Chapter 219: The Fall of the Soul Clan and a First Encounter with Xiao Li
"Now that the Young Clan Leader is personally taking action, we're bound to succeed!"
At the outskirts of Dan City, the Xiao Clan forces erupted into cheers as Xiao Qing prepared to personally break the Bloodthirsty Soul Devouring Formation. The morale among the clan members soared, their faces lighting up with excitement and confidence.
Xiao Qing waved his hand dismissively at their praises, a calm smile gracing his lips. His figure flashed, appearing directly in front of the barrier formed by the ominous formation.
With a surge of Nine Nether Wind Flame a black, eerie flame ranked tenth on the Heavenly Flame List Xiao Qing unleashed his power. The flame transformed into a ferocious black tiger, roaring as it lunged toward the barrier.
"ROAR!"
The tiger collided with the dark red barrier, producing a deafening explosion.
"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"
Wave after wave of explosions echoed through the area. Xiao Qing's attack was on an entirely different level compared to the Xiao Clan's earlier efforts. Though he was alone, his strength as a late stage nine star Dou Sheng more than compensated for any numerical disadvantage.
Over the years, Xiao Qing had trained tirelessly, pushing his power to new heights. While he had yet to reach the peak of nine star Dou Sheng, his battle prowess rivaled even the strongest in this realm. With the aid of his Heavenly Flame and a powerful Heavenly Puppet, even a peak nine star Dou Sheng would find it difficult to suppress him.
Inside the Formation
Within the Bloodthirsty Soul Devouring Formation, panic began to creep into the hearts of the Soul Clan members.
Despite their frantic efforts to fuel the array by sacrificing prisoners, it was clear that the formation could not sustain itself against Xiao Qing's relentless assault.
"Lord Demon Saint!" a two star Dou Sheng from the Soul Clan called out anxiously. "The Xiao Clan's attack is too fierce! At this rate, the formation will collapse within half an hour!"
The so called Demon Saint, a mid level Dou Sheng in charge of the operation, scowled. His expression darkened as he barked:
"Fools! So what if the formation breaks? We've already accomplished our purpose: delaying the Xiao Clan!"
He gestured toward the interior of the formation, where Soul Clan forces were frantically assaulting the Little Pill Tower's defensive barrier.
"Focus on breaking through the Little Pill Tower's defenses! Once we're inside, we'll have more than enough captives to fuel the formation!"
Xiao Qing's Attack Intensifies
Outside the formation, Xiao Qing's assault continued to grow more intense. The Nine Nether Wind Flame, although ranked tenth on the Heavenly Flame List, unleashed its full potential under Xiao Qing's mastery. It roared with power, its fiery winds tearing into the barrier.
Just as Xiao Qing launched another devastating blow, a spatial ripple appeared in the distance. Yao Chen (Medicine Dust), Xiao Yan's teacher, arrived hurriedly at the scene.
The Xiao Clan forces turned to him, their gazes sharp and curious. Feeling the weight of their scrutiny, Yao Chen quickly clasped his hands and bowed.
"Greetings to the esteemed elders of the Xiao Clan. I am Yao Chen, Xiao Yan's teacher. Thanks to Senior Tiance, I was fortunate enough to be revived. Upon hearing of the Soul Clan's attack on Dan City, I came here immediately. I share a long standing relationship with the Pill Tower and..."
Before Yao Chen could finish, Xiao Qing interrupted, his gaze briefly scanning the newcomer. After sensing the familiar aura of the Bone Chilling Flame, he smiled faintly.
"No need for explanations, Yao Chen. If you're here, join me in attacking the array. The sooner we break it, the more lives we can save inside Dan City."
"Yes, Senior!" Yao Chen responded quickly, humbly assuming the role of a junior.
Though Yao Chen was renowned in his time, his revival placed him among a crowd of ancient experts. Despite his reputation, he couldn't compare to these seasoned veterans, who had lived for centuries longer.
