Chapter 215: Puzzling Doubts and the Rebirth of Yao Chen's Nine Heavens Sacred Flame
"Since I've got nothing better to do, I might as well check out what treasures these rings hold," Xiao Tiance muttered, sitting outside the cave where Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling were refining their flames.
With a thought, 100 spatial rings floated before him.
The original owners of these rings were all dead, making them unclaimed. With a slight surge of his soul power, Xiao Tiance easily unlocked the rings, extracting all their contents.
Piles of treasures spilled out scrolls of techniques, combat skills, pills, rare herbs, celestial materials, magic cores, precious metals, and weapons of various grades.
The sheer quantity of items was dazzling, surrounding Xiao Tiance in an ocean of treasures. While some were of lower grade, a significant portion were exceptional, showcasing the profound heritage of the Flame Clan.
And this was just 100 rings. If the contents of all 100,000+ spatial rings were compiled, the amassed wealth would be staggering.
For others, this hoard would be priceless. For someone like Xiao Tiance, born into the imperial Xiao Clan, such items were more of a convenience than a necessity.
Using his soul power, he sorted the items into categories: pills into one ring, techniques into another, and so on. Once done, he stored the now empty spatial rings in his own personal ring and began sorting the next batch.
The Refinement of Flames
Hours passed as Xiao Tiance worked methodically through the rings. Suddenly, two powerful shockwaves erupted from the cave.
"Boom! Boom!"
In the next instant, Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling emerged, their bodies surrounded by vibrant flames.
"Congratulations, Brother Xuan, Mu Ling! You've refined the Heavenly Flames much faster than I anticipated," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
The two exchanged a glance, their eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
"Although these flames are highly ranked, they're still no match for the top five Heavenly Flames. With our strength, refining them wasn't too difficult," Xiao Xuan explained.
Mu Ling nodded in agreement. As they spoke, the flames enveloping them receded and were absorbed back into their bodies.
While the refinement hadn't increased their cultivation levels, it had significantly enhanced their combat strength. Xiao Xuan's aura, in particular, was approaching the threshold of the Half Emperor level.
"No matter how you look at it, refining these flames has greatly boosted your fighting capabilities," Xiao Tiance remarked.
"Indeed. So, what's our next move?" Xiao Xuan asked, his tone eager.
Mu Ling's body language mirrored his excitement he was clearly itching for more action.
Noting their energy, Xiao Tiance chuckled. "It seems your fight against the Flame Clan didn't quite satisfy your appetite. Very well. Xiao Qing has informed me that they've already engaged the Soul Clan remnants. We're currently closest to the Heavenly Nether Sect, so the two of you should head there next. Clear out the Soul Clan forces gathered there before proceeding to Burning Flame Valley and finally to the Pill Domain. Along the way, if you encounter any strong opponents, feel free to take them on."
Xiao Xuan nodded but glanced at Xiao Tiance curiously. "What about you? Aren't you coming with us?"
Mu Ling also turned toward Xiao Tiance, clearly interested in his plans.
Shaking his head, Xiao Tiance replied, "No, I won't be joining you. I plan to head to the Jia Nan Academy and wait for the Soul Heaven Emperor and his group there."
Based on the information from Lei Ying, the Soul Heaven Emperor and his allies were heading to the ancient emperor's cave to seek the inheritance of the Tou She Ancient Emperor. However, without the complete Tou She Ancient Emperor Jade, they had only two options to enter the cave.
Option one: Break through the Grandmaster level spirit array Xiao Tiance had set up. But without Dou Emperor level strength, this was impossible. Xiao Tiance, as the only spirit array master on the continent, had ensured it was impregnable.
Even if they managed to locate the array's core, finding it amidst tens of thousands of spirit imprints would be an insurmountable challenge. Before they succeeded, the array's immense power would likely obliterate them.
Option two: Use the hidden spatial path through which Void Swallowing Flame had once escaped. Though difficult, this path was the only alternative. Void Swallowing Flame had barely managed to escape with severe injuries despite being at the Eight Star Dou Saint level.
Whichever path they chose, the Soul Heaven Emperor and his group would pay a heavy price. Even if they reached the cave and obtained the inheritance, they would trigger the traps Xiao Tiance had laid.
Thus, Xiao Tiance's plan was simple: lie in wait at the cave and let them come to him.
A Word of Caution
Hearing this, Xiao Xuan frowned in concern. "Tiance, you must be careful. The Soul Heaven Emperor and Gu Yuan are not to be underestimated. I suspect Zhu Kun will also be with them. Facing three Nine Star Dou Saints at their peak, along with the unpredictable Void Swallowing Flame, won't be easy."
Although Xiao Tiance's strength as a Grandmaster spirit array master was formidable, Xiao Xuan knew the caliber of the enemies he would face. These were seasoned powerhouses who might still have hidden trump cards.
Xiao Tiance smiled confidently. "Don't worry, Brother Xuan. I understand their strength, but I've also prepared for every possibility. Trust me I won't be the one to fall."
Seeing his calm demeanor, Xiao Xuan relaxed slightly.
"Very well. Take care of yourself, Tiance. We'll regroup once this is over," Xiao Xuan said.
With that, Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling entered a spatial vortex heading toward the Heavenly Nether Sect, while Xiao Tiance turned toward Jia Nan Academy.
"Let the game begin," Xiao Tiance murmured, stepping into the void.
"Better to be safe than sorry!" Mu Ling urged again.
"Tiance, Mu Ling is right. You can't afford to underestimate them," Xiao Xuan added, his tone filled with concern.
"Alright, I understand. Don't worry; I'll be as cautious as I can," Xiao Tiance assured them solemnly.
