Chapter 445: The Reason and Qin Tian's Evaluation
"Indeed, this journey is unavoidable not just to rescue the Dragon Emperor and Gu Yuan but also to secure Bai Yujing's future."
In the Tiance Mansion, Medusa looked at Xiao Tiance with curiosity, silently urging him to elaborate.
Over the years, their relationship had deepened, resembling a true husband and wife bond. Even though, by Medusa's own admission, they had yet to hold a grand wedding, Xiao Tiance had arranged for Bai Yujing's upper echelons to send congratulatory gifts to honor her position.
Medusa no longer acted cautiously around him. She treated him as an equal, daring to question him when needed and showing her playful side freely. Sometimes, when Xiao Tiance upset her, she wouldn't hesitate to express her displeasure, leaving him scrambling to make amends.
Seeing her expectant gaze, Xiao Tiance nodded and explained, "My dear, you should understand this simple truth: You can't guard against thieves every single day.
"The strength of the demon clan is undeniable. Even the Great Thousand Palace, one of the strongest superpowers, can only barely maintain a stalemate against them and only with the combined efforts of all the Great Thousand World's top powers.
"While Bai Yujing has become a first rate superpower, we're still far from the level of the Five Ancient Clans or the Great Thousand Palace.
"That's why I believe Bai Yujing must take the initiative to understand the demon clan. Fear stems from the unknown. The more we know about them, the better our chances of eliminating their threat completely."
Xiao Tiance's expression turned bitter as he continued. "If not for Bai Yujing, why would I risk venturing into the demon clan's territory, knowing full well the dangers involved?"
As for Zhukun and Gu Yuan
, if they were still on the Dou Qi Continent, I might have chosen to ignore the situation, even though Zhukun is Zi Yan's father and Gu Yuan is Xun'er's father.
But this is the Great Thousand World. Xiao Yan's talent has been blossoming at an extraordinary pace. Ever since Xun'er shared a portion of the origin flames from her Emperor Flame with him two years ago, his strength has soared rapidly.
Now, Xiao Yan has surpassed Xun'er, reaching the early Immortal Grade Heavenly Sovereign realm. Such progress is astonishing, even by the standards of top tier talents. In other words, even if I hadn't given Xiao Yan the inheritance of the Ancient Emperor, he would still eventually grow into a superpower in the Great Thousand World, just as he did in the Battle Through the Heavens narrative.
Xiao Yan will undoubtedly establish the Endless Flame Alliance, which, as recorded in The Great Ruler, becomes an entity surpassing the Five Ancient Clans, rivaling Lin Dong's Supreme Martial Hall to form the twin pillars of the Great Thousand World's superpowers.
Over the years, I've maintained contact with Lin Dong. Given the help I've provided him in the past, he views me as a mentor and benefactor. As long as I rescue Gu Yuan and Zhukun or at least attempt to my goals will be achieved.
My Goals
Securing Zi Yan's Loyalty: This effort will ensure she becomes one of Bai Yujing's most powerful allies.
Winning Xiao Yan and Xun'er's Gratitude: Their future Endless Flame Alliance will strengthen Bai Yujing's alliances.
Forging Ties with Lin Dong: His Supreme Martial Hall, coupled with Xiao Yan's Endless Flame Alliance, will create an unshakable triumvirate alongside Bai Yujing.
Even if Bai Yujing's future leader doesn't measure up in strength, these alliances will make it impossible for outsiders to provoke us easily.
Medusa's Understanding
After nearly an hour of explaining, Xiao Tiance finally finished. Medusa, having fully grasped his reasoning, leapt into his arms, embracing him tightly.
That night, their bond deepened as they shared a tender and intimate moment.
Preparing for the Journey
Early the next morning, Xiao Tiance rose and summoned Bai Yujing's four city lords excluding Mo Yang of Zhu Xian City and the twelve tower lords to discuss his plans. Given that his journey might take anywhere from six months to several years, it was essential to leave everything in capable hands.
After meeting with Bai Yujing's top leaders, he personally sent messages to Qin Tian and Lu Tong, informing them of his intentions.
