Chapter 152: Yao Chen's Relief, Yafei Joins Zhongzhou's Tianji Tower, and Xiao Tiance's Gift
"Little girl, is it true that the Hall of Souls has been destroyed?"
Location: Jia Ma Empire, Imperial Capital, Private Room in an Inn
Upon hearing Yafei's revelation about the Hall of Souls' destruction, even the usually composed Yao Chen couldn't contain himself. His soul form materialized in front of Yafei, startling her.
Before Yafei could call for help, Xiao Yan quickly explained:
"Sister Yafei, don't be alarmed! This is my teacher. Without him, I'd probably still be stuck in Wu Tan City trying to cultivate on my own."
"Phew!" Yafei let out a sigh of relief, then respectfully asked,
"May I know how to address you, Senior?"
Yafei's composure was surprising. Xiao Yan had once been so startled by Yao Chen's appearance that he nearly tumbled off a cliff, but here Yafei simply calmed down and initiated polite conversation.
Yao Chen responded enthusiastically,
"You can call me Yao Lao. Now, little girl, is it true the Hall of Souls has been destroyed?"
His excitement betrayed none of the dignity one might expect from a master cultivator.
Yafei Confirms the News
Yafei glanced at Xiao Yan, who seemed just as puzzled by Yao Chen's sudden intensity. She then replied honestly:
"The Hall of Souls' destruction is indeed true. I came across this information in Tianji Tower's records. However, this is only a branch, so there weren't many details available. I'm not sure of the specifics."
"Hahaha! Excellent! Those wretched Hall of Souls members have finally been wiped out! What a joyous day!"
Yao Chen's laughter echoed through the room. His exuberance made it clear that he bore deep resentment toward the Hall of Souls.
For years, he had been a fugitive, evading their relentless pursuit. Knowing they were no longer a threat brought him unparalleled relief.
Xiao Yan and Yafei exchanged glances, both realizing that Yao Chen's hatred for the Hall of Souls must stem from a personal grudge.
Yao Chen's Gift
Once Yao Chen regained his composure, he turned to Yafei with a sincere expression.
"Thank you, little girl. You've brought me great news today. I'm not one to take advantage of others, so let me share something valuable with you in return."
"Oh? What is it?" Yafei asked, her curiosity piqued.
**"Haha, don't worry. It's something beneficial to you. You'll be heading to Zhongzhou tomorrow. If you can grow into a vice master of Tianji Tower, you'll gain unparalleled influence across the Dou Qi Continent.
Moreover, Tianji Tower has the backing of a mighty ancient clan, though you'll learn more about that later. For now, take this."**
Yao Chen retrieved a scroll from his storage ring and handed it to Yafei.
"It's an Earth tier Dou Technique. You can't use it yet, but it'll come in handy one day."
With that, Yao Chen dissipated into a wisp of blue smoke, returning to Xiao Yan's Bone Flame Ring. His abrupt exit left both Xiao Yan and Yafei bewildered.
Yafei and Xiao Yan's Farewell
Later that evening, as they wrapped up their conversation, Yafei looked at Xiao Yan with a tinge of reluctance.
"Xiao Yan, I'm leaving tomorrow. I won't be able to witness your duel with Nalan Yanran, but I wish you victory. Afterward, focus on your cultivation. And if possible, spare Nalan Yanran's life. She's a personal friend of mine."
Xiao Yan stood and nodded.
"Don't worry, Sister Yafei. If I win, I won't harm her. Besides, I have no desire to provoke the Yunlan Sect further. I might not fear them, but the Xiao Clan in Wu Tan City wouldn't withstand their wrath."
Yafei chuckled softly, then, after a moment's hesitation, embraced Xiao Yan. She smiled warmly before departing.
Long after she had gone, Xiao Yan whispered,
"Sister Yafei, I hope that when we meet again, you'll be living an even better life than today."
Yao Chen reappeared, observing Xiao Yan's sincere expression.