Hearing his words, Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling finally relaxed. It wasn't that they doubted his abilities they simply didn't want his confidence to lead to complacency.
With a few parting words, Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling left.
Lingering Questions
Once alone, Xiao Tiance remained seated, gazing at the horizon as the setting sun painted the sky in warm hues. To an outsider, it might seem like he was lost in the beauty of the moment.
In truth, Xiao Tiance's mind churned with unanswered questions.
Since the Tou She Ancient Emperor had left behind his inheritance and the Emperor Tier Pill, which contained the rare Essence of the Emperor, why was there no other legacy from previous Dou Emperors on the continent?
Take the eight great clans Xiao, Soul, Gu, Lei, Yan, Ling, Yao, and Shi. Each had produced Dou Emperors in their ancient past. Had none of these emperors left behind tangible legacies? Were the bloodline abilities of these clans their only inheritance? And if so, why did all eight clans share this pattern of bloodline based power?
Even the famed Flame Mantra was a mystery. According to the original account, Yao Chen had obtained it from a mystical light space during his youth. This space had been created by a Dou Emperor level expert or perhaps even someone beyond that level.
That mystical space had restricted entry to those below the Dou Zun level, allowing a young Yao Chen, who was only at the peak of the Dou Zong realm, to claim the Flame Mantra. This acquisition had paved the way for the rise of Xiao Yan and the story that followed.
If such hidden legacies existed, could there be others waiting to be discovered on the Dou Qi Continent?
Xiao Tiance had spent 600 years traveling the continent, searching for any traces of other Dou Emperor legacies. Despite his peak Nine Star Dou Saint strength, capable of sensing even the faintest traces of ancient power, he had found nothing.
"It's almost as if…" Xiao Tiance murmured, his gaze darkening. "Could it be that the Tou She Ancient Emperor systematically sought out or destroyed all remnants of other Dou Emperors before his ascension? Was his aim to sever any path for others to reach the Dou Emperor level?"
This line of thought seemed plausible. It would explain why the Essence of the Emperor had been sealed and why the Dou Qi Continent had seen no new Dou Emperors since.
But if the Tou She Ancient Emperor's goal was to sever this path, why leave behind the Emperor Tier Pill or his own inheritance?
"Why split the Tou She Ancient Emperor's Jade into eight pieces and ensure it ended up in the hands of the eight great clans? During his time, even the likes of the Ancient Heaven Phoenix Tribe, the Void Ancient Dragon Tribe, or the Primordial Sky Serpent Tribe were not weaker than the eight clans. Why were none of these jade pieces given to the beast tribes?"
The deeper he thought, the more questions arose, each more perplexing than the last.
"This entire situation is shrouded in mystery, as if the answers have been deliberately hidden…"
Frustrated, Xiao Tiance rose to his feet, shaking his head to dispel his chaotic thoughts.
With one last glance at the setting sun, he vanished into the void, leaving the serene scene behind.
A Rebirth Underground
Heavenly Realm, Tiance Pavilion, Underground Chamber
Inside the dimly lit chamber, Xiao Yan stood before two figures. One was Yao Chen, his long deceased teacher, now reborn. The other was Yao Tian Huo, also revived.
Seeing them alive and well, Xiao Yan could barely contain his excitement.
"Teacher, Elder Yao, your strength…" Xiao Yan asked, his voice trembling.
"Haha! All thanks to Tiance's help in providing a Dou Saint body. I'm now at the Two Star Dou Saint level!" Yao Chen laughed heartily, clearly pleased with his new state.
Yao Tian Huo, who had only been a Five Star Dou Zun before his demise, grinned as well. "I never imagined that upon my revival, I'd already be at the peak of Dou Zun. With a bit more time, I'll surely step into the Half Saint realm!"
The two men radiated joy, their gratitude evident.
"Thank you, Xiao Yan, for your help," Yao Tian Huo said earnestly, taking out a small flickering flame from his ring a juvenile version of the Fallen Heart Flame.
He flicked it toward Xiao Yan, who caught it gently.
"This is… the infant Fallen Heart Flame?" Xiao Yan marveled, his eyes lighting up. "With this, I can ease my guilt toward the Jia Nan Academy."
Yao Tian Huo chuckled. "Indeed. As promised, I've brought you two gifts for aiding in my revival. The first is the infant Fallen Heart Flame. The second is my self created technique, Five Wheel Fiery Law. Mastering it to its peak makes it comparable to Heaven Tier Dou Techniques. Take it it's yours."
Yao Tian Huo handed Xiao Yan a scroll, which the young man accepted respectfully.
"Thank you, Elder Yao," Xiao Yan said, bowing.
"No need for thanks it was part of our agreement. But, Xiao Yan, your expression seems troubled. Is something wrong?" Yao Tian Huo asked, his tone tinged with concern.
Yao Chen, standing nearby, also looked at his disciple expectantly.
Under their gaze, Xiao Yan sighed. "The Yun Lan Sect recently injured my eldest brother, Xiao Ding. My second brother has gone to the Black Corner Region, but with his current strength, I fear he won't survive. I can't focus on my cultivation until I confirm their safety."
Hearing this, Yao Chen frowned. "Xiao Yan, don't worry. If you're concerned about your brothers, I'll accompany you to find them."
"Thank you, Teacher. Let's bid farewell to the others and set out immediately!" Xiao Yan said gratefully.
"Wait for me," Yao Tian Huo interjected. "I'll join you as well. While I can't help you find your brothers, I can assist with delivering the Fallen Heart Flame to Jia Nan Academy."
"Thank you, Elder Yao. Let's go!"
With their plans set, the trio left the chamber to bid Xiao Tiance farewell before embarking on their journey.
(End of Chapter)
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