Chapter 264: Is Ya Fei the Next Xiao Clan Matriarch?
"Even for most people, such strength would already be remarkable. But for someone like me, who has reached the peak of Nine Star Dou Saint, wiping them out was as easy as a puff of breath."
In the Tiance Mansion, on the ninth floor of the Heavenly Outer Sky, Tian Luo was recounting his recent journey into the Soul Realm. From start to finish, he hadn't encountered any unexpected obstacles.
Xiao Tianzuo nodded with satisfaction.
"That's good. With no unforeseen issues, the Soul Clan has finally been eliminated. Well done, Tian Luo."
"It was my duty, my lord merely a small effort." Tian Luo bowed respectfully in return.
Xiao Tianzuo smiled.
"You should rest now. There will be some important events unfolding in the Heavenly Outer Sky soon. Stay close you're about to witness quite the spectacle."
Tian Luo noticed the anticipation in Xiao Tianzuo's expression and couldn't help but feel intrigued. Anything that piqued Xiao Tianzuo's interest was bound to be extraordinary.
"Understood."
After bowing, Tian Luo left.
At Tianhuang Palace
Medusa, with a hint of disappointment on her face, respectfully greeted Huang Jiuji.
"Teacher."
Huang Jiuji glanced up at Medusa and, noticing her subtle expression, smiled knowingly.
"Did the plan fail?"
Medusa hesitated before replying.
"Not exactly a failure, teacher. Lord Xiao told me to wait. He said that when he departs for the Great Thousand World, he will take me with him."
Her tone carried faint frustration as she recalled Xiao Tianzuo's calm, impassive gaze one that seemed entirely unaffected by her beauty.
For a moment, Medusa even questioned her own allure. How could she fail to captivate this man?
Huang Jiuji motioned for her to sit.
**"That's to be expected. In the thousand years I've known him, I've never once seen Lord Xiao show interest in any woman.
However, I did notice a flicker of admiration in his eyes when he first saw you. The reason he remains distant is likely due to his own concerns.
If you're truly set on him, then make more frequent visits to Tiance Mansion. After all, they say, 'Man chasing woman is like climbing a mountain, but woman chasing man is like parting a veil.' Appear before him often enough, and he'll eventually accept you."**
Hearing this, Medusa's cheeks flushed a deep red.
After witnessing Xiao Tianzuo's unparalleled strength and character, Medusa hadn't initially harbored romantic thoughts. But when the elders of her clan urged her to have a child, the first image that came to her mind was none other than Xiao Tianzuo.
Having glimpsed greatness, it was hard to settle for anything less. No other man, not even someone as powerful as Xiao Qing, the leader of the Xiao Clan, stirred her heart the way Xiao Tianzuo did.
Determined to learn more, she had asked Huang Jiuji about Xiao Tianzuo. The more she heard, the more captivated she became.
This led to her taking the bold step of offering to serve as Xiao Tianzuo's handmaiden a proposal he had politely declined.
Sighing softly, Medusa shook her head.
"Teacher, maybe it's best to forget about it. It seems that Lord Xiao has no such feelings for me."
Huang Jiuji chuckled.
**"You underestimate your charm, my dear.
If you weren't my disciple and I wasn't so old, even I would want to make you mine.
Lord Xiao may be extraordinarily powerful, but he's still a man. I know how men think far better than you.
Keep visiting him. One day, you might find that you've won his heart."**
Medusa rolled her eyes and huffed, her blush deepening.
"Teacher, please be serious."
Huang Jiuji laughed heartily.
**"Love between men and women is as natural as the rising sun. If you fancy him, why hesitate? You're strong, stunning, and unparalleled across the Dou Qi Continent.
What's there to fear? If it doesn't work out, you can always move on."**
Medusa's face turned crimson as she quickly stood.
"I'm not discussing this anymore. I'm going to focus on my cultivation!"
Before she could leave, Huang Jiuji raised a hand to stop her.
**"No rush. Your cultivation speed is already impressive. Besides, I've heard that in a month, the Heavenly Outer Sky will host an event inviting the great clans and elite talents from all over the Central Plains to a trial in the Heavenly Tomb.
The Heavenly Tomb has a time flow ratio of six to one compared to the outside world. If you enter and train there, the benefits will far exceed your expectations."**
Medusa's eyes lit up with interest.
Training in the Heavenly Tomb for a year would be equivalent to six years of cultivation outside an incredible opportunity.
Moreover, she'd heard that the Xiao Clan had constructed a Grandmaster Level Spirit Gathering Array within the tomb. Training in such an environment would undoubtedly accelerate her progress to an astonishing degree.
"Six to one time flow... a Spirit Gathering Array..."
Medusa's determination to join the trial solidified.
"Understood, Master. If that's the case, I'll wait a little longer. However, I'd like to ask for your assistance in securing a spot for the Heavenly Tomb trial."
Medusa's voice was respectful as she addressed Huang Jiuji.
Huang Jiuji chuckled, a mischievous gleam in his eye.
"That's a trivial matter. Don't worry, I'll handle it. Remember, though give some thought to my suggestion. Visit Tiance Mansion often."
