While Xiao Yan was entertaining Qing Yanjing, he remained unaware that, tens of millions of miles away from the Endless Fire Domain, a meticulously orchestrated plot targeting him was unfolding. That distant location was another supercontinent—one even larger in scale than the Tianluo Continent—and it was the stronghold of one of the Five Great Ancient Clans of the Great Thousand World: the Maha Ancient Clan.
As one of the oldest and most prestigious clans in the Great Thousand World, the Maha Ancient Clan had a far longer history than even the Fire Spirit Clan. During the ancient era, they stood as one of the world's pinnacle powers. After tens of thousands of years of development, their foundation ranked easily among the top three in the Great Thousand World. Had they also possessed a Primal True Body like the other four clans, the Maha Ancient Clan would undoubtedly have been regarded as the undisputed number one force in existence. Nevertheless, even without the amplification of a Primal True Body, their power still eclipsed the other four clans in many respects—and ironically, the final and unawakened Primal True Body was said to be stored within the Maha Clan's domain.
At this moment, atop a majestic mountain within the Maha Continent, a man clad in golden robes stood gazing into the distant horizon. Behind him, a host of aged figures stood with utmost reverence, not daring to act out of turn. This golden-robed man was none other than the current patriarch of the Maha Ancient Clan—Maha Tian.
Although Maha Tian had only recently assumed leadership of the clan, his prestige had long been deeply rooted in the hearts of every Maha clansman. Even before inheriting the patriarchal mantle, he had been the clan's undisputed prodigy. Everyone firmly believed that under Maha Tian's leadership, their clan would usher in a new golden era.
"What's the situation with the Buddha Clan?" Maha Tian asked in a calm but commanding tone, eyes still fixed on the far mountains.
"Reporting to the Patriarch," one elder stepped forward, "the Buddha Clan had initially agreed to our proposal. However, not long ago, they abruptly rescinded their consent, saying… that Lady Qing Yanjing already has someone she loves."
"Someone she loves?" Maha Tian let out a cold chuckle. "Ridiculous. What did that old fossil, Futu Xuan, have to say?"
Maha Tian had never married, not because he lacked opportunity, but because he believed no woman was worthy of him. That is, until he encountered Qing Yanjing, the divine daughter of the Buddha Clan. Possessing beauty and brilliance, and bearing the Eight Divine Meridians, she was undeniably the most promising future matriarch of her clan. Marrying her would not only serve his personal ambitions but also provide a golden opportunity to infiltrate and gain leverage over the Buddha Clan. If he could also claim the Endless Radiant Body rumored to exist within their clan, the Maha Clan's power would grow to unimaginable heights.
He had long expressed his intent to the Buddha Clan, intending to formalize his proposal once Qing Yanjing ascended to the Heavenly Sovereign level. Upon receiving news of her breakthrough, he dispatched emissaries immediately—only to be flatly rejected. "She already has someone she loves," they'd said.
What a joke.
"Futu Xuan said… he respects Miss Qing Yanjing's wishes," the elder replied hesitantly.
"Oh?" Maha Tian's brow twitched. "Do we know who this person she's in love with is?"
In Maha Tian's understanding, Futu Xuan was a traditionalist—rigid, unbending. Letting Qing Yanjing choose her own partner was unlike him unless… the man she chose had a background too significant to ignore. Perhaps someone from the other ancient clans?
"We believe the man's name is… Xiao Yan."
"Xiao Yan?" Maha Tian frowned. The name was completely unfamiliar. "Is he from one of the other ancient clans?"
"Perhaps he is the so-called Flame Emperor from the Endless Fire Domain?" suggested one of the elders.
"You know him?" Maha Tian turned his gaze slightly.
The elder nodded. "Yes. He has only recently gained notoriety in the Great Thousand World, which is why we haven't updated our intelligence yet. This Flame Emperor came from a lower realm. He specializes in flame control and recently fought against that old monster from the Fire Spirit Clan. Despite the elder using everything he had—including their clan's divine flame—he failed to inflict any harm. In fact, the divine flame was taken by this Xiao Yan, indicating that he does possess some skill."
"From the lower realms, you say?" Maha Tian's eyes narrowed. "Interesting. And this Endless Fire Domain… it's his own creation, correct? What's their scale like?"
"According to our intelligence, the Endless Fire Domain isn't particularly formidable on its own. Its dominance over the Tianluo Continent is largely thanks to the Flame Emperor's presence. However, he is said to be a Grandmaster-level alchemist as well, and his recent recruitment drive has attracted many strong individuals. As of now, the domain can barely be considered a superpower."
"Hmph, just an upstart from a lower realm," Maha Tian said with disdain. "Futu Xuan rejected my proposal for such a person? Laughable."
His eyes grew colder. "So that's the Endless Fire Domain… perfect. The Great Thousand World needs to be reminded of the Maha Clan's supremacy. This Xiao Yan—let's use him to make a statement."
"Pass down the order," Maha Tian commanded. "Mobilize our forces. Prepare to march on the Endless Fire Domain."
This was not just about marriage—it was about pride, prestige, and position. Just as Xiao Yan had leveraged the Fire Spirit Clan to earn his fame, Maha Tian now intended to use the Endless Fire Domain to reinforce his dominance. Though the domain alone might not warrant such aggression, Xiao Yan's name did. If he could kill the so-called Flame Emperor publicly, it would solidify his reputation beyond dispute.
Moreover, there was a political dimension. Futu Xuan's favor toward Xiao Yan was evident—he wouldn't have refused the proposal otherwise. Only by removing Xiao Yan could the Maha Clan reopen negotiations with the Buddha Clan. In short, destroying the Endless Fire Domain served both public and personal motives.
As for the rumor that Xiao Yan had forced the Fire Spirit Ancestor into submission? Maha Tian didn't care. The Fire Spirit Clan had never been their equal to begin with. And as for that old monster—Maha Tian believed that if he had gone instead, the so-called Fire Spirit Ancestor wouldn't even have dared raise a hand.
(End of Chapter)
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