Chapter 402: Preparations Completed, Marching Toward the True Phoenix Clan
"Time Flies"
"Time truly flies. I didn't expect it would take four days just to set up 170 spirit arrays," Xiao Tiance mused silently as he gazed into the distance.
The appointed time to wage war against the True Phoenix Clan was just a day away. Tomorrow, as the first rays of sunlight touched the earth, the battle would begin.
Reaching out with his soul force, Xiao Tiance checked on the 170 spirit arrays he had secretly planted within the True Phoenix Clan's ancestral grounds. Satisfied that none of them had been discovered or tampered with, he smirked.
"All the arrays remain intact. When the battle begins tomorrow, they'll receive quite the surprise," he muttered, a cold gleam in his eyes.
He disappeared into the shadows, leaving no trace behind. Seconds later, a patrol of True Phoenix guards arrived in the area. One of them halted abruptly, his instincts flaring.
"Did you notice anything unusual?" he asked his companion.
"No... probably just my nerves. We've been on high alert for days now, and everything seems suspicious," the other replied, shaking his head.
"Well, let's keep patrolling. I don't know how long the Clan Leader and Young Master Changhe plan to keep this up, but we'd better stay sharp," the first guard advised.
"Agreed," his partner replied as they resumed their patrol.
Xiao Tiance, who had overheard their conversation, chuckled to himself.
"Young Master Changhe? So, he's behind the heightened security. Cautious, aren't we? No matter. With the concealment array, even if you're right on top of me, you won't sense a thing unless I use spiritual energy."
With a faint smile, he vanished again, slipping past the patrol unnoticed.
Returning to the Base
Back at the mountain cave, Xiao Xuan sat polishing his sword, his expression alternating between fierce determination and quiet contemplation.
He was keenly aware that, despite Xiao Tiance's thorough preparations, their group was significantly weaker than the True Phoenix Clan, especially in terms of Heavenly Sovereign level power.
Nine Heavenly Sovereigns stood on the enemy's side, while their own force lacked the numbers to match. Although every opponent had been assigned a challenger, victory wasn't guaranteed.
"This battle could determine whether the Xiao family establishes itself in the Great Thousand World or fades into obscurity," Xiao Xuan thought grimly. "Even if it costs me my life, I must hold the line."
At that moment, Xiao Tiance reappeared in the cave.
Startled, Xiao Xuan quickly set his sword down. "Tiance, you're back! Did you finish what you set out to do?"
Xiao Tiance nodded. "It's done, Brother Xuan. But the True Phoenix Clan is on high alert. Over the past few days, I've observed their movements, and it seems they've guessed that we'll be taking the fight to them.
"They've recalled all their forces from outside and significantly increased the number of guards at their ancestral grounds."
Hearing this, Xiao Xuan's expression grew solemn. "If that's the case, it seems unlikely we'll catch them off guard. Are you sure we should still go through with this tomorrow? The odds are heavily stacked against us."
Xiao Tiance shook his head firmly. "We can't afford to delay. Once a decision is made, it must be carried through. Postponing the battle will only give them more time to prepare."
Xiao Xuan hesitated. "Tiance, I know you want to avenge Min'er and Lingyun, but does it have to be now?
"Yes, what they suffered at the hands of the True Phoenix Clan was terrible. But if we wait and grow stronger, we can crush them more thoroughly in the future without putting our lives at such great risk."
Xiao Tiance remained silent for a moment, then explained, "Brother Xuan, I understand your concerns. But this isn't just about Min'er and Lingyun.
"It's about Mo Yang, Huang Jiuji, and First Snow. Their hatred for the True Phoenix Clan runs deep, and they've waited long enough for revenge. If we delay, I may lose the chance to secure their unwavering loyalty.
"Three Heavenly Sovereigns, Brother Xuan. If we can fully win them over, it will greatly strengthen our standing in the Great Thousand World.
"Moreover, while this battle is risky, it's also an opportunity. As long as we're not annihilated, we'll establish a foothold here, and the Xiao family's name will spread far and wide.
"Rest assured, I have contingency plans in place. Even if things go awry, we won't lose our chance to rise."
Xiao Xuan considered this carefully before nodding. "So that's your reasoning. I should've known you wouldn't act recklessly, not even for Min'er and Lingyun.
"Alright, Tiance. I'll stand with you, as I always have. Live or die, we face this together."
Xiao Tiance smiled, extending his hand. "Thank you, Brother Xuan. Together, we'll make sure this battle becomes the Xiao family's moment of glory."
The two clasped hands firmly.
"I trust you, Tiance. I always have," Xiao Xuan said.
"By the way, how's everyone holding up? Any wavering spirits?" Xiao Tiance asked.
Xiao Xuan chuckled. "There were a few doubts, but Elder Luo Tian Shen gave a rousing speech that reignited their confidence."
"Luo Tian Shen? What did he say?" Xiao Tiance asked, intrigued.
"Oh, nothing complicated. He simply reminded everyone of the rewards that await us after this battle territory, influence, and a share in your future rise. It was enough to bring everyone back in line."
Xiao Tiance smiled approvingly. "Elder Luo is a wise man. We'll ensure his loyalty is well rewarded."
Final Preparations
As night fell, Xiao Tiance gathered the core team and gave them one last briefing. The next morning, as sunlight broke over the horizon, they would march to the True Phoenix Clan's gates.
"Stay vigilant tonight. Rest well, but be ready for anything. Tomorrow, we fight not just for vengeance but for our future," Xiao Tiance declared.
With spirits high and weapons ready, the group dispersed to make their final preparations.
In the quiet of the cave, Xiao Tiance smiled faintly.
"True Phoenix Clan, are you ready for what's coming? Because we are."
