Chapter 232: Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan Submits, Ten Thousand Year Tempering Milk
"Why should I worry? If the Xiao Clan had come with an army, I'd have reason to panic. But since they only sent the two of you, it means there's still room for negotiation, doesn't it?"
In the Eastern Dragon Island of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, Zhukun's confident words left Huang Jiuji and Tianluo momentarily surprised. A moment later, the two exchanged smiles before Tianluo said with a chuckle, "It seems the Dragon Emperor expected our visit long before we arrived."
"If I couldn't predict even this much, would I still be worthy of my title? How else would I lead the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan?" Zhukun replied with a smile, before continuing, "However, I do have a question. Would you grant me some clarity?"
"Of course, Dragon Emperor, feel free to ask," Tianluo replied politely.
"Have Hun Tiandi and Void Swallowing Flame been dealt with?" Zhukun inquired.
"Indeed. Hun Tiandi has fallen, and Void Swallowing Flame's intelligence has been eradicated. It is now under the control of our clan leader," Tianluo confirmed with a nod.
Zhukun burst into hearty laughter. "That's good news! In that case, tell me your terms. The Xiao Clan is mighty, and while my Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan does not fear you, we also have no desire to provoke conflict. Besides, I admit Xiao Tianchen is a formidable adversary one I cannot defeat. Naturally, I'm willing to hear your conditions."
Zhukun's straightforward admission stunned both Huang Jiuji and Tianluo. They hadn't anticipated such a smooth negotiation.
Huang Jiuji seized the moment and stated, "Submit to the Xiao Clan, follow our orders, and allow your daughter, Zi Yan, to reside in Tianwaitian for a century. In exchange, our two clans will coexist peacefully."
Before Zhukun could respond, Tianluo added with a knowing smile, **"Dragon Emperor, our clan leader defeated Hun Tiandi in the Ancient Emperor's Cave, which is situated above the Jia Nan Academy.
Before that, the clan leader had already encountered Zi Yan. Rest assured, nothing was done to her this was a gesture of our sincerity."**
Zhukun clenched his fists upon hearing Zi Yan's name but quickly relaxed. He knew Tianluo's words were true. If Xiao Tianchen had wanted to harm Zi Yan, he wouldn't have had any difficulty doing so.
After a brief silence, Zhukun nodded. "Very well. I agree to your terms."
A Grand Gesture of Submission
Huang Jiuji laughed heartily. "The Dragon Emperor is decisive. Three days from now, the Xiao Clan will hold a ceremony for the appointment of its new clan leader. We hope you and the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan's Semi Saint and above experts will attend."
Zhukun nodded once more. "Three days, you say? No problem. I'll lead my people to Tianwaitian to observe the ceremony."
The Dragon Emperor knew that Xiao Qing, who was set to take over as the new leader of the Xiao Clan, had been designated the successor a millennium ago. With the Soul Clan eliminated, the timing for a leadership transition was perfect.
Huang Jiuji and Tianluo exchanged satisfied glances. "We'll eagerly await your arrival, Dragon Emperor. With this, we take our leave."
With that, the two manipulated the space around them and disappeared.
Zhukun's Frustration
As soon as they left, Zhukun's cheerful demeanor vanished, replaced by visible frustration.
Beside him, Zhuku and Zhulu wore similarly grim expressions. Zhulu finally broke the silence. "Dragon Emperor, must we submit so easily? The Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan is the undisputed ruler of the magical beast realm. Submitting to the Xiao Clan makes us a laughingstock!"
Zhukun let out a heavy sigh. **"Submit or not, what choice do we have? The Xiao Clan is unrivaled now. Even if every force on the Dou Qi Continent joined together, we'd be nothing more than ants trying to stop a chariot.
If it were just me, I wouldn't care let the heavens turn upside down. But what about you all?
Zhulu, the Dou Qi Continent is a world where strength reigns supreme. In our magical beast world, the weak have always submitted to the strong. For now, we'll bide our time and wait for an opportunity to rise. No power stays invincible forever not even those during the era of Dou Di."**
Zhukun's wisdom was evident in his words. Turning to Zhuku, he commanded, "Prepare gifts from the treasure vault and ensure everything is ready for our trip to Tianwaitian in three days."
