Chapter 255: Resolving Misunderstandings and Sharing the Truth
Tiance Residence, Tianwaitian
"Ling'er, you must feel lonely too. But from now on, I'll accompany you to witness the changes of the world. Perhaps it will give your heart some solace," Xiao Tiance said warmly.
Ling'er, moved by his words, remained silent for a moment before replying softly, "Thank you, Young Master."
"No need to thank me. I'm a lonely person too. With you by my side, I won't feel lonely anymore," Xiao Tiance said with a gentle smile.
Indeed, he was lonely. Despite spending over a thousand years on the Dou Qi Continent and being surrounded by people, no one had truly entered his heart.
"Mm hmm! Then I'll always stay by your side, Young Master," Ling'er said happily.
As they spoke, Xiao Bieli entered, bringing Xiao Chun and Xiao Tianming with him.
A Tense Visit
"Greetings, First Supreme Elder," Xiao Chun and Xiao Tianming said respectfully, bowing as soon as they saw Xiao Tiance.
Though Xiao Tiance had repeatedly told them to drop the formalities, his newfound status as a Dou Di made it difficult for them to act casually.
"Second Uncle, Tianming, you're here! I've told you many times there's no need for such formalities between us.
There's no one else here, so why follow all these unnecessary rituals?" Xiao Tiance said warmly, stepping forward to help them up.
Xiao Tianming chuckled awkwardly. "Brother Tiance, you've just broken through to Dou Di, and your strength is far above ours. We wouldn't dare act disrespectfully."
"What nonsense! No matter how strong I am, I'm still your Brother Tiance. Has our relationship changed just because of my strength?" Xiao Tiance said with a laugh.
He then turned to Xiao Chun. "Second Uncle, please have a seat. I've been away from Tianwaitian for over six years and have a lot to talk about with you."
Xiao Chun remained standing, his expression calm as he replied, "Etiquette cannot be discarded. As the First Supreme Elder, your strength commands respect. We wouldn't dare act improperly."
An Unspoken Tension
Hearing Xiao Chun's tone, Xiao Tiance furrowed his brows slightly. Something was off. Still smiling, he said, "Second Uncle, have I done something wrong? If I have, please let me know. As your nephew, I'm willing to learn and correct my mistakes."
Though unsure of the exact issue, Xiao Tiance could sense the source of Xiao Chun's distance. However, some matters were not easy to address directly.
"Father, what are you doing? Brother Tiance hasn't done anything wrong!" Xiao Tianming said, clearly upset with Xiao Chun's attitude.
Turning to Xiao Tiance, he explained apologetically, "Brother Tiance, please don't mind him. My father is upset because of the Dou Emperor's Origin."
"Humph! The First Supreme Elder is generous to outsiders but reluctant to give opportunities to his own kin. Why wouldn't I be upset?" Xiao Chun said bitterly.
Addressing the Complaints
At this, Xiao Tiance could no longer ignore the issue. Smiling wryly, he said, "It seems Second Uncle has misunderstood me."
"What's there to misunderstand? Huang Lao's contributions to the Xiao Clan are undeniable, so no one would question him receiving a Dou Emperor's Origin.
Qing'er is the Clan Leader and a direct descendant of our branch his share is also justified.
But what about Xuanhuang and Muling? Who are they to claim such precious resources? Even Tianluo didn't get one, yet they did. Are there truly no more deserving candidates within the Xiao Clan?
You're a Dou Di now. Even if you decided to impose your will, who would dare oppose you?" Xiao Chun said angrily, voicing his frustrations.
Xiao Tianming was about to speak, but Xiao Tiance raised a hand to stop him. Calmly, Xiao Tiance motioned for them to sit. After pouring tea for everyone, he began explaining.
Revealing Xuanhuang's Identity
"Second Uncle, it seems there's been a misunderstanding.
Originally, I promised to keep Xuanhuang's true identity a secret. But since you and Tianming aren't outsiders, I'll share the truth."
"Xuanhuang? Does he have some hidden identity?" Xiao Chun asked, puzzled.
"Yes, Xuanhuang is just an alias. His real name is Xiao Xuan."
