Chapter 194: Plans, Xiao Yan Subdues the Fallen Heart Flame, and Queen Medusa Makes Her Move
"No need to worry, these Dou Saint corpses will be of great use soon."
In the Tianji Tower Headquarters, atop its highest level, Xiao Tiance instructed Xiao Qing, who swiftly complied, carefully storing the Dou Saint corpses.
Xiao Qing had previously heard from Xiao Tiance about a unique method that could revive individuals in soul form, provided they had a suitable body. Among the required materials was the corpse of a Dou Zong or higher.
However, as an elite clan, the Xiao Clan found it disgraceful to use the bodies of Dou Zong. So, before the war began, Xiao Tiance had tasked Xiao Qing with preserving the corpses of fallen Dou Saints in secret.
A Great Potential Ahead
After ensuring all the corpses were secured, Xiao Tiance turned to Xiao Qing and Tian Luo.
"For now, I want the Xiao Clan to remain quiet for some time. Keep a close watch on the clan, and don't provoke trouble outside."
"Understood, Clan Leader!"
Although uncertain why such orders were given, both Xiao Qing and Tian Luo nodded earnestly.
Seeing their puzzled expressions, Xiao Tiance smiled. **"Don't worry, it's a good thing. Before long, our clan will gain three more top tier experts.
"When that happens, whether it's the Gu and Yan Clans' alliance, the hidden Hun Clan, or even if all the imperial clans unite against us, we'll handle them with ease."**
His words left Xiao Qing and Tian Luo astonished. Three top tier experts? To earn that title in Xiao Tiance's eyes, they'd need to be at least Eight Star Dou Saint pinnacles or Nine Star Dou Saints.
"Understood. We will ensure the clan remains vigilant and orderly," Xiao Qing promised.
Maintaining Vigilance
Xiao Tiance nodded approvingly. **"I trust you, Xiao Qing. But while we keep a low profile, do not close our information channels. Keep a close eye on the movements of the Gu and Yan Clans to prevent any unexpected developments.
"When I'm done handling my matters, it will be time for reckoning."**
A cold smirk appeared on Xiao Tiance's face as he spoke.
Tian Luo bowed. "Leave the Gu and Yan Clans to me, Clan Leader."
Xiao Tiance turned sternly to Xiao Qing. **"While I trust Ling Hua, don't let your guard down. I placed him as your deputy to keep an eye on him.
"It's better to prepare for every eventuality. Though we harbor no ill will toward him, it's wise to remain cautious."**
Xiao Qing nodded, his expression serious. "Understood, Clan Leader. Ling Hua is clever. After Tian Luo brought him back, he voluntarily entrusted his wife and children to us. They're currently in Tianwai Heaven."
"Good. Ling Hua knows how to read the room, which is a strong point. Handle it as you see fit," Xiao Tiance concluded.
Leaving the Headquarters
With that, Xiao Tiance dismissed the spirit array enveloping the top floor. Moments later, spatial fluctuations surged as his figure flickered and vanished.
"Third Uncle is as mysterious as ever so unfathomable."
Watching the empty seat, Xiao Qing couldn't help but sigh in awe.
Tian Luo chuckled. "Indeed, he's profound. I wouldn't be surprised if he's on the verge of breaching the Emperor Realm. You'd better prepare yourself to inherit the clan."
"There's no rush for that. What's mine won't escape me," Xiao Qing replied confidently, exuding a domineering air.
Returning to Tianwai Heaven
After leaving the Tianji Tower Headquarters, Xiao Tiance sped toward Tianwai Heaven, where Huang Jiuji was waiting.
Tian Luo's earlier assumption was correct Xiao Tiance was preparing for something significant. Once the Hun Clan was dealt with, he planned to breach the spatial barrier to the Great Thousand World.
With his mastery as a Spiritual Array Grandmaster, he was confident in opening a passage to the Great Thousand World.
