Chapter 228: Exiting the Flame Realm – Two Powerful Figures Visit the Ancient Realm
Xiao Tiance's Emotional Reunion
In the chaotic void currents surrounding the Mystical Flame Realm, Xiao Tiance felt a surge of emotions as he saw Xiao Chen appear.
Over a thousand years had passed since their last meeting. Now, finally, they were reunited.
However, just as Xiao Tiance moved closer, he noticed a flash of red light in Xiao Chen's eyes. Without warning, Xiao Chen swung his massive battle axe at him with terrifying killing intent. The attack carried such force that it could split a newly ascended Dou Saint in half.
"Clang!"
Xiao Chen's powerful strike stopped dead against Xiao Tiance's outstretched finger. Despite his best efforts, Xiao Chen couldn't retrieve the axe from Xiao Tiance's grip.
"Kill!"
Xiao Chen roared, his face twisted with rage, as his Dou Qi surged violently.
A Simple Counter
Xiao Tiance raised his finger and gently tapped Xiao Chen's forehead. Instantly, the berserk Xiao Chen calmed down, standing motionless like a puppet.
"Such a domineering technique Nightmare Miasma!" Xiao Tiance muttered to himself as he examined Xiao Chen with his soul force.
This ability, left behind by the Purifying Demonic Lotus Saint, was one of the saint's deadliest techniques. Even after the saint's death, when wielded by the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame, it remained incredibly powerful, capable of affecting the minds of even Dou Saint level experts.
The white robed man, watching nearby, couldn't hide his shock. Seeing Xiao Chen subdued so effortlessly, he immediately spoke up, fearing Xiao Tiance's wrath:
"His mind is intact, but the prolonged influence of the miasma has severely damaged his body. I truly couldn't do anything to help him."
Xiao Tiance turned to the white robed figure with a faint smile.
"Relax. I won't hold you accountable."
A Proposition
The white robed man, relieved, continued cautiously:
"You're incredibly powerful, far beyond me. I have no wish to provoke someone like you. If you wish, I can withdraw the Nightmare Miasma from his body, and you may take him away."
Xiao Tiance's smile widened.
"Good. You're sensible I appreciate that. But tell me, after being trapped here for thousands of years, don't you want to leave and see the outside world?"
The white robed man hesitated before shaking his head.
"Leave? No, I'm fine here. The outside world doesn't interest me. Moreover, traveling with someone as powerful and dangerous as you would be unsettling."
The man spoke honestly, knowing his own limitations. In the Mystical Flame Realm, he was the absolute ruler. Outside, however, he would face countless beings who coveted the third ranked flame on the Heavenly Flames List.
Xiao Tiance's Departure
"Haha! Fair enough. Since you're content here, we'll part ways. But I have a feeling we'll meet again someday," Xiao Tiance said with a laugh.
With that, he took Xiao Chen and left the flame realm.
A Sense of Relief
As soon as they were gone, the white robed man let out a deep breath, his composure shattered.
"That man is terrifying," he muttered, still trembling.
In the chaotic void currents, Xiao Tiance restored the flame realm's seal to its original state. As he worked, he couldn't help but feel that the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame was far more agreeable than Void Swallowing Flame.
"Too bad it wasn't arrogant. Otherwise, I might've taken it back with me as well," Xiao Tiance mused as he finished repairing the seal.
With Xiao Chen in tow, he began his journey back to Tianwaitian.
News from the Tianji Tower
Just as Xiao Tiance was about to depart, he received a message from the Tianji Tower's Jama Empire branch.
"That boy Xiao Yan really doesn't let anyone take advantage of him. As soon as he returned to the Jama Empire, he brought Xiao Yi Xian and Yao Tian Huo straight to Yun Lan Sect for a reckoning," Xiao Tiance murmured with a smile after reading the report.
A Change in Xiao Yan's Journey
In the original timeline, Xiao Yan had destroyed the Yun Lan Sect but suffered significant setbacks, including the loss of Yao Chen, who was captured by the Hall of Souls. However, this time, with Xiao Yi Xian and Yao Tian Huo aiding him, the once mighty Yun Lan Sect had been decisively crushed without much resistance.
