Chapter 222: Finally Reunited
"These jade bottles contain low tier pills. For you Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan members, advancing requires absorbing large amounts of energy. These pills are useless to me, so I'll give them to you as candies," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
In the Inner Academy's Headmaster's Office at Jia Nan Academy, Xiao Tiance's words caused both Mang Tian Chi and Su Qian to tremble inwardly.
Although the jade bottles hadn't been opened, the sheer number over a hundred was staggering. Even if all of them contained only low tier pills, their combined value would still be astronomical.
Moreover, Xiao Tiance wasn't just anyone; his definition of "low tier" pills might well be what others considered high tier.
A Generous Gift
"Are all these pills... really for me?" Zi Yan asked, her big eyes filled with disbelief.
"Of course," Xiao Tiance said with a gentle smile. "I don't take back what I've promised."
Though Zi Yan was the daughter of Zhukun, a dragon who now stood opposed to the Xiao Clan, and though the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan and the Tianhuang Clan were mortal enemies, Xiao Tiance always acted according to his own whims. If he wanted to give something, nothing else mattered.
"Thank you, Uncle Tiance!" Zi Yan exclaimed gleefully. With childlike excitement, she stored the jade bottles into her storage ring, then leapt onto Xiao Tiance, clinging to him like a little koala.
Seeing her so happy, Xiao Tiance couldn't help but smile. He ruffled her hair affectionately, his gaze soft and indulgent.
Building the Spirit Gathering Array
After a short chat, Su Qian left with Zi Yan, leaving Xiao Tiance and Mang Tian Chi alone.
"Let's go," Xiao Tiance said to Mang Tian Chi. "Pick a spot, and I'll set up the Spirit Gathering Array for you. It will be useful for the Academy's students during their training."
"Thank you, Senior. Please, follow me," Mang Tian Chi said eagerly, his excitement palpable.
The two quickly arrived at the Inner Academy's Back Mountain, a tranquil and picturesque location. A waterfall cascaded from the cliffs, its mist creating an ethereal, foggy atmosphere that made the place feel like a celestial realm.
"Senior, how about this spot?" Mang Tian Chi asked cautiously.
Xiao Tiance surveyed the area and nodded with approval. "It's a good choice. The serene environment will allow the students to relax while training. Let's do it here."
The Power of Golden Emperor Heaven Burning Flame
With a thought, Xiao Tiance released the materials for the array from his storage ring. He raised his hand, summoning a golden flame that flickered to life in his palm.
Mang Tian Chi's eyes widened in shock. "Golden Emperor Heaven Burning Flame?! That's ranked fourth on the Heavenly Flame Rankings! But isn't it supposed to be the Gu Clan's ancestral flame?"
While Mang Tian Chi had traveled far and wide, witnessing much in his long life, seeing this flame in Xiao Tiance's possession was truly astonishing.
The flame in Xiao Tiance's hand, though technically a sub flame, had been nurtured for millennia and was now almost indistinguishable from the main flame.
Xiao Tiance chuckled at Mang Tian Chi's astonishment. "You're overreacting. This is just a sub flame, refined and nurtured for a few thousand years. It's nothing special."
"But, Senior... the Gu Clan's flame... How...?" Mang Tian Chi stammered, unable to comprehend how Xiao Tiance had acquired it.
"The Gu Clan didn't exactly give it willingly," Xiao Tiance said, smirking. "It's a long story. Let me finish setting up the array first, and then I'll tell you about it."
Mang Tian Chi nodded quickly, suppressing his curiosity to avoid disturbing Xiao Tiance as he worked.
The Array Comes to Life
For Xiao Tiance, constructing a Tier 3 Spirit Gathering Array was hardly a challenge. He could've set up an even higher tier array, but considering the strength of Jia Nan Academy's students most of whom graduated at the Dou Wang level a Tier 3 array would suffice.
Under the intense heat of the Golden Emperor Heaven Burning Flame, the materials melted into the desired shapes. Xiao Tiance's hands moved deftly, forming one intricate spiritual seal after another.
Soon, these seals floated in the air, spinning rapidly and leaving afterimages in their wake.
"Whoosh!"
The seals combined, forming a massive spiritual rune. It ascended into the air, stopping about 100 meters above the ground.
The materials that had been embedded into the earth began to glow, creating a connection with the rune above. With a wave of his hand, Xiao Tiance flung four Tier 7 magical beast cores into the four cardinal points of the array.
"Boom!"
As the cores merged into the array, the surrounding atmosphere trembled. Rich Dou Qi from the environment was drawn toward the array, purified of its elemental attributes, and then evenly distributed throughout the area.
"It's done," Xiao Tiance said, stepping back to admire his work. "This array can support up to 100 people training at once. The purified Dou Qi will enhance the training speed of anyone below the Dou Wang level. It's far better than your old Heavenly Flame Refining Tower and won't pose the risk of fire poison."
Mang Tian Chi was awestruck. "Thank you, Senior! Your methods are beyond anything I've ever witnessed."
Xiao Tiance waved off the gratitude. "It's a small task. Once this area is developed with proper buildings, it will serve your Academy well. Just remember, the array has a limitation: every 100 years, you'll need to replace the four magical beast cores. Make sure to keep that in mind."
Mang Tian Chi nodded enthusiastically. "Senior, rest assured. Replacing Tier 7 cores every century is a manageable cost for the Academy. This array will greatly benefit our students."
Looking at the activated array, Mang Tian Chi couldn't help but marvel. Compared to the array's gentle, attribute free energy, the Heavenly Flame Refining Tower now seemed far less appealing.
"Alright, this matter is settled. It's time for me to leave. Since we're old acquaintances, take this Tianji Token. If you ever need help, just infuse it with your Dou Qi, and the Tianji Tower will activate it."