Though dangerous, he trusted his abilities to handle whatever came his way. Furthermore, the Emperor Grade Pill he carried was originally meant for himself. But after reuniting with Xiao Xuan in the Heavenly Tomb, he decided to pass it on to his elder brother.
With Xiao Xuan's talents and Emperor Grade support, Xiao Tiance believed his brother could successfully ascend to the Emperor Realm. Together, they would establish a formidable force in the Great Thousand World.
Arriving at Tianhuang Palace
Upon arriving at Tianwai Heaven, Xiao Tiance went straight to Tianhuang Palace.
Huang Jiuji greeted him with a smile. "Greetings, Clan Leader."
"Elder Huang, no need for formalities. How are Ling Yun and Min Er?" Xiao Tiance asked with a gentle smile.
Huang Jiuji sighed. "Their health has mostly recovered. Ling Yun is in good spirits, but Min Er… she's been avoiding you out of embarrassment and has secluded herself in training."
The older man's regret was palpable. He wished he hadn't told Huang Min certain things that led to her current state.
"It's fine." Xiao Tiance waved dismissively, his soul power sweeping over the area. Sensing that both were indeed well, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Fulfilling a Promise
Looking back at Huang Jiuji, Xiao Tiance said earnestly, "Elder Huang, the matter I promised you it's ready."
"Truly?"
Though Huang Jiuji had lived as a soul for over a millennium, the prospect of regaining a body still excited him.
"Of course. I wouldn't joke about this. I returned today to take you there. Everything is prepared."
A thousand years ago, Xiao Tiance had made a solemn vow. And he never broke his promises. Moreover, reviving Huang Jiuji wasn't just about gratitude. It was also about strengthening the Xiao Clan.
If revived, Huang Jiuji would likely regain his Eight Star Dou Saint Pinnacle strength. Such a powerhouse would be invaluable in the coming battles against the Hun Clan.
Eager to Begin
Huang Jiuji trembled with anticipation. "When do we leave?"
"Now."
Despite his excitement, Huang Jiuji composed himself. "Clan Leader, shouldn't I arrange matters within the clan first?"
"Elder Huang, don't worry about clan affairs; my Second Uncle will handle them."
After speaking, Xiao Tiance waved his hand, creating a spatial vortex. He placed his hand on Huang Jiuji's soul body and quickly stepped into the vortex, disappearing without a trace.
At the Bottom of the Heavenly Flame Training Tower
At the Jia Nan Academy's Inner Academy, deep beneath the Heavenly Flame Training Tower, Yao Chen stood over a meditating Xiao Yan, a look of satisfaction on his face.
Although Xiao Yan had yet to awaken, his aura was steadily rising after successfully absorbing the Fallen Heart Flame. Yao Chen could tell it wouldn't take long for him to wake up.
Unlike the events of the original story, Xiao Yan didn't suffer any major side effects from absorbing the Fallen Heart Flame. He didn't lose control, nor did he unintentionally engage with Queen Medusa. Furthermore, Yao Chen's soul power wasn't overly drained during the process. The absorption was smoother than when Xiao Yan had assimilated the Sea Heart Flame.
"That Xiao Clan elder is simply too formidable," Yao Chen thought to himself. **"His methods are beyond comprehension.
"To think he could plan everything so perfectly, even leaving behind contingencies for a celestial treasure like the Fallen Heart Flame. Truly, what can't that man do?"**
As Yao Chen admired the seamless process, he couldn't help but marvel at Xiao Tiance's mysterious influence. A heavenly treasure like the Fallen Heart Flame wasn't something one could easily manipulate, yet reality proved otherwise.
Xiao Yan Awakens
Suddenly, a powerful shockwave erupted from Xiao Yan's body, rippling outward with such intensity that it stirred the molten magma beneath him into waves.
"Excellent! He's finally succeeded!" Yao Chen exclaimed, joy lighting up his face.
Moments later, Xiao Yan's eyes snapped open, his face beaming with excitement.
