Chapter 234: On the Eve of the Succession Ceremony
"But if you don't carry out my orders, just try running off. Don't think that just because your strength surpasses mine now, I can't handle you. Trust me, I'll have the Clan Leader break your legs for me!"
In Tianwaitian, Xiao Chun's stern warning was met with a mischievous grin from Xiao Tianming, who lazily leaned against the doorframe.
"Father, how many times have you said that? Aren't you tired of repeating yourself? Because I'm certainly tired of hearing it," Xiao Tianming quipped.
"You brat! I'm being serious here. Don't believe me? Try me!" Xiao Chun growled, his tone sharp with irritation.
"Alright, alright, I believe you. Does that make you happy? But shouldn't you be focusing on the Clan Leader Succession Ceremony first? Tianchen isn't leaving anytime soon, and as long as he's here, do you really think I'd run off?" Xiao Tianming replied with a carefree shrug.
Xiao Chun glared at him for a moment, clearly exasperated, before shaking his head with a sigh. He flicked his robe and stormed off, leaving Xiao Tianming chuckling to himself.
As Xiao Chun disappeared from view, Xiao Tianming muttered under his breath with a grin, "That old man. He's so concerned about me, even with all the clan's business to handle. Where does he get the energy to meddle in my affairs too?"
Just as he finished speaking, a spatial vortex appeared behind him, and a familiar voice rang out.
"Tianming, you're still as carefree as ever."
Hearing the voice, Xiao Tianming spun around, his eyes widening in shock.
"Chen... Chen ge?"
He rubbed his eyes to ensure he wasn't imagining things. When he was sure it was Xiao Chen, he rushed forward and pulled him into a bear hug.
"Chen ge! You're alive! After all these years, how could you not send a single word? We searched everywhere for you!" Xiao Tianming's voice cracked with emotion, and his eyes grew moist.
Xiao Chen gently patted Tianming on the back, letting him embrace him for a moment before teasing with a laugh, "What's this? You're crying? Don't you remember how I used to tease you for that?"
"I don't care! You can tease me all you want, as long as you're back!" Xiao Tianming replied, his voice thick with emotion.
After Tianming finally let go, Xiao Chen smiled warmly and said, "Tianming, it's been too long."
"Yes, it has, Chen ge. After you left the Xiao Realm, there was no news of you. We searched for years but couldn't find a trace. Where have you been all this time? And why are you only back now?"
Tianming's voice was filled with both relief and curiosity. In the past, he had followed Xiao Chen and Xiao Tianchen closely, deeply respecting their leadership. Xiao Chen's cheerful and generous nature made him well loved among the Xiao Clan. His sudden disappearance left a void that Tianming and others had desperately tried to fill, scouring the continent for any sign of him.
Xiao Chen sighed and recounted his years of torment in the Nether Lotus Demon Flame's domain, describing how he narrowly escaped becoming a mindless slave.
When he finished, Tianming slammed his hand on the table, his voice filled with fury.
"That damned Nether Lotus Demon Flame! A mere flame daring to learn from the Demon Saint himself! Chen ge, do you remember the exact location of its lair? Let me gather some people, and we'll return to capture and refine it!"
Xiao Chen burst into laughter, shaking his head. "No need. Tianchen rescued me and left the flame untouched, which means he likely has his own plans for it. Besides, I'm back now, so there's no need for vengeance."
"Where's Tianchen? Why didn't he come with you?" Tianming asked, realizing Xiao Tianchen's absence.
"He returned to Tianchen Manor. Let's go, Tianming. Show me around Tianwaitian. Although many of the buildings resemble those in the Xiao Realm, there seem to be a lot of impressive additions," Xiao Chen said, clapping Tianming on the shoulder.
"Of course, Chen ge! Let me show you around. You wouldn't believe how much Tianwaitian has changed over the past thousand years. Tianchen modeled it after the Xiao Realm, but he's added so many incredible things. Let me tell you about..."
As Tianming enthusiastically led Xiao Chen on a tour of Tianwaitian, in the ninth level of Tianchen Manor, Xiao Xuan sat sipping tea, his gaze distant.
He sensed Xiao Chen's aura and smiled, turning to Xiao Tianchen.
"It's good to see. The three prodigies of the Xiao Clan are finally reunited. You've done well, Tianchen."
Xiao Tianchen shook his head lightly, pouring another cup of tea. With a flick of his finger, the cup floated to Xiao Xuan.
"Brother Xuan, you jest. It's nothing extraordinary. I promised you that once the Soul Clan was destroyed, I would bring Brother Chen back. He's endured much over the years. If not for his unyielding will, he would've long become a mindless servant of the flame. Don't you want to see him?"
Xiao Xuan took a sip of tea and shook his head with a bitter smile.
"No, it's enough to know he's safe. Back then, it wasn't just you who tried to dissuade me Chen also begged me not to rush. But I was too consumed by my obsession. In the end, I drew the Emperor's Bloodline from everyone but those of your lineage. Chen's branch is now the smallest in the clan, and I bear the blame."
Xiao Tianchen waved his hand dismissively.
"Brother Xuan, you're being too hard on yourself. Everything happened all at once back then. If not for my injuries caused by the Soul Heavenly Emperor, you would've been free to search for Chen. The past is the past; let it go. I doubt Chen holds any grudge against you."
He added with a smile, "By the way, I haven't revealed your resurrection to anyone aside from those who were present that day. Whether to disclose your return is entirely up to you."
Xiao Xuan sighed in relief, nodding.
"For now, let's leave things as they are. With Chen back, the weight in my heart has finally lifted."
"Tianchen, let me tell you about the situation with the Ancient Clan. I revealed my identity to Gu Yuan and successfully convinced him to pledge allegiance to the Xiao Clan," Xiao Xuan began.
