Chapter 254: To Bear the Crown, One Must Bear Its Weight
"There's no need to be so formal. You all deserve this."
The Ninth Floor of Tiance Residence
After distributing the rewards, Xiao Tiance dismissed the rest of the group, leaving only Tianluo, Xiao Xuan, Xiao Qing, Muling, Huang Jiuji, and Huang Min behind.
Once the others had left, Xiao Tiance poured each of them a cup of tea. His gaze then fell on Huang Min.
Looking at the once naive Huang Min, who now exuded a calm and composed demeanor, Xiao Tiance smiled. "It seems that over the years, Min'er has matured quite a bit."
Huang Min quickly stood and respectfully saluted. "I made you worry in the past, Teacher."
"Hahaha, it's no trouble. In my eyes, you've always been an outstanding child.
Now, your strength has reached the peak of a nine star Dou Saint, just a step away from the Semi Emperor level. With the Heavenly Phoenix Clan's secret techniques and the Nirvana Flame within you, you can dominate nearly anyone below the Dou Di level. Even if you can't win, you can escape with ease. That's impressive."
Xiao Tiance's praise was genuine.
In the past, Huang Min had been immature, even recklessly confronting Zhukun of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan to avenge Huang Jiuji. She had been willing to sacrifice her life to take Zhukun down with her.
Now, she had grown and let go of such obsessions. When Xiao Tiance learned that Huang Min had refrained from using her trump card to kill Zhukun in the chaotic void, he knew she had matured, which pleased him greatly.
"Teacher, you flatter me. If not for your constant support and patience, I wouldn't have achieved anything today," Huang Min replied humbly, not daring to take credit.
Xiao Tiance nodded, about to say more, when Huang Jiuji suddenly stood and saluted.
"Lord Tiance, I have a request to make."
A Respectful Request
The shift in Huang Jiuji's tone was noticeable. On the Dou Qi Continent, strength commanded respect. Although Huang Jiuji had always known that Xiao Tiance surpassed him in power, Xiao Tiance's ascension to Dou Di placed him on an entirely different level. Naturally, Huang Jiuji adjusted his address to reflect this.
"Ah, Elder Huang, there's no need for formalities. Just call me Tiance. Whatever your request is, feel free to speak," Xiao Tiance said with a smile, waving off the formalities.
Huang Jiuji, touched by the respect Xiao Tiance showed him, nodded and said, "Very well, I'll be straightforward.
Tiance, I would like to give the Dou Emperor's Origin you assigned to me to Min'er. May I have your permission?"
The others in the room were visibly shocked.
It was rare enough to see someone willingly give up a chance to ascend to Dou Di, let alone for another person.
However, Xiao Tiance was unsurprised. He smiled and said, "Elder Huang, once the Dou Emperor's Origin is in your hands, it's yours to do with as you see fit. Whether you use it yourself or give it to someone else, it's your decision.
But if you give it to Min'er, what will you say to Ling Yun?"
Though Xiao Tiance was teasing, the question was valid. Ling Yun, another prodigy of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan, was just as deserving of this opportunity.
Huang Jiuji sighed. "You're right, Tiance. Both Ling Yun and Min'er are the pride of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan. It's difficult to decide who should receive it.
Before coming here, I sent a message to Ling Yun to ask for his opinion. While he hasn't returned from the Beast Domain, his silence indicates he has no intention of competing with Min'er for this opportunity."
Huang Min's Suggestion
"Teacher, may I say something?" Huang Min interjected respectfully.
"Go ahead," Xiao Tiance replied, nodding.
"I wish to give this Dou Emperor's Origin to Ling Yun. However, knowing his stubborn nature, he won't easily accept it. Teacher, I would like to ask you to help persuade him.
Compared to me, Ling Yun is better suited for this opportunity. His strength has also reached the peak of nine star Dou Saint. Even I can't guarantee a victory against him. Giving him this chance is the most suitable choice."