"True Confidence Comes from Strength"
"The real reason everyone is so confident about fighting the True Phoenix Clan is thanks to the pills and spirit array talismans you provided," Xiao Xuan explained with a smile.
"Two days ago, two eighth rank Supremes from the Ghost Sect sparred and tested one of the pills you gave us. Not only did it completely restore their spiritual energy, but it also healed all the hidden injuries in their bodies.
"As a result, one of them broke through to the ninth rank Supreme level on the spot, significantly enhancing his strength.
"Luo Tian Shen happened to witness the entire scene. He quickly shared the benefits with everyone, and now morale is at an all time high. Everyone is eager and ready for tomorrow's battle against the True Phoenix Clan," Xiao Xuan explained.
Though Xiao Xuan wasn't well versed in alchemy, he had full confidence in Xiao Tiance's skills. Even at the Great Supreme level, he could sense the immense energy contained in those pills.
For those below the Supreme rank, the pills would work wonders, and even for Supreme and Heavenly Sovereign cultivators, they could be lifesaving in critical moments.
A Map of Arrays
"Good, that's what I like to hear," Xiao Tiance said with a nod. Then he retrieved a stack of papers from his spatial ring and handed them to Xiao Xuan.
"What's this?" Xiao Xuan asked, taking the papers and scanning them.
The pages appeared to be maps, with numerous red and blue dots scattered across them. It looked almost like a treasure map.
"These are the spirit arrays I've buried within the True Phoenix Clan's ancestral grounds.
"The red dots represent Grandmaster level arrays, while the blue dots indicate Master level arrays.
"This is my final layer of preparation, Brother Xuan. Make sure every person in our group gets a copy of this map and memorizes it.
"During the battle, if someone accidentally wanders into one of these areas, they may be caught in the blast radius of the arrays.
"These arrays are immensely destructive, especially the ones marked with red dots. If triggered with spiritual energy, even a Heavenly Sovereign of the Immortal rank would be severely injured," Xiao Tiance explained.
"A Hundred and Seventy Arrays?!"
Xiao Xuan inhaled sharply as he looked at the densely packed dots on the map. "A hundred and seventy arrays? Including twenty at the Grandmaster level?
"Tiance, is the art of array crafting always this terrifying?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "It's not the art of arrays that's terrifying, Brother Xuan it's me."
He continued, "Any ordinary array master would find it impossible to set up so many arrays, let alone ones of this caliber.
"But for me, who has nearly reached the pinnacle of array crafting, it's well within my capabilities."
Though his words carried a hint of arrogance, they were anything but an exaggeration.
Laying low level arrays was achievable for many talented array masters, but crafting Grandmaster level arrays in such numbers was something only Xiao Tiance could manage in the entire Great Thousand World.
The breakthrough came from studying the principles behind array talismans, which allowed him to develop a unique method. Additionally, with the assistance of Ling'er, the sentient spirit of the Dou Qi Continent, Xiao Tiance had successfully laid these arrays despite the immense toll it took on him.
A Well Planned Offensive
Xiao Xuan's expression turned to one of admiration. "Tiance, you never cease to amaze me. Alright, I'll handle distributing these maps. By the way, how do we trigger these arrays?"
Xiao Tiance grinned. "Simple. Ling'er will oversee the activation.
"Ling'er's nature as the Dou Qi Continent's World Spirit makes her virtually undetectable even by a Saint tier Heavenly Sovereign.
"At the start of the battle, Ling'er will first trap the opponent Xiao Yan is tasked with fighting.
"Her field of vision covers the entire battlefield. As the battle progresses, she will decide when and how to activate the arrays.
"That's why I'm asking everyone to memorize the map. It's not about activating the arrays themselves but ensuring they don't get caught in the crossfire."
Preparations Among Disciples
As Xiao Xuan left to distribute the maps, he turned back at the door. "By the way, Tiance, Huai'en and Ziyan have both advanced to the lower Earth Sovereign level. The four of them are currently strategizing on how to coordinate their efforts tomorrow."
"Good to know. Thanks, Brother Xuan," Xiao Tiance replied.
He made his way to the room where his disciples were gathered.
Upon entering, he was greeted by their smiles.
"Teacher!" they exclaimed in unison, bowing respectfully.
"You all look in good spirits," Xiao Tiance remarked, his gaze filled with approval.
"Teacher, you're back!" Ziyan said with a grin, her eyes lighting up.
"Let me take a look at you all," Xiao Tiance said as he inspected their spiritual energy flows.
After a moment, he nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent. Min'er, your cultivation at the Earth Sovereign perfection stage is now stable. The rest of you have no signs of instability either. Very good."
"It's all thanks to you, Teacher," Huai'en and Lingyun said, bowing once more.
Xiao Tiance waved them off with a smile. "Enough of that. It's my job to help you improve. Seeing your progress brings me joy.
"Min'er, as the eldest and strongest, you must look after the others tomorrow. With your speed, even a Heavenly Sovereign will find it hard to catch you. Use your mobility to provide support wherever it's needed."
"Yes, Teacher!" Min'er replied confidently.
"Good. I've exhausted myself these past few days, so I'll go rest now. You all should get some rest too. Tomorrow is an important day."
With that, Xiao Tiance vanished into the shadows, leaving his disciples to prepare themselves.
The Morning of Battle
As dawn broke, Xiao Tiance stood at the helm of the Void Shuttle, his team assembled behind him. He turned to face them, his voice steady and resolute.
"Today, we march to the ancestral grounds of the True Phoenix Clan.
"Let this battle mark the beginning of our rise in the Great Thousand World!"
With the sun cresting the horizon, the Void Shuttle roared to life, carrying Xiao Tiance and his allies toward destiny.
(To be continued...)
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