Chapter 401: The True Phoenix Clan's Response and Xiao Tiance's Spirit Array Strategy
After leaving the cave, Xiao Tiance quickly reactivated the concealment array surrounding it, ensuring no one could detect those inside. His figure then vanished into thin air.
True Phoenix Clan: A Crisis of Patience
In the ancestral grounds of the True Phoenix Clan, tempers were boiling over.
"Useless! A bunch of useless fools! After so many days, not a single valuable piece of information! What's the point of keeping you around?"
In the main hall, Feng Mingtian, the clan leader, was livid. Reports from his subordinates yielded no progress in locating Mo Yang and the others. It had been over a month since their escape, and despite dispatching numerous strong clan members to search for them, all efforts had been futile.
"Calm your anger, Clan Leader! Please, calm down!"
One of the law enforcement hall's officers immediately dropped to his knees, trembling in fear. Over the past few days, anyone who reported bad news had suffered greatly. The luckiest of them was still bedridden, while the unluckiest... well, no one even knew where their ashes had blown.
The growing frustration was palpable in the hall. Everyone could feel the increasing bloodlust emanating from Feng Mingtian. His rage resembled a volcano on the brink of eruption.
No one dared to advise him openly, knowing full well that beneath his fury lay an even greater emotion: fear.
The Source of the Clan Leader's Fear
The elders of the True Phoenix Clan had some understanding of the events that had occurred over 30,000 years ago. Back then, Mo Yang and the others had been imprisoned, their power sealed. However, soon after, the Heavenly Dao Sect was annihilated by the Extraterrestrial Demon Race, and the threat seemed to vanish with it.
Feng Mingtian had been relieved back then, but with Mo Yang and the others now freed, his peace of mind was shattered.
He felt a gnawing sense of impending doom. Mo Yang's strength and talent, as well as those of the other two captives, were all well known to him. To make matters worse, someone had infiltrated their ancestral grounds, bypassing their powerful clan protection array, and freed the prisoners without anyone noticing.
A New Perspective
As Feng Mingtian's rage reached a boiling point, Feng Ying's elder, Feng Xuan, spoke up calmly:
"Clan Leader, why not approach this problem from a different angle?"
"Oh? What do you mean?" Feng Mingtian asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Rather than searching for Mo Yang and the others, why not focus on finding Xiao Tiance and his group?" Feng Xuan suggested with a sly smile.
"Go on." Feng Mingtian's voice turned cold, but his interest was piqued.
"Based on my observations, the one who rescued Mo Yang and the others must also be the one who infiltrated our dungeons and saved Huang Min and Huang Lingyun. Such a person would need not only immense strength but also mastery of spirit arrays to bypass our defenses undetected.
"I have already contacted the War Emperor of the Western Sky Battle Hall, who confirmed that Xiao Tiance is indeed a Grandmaster level Spirit Array Master. In fact, the War Emperor himself fought Xiao Tiance once and witnessed his use of a Grandmaster level array during their battle."
Feng Xuan paused to sip his tea, letting the information sink in, before continuing:
"Thus, if we can locate Xiao Tiance's movements, we'll undoubtedly uncover Mo Yang and the others."
An Expected Obstacle
Before Feng Mingtian could respond, another voice interrupted. It came from Feng Changhe, a Heavenly Sovereign at the early Saint level and the clan's intelligence chief.
"Elder Feng Xuan, do you think we haven't tried that already?
"We've been searching for Xiao Tiance and his allies as well. Not only have we failed to locate Xiao Tiance, but everyone associated with him has also mysteriously vanished."
"Vanished?" Feng Mingtian's interest sharpened. "What do you mean?"
Feng Changhe bowed respectfully and explained:
"After Mo Yang and the others disappeared, we also lost track of Xiao Tiance's known allies:
Luo Tianshen of the Luo God Clan,
The Dean of the Heavenly Dome Academy,
The Lord of Spirit Sword Mountain,
Liu Changkong, the Ghost Sect Master who recently joined him,
And Tong Sihai, head of the Four Seas Trading Company.