"Teacher, I did it! I've absorbed the Fallen Heart Flame, and my strength has reached the peak of the Dou Wang stage. I'm ready to break into the Dou Huang realm at any time!" Xiao Yan laughed heartily.
"Well done, Xiao Yan! You've exceeded my expectations. You've truly lived up to your potential." Yao Chen's heart swelled with pride.
Over the years, Xiao Yan had grown beyond being a mere disciple to Yao Chen. To the elderly alchemist, Xiao Yan had become like a son. Seeing him achieve such a milestone filled him with immense satisfaction.
A Determined Promise
"I promised myself I wouldn't disappoint you, Teacher," Xiao Yan said firmly. **"I'll bring you back to life, no matter what.
"Now that I've absorbed three Heavenly Flames, all I need is a Dou Zong's corpse and a few other materials. Once I have them, I can complete your resurrection!"**
His excitement was palpable. With his current combat strength, Xiao Yan estimated that he could hold his own against a peak Dou Huang opponent. Moreover, if he used his trump card, the Buddha's Fury Lotus, he might even threaten a Dou Zong expert.
Medusa's Appearance
As the master and disciple celebrated, a sudden movement disrupted their joy. The Heaven Swallowing Python, coiled around Xiao Yan's wrist, darted away. In its place, a stunning figure emerged.
It was Queen Medusa, her graceful figure and breathtaking beauty as striking as ever.
Medusa glanced at her surroundings with visible distaste before turning her sharp gaze to Xiao Yan, who stood bare chested.
"Xiao Yan, where is this place?" Medusa demanded coldly.
Startled, Xiao Yan quickly answered, "Queen Medusa, this is the Heavenly Flame Training Tower in the Inner Academy of Jia Nan Academy."
Though he no longer feared her as he once did, Xiao Yan chose to respond respectfully, not wanting to escalate tensions unnecessarily.
Medusa's eyes swept upward, catching sight of the faintly glowing seal above them. Her brows furrowed in disdain.
"I despise this place. Let's leave and talk elsewhere," she said icily.
Xiao Yan was about to agree when Yao Chen interrupted.
"No rush, Xiao Yan. There's something valuable here. Let's investigate first."
Xiao Yan hesitated, glancing between his teacher and Medusa. "But, Teacher…"
Tensions Rise
Before he could finish, Medusa's icy glare silenced him.
"I said we leave. Now."
Her tone left no room for negotiation.
Xiao Yan's frustration boiled over. "My teacher said there's something valuable here. If you're in such a hurry, you can leave first."
He wasn't about to let Medusa's domineering attitude force him into abandoning potential treasures. Yao Chen's instincts were rarely wrong, and anything deemed valuable by the continent's greatest alchemist was worth exploring.
Furthermore, Xiao Yan had yet to figure out how to explain the loss of the Fallen Heart Flame to Jia Nan Academy. The Heavenly Flame was vital to the academy's foundations, serving as both a training accelerator and a protective resource.
Medusa Strikes
Medusa's gaze turned dangerously sharp. In a flash, she appeared before Xiao Yan, her lithe form moving faster than the eye could follow. With a single kick, she sent him flying.
"Boom!"
Xiao Yan barely managed to block, crossing his arms defensively. But even with his newfound strength, he was no match for Medusa's Two Star Dou Zong power.
He crashed into a distant wall with a resounding thud, coughing up blood.
"Medusa, are you serious?!" Xiao Yan snarled, wiping the blood from his mouth.
"Your recent strength boost doesn't give you the right to defy me," she retorted coolly.
Yao Chen, hovering nearby, could no longer remain silent. "Do you take me for nothing?!"
Furious, the old alchemist's spiritual energy surged.
But Medusa, unimpressed by Yao Chen's current state, scoffed. "What of it? Old man, if it weren't for you, would I have ended up as a pet to Xiao Yan?"
Her sharp words cut through the tension like a blade, setting the stage for an even fiercer confrontation.
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