Chapter 464: The Battle Ends, Heading to the Divine Hidden Continent
"Haha! Just a mere Heavenly Demon Puppet? Watch me crush it with a single slap!"
On the plaza, as Huang Xuan's mocking words rang out, the colossal thousand foot figure behind him raised its massive hand. The palm, vast as a falling sky, descended toward the Heavenly Demon Puppet below.
Xiao Tiance's eyes glimmered with a trace of admiration as he observed the overwhelming strike.
Despite Huang Xuan's poor temperament and arrogant words, his strength was undeniable. The move he unleashed was powerful enough to make even a late stage Immortal Heavenly Sovereign retreat temporarily.
"Hmph, then let's test it!"
Xiao Tiance's voice carried a cold undertone. While he admired Huang Xuan's abilities, he wasn't about to hold back.
In that moment, the Heavenly Demon Puppet radiated an even brighter golden glow. The next second, it soared into the air, directly confronting the enormous descending palm.
"Boom!"
As the two forces clashed, waves of energy erupted, rippling outward and causing the surrounding area to tremble.
Though the shockwaves were intense, the gathered audience comprising formidable experts remained unharmed.
In the center of the clash, the Heavenly Demon Puppet and the massive palm collided, locked in a fierce stalemate. For over ten seconds, neither side gave way.
But eventually, the Heavenly Demon Puppet was sent crashing to the ground.
"Boom!"
The impact shattered the stone slabs beneath the puppet, fracturing the entire plaza into a web of cracks hundreds of meters wide.
Despite being at a disadvantage, the puppet's unyielding body remained intact. Using the ground for support, it held firm against the massive palm pressing down on it.
"Hmph, die already!"
Above, a radiant glow emanated from the giant figure. Its colossal palm solidified further, driving the Heavenly Demon Puppet's legs deeper into the ground.
No matter how much Huang Xuan exerted his strength, however, he couldn't crush the puppet completely.
From the plaza's edge, Xiao Tiance observed calmly.
While the puppet hadn't yet defeated Huang Xuan, it was clear that Huang Xuan lacked the power to break the puppet's body.
The body forging techniques of the Huang Ancient Clan were renowned as some of the strongest in the Great Thousand World. However, compared to the Heavenly Demon Puppet's specially forged body, which was a level higher than beings of the same realm, Huang Xuan's attacks were insufficient.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
As Xiao Tiance calculated his next move, Huang Xuan intensified his assault. The massive figure rained down punch after punch, each blow shaking the ground.
But the moment Huang Xuan released the grip of the giant palm, the Heavenly Demon Puppet escaped its range of attack.
No matter how ferociously Huang Xuan manipulated the giant to strike, the puppet's speed allowed it to evade effortlessly. It darted left and right, avoiding every attack.
In an instant, the puppet closed the gap.
"Bang!"
With lightning speed, the puppet delivered a punch straight to Huang Xuan's face, disrupting the flow of spiritual energy in his body.
The resulting chaos caused Huang Xuan to lose control of the massive figure, which immediately dissipated.
And Xiao Tiance wasn't one to miss such an opportunity.
The onlookers watched as Huang Xuan became a mere punching bag. The Heavenly Demon Puppet pummeled him relentlessly, sending him flying from one end of the plaza to the other.
"Swish!"
When Huang Xuan finally attempted to counterattack, the puppet summoned its long sword and placed the blade against his neck.
"What now? Do you want to continue?" Xiao Tiance asked calmly, his gaze sharp as he addressed Huang Xuan.
"Hmph! Of course I "
Before Huang Xuan could finish, he felt his body freeze, lifted away by an external force. In the blink of an eye, he was back at the side of the Huang Ancient Clan's elder.
"So, how does it feel? You thought you could act arrogantly, didn't you? Now you've learned there's always someone stronger," the elder said, chuckling as he patted Huang Xuan's shoulder.
"Elder, I " Huang Xuan's face flushed red with embarrassment, though he dared not protest further.
"Enough. You've caused enough trouble. Xiao Tiance spared you if not, you might've lost your life," the elder admonished before turning to Xiao Tiance with a friendly smile.
