Chapter 199: Tianhuo Zun zhe and Xiao Yi Xian
Location: Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower, Jia Nan Academy, Inner Academy, above the magma.
Xiao Tiance turned to Xiao Xuan and the Tomb Spirit. "Brother Xuan, Xiao Yan has recovered. The next step is up to you and the Tomb Spirit."
Both Xiao Xuan and the Tomb Spirit nodded in agreement. Xiao Yan had proven to be a promising talent, and if not for his efforts, neither of them would have been revived. Offering him some opportunities in return seemed only fair.
Turning to Xiao Yan, Xiao Tiance smiled. "Xiao Yan, I promised to give you a chance to gain great fortune, and now, it's time for me to fulfill that promise."
"Thank you, Tiance Laozu, but this is something I should be doing as part of my duty," Xiao Yan replied respectfully.
A Rare Opportunity in the Tomb
Xiao Tiance waved his hand dismissively and continued, **"You will remain here in the Heavenly Tomb. Remember, time flows differently here six years inside the tomb is equivalent to just one year outside.
During this period, listen to the guidance of your ancestor Xiao Xuan and the Tomb Spirit."**
"Yes, Tiance Laozu. Xiao Yan understands."
After receiving Xiao Yan's respectful bow, Xiao Tiance turned to bid farewell to Xiao Xuan and the Tomb Spirit. Moments later, he left the tomb, sealing it and storing it away securely.
The Emergence of Tianhuo Zun zhe
As soon as he exited the tomb, a ring flew out of the magma. From it emerged a weak and flickering soul an old man with white hair and beard, clad in simple white robes.
The elderly figure bowed deeply, his voice filled with reverence. "Junior Tianhuo Zun zhe, Yao Tianhuo, greets the senior!"
Xiao Tiance chuckled at the sight of the venerable figure addressing him as "senior." Though Yao Tianhuo resembled an elderly human in his seventies or eighties, his strength was far beneath Xiao Tiance's notice.
"You recognize me?" Xiao Tiance asked with amusement.
He had sensed Yao Tianhuo's presence during his first descent into the magma depths. Intending to leave him as a future opportunity for Xiao Yan, he hadn't expected Yao Tianhuo to emerge on his own.
**"Junior does not know Senior personally, but this is not my first time sensing you.
Two years ago, although you were far away, I could feel your soul scanning my presence. At the time, I was likely too weak to warrant your attention,"** Yao Tianhuo explained humbly.
Xiao Tiance waved dismissively. "Enough with the formalities. Why have you revealed yourself now?"
Yao Tianhuo bowed again. "I seek resurrection, Senior. If you grant me this favor, my life will be yours to command."
A Debt of Gratitude
Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow. "Do you think someone of my strength needs your life in return?"
Yao Tianhuo faltered, realizing the absurdity of his offer. Even at his peak as a Dou Zun, he would have been insignificant to someone like Xiao Tiance, let alone now as a mere soul.
**"You're right, Senior. My offer is presumptuous. But I beg you to consider this: I've admired you since my youth. Please, show mercy on this unworthy one.
Even if you choose not to resurrect me, I am willing to offer my creation, the Five Wheel Lihuo Technique, in exchange for simply following you."**
Xiao Tiance frowned. He didn't recall ever meeting Yao Tianhuo. "You've admired me since youth? What do you mean by that?"
Seeing Xiao Tiance's confusion, Yao Tianhuo hurriedly explained. **"Seven hundred years ago, Senior, you saved a family of three in the Zhongzhou Blazing Fire Mountain Range.
I was the child you rescued that day."**
A Forgotten Encounter Remembered
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance's expression changed. Memories resurfaced of his travels across the Dou Qi Continent centuries ago. His gaze sharpened as he scrutinized Yao Tianhuo more closely.
"You're the boy from back then?"
"Yes, Senior! I am that boy. Back then, you even gifted my father a scroll containing a mid tier Earth class Dou Technique."
Yao Tianhuo retrieved a crimson scroll from his storage ring.
Xiao Tiance gestured with his left hand, and the scroll flew into his grasp. Examining the three words inscribed on it Lihuo Jue he nodded in confirmation.
Seven centuries ago, Xiao Tiance had been traveling the continent, saving lives and enforcing justice when the mood struck. He had rescued Yao Tianhuo's family from a peak seventh tier magical beast, giving the scroll as a parting gift.
"I remember now. I never expected we'd meet again in such circumstances," Xiao Tiance mused with a sigh.
Yao Tianhuo knelt midair, kowtowing three times. "To meet you again is a blessing beyond words. I never forgot my parents' dying wish to repay your kindness. Thank you once more, Senior, for saving my family."
A New Lease on Life
Xiao Tiance waved his hand. "Rise. No need for such gestures. Since fate has brought us together again, I will grant your wish."
Yao Tianhuo's spirit brightened with joy.
**"However, my ranks are not short of capable people. There's little use in you following me.
As for your resurrection, I will provide the necessary materials. For now, I'll take you to the Heavenly Tomb. Rest and recover your soul there. When the time comes, I'll have Xiao Yan handle your revival."**
As he spoke, Xiao Tiance tossed a jade vial containing soul nourishing medicine to Yao Tianhuo.
The latter caught it gratefully and, with a wave of his hand, summoned a small infant stage Fallen Heart Flame from the magma below.
"Senior, this is a young Fallen Heart Flame. Though weak now, it will grow useful in a few centuries."
Next Steps
Xiao Tiance accepted the flame with a nod. "Very well. Rest assured, your efforts won't go unrewarded."
With Yao Tianhuo now in tow, Xiao Tiance prepared to re enter the Heavenly Tomb, setting the stage for the next chapter of revival and opportunity.