At the Great Thousand Palace Headquarters
Qin Tian and Lu Tong were in the midst of strategizing their next move against the demon clan in the Sacred Abyss Continent when they received Xiao Tiance's message.
After reading it, they exchanged glances, each seeing the surprise in the other's eyes.
"Old Lu, did you also receive a message from our new Demon Slayer King?" Qin Tian asked with a wry smile.
"Yes, I did. I was just about to ask you the same thing. Honestly, I never expected him to have the guts to venture into the demon clan's territory," Lu Tong replied, nodding.
"Indeed. Even the truly ancient monsters of the Five Ancient Clans might hesitate to enter the heart of the demon clan's domain. Tiance's courage is extraordinary. I must say, it's a good thing "
Before Qin Tian could finish, Lu Tong interjected, frowning. "A good thing? How is this a good thing? Grand Elder, Tiance is an exceptional talent. If given time, he will undoubtedly grow to rival even you.
"But if he falls in the demon clan's territory, we'll lose not only our first newly appointed Demon Slayer King but also the stability of the northern front.
"The consequences of such a loss would be catastrophic. Grand Elder, are you prepared to bear those risks?"
As Lu Tong finished speaking, Qin Tian shook his head with a faint smile. "Old Lu, don't be so hasty. Look at this line from Tiance's message."
"'Help keep the Saint Demon Emperor occupied,'" Lu Tong read aloud, still puzzled.
"Exactly. That sentence tells us everything. Tiance is fully aware that he cannot match the Saint Demon Emperor. Yet, by seeking help to deal with the Saint Demon Emperor, he's confident in his ability to retreat safely if he encounters anyone else in the demon clan."
Qin Tian leaned back, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Don't forget, five years ago, when Bai Yujing faced a large scale invasion from the demon clan, Tiance, then just an early Immortal Grade Heavenly Sovereign, single handedly held off five Demon Emperors.
"He forced the Corpse Sea and Corpse Mountain Demon Emperors to jointly sacrifice the life force of the Demon Emperor Wang Quan to summon the Saint Demon Emperor. It was only because of this that the Saint Demon Emperor intervened.
"Had the Saint Demon Emperor not appeared, Tiance might not have needed our assistance to annihilate the invading demon army entirely."
Qin Tian's eyes glinted with admiration as he continued, "Moreover, ever since that battle, the demon clan's incursions into Bai Yujing's territory have persisted. Yet in the five years that Tiance has guarded Zhu Xian City, not once has Bai Yujing sent a plea for help."
A Calculated Risk
Qin Tian's evaluation painted a picture of Xiao Tiance as a leader of exceptional foresight and courage. His decision to venture into the demon clan's territory wasn't reckless but calculated.
If successful, his actions could not only save Gu Yuan and Zhukun but also forge alliances that would cement Bai Yujing's position as an unassailable superpower.
Qin Tian and Lu Tong's Discussion
"Grand Elder, I understand your point. Do you think we should agree to his request?" Lu Tong asked after a moment of contemplation.
"Haha, of course, we should agree! How could we not?" Qin Tian laughed, his tone filled with approval. "Although Tiance is young, I've come to see him as a wise man who handles matters with remarkable composure.
"The fact that he's willing to personally enter the demon clan's territory to rescue Gu Yuan and Zhukun, two Earth Sovereigns, means that he's at least 50% confident of success.
"Besides, I'm curious to see what kind of storm he can stir up in the demon clan's lands. When I managed to escape from there years ago, it was by the skin of my teeth. But I believe he might accomplish something far greater than I ever could.
"So yes, I'll make sure the Saint Demon Emperor is occupied, giving him the time and opportunity to cause havoc in the demon clan's territory. Let's see if he can turn their world upside down," Qin Tian said, a glint of anticipation flashing in his eyes.
Lu Tong pondered for a moment before nodding. "Since you have such confidence in him, I have no objections. However, I believe it's not enough to only keep the Saint Demon Emperor occupied. There's another figure we need to watch out for.
"This one may not be as powerful as the Saint Demon Emperor, but his methods are incredibly insidious. We can't afford to overlook him."