Zhuku and Zhulu both bowed. "Understood, Dragon Emperor."
As Zhukun disappeared into a spatial ripple, the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan began their preparations.
Other Clans Prepare
Elsewhere, the Lei Clan and the Yao Clan also received invitations to the Xiao Clan's ceremony. Without hesitation, both clans accepted the invitation, starting preparations for their journey and selecting suitable gifts.
A Reunion in Tianwaitian
Back in Tianwaitian, Xiao Tianchen's return with Xiao Chen caused a stir.
"Xiao Chen! I can't believe you're alive!" exclaimed Xiao Chun, his voice heavy with emotion.
Among the famed Three Heroes of the Xiao Clan, Xiao Chen had been the most well liked. His relationships with everyone in the clan had always been strong. Seeing him again brought tears to many eyes.
However, Xiao Chen remained unresponsive, his expression blank and devoid of emotion.
Seeing this, Xiao Chun turned to Xiao Tianchen with concern. "Clan Leader, what's wrong with Xiao Chen?"
Xiao Tianchen raised a hand to calm them. "Don't worry, Second Uncle, elders. His mind has not fully recovered yet, but his life is not in danger. Leave this to me. For now, focus on your tasks."
"Understood, Clan Leader!"
As the crowd dispersed, Xiao Tianchen brought Xiao Chen to the ninth floor of Tiance Pavilion, setting up a powerful spirit array to both contain Xiao Chen and isolate the entire area.
Sitting cross legged in the array, Xiao Tianchen began inspecting Xiao Chen's condition.
"As expected of Nightmare Sky Fog. Even someone with Xiao Chen's unwavering will was ensnared. It's truly formidable."
With a flick of his hand, Xiao Tianchen summoned several rare medicinal ingredients. He intended to refine a pill that could restore Xiao Chen's mind. Inwardly, he marveled at the complexity of Xiao Chen's condition.
"Don't worry, Brother Chen. I'll bring you back stronger than ever."
After examining Xiao Chen's condition, Xiao Tianchen realized it was far more complicated than he had anticipated. Although he could immediately restore Xiao Chen's consciousness, doing so in his current state would likely mean Xiao Chen would never see any further growth in strength.
In the original story, Xiao Yan also helped Xiao Chen regain his consciousness, but the outcome was the same after waking up, Xiao Chen's strength never advanced again.
"Before restoring his consciousness, the Nightmare Sky Fog within him must first be eradicated. This is tricky since it has been invading his body since he was first controlled. There are two options:
First, use soul enhancing pills to bring his soul power to the peak Heavenly Realm. While this would help him regain clarity, the downside is that his strength wouldn't increase much afterward.
Second, obtain over ten thousand years' worth of Ground Essence Tempering Milk. By strengthening his physical body first, I can then resolve his soul issues."
Xiao Tianchen pondered, a hint of helplessness on his face.
"Hmm, this treasure should be located in the forest about a hundred miles from Jia Nan Academy. Seems I'll need to make a trip there."
With a wave of his hand, he deactivated the soul array keeping Xiao Chen restrained. Just as he was preparing to leave with Xiao Chen, Xiao Tianming barged in excitedly.
"Brother Tianchen, I heard Brother Chen is back!" Xiao Tianming called out the moment he entered.
Xiao Tianchen nodded and gestured toward Xiao Chen, who stood motionless, his eyes closed and a giant axe in hand.
"There he is."
Seeing Xiao Chen, Xiao Tianming rushed over to hug him but was immediately intercepted by Xiao Tianchen, who grabbed him mid motion.
"Tianming, your brother hasn't regained his consciousness yet. What if he hits you with that axe? You need to be more careful stop acting so rashly!" Xiao Tianchen chided with a smile.
"Brother Tianchen, what happened to Brother Chen?" Xiao Tianming asked, now calmer. He had only heard that Xiao Chen had returned but had also heard rumors that something was wrong with him.
Xiao Tianchen sighed. **"Back then, your brother went to retrieve the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame for me. He was trapped for a thousand years and fell victim to the Nightmare Sky Fog, losing control of his mind and nearly becoming a fire puppet.
