Chapter 134: Xiao Yan's Opportunity Stolen
Jia Ma Empire, Imperial Capital, Tianji Tower's Branch
"As expected of a superpower like Tianji Tower. Even a branch division is this grand truly an eye opener!" Jia Xing Tian exclaimed in awe, his voice tinged with admiration.
Beside him, Yun Yun silently agreed, equally astonished.
Originally, the Cloud Mist Sect had been the dominant power in the Jia Ma Empire. But half a year ago, the renowned Tianji Tower, a first class force on the Dou Qi Continent, had unexpectedly established a branch in such a remote region.
At first, many in the Cloud Mist Sect were displeased, believing Tianji Tower's presence would threaten their hegemonic position. Several elders even tried to disrupt Tianji Tower's plans, employing covert tactics to thwart the construction of its branch.
However, regardless of the strength of the agents they sent whether Dou Spirits or even Dou Kings not a single one returned, vanishing like stones sinking into the sea.
Unable to openly confront such a colossal force, the Cloud Mist Sect eventually conceded defeat.
Their reluctance turned to outright fear when the branch was completed and hosted an inaugural ceremony, inviting all major forces in the empire. On that day, the branch leader, deputy leader, and several Dou Emperor ranked officials appeared, instantly quelling any lingering dissent. The sheer strength displayed a branch leader at the peak of the Dou Ancestor realm and numerous Dou Emperors was far beyond what the Cloud Mist Sect or any combination of forces in the empire could contend with.
From that day on, not just the Cloud Mist Sect but all other powers in the Jia Ma Empire became notably subdued.
After a short wait, Xiao Feng arrived. As he entered, he smiled and greeted Jia Xing Tian and Yun Yun with a polite bow.
"Apologies for the delay. Both the branch leader and deputy leader are away on business, so I fear your reception may not be as warm as expected."
Though Xiao Feng was merely a steward in the Xiao Clan, his strength at the peak of the Three Star Dou Ancestor realm was enough to command the respect of Jia Xing Tian and Yun Yun.
"No need to apologize, senior. We came unannounced, which was rude of us. It's we who should be offering our apologies," Jia Xing Tian replied respectfully.
Yun Yun, known for her gentle demeanor, naturally avoided doing anything that might offend her host.
Once the formalities were done, Xiao Feng took the main seat and directly asked, "What brings the two of you here today?"
Xiao Feng was straightforward, disinclined to waste time on pleasantries. He was eager to return to his duties at the Xiao Clan's ancestral residence, serving Xiao Tiance.
Jia Xing Tian and Yun Yun exchanged glances. Finally, Jia Xing Tian bowed slightly and explained, "Senior, I've come to Tianji Tower because I heard that there is a Tier 7 Alchemist among your ranks. Our royal family has a Guardian Beast a six tier magical beast suffering from an ailment. We hoped this master could refine a pill to restore its health."
Xiao Feng nodded in understanding, then turned to Yun Yun. "And you, Sect Leader Yun? What brings you here?"
After a moment of thought, Yun Yun answered candidly, "I've come to request Tianji Tower's assistance in accompanying me to the Magic Beast Mountain Range. I have a talented disciple for whom I wish to prepare a special gift. However, this task involves confronting the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King, a peak six tier magical beast. I fear my strength alone may be insufficient. Since Tianji Tower accepts commissions, I hoped to see if this request could be taken on."
After hearing their requests, Xiao Feng nodded and addressed Jia Xing Tian first. "The matter of the pill can be arranged. Please provide the recipe and three sets of ingredients. Once the pill is ready, we'll have it delivered to the royal family."
He then looked at Yun Yun and added, "As for your request, Sect Leader Yun, while we could assist, I can't help but wonder why you don't seek help from Yun Shan, your sect's previous leader. With his strength, dealing with a peak six tier magical beast shouldn't be an issue."
"What? My teacher is alive?" Yun Yun exclaimed, visibly shocked.
Everyone in the Jia Ma Empire believed Yun Shan had passed away. After years of seclusion, there had been no word from him, leading to the assumption of his demise.
Seeing her surprise, Xiao Feng confirmed, "Yes, Yun Shan is still alive. I can sense his presence in the forbidden grounds behind the Cloud Mist Sect. Based on my observation, he has advanced to the Dou Ancestor realm and appears to be close to emerging from seclusion."
Xiao Feng smiled and added, "Of course, if you still wish for Tianji Tower's help, we'd be happy to assist."
Yun Yun's face lit up with relief. She quickly bowed. "Thank you for the information, senior. Please forgive my abrupt departure I must return immediately. Should the opportunity arise in the future, I hope to cooperate with Tianji Tower again."
Without waiting for a response, she activated her movement technique and left in haste.
Jia Xing Tian, now alone with Xiao Feng, asked cautiously, "Senior, is it truly as you say? That Yun Shan is alive and has reached the Dou Ancestor realm?"
Xiao Feng's lips curled into a faint smile, though his thoughts betrayed disdain. "Since when is a mere Dou Ancestor considered a significant force?"
Outwardly, he remained composed, nodding calmly. "Do you doubt me?"
Jia Xing Tian hurriedly waved his hands in denial. "Not at all, senior! It's just... this news is of great importance to me. The royal family and the Cloud Mist Sect have always maintained a tenuous relationship, so if Yun Shan has truly advanced to the Dou Ancestor level, it's critical for me to confirm this."
Xiao Feng chuckled. "You are right to take it seriously. I can assure you that Yun Shan is alive and has indeed reached the Dou Ancestor realm. Believe it or not, it's your choice."
Hearing this, Jia Xing Tian's heart sank. He had no reason to doubt Xiao Feng's words someone of his caliber would have no reason to lie. This revelation spelled trouble for the royal family.
