Chapter 235: The Formidable Xiao Clan
"Haha, regardless of everything, your kindness brings me great comfort."
Inside Tianchen Manor's ninth floor, Xiao Tianchen smiled warmly at Xiao Yi Xian. Her face flushed with a soft pink hue. Despite her years as the "Poison Queen" in the Chu Yun Empire, her kind and gentle nature had remained unchanged.
Xiao Tianchen then turned his attention to Xiao Yan and asked with a smile, "Have you brought your older and second brothers to see your father yet?"
"Ancestor Tianchen, not yet. We came to greet you first. We planned to visit my father after this," Xiao Yan replied respectfully.
Seeing Xiao Yan's formal demeanor, Xiao Tianchen chuckled lightly and waved his hand. "Go see him. I'm sure your father misses you all greatly."
"Yes, I'll take my leave then." Xiao Yan bowed, and the group quickly departed, sensing Xiao Tianchen's wish for solitude.
No sooner had they left than Xiao Chun entered with several stewards of the Xiao Clan. They bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Clan Leader!"
Although Xiao Chun was an elder, he adhered to formalities in the presence of others.
"No need for such ceremony. Please, have a seat," Xiao Tianchen said, gesturing casually.
"Thank you, Clan Leader," Xiao Chun said as they all took their seats. He then presented a booklet from his storage ring, handing it over respectfully.
"Clan Leader, all preparations for the succession ceremony have been completed. Here is the schedule for your review."
Xiao Tianchen made a small motion with his left hand, and the booklet floated over. As he opened it, his lips curled into a smile.
After a moment, he nodded approvingly. "You've done well, Second Uncle. Everything looks in order proceed as planned. By the way, have the representatives from the Lei Clan, Yao Clan, Ancient Clan, and Void Ancient Dragon Clan arrived yet?"
Xiao Chun shook his head. "The Yao Clan representatives have arrived, but the others have not yet reached Tianwaitian. However, members of Danta, the Flower Sect, the Heavenly Nether Sect, Burning Flame Valley, Sound Valley, Ice River Valley, and the Four Pavilion Alliance have all arrived. Would you like to meet with them in advance?"
Xiao Tianchen raised an eyebrow. "Weren't some of these forces destroyed by the Hun Clan? How are they still around?"
Indeed, the Hun Clan's merciless crusade had left many of these first and second rate forces decimated.
Xiao Chun explained, **"Clan Leader, it's true they suffered heavy losses. However, some members of these factions managed to escape. After the Hun Clan's destruction, they returned to rebuild their sects.
While we only officially invited factions with Half Saint experts or higher, many others have arrived after hearing of the event through Tianji Tower's widespread announcement. Since they made the effort to come, I didn't turn them away and allowed them into Tianwaitian."**
Xiao Tianchen nodded thoughtfully. "Very well. Let them enjoy the occasion. The succession ceremony is a major event for the Dou Qi Continent. If they wish to join in the celebration, let them."
"I thought the same, Clan Leader. If you have no other instructions, we'll take our leave to continue preparations," Xiao Chun said.
"Second Uncle, your arrangements are perfect. I have no additional requests," Xiao Tianchen replied, smiling.
Before they left, he added, "Second Uncle, please send Qing'er to see me. I have something to discuss with him."
"Understood."
Shortly after Xiao Chun departed, Xiao Qing arrived, dressed in formal attire.
"Third Uncle!"
Seeing him, Xiao Tianchen felt a surge of pride. "Come, Qing'er. Have a seat."
"Yes, Third Uncle." Xiao Qing bowed respectfully before sitting across from Xiao Tianchen.
Pouring a cup of tea for him, Xiao Tianchen asked with a smile, "How are you feeling?"
Understanding the question referred to his impending role as Clan Leader, Xiao Qing hesitated before responding. **"Third Uncle, I once thought that being Clan Leader seemed straightforward, seeing how calm you always were. But over the past two days, I've realized the weight of this responsibility.
Even though I've helped manage clan affairs for years, knowing I'm about to take on the full mantle has shown me just how much pressure you've shouldered all these years. I'm worried about failing you and the clan."**
Hearing this, Xiao Tianchen laughed heartily, sipping his tea before replying. **"You're overthinking it, Qing'er. You're talented and capable, and I trust my judgment. With over 500,000 clan members, you were chosen not because of proximity to me but because you've proven your worth.
Remember, you have the support of the entire Xiao Clan behind you. This isn't a burden to bear alone trust in the family that stands with you."**
Xiao Qing nodded, a weight visibly lifted from his shoulders. "Thank you, Third Uncle. Your words ease my mind."
Xiao Tianchen smiled warmly. "Good. I wanted to speak with you before you officially take on the role. After you become Clan Leader, I will begin unraveling the seal left by Emperor Tuoshe. This process will take around ten years. During that time, govern boldly. Know that I will always have your back."
Xiao Qing's heart filled with determination as he nodded. "I understand, Third Uncle. I won't let you down."
"Haha, no matter what, your kindness always brings me comfort."
In Tianwaitian, inside Tianchen Manor's ninth floor, Xiao Tianchen's comment caused Xiao Yi Xian's cheeks to flush with embarrassment. Despite all her experiences, her genuine and kind nature remained unchanged.
Turning to Xiao Qing, Xiao Tianchen continued, "Once the Emperor's Source is acquired, I'll leave a portion for you. When you find a suitable successor within the clan, you can then seek your opportunity to break through to the Dou Di realm."
"Thank you, Third Uncle. Without your guidance over these years, I wouldn't be where I am today," Xiao Qing said gratefully.
