reading its contents.
"Third Uncle," Xiao Qing ventured, "could it be that Hun Tiandi has recovered from his injuries, giving the Hun Clan renewed confidence?"
"It's possible," Xiao Tiance said, his eyes narrowing. "The Hun Clan is shrouded in mystery. With Void Swallowing Flame by his side, Hun Tiandi could have used some unusual methods to heal.
Still, even if he has recovered, their conspicuous actions don't entirely make sense. There must be more to this than meets the eye."
(End of Chapter)
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