Chapter 397: Reconciling with Xiao Yan, The Gathering is Complete
"Next time I see that old scoundrel, I'll make sure to shatter every one of his bones!"
In the mountain cave, Xiao Tiance couldn't help but knock lightly on Huang Min's head at her outburst.
"What have I taught you? Never harbor malicious intent, but always guard against others! Did you completely forget that?" Xiao Tiance reprimanded her, his face stern.
Over a millennium of mentorship had instilled these principles in his disciples, even as Huang Jiuji kept a watchful eye on their progress from the Heavenly Realm. Despite his meticulous teaching, it was clear that his disciples had been caught off guard by the True Phoenix Clan's betrayal.
If anything had happened to them, Xiao Tiance couldn't imagine how he would face Huang Jiuji.
A Reprimand and a Promise
"Master, we were wrong..." Huang Min's voice carried a hint of guilt, though her expression was slightly aggrieved. She quickly switched tactics, resorting to her usual playful charm to soften her master's mood.
After some time, Xiao Tiance relented with a sigh and shook his head. "Fine, no more acting spoiled. You've suffered a great loss this time let it serve as a lesson that not everyone can be trusted.
Still, you are my disciple. I won't let this insult go unanswered. Rest assured, I'll make the True Phoenix Clan pay for what they've done."
"Thank you, Master! You're the best!" Huang Min exclaimed, hugging Xiao Tiance's arm with a delighted smile.
Xiao Tiance's gaze softened as he patted her head affectionately. "You're incorrigible, Min'er. Alright, you've recovered your strength, but your aura is still unstable. Go keep Ling Yun company and focus on consolidating your cultivation.
In a few days, I'll make sure the True Phoenix Clan faces justice."
"Got it! Thank you, Master!" Huang Min nodded obediently. Xiao Tiance then used the Heavenly Dao Glazed Bottle to send her back inside. After checking on Ling Yun's condition and confirming there was no danger, he felt a wave of relief.
As he returned the bottle to his waist, a familiar figure approached.
Unexpected Visitors
"Uncle Tiance," called a sweet voice. It was Gu Xun'er. She approached respectfully, her expression both hesitant and hopeful.
"What's the matter, girl?" Xiao Tiance asked with a warm smile.
"Uncle, I... I sent a message to Brother Xiao Yan earlier, and he's already arrived. Lin Dong is here with him as well," Xun'er explained, her tone a mixture of nervousness and excitement.
Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow in surprise. Despite the strained relationship between him and Xiao Yan stemming from their past in the Dou Qi Continent, Xiao Yan's decision to come personally was unexpected.
Though Xiao Yan was only a lower Earthly Sovereign (equivalent to a lower level Earth Supreme), his willingness to travel to support them touched Xiao Tiance.
"Invite them in," Xiao Tiance said after a moment's thought.
"Alright, Uncle!" Xun'er replied cheerfully, her steps light as she left to fetch their guests.
Watching her retreating figure, Xiao Tiance sighed softly. "Once this battle with the True Phoenix Clan is over, it may be time to let that girl go.
She's talented, yes, and her combat strength is a great asset. But her heart isn't fully here anymore. It's time to let go of the past and allow her to live her own life."
A Warm Welcome
Not long after, Xun'er returned with Xiao Yan and Lin Dong in tow. Beside them walked a veiled woman with an ethereal presence and a graceful figure.
Xiao Tiance's sharp gaze immediately recognized her identity. This was Lin Dong's wife, Ling Qingzhu.
"Junior Lin Dong / Ling Qingzhu greets Senior Tiance."
"Junior Xiao Yan greets Elder Tiance."
The three greeted him respectfully, their demeanors filled with humility.
Xiao Tiance smiled and waved a hand dismissively. "No need for such formality. Thank you all for coming so quickly I didn't expect you to arrive so soon."
With another wave of his hand, light spilled from his spatial ring, materializing chairs, teapots, cups, and platters of fruit in the cave.
"Come, take a seat," he invited, gesturing warmly.
As the group sat, Xiao Tiance noticed Xiao Yan and Lin Dong exchanging glances with the three figures beside him. He decided to break the ice.
"You've come at a perfect time," he began, raising his cup with a smile. "Allow me to introduce you.
These three are Senior Moyang, a late stage Immortal Heavenly Supreme, and Seniors Huang You and First Snow, both late stage Spirit Heavenly Supremes.
