Chapter 153: Discovery of the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame's Space and a Lesson in Power and Responsibility
Central Plains – Tianji Tower Headquarters
In a room at the very top of Tianji Tower, Xiao Tiance sat alone by a window, gazing out at the bustling crowds below. His face bore no emotion, only a calm serenity, as tranquil as a still lake.
For over a thousand years, Tianji Tower had grown from a small organization composed solely of Xiao Clan members into a dominant force. It had absorbed countless outsiders with untapped potential or those marginalized by their original factions. Today, Tianji Tower held sway over the entire Central Plains, its power unmatched.
The turning point was the systematic annihilation of Soul Hall's branches by squads led by Xiao Clan Dou Shengs. Eventually, the Soul Clan had been forced into hiding, retreating into obscurity. The ripple effect was massive: Tianji Tower's reputation reached an apex, elevating its status to a league of its own.
No longer did the saying "One Hall, One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, and Four Pavilions" hold true. The so called "Hall" (Soul Hall) was no more, and the so called "Tower" (Alchemist Tower) paled in comparison to Tianji Tower's dominance.
The lesser powers the Two Sects, Three Valleys, and Four Pavilions were far from being Tianji Tower's equals. Even their combined strength couldn't contend with Tianji Tower alone.
The Two Sects, though shrouded in mystery and boasting decent power, could only field Dou Sheng level experts at best.
Three Valleys, particularly Burning Flame Valley, retained some relevance due to their reserves of resources and ancient experts.
Four Pavilions, meanwhile, were laughable in comparison, barely qualifying as first tier forces.
As the uncontested ruler of the Central Plains, Tianji Tower had become synonymous with absolute power, even rivaling the Imperial Clans. Everyone knew that behind Tianji Tower stood the Xiao Clan, an insurmountable force.
For this reason, the Tower attracted a steady influx of talented individuals, each seeking to join and rise through its ranks.
A Conversation with Xiao Qing
At the window, Xiao Tiance remained silent, watching the activity below. He turned only when Xiao Qing, having arranged Yafei's accommodations, respectfully entered the room.
"Third Uncle!" Xiao Qing bowed deeply.
Xiao Tiance nodded lightly, gesturing for him to sit.
"No need for formalities, Qing'er. Sit. We have things to discuss."
After pouring tea for Xiao Tiance, Xiao Qing sat upright, awaiting his uncle's words.
Seeing Xiao Qing's composed yet tense demeanor, Xiao Tiance sighed inwardly.
"It seems I've been putting too much pressure on him," he thought.
With a kind smile, Xiao Tiance began:
"Qing'er, tell me more about what happened in the Beast Region. Your message to Tian Ming only touched on the basics. I need the full picture."
Xiao Qing exhaled, relieved by his uncle's softer tone. Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he recounted the entire series of events.
Reflections on the Beast Region Incident
After listening, Xiao Tiance fell into a thoughtful silence.
"So, that's how it unfolded," he murmured.
He suspected that something was amiss with Huang Min's behavior. Her uncharacteristic defiance and boldness, especially against a powerhouse like Zhu Kun, likely stemmed from some hidden truths she'd learned from Huang Jiu Ji.
"Min'er wouldn't act this recklessly unless she knew something I don't. She's far too clever for such missteps," Xiao Tiance concluded.
While Zhu Kun's actions were expected he wasn't one to let a loss of face slide easily Xiao Tiance couldn't help but admire the North Dragon King Zhu Guang. In a desperate bid to diffuse tensions, Zhu Guang had severed his own arm to demonstrate sincerity and loyalty to Zhu Kun.
"The North Dragon King's cunning runs deep," Xiao Tiance noted inwardly.
Zhu Guang's calculated move not only saved himself but also solidified Zhu Kun's trust a vital asset for someone as ambitious as Zhu Guang, who sought to unify the entire Void Ancient Dragon Clan.