"Xiao Yan, worry about yourself first. That girl is already highly valued by Tianji Tower. Starting as a vice master at a branch shows the upper ranks have high hopes for her. By the time you meet again, she might be a renowned figure across the Dou Qi Continent!"
Xiao Yan smiled, his tone genuine.
"That would be wonderful. Sister Yafei carries many burdens despite her composed demeanor. If she thrives, I'll be nothing but happy for her."
Yao Chen nodded approvingly, a rare smile gracing his face.
"It seems you've matured, Xiao Yan. You've grown into someone with a broad heart and clear vision. I made the right choice with you."
The Next Morning: Departure for Zhongzhou
Early the next morning, Xiao Tiance prepared to leave for Zhongzhou. After washing up and enjoying breakfast, he summoned Yafei.
Moments later, Yafei arrived, accompanied by Xiao Tian Ming and two other Tianji Tower officials who had come to bid farewell.
In the hall, Xiao Tiance finally met Yafei in person. He couldn't help but admire her striking beauty and elegant demeanor. Every movement seemed to carry an innate allure, drawing attention effortlessly.
After exchanging pleasantries, Xiao Tiance addressed Xiao Tian Ming.
"Tian Ming, I'm leaving this branch to you. Once Xiao Yan completes his three year agreement with Nalan Yanran, keep an eye on Wu Tan City's Xiao Clan. They're part of the Xiao bloodline, and we can't let anything happen to them."
"Rest assured, Brother Tiance. I'll handle it and notify you if anything arises." Xiao Tian Ming replied earnestly.
Satisfied, Xiao Tiance nodded.
"Good. Then we'll be on our way."
Entering the Void
With a wave of his hand, Xiao Tiance enveloped Yafei in a protective layer of Dou Qi.
The two stepped into the void together as the others bowed in farewell.
"Safe travels, Clan Leader!"
Within the void, Yafei experienced the sheer power of traversing space. Though the space around them appeared empty, she could sense its latent danger. She knew that without Xiao Tiance's protective Dou Qi, she would be torn apart in an instant.
Eyes wide with amazement, Yafei thought to herself,
"So this is the power of a true expert..."
As Yafei stood before Xiao Tiance, his calm and collected demeanor made her feel immense pressure. Her breathing became slightly erratic as she tried to compose herself.
Xiao Tiance, without turning to face her, calmly said:
"Relax. With me here, you're in no danger."
"M Master, I..." Yafei stammered, unsure how to address him.
"Call me Tower Master," Xiao Tiance interjected.
"Tianji Tower is my creation. Although I rarely oversee its affairs now, the title remains. And don't worry what I value is your administrative talent. I want you to help manage Tianji Tower. Once we arrive at headquarters, your position will at least be that of an Elder."
Hearing this, Yafei finally exhaled deeply, relieved. She realized that someone of Xiao Tiance's stature would not speak casually or break his word. For the first time, her uncertainty about the future turned into eager anticipation.
"Yes, Tower Master. Yafei understands and will do her utmost to fulfill her duties," she responded respectfully.
Seeing her stiff demeanor, Xiao Tiance chuckled but didn't press further. He thought it best to leave formal introductions to Xiao Qing once they arrived at headquarters.
Arrival at Tianji Tower Headquarters
The journey was silent, as Yafei dared not speak unnecessarily. After some time, Xiao Tiance sensed their arrival at Tianji Tower's headquarters. A slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he led Yafei out of the void.
Hovering mid air, Yafei's eyes widened as she took in the imposing grandeur of the towering structure before her. The massive inscription, "Tianji Tower," radiated an aura of authority and strength.
Xiao Tiance broke the silence:
"This is Tianji Tower's headquarters. It will also be your workplace. What do you think?"
Yafei quickly composed herself and respectfully replied:
"Tower Master, Tianji Tower is truly worthy of being one of the Dou Qi Continent's top tier forces. Its magnificence inspires awe and admiration."
Xiao Tiance laughed lightly.
"Come, let's meet Xiao Qing, the Vice Tower Master. He will arrange your responsibilities."