They are powerful figures whom I rescued from the True Phoenix Clan's dungeon."
Xiao Yan, Lin Dong, and Ling Qingzhu stood and bowed respectfully. "Greetings to Senior Moyang, Senior Huang You, and Senior First Snow."
Mutual Admiration
Moyang chuckled warmly, his gaze filled with appreciation. "No need for such courtesy. All three of you are exceptional talents. I'm sure you'll become some of the greatest figures in the Great Thousand World one day."
Huang You nodded, smiling at Lin Dong. "This young man is particularly impressive. Despite only being at the pinnacle of the Earthly Sovereign realm, there's something extraordinary about him."
First Snow added her own praise. "And this young lady Ling Qingzhu, was it? Remarkable.
As for Xiao Yan... While he's only at the lower Earthly Sovereign level, the flames within him are terrifying. If he faces an upper Earthly Sovereign, I imagine he could hold his own."
The compliments left Xiao Yan and the others both surprised and humbled.
However, Xiao Tiance couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity as he studied Ling Qingzhu. By his estimates, she was already a high Earthly Sovereign, nearing the pinnacle. Yet when the events of The Great Ruler began, she was still portrayed as having not reached the Heavenly Sovereign level.
This discrepancy puzzled him, but he decided to let it go. The cultivation systems across the three worlds were distinct, and inconsistencies were to be expected.
A Lighthearted Moment
Turning to Lin Dong, Xiao Tiance smiled knowingly. "Lin Dong, you haven't introduced this lovely young lady yet. Shouldn't you tell us more about her?"
Lin Dong chuckled, slightly embarrassed. "Senior Tiance, this is my wife, Ling Qingzhu.
Oh, and regarding Ying Huanhuan... She's also my wife."
His admission brought a moment of silence before Xiao Tiance burst out laughing. "Well, well, the young ones these days. I see you've fully embraced the ways of the cultivation world."
His good natured humor put everyone at ease. In the Great Thousand World, polygamy was not uncommon among cultivators, though it wasn't universal either.
Building Bridges
As the group conversed, the atmosphere in the cave grew lively. Xiao Tiance's lingering tension with Xiao Yan seemed to ease, and the addition of new allies strengthened their resolve for the battles ahead.
The fight with the True Phoenix Clan loomed closer, but with so many powerful figures gathered, Xiao Tiance felt a renewed sense of confidence.
"Next time I see that old scoundrel, I'll crush every one of his bones into powder!"
In the mountain cave, Xiao Tiance chuckled softly before giving Huang Min a light knock on the head.
"How many times have I told you? Never harbor ill intent, but always guard yourself against others. Have you forgotten?" Xiao Tiance said, his tone stern.
Over the millennium they had spent together, Xiao Tiance had emphasized this principle countless times. Yet, this recent ordeal proved his disciple had still been caught off guard.
A Reminder of Past Lessons
"Master, we were wrong…" Huang Min murmured, her tone filled with guilt. She quickly changed tactics, adopting her playful charm to mollify him.
Xiao Tiance sighed, shaking his head with a hint of exasperation. "Fine, enough with the pouting. You've suffered a loss this time, and I hope it serves as a lesson.
But remember this: no matter what happens, you are my disciple, and this insult will not go unanswered. I will personally ensure justice is served."
"Thank you, Master! You're the best!" Huang Min cheered, hugging his arm in delight.
Seeing her regain her usual vitality, Xiao Tiance smiled indulgently. "Alright, you've regained your strength, but your aura remains unstable. Go back to accompany Ling Yun and stabilize your cultivation.
Once everything is settled, I'll see to it that the True Phoenix Clan pays for their actions."
"Understood, Master. Thank you!"
With that, Huang Min was sent back into the Heavenly Dao Glazed Bottle. After confirming that Ling Yun's condition was stable, Xiao Tiance breathed a sigh of relief.
Unexpected Visitors
"Uncle Tiance!" a familiar voice called out. It was Gu Xun'er, approaching with light steps, her expression bright yet slightly nervous.
"What is it, Xun'er?" Xiao Tiance asked with a gentle smile.
"I sent a message to Brother Xiao Yan earlier, and he's already arrived. Lin Dong came with him, and…" she trailed off, hesitating.
"And?" Xiao Tiance prompted, his interest piqued.