Instructions for Xiao Qing
Breaking the silence, Xiao Tiance said:
**"I understand now. Since Min'er and Ling Yun are safe, I won't dwell on the matter. However, Qing'er, you and Tian Luo must keep a close watch on the Beast Region.
The Void Ancient Dragon Clan excels in spatial manipulation. Zhu Kun is not one to let go of a grudge. He will return, and when he does, I want us prepared."**
Xiao Qing nodded solemnly.
"Third Uncle, I've already installed the transmission based spirit array you provided in the Sky Phoenix Clan's territory. If anything happens, I can be there in an instant."
Xiao Tiance nodded approvingly.
"Good. What of Tian Luo?"
"He parted ways with me shortly after. He mentioned locating the Flame Clan's fragment of the Tuo She Ancient Emperor's Jade. I expect him to retrieve it soon."
"There's no rush. With the Soul Clan in hiding, the jade can wait. Now, let's discuss something else: Gu Yue."
At this, Xiao Qing's expression tightened.
"Gu Yue is your wife, Qing'er. It's your responsibility to rein her in. I'll give you one month to deal with her. If, by then, she remains unruly and continues sowing discord, I'll expect you to sever ties and choose a new wife."
Xiao Tiance's gaze turned cold, sending a shiver down Xiao Qing's spine.
"Her behavior stirring trouble and drawing unwanted attention brings disgrace to the Xiao Clan. I won't tolerate it."
Xiao Qing hurriedly responded:
"Understood, Third Uncle. I was waiting to see how far she'd go, but I'll put an end to it immediately."
Satisfied, Xiao Tiance softened his tone:
"Good. Remember, Qing'er, unity within the Xiao Clan is paramount. The greatest threats to powerful clans often come from within. As the future patriarch, you must take decisive action to maintain stability."
Xiao Qing nodded, fully grasping the gravity of the situation. His uncle's words were both a warning and a final ultimatum.
Tianji Tower Headquarters – Central Plains
Sitting across from Xiao Tiance, Xiao Qing promised once more, "Third Uncle, rest assured. I will handle this properly and ensure the Xiao Clan remains united."
Xiao Tiance nodded, then shifted the topic.
"I've said my part. Now, what did you want to discuss with me?"
Grateful for the change in tone, Xiao Qing respectfully replied, "Third Uncle, our people recently discovered a mysterious spatial realm. Through its seals, we detected extremely potent fire attribute Dou Qi. Though we haven't been able to break through the restrictions, we suspect that this may be the domain of the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame."
"The Purifying Lotus Demon Flame?" Xiao Tiance raised a brow. He hadn't expected it to be discovered this early.
"Yes, Third Uncle. Based on what we've observed, it's highly likely. However, even with my strength, I couldn't break the seals. I suspect a key is required to gain access, and unless one is a Dou Di, it may be impossible to breach it otherwise."
After a brief pause, Xiao Tiance analyzed, **"The Purifying Lotus Demon Flame was owned by the Purifying Lotus Saint, who, according to the clan's historical records, was as powerful as a half step Dou Di at his peak. Moreover, he was the only expert known for his unparalleled mastery of formations.
If this realm was indeed left behind by the Purifying Lotus Saint, then without the key, entering it is likely futile. Let me take a look at this seal when the time comes. For now, you should prioritize resolving the Gu Yue situation."**
Xiao Tiance's reasoning was straightforward. He had no interest in the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame for several reasons.
Compatibility: Without practicing the "Flame Mantra," he couldn't absorb its power.
Utility: Even if he cultivated the technique, his current strength was such that absorbing the flame wouldn't significantly enhance his abilities.
Legacy: He preferred leaving it for Xiao Yan, someone better suited to its potential.
"Understood, Third Uncle." Xiao Qing bowed and continued, "There's another matter I need your guidance on. We've found the owner of the fifth ranked flame on the Heavenly Flame list, the Spirit Flame of Life. It belongs to Elder Shen Nong, a reclusive figure who hasn't wronged us. However, considering its ranking, I wanted to ask if we should take action to acquire it."
