Chapter 400: Preparations and the Gathering of Xiao Tiance's Disciples
"Hahaha, Lin Dong, why not give it a try and see for yourself?" Xiao Tiance's voice echoed through the mountain cave in Dragon Phoenix Heaven, drawing everyone's attention.
As Xiao Tiance spoke, he tossed a blue Spirit Array Jade Talisman to Lin Dong, motioning for him to catch it. With a quick glance toward Xiao Xuan, the latter gave an understanding nod before rising and walking toward the center of the gathering.
Testing the Defensive Spirit Array
"Haha, Lin Dong, my strength is at the peak of the Earth Sovereign level. How about I be the one to test it?" Xiao Xuan asked with a good natured smile.
Lin Dong nodded. Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling had previously declared that they could team up to stall a mid stage Spirit Heavenly Sovereign, but the aura Xiao Xuan now exuded was still firmly at the Earth Sovereign level. It seemed fitting to let him attack as a test.
"Thank you for your help, Senior!" Lin Dong cupped his fists respectfully.
"Haha, no trouble at all. In fact, I'm curious to see if my younger cousin's creation can truly withstand an attack from someone at the peak of the Earth Sovereign realm," Xiao Xuan chuckled warmly.
In the past, the Spirit Array Talismans Xiao Tiance had distributed could barely withstand attacks from low level Earth Sovereigns. Now, if these upgraded talismans could hold against a peak Earth Sovereign, it would make a significant difference in the upcoming battle.
"Senior, please proceed," Lin Dong said, positioning himself.
The Clash
Before Xiao Xuan made his move, Xiao Tiance formed a protective array around the two with a few swift hand seals. The intricate array glowed brightly, enveloping the pair in a protective dome.
Seeing this, the crowd couldn't help but marvel at Xiao Tiance's mastery of spirit arrays. It was clear the barrier wasn't just for show if Xiao Xuan went all out, even this sturdy mountain cave would struggle to remain intact.
"Let's begin," Xiao Tiance signaled.
In an instant, Xiao Xuan unleashed his full aura, the energy surging like a tidal wave. With a focused expression, he gathered his strength, his palm glowing with immense power. A moment later, a massive energy palm roared toward Lin Dong.
"Boom!"
The sheer force of the attack made the protective array tremble violently, leaving those outside to marvel at the strength of a peak Earth Sovereign's strike.
Inside the array, Lin Dong waited calmly until the palm was just about to land. At that moment, he crushed the blue Spirit Array Talisman in his hand.
"Humm!"
A brilliant shield formed instantly around Lin Dong, its translucent walls shimmering with intricate runes. The energy palm collided with the shield, causing a deafening explosion that reverberated through the cave.
When the dust settled, Lin Dong emerged unharmed, the shield having absorbed the full brunt of Xiao Xuan's attack. However, cracks rapidly spread across the shield before it shattered entirely.
The Outcome
"Impressive! Truly impressive! Senior Tiance's creations never cease to amaze," Lin Dong exclaimed as he brushed the lingering dust away, his smile brimming with admiration.
Xiao Tiance smiled knowingly. "Since you've confirmed the defensive talisman's effectiveness, would you like to test the offensive one next?"
Lin Dong shook his head. "No need, Senior Tiance. If the defensive talisman is this powerful, I'm certain the offensive one won't disappoint either. However, I do have a small request."
"Go on," Xiao Tiance encouraged.
"After the battle, I would like to purchase additional Spirit Array Talismans, if possible," Lin Dong said, his tone hopeful.
"Haha, no need to purchase them. After this battle, I'll gift you ten talismans five offensive and five defensive. You can choose which types you prefer," Xiao Tiance replied, glancing briefly at Qing Zhu, hinting at his understanding of Lin Dong's intentions.
"Thank you, Senior Tiance!" Lin Dong said, bowing deeply before returning to his seat.