"Senior, your great kindness is something I cannot repay. Please accept this infant stage Fallen Heart Flame and my self created Dou Technique, the Five Wheel Lihuo Method, as a token of my gratitude," Yao Tianhuo said respectfully.
Xiao Tiance glanced at the items. The infant stage Fallen Heart Flame was something he had noticed during his first descent here, but he found no use for it at the time, so he left it alone.
As for the Five Wheel Lihuo Method, even if it could unleash power equivalent to a Heaven tier Dou Technique at its peak, the Xiao Clan's library was already filled with countless superior techniques.
"Keep them," Xiao Tiance said with a smile. "They are of no use to me. However, you can offer them to Xiao Yan. He will likely be willing to help refine a body for your resurrection."
"Understood, Senior," Yao Tianhuo replied.
Entering the Heavenly Tomb
Without further delay, Xiao Tiance once again summoned the Heavenly Tomb and opened its entrance. He led Yao Tianhuo to the third layer and gave him a brief explanation of what to do to restore his soul.
Afterward, Xiao Tiance left the tomb, effortlessly bypassed the seals of Jia Nan Academy, and disappeared.
Arrival at the Snake Tribe
Half a day later, Xiao Tiance arrived at the Snake Tribe in the Tagore Desert.
As he appeared, Huang Jiuji and Medusa emerged to greet him.
"Clan Leader!"
"Greetings, Senior!"
"Huang Jiuji, there's no need for formalities," Xiao Tiance said, helping him to his feet. He then turned to Medusa with a faint smile.
"So, Medusa, this is the Snake Tribe's home?"
"Yes, Senior. This is where the Snake Tribe resides," Medusa said, bowing politely.
Although Medusa was proud and bold by nature, her interactions with Huang Jiuji over the past few days had given her a clearer understanding of Xiao Tiance's immense strength.
Xiao Tiance was widely regarded as the strongest person on the Dou Qi Continent. Under his leadership, the Xiao Clan was the mightiest imperial clan, and his Heavenly Mechanism Tower was one of the top factions on the continent.
Medusa, while proud, was no fool. Such a powerful figure was worth aligning with.
As Xiao Tiance observed her obedient demeanor and even a hint of flattery in her tone, he paused for a moment in surprise. But upon further reflection, he understood.
In the original story, Medusa was depicted as a cold, haughty figure, and for good reason her power often surpassed those around her, keeping her in a dominant position. But with someone like Xiao Tiance, whose strength dwarfed hers by orders of magnitude, it was only natural for her to adapt her behavior.
"The Snake Tribe's current environment isn't ideal," Xiao Tiance remarked after scanning the area with his soul. "Living in the desert is far from optimal. Even settling near the Magical Beast Mountain Range would be better."
Huang Jiuji chuckled. "Clan Leader, I've already persuaded Medusa. She's agreed to lead her tribe to Zhongzhou. We can grant them a territory near the Tianmu Mountains, close to Tianwaitian."
Xiao Tiance looked at Medusa. "Is this true?"
"Yes, Senior. I am willing to lead my tribe out of the Jia Ma Empire," Medusa said earnestly.
"Very well…"
An Unexpected Turn
Before Xiao Tiance could finish, his gaze suddenly shifted in the direction of the Chu Yun Empire, his expression turning cold.
"Clan Leader, is something wrong?" Huang Jiuji asked, noticing the change in his demeanor.
Medusa quickly added, "That direction leads to the Chu Yun Empire."
"The Heavenly Mechanism Token I gave out years ago has been activated," Xiao Tiance said, his voice laced with frost.
The token had been given to Xiao Yi Xian during his travels through the Magical Beast Mountain Range, in the small town of Qingshan. Now, it was summoning him.
He remembered that after arriving in the Chu Yun Empire, Xiao Yi Xian had gained fame as a Poison Master, eventually nearing control of the empire itself.
Setting Off to Chu Yun Empire
Huang Jiuji's eyes widened. "The Heavenly Mechanism Token has been activated?"
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Yes. Huang Jiuji, you and Medusa can oversee things here. Relocating the Snake Tribe will take time, so I will go check on the situation myself."
Huang Jiuji nodded. "Rest assured, Clan Leader. Medusa and I will handle things here."
With a slight nod, Xiao Tiance's figure began to distort and blur. In the blink of an eye, he was gone.
"What an astonishing method! I couldn't even see how he left," Medusa murmured, her voice tinged with awe.
Huang Jiuji smiled. "There's no need to be surprised. Even as an eight star Dou Saint, I couldn't see it clearly. The Clan Leader's mastery over space has surpassed conventional understanding."
"Truly remarkable," Medusa agreed, nodding in amazement.
Xiao Yi Xian in Danger
Location: Chu Yun Empire, Poison Sect
A young woman stood amidst the carnage, her loose purple red robes streaked with blood. Golden embroidery adorned the edges of her sleeves, giving her an air of nobility despite her battered state.
Her long, snowy white hair cascaded like a river of stars, though it was now matted with blood. A delicate veil covered her face, its fabric stained crimson. Her grayish purple eyes were hollow and devoid of warmth, resembling withered wood.
This was Xiao Yi Xian, the Poison Mistress of Chu Yun Empire, feared throughout the land.
Opposing her were a dozen Dou Zong experts, all injured but still dangerous. What unsettled Xiao Yi Xian most was the man standing silently behind them, his aura chillingly cold.
This man was none other than the Ice Venerable, the leader of the Frozen River Valley in Zhongzhou and a five star Dou Zun.
The Ice Venerable's gaze was fixed on Xiao Yi Xian, his voice trembling with shock. "How is this possible? How could you possess the Heavenly Mechanism Token?"
(End of Chapter)
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