Chapter 118: Two Heavenly Flames and Xiao Xun Er's Anger
Tianwaitian, Tiance Manor, Ninth Floor
Inside the quiet room, Xiao Tiance's calm and grateful words deeply moved Huang Jiuji. Without any pretense, Huang Jiuji simply nodded with a smile and said, "Thank you, Clan Leader. The reason I requested these two Heavenly Flames is for Min'er and Ling Yun. Both of their Dou Qi attributes are fire based. If they can absorb a Heavenly Flame, their combat strength will increase significantly."
Xiao Tiance chuckled, shaking his head. "Huang Lao, there's no need to explain. Whether you're using the flames for yourself or for Min'er and Ling Yun, it makes no difference to me. Once they leave their retreat, I'll personally deliver the flames to them for absorption."
To Xiao Tiance, Min'er and Ling Yun weren't just disciples; they were like his own children, having grown up under his care. How could he not care for them? Even if Huang Jiuji hadn't asked for the flames, Xiao Tiance had already planned to give them to his disciples once they completed their cultivation.
"Understood. I only need the Yin Yang Twin Flames, ranked 21st on the Heavenly Flame List, and the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame, ranked 22nd. These two flames are most suitable for Min'er and Ling Yun," Huang Jiuji stated.
Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow, surprised. Typically, the higher a flame's rank, the stronger it was. But Huang Jiuji's choice was indeed wise. These two flames were uniquely suited for magical beasts like Huang Min and Huang Lingyun.
The Yin Yang Twin Flames were formed in the cosmic void, with one black and one white flame intertwining like yin and yang fish. These flames embodied both life and death: the white flame nurtured vitality, while the black flame annihilated all. For magical beasts, this flame would greatly enhance their physical resilience.
The Myriad Beast Spirit Flame, on the other hand, was said to be forged from the souls and bloodlines of countless beasts. It not only strengthened the user's body but also provided a deadly edge in battle.
Conveniently, the flames delivered by the Spirit Clan and Stone Clan included both of these.
"No problem," Xiao Tiance said with a smile. "When Min'er and Ling Yun come out of their retreat, I'll prepare the flames for them to absorb."
"Thank you, Clan Leader," Huang Jiuji replied gratefully.
Both disciples were cultivating in the Spirit Gathering Array. Huang Jiuji estimated they would emerge in about two weeks, having reached the early seven star Dou Saint stage. After absorbing the flames, their combat strength would likely reach the mid seven star Dou Saint level, with the potential to rival late stage seven star Dou Saints in battle.
"Huang Lao, there's no need for excessive courtesy," Xiao Tiance said, waving his hand. **"Min'er and Ling Yun are talented children, especially Min'er, whose innate potential surpasses Ling Yun's. If only she weren't so fond of playing around, she might already be a high tier Dou Saint.
"Ling Yun may lack Min'er's talent, but he is diligent and calm. With his steady nature, the Heavenly Phoenix Clan is assured of a bright future. The restoration of your clan's glory is only a matter of time."**
Huang Jiuji nodded, satisfaction evident on his face. "Without your guidance, they wouldn't have achieved their current strength. If left to their own devices, it might have taken centuries to reach this level."
"I look forward to the day they both ascend to the nine star Dou Saint realm," Xiao Tiance said warmly.
After chatting a bit longer, Huang Jiuji took his leave, leaving Xiao Tiance to return to his studies of Spirit Arrays.
In Wu Tan City, Xiao Clan
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan had been training diligently under Yao Chen's guidance, regaining his lost talent. His three years of humiliation only made him more determined, though his limited funds frustrated his efforts to gather the necessary ingredients for Yao Chen's elixirs.
As in the original story, Xiao Yan swallowed his pride and borrowed money from Xiao Xun Er. To his surprise, she handed him a card loaded with resources, leaving Xiao Yan feeling both grateful and awkward.
"So this is what they mean by living off someone else… Not bad at all," Xiao Yan mused, smiling wryly. "No wonder people say 'soft rice' tastes good!"
With Yao Chen's help, Xiao Yan began concocting Foundation Elixirs, finally confident in his ability to reach the seventh stage of Dou Qi within a year.
Meanwhile, in Xiao Xun Er's Room
"Miss," a shadowy figure reported, his voice grave.
"Uncle Ling, have you identified the person monitoring the Xiao Clan?" Xiao Xun Er asked, her tone laced with irritation.
Ling Ying, the shadowy protector, shook his head regretfully. "I failed you, Miss. After our last attempt to flush them out, the target has become exceptionally cautious, carefully masking their aura."
"However, I can sense that the person hasn't left and is still monitoring the Xiao Clan," Ling Ying reported.
"Hmm? Uncle Ling, did you manage to pick up on their aura?" Xiao Xun Er's face lit up with a hint of excitement.
**"Yes, Miss. I detected traces of their presence, primarily because their Dou Qi is also of the dark attribute. Otherwise, with their strength, I wouldn't have sensed anything.