"Haha, no need to thank me. If you must, thank yourself. You've earned it," Xiao Tianchen replied with a dismissive wave.
He had chosen Xiao Qing as his successor because he was capable and deserving. If Xiao Qing had been unworthy, even familial ties would not have secured him the position of clan leader.
"Alright, drink this tea and rest well. Tomorrow is your succession ceremony, and after that, the Xiao Clan will be in your hands," Xiao Tianchen said with a smile.
"Yes, Third Uncle!"
Xiao Qing drained his tea, bowed deeply, and took his leave.
As soon as Xiao Qing departed, Tian Luo entered, his face alight with amusement. "I never imagined how much your presence would change the balance of the Dou Qi Continent. Truly remarkable."
"You're here."
Xiao Tianchen wasn't surprised. He had sent Xiao Qing away because he had already sensed Tian Luo's arrival.
Looking at Tian Luo, who had removed his mask to reveal a face identical to his own, Xiao Tianchen felt a mix of emotions. Though Tian Luo was a split of his soul and shared his pre split memories, over a millennium had passed, and they had long become two distinct individuals.
"Time flies. A thousand years have passed in the blink of an eye. Now, with no opponents left on the Dou Qi Continent, how does it feel?" Tian Luo asked with a smile, helping himself to a cup of tea as he sat down.
Xiao Tianchen smiled faintly. "It's lonely at the top. More than anything, I feel fortunate. By the way, how was the trip to the Void Ancient Dragon Clan? What was Zhukun's attitude?"
At the mention of Zhukun, Tian Luo chuckled. "Zhukun was more perceptive than we thought. When he saw the situation, he accepted the terms without hesitation."
"That's not surprising. Zhukun's age and experience make him pragmatic. Leading the Void Ancient Dragon Clan to nearly eliminate the Tianhuang Clan wasn't a fluke."
As Xiao Tianchen spoke, a frown briefly crossed his face. Tian Luo noticed and asked with a grin, "Still worried about your disciple?"
"Yes. Ever since I brought Min'er back from the Void Ancient Dragon Clan, she's been in closed door training with Ling Yun. I suspect she's preparing to challenge Zhukun again," Xiao Tianchen admitted with a wry smile.
"You're overthinking it. At worst, let them fight it out. With Huang Lao and you watching, Zhukun won't dare go too far," Tian Luo said with a carefree laugh.
Xiao Tianchen shook his head, sighing. "You don't understand. Min'er might seem cheerful, but once she sets her mind on something, no one can dissuade her. Still, you're right I have time to figure it out, perhaps another 10 or 20 years."
"Whatever you decide. I'll enjoy watching the drama unfold," Tian Luo said nonchalantly.
Their conversation was interrupted when Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling arrived to join them. The group talked well into the night, their discussion ranging from the past millennium to the future of the Xiao Clan.
The following day, Tianwaitian was livelier than ever. The anticipation for the Xiao Clan's succession ceremony was palpable as the crowd gathered at the ceremonial plaza.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Explosions of fireworks lit up the sky, drawing the attention of all the major powers present. Suddenly, over 300 Xiao Clan Dou Sheng experts appeared, their powerful auras filling the air.
"Hiss "
Gu Yuan, Zhukun, Lei Ying, Yao Dan, and the others couldn't help but gasp. They had always known the Xiao Clan was strong, but this display of strength exceeded all expectations.
As they exchanged glances, their expressions betrayed shock and awe.
"The Xiao Clan has grown unprecedentedly powerful," Gu Yuan murmured.
"Good thing I surrendered early. If the Xiao Clan's army had come for us, my Void Ancient Dragon Clan would have been reduced to mere mounts," Zhukun thought to himself, feeling a mix of relief and resignation.
Lei Ying and Yao Dan were slightly more at ease, as they had always been allies of the Xiao Clan.
Then, dozens of high level Dou Shengs appeared, followed by figures radiating even greater power: Tian Luo, Huang Jiuji, Mu Ling, and Xiao Xuan, all Nine Star Dou Shengs.
The sheer might of the Xiao Clan left the spectators shivering. The combined forces of the entire Dou Qi Continent wouldn't stand a chance against them.
Finally, Xiao Chun stepped forward, his voice loud and clear. **"I am Xiao Chun, Grand Elder of the Xiao Clan. On behalf of the Xiao Clan, I thank you all for coming to witness this momentous occasion: the succession of our next Clan Leader.
A millennium ago, our clan faced near extinction. Before his fall, Clan Leader Xiao Xuan passed the mantle to our current leader, Xiao Tianchen. Under his leadership, our clan rose from the ashes, growing stronger with each passing day.
It was under Clan Leader Xiao Tianchen that we annihilated the Hun Clan and the Yan Clan, cementing the Xiao Clan's dominance. Today, we stand unrivaled across the Dou Qi Continent. For this, we owe everything to our Clan Leader Xiao Tianchen!"**
As Xiao Chun's words echoed, Gu Yuan and the others looked grim but said nothing. They knew every word was true.
Suddenly, the Xiao Clan's younger generation erupted into cheers:
"Long live our Clan Leader!"
"Our Clan Leader is invincible!"
"Our Clan Leader is the greatest under the heavens!"
The sheer fervor of their voices left the spectators in awe.
Xiao Chun raised his hand, quieting the crowd. **"Clan Leader Xiao Tianchen's contributions will forever be remembered by the Xiao Clan. However, he has decided to pass on the mantle, believing that each era should have its own leader.
Today, we welcome our next Clan Leader, Xiao Qing! Let us invite Clan Leader Xiao Tianchen and our new Clan Leader Xiao Qing to the stage!"**
(End of Chapter)
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