"All of these individuals gathered at the Four Seas Trading Company's headquarters on the Shang Continent a month ago. Afterward, they all disappeared without a trace."
An Unexpected Revelation
This information caused murmurs of confusion among the elders. However, Feng Mingtian's expression suddenly changed to one of amusement.
"Interesting... Very interesting," he said with a laugh, clapping his hands together. "It seems we don't need to find them at all. They'll come to us."
"That's impossible!"
"Exactly, Clan Leader! Even if Xiao Tiance has advanced to the Heavenly Sovereign realm, the True Phoenix Clan isn't something a single Heavenly Sovereign can contend with. Not to mention his allies none of them are strong enough to challenge us!"
Despite their protests, Feng Mingtian dismissed their concerns with a wave. His instincts told him that something significant was brewing.
Preparations for War
"Enough!" Feng Mingtian's voice boomed through the hall.
"Send out my orders. All clan members searching outside are to return immediately. If they won't come to us, we'll wait here and make sure that if they do show up, they'll never leave alive!"
"Yes, Clan Leader!"
The law enforcement officer who had been kneeling in fear scrambled to his feet, relieved to have survived the encounter, and hurried out to execute the orders.
Meanwhile, Xiao Tiance's Plan
Unbeknownst to the True Phoenix Clan, Xiao Tiance was already on the move. Using his profound understanding of spirit arrays, he began laying down 170 interconnected arrays in the vicinity of the True Phoenix Clan's ancestral grounds.
These arrays ranged from offensive traps and defensive barriers to concealment formations, each one designed to isolate and weaken their opponents.
Standing atop a mountain, Xiao Tiance gazed toward the direction of the True Phoenix Clan, his expression calm but determined.
"Five days. That's all I need to complete the final touches," he murmured.
The Calm Before the Storm
Back at the cave, Xiao Tiance's disciples and allies took his advice seriously, using the time to cultivate and adjust their conditions for the impending battle.
In five days, the True Phoenix Clan would face not just an army but a meticulously crafted web of spirit arrays and strategies, all designed by one of the most brilliant minds in the Great Thousand Realm.
The True Phoenix Clan's Concerns
After the officer left, Feng Changhe cupped his hands and asked respectfully:
"Clan Leader, while some enemies are manageable, individuals like Mo Yang, Huang Jiuji, First Snow, and Xiao Tiance are all registered Heavenly Sovereign experts under the Great Thousand Palace's jurisdiction.
"If any of them were to fall in battle, we would struggle to explain ourselves to the Palace."
Feng Xuan, an elder, nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, Changhe is correct. The Great Thousand Palace has strictly prohibited the deaths of Heavenly Sovereign experts during battles in their territory. Any violation of this rule will lead to their intervention.
"This was the very reason the Western Sky Battle Emperor allowed Xiao Tiance to leave during their previous confrontation. Even though Xiao Tiance had just entered the early stage of Spiritual Heavenly Sovereign, he wouldn't have escaped if not for this rule."
Before others could voice their thoughts, Feng Mingtian raised his hand, silencing the room. His gaze was sharp, his tone commanding.
"Enough. Ignore these concerns. If they dare come to challenge us, we'll kill them. It's not as if we're the ones initiating this conflict.
"If the Great Thousand Palace takes issue with it, let them send Demon Slayer King Qin Tian to speak to me personally."
Feng Mingtian's confidence radiated, his boldness infecting the gathered elders.
"Yes, Clan Leader!" they replied in unison, bowing respectfully.
The Grand Elder's Directives
At that moment, the Grand Elder, who had remained silent, opened his eyes. With a single glance, he silenced the murmurs in the hall and spoke gravely:
"Mingtian!"
"Grand Elder!" Feng Mingtian stood up quickly, his tone respectful.
"I heard your earlier words, and I agree. If these people dare to provoke the True Phoenix Clan, don't hold back kill them all if necessary.
"However, one thing must be accomplished no matter the cost: Retrieve the 36 Absolute Divine Abilities from Mo Yang, Huang Jiuji, and First Snow."