Medusa rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"You're so incorrigible!" she muttered before hastily leaving.
Meanwhile, in the Xiao Clan's council hall, Xiao Qing had just concluded a meeting. The primary agenda was the upcoming Heavenly Tomb trial.
At first, several elders expressed concerns and objections. However, the moment they learned that Xiao Tianzuo himself had approved the plan, all dissent disappeared.
After all, Xiao Tianzuo's reputation in the Xiao Clan had only grown over the past thousand years. Despite stepping down as clan leader years ago, his ascension to Dou Di status had cemented his authority.
No one dared oppose his decisions.
Not only was Xiao Tianzuo a symbol of unparalleled strength, but his wisdom was equally unmatched. The council members all thought the same thing:
"If I can think of a potential problem, how could Xiao Tianzuo have missed it?"
With this mindset, all resistance to the trial vanished.
As Xiao Qing sat in the leader's chair, watching the elders leave, he couldn't help but marvel at the respect Xiao Tianzuo commanded. Yet, instead of feeling overshadowed, he felt grateful.
What Xiao Qing didn't know was that this reaction from the clan was precisely why Xiao Tianzuo had passed the mantle of leadership to him.
Xiao Tianzuo was well aware of the risks involved in leadership transitions. In his absence, a unified Xiao Clan under one authoritative voice was essential for survival.
By stepping down early, Xiao Tianzuo had given Xiao Qing the opportunity to grow into his role while still benefiting from the former leader's support.
It was a strategic move to ensure the Xiao Clan's strength and stability during turbulent times.
Once the council unanimously approved the trial, Xiao Qing assigned messengers to deliver invitations to various imperial clans and first and second tier powers in Zhongzhou.
As the meeting ended, Xiao Qing rose to leave. Suddenly, a spatial vortex appeared nearby.
Recognizing Tian Luo's aura, Xiao Qing relaxed, knowing there was no danger.
"Haha, so this 'great show' my lord mentioned must be the Heavenly Tomb trial, right?"
Tian Luo stepped through the vortex, a playful smile on his face.
After exchanging respectful bows, Xiao Qing nodded.
"I see Uncle has already shared some details with you."
Tian Luo chuckled.
**"Not directly. But with everything so calm in the Heavenly Outer Sky lately, the trial is the only event fitting the description of a 'great show.'
Care to share the details, Clan Leader?"**
Xiao Qing waved off the formalities.
**"Please, Tian Luo, just call me Qing'er. And yes, you're correct it's shaping up to be quite the spectacle.
Originally, I didn't plan to go this far, but that old fox Gu Dao has been crossing the line. If I don't teach the Gu Clan a lesson, I'll never swallow this indignation."**
Hearing this, Tian Luo raised an eyebrow.
**"Gu Dao? What has he done to provoke such a reaction from you? In my experience, you're usually so calm even during the Soul Clan's attack on Xiao Tianyun, you weren't this angry.
Now I'm curious what could that sly old fox have done to upset you so much?"**
Xiao Qing sighed heavily.
He recounted everything he had seen in Tiance Mansion, detailing Gu Dao's schemes and manipulations.
When he finished, Xiao Qing clenched his fists, his voice trembling with anger.
"Tian Luo, if you were in my shoes, wouldn't you be furious too?"
Tian Luo let out a hearty laugh.
**"So that's it? I expected something worse. If it were me, I wouldn't even bother being angry I'd already have led Xiao Clan's forces to annihilate the Gu Clan.
You're too soft hearted, Qing'er. If I or your uncle were in charge, the Gu Clan would've been wiped off the map by now.
That said, I understand your hesitation. Gu Yue is still your wife, and I'm sure you don't want to make things difficult for her.
But let me remind you: 'Leave the snake alive, and it will strike again.' If you're not ruthless now, it'll come back to bite you later."**
Xiao Qing sighed again, shaking his head.
**"Tian Luo, I wish I could be as decisive as you and Uncle. But Gu Yue has been loyal to me, and I don't want to put her in an impossible position.
Still, this will all be dealt with after the Heavenly Tomb trial begins."**
Tian Luo nodded.
**"Fair enough. By the way, about your uncle's suggestion to choose a new matriarch for the Xiao Clan have you thought of anyone?
If not, I have a candidate in mind who could solve many of your problems."**
Xiao Qing frowned.
"I haven't given it much thought, honestly. But if you have someone in mind, I'm open to suggestions."
Tian Luo's eyes gleamed as he spoke a single name.
"Ya Fei."
Xiao Qing blinked, stunned.
"Ya Fei? Really?"
Tian Luo nodded firmly.
"Exactly. Think about it:
Ya Fei isn't from an imperial clan, which is actually an advantage. She has no powerful family to influence her decisions, meaning she would dedicate herself entirely to the Xiao Clan.
In terms of beauty, intelligence, and wisdom, she's second to none.
Most importantly, Ya Fei is an unparalleled manager. With your support, she could handle many of the Xiao Clan's affairs independently, much like she has with the Tianji Pavilion."*
Xiao Qing fell silent, deep in thought. Tian Luo's words carried weight, and Ya Fei's merits were undeniable.
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