Before he could elaborate, Xiao Tianchen chuckled. "So that's why Gu Yuan finally came around it was because you revealed your identity, Brother Xuan. I always knew Gu Yuan didn't fully trust the Xiao Clan, but if there's anyone who could ease his worries, it would be you. It's fine, though. You saving the Ancient Clan honors the trust he's always placed in you."
Xiao Tianchen's tone turned serious. "But there's something I need to discuss with you in advance, Brother Xuan."
"What is it? Can't you handle it yourself?" Xiao Xuan asked, puzzled.
**"It's like this. When we eventually leave the Dou Qi Continent, I plan to bring Gu Yuan and Zhukun with us. With their strength, it would be far too easy for them to stir up trouble in our absence. While I have confidence in Qing'er, dealing with the likes of Gu Yuan and Zhukun would not be simple.
If they're no longer here to cause problems, I believe Qing'er will have what it takes to maintain the Xiao Clan's current dominance,"** Xiao Tianchen explained.
Xiao Xuan pondered briefly before nodding. **"That's not a bad idea. Do as you see fit. Besides, if they can safely reach the Great Thousand World, there's a chance they might break through their current limits. For them, it could be a great opportunity.
That said, Tianchen, you'll need to be cautious. Don't provoke the Ancient Clan or the Void Ancient Dragon Clan unnecessarily. While neither is stronger than the Xiao Clan, their deep foundations mean they could cause significant damage if they decide to go all out in desperation."**
Hearing the concern in Xiao Xuan's voice, Xiao Tianchen smiled confidently. "No need to worry, Brother Xuan. I suspect that after tomorrow, they won't have any such thoughts."
"Are you planning to make a show of strength?" Xiao Xuan asked, catching on quickly to Xiao Tianchen's intent.
Xiao Tianchen smiled faintly. "Not exactly. I just want them to understand that today's Xiao Clan is no longer a force they can challenge. Once they recognize the gap between us, they'll behave themselves. Otherwise, if they ever get delusions of grandeur again, we'd be forced to destroy them and that would be troublesome. Better to let them see reality clearly tomorrow."
Xiao Xuan chuckled. "Alright, do as you wish. I'm merely your guard now, after all."
Their conversation was interrupted by Xiao Bieli, the guard of Tianchen Manor, who hurried inside and bowed respectfully.
"Clan Leader, Xiao Yan, Xiao Yi Xian, Yao Tianhuo, and the others request an audience."
Xiao Tianchen raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Oh? They've already returned from Jia Nan Academy?"
"Yes, Clan Leader. They traveled with the help of Elder Mang Tianchi from the Thunder Clan," Xiao Bieli replied respectfully.
"Alright, let them in."
A moment later, Xiao Bieli returned, leading Xiao Yan, Xiao Yi Xian, Yao Tianhuo, Xiao Li, Xiao Ding, and Princess Yao Ye into the room.
"Greetings, Ancestor Tianchen," they said in unison, bowing with utmost respect.
Xiao Tianchen gestured for them to rise and sit.
"Xiao Yan, if you hadn't come to see me, I would've sought you out soon enough," Xiao Tianchen said with a smile.
"I await your orders, Ancestor Tianchen," Xiao Yan replied humbly, aware of the immense power wielded by the man before him.
"It's good news, nothing urgent. The Xiao Clan's Clan Leader Succession Ceremony takes place tomorrow. We'll discuss the matter afterward," Xiao Tianchen said with a nod.
"Understood, Ancestor," Xiao Yan replied, a spark of anticipation lighting up in his eyes.
Next, Xiao Tianchen turned his attention to Xiao Li and teased, "Xiao Li, what's this? Have you forgotten who I am?"
Xiao Li, clearly uneasy, recalled how Xiao Tianchen had saved him from peril near Jia Nan Academy. Rising to his feet, he bowed deeply.
"Ancestor Tianchen, I humbly apologize."
"No need for that. I'm not so petty as to hold a grudge against a junior," Xiao Tianchen said with a wave of his hand.
"Thank you, Ancestor Tianchen, for saving me at Jia Nan Academy and for the techniques you bestowed in the cave. I am deeply grateful," Xiao Li said earnestly.
"You are of the Xiao Clan, and I am the Clan Leader. It is only natural to protect you. No need for thanks," Xiao Tianchen replied calmly.
When he turned to Xiao Ding and Princess Yao Ye, he smiled approvingly. "Not bad. You two make a good match."
Embarrassed, the two reddened slightly and stammered their thanks.
"There's no need to be shy. Since it's our first meeting, here are some gifts."
With a flick of his finger, four scrolls flew from his storage ring two high grade Earth level techniques and two advanced combat skills. Such treasures would spark intense competition in the outside world.
"Thank you, Ancestor Tianchen!"
Finally, Xiao Tianchen turned his gaze to Xiao Yi Xian. Sensing the fully formed poison core within her body, he smiled. "It seems Xiao Yan has resolved the issue with your Woeful Poison Body."
"Yes, sir. Upon reaching the Jia Ma Empire, Xiao Yan helped me overcome the Woeful Poison Body, though I must thank you as well for providing the necessary materials. Without them, the process wouldn't have gone so smoothly," Xiao Yi Xian said sweetly, bowing respectfully.
Xiao Tianchen waved her thanks away with a smile. "No need for formalities. You and I are connected by fate. Though we only met briefly in the past, you risked yourself to warn me of danger, which showed your kind heart. Kindness deserves to be repaid."
Xiao Yi Xian smiled modestly. "You flatter me, sir. With your strength, my warning was likely unnecessary."
"Regardless, your sincerity left an impression on me," Xiao Tianchen replied with a chuckle.
(End of Chapter)
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