"What? Xiao Xuan? But he's supposed to be dead!" Xiao Chun and Xiao Tianming exclaimed in shock.
Xiao Tiance smiled wryly. "Second Uncle, wasn't Huang Lao also a spirit when he first reappeared? Why can't Brother Xuan return in a similar way?
He feels deeply guilty toward the Xiao Clan, which is why he asked me to keep his resurrection a secret. Given the situation, how could I refuse him?
Think about it would I entrust such an important task as refining the Emperor Grade Pill to anyone else if Xuanhuang wasn't truly Xiao Xuan?"
Xiao Chun thought back to past events. He had always felt a sense of familiarity with Xuanhuang but never dared confirm it. Reflecting on Xiao Xuan's contributions, he sighed.
Though Xiao Xuan's actions had nearly led to the Xiao Clan's downfall, his intentions were always to strengthen the clan. His efforts and sacrifices couldn't be denied.
"Fine. If Xuanhuang is Xiao Xuan, then he deserves the Dou Emperor's Origin. But what about Muling? He's not part of the Xiao Clan, is he?" Xiao Chun asked.
"No, Muling is not a member of the Xiao Clan. He is the embodiment of the Heavenly Tomb's spirit, revived in the same way as Brother Xuan.
Though he's not one of us, I've placed restrictions on his mind, binding him to the Xiao Clan. He is no different from a loyal clan member.
Besides, if Muling hadn't received the Emperor Grade Pill, it would have gone to Tianluo.
You know Tianluo's origins his body is Brother Xuan's, his soul is mine, and his contributions to the Xiao Clan are unparalleled. No one could dispute him."
Resolving the Conflict
Xiao Chun's anger subsided as he processed Xiao Tiance's explanation. His earlier bitterness gave way to understanding, though he still felt a tinge of regret.
"Second Uncle, I hope this clears up your doubts. My decisions were never meant to slight our family," Xiao Tiance said earnestly.
Sighing, Xiao Chun finally nodded. "I see now. Forgive me for my earlier words. You've always acted in the Xiao Clan's best interests."
Looking Ahead
"Good. With that settled, I hope we can move forward without any misunderstandings," Xiao Tiance said, smiling.
"Father, Brother Tiance has always been fair. Let's not dwell on the past," Xiao Tianming added, relieved.
With the tension resolved, the three continued their conversation, the mood much lighter than before.
Ensuring Xiao Tianming's Safety
"No matter what, whether by strength or status, there are others in the Xiao Clan more suitable than Tianming for the opportunity to ascend to Dou Di," Xiao Tiance said, his tone softening as he picked up his tea and sipped.
"Second Uncle, I'm not someone who cannot distinguish between close and distant relationships, nor have I forgotten the kindness you showed me back then.
I understand your wish to secure this chance for Tianming so he can better protect himself when he follows me to the Great Thousand World.
So, I can promise you this: in the Great Thousand World, I will ensure Tianming is not harmed.
Moreover, Muling, whose mind is under my control, will protect Tianming for a time once we are there. What do you think, Second Uncle?"
Hearing this, Xiao Chun's face showed a hint of guilt. He wouldn't have been so blunt with Xiao Tiance if not for his concern for Xiao Tianming. Now, after listening to Tiance's reassurances, he felt ashamed.
"Forgive me, Tiance. I was too presumptuous," Xiao Chun said, bowing in apology.
Xiao Tiance stood, personally helping him up with a warm smile. "Second Uncle, there's no need for such words between us. You've always been like a father to me since my parents passed away.
Rest assured, once we reach the Great Thousand World a place vast and filled with opportunities I'll find ways to help Tianming grow stronger."
"Ah, Tiance, the more you say this, the more I feel I've wronged you," Xiao Chun said with a bitter smile.
Xiao Tiance shook his head before turning to Xiao Tianming.
"Tianming, your current strength is at the early stage of Eight Star Dou Saint, possibly mid stage with a little more effort.
I'll remain on the Dou Qi Continent for ten more years. During this time, I hope you'll work hard and reach the peak of Nine Star Dou Saint. Only then will you have a better chance of protecting yourself in the Great Thousand World."