Unlike before, Xiao Yan spared Yun Shan's life and allowed Yun Lan Sect to remain intact thanks to Yun Yun's influence.
Afterward, Xiao Yan went to the Black Corner Region, where he found his older brother Xiao Li, who had advanced to the five star Dou Ling level. Together, they returned to the Inner Academy of Jia Nan Academy, where Xiao Yan returned the infant Fallen Heart Flame given to him by Yao Tian Huo.
Jia Nan Academy
Inside the office of Elder Su Qian, Xiao Yan, Xiao Yi Xian, Yao Tian Huo, Xiao Li, and the Jama Empire's current ruler, Yao Ye, were gathered.
"Elder Su, taking the Fallen Heart Flame from the academy was a last resort. I deeply apologize," Xiao Yan said respectfully.
Although Xiao Yan's strength had surpassed Su Qian's, he still maintained a polite demeanor.
Su Qian waved his hand with a smile.
**"It's fine. That was the academy headmaster's decision. In fact, your actions turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Not long ago, your Xiao Clan patriarch, Tiance, came to the Inner Academy and built a three star Spirit Gathering Array. Its cultivation benefits far surpass those of the Fallen Heart Flame, without the dangers of fire poison from the Blazing Flame Qi Refining Tower."**
Xiao Yan, Yao Tian Huo, and Xiao Yi Xian exchanged astonished glances. They looked toward the Inner Academy's rear mountain, sensing a massive influx of Dou Qi converging at an astonishing speed.
"Such a terrifying rate of absorption. Elder Su, may we take a look?" Xiao Yan asked eagerly.
"Of course. Follow me," Su Qian replied, leading the group toward the rear mountain.
The Spirit Gathering Array
Before long, they reached the newly constructed Spirit Gathering Array.
At its center stood a magnificent tower, surrounded by visible streams of Dou Qi flowing into it at incredible speed.
"This... is amazing," Xiao Yan murmured, his eyes wide with wonder.
Xiao Yi Xian and the Spirit Gathering Array
Inside the Spirit Gathering Array at Jia Nan Academy, Xiao Yi Xian marveled at the exquisite craftsmanship.
"Such an ingenious creation! Although I've seen something similar in Tianwaitian, I didn't realize it was Mr. Xiao Tiance's handiwork," she said with admiration.
Beside her, Yao Tian Huo's eyes gleamed with respect.
"Mr. Xiao's abilities are beyond our comprehension. His methods are truly extraordinary," he said excitedly.
Turning to Xiao Yan, he added, "Come on, Xiao Yan, since we're here, let's take a closer look!"
"Alright. I've never been inside a Spirit Gathering Array before. Elder Su, would you mind leading the way?" Xiao Yan asked, bowing respectfully.
"Not at all. Please, follow me!" Su Qian replied, smiling.
Experiencing the Spirit Gathering Array
Under Su Qian's guidance, the group entered the grand hall of the Spirit Gathering Array. Immediately, they were surrounded by dense, almost fog like Dou Qi, saturating the space.
Even though dozens of inner academy students were meditating and absorbing Dou Qi, the supply seemed inexhaustible.
"Xiao Yan, you should give it a try. Although this is just a Tier 3 Spirit Gathering Array, ideal for cultivation below the Dou Wang level, it's still effective for those above Dou Wang to absorb its Dou Qi," Su Qian explained.
Hearing this, the group activated their techniques and began drawing in Dou Qi.
Moments later, expressions of awe and delight appeared on their faces.
"How is it? Are you amazed by the sheer ingenuity of this creation?" Su Qian asked with a laugh.
"This is truly incredible," Xiao Yan said, visibly impressed. "Such a remarkable creation could only come from Tiance Lao Zu's hands. I wonder if it's possible for us to learn this technique. If we could, we'd be able to construct Spirit Gathering Arrays anytime, anywhere. It would far surpass even the benefits of training with something like the Fallen Heart Flame."
"Haha, that I can't say," Su Qian replied. "But you're part of the Xiao Clan, so perhaps it's not impossible for you to learn. For now, let's not disturb the students. Let's head back to the inner academy."
