Chapter 307: The Grudges Among the Three Giants of Tian Cang Continent
"Heh, now that my seclusion is over, shouldn't I at least vent some frustration?"
The scene outside Iron Sword City froze as the Tianqiong Academy Dean's words hung in the air. Liu Changkong's face darkened to a livid shade.
"This old rascal acting like a child at his age. If I really wanted to wipe out Tianqiong Academy, would I have just sent underlings to stir up trouble?"
Suppressing his rising anger, Liu Changkong let out a cold snort and turned his head away. He wasn't afraid of the Tianqiong Dean, but he didn't want to risk creating more problems for Xiao Tiance.
The Dean's Mischief
The dean chuckled when he saw Liu Changkong sulking. "Hahaha!" His laughter was full of mischief, a child like delight in seeing his rival lose composure.
Turning his attention to Wan Sui, the dean's expression grew more playful. "What are you laughing at, Wan Sui? Your Lingjian Mountain disciples aren't much better. While I was in seclusion, your people practically danced on Tianqiong Academy's head! Come here and let me teach you a lesson, or maybe I'll just tear down Iron Sword City."
Wan Sui, who had been snickering at Liu Changkong's expense, froze. Seeing the dean's gaze turn on him, his smile stiffened.
"No, no, Tianqiong Dean," Wan Sui stammered, adopting a polite smile. "We Lingjian Mountain folk know better than to be so rude. Why not join me for some tea and discuss things calmly?"
He wasn't about to forget the humiliating defeats he'd suffered at the dean's hands in the past. This eccentric old man, despite being on the cusp of becoming an Upper Earth Sovereign, had never killed anyone. That moral code gave Wan Sui and Liu Changkong the audacity to antagonize his academy during his absence within limits, of course.
"Fine, fine," the dean relented with a smirk. "But when I return from the Western Heaven Continent, you two had better send a grand gift to Tianqiong Academy. Otherwise, I might just pay your sects a personal visit."
Calm Before the Storm
With that, the dean retracted his oppressive aura, and the tension in the air eased. Liu Changkong and Wan Sui exchanged wary glances before escorting the dean and his entourage into Iron Sword City.
Observing from Afar
Inside the City Lord's Manor, Xiao Tiance had been quietly observing the scene with interest.
"So, Tianluo Hall and Tianqiong Academy aren't on good terms," he mused, recalling information from Chu Changhe. "But when push comes to shove, it seems even the 'Kings' of Tian Cang Continent know when to back down."
Though he had hoped to witness the dean's strength firsthand, the situation resolved without a fight. Still, the arrival of Tianqiong Academy had shaken Iron Sword City. Many who had previously crossed paths with the academy chose to flee the city, fearing retribution.
The dean's subordinates, unlike their pacifist leader, showed no mercy. They efficiently dispatched seven or eight Sovereign level troublemakers within moments, sending a clear message: Tianqiong Academy was not to be trifled with.
Xiao Tiance's Reflection
Xiao Tiance admired the ruthlessness of the dean's followers. "Tianqiong Academy isn't the strongest power here without reason," he thought. "It's not just strength that keeps a faction at the top it's an iron hand."
As his thoughts wandered, he recalled the Tianji Pavilion he had established on the Dou Qi Continent. That memory inevitably brought him to Tianluo, his most loyal creation.
"Tianluo should have been the least affected by this world," he thought. Unlike Xiao Tiance's other companions, Tianluo was a Heavenly Demon Puppet with no need for Dou Qi or Ling Qi. Yet there had been no word of him.
The lingering soul mark Xiao Tiance had left on Tianluo remained intact, indicating no betrayal. Still, the silence was troubling. "First, I need to find him. Then I can uncover the truth."
A Heated Exchange
Meanwhile, in the main hall of the City Lord's Manor, the dean had taken the seat of honor. As Wan Sui presented a pot of Wan Sheng Heavenly Spirit Tea, the dean frowned in disapproval.
"Wan Sui, don't tell me this is the best you can offer? I've come all this way, and you won't even bring out the first grade tea?"
Wan Sui forced a laugh. "Dean, there's no more first grade tea left. You can ask Liu Changkong if you don't believe me."
The dean turned his sharp gaze to Liu Changkong, who let out a disgruntled snort before confirming Wan Sui's claim. "It's true. Wan Sui gave all the first grade tea away as a gift. Even he doesn't have any left."
An Unexpected Arrival
Before the dean could press further, the room fell silent. Every Sovereign present turned toward the door, their expressions shifting from annoyance to shock.
"Tiance has arrived," Liu Changkong and Wan Sui said in unison, standing and bowing deeply as Xiao Tiance stepped into the hall.
Their reverent tone carried such weight that even the dean raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Indeed, the figure who had suddenly appeared at the door was none other than Xiao Tiance.
He had been intrigued by the Dean of Tianqiong Academy. After all, this was the first Earth Sovereign level powerhouse he had encountered since arriving in the Tian Cang Continent.
Though the Dean's presence didn't exert any pressure on him, Xiao Tiance was deeply interested in the Heaven and Earth Manifestation, a power unique to Earth Sovereign experts.
