Chapter 266: Yao Dan's Self Awareness and Ling Hua's Pain
"Teacher, do you think we'll get to meet the Xiao Clan senior who saved us this time?"
In the Flower Sect, at Yun Yun's residence, Nalan Yanran's excited inquiry brought a faint smile to Yun Yun's face, but she shook her head gently.
After their rescue, Yun Yun had sought information about their savior. Upon returning to the Flower Sect, she recounted the event to Sect Master Granny Hua, who, upon seeing the portrait Yun Yun provided, remarked in awe:
"Yun'er, you've truly been blessed with good fortune. The person who saved you was none other than Lord Xiao Tiance of the Xiao Clan."
Granny Hua had recognized Xiao Tiance because she had attended the Xiao Clan's ceremony to inaugurate Xiao Qing as the new clan leader. During that grand event, she had seen Xiao Tiance's imposing figure firsthand.
After learning his name, Yun Yun investigated further and uncovered the truth: the man who had so effortlessly saved them was none other than the first Dou Di of the Dou Qi Continent in millions of years, a terrifyingly powerful existence.
For ordinary cultivators like them, a Dou Di wasn't just a person it was a legend, a realm of existence far beyond their comprehension.
Seeing Nalan Yanran's enthusiasm, Yun Yun sighed softly and said, **"Yanran, don't get your hopes up too high. A senior like him might've saved us on a whim and probably doesn't even remember us now.
People like him live in a world far removed from ours. To Lord Xiao Tiance, we're like insignificant ants. Let's not entertain unrealistic fantasies."**
Nalan Yanran's initial excitement dimmed at her teacher's words, but a glimmer of curiosity returned as she hesitated for a moment before asking:
"Teacher, do you think that guy, Xiao Yan, might actually be part of the Xiao Clan?"
Yun Yun's expression grew serious as she nodded slightly.
**"It's very likely. The Sect Master once said that Tianji Pavilion, the most powerful intelligence network on the continent, operates under the Xiao Clan.
Back when Xiao Yan was cornered by Teacher Yun Shan, he managed to produce a Tianji Token.
If Xiao Yan wasn't part of the Xiao Clan but merely someone from a small family in Wu Tan City, how could he possess a Tianji Token?
His surname is Xiao, he has a Tianji Token, and Tianji Pavilion operates under the Xiao Clan. With all these connections, it's almost certain that Xiao Yan is part of the Xiao Clan."**
Yun Yun sighed deeply as if to emphasize her point.
**"I once sent people to investigate Wu Tan City. They reported that the entire Xiao family had mysteriously disappeared overnight.
Later, from the Mitel Clan, I learned that Xiao Yan's elder brother only managed to escape Yun Lan Sect's grasp thanks to Tianji Pavilion's protection.
With all this evidence, Xiao Yan's ties to the Xiao Clan are undeniable."**
Nalan Yanran felt a pang of regret. If not for her impulsive actions, Yun Lan Sect might not have nearly faced destruction.
Even so, the past couldn't be changed. She had spent years training diligently to prove that her decision had been the right one. No matter how strong Xiao Yan had become even if he had reached the Dou Zun level she would never regret her choices.
"Teacher, if possible, I still want to personally thank the Xiao Clan senior for saving us." Nalan Yanran's eyes were firm with resolve.
Yun Yun smiled gently, her tone warm and encouraging.
"If we get the chance, I, too, would like to thank Senior Xiao in person."
In the Medicine Realm
After receiving the Xiao Clan's invitation, Yao Dan, the leader of the Medicine Clan, was in high spirits.
**"Yao Wan Gui, start preparing immediately.
Forget the Heavenly Tomb Trial or the Ancient Emperor's inheritance they don't concern us.
Even with our talent, we can't achieve what the Xiao Clan's many geniuses have failed to do.
However, the alchemy competition is a different story. This is our forte. Whether it's Dan Tower or other so called alchemists, they're nothing but jokes compared to us.
This time, I want to secure the top spot and show the Xiao Clan the true value of the Medicine Clan."**
Yao Dan's pragmatic attitude reflected his self awareness. This rationality was also likely why the Xiao Clan or rather, Xiao Tiance had never targeted the Medicine Clan for destruction.
Yao Dan embodied the virtue of self awareness, a rare quality among power hungry leaders.
After delegating responsibilities, Yao Dan turned to Ling Hua, the one who had personally delivered the invitation.
With a polite bow, Yao Dan greeted him:
"Lord Ling Hua "
However, Ling Hua interrupted him with a wry smile.
"Yao Dan, I'm no longer a clan leader. The Ling Clan is no more. Now, I'm merely the deputy leader of Tianji Pavilion. You can simply call me Ling Hua or Deputy Ling."
Yao Dan nodded respectfully. "Very well, Ling Hua. May I ask if you have any plans to pursue the Ancient Emperor's inheritance during the Heavenly Tomb Trial?"
Ling Hua chuckled bitterly and replied, **"Yao Dan, why pretend not to understand?
What plans could I have? The Ling Clan has been reduced to just a few survivors, myself included.
Under the Xiao Clan's protection, we live comfortably, enjoying the same treatment as their clan members.
I'm no longer the ambitious man I once was, striving to control the Ling Clan.
After everything I've experienced, I've come to accept reality. Whether in times of peace or chaos, strength is the only thing that matters on the Dou Qi Continent. Without power or talent, trying to rise will only lead to destruction.
Now, I only hope the Xiao Clan remains strong. As long as they stand tall, those of us who depend on their shelter can live in peace."**
Yao Dan nodded thoughtfully at Ling Hua's words, his respect for the man deepening.
"Wise words, Ling Hua. It seems you've truly found clarity amidst the chaos."