Miss, in my opinion, we should inform the clan and have them send experts to protect you. If this individual is as cautious as they appear, I fear I won't be able to protect you if they act. If anything were to happen to you, I would never be able to atone. For your safety, Miss, I implore you to summon reinforcements from the clan,"** Ling Ying said respectfully, bowing deeply.
Xiao Xun Er's expression darkened. She knew Ling Ying's concerns were valid, but she also understood the consequences. If the clan got involved, she would lose her opportunity to stay by Xiao Yan's side.
For her, Xiao Yan was far more important than her own safety.
**"There's no need for that, Uncle Ling. If this person has been monitoring us for years without taking action, I believe my safety isn't in immediate danger.
Moreover, have you found any clues related to the Xiao Clan?"** she asked seriously.
Ling Ying hesitated, then asked, "Miss, do you still believe the person monitoring us is from the Xiao Clan?"
**"Yes, I do. I've thought about it thoroughly, and this is the only logical conclusion. The individual's strength is at least at the Dou Zong level. If they had malicious intentions toward the Xiao Clan, they wouldn't need to resort to such elaborate tactics. They could easily destroy the Xiao Clan with their power.
Furthermore, this person has been watching the Xiao Clan for many years but hasn't harmed anyone. In fact, during times of crisis, the Xiao Clan has often emerged unscathed. Based on these observations, I'm certain they must be from the Xiao Clan."**
Xiao Xun Er's sharp analysis left Ling Ying silent for a moment. Her reasoning was sound, and her conclusions felt inescapable.
In the vast storyline of Battle Through the Heavens, Xiao Xun Er's intelligence and elegance were always a cut above, unmatched even by someone like Queen Medusa.
After considering her deductions, Ling Ying bowed respectfully and admitted, "If this is true, then my current abilities are insufficient to protect you. If the Xiao Clan truly has re emerged after a thousand years, their intentions could be..."
Before he could finish, a jade slip on Ling Ying's body glowed brightly.
"A message from the clan!" Ling Ying's expression turned grim as he absorbed the message. Moments later, his face grew even darker.
"Uncle Ling, what did the clan say?" Xiao Xun Er asked immediately, noticing his serious demeanor.
**"Miss, the Xiao Clan has indeed re emerged.
The clan reports that the Xiao Clan has resurfaced, exposing their subordinate faction, the Heavenly Secret Pavilion. Under their leadership, they forced the Hun Clan to retreat and seal off the Hun Realm.
The Hun Clan's subordinate force, the Soul Hall, has been completely destroyed by the combined efforts of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion and the Xiao Clan. Even the Hun Clan's leader, Hun Tiandi, was gravely injured by the Xiao Clan's patriarch, Xiao Tiance. If not for the interference of the Shi Clan's leader, Hun Tiandi would likely have perished.
Following this, the Xiao Clan used their newfound power to pressure both the Shi Clan and Ling Clan. Now, these two clans have allied with the Xiao Clan."**
Ling Ying's voice was low and solemn as he continued, "The elders have ordered us to expedite our efforts to locate the Tou She Ancient Emperor's Jade hidden within the Xiao Clan. We are to return it to the clan within three months. Whether or not we succeed, the clan will send experts to retrieve you."
"Three months?" Xiao Xun Er's face paled. "Uncle Ling, there has to be another way. I can't leave Xiao Yan yet. Please think of something!"
Ling Ying hesitated, clearly torn. He was only a Dou Huang, a minor figure in the grand hierarchy of the Gu Clan. How could he defy the orders of its elders?
After a long pause, Ling Ying sighed. "Miss, I fear there's no way around this. Unless you appeal directly to the clan leader, we must follow the elders' orders. Three months from now, they will send someone to retrieve you."
Hearing this, Xiao Xun Er felt a wave of despair wash over her. She knew Ling Ying's hands were tied.
"It seems my time with Xiao Yan... is coming to an end," she thought, her heart heavy with sorrow.
As if to worsen her mood, Ling Ying's jade slip glowed again. This time, after reading the message, his face underwent an even more drastic change.
"Miss, the clan has decided to arrange a marriage alliance with the Xiao Clan. You are one of the candidates."
"What?!"
Xiao Xun Er's mind went blank for a moment. When she recovered, her emotions erupted like a volcano.
A golden flame surged from her body, causing the temperature in the room to skyrocket. The terrifying heat made Ling Ying's knees buckle.
"A marriage alliance? What are those old geezers thinking?" she snarled, her usual calm shattered.
Her fury was unlike anything Ling Ying had ever witnessed. She rarely lost her composure, but this matter struck at the core of her dignity and personal agency.
"How dare they try to decide my future like this? My happiness isn't something they can barter away! Besides Xiao Yan, no one else is worthy of my attention!"
Ling Ying dropped to one knee, bowing deeply. "Miss, please calm yourself. Although the elders have proposed this, I'm sure the clan leader will oppose it."
Xiao Xun Er remained silent, her golden flames flickering dangerously as she struggled to suppress her anger.
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