Chapter 496: Decision, Myriad Spirit Jade Pendant, The Exchange Proposed by the Sacred Heavenly Demon Emperor
"So, what does Miss Qing Yanjing think?"
Within the ninth floor of the Tiance Residence in White Jade Capital, Xiao Tiance's gaze landed on Qing Yanjing, who blushed deeply.
The man before her radiated an irresistible charm. With his unmatched looks and noble demeanor, he stood as an unparalleled figure among the many elites of the Grand Thousand World.
Moreover, White Jade Capital had become a powerhouse that few could rival. Leaving aside the formidable Heavenly Demon Puppets, even the sheer number of Heavenly Sovereigns under Xiao Tiance's command was sufficient to rival an elite top tier superpower.
For these reasons, the elders of the Futu Ancient Clan, led by Elder Futu Xuan, unanimously supported a marriage alliance between Qing Yanjing and Xiao Tiance.
Though they were aware of Medusa's role as his primary wife, they believed that Qing Yanjing's union with Xiao Tiance could solidify the Futu Clan's position in ways no other alliance could. Access to White Jade Capital's Heavenly Demon Puppets, unparalleled elixirs, and the coveted Array Jade Pendants unique treasures of the Grand Thousand World could elevate the Futu Clan to unimaginable heights.
However, Qing Yanjing herself was conflicted.
She admired Xiao Tiance, knowing that no one in the world could surpass his brilliance. Yet, she harbored reservations that held her back. After a brief moment, she lowered her head and softly muttered, "I… I don't know."
Xiao Tiance's Reaction
Xiao Tiance wasn't surprised by her hesitation.
In the original narrative of The Great Ruler, Qing Yanjing eventually fell for Mu Feng, a man who saved her despite being a low ranking Spirit Soul cultivator. While Mu Feng was ordinary in appearance and weak in strength, the classic "hero saving the beauty" trope won her over, and they eventually gave birth to Mu Chen, the savior of the Grand Thousand World.
From an omniscient perspective, their union seemed destined. However, from the viewpoint of the Futu Ancient Clan, it was unthinkable for someone of Qing Yanjing's caliber to marry a nobody like Mu Feng.
If Xiao Tiance's own daughter, Xiao Baiying, one day chose to marry an ordinary person, he would never allow it. Even if it meant she would resent him for the rest of her life, he would intervene to ensure her future partner wouldn't hold her back.
Fortunately, given White Jade Capital's unmatched strength, Xiao Tiance had no need to consider marriage alliances for his children.
He exhaled slowly and nodded. "Since Miss Qing Yanjing hasn't made up her mind, feel free to take your time. When you've reached a decision, we can discuss it further."
Qing Yanjing sighed in relief, grateful that Xiao Tiance wasn't pressuring her into making an immediate choice. Yet, there was a tinge of disappointment in her heart. After all, who wouldn't want to be someone's unequivocal choice?
Shifting the Conversation
Bowing slightly, Qing Yanjing said earnestly, "Thank you, Immortal Sovereign."
Xiao Tiance waved off her gratitude and turned to Ye Qingqing. "Miss Ye Qingqing, I assume you're here to retrieve the Tailin Ancient Clan's artifact, the Tailin Ancient Diagram?"
Ye Qingqing chuckled lightly. "Not at all. Our patriarch never instructed me to take it back, and I understand that the Immortal Sovereign hasn't yet contacted the Divine Artisan Clan for a replica. Taking it back before you finish your work would make our transaction unbalanced."
Xiao Tiance laughed. "Fair enough. It shouldn't be long now. Brother Qin is already helping me locate someone from the Divine Artisan Clan."
The three of them continued chatting casually. Qing Yanjing sought Xiao Tiance's guidance on array formations, while Ye Qingqing took the opportunity to visit other parts of the Grand Thousand World, including Endless Flame Realm and Supreme Martial Hall, both of which were rising rapidly in power.
Progress and New Acquisitions
Over the next three years, with the help of Qin Tian and the Divine Artisan Clan, Xiao Tiance's replica of the Tailin Ancient Diagram the Myriad Spirit Jade Pendant was successfully forged.
The moment it was completed, powerful thunderclouds gathered, and forty nine strikes of Heavenly Lightning descended, baptizing the new treasure.
As the lightning dispersed, the jade pendant hovered in Xiao Tiance's hand, radiating an extraordinary aura.
Celebrating the Success
The Divine Artisan Clan elder, drenched in sweat but beaming with pride, bowed respectfully. "Immortal Sovereign, Lord Qin Tian, the Myriad Spirit Jade Pendant is complete. It's an honor to have fulfilled your request."
Xiao Tiance bowed back courteously. "Thank you, Master Artisan. Your efforts are greatly appreciated."
Qin Tian laughed heartily. "With this treasure, Tiance, your combat endurance will be significantly enhanced. This is a game changer."
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "It wouldn't have been possible without your assistance, Brother Qin. You brought the artisan here, after all."
Waving dismissively, Qin Tian replied, "Why be so formal with me? Besides, I had my reasons. With this pendant, you'll be an indispensable force when the time comes to face the Outer Realm Demon Clan."
Addressing a More Ominous Topic
Qin Tian's expression turned serious. "Speaking of which, what about the Dark Heavenly Demon Emperor? What's his current status?"
Xiao Tiance gestured for the Divine Artisan to leave before responding. "The Dark Heavenly Demon Emperor? He's quiet for now, but I suspect he's waiting for the right moment to act. His ambitions are far from extinguished."
Qin Tian nodded grimly. "We need to remain vigilant. The peace we've gained won't last forever."