"Min'er, you "
Huang Jiuji was taken aback. They had already agreed that Huang Min would take the Dou Emperor's Origin, but she was now offering it to Ling Yun.
Xiao Tiance laughed heartily. "Who would've thought? On a continent where people dream of ascending to Dou Di and would sacrifice anything for the chance, the Heavenly Phoenix Clan produces such a scene."
He looked at Huang Min and asked seriously, "Are you certain you want to give this Dou Emperor's Origin to Ling Yun?"
Facing Xiao Tiance's sharp gaze, Huang Min replied firmly, "Yes, Teacher. I believe Ling Yun is the best choice."
Xiao Tiance's lips curved into a faint smile. "If that's your decision, I won't interfere. This Dou Emperor's Origin was given to your clan. Whether you or Ling Yun uses it is for you to decide.
Elder Huang, Ling Yun, and Min'er are all close to me. Both the palm and the back of my hand are part of the same hand I can't choose between you.
But remember this."
A Lesson in Power
Huang Min saluted respectfully. "Please instruct me, Teacher."
"No matter the world you're in, the law of the jungle prevails: the strong survive, and the weak are eliminated.
This is true in the Dou Qi Continent, the Great Thousand World, and beyond.
If you choose to give this Dou Emperor's Origin to Ling Yun, make sure you've thought it through. Once you've made your decision, settle it among yourselves without involving me further."
Xiao Tiance's tone was firm, emphasizing the harsh reality of their world.
Huang Min bowed deeply. "Yes, Teacher."
After she sat down, Xiao Tiance addressed the group.
The Road Ahead
"With the opportunity to ascend to Dou Di before you, I hope that, aside from Qing'er, all of you will seize this chance as soon as possible.
I will remain on the Dou Qi Continent for no more than ten years. After that, I'll depart for the Great Thousand World."
"In the Great Thousand World, while a Dou Di is not considered weak and has some ability to protect themselves, to the top tier powerhouses there, the strength of a Dou Di is still too insignificant. They could wipe us out with just the flick of a finger."
The Weight of Reality
"We understand!"
Everyone felt a surge of emotion. On the Dou Qi Continent, a Dou Di was an unrivaled existence. Yet in the Great Thousand World, they would only have the power to protect themselves. This stark contrast caused some to feel anxious, while others were filled with determination.
"Time waits for no one. Make the most of it I look forward to hearing good news from all of you."
With that, Xiao Tiance waved his hand, dismissing the group, leaving only Tianluo and Xiao Qing behind.
A Private Conversation
After the others had left, Xiao Tiance turned to Tianluo with a smile.
"In truth, I originally intended the Emperor Grade Pill for you. Based on both your contributions and closeness to me, you are more deserving of it than Muling."
Tianluo smiled and shook his head. "I know, my true self has memories from a thousand years ago, so I naturally understand the significance of advancing to Dou Di.
To be honest, I was tempted by the Emperor Grade Pill. However, breaking through with the pill carries certain risks. I'd rather follow you to the Great Thousand World and seek my own opportunities there."
Seeing that Tianluo's demeanor wasn't one of resignation but genuine contentment, Xiao Tiance admired him even more.
"Although you're not me, you and I share the same temperament. I can't tell if that's a blessing or a curse for you.
But I can promise you this: once we reach the Great Thousand World, I'll grant you freedom. Whatever you wish to obtain, you'll have to rely on your own strength to achieve it."
"Thank you for the reminder, my true self. I understand," Tianluo said, bowing respectfully.
A Heartfelt Discussion with Xiao Qing
Xiao Tiance then turned to Xiao Qing, his smile softening.
"Qing'er, how does it feel to be the Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan? Is it the same as before?"
Xiao Qing smiled wryly and bowed. "Third Uncle, it's nothing like before. Back then, with you taking the lead, I could rely on you to shoulder the burden, whether good or bad.