Distribution of Spirit Array Talismans
With Lin Dong's successful demonstration, confidence surged among the crowd. Xiao Tiance waved his hand, and the remaining talismans meticulously organized into red and blue floated toward the gathered group.
Each participant received several talismans based on their expected role in the battle. Only Mu Yang, Nine Abysses, and the strongest among them abstained, signaling their preference for direct combat.
"Thank you, Lord Tiance! With these Spirit Array Talismans, we're confident we can take on our assigned opponents!" the crowd chorused gratefully.
Another Layer of Preparation
As the group settled, Xiao Tiance smiled once more. "The Spirit Array Talismans are only the beginning of my preparations. For this battle, I've made further arrangements."
With another wave of his hand, hundreds of white jade bottles appeared, each radiating a gentle glow.
"These bottles contain specially prepared pills," Xiao Tiance explained.
Effect: These pills are designed to heal injuries and replenish spiritual energy during battle.
Limitations: While they are effective, they're not miracle cures. They won't bring anyone back from the dead, so be mindful to avoid fatal injuries.
The crowd's admiration for Xiao Tiance grew with each passing moment. Not only had he prepared powerful Spirit Array Talismans, but he also ensured that everyone had the means to recover quickly in the heat of battle.
Final Encouragement
"These preparations are meant to give us the best chance of success," Xiao Tiance said. "But remember, our greatest strength lies in our unity and resolve. This is not just a battle against the True Phoenix Clan it's a chance to prove the strength of our bonds and the ideals we fight for."
A surge of determination filled the room as Xiao Tiance's words resonated with everyone.
"Let's prepare to move out!"
The battle against the True Phoenix Clan was drawing near, and the group, now fully equipped and emboldened, was ready to face the daunting challenge ahead.
As Xiao Tiance's voice echoed through the cave, the crowd buzzed with astonishment. In the vast world of the Great Thousand Realm, many professions existed beyond the traditional cultivation paths. There were battle array masters, spirit array masters, weapon refiners, and alchemists. However, these professions were exceedingly rare.
In the original tale, Xiao Yan's swift establishment of the Endless Fire Territory in the Great Thousand Realm was due in large part to his status as an alchemist, apart from his own formidable strength.
Distribution of Pills
The sight of Xiao Tiance handing out pills stunned most of the audience. For those from the Battle Qi Continent, however, it wasn't as surprising they were familiar with Xiao Tiance's capabilities.
Among the exceptions were Mo Yang, Huang Jiuji, and First Snowfall, who had previously witnessed the effects of Xiao Tiance's concoctions firsthand. Their eyes briefly met as they exchanged knowing smiles.
When the distribution was complete, even Mo Yang and the others received their share. As he handed the pills to them, Xiao Tiance secretly transmitted a reassuring message:
"Don't worry, seniors. I didn't tamper with these pills."
The three chuckled at this and graciously accepted the pills, keeping them as contingency measures.
A Question for Liu You
With the preparations nearly complete, Xiao Tiance rose from his seat and turned his gaze toward Liu You, who stood behind Liu Changkong.
"Vice Sect Master Liu You, are you now willing to join me in this battle against the True Phoenix Clan?"
Hearing this, Liu You's face turned slightly red with embarrassment. He quickly cupped his fists and said:
"I am willing. Please, Lord Tiance, don't hold my earlier words against me. From this moment on, Liu You and the entire Ghost Sect pledge to follow your orders. Whatever you command, we will obey without question."
Earlier, Liu You had indeed hesitated, fearing the annihilation of his forces. But with the Spirit Array Talismans and healing pills in hand, he realized his concerns were unfounded.
A Rallying Cry
Xiao Tiance's smile widened as he nodded. "Excellent!" His expression then grew serious, and his voice became solemn as he addressed the gathered crowd:
"Everyone, I thank you once again for being here. The True Phoenix Clan is indeed powerful, and under normal circumstances, I wouldn't deliberately provoke such a formidable foe.