"They brought someone else… Lin Dong's wife."
Xiao Tiance's brows rose in surprise. He hadn't expected Xiao Yan to arrive so promptly, let alone with Lin Dong and his wife.
"Invite them in," Xiao Tiance said after a moment of thought.
"Alright, Uncle!" Xun'er said, practically skipping out of the cave.
Watching her retreating figure, Xiao Tiance sighed softly. "Once this battle is over, it might be time to let her go.
Her heart clearly lies elsewhere. Keeping her here any longer would be unfair."
Reunions and Introductions
Moments later, Xun'er returned with Xiao Yan, Lin Dong, and a veiled woman whose elegant demeanor exuded an otherworldly grace. Xiao Tiance immediately recognized her as Ling Qingzhu, Lin Dong's wife.
"Junior Lin Dong / Ling Qingzhu greets Senior Tiance."
"Junior Xiao Yan greets Elder Tiance."
Xiao Tiance smiled warmly and waved them off. "There's no need for such formality. Thank you for coming. I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly."
With a wave of his hand, chairs, tea, and fruits materialized in the cave.
"Please, sit," Xiao Tiance invited, his tone welcoming.
As the group settled in, Xiao Tiance glanced at Xiao Yan and Lin Dong, whose attention had been drawn to the three figures beside him.
"These are Senior Moyang, a late stage Immortal Heavenly Sovereign, and Seniors Huang You and First Snow, both late stage Spirit Heavenly Sovereigns.
They are formidable allies I recently rescued from the True Phoenix Clan's dungeon."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan, Lin Dong, and Ling Qingzhu stood and bowed respectfully.
Mutual Admiration
Moyang laughed heartily. "No need for such courtesy. You are all outstanding talents. The future of the Great Thousand World lies in the hands of young people like you."
Huang You nodded, his gaze lingering on Lin Dong. "This young man is exceptional. Even at the peak of the Earthly Sovereign realm, he possesses something extraordinary."
First Snow smiled faintly. "And this young woman, Ling Qingzhu, is remarkable. As for Xiao Yan, though his cultivation is at the lower Earthly Sovereign level, the flames within him are extraordinary.
Even facing a high level Earthly Sovereign, I'm sure he would hold his ground."
The compliments left the trio both humbled and encouraged.
Lin Dong's Request
After some polite conversation, Lin Dong leaned forward slightly. "Senior Tiance, I've recently confirmed that Huanhuan is indeed from the Ice Spirit Clan.
While I've come to assist you, I also have a personal request… one that I hope will not be too much trouble."
Xiao Tiance smiled knowingly and waved him off. "You don't need to say more. I gave you my word, didn't I? Once this battle with the True Phoenix Clan is settled, I'll accompany you to the Ice Spirit Clan."
Lin Dong's gratitude was evident as he bowed. "Thank you, Senior Tiance!"
Ling Qingzhu also offered a graceful bow, her normally icy demeanor softening slightly.
"We came from the same lower planes," Xiao Tiance said with a smile. "It's only right that we help one another."
Reconciliation with Xiao Yan
Turning to Xiao Yan, Xiao Tiance's expression grew playful. "I thought you'd spend the rest of your life avoiding me."
Xiao Yan winced, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "Elder Tiance, please don't tease me.
In the past, I struggled to understand why you gave the Heavenly Flame inheritance to Xun'er and not to me. But after reaching the Great Thousand World, I've come to realize that your decision wasn't wrong. If anything, I might have done worse in your position."
Xiao Tiance's smile softened as he nodded. "It's good that you've come to terms with it. Neither of us was wrong we simply saw things from different perspectives.
But now that you've come, let's put the past behind us. This isn't the Dou Qi Continent. Here in the Great Thousand World, the path is arduous, and lone wolves rarely thrive.
You have great ambition I can see that clearly. Should you ever need my assistance in the future, you need only ask. After all, we are family."
Xiao Yan's gaze softened, and he bowed deeply. "Thank you, Elder Tiance."
A New Resolve
As the cave filled with laughter and camaraderie, Xiao Tiance's gaze lingered on Xun'er and Xiao Yan. Their reconciliation, the rekindling of bonds, brought him quiet satisfaction.
But now was not the time to dwell. The battle against the True Phoenix Clan loomed ahead, and everyone's focus would soon shift to the challenges before them.
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