"Indeed," Xiao Tiance agreed, his gaze sharpening. "But when the time comes, we'll be ready."
The elder of the Divine Artisan Clan, upon hearing Xiao Tiance mention that the Heavenly Demon Puppet was already placed in his resting chamber, wasted no time in leaving. He hurried off with such eagerness that both Qin Tian and Xiao Tiance exchanged wry smiles as they watched the small, enthusiastic figure disappear.
Xiao Tiance chuckled, then adjusted the Myriad Spirit Jade Pendant at his waist and remarked, "Such singular dedication is what has allowed the Divine Artisan Clan to progress so far in the art of crafting. That kind of purity and focus is rare these days."
Qin Tian nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Their clan is born with limitations none of them can break through to the Earthly Sovereign Realm. However, their unparalleled talent in crafting is an unmatched blessing. Every one of them seems to be a genius in this field. But enough about them what do you plan to do with the Dark Heavenly Demon Emperor?"
Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow. "Brother Qin, has the Outer Realm Demon Clan proposed a deal?"
Qin Tian burst into laughter. **"I can't hide anything from you, can I? About a year ago, Old Lu received a personal letter from the Sacred Heavenly Demon Emperor. He proposed a trade for the Dark Heavenly Demon Emperor, stating that we could name our terms.
"However, both Old Lu and I felt this should be your call. After all, it was you who captured him. If you agree to the exchange, the Grand Thousand Palace won't oppose it, despite our hatred for the Demon Clan. But if you decline, that's even better."**
Xiao Tiance's Response
Xiao Tiance nodded thoughtfully before speaking. **"Brother Qin, the Dark Heavenly Demon Emperor has been burned by my Golden Emperor Heaven Burning Flame and is barely clinging to life. However, he's not in immediate danger of perishing.
"I can either continue using my Golden Emperor Heaven Burning Flame and other Heavenly Flames to consume his source power or seal him permanently. Without a breakthrough in my strength, it's difficult to outright kill him.
"That said, I'm not entirely opposed to a trade. Do you recall how I once mentioned to you and Elder Lu Tong that upgrading the Heavenly Demon Puppets to Late Stage Saint Heavenly Sovereign strength requires a certain rare metal?"**
Qin Tian's eyes lit up. "I remember. Are you suggesting we demand that metal in exchange?"
Xiao Tiance smiled. **"Exactly. The Dark Heavenly Demon Emperor's source is damaged to the point where it would take him three to five hundred years if not over a thousand to recover. Even if he returned to his peak state, I could still easily subdue him.
"But if we can acquire this rare metal, I can refine our existing Mid Stage Saint Heavenly Sovereign Heavenly Demon Puppets to Late Stage strength. With enough of this metal, we could mass produce these puppets. When the time comes for an all out war with the Outer Realm Demon Clan, an army of Late Stage Saint Heavenly Sovereign puppets would cripple their forces.
"Although Heavenly Demon Puppets cannot use divine abilities or techniques, their sheer physical strength, speed, and durability increase exponentially with their power level. If the trade goes through, it would be a significant advantage for us."**
Qin Tian Agrees
After a brief moment of thought, Qin Tian nodded decisively. "If that's the case, leave the negotiations to me. How much of this rare metal would you need?"
Xiao Tiance didn't hesitate. **"The more, the better. Each Heavenly Demon Puppet requires at least 300 jin of this metal. My intelligence network in White Jade Capital has already confirmed that this metal only exists in the Outer Realm Demon Clan's territory.
"If they agree to trade, great. If not, I'll simply make another trip into their domain and retrieve it myself."**
Qin Tian laughed. "Understood. I'll speak with the Sacred Heavenly Demon Emperor personally."
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Thank you, Brother Qin. I'll leave it in your hands. For now, let's take a break. Later, let's arrange a banquet and have a proper drink."
Qin Tian waved off the offer with a laugh. "Drinking will have to wait until next time. Oh, and one more thing what do you think of that young lady from the Futu Ancient Clan? Elder Futu Xuan asked me to gauge your interest. If you're inclined, I can act as a matchmaker. If not, I'll send a polite refusal to Futu Xuan and spare him any lingering hopes."
On the Subject of Marriage
Xiao Tiance sighed and shook his head. **"To be honest, I don't have strong feelings either way. Brother Qin, I'd prefer if you pretended not to know about this. If Elder Futu Xuan asks, tell him you forgot to ask me.
"This is something I'd rather leave for Miss Qing Yanjing to decide. If I were to give a definitive answer, even if Miss Qing Yanjing didn't want it, the Futu Ancient Clan would undoubtedly pressure her into agreeing."**
Qin Tian nodded in understanding. "Fair enough. We'll leave it at that."
A Sudden Visit from Qing Yanjing
Later, Qin Tian departed White Jade Capital, while the Divine Artisan elder, after a short rest, immersed himself in researching the Heavenly Demon Puppets.
One day, as Xiao Tiance was channeling energy into the Myriad Spirit Jade Pendant, Shi Hao's voice sounded from outside. "Immortal Sovereign, Miss Qing Yanjing seeks an audience."
Xiao Tiance gestured calmly. "Let her in."
Moments later, Qing Yanjing entered the room, bowed respectfully, and announced, "Immortal Sovereign, I've come to bid farewell. I'll be leaving White Jade Capital."
The chapter ends with Xiao Tiance contemplating Qing Yanjing's departure, while behind her calm demeanor, an array of emotions stirred. What future choices awaited her? And what role would she ultimately play in the grand chessboard of the Grand Thousand World?
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