"From now on, there is no Clan Leader Ling Hua of the Ling Clan only Ling Hua, Deputy Leader of Tianji Pavilion."
Hearing these words from Ling Hua, Yao Dan couldn't help but admire his change in perspective.
Indeed, the strength of the Xiao Clan was unprecedented, and in a few years, they would likely see the rise of several more Dou Di powerhouses.
With the current trajectory of the Xiao Clan's dominance, their position would remain unshakable for tens of thousands of years. To challenge such a superpower would only hasten one's demise.
Yao Dan clasped his hands respectfully and said:
**"Very well, since Ling Hua has made this clear, I won't hide anything from you.
You just heard it yourself we, the Yao Clan, have no interest in participating in the Heavenly Tomb Trial or obtaining the Ancient Emperor's inheritance.
Could I trouble you, Ling Hua, to convey this message to Xiao Qing, the Xiao Clan's leader?
I don't want the prodigies of the Yao Clan dying in the Heavenly Tomb for the sake of meaningless fame."**
If Ling Hua were still the Ling Clan's leader, Yao Dan wouldn't have felt the need to act so deferentially. However, Ling Hua was now the Deputy Leader of Tianji Pavilion, representing the Xiao Clan. Yao Dan's humility was entirely appropriate.
As the saying goes, "A seventh rank official before the Prime Minister's gate."
Ling Hua, observing Yao Dan's respectful demeanor, felt a surge of gratitude for the decision he had made to align with the Xiao Clan.
Ling Hua nodded. **"That won't be a problem. While the Heavenly Tomb Trial invitations have been sent, participation isn't mandatory.
I must say, Yao Dan, you're quite perceptive. You've already seen through the complexity of this trial."**
Yao Dan chuckled modestly.
**"You flatter me, Ling Hua. Whether it's simple or not, it has nothing to do with the Yao Clan.
I may not know why the Xiao Clan chose this moment to hold the trial or why they openly dangled the Ancient Emperor's inheritance, which countless people dream of.
But one thing is clear: the Ancient Emperor's inheritance is deadly.
The Xiao Clan isn't foolish they know that obtaining the inheritance could create a new Dou Di.
We both understand what the title 'Dou Di' means.
Even if Clan Leader Xiao Qing fails to grasp the stakes, surely Xiao Tiance does. His intelligence is something all the imperial clans admire and fear.
So, I suspect this trial is a trap. The Xiao Clan likely aims to lure their enemies in with this bait and eliminate them in one fell swoop."**
Yao Dan's analysis was sharp, his tone tinged with a wry smile. Centuries of experience had honed his insight. While he seemed honest and straightforward, his mind was as clear as anyone's.
Ling Hua chuckled. "Yao Dan, such words aren't to be spoken lightly."
Yao Dan laughed as well. **"Of course, of course. This is just a private conversation between us.
But even without you saying it, I could have guessed as much.
The Xiao Clan has put on such a grand show, and right after Xiao Tiance ascended to the Dou Di realm. This trial clearly targets certain imperial clans.
I don't know if it's aimed at the Gu Clan or the Lei Clan, but it's clear one or perhaps both of these clans have been causing trouble again.
That's why Clan Leader Xiao Qing is using this trial to make a decisive move."**
Ling Hua smiled faintly, his gaze turning serious. "I hope you can always maintain such clarity, Yao Dan. The Yao Clan is fortunate to have you."
Yao Dan waved his hand dismissively, laughing. **"I'm not insightful just self aware.
If I were in the Xiao Clan's position, I wouldn't allow anyone outside the Xiao Clan to ascend to the Dou Di realm either."**
Ling Hua nodded approvingly. "Good. That means I won't have to worry about us becoming enemies in the future."
"Of course not, Ling Hua. You have my word."
The two soon moved to Yao Dan's residence, where he poured tea for Ling Hua. As he handed over the cup, Yao Dan sighed.
"What a shame."
Ling Hua raised an eyebrow. "What's a shame?"
**"The Ling Clan, of course.
Now that you've devoted yourself to the Xiao Clan, I feel comfortable mentioning it. Otherwise, I would never bring this up."**
Ling Hua understood immediately. He nodded slightly and said, **"Thank you, Yao Dan.
But there's no need to lament. The Ling Clan's downfall was self inflicted.
Back then, the elders of the Ling Clan failed to recognize the Xiao Clan's strength. Their two faced dealings forming alliances with the Gu and Yan Clans led to their ruin.
The only regret I carry is that, despite the Xiao Clan's support, I couldn't save the Ling Clan.
I watched helplessly as the Ling Clan fell into the Xiao Clan's trap. Every time I think about it, I'm filled with regret."**
Ling Hua sighed deeply, taking a sip of tea before continuing.
**"But what's done is done. Compared to the Shi Clan, the Ling Clan was fortunate.
At least we still have descendants. The Shi Clan, however, was utterly annihilated no survivors at all."**
Yao Dan nodded solemnly. **"That's true. No matter what, the Ling Clan is lucky to have survivors.
And you, Ling Hua, have earned the trust of Xiao Qing. Being appointed Deputy Leader of Tianji Pavilion is no small honor."**
Ling Hua chuckled. **"Honor doesn't matter to me anymore.
What I'm truly interested in is seeing which unlucky fools will walk straight into the Xiao Clan's trap."**
Though he already knew the Gu Clan would be the primary target, Ling Hua's heart was filled with schadenfreude.
After all, it was the Gu Clan and their allies who had spearheaded the coalition that led to the Shi and Ling Clans' destruction.
Now, seeing the Xiao Clan's revenge unfold brought him a sense of grim satisfaction.
Yao Dan laughed heartily. "Well, in about twenty days, we'll see for ourselves."
(End of Chapter)
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