The Tides Turn
With Yao Chen and his Bone Chilling Flame joining the assault, the Bloodthirsty Soul Devouring Formation trembled even more violently. While Yao Chen's power wasn't overwhelming, Xiao Qing deftly combined the cold nature of the Bone Chilling Flame with the scorching heat of his Nine Nether Wind Flame. This dual attack drastically increased the rate at which the formation weakened.
Meanwhile, at Burning Flame Valley
While the battles at Dan City and Tian Ming Sect raged on, the fight at Burning Flame Valley had already ended.
Although Xiao Teng led the Xiao Clan forces here, the decisive factor was the arrival of Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling. These two formidable nine star Dou Shengs, recently strengthened by the Eight Desolation Annihilation Flame and the Red Lotus Karma Flame, turned the tide almost immediately.
Within moments of their arrival, the Soul Clan's Bloodthirsty Soul Devouring Formation collapsed under their combined assault.
With the array shattered, the remaining Soul Clan forces, including two Demon Saints, were swiftly overpowered. While Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling each took on a Demon Saint, the rest of the Soul Clan warriors were no match for the combined might of the Xiao Clan forces.
"Victory is ours!" Xiao Teng declared as the last Soul Clan member fell.
The Soul Clan's End
The fall of Burning Flame Valley marked a significant turning point in the war.
At Tian Ming Sect, Tian Luo steadily gained the upper hand.
At Dan City, Xiao Qing and Yao Chen were on the brink of breaking the array.
At Burning Flame Valley, the Xiao Clan forces had already secured a decisive victory.
With these losses, the Soul Clan's forces were rapidly dwindling. Although they had succeeded in delaying the Xiao Clan, it was clear that the end was near. The question now was whether Soul Heaven Emperor and his remaining forces could withstand the storm that was coming their way.
Burning Flame Valley once one of the Three Valleys in the hierarchy of "One Tower, One Hall, Two Sects, Three Valleys" had a glorious history. Back when Blazing Flame Ancestor was alive, it was one of the most powerful forces on the continent.
Xiao Xuan, choosing to prioritize the Burning Flame Valley, arrived there first alongside Mu Ling. His decision wasn't random; it was rooted in his close friendship with the valley's founder, Blazing Flame Ancestor.
Fate has a peculiar way of weaving connections. Though the Blazing Flame Ancestor had passed away long ago, his body had been preserved by Xiao Tiance and later used to revive Xiao Xuan. Now, the one saving Burning Flame Valley was none other than Xiao Xuan himself.
"Such is life," Xiao Xuan thought to himself. "Every twist and turn has its destined reason."
Xiao Xuan and the Burning Flame Valley
As they stood amidst the aftermath of the battle, Mu Ling noticed a hint of melancholy in Xiao Xuan's expression. He stepped forward and spoke in a calm tone.
"Although the valley suffered heavy losses, we arrived in time. Its foundations remain intact."
Xiao Xuan gave a faint smile, nodding slightly. "I know... it's just that it brought back memories."
At that moment, Tang Zhen, the current Valley Master, hurried over with his daughter Tang Huo'er to express their gratitude.
"Many thanks to the Xiao Clan for coming to our aid," Tang Zhen said sincerely, bowing deeply. "If not for your intervention, Burning Flame Valley would have been annihilated. This debt is one we can never repay. I, Tang Zhen, will forever remember this kindness."
Beside him, Tang Huo'er bowed as well, her voice tinged with gratitude. "Thank you, honored elders of the Xiao Clan. I promise to repay this kindness one day."
The surrounding Xiao Clan members stayed silent out of respect, as Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling were present. The two had effortlessly destroyed the Bloodthirsty Soul Devouring Formation a task that had initially seemed impossible for the others.
Xiao Xuan waved his hand lightly. "No need for formalities. I am Xuan Huang, though you may call me Elder Xuan. I was once a close friend of your founder, the Blazing Flame Ancestor.
"Unfortunately, I only recently learned of his passing. When I heard of the attack on Burning Flame Valley, I felt compelled to protect the legacy of an old friend and, of course, to eliminate the Soul Clan."