"However, my disciples Huang Min and Huang Lingyun were unjustly persecuted by the True Phoenix Clan. If I hadn't arrived in time, they might have perished.
"I have always believed in showing respect where it is earned, but the True Phoenix Clan has gone too far. For my disciples, I must take a stand.
"Moreover, these three seniors Mo Yang, Huang Jiuji, and First Snowfall were imprisoned in the True Phoenix Clan's dungeons for over 30,000 years. Now that they have chosen to follow me, I have a duty to seek justice for them."
Promising a Future
Xiao Tiance's words stirred a ripple of emotion among the three seniors. Though they remained silent, the faint fluctuations in their auras betrayed their feelings of gratitude and approval.
He continued:
"Our battle with the True Phoenix Clan is fast approaching. Many of you came here immediately upon receiving my summons. I will never forget this loyalty.
"We share both hardship and triumph. Therefore, after this battle, I will establish a new force. Anyone who wishes to join will be welcomed and offered protection.
"Furthermore, contributions in this battle will be rewarded accordingly. I hope you will fight with all your might and show no mercy to our enemies!"
Unified Resolve
"Fight with all our might! Show no mercy!"
"Fight with all our might! Show no mercy!"
"Fight with all our might! Show no mercy!"
The crowd roared in unison, their spirits ignited by Xiao Tiance's speech. While they knew the battle ahead would be perilous, the promise of a new force led by a Heavenly Sovereign was enough to motivate many.
Seeing their fervor, Xiao Tiance was gratified. The morale was strong, and the army seemed ready for the challenge ahead.
He raised his hand, signaling for silence, and continued with a smile:
"Very good. The rest is up to you. For the next five days, I will travel to the True Phoenix Clan to set up spirit arrays in advance. Use this time to adjust your states, and for those nearing a breakthrough, seize this chance to ascend."
"Yes, Lord Tiance!" the crowd responded in unison.
A Reunion
After the meeting concluded and Chen Yunqiao led the group to their quarters, Xiao Tiance returned to the now empty cave and released Huang Min and Huang Lingyun from the Heavenly Glass Bottle.
"Teacher!" the two greeted him respectfully.
Xiao Tiance smiled with satisfaction as he observed them. "Good. Your strength has improved. Min'er has reached the peak of the Earth Sovereign realm, and Lingyun has advanced to the lower Earth Sovereign level. Well done!"
"Thanks to you, Teacher," Huang Min said playfully. "Without your guidance, we'd have been lost in the crowd long ago."
Lingyun also bowed deeply. "Min'er is right, Teacher. Without you, we wouldn't even be alive today."
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "No need for such formalities. You are my disciples, after all."
He gestured for Huai En and Zi Yan to come forward. As they approached, Zi Yan immediately leaped into Huang Min's arms, tears streaming down her face.
"Min'er! I've missed you so much!" Zi Yan sobbed.
"You little rascal," Huang Min said affectionately, holding her tightly.
Empowering His Disciples
After a brief reunion, Xiao Tiance handed two jade bottles to Zi Yan and Huai En.
"Inside these bottles are Emperor grade pills. Both of you are at the peak of the Nine Star Sovereign realm. With these pills, you should be able to step into the Earth Sovereign realm," he explained.
"Emperor grade pills? Teacher, these are far too valuable!" Huai En exclaimed, quickly trying to refuse.
Even Zi Yan shook her head vigorously. Emperor grade pills were nearly legendary, capable of creating unparalleled experts. In the Dou Qi Continent, such pills hadn't appeared since the era of Tuoshe Ancient Emperor.
"Valuable or not, what matters is that you are my disciples. Take them. With the True Phoenix Clan battle ahead, your breakthroughs will give you a better chance of survival.
"That's settled. I'll leave now to make preparations. Five days from now, follow Xiao Xuan's orders and join me in the fight."
With that, Xiao Tiance's figure vanished, leaving his disciples standing in awe of their teacher's care and foresight.
(End of Chapter)
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