"Xiao Tiance, the Heavenly Demon Puppet you crafted is truly an extraordinary treasure of the Great Thousand World. I must apologize on behalf of my junior for his arrogance. I hope you won't hold it against us," the elder said.
"You're too polite, senior. Sparring is meant to be educational. Besides, Senior Huang Xuan's body forging technique is truly remarkable. My puppet wasn't able to cause him any significant harm," Xiao Tiance replied with a polite bow.
"Haha! You're too humble, Xiao Tiance. I watched the fight closely. If you wanted, you could've injured him during the 37th, 56th, or final exchanges. Yet you held back each time your generosity is truly admirable," the elder said with a laugh.
Recognizing the elder's discerning eye, Xiao Tiance became even more wary of these top tier experts.
"Senior flatters me. I merely refrained from unnecessary harm there's no need to escalate when it's just a sparring match," Xiao Tiance replied, smiling faintly.
"Indeed, Xiao Tiance. If you ever have time, you're welcome to visit the Huang Ancient Clan. We may lack the comforts of the other four ancient clans, but we have a valley with powerful gale winds perfect for body cultivation. It might benefit you greatly," the elder offered warmly.
"Thank you, senior. If the opportunity arises, I'll certainly visit," Xiao Tiance responded with a smile.
After the conversation, Xiao Tiance glanced at the plaza, now riddled with cracks and debris. With a gentle stomp, the ground began to repair itself, returning to its pristine state in moments.
"What a technique! I've never seen anyone manipulate Form of the Heavens and Earth so effortlessly," Qin Tian remarked with a chuckle, visibly impressed.
As the other experts observed the seamless restoration of the damaged plaza, they couldn't help but admire Xiao Tiance's skill. While many of them could have repaired the plaza themselves, none could have done so with such ease and finesse.
"Elder Qin Tian, you're exaggerating. This is just a minor trick not worth mentioning in front of you esteemed experts," Xiao Tiance said, waving his hand with a modest smile.
"Haha, minor or not, it's worth appreciating," Qin Tian replied with a hearty laugh. He seemed ready to say more when everyone suddenly turned their gaze skyward.
Above the plaza, the air trembled as a massive Void Gate materialized. A figure stepped out from the glowing portal, bowing slightly to everyone.
"The funeral is about to begin. Please, follow me through the Void Gate," the person said before turning and disappearing back into the portal.
Qin Tian addressed the crowd. "This Void Gate is the only pathway to the Divine Hidden Continent. Follow me."
He took the lead, followed by top tier experts such as the Undying Lord, the Azure Robed Sword Saint, the Huang Ancient Clan Patriarch, and others.
"Lord Tiance, shall we follow?" Tian Luo asked.
"Let's go."
Xiao Tiance nodded and added a protective barrier to Xiao Bai Ying, ensuring her safety before they entered the Void Gate.
Moments later, they arrived on solid ground. Before them stretched a breathtaking expanse filled with towering, majestic graves.
Despite the abundance of graves, the atmosphere wasn't oppressive or eerie. Instead, it exuded a serene warmth, as if the light of the world bathed the area in comfort. Even young Xiao Bai Ying felt at ease, showing no fear as she observed the graves with curious eyes.
Ahead of them lay a staircase of polished white jade, stretching thousands of meters long. At the top stood an enormous stone monument inscribed with countless densely packed names.
Carrying Xiao Bai Ying in his arms, Xiao Tiance followed the crowd as they ascended the steps. No one used divine abilities or flight to reach the top; everyone climbed respectfully, step by step.
For cultivators of their level, a staircase of this length posed no challenge, and they soon reached the summit.
At the top was a vast white jade plaza, with the colossal stone monument standing in its center. Qin Tian explained that the names etched on the monument belonged to those who, since ancient times, had sacrificed their lives to protect the Great Thousand World or fought valiantly against the Outer Realm Demons.
The Divine Hidden Continent itself, he added, was a sacred burial ground established jointly by the five Ancient Clans. It was reserved for the interment of great heroes who had contributed to the world's safety.