Now, as the Clan Leader, the pressure is immense. I constantly fear that one wrong decision could bring disaster to the Xiao Clan. It's terrifying."
"Hahaha! To wear the crown, one must bear its weight. When in office, you must fulfill your duties; when not, you can let it go.
Regardless of whether your decisions are good or bad, you must persevere.
That said, you've managed the Xiao Clan well during my absence, and for that, I'm very pleased." Xiao Tiance laughed heartily, clearly satisfied with Xiao Qing's performance.
"Thank you for the praise, Third Uncle, though I truly don't deserve it. Compared to you, I still have much to learn," Xiao Qing said humbly, though a sense of relief crept into his heart.
"Don't be modest, Qing'er. You've done very well. Even if someone else were in your position, they might not have managed as well as you.
But I've kept you here today to remind you of one thing." Xiao Tiance's tone became more serious.
"Please instruct me, Third Uncle," Xiao Qing replied earnestly.
Preparing for the Future
"There's no need to be so tense. Relax," Xiao Tiance said, smiling.
"In ten years, I will take the newly ascended Dou Dis with me to the Great Thousand World. Until then, I want you to keep managing the Xiao Clan well.
The Dou Emperor's Origin I left for you is yours to protect. Once we leave, there will undoubtedly be those who covet it.
Although the Xiao Clan is strong now, you are still only one person. Until you ascend to Dou Di, there are those on the Dou Qi Continent who can rival you.
A thousand years ago, Clan Leader Xiao Xuan, at the Semi Emperor level, was ambushed and killed by Hun Tiandi and the Soul Clan's elites after a failed breakthrough.
Learn from the past to guide the future. Remember, when it comes to the Dou Emperor's Origin, trust no one not even those closest to you."
"Rest assured, Third Uncle. You once told me that betrayal only happens when the price is high enough. The Dou Emperor's Origin is the ultimate price for those seeking to ascend to Dou Di. I will handle it with care," Xiao Qing promised solemnly.
"Good. Once we've all left for the Great Thousand World, if anything happens to you, we won't be able to help. Be vigilant.
Now, as Clan Leader, you likely won't have much time to rest. Go about your duties.
Oh, and send Elder Xiao Chun and Elder Tianming to me. I have matters to discuss with them."
"Yes, Third Uncle. I'll take my leave." Xiao Qing bowed and exited.
The Solitude of Power
Xiao Tiance turned to Tianluo. "You should take Qinglian and rest for now."
"Yes," Tianluo replied. Summoning Qinglian with a wave of his hand, he bowed again before leaving.
Alone in the room, Xiao Tiance walked to the window and gazed at the scenery below.
"I used to think I'd never feel the loneliness that comes with standing at the top. Yet now, I feel it deeply," he murmured.
Ling'er's Perspective
Ling'er leapt onto the windowsill, glancing at the landscape before turning to Xiao Tiance.
"The strong always walk alone; only the weak huddle together for warmth.
Young Master, your sentiment about the loneliness of being at the top is very fitting."
She jumped onto his shoulder and continued, "Long ago, the Dou Qi Continent had a powerful empire. I once observed its emperors.
Almost every one of them experienced the same loneliness. No matter their temperament before ascending the throne, they always became isolated and suspicious in the end."
"Oh? There was an empire on the Dou Qi Continent? That's news to me," Xiao Tiance said, surprised.
Ling'er smiled. "It was an era too long ago so long that there wasn't even a written language at the time.
After the Dou Qi Continent saw its first Dou Di, that empire began to decline, eventually fading into dust."
Her words carried a sense of profound loneliness, like that of a god who had watched countless ages pass. She seemed to embody the sorrow of seeing everything familiar wither and disappear over time.
"Ling'er, you must feel lonely too. But from now on, I'll accompany you. Together, we can witness the changes of this world. Perhaps it'll give your heart some solace."
(Chapter End)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1