Xiao Tianming scratched his head awkwardly. "Brother Tiance, I'm already trying my best."
"You've always been lazy," Xiao Tiance said, smirking. "Here's the deal: if you don't reach the peak of Nine Star Dou Saint, you'll stay behind on the Dou Qi Continent. That way, Second Uncle won't have to worry about your safety."
"No way! Brother Tiance, I " Xiao Tianming began protesting, but Xiao Tiance cut him off with a simple, authoritative "Hmm?"
The sound alone was enough to make Xiao Tianming swallow his words. "Alright, alright. I'll work harder!" he said, deflated.
Guidance and Farewell
The three chatted for a while longer, with Xiao Tiance offering Xiao Tianming pointers on cultivation techniques. By noon, Xiao Chun and Xiao Tiance left Tiance Residence, laughing and in good spirits.
The Arrival of Huang Min and Zi Yan
Not long after they departed, Huang Min arrived with Zi Yan in tow.
Seeing Zi Yan, whose appearance hadn't changed much, Xiao Tiance couldn't help but tease, "Little girl, why are you still so tiny? Didn't Tianwaitian feed you properly these past few years?"
"Greetings, Teacher/Young Master," Huang Min and Zi Yan said respectfully, bowing.
Zi Yan, hopping over to Xiao Tiance with curiosity in her eyes, asked, "Young Master, I've had plenty of good food in Tianwaitian these past few years!
Oh, right! Sister Min said you're now a Dou Di. Can you help me grow up?"
Xiao Tiance was amused by her boldness. After all, it had been years since they last met, and she was the first person to make such a direct request.
"Heh, helping you grow isn't impossible. If I recall, your Ancient Void Dragon Clan has a method for that, doesn't it? You need a Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, right?" Xiao Tiance asked with a smile, playfully ruffling Zi Yan's hair.
"That fruit is impossible to find! It's so rare that even in the Ancient Void Dragon Clan's history, it's only appeared a few times. It can only form when a powerful Ancient Void Dragon and an Ancient Heavenly Phoenix perish together.
Now, even Sister Min's Heavenly Phoenix Clan can't find it. How could we?" Zi Yan pouted, sighing.
A New Opportunity
Xiao Tiance's smile deepened. "I happen to know of an ancient secret realm that contains Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit.
Tianji Tower likely has information about this secret realm. Why don't you check there?"
"Really? Does that mean I can leave Tianwaitian?" Zi Yan's eyes lit up with excitement.
Since learning that she was sent to the Xiao Clan as a hostage by the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, Zi Yan had avoided causing trouble in Tianwaitian. While she disliked feeling restricted, the Xiao Clan treated her kindly, allowing her free access to resources within Tianwaitian. However, she longed to explore the wider world.
Seeing the anticipation in her eyes, Xiao Tiance nodded. "Of course. From today, you're free to leave Tianwaitian."
"That's great! I can finally go explore!" Zi Yan cheered, hopping in excitement.
A Request from Huang Min
Huang Min stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Teacher, are you accepting new disciples?"
"Oh?" Xiao Tiance raised a brow, glancing at Huang Min. He had watched her grow up and could tell what she was thinking with a single look.
Noticing the nervousness in Zi Yan's eyes, he realized Huang Min was asking on Zi Yan's behalf.
He smiled knowingly. "It seems you've resolved the knot in your heart; otherwise, you wouldn't have asked this.
I'm not opposed to accepting a disciple, but you know my standards."
"Hehe, if it were before, I wouldn't have been confident. But since you mentioned Tianji Tower has information about an ancient secret realm with Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, I'm feeling much more optimistic," Huang Min said, her face full of confidence.
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Alright, do as you please. With your current strength, I'm not worried about your safety. Pursue what you want."
"Thank you, Teacher. I'll take Zi Yan with me. I also plan to discuss the Dou Emperor's Origin with Ling Yun face to face," Huang Min said, bowing again.
"Go ahead, and take good care of that little one," Xiao Tiance said, smiling warmly.
(Chapter End)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1