With a wave of his hand, Xiao Tiance transported them directly to the top floor of Tianji Tower's grand hall. Upon arriving, he released a subtle yet commanding aura. It wasn't long before Xiao Qing arrived in haste.
The moment he saw Xiao Tiance, Xiao Qing bowed deeply and greeted him:
"Third Uncle, you've finally returned."
Xiao Tiance waved him off casually.
"No need for formalities, Qing'er. Come, let me introduce someone to you. This is Yafei, a talented administrator. I'd like you to make full use of her abilities."
Turning toward Yafei, Xiao Qing's gaze was assessing. Before he could speak, Yafei stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Vice Tower Master."
As Xiao Qing returned the greeting, he couldn't help but scrutinize Yafei. His first impression was that she was far too weak, her strength only at the two star Dou Ling level and barely approaching three stars. Compared to even the lowest ranking fighters in Tianji Tower, her power was woefully inadequate.
"Too weak," Xiao Qing thought. But having learned from experience not to judge by appearances, he decided to trust Xiao Tiance's judgment.
He smiled politely and said,
"Since Third Uncle holds you in such high regard, I'll ensure you receive proper guidance. As long as you prove yourself capable, I won't hesitate to reward you with a high position."
Relieved by Xiao Qing's words, Yafei felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted. She made a formal pledge of dedication, vowing to work hard.
Treasures Revealed
After a brief conversation, Xiao Qing and Xiao Tiance sat across from each other. Xiao Qing poured tea for his uncle and, with a curious expression, asked:
"Third Uncle, you've been in seclusion for over two years. Surely, you've made great gains?"
Xiao Tiance smirked knowingly. He could sense Xiao Qing's cautious tone, likely due to lingering concerns over Gu Yue's matter. Accepting the tea, he took a slow sip before nodding.
"Yes, the results were worthwhile. Speaking of which, I've brought back a variety of techniques and Dou Skills. Choose one that suits you."
With a wave of his hand, Xiao Tiance summoned over a hundred scrolls, each radiating an aura of immense power.
"T These are all Heaven tier techniques?!" Xiao Qing exclaimed, his voice trembling.
Even Yafei, who stood to the side, was dumbfounded. The sheer volume hundreds of Heaven tier scrolls was an unimaginable sight. Any one of them would spark a massive scramble among the continent's superpowers and Imperial Clans.
Without explaining further, Xiao Tiance leisurely sipped his tea as Xiao Qing scanned through the collection. Eventually, Xiao Qing selected two high level Heaven tier techniques, both attuned to his lightning attribute.
"Third Uncle, I've made my choices."
Xiao Tiance nodded approvingly. Then, his gaze shifted to Yafei, who was visibly trembling from excitement and disbelief. With a casual gesture, he sent a scroll flying toward her.
"Tower Master, this is...?" Yafei's voice quivered as she held the scroll.
"It's for you," Xiao Tiance confirmed.
**"Your current cultivation technique is only at the mid tier Xuan level. While it's fine for now, it will become a major bottleneck once you break through to the Dou Zong realm.
This scroll contains a high level Heaven tier fire attribute technique, perfectly compatible with your Dou Qi attribute. Once you've mastered it, return the scroll to Xiao Qing. As for Dou Skills, visit the library later to select something suitable.
Consider this my gift to you."**
Yafei's hands clutched the scroll tightly, as if afraid someone might snatch it away. Her emotions were a mixture of shock and gratitude. Xiao Qing, observing her reaction, immediately understood Xiao Tiance's unspoken message: Yafei is important. Make proper arrangements for her.
"Thank you, Tower Master!" Yafei bowed deeply, holding the scroll like a priceless treasure.
Seeing her enthusiasm, Xiao Tiance chuckled. After collecting the remaining scrolls into his storage ring, he turned to Xiao Qing.
"Take Yafei to rest. I'll discuss something with you later."
Xiao Qing complied, bowing slightly.
"Understood, Third Uncle. Coincidentally, I also have something to discuss with you."
With a wealth of treasures at her disposal and a bright future ahead, Yafei's journey in Tianji Tower was off to an extraordinary start.
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