As Xiao Tiance spoke, he retrieved a Tianji Token from his storage ring and casually tossed it toward Mang Tian Chi. The token floated in front of Mang Tian Chi, radiating a faint glow.
Seeing the token, Mang Tian Chi's excitement surged. He had personally witnessed the power of the Tianji Token when activated. Even a low tier Tianji Token had summoned dozens of Dou Zun experts, accompanied by several low tier Dou Shengs, with Dou Zongs and Dou Huangs swarming like locusts. If such forces turned against him, it would undoubtedly spell disaster.
"Thank you, Senior. Your generosity is a debt I can never repay," Mang Tian Chi said, bowing respectfully.
Watching Mang Tian Chi accept the token with such reverence, Xiao Tiance's lips curled into a faint smile. Just as he was about to speak, a spiritual seal suddenly materialized in his palm.
"Heh, so you've finally come. I've been waiting for this," Xiao Tiance murmured to himself. Turning to Mang Tian Chi, he waved his hand dismissively. "I'm off. If fate wills it, we shall meet again."
With those words, his figure vanished into thin air.
The Ancient Emperor's Cave
Xiao Tiance reappeared at the bottom of the magma filled space beneath the Heavenly Flame Refining Tower, standing before the sealed entrance to the Ancient Emperor's Cave Mansion.
As the spiritual seal in his hand dissipated, a cold smirk spread across his face. "I didn't think you'd actually show up. But it seems fate has a death wish for you two. If the heavens won't spare you, neither will I."
Activating an invisibility array, he leaped into the searing magma, descending swiftly. As he sank deeper, magma creatures scattered in fear, instinctively retreating from the ominous presence concealed by the array. Even creatures as powerful as Dou Sheng level magma beasts fled in haste, unwilling to provoke him.
Xiao Tiance chuckled but didn't bother with the fleeing creatures. Before long, he reached the grand Bronze Door leading to the Ancient Emperor's Cave.
The masterfully crafted spirit arrays on the door still pulsed faintly, a testament to their creator's skill. Yet, Xiao Tiance could hear voices coming from within the chamber.
"Damn it! That cursed Xiao Tiance! He actually took the Embryonic Emperor Pill!" roared Void Devouring Flame, his voice brimming with fury.
Standing at the entrance, Xiao Tiance's expression remained neutral. He could already tell that today's confrontation would demand careful planning to eliminate these two threats in one decisive strike.
Inside the Cave
Within the Ancient Emperor's Cave, Void Devouring Flame raged, his anger palpable. The Soul Heavenly Emperor stood nearby, his face darkened, though his demeanor remained composed.
"Void, calm yourself," Soul Heavenly Emperor said. "We anticipated this outcome before we even arrived. There's no need to waste energy on anger."
Void Devouring Flame took a deep breath, suppressing his fury. He turned to Soul Heavenly Emperor and said, "Patriarch, our situation is dire. Xiao Tiance and the Xiao Clan are breathing down our necks, and now we've alienated Zhu Kun and Gu Yuan. If we fail to gain the Ancient Emperor's inheritance, our only fate will be death."
Soul Heavenly Emperor chuckled coldly. "There's no need for despair. We've already discarded all weaknesses. The soul jades in my storage ring shattered before we entered, meaning the 'sacrificial pawns' we left behind have been completely eradicated by the Xiao Clan.
"As for Zhu Kun and Gu Yuan, they may have promised to assist those pawns, but their inaction proves they've broken their word. Betrayal is a game of leverage we used their power to breach the seal and left them trapped outside. Fair, isn't it?"
Hearing this, Void Devouring Flame's expression shifted from frustration to malice. "You're right, Patriarch. Betrayal is a two way street. They didn't trust us, and we never trusted them. Now, we're even. Heh."
"Enough talk," Soul Heavenly Emperor said coldly. "Let's focus on obtaining the Ancient Emperor's inheritance. Once I ascend to Dou Di, neither the Xiao Clan nor the Gu Clan will be able to stop me."
"Understood. Patriarch, follow me. The inheritance lies beneath this stone tablet," Void Devouring Flame said, gesturing toward the center of the chamber.
An Eavesdropper Outside
Outside the chamber, Xiao Tiance listened to their conversation with a faint smile.
"So that's your game. You used Zhu Kun and Gu Yuan as pawns, trapping them outside while you made your move. Clever. But sadly, it ends here."
As he prepared to act, a pained scream echoed from within.
"Damn it! Xiao Tiance has laid a spiritual array around the stone tablet! Patriarch, what do we do now?" Void Devouring Flame roared in frustration.
Bang!
The sound of a violent collision reverberated as Void Devouring Flame was hurled into the bronze door, clearly repelled by the array.
"Damn it! I underestimated Xiao Tiance. If only I had struck him harder back then, we wouldn't be in this mess," Soul Heavenly Emperor muttered angrily.
The Final Confrontation
Xiao Tiance, observing from the outside, finally decided to make his move.
To ensure they couldn't escape, he began forming intricate spiritual seals, his hands a blur as a massive locking array materialized around the chamber's entrance. The array sealed the surrounding space completely, trapping everything inside.
Once the array was in place, Xiao Tiance approached the bronze door. His palm, radiating a faint glow from the spiritual seal, pressed against the door.
Boom!
The door creaked open, revealing the cavern's interior. Xiao Tiance stepped inside, his demeanor calm and unyielding.
Void Devouring Flame and Soul Heavenly Emperor turned to face him, their expressions filled with terror.
With a faint smile, Xiao Tiance said, "You hate me so much and regret not finishing me off back then? Well, here's your chance. Come at me. Try to keep me here... if you can."
(Chapter End)
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