Chapter 213: The Grandmaster Level Spirit Array Annihilation of All Things
"Take it back, Tiance. I don't need this," Xiao Xuan said firmly.
In a private room of a small inn within the Ancient Clan's territory, Xiao Tiance caught the jade bottle Xiao Xuan had tossed back at him. His feelings were complex. While he had anticipated Xiao Xuan's refusal, he hadn't expected it to be so resolute.
Looking at Xiao Xuan, Xiao Tiance asked seriously, "Brother Xuan, if this pill is refined further, it will become a true Emperor grade pill. Taking it gives you an 80% chance of reaching the Dou Di realm. Are you absolutely sure about this?"
Xiao Xuan met his gaze, equally serious. "Tiance, you know me well. I don't take back my words.
"Yes, becoming a Dou Di is my life's greatest ambition, but I refuse to achieve it in such a way.
"If it were a thousand years ago, I might have accepted without hesitation. But now, having experienced death once, I no longer desire to ascend through such methods. It goes against everything I stand for."
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. This was the Xiao Xuan he knew brilliant, proud, and unwavering.
After storing the jade bottle, Xiao Tiance said with a smile, "Very well. If Brother Xuan doesn't wish to ascend in this way, then I'll handle the Soul Clan first, break the seals, and retrieve the Dou Di essence. When that time comes, you can ascend properly."
Burden of the Emperor Grade Pill
Xiao Tiance didn't even consider offering the Emperor grade Embryonic Pill to Mu Ling. Though Xiao Xuan had rejected it, the pill was still a priceless treasure.
Mu Ling understood his position. While he had gained a human body, his loyalty was bound to Xiao Tiance, and his potential for independence was tied to surpassing him in power. For now, he hadn't earned the right to such a treasure.
In Xiao Tiance's mind, only a few individuals were even eligible: Tian Luo, Xiao Qing, and Huang Jiuji.
Xiao Qing, however, was slated to lead the Xiao Clan for a long time to come and couldn't risk failure.
Huang Jiuji's recovery to an eight star Dou Saint peak was impressive, but the Dou Qi Continent's environment meant the pill might not guarantee his ascension to Dou Di.
This left only Tian Luo, who, despite being a creation of Xiao Tiance's, had never demanded anything, not even the Emperor grade Embryonic Pill. Tian Luo's loyalty and capabilities made him the most suitable candidate, but Xiao Tiance decided to keep the pill as a backup for now.
The Plan to Strike Back
After Xiao Xuan poured him another cup of tea, he asked, "Tiance, what's the next step? Surely, we can't just sit around and wait for Hun Tiandi and the others to strike?"
Xiao Tiance drummed his fingers rhythmically on the table, contemplating. After a while, he spoke, "You're right, Brother Xuan. Sitting idly isn't the Xiao Clan's style.
"I've decided to let Xiao Qing handle the Soul Clan's cast offs. As for the other clans, it's time to make an example of one of them. It'll send a clear message to Gu Yuan and the others about the consequences of provoking the Xiao Clan!"
Mu Ling immediately chimed in with a suggestion: "If we're ignoring the Soul Clan's pawns and considering the Thunder Clan as allies, the remaining targets are the Ancient Clan, the Flame Clan, and the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan.
"The Ancient Clan is off limits because Brother Xuan won't allow it. The Taixu Ancient Dragons are formidable in space manipulation and scattered across four Dragon Islands. Without meticulous planning, we'd never eliminate them all.
"This leaves the Flame Clan. They're the weakest among the imperial clans and notorious for their reckless behavior. I propose we annihilate them. Their destruction will serve as a deterrent, and their relatively weak strength means we can wipe them out with minimal effort.
"With the three of us, one can guard the Flame Realm's entrance while the other two launch a direct assault. We could ensure their complete extinction."
His words carried a chilling edge, but Mu Ling's tone remained calm, as if wiping out a clan was as simple as flipping a switch.
Xiao Tiance exchanged a glance with Xiao Xuan, who nodded and said, "Tiance, I agree with Mu Ling. Targeting the Flame Clan will make the strongest statement."
Standing up, Xiao Tiance nodded decisively. "Then it's settled. The Flame Clan will be our first target!"