News of Xiao Qing's Appointment
After leaving the Spirit Gathering Array, Su Qian mentioned the upcoming ceremony where Xiao Qing would be officially appointed as the Xiao Clan's patriarch. Intrigued, Xiao Yan asked for more details.
Upon learning that Mang Tian Chi planned to attend, Xiao Yan requested Su Qian to help introduce him to Mang Tian Chi so they could travel together.
A Visit to the Ancient Realm
One day prior, in the Ancient Realm, the sudden appearance of two figures caused a commotion.
The arrival of Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling set the Ancient Clan on high alert.
"Who dares trespass into the Ancient Clan's territory?" Gu Yuan demanded loudly, sensing their powerful auras.
"Haha, as sharp as ever, Brother Gu," Xiao Xuan replied with a chuckle, stepping out of the void alongside Mu Ling.
Their auras, unmasked, revealed them to be two Nine Star Dou Saint level experts.
Gu Yuan narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"Who are you, and why have you forced your way into the Ancient Clan's domain?" he asked coldly.
"It's been a thousand years, but you remain as impressive as ever, Brother Gu. Won't you invite us in for some tea?" Xiao Xuan asked with a smile.
Both he and Mu Ling wore masks, leaving Gu Yuan unable to recognize them. While their presence felt familiar, Gu Yuan couldn't fathom that the speaker was Xiao Xuan, whom he believed had perished a millennium ago.
A Bold Demand
Gu Lie, standing nearby, stepped forward with a grave expression.
"Clan Leader " he began, only to be silenced by Gu Yuan's raised hand.
Turning back to the visitors, Gu Yuan said, "If we are acquaintances, why not reveal your identities?"
Xiao Xuan shook his head with a faint smile.
"There's no need for that just yet. What's important is this: we've come on behalf of the Xiao Clan to demand the Ancient Clan's submission."
"Submission?"
The Ancient Clan members erupted in anger.
"How dare they!"
"The Xiao Clan's arrogance knows no bounds! How dare they demand this of us, another Emperor Clan?"
Before the situation could escalate further, a figure surrounded by a blazing aura appeared. Without a word, this fiery man launched an attack on Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling.
A Fiery Clash
Mu Ling snorted coldly and prepared to counter, but Xiao Xuan acted first, meeting the fiery man's attack with a single palm strike.
"Boom!"
The fiery man was sent flying, blood dripping from his mouth, while Xiao Xuan remained motionless in the air.
"You damned Xiao Clan devils! You exterminated my Yan Clan and took our Heavenly Flame. I'll never forgive you!"
The man's identity was revealed as Yan Jin, the Yan Clan's leader. After the Xiao Clan annihilated the Yan Clan and seized their Heavenly Flame, Yan Jin had sought refuge with Gu Yuan, seeking the Ancient Clan's help in avenging his people.
Yan Jin's attempt to rally allies had been futile. Following the Hall of Souls' destruction, the four clan alliance fell apart, and Lei Ying withdrew the Lei Clan entirely. Gu Yuan, unwilling to provoke the Xiao Clan further, had placated Yan Jin while quietly refusing his request for aid.
Now, seeing Xiao Clan representatives, Yan Jin's simmering hatred exploded.
A Lesson in Power
"Another Nine Star Dou Saint!" Yan Jin thought, his eyes bloodshot as he realized Xiao Xuan's immense strength.
"Yan Jin," Xiao Xuan said coldly, "if the Yan Clan declared itself the Xiao Clan's enemy, why shouldn't we have eradicated it?"
Mu Ling sneered.
"You're filled with hatred, yet your strength is laughable. Do you think you're capable of avenging your clan? What a joke."
Yan Jin's face twisted with rage, but he couldn't deny the truth of Mu Ling's words.
The Ancient Clan's Response
Gu Yuan's expression darkened.
"Enough. If you're here representing the Xiao Clan, then speak your purpose clearly. What exactly does the Xiao Clan want?"
Xiao Xuan smiled faintly, his demeanor calm and confident.
"We're here to discuss the terms of your surrender."
(Chapter Ends.)
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