"Yes, Grand Elder. Rest assured, if they come, I will make sure those abilities stay here." Feng Mingtian bowed, his expression resolute.
The Grand Elder nodded, then continued with a sigh.
"Mingtian, if you had listened to me all those years ago, we wouldn't be in this predicament.
"But since things have unfolded this way, and you have already led the clan for 30,000 years, it's time you focus on breaking through to the Sacred Heavenly Sovereign realm after this matter is resolved.
"I am old, and though I've reached the half step Sacred Heavenly Sovereign level, I see no hope of ever reaching the Sacred Heavenly Sovereign stage.
"But you... I believe you have the potential. Once you step into that realm, even the True Void Clan will no longer be able to suppress us."
Feng Mingtian bowed deeply. "I understand, Grand Elder. After this matter is resolved, I will delegate clan affairs to Changhe and retreat to focus on my breakthrough."
With a flicker of his figure, the Grand Elder disappeared.
The atmosphere in the hall lightened considerably after his departure. Feng Mingtian and the others collectively breathed a sigh of relief. The Grand Elder was the last of his generation, a relic of a bygone era, and his authority carried immense weight.
Preparations Continue
"Phew…" Feng Mingtian exhaled deeply before addressing the remaining elders.
"You've heard the Grand Elder's instructions. Begin preparations immediately. If you need to enter seclusion, delay it for now.
"Changhe!"
"Present, Clan Leader!" Feng Changhe immediately stood and cupped his hands.
"Reinforce the defenses of our ancestral grounds. Xiao Tiance is elusive and a Grandmaster Spirit Array Master, capable of bypassing our protective formations without a sound.
"Ensure he doesn't sneak in again. If he does, the clan's reputation will be irreparably damaged."
"Yes, Clan Leader. I will ensure this does not happen again." Feng Changhe bowed deeply before retreating to carry out the orders.
The others soon dispersed, leaving Feng Mingtian alone in the hall.
Sitting on the high seat, he sighed heavily, muttering to himself:
"Mo Yang, Huang Jiuji, First Snow… Don't blame me.
"I was forced into this position. If you had handed over those 36 Absolute Divine Abilities all those years ago, we wouldn't be here today.
"I truly don't wish to harm you…"
With a final sigh, Feng Mingtian's figure faded into the shadows.
Xiao Tiance Arrives
Meanwhile, Xiao Tiance had finally reached the outskirts of the True Phoenix Clan's ancestral grounds. Hidden within a concealment array, he floated silently in midair, observing the heavily guarded perimeter.
"Hm? They've reinforced their defenses?" Xiao Tiance's sharp eyes scanned the area.
"Using Upper Earth Sovereigns as gatekeepers… The True Phoenix Clan truly lives up to its name. What extravagance."
Despite his surprise, Xiao Tiance smirked.
"Well, this works in my favor. I didn't plan on a direct assault anyway. Charging in head on would just make me an easy target."
He carefully studied the patrol patterns and defensive positions before finding an unguarded gap in the formation.
"There. That's my way in."
Silently activating his concealment array, Xiao Tiance slipped through the gap.
A Close Call
Moments after he entered, a patrol team arrived, their leader barking orders:
"Hurry! Move faster! Young Master Changhe's orders are clear: We cannot allow anyone to sneak in undetected again!"
Standing just a short distance away, Xiao Tiance watched calmly as the patrol passed.
"That was close. If I'd been a second slower, it might've been tricky to get in."
His lips curled into a mischievous smile.
"But now that I'm here, it's time to prepare a little 'gift.' I hope they'll enjoy what I have in store five days from now."
With that, Xiao Tiance vanished into the depths of the True Phoenix Clan's territory.
Laying the Trap
Over the next four days, the True Phoenix Clan's returning forces swelled the ancestral grounds, filling it with activity. Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Tiance was quietly working in the shadows.
Perched on a fake mountain, he observed the comings and goings of the clan members with an air of amusement.
"Time flies," he murmured to himself. "170 spirit arrays set, and already four days have passed."
Beneath the surface of the ancestral grounds, Xiao Tiance's intricate web of traps and arrays awaited activation.
(To be continued…)
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