Orders Issued
Xiao Tiance quickly sent a message to Xiao Qing, informing him of their plan. Turning to Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling, he smiled and said, "Brother Xuan, Mu Ling, it's time to pay the Flame Clan a visit."
"Simple enough!" Mu Ling laughed, his Dou Qi surging uncontrollably with excitement.
Xiao Xuan, however, sighed deeply and rose silently. A flash of determination gleamed in his eyes as he prepared for what lay ahead.
With a wave of his hand, Xiao Tiance opened a spatial vortex. The three stepped through, and moments later, the vortex vanished without a trace.
Xiao Qing's Frontline Preparations
At the Tianji Tower headquarters, Xiao Qing was busy organizing forces alongside Tian Luo to deal with the Soul Clan's scattered remnants. Just as they finalized their deployment, Xiao Tiance's message arrived, informing Xiao Qing of the plan to annihilate the Flame Clan.
Tian Luo noticed Xiao Qing's expression shift and asked, "Young Clan Leader, is something the matter?"
Xiao Qing glanced at the gathered elders, including Xiao Teng and Xiao Wu, before smiling and replying, "My uncle just sent word. He, Brother Xuan, and Senior Mu Ling are going to take care of the Flame Clan.
"With the three of them working together, the Flame Clan will be wiped out, leaving us with far less pressure. It's only a matter of time before they're no longer part of the Dou Qi Continent."
Shock and Awe
Everyone except Tian Luo gasped audibly.
To them, Xiao Tiance was an unstoppable force. If he set his sights on the Flame Clan, their doom was inevitable.
Add Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling both nine star Dou Saint powerhouses into the mix, and the Flame Clan had no chance of survival.
The Xiao Clan's counteroffensive had begun.
"Excellent! With the clan leader taking action himself, the Flame Clan has no chance of survival!" Xiao Teng exclaimed with excitement.
"Exactly. Forget just the Flame Clan. Even the Ancient Clan or the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan wouldn't stand a chance against the clan leader, Brother Xuan, and Mu Ling working together. The Flame Clan is as good as annihilated," Xiao Zu added, equally thrilled.
The others shared similar enthusiasm. Their confidence in Xiao Tiance and his companions wasn't baseless. The Flame Clan, while an imperial clan, was among the weakest after the destruction of the Stone and Spirit Clans. Apart from the Medicine Clan, the Flame Clan sat at the bottom.
Even Xiao Clan's forces alone were confident they could eliminate the Flame Clan. With Xiao Tiance himself leading the charge, the outcome was a foregone conclusion.
Strategic Deployment
From his seat at the head of the table, Xiao Qing observed the fervor in the room and said with a smile, "You're all correct. With my third uncle personally intervening, the Flame Clan's destruction is inevitable.
"But since he has chosen to act, we need to adjust our plans accordingly.
"Xiao Wu!"
"Present!" Xiao Wu stepped forward and cupped his hands in respect.
"Take three seven star Dou Saints, seven six star Dou Saints, and the forces previously designated. Head to the Tianming Sect immediately and eliminate the remnants of the Soul Clan hiding there," Xiao Qing commanded.
"Yes! Xiao Wu accepts the order!" Xiao Wu bowed again and promptly led his team out.
Once Xiao Wu departed, Xiao Qing turned to Xiao Teng. "Xiao Teng, step forward!"
"Here, awaiting instructions, Young Clan Leader!" Xiao Teng replied.
"Take three seven star Dou Saints, ten six star Dou Saints, and fifteen five star Dou Saints, along with the previously allocated forces. Head to the Burning Flame Valley and wipe out every Soul Clan remnant there," Xiao Qing ordered.
"Yes! Xiao Teng will not fail!" Xiao Teng saluted and left with his group.
Finally, Xiao Qing's gaze landed on Xiao Fei, who stepped forward unprompted and bowed.
"Xiao Fei, lead two clan elders, five seven star Dou Saints, and the designated forces to the Pill Region. Eliminate the Soul Clan remnants gathered there," Xiao Qing directed.
"Understood! I will not disappoint you!" Xiao Fei replied resolutely before departing with his forces.
The Final Orders
With most of the forces dispatched, only six eight star Dou Saints, Tian Luo, and Xiao Qing remained in the hall.
