Chapter 151: Self Sacrificed Arm, Xiao Tiance Emerges from Seclusion
"In that case, Senior Zhu Kun, we have no choice but to seek your guidance!"
In the Beast Region, at the Tianyao Phoenix Tribe's territory, Xiao Qing's words signaled the beginning of the confrontation.
Both Xiao Qing and Tianluo unleashed their Dou Qi, their energy surging like an unstoppable tide. Alongside the Tianyao Puppet, they swiftly surrounded Zhu Kun.
Meanwhile, Huang Min and Lingyun wasted no time, leading the Tianyao Phoenix Tribe members to encircle the Northern Dragon King, Zhu Guang.
Zhu Guang's Drastic Decision
Seeing himself cornered and Zhu Kun preparing for battle, Zhu Guang suddenly made a shocking move.
"Thud!"
His severed arm fell to the ground, reverting to its original form a dragon claw.
The sudden act stunned everyone into silence. All eyes turned toward Zhu Guang, their expressions mixed with surprise and disbelief.
"What is the meaning of this?" Huang Min frowned, her voice sharp.
She had been prepared to strike Zhu Guang decisively, especially with Xiao Qing and Tianluo holding Zhu Kun at bay. Leaving Zhu Guang behind as a prize had been her goal, regardless of whether it would provoke Zhu Kun.
Deep within, Huang Min had hoped Zhu Kun would retaliate earlier, perhaps even injure or kill her. She was certain that her teacher, Xiao Tiance, would avenge her without hesitation.
The truth behind her boldness ran deeper Huang Min harbored hatred for Zhu Kun. As the leader of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Tribe, Zhu Kun had played a key role in the annihilation of her family and tribe. Even her parents had died at his hands.
Only she and Huang Jiuji knew these truths. Not even Lingyun or Xiao Tiance were aware of them.
Zhu Guang's Submission
Zhu Guang's voice was calm yet resolute:
"You demanded an arm. I've given you one."
He kicked the severed limb forward, a mocking glint in his eyes. Then, clutching his bleeding stump, he approached Zhu Kun step by step.
"Dragon Emperor," he said reverently, "your strength is unparalleled. I know you seek to protect me, but I cannot allow you to risk your safety. If sacrificing my arm can end this conflict and spare you from harm, it is a price I am willing to pay."
Zhu Kun, ready to chastise Zhu Guang for what he had seen as disgraceful, suddenly found himself at a loss. Zhu Guang's words stirred a rare flicker of guilt within him.
"Sigh, you fool. Was this necessary?" Zhu Kun muttered. He quickly stopped Zhu Guang's bleeding before turning to Xiao Qing and Tianluo.
His gaze was icy.
"This matter isn't over. I'll remember this day, and one day, I'll come to settle it."
Without waiting for a response, Zhu Kun placed his hand on Zhu Guang's shoulder, and the two vanished in an instant.
Aftermath
With Zhu Kun gone, Xiao Qing and Tianluo calmed their Dou Qi. They exchanged glances, their expressions neutral. Then, they turned toward Huang Min and the severed dragon arm at her feet.
After a moment, they gestured for the other Tianyao Phoenix Tribe members to leave, leaving only Huang Min and Lingyun.
Inside the palace, Xiao Qing spoke first:
"Min'er, with this matter resolved, Tianluo and I must return. I'll personally report everything to Third Uncle."
Huang Min lowered her head, avoiding their gaze. Her unease was palpable.
Seeing her reaction, Xiao Qing and Tianluo exchanged knowing looks but chose not to press her. With Lingyun escorting them out, they left the territory.
Lingyun sighed as they disappeared from sight. Turning to Huang Min, he said:
"Sister Min, why provoke Zhu Kun so recklessly? When Teacher hears of this, you'll surely be scolded again."
Huang Min remained silent, her head bowing further. Lingyun didn't press her, sensing her inner turmoil. Instead, he quietly left to give her space to reflect.
Xiao Yan's Triumph
Meanwhile, at the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Conference, Xiao Yan secured victory just as he had in the original story. Despite Yan Li crafting a fourth tier pill, Xiao Yan's Three Mark Green Spirit Pill, also a fourth tier pill, was superior in quality. His victory was decisive.
Xiao Tiance's Breakthrough
At the Tianji Tower, Xiao Tiance was approaching the final step of crafting his second medallion. The days of nonstop work had taken a toll on him. His face was pale, and exhaustion was etched into his features.
Finally, the critical moment arrived.
"Huff!" Xiao Tiance exhaled deeply, focusing intently as he began to merge the three ninth tier Taixu Ancient Dragon beast cores into the medallion.
This was the most challenging step. Success would mean Xiao Tiance's medallions would allow him to fight seven opponents of the same level simultaneously without relying on spirit arrays.
If spirit arrays were included, even the combined might of all nine star Dou Saints on the continent would fail to pose a threat.
Success at Last
"Buzz, buzz, buzz!"
The medallion pulsed with energy. A smile spread across Xiao Tiance's face.
"Finally... success!"
He marveled at the medallion before him. Though slightly less challenging to create than his first, the process had been grueling.
After a brief recovery, Xiao Tiance picked up the medallion and infused it with Dou Qi. The artifact accepted his energy without resistance, signaling its successful integration.
As he poured more energy into it, the medallion's three cores glowed in sequence. Satisfied, he withdrew his Dou Qi and tested its spiritual energy. A series of spirit imprints appeared in his hand, forming a compact spirit array.
Xiao Tiance smiled, his eyes gleaming with renewed vigor.
"Hahaha, after so much effort, I've finally succeeded!"