As Xiao Xuan spoke, he glanced at Tang Zhen, his expression faintly disappointed. Tang Zhen was a five star Dou Zun, which was respectable, but compared to the Blazing Flame Ancestor, it was a far cry.
Tang Zhen's Gratitude
Tang Zhen and Tang Huo'er exchanged surprised glances. They had heard tales of their founder's close friendship with Xiao Xuan. Even their valley's most powerful technique, the Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations, had been developed in collaboration with Xiao Xuan.
Tang Zhen had assumed that the Xiao Clan had vanished after its fall centuries ago, only for it to reemerge in recent years with the creation of the powerful Heavenly Secrets Tower. He had even brought gifts to celebrate the Xiao Clan's return but had not had the chance to meet its leadership due to his daughter's health issues.
Now, with the Soul Clan's attack leaving the Burning Flame Valley in ruins, Tang Zhen had been ready to sacrifice himself to protect his daughter. Yet, the Xiao Clan had arrived at the last moment to save them, and now, the legendary Xiao Xuan stood before him.
Xiao Xuan Notices Tang Huo'er's Condition
As Tang Huo'er bowed, Xiao Xuan's sharp gaze lingered on her for a moment before he spoke.
"No need to stand on ceremony. The Xiao Clan's history with your valley makes it our duty to assist. However..." Xiao Xuan paused. "This girl's body carries a hidden injury. While it's not urgent, it must be treated soon.
"Once you've handled matters in the valley, bring her to the Heavenly Secrets Tower. I'll see to it that someone tends to her condition."
Tang Zhen's body trembled at these words. His daughter's condition had plagued him for years, but even after exhausting every resource, he had been unable to find a cure. Hearing Xiao Xuan's offer, he bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Elder Xuan! Once we've stabilized the valley, I'll bring Huo'er to the Heavenly Secrets Tower without delay."
Xiao Xuan nodded. "Do so. For now, focus on rebuilding your valley. I'll be taking my leave."
With that, Xiao Xuan and the Xiao Clan forces departed.
A New Purpose
After Xiao Xuan's departure, Tang Zhen stood in place for a long moment, lost in thought.
"Xuan Huang... Elder Xuan... I've never heard of him before. But since he's from the Xiao Clan, I must take Huo'er to see him."
"Father?" Tang Huo'er's soft voice pulled him from his thoughts. "They've already left."
Tang Zhen nodded firmly. "Yes, let's return. There's much to be done."
The End of the Soul Clan
As Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling left Burning Flame Valley, they split into two groups. Xiao Xuan led a group to Dan City, while Mu Ling headed to Tian Ming Sect.
In just one day, the Soul Clan forces in both locations were completely annihilated. Their defeat was total aside from Soul Heaven Emperor and Void Swallowing Flame, only a handful of remnants remained, scattered in the chaotic void. The Soul Clan, once a dominant force, had been reduced to a shadow of its former self.
Meeting Xiao Li
Meanwhile, in the Black Corner Region, Xiao Tiance arrived at Jia Nan Academy after briefly meeting with Xiao Lei and his group. Sensing the presence of a Dou Zun within the academy, he decided to investigate.
As he approached the academy's outer courtyard, a commotion drew his attention. A young man in his twenties was surrounded by several enforcers from Jia Nan Academy.
"Hmm, it's Xiao Li," Xiao Tiance murmured. "After escaping the attack from Yun Lan Sect, it seems he's had a rough time in the Black Corner Region."
He sighed softly. "He's still a Xiao Clan member. Since fate has brought us together, I should lend a hand."
With a flick of his wrist, Xiao Tiance activated his spatial power. The enforcers surrounding Xiao Li were immediately immobilized.
Xiao Li, startled by the sudden change, looked up in confusion. When his eyes fell on the man hovering in midair, his breath caught.
"No Dou Qi wings, yet he's standing in the air. A Dou Zong at the very least...!"
Quickly composing himself, Xiao Li clasped his hands and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior, for your assistance."
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