After a long pause, a gleam of determination appeared in Jia Xing Tian's eyes. He bowed deeply and asked, "Senior, I've heard that Tianji Tower is willing to assist with any matter, so long as the price is right. Is that true?"
Jia Ma Empire, Imperial Capital, Tianji Tower Branch
Hearing Jia Xing Tian's proposition, Xiao Feng's eyes flashed with a hint of admiration. It wasn't a bad plan if Tianji Tower intervened, the Cloud Mist Sect would have no choice but to step aside. Any resistance from them would be met with overwhelming force, a clash they stood no chance of winning.
Xiao Feng was about to assure Jia Xing Tian that as long as he could pay the price, Tianji Tower could eliminate the Cloud Mist Sect. However, before he could speak, a voice echoed in his mind it was Xiao Tiance.
"Do not agree to Jia Xing Tian's request. The Cloud Mist Sect cannot be touched for the next few years."
Startled, Xiao Feng immediately stood up and respectfully bowed in the direction of the Xiao family's ancestral residence. Then, he turned to Jia Xing Tian, who was now looking at him expectantly and with some confusion, and said in a calm but firm tone:
"Apologies. Even if you could pay the price, you cannot afford to have Tianji Tower strike against or destroy the Cloud Mist Sect."
Jia Xing Tian froze, puzzled by the sudden shift. Moments earlier, Xiao Feng had seemed willing to entertain the idea. Why the abrupt change?
Unable to make sense of it and recognizing that persistence would be futile, Jia Xing Tian bowed and said, "Senior, in that case, I will prepare the pill recipe and materials and deliver them as soon as possible. Thank you for your assistance. I shall take my leave."
"Rest assured, the matter of the pill will not be an issue," Xiao Feng responded.
Receiving a definitive answer, Jia Xing Tian didn't linger and promptly left the Tianji Tower branch.
Moments after Jia Xing Tian's departure, the air in the reception hall rippled. Suddenly, Xiao Tiance appeared, accompanied by Qing Lian, who still looked slightly drowsy.
"Greetings, Clan Leader. Greetings, Qing Lian Sage," Xiao Feng quickly bowed and stepped aside to offer them the main seat.
"Rise," Xiao Tiance said as he took the main seat. Glancing at the dozing Qing Lian, he turned to Xiao Feng and said, "Focus on managing the Xiao family's ancestral estate and leave matters concerning the Jia Ma Empire to the Tianji Tower branch. Understood?"
Xiao Tiance had been monitoring the situation. Yun Yun's arrival at the branch had particularly piqued his interest. She was, after all, his favorite female character in Battle Through the Heavens. While he had no romantic feelings for her, he genuinely appreciated her gentle and kind hearted nature.
Xiao Feng knelt immediately, bowing his head in repentance. "Clan Leader, forgive my error. I shall return to manage the ancestral estate and will not interfere in the branch's affairs again."
"Good. You may go."
Without hesitation, Xiao Feng quickly wiped the sweat from his brow, bowed again, and left the hall.
As Xiao Tiance inspected the room's decor, a maid at the Dou King level entered with a cup of tea. "Clan Leader, please enjoy your tea," she said respectfully.
"Thank you. You may leave."
After the maid departed, Qing Lian leapt from Xiao Tiance's shoulder, transforming into his childlike form. Without asking, he picked up the tea and took a sip.
Xiao Tiance smiled indulgently. Of everyone in the Xiao Clan, only two individuals dared behave so freely in his presence.
The first was Huang Min, the mischievous girl who had gone to the Beast Domain with Ling Yun to become one of the region's overlords.
The second was Qing Lian, who had followed him ever since they left the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix's secret realm. Even during his 600 years of wandering the continent, Qing Lian had never left his side.
Ruffling Qing Lian's hair, Xiao Tiance chuckled. "I thought you didn't like tea?"
"This one's different it has the fragrance of lotus seeds," Qing Lian replied, lifting the cup to reveal the small green lotus seeds floating within.
"Ah, I see. Once we return to Tianwaitian, I'll have more lotus seeds prepared for you," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
Qing Lian's only preference when it came to tea was for it to be infused with lotus seeds, especially those from the lotus platform where he was born.
"I already have some!" Qing Lian exclaimed, pulling out a handful of lotus seeds from his storage ring.
"Where did you get these?" Xiao Tiance asked, surprised.
"From the desert. After the Snake Tribe girl took the Green Lotus Core Flame, I saw these lotus seeds and thought they were nice, so I brought them with me," Qing Lian replied nonchalantly.
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance was momentarily speechless. He had hoped the seeds would remain in the magma as part of Xiao Yan's fortuitous encounter. Instead, Qing Lian had taken them.
"Fine. I'll keep them for you and prepare them later," Xiao Tiance said, taking the seeds with a wry smile.
As he stowed the seeds, Qing Lian suddenly produced a lotus platform and handed it over. "This is also a good thing please hold onto it for me."
Xiao Tiance couldn't help but feel exasperated. The lotus platform, a critical artifact for Xiao Yan's cultivation, had also been taken by Qing Lian.
"You seem unhappy, Clan Leader," Qing Lian observed, tilting his head.
"Not at all. I'm just thinking about a few things."
Inwardly, however, Xiao Tiance resolved to send Qing Lian back to Tianwaitian as soon as possible. The boy had disrupted several events already, though thankfully none of them were critical yet.
"Alright," Qing Lian said. Shrinking back to his palm sized form, he leapt onto Xiao Tiance's shoulder and promptly fell asleep.
Watching the now sleeping Qing Lian, Xiao Tiance chuckled softly to himself. "You might be the first little one to steal Xiao Yan's opportunities."
(End of Chapter)
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