Xiao Tiance dismissed the notion with a wave of his hand.
**"The Spirit Flame of Life, is it? Let it be. Elder Shen Nong has a good reputation, and I've intentionally ignored his existence all these years to avoid tarnishing the Xiao Clan's name.
We are not the Soul Clan, Qing'er. The Soul Clan preyed on the weak and resorted to any means to fulfill their desires, no matter how vile. But we cannot follow in their footsteps.
A true strongman knows that his strength ends where the freedoms of the weak begin. Strength should never be wielded to oppress the helpless."**
"A true strongman knows that his strength ends where the freedoms of the weak begin," Xiao Qing repeated, mulling over the wisdom in the words. After a moment, he smiled and said, "I understand, Third Uncle. I won't forget your guidance."
The two discussed many other matters, particularly the state of the Spirit, Stone, and Medicine Clans. Xiao Qing meticulously updated Xiao Tiance on the progress of these allied factions.
Xiao Tiance was pleased with Xiao Qing's handling of affairs. Thanks to the Xiao Clan's aid, the Spirit and Stone Clans had grown considerably stronger. This was largely due to the tiered Spirit Gathering Arrays in Tianwaitian, which allowed cultivators to progress at an accelerated pace.
While these clans paid a price for access to the arrays, the benefits were immense. Meanwhile, the Xiao Clan reaped valuable resources in return, reinforcing their own dominance.
The Gu Yue Situation
With their conversation concluded, Xiao Tiance remained at Tianji Tower's headquarters while Xiao Qing returned to Tianwaitian without delay.
Tianwaitian – Xiao Qing's Residence
As the next patriarch of the Xiao Clan, Xiao Qing enjoyed unparalleled influence within the clan, second only to Xiao Tiance. In Xiao Tiance's absence, Xiao Qing even held the authority of acting patriarch a privilege acknowledged by all.
This elevated position made Gu Yue's life as the future clan matriarch immensely alluring. Armed with her title, she had consolidated power, swaying the women from the Gu Clan who had married into the Xiao Clan. Leveraging Xiao Qing's status, she even recruited numerous young Xiao Clan elites, including dozens of Dou Zun experts, into her fold.
Her ambition and methods gave her a commanding presence within the Xiao Clan. However, even when her brother Gu Dao tried to dissuade her, Gu Yue ignored his advice, continuing on her chosen path.
One afternoon, as Gu Yue enjoyed the pampering of her maidservants, a messenger hurried in and bowed deeply.
"Madam, the Young Patriarch has returned!"
"What?" Gu Yue sprang to her feet, excitement lighting up her face.
Despite her love of power, her feelings for Xiao Qing were genuine. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," as they say, and she couldn't wait to reunite with him. As she rushed to meet him, she issued orders to prepare hot water and food.
Moments later, Xiao Qing came into view.
"Qing ge, you're back!" Gu Yue greeted him with a sweet smile, her demeanor docile and affectionate.
Xiao Qing returned the smile, pulling her gently by the hand as they entered his residence. Once inside, he dismissed the servants and, to Gu Yue's surprise, firmly pressed her down into a chair.
"Qing ge, you're hurting me! Be gentle," she protested, furrowing her brows.
However, Xiao Qing didn't respond with his usual warmth. Instead, he sat opposite her, staring intently, his gaze sharp and probing.
"Qing ge, why are you looking at me like that?" Gu Yue asked, a hint of fear creeping into her voice.
Xiao Qing chuckled, his tone eerily calm.
"I've been away for two years, and in that time, you've certainly been busy, haven't you? Recruiting dozens of Dou Zun experts to do your bidding under the guise of being the Young Patriarch's wife. Such skillful maneuvering truly impressive."
His words were devoid of anger, yet they struck Gu Yue like thunder. She knew immediately that he was aware of her machinations.
"Qing ge, let me explain " Gu Yue began, panic evident in her voice.
(To be continued...)
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