Chapter 69: Arrival at Jia Ma
"Achoo!"
Far away, deep in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, the Amethyst Winged Lion King suddenly sneezed. A chill ran through its entire body, accompanied by a profound sense of impending danger.
"Could this king be getting sick? In this sweltering heat? What a strange occurrence!" the Lion King muttered, retreating into its cave to rest.
Meanwhile, back at Tiance Residence in Heaven Beyond Heaven, Xiao Tiance was listening to Huang Min's plan to target the Amethyst Winged Lion King. He couldn't help but laugh.
Gently patting her head, he said, "We'll see how sharp its instincts are when the time comes. If it's blind enough to challenge us, we'll have ourselves some braised lion head soup."
"Hehe, Teacher, you're the best!" Huang Min giggled happily.
This mischievous girl had a good nature, but her insatiable appetite for food could be quite a headache. Fortunately, Xiao Tiance was among the continent's top tier experts. Otherwise, her love for feasts might have caused endless trouble.
After chatting for a while, Huang Min dozed off, leaning on Xiao Tiance's leg. Huang Lingyun, unfazed by her behavior, sat quietly, speaking even softer than before so as not to disturb her.
Three days later, the group of four departed from Heaven Beyond Heaven. In addition to Xiao Tiance, Huang Min, and Huang Lingyun, they were accompanied by Xiao Feng, a Dou Huang at the peak level, whose primary duty was to handle miscellaneous tasks.
Their first stop was the Tian Ji Tower Headquarters in Central Plains, where Xiao Tiance planned to meet Tian Luo.
Under Tian Luo's guidance, Xiao Tiance gained a comprehensive understanding of the Dou Qi Continent's developments over the past 300 years.
"So, you're heading to the Northwest to oversee things personally?" Tian Luo asked with a faint smile.
"Indeed. A millennium has passed, and the story of Battle Through the Heavens is about to unfold. I've waited long enough and cannot delay any further," Xiao Tiance replied with a solemn expression.
Tian Luo paused for a moment before nodding.
"Very well. If you need my assistance, just say the word."
"Of course. If necessary, I won't hesitate to ask. But for now, I must leave. According to the timeline, Xiao Yan has already been born, and it's time for me to move."
With that, Xiao Tiance stood, descending from the Tian Ji Tower. After regrouping with Huang Min and Huang Lingyun, he led the trio into the void, vanishing into the horizon.
One day later, Xiao Tiance and his group arrived at the Jia Ma Empire's capital. Upon entering the city, Xiao Tiance immediately used his soul power to scan the entire capital.
"Teacher, there's not a single person worth fighting here. Why are we even in this place?"
Huang Min tilted her head in confusion, watching Xiao Tiance's cautious display.
Xiao Tiance didn't answer, instead turning to Xiao Feng.
"Find us a place to stay nearby."
"Yes, Clan Leader. Elders, please follow me." Xiao Feng nodded, leading the way.
Shortly after the group departed, Jia Ma Empire's royal guardian, Jia Xingtian, appeared at the scene where they had just been.
Feeling the faint remnants of their auras, Jia Xingtian's expression grew grave.
**"What kind of powerhouses have arrived in Jia Ma Empire? Even these lingering traces make someone like me, a Dou Huang, feel completely powerless.
If such figures intend to stir trouble in the capital, the entire Jia Ma Empire could be wiped out in an instant!"**
Frightened by the thought, Jia Xingtian hurried to summon the empire's strongest experts for an emergency meeting.
Meanwhile, Xiao Tiance and his group arrived at a modest mansion the former residence of the Xiao family.
"Xiao Wuwei, of Dragon Ascension Army's Third Squadron, Sixth Unit, greets the Clan Leader and the two Elders!"
A middle aged man in black saluted them respectfully as the mansion's main gate opened.
"Xiao Wuwei?" Xiao Tiance repeated, then waved his hand.
"No need for formalities. Thank you for your hard work."
Hearing his words, Xiao Wuwei's eyes lit up with excitement.
"It is my honor to serve the clan, Clan Leader. I dare not call it hard work!"
Before Xiao Wuwei could ramble further, Xiao Feng interjected.
"Clan Leader and the two Elders should rest first. Let's head inside."
"Of course! Clan Leader, Elders, please come in." Xiao Wuwei quickly guided them into the mansion.
As they walked, he explained, **"This mansion was originally owned by the Xiao family. However, after Xiao Lin's fatal injury, Xiao Zhan sold all the family's properties in the capital.
Upon reporting this to Elder Tian Ming, he suggested buying back this mansion for future use.
I didn't expect that it would be put to use so soon!"**
Xiao Tiance nodded, waving off Xiao Wuwei's chatter.
"Summon the operative stationed in Wu Tan City. I have questions for him."
"Understood, Clan Leader. Once everything is arranged, I'll send word to Xiao Yin immediately." Xiao Wuwei saluted, then ensured the group was settled with food and accommodations before leaving to contact Xiao Yin.
By evening, Xiao Tiance was seated in the courtyard, sipping tea and admiring the sunset. He sighed contentedly.
**"To be unmoved by favor or disgrace, idly watching flowers bloom and wither;
To come and go freely, letting clouds roll as they may.
I've cultivated for a millennium, and in six centuries of wandering the continent, I never found such peace. Yet, here in this small Jia Ma Empire, I feel an unexpected tranquility. Life is indeed strange."**
His musings were interrupted by Xiao Wuwei's voice at the gate.
"Clan Leader, Xiao Yin has returned!"
"Let him in."
Soon, a middle aged man dressed similarly to Xiao Wuwei entered the courtyard.
"Xiao Yin, leader of Dragon Ascension Army's Third Squadron, Sixth Unit, greets the Clan Leader!"
Xiao Yin saluted with utmost respect.
Xiao Tiance waved him up with a smile.
"No need for such formalities. I've heard about your dedication from Tian Ming. For nearly 900 years, you've worked tirelessly in the Northwest. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed."
Xiao Yin's face flushed with emotion.
"I am unworthy of such praise, Clan Leader!"
**"Rise. The clan does not forget its loyal servants. When you return to Heaven Beyond Heaven, proper rewards will be bestowed.
For now, tell me about the current state of the Xiao family in Wu Tan City."**
**"Yes, Clan Leader. After relocating to Wu Tan City, the Xiao family, led by Xiao Zhan, a Four Star Dou Shi, has established itself as one of the Three Major Families alongside the Jia Lie and Ao Ba clans.
Though they face constant rivalry and have suffered losses, they have managed to hold their ground."**
"Xiao Zhan? How many children does he have now?"
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