While some of his consciousness remains intact, it's hanging by a thread. His body must first be strengthened, and his soul elevated to the peak Heavenly Realm before I can awaken him. Otherwise, awakening him forcibly will mean his strength will never grow again."**
"Brother Tianchen, tell me what you need. I'll get it!" Xiao Tianming said seriously.
"There are two things I need: Ten Thousand Year Ground Essence Tempering Milk and a ninth tier medicinal herb called the Heavenly Heart Fruit. The Heavenly Heart Fruit should be in the clan's treasury, but the Ground Essence Tempering Milk will require a trip to the forest near Jia Nan Academy," Xiao Tianchen explained.
"Brother Tianchen, is this what you're looking for?" Xiao Tianming quickly retrieved a jade bottle from his storage ring.
Xiao Tianchen opened it, shook his head, and replied, "This is also Ground Essence Tempering Milk, but it's been diluted and won't be of much use. The real Ten Thousand Year Ground Essence Tempering Milk should be near where you obtained this, but you're not an alchemist, so you wouldn't recognize how natural treasures like these often camouflage themselves."
Xiao Tianming's face fell. He had collected the diluted milk a hundred years ago and now realized he had missed the better treasure.
"Brother Tianchen, I remember where I found it. I'll go retrieve it and bring it back within three days!" Xiao Tianming offered.
"There's no need. I'll take your brother and retrieve it myself. Focus on helping Second Uncle prepare for the clan leader's succession ceremony. I'll return with your brother before it begins." Xiao Tianchen shook his head and declined.
After a moment of thought, Xiao Tianming nodded. "Then I'll go fetch the Heavenly Heart Fruit immediately."
"Good. Go ahead."
Not long after, Xiao Tianming returned with the Heavenly Heart Fruit. Xiao Tianchen inspected it carefully and confirmed it was indeed the ninth tier herb he needed its nine crystal clear leaves and fruits shimmered with a colorful glow, leaving no doubt it was authentic.
"Alright, focus on helping Second Uncle. I'll make sure Brother Chen returns safely," Xiao Tianchen said, patting Xiao Tianming on the shoulder with a smile.
"I trust you, Brother Tianchen."
With that, Xiao Tianchen waved his left hand, summoning a spatial vortex. Grabbing Xiao Chen, he stepped into it and disappeared.
Deep in the Forest Near Jia Nan Academy
Half a day later, in the forest near Jia Nan Academy, Xiao Tianchen unleashed a surge of his Emperor tier soul power, sweeping through the area. Within moments, he pinpointed the location of a Snow Demon Ape.
With a flicker of movement, he brought Xiao Chen to a valley.
Just as they were about to enter, a deafening roar echoed through the valley.
"ROAR!"
The ground trembled violently as a massive figure emerged a Snow Demon Ape, over eight or nine meters tall, with powerful limbs and a thick coat of snow white fur emanating icy energy. Its crimson eyes glared with rage, and frost like mist shot from its nostrils as it bared its fangs.
Seeing Xiao Tianchen approach without fear, the beast roared and charged, intent on tearing him apart.
"You're too noisy." Xiao Tianchen snorted coldly.
"BOOM!"
A colossal pressure descended upon the Snow Demon Ape, pinning its enormous body to the ground. The creature struggled but could not move an inch.
Fear filled its crimson eyes. "A human… A human strong enough to crush me with a mere thought!"
"Stay put. I won't kill you. Once I've dealt with my business, I'll come back to deal with you," Xiao Tianchen said flatly.
Leaving the subdued ape behind, Xiao Tianchen continued deeper into the valley with Xiao Chen.
Soon, they reached a cavern. Familiar with the original story, Xiao Tianchen knew the Ten Thousand Year Ground Essence Tempering Milk was hidden beneath this cave.
He stomped the ground lightly, revealing a hidden crevice below.
"Clever. Even knew how to hide yourself," he remarked with a smirk.
Hovering over a vast natural underground chamber, Xiao Tianchen carved a circular hole into the ground and used his soul power to retrieve two bottles of Ten Thousand Year Ground Essence Tempering Milk.
Sealing the crevice once more, he turned to a natural spring nearby. After ensuring everything was ready, he glanced at Xiao Chen.
"Brother Chen, you'll soon be back to yourself. Don't worry I'll take care of everything."
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