This sacred site was rarely opened, and only due to the recent deaths of the Tai Ling Clan's late stage Heavenly Sovereign and the Futu Clan's ancestral leader had it been activated this time.
As Xiao Tiance listened, he couldn't help but feel deep respect for the fallen. Sacrificing oneself for the safety of others was an act worthy of honor.
The funeral began solemnly. Attendees stepped forward in turns to light incense and pay their respects, expressing their condolences.
Three hours later, the ceremony concluded.
At the forefront, the grand elders of the Tai Ling Clan and the Futu Clan stood before the caskets of their fallen leaders. They bowed deeply and spoke in reverent tones.
"Ancestor, forgive your unworthy descendants. In accordance with your final wishes, we shall entrust your remains to the White Jade Capital's Lord Xiao Tiance. Through his unparalleled skill, your body shall be transformed into a Heavenly Demon Puppet to continue safeguarding the Great Thousand World and protecting future generations."
The two elders exchanged solemn glances before opening the caskets and carefully removing the bodies. After placing ceremonial garments inside to replace the remains, they sealed the caskets again.
The frozen bodies were then carried over to Xiao Tiance, encased in a protective layer of ice.
"I am Futu Xuan, Grand Elder of the Futu Clan. Greetings, Lord Tiance," said the Futu Clan elder, bowing respectfully. Despite his mid stage Saint Heavenly Sovereign strength, he displayed not a shred of arrogance.
"Greetings, Elder," Xiao Tiance replied with a courteous bow.
The Tai Ling Clan's Grand Elder, Ye Bai, stepped forward as well, bowing in respect. "Greetings, Lord Tiance. I am Ye Bai, Grand Elder of the Tai Ling Clan."
"Greetings, Elder Ye Bai," Xiao Tiance returned the gesture.
Despite their high status, both elders were humble and respectful, and Xiao Tiance treated them with equal courtesy.
The elders requested that Xiao Tiance craft the Heavenly Demon Puppets directly on the Divine Hidden Continent, but Xiao Tiance declined. He promised to complete the process after leaving the sacred grounds.
Following a brief discussion, the two clans agreed to this arrangement.
The ceremony ended with the creation of two ceremonial tombs for the ancestors, after which everyone departed through the Void Gate.
Back at the Great Thousand Palace's branch city, Qin Tian, as the Grand Elder, ensured that everyone was well accommodated. Beyond the funeral, the primary purpose of this gathering was to rally the strongest forces against the Outer Realm Demons.
The meeting went smoothly, as everyone understood the stakes. If the world fell, no one would survive.
However, midway through the meeting, the Undying Lord and the Azure Robed Sword Saint abruptly left, their expressions grave.
The rest of the meeting proceeded without incident, and the attendees dispersed afterward.
That evening, in the courtyard provided by the Great Thousand Palace, Xiao Tiance began preparations for crafting the Heavenly Demon Puppets.
Surveying the materials delivered to him, he stored them in his spatial ring and calculated the timeline.
"Lord Tiance, how long will you need to complete everything?" Tian Luo asked, cradling Xiao Bai Ying in his arms.
"To fulfill my promise to the Great Thousand Palace, the Futu Clan, and the Tai Ling Clan, I need to craft 32 puppets in total. At a pace of one every three days, it'll take at least three months," Xiao Tiance replied after some thought.
"In that case," Tian Luo said, "I'll take Xiao Bai Ying on a little trip. We'll return once you're done."
"Where do you plan to take her?" Xiao Tiance asked, noticing a hint of guilt in Tian Luo's expression.
Before Tian Luo could answer, Xiao Bai Ying spoke up timidly. "Daddy, I miss Mommy. Can Uncle Tian Luo take me to find her?"
Xiao Tiance hesitated, frowning slightly. He intended to refuse, but when he saw the tears welling in Xiao Bai Ying's eyes, he sighed.
"Alright, if you miss your mother, Uncle Tian Luo will take you," Xiao Tiance said with a gentle smile, brushing her hair.
Turning to Tian Luo, he sent a telepathic message: "The journey to the Heavenly Serpent Continent is long. Protect her well."
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