Qin Tian smiled faintly and nodded. "That's not an issue. We're already planning a large scale operation on the Sacred Abyss Continent. Both the Saint Demon Emperor and the one you mentioned will undoubtedly show up.
"The second figure you're worried about harbors a deep grudge against a certain senior of the Futuo Ancient Clan. If they learn that this senior is part of our operation, they'll definitely come running."
"In that case, I'll send a reply to Xiao Tiance, letting him know that he can proceed without worry. Let's hope he can really throw the demon clan into chaos," Lu Tong said.
"Do that. Assure him that the Saint Demon Emperor won't have a chance to act against him," Qin Tian confirmed with a nod.
Xiao Yan and Xun'er's Conversation
On the Western Continent, inside a remote cave.
Xiao Yan awakened from his cultivation and saw the joy on Xun'er's face. He smiled and asked, "Xun'er, what's the good news? Have we confirmed Father in law and Zhukun's location?"
"Not exactly, Xiao Yan gege. We still have little information about my father and Senior Zhukun.
"But the good news is that Zi Yan just sent word. After hearing about Father and Senior Zhukun being trapped in the demon clan's territory, Uncle Tiance has decided to personally help us rescue them," Xun'er explained with a smile.
Xiao Yan's expression shifted to one of surprise and delight. "If Old Ancestor Tiance is willing to help, our chances of success increase significantly."
However, his smile quickly faded as he shook his head and sighed. "It's wonderful that Old Ancestor Tiance is coming to help us, but have you thought about this, Xun'er?
"If he leaves Bai Yujing, and the demon clan launches another attack while he's gone, can Bai Yujing hold its ground without him?
"Why don't you send him a message asking him to reconsider? Tell him that even if it's just the two of us, we'll find a way to rescue Father and Senior Zhukun. There's no need for him to risk himself for this."
Xun'er understood Xiao Yan's reasoning but hesitated. She knew their combined strength a low Immortal Grade Heavenly Sovereign and a late Spirit Grade Heavenly Sovereign was formidable. However, the demon clan's territory was a dangerous and unpredictable place.
Without Xiao Tiance's assistance, their chances of survival, let alone success, would plummet.
"My father's life is at stake, Xiao Yan gege. As his daughter, I can't abandon him.
"If it were only Senior Zhukun, I might not insist on going. But this is my father. I can't watch him suffer, not knowing if he's dead or alive. Uncle Tiance's help increases our chances to at least 70%, so I can't refuse him," Xun'er said firmly, her voice tinged with resolve.
Xiao Yan froze for a moment before pulling Xun'er into his arms. "I understand, Xun'er. I know how much your father means to you.
"But this mission is too dangerous. The demon clan's strength and cunning are unparalleled. Even Saint Grade Heavenly Sovereigns have fallen in their domain.
"If anything happens to Old Ancestor Tiance, Bai Yujing will be vulnerable to the demon clan's assaults. The collapse of Bai Yujing could spell disaster for the entire Great Thousand World.
"I promise you, Xun'er, I'll do everything in my power to bring your father back. But we can't let Old Ancestor Tiance risk his life for us."
Tears welled up in Xun'er's eyes as she gently pushed Xiao Yan away. "I'm sorry, Xiao Yan gege, but I can't refuse Uncle Tiance's help.
"If he's willing to come, I trust that he already has a well thought out plan. Uncle Tiance has never been one to act recklessly. Please, let me be selfish this one time."
Xiao Yan looked at Xun'er, her determination clear even through her tears, and felt his heart ache. He pulled her close again and said softly, "I understand, Xun'er. If I were in your position, I wouldn't refuse his help either.
"Let's wait for Old Ancestor Tiance and Zi Yan to arrive. Once they're here, we'll discuss the mission together. No matter what, I promise we'll rescue your father."
Xun'er nodded, her voice gentle but resolute. "Thank you, Xiao Yan gege. I'm sure Uncle Tiance already has a concrete plan. He's never been one to act impulsively."
"Alright, then we'll wait for them to arrive," Xiao Yan agreed.
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