At this point, everyone's eyes turned toward Xiao Qing. He cupped his hands respectfully and addressed the six elders. "To ensure absolute success, I request that the six elders head to the Burning Flame Valley. If any forces dare to support the Soul Clan remnants, don't hold back engage them directly."
The leader of the elders, Xiao Xian, laughed and replied, "Young Clan Leader, there's no need for such formality. We've waited a long time for this day. We'll set off immediately."
The other five elders echoed his sentiment. With a sweep of Xiao Xian's hand, a spatial vortex appeared, and the six of them vanished.
Turning to Tian Luo, Xiao Qing asked, "Elder Tian Luo, will you head to the Tianming Sect or the Pill Region?"
Tian Luo smiled. "I'll take the Tianming Sect. The Pill Region can be your responsibility."
Xiao Qing nodded. "Understood. Please be cautious, Elder Tian Luo. Although we currently outmatch the Soul Clan remnants, their methods are unpredictable. Please watch over our clansmen carefully."
Tian Luo waved dismissively. "No need to worry about me. I haven't even used the tools the clan leader gave me. Let's see if the Soul Clan's remnants are sharp enough to bite through this blade."
With that, he summoned a spatial vortex and stepped through, vanishing without a trace.
Preparation for Battle
After Tian Luo's departure, Xiao Qing moved to the window, surveying the scenery below. With a wave of his hand, his storage ring flashed, and a golden figure appeared behind him, radiating a fierce light.
"Old Huang, oversee the Tianji Tower headquarters. If any enemy dares to invade, show no mercy kill them all," Xiao Qing commanded coldly.
The golden Tian Yao Puppet, Old Huang, bowed deeply, its glowing eyes flickering with a sharp glint.
When Old Huang rose again, Xiao Qing was already gone.
A Larger Plot Unfolds
As the Xiao Clan divided their forces to strike at the Flame Realm, the Tianming Sect, the Burning Flame Valley, and the Pill Region, their enemies were also on the move. Gu Yuan, Yan Jin, Lei Ying, Hun Tiandi, Xu Wu Tunyan, and Zhu Kun had deployed their forces to secretly support the Soul Clan remnants.
Under the guidance of Hun Tiandi and Xu Wu Tunyan, the coalition traveled northwest across the Dou Qi Continent. Their destination? The Tou She Ancient Emperor's Mansion, hidden beneath the magma of Jia Nan Academy.
Meanwhile, high above the Flame Realm's entrance, Xiao Tiance hovered silently in the void. Beside him stood Mu Ling and Xiao Xuan, both gazing at the Flame Realm's barrier with cold intensity.
A Grandmaster's Preparation
Mu Ling broke the silence, marveling at the barrier. "As expected of an imperial clan. This barrier... If activated, even an eight star Dou Saint would struggle to escape unscathed."
Xiao Tiance chuckled softly. "The barrier is formidable, but without Yan Jin here, its power is limited.
"Brother Xuan, Mu Ling, once I send you both into the Flame Realm, I'll set up a grandmaster level spirit array at the entrance. Your task will be to drive the Flame Clan's forces toward the array. Leave the rest to me."
Hearing this, Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling nodded. They both understood the might of a grandmaster level spirit array. Even if Yan Jin himself were present, entering the array would be a death sentence.
"Understood!" the two replied in unison.
With a wave of his hand, Xiao Tiance activated a complex spirit seal, pressing his palms against Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling. A moment later, the two launched themselves into the Flame Realm.
Annihilation Begins
As they passed through the barrier, Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling felt a momentary sense of rejection, but it was swiftly replaced by seamless integration with the barrier. They slipped inside effortlessly.
Seeing their successful entry, Xiao Tiance smirked coldly. Spirit seals appeared in rapid succession around him, spinning and glowing faintly.
"Flame Clan, to be the target of my grandmaster level spirit array consider it an honor."
With that, tens of thousands of spirit seals converged, forming an intricate, colossal array.
Pressing his hands downward, Xiao Tiance embedded the array into the Flame Realm's entrance.
"Grandmaster Level Spirit Array Annihilation of All Things, activate!"
(End of Chapter)
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