Xiao Tiance hung the medallion at his waist, laughing heartily. Then, with a snap of his fingers, he shattered the small spirit array he had been holding.
A Visit from Xiao Tian Ming
"Brother Tiance!" came Xiao Tian Ming's voice from outside the room.
"Come in!" Xiao Tiance tidied up the room quickly and allowed him to enter.
Moments later, Xiao Tian Ming stepped in, noting Xiao Tiance's pale face but radiant smile. He cupped his hands respectfully.
"Congratulations, Brother Tiance! It seems you've gained another major achievement."
Xiao Tiance smiled and nodded.
"Indeed, a good harvest this time. Here, take this." He retrieved a scroll from his storage ring and tossed it to Xiao Tian Ming.
"You cultivate wind element Dou Qi, and this Heaven tier advanced Dou Technique, Wind Fury Art, should suit you well. Once you've mastered it, return it to our clan's archive in Tianwaitian."
Receiving the scroll, Xiao Tian Ming's face lit up with joy. In the Xiao Clan's collection, the highest grade wind element Dou Technique was only Heaven tier beginner, which, while strong, was incomparable to the advanced tier technique now in his hands.
"Thank you, Brother Tiance."
"No need for thanks." Xiao Tiance waved it off.
"If you were fire element, I'd have ten more advanced Heaven tier Dou Techniques for you. But since you're at the peak of five star Dou Saint, this Wind Fury Art should suffice for now."
Updates from Xiao Tian Ming
After stowing the scroll safely, Xiao Tian Ming suggested:
"Brother Tiance, should I let you rest? I can report to you tomorrow."
"No need. I'm feeling fine, just a bit fatigued." Xiao Tiance shook his head.
"Go on."
Xiao Tian Ming nodded and began his report.
**"Three matters, Brother Tiance:
Yafei has officially joined Tianji Tower. Since you've shown interest in her potential, I gave her an Eight tier Nine Colored Pill, which has stabilized her cultivation at two star Dou Spirit. Recognizing her administrative talent, I appointed her as a vice branch master.
Xiao Yan performed remarkably at the Alchemist Conference, winning the championship with a flawless display of skills inherited from Yao Chen. He even obtained a Six tier pill recipe from Fama. In half a month, he'll head to the Yunlan Sect to fulfill his three year agreement with Nalan Yanran. His chances of winning are very high.
Xiao Qing sent a letter mentioning that Zhu Kun, the old Dragon Emperor of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Tribe, had a confrontation with Huang Min and Lingyun in the Beast Region. It seems they almost came to blows. He also noted that Huang Min seemed... off, as if she was hiding something.
That's everything that happened while you were in seclusion."**
Xiao Tiance's Response
Xiao Tiance nodded thoughtfully before speaking.
**"I'll leave for Zhongzhou tomorrow, and Yafei will come with me.
As for Xiao Yan, we don't need to interfere in his duel with Nalan Yanran. After his victory, keep an eye on Yunlan Sect. I'm concerned they won't take their loss gracefully. Yun Leng, the sect's elder, is a petty and narrow minded individual. If he learns Xiao Yan killed the Mo Clan's patriarch, he might retaliate.
However, this isn't a major issue. You can handle it as you see fit.
Regarding Huang Min, I'll address it once I return to Zhongzhou."**
Xiao Tian Ming nodded.
"Understood. Should I bring Yafei here to see you?"
"No need. Have her pack her things and prepare to leave with me tomorrow. I'll rest for now. Also, have someone prepare hot water and some food. I need a bath and a proper meal." Xiao Tiance dismissed him with a wave of his hand.
After handing over Xiao Qing's letter, Xiao Tian Ming excused himself.
A Hidden Concern
Left alone, Xiao Tiance read through the letter. His brow furrowed slightly as he muttered to himself:
"With Min'er's intelligence, she shouldn't have acted so irrationally."
He had taught Huang Min and Lingyun for over a millennium and knew their personalities well. After rereading certain parts of the letter, a realization struck him.
"So, her unusual behavior started after confirming Zhu Kun's identity. It seems this is tied to the history between the Taixu Ancient Dragon Tribe and the Tianhuang Tribe."
With a sigh, he ignited the letter with his Golden Emperor Flame, burning it to ash.
A Farewell with Yafei
Upon receiving word of her departure, Yafei quickly packed and sent for Xiao Yan to bid him farewell.
Half an hour later, in a private room at an inn in the imperial capital:
"Yafei, why the sudden meeting?" Xiao Yan asked as he removed his mask upon entering.
Yafei smiled, a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"Xiao Yan, I'm leaving tomorrow for Zhongzhou to take up a position at Tianji Tower's headquarters. I wanted to say goodbye since I don't know when we'll meet again."
Xiao Yan froze momentarily before cupping his hands in congratulations.
**"Congratulations, Sister Yafei! I'm sure this move will lead to greater prospects for you. But don't worry; once my three year agreement with Nalan Yanran is settled, I'll head to Jia Nan Academy. After graduation, I'll definitely come to Zhongzhou to find you.
Teacher once told me Tianji Tower is one of the top forces on the Dou Qi continent, far stronger than organizations like the Pill Tower, Hall of Souls, and the Four Valleys. I'd be a fool not to rely on such a powerful ally!"**
Yafei chuckled at his jest, but her eyes softened with appreciation.
"There's no Hall of Souls anymore. Over two years ago, Tianji Tower destroyed dozens of their branches. Now, what's left of them hides like rats."
Yao Chen's Revelation
At Yafei's words, a surge of intense Dou Qi erupted from Xiao Yan's hand. Yao Chen's soul form materialized before Yafei, his expression urgent.
"Child, is it true that the Hall of Souls has been destroyed?"
(To be continued)
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