A Respectful Introduction
Xiao Tiance gestured for Wan Sui and Liu Changkong to dispense with formalities. Then, looking at the Dean, who was seated in the main position, Xiao Tiance smiled and said, "I am Xiao Tiance. Previously, I received assistance from Tianqiong Academy in gathering information. I'm here to express my gratitude."
At the mention of Xiao Tiance's name, the vigilant expressions of the Tianqiong Academy experts instantly softened, replaced by smiles of goodwill.
The Dean himself stood up, quickly approaching Xiao Tiance. Bowing respectfully, he responded, "Hahaha! I never thought I'd meet the person I've been so curious about here in the City Lord's Manor of Iron Sword City. Xiao Ce, there's no need to be so formal. If my people were able to assist a powerhouse like you, it's their honor."
Despite being on the verge of becoming an Upper Earth Sovereign, the Dean treated Xiao Tiance with extraordinary courtesy.
The Dean's Esteem
He had read reports from Chu Changhe that described Xiao Tiance as not only a Master of Spirit Arrays, but also a Master Alchemist. Moreover, Xiao Tiance had reportedly mastered a unique crafting technique known as Heavenly Demon Puppetry.
Any one of these identities would be enough to warrant respect. Together, they made Xiao Tiance someone the Dean dared not slight.
"Hahaha, you're too kind, Dean." Xiao Tiance laughed heartily, his tone light and approachable.
Brewing Respect
As the group settled, the Dean's tone took on a mock aggrieved note. "It seems Wan Sui holds you, Xiao Ce, in much higher regard than he does me. For years, I've asked him for just a bit of the first grade Wan Sheng Heavenly Spirit Tea, but he always gave me the bare minimum. He wouldn't even part with water attribute Supreme Spirit Liquid! Yet the moment you arrive, he offers up all his first grade tea and his entire stock of spirit liquid."
"Hahaha! That's no problem," Xiao Tiance replied, amused. "Since I have it now, let me repay the favor and brew a pot for you, Dean."
The Dean's humor and sincerity amused Xiao Tiance, who had learned much about the man from Chu Changhe's records.
The Tianqiong Academy had stood on the Tian Cang Continent for over 5,000 years, and it was founded by this very man. Such history earned Xiao Tiance's respect.
Brewing a Legend
At Xiao Tiance's gesture, he retrieved the first grade tea and water attribute spirit liquid from his storage ring. Before he could hand them to Wan Sui to brew, the items were swiftly whisked away by the Dean himself.
The old man's movements were shockingly nimble, and within moments, he had expertly brewed the tea, releasing an aroma even more fragrant than Wan Sui's attempts.
"Hahaha! This is it! Perfect, just perfect!" The Dean exclaimed as he sipped his tea, grinning like a delighted child.
A Thoughtful Return
Just as Xiao Tiance expected the Dean to stash the remaining tea and spirit liquid for later, the old man pushed them back toward Xiao Tiance with an expression of reluctant self restraint.
Though his gaze lingered on the items, his actions were decisive.
Xiao Tiance chuckled, "Dean, if you like them so much, why not keep them and enjoy them at your leisure?"
The Dean's eyes lit up with joy, but after a moment, he shook his head. "Hahaha, no need. These were given to you by Wan Sui. How could I take what's yours? Good things shouldn't all be hoarded for oneself, after all."
Restraint and Generosity
Xiao Tiance silently admired the Dean's self control and graciousness. Many people coveted good things, but few could so readily curb their desires.
"Very well, Dean," Xiao Tiance said with a smile. "I'll hold onto them for now. But since I'll also be heading to the Western Heaven Continent soon, feel free to find me along the way if you'd like more tea."
The Dean's smile widened into a grin that seemed impossible to contain. "Hahaha! That's wonderful to hear!"
Lingjian Mountain's Grievances
Wan Sui, however, seemed less than pleased. Scowling at the Dean, he muttered to Xiao Tiance, "Tiance, this old man is a nuisance. Don't blame me if he pesters you for tea every chance he gets."
The resentment in his tone was hard to miss.
Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow, amused. Liu Changkong took the opportunity to explain, "Tiance, you may not know this, but the Dean has a particular fondness for Wan Sheng Heavenly Spirit Tea. Every harvest, he comes to Lingjian Mountain to claim a portion. That's why Wan Sui hides his first grade stock whenever the Dean shows up."
A Shared History
The Dean, hearing this, shot Wan Sui a dissatisfied look before turning to Xiao Tiance with mock indignation. "Don't listen to these two troublemakers, Xiao Ce. If not for me, they'd have been dead long ago."
"Oh? What do you mean by that?" Xiao Tiance asked, intrigued.
The Dean chuckled and cast a meaningful glance at Liu Changkong and Wan Sui. "Shall I tell him, or will you two?"
With twin huffs of annoyance, Liu Changkong finally relented. "Tiance, to be fair, Wan Sui and I were once students of Tianqiong Academy. When we first arrived on the Tian Cang Continent, we both owed the Dean our lives. But as our philosophies diverged, we left the academy after reaching the Sovereign realm to establish Tianluo Hall and Lingjian Mountain, respectively."
(Chapter End)
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