Chapter 286: Leaving the Dou Qi Continent
"Uncle Xiao and the others are doing well. Even though you left without saying a word, the Xiao Clan did not punish them. When I visited Tianwaitian to ask Uncle Tiance about your whereabouts, I sensed their condition they're all fine," Gu Xun'er explained softly.
In the back hills of the Xiao Clan in Wu Tan City, Jia Ma Empire, Xiao Yan let out a sigh of relief.
Hearing Gu Xun'er's words, the worry he had carried in his heart for years dissipated.
"That's good to hear. I was worried that my disappearance would cause trouble for my father and the others, that they'd be blamed by the clan," Xiao Yan said with a smile.
"Don't worry. The Xiao Clan is an imperial clan, after all. Even for the sake of appearances, they wouldn't do anything to Uncle Xiao," Gu Xun'er reassured him.
"By the way, Brother Xiao Yan, what are your plans for the next five years?"
**"What else could I plan? I'll focus on improving my strength.
Although I've lost the chance to become a Dou Di, I can still aim to reach the peak of Nine Star Dou Sheng.
With five years, I believe I'll have enough time to achieve that,"** Xiao Yan said confidently.
Gu Xun'er shook her head, her tone soft yet serious.
**"That's not what I meant.
What about Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lin, and your two children?
You can't avoid arranging things for them, and surely you need to visit Uncle Xiao and your family before you leave the Dou Qi Continent, right?"**
Xiao Yan nodded, his expression firm.
**"I'll definitely visit my father and the others before I leave.
As for Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lin, and the children, I'll make sure they're well taken care of before I go.
But I won't return to Tianwaitian.
Since the day I left, I vowed I wouldn't set foot there again until I repaid the Xiao Clan for the resources they provided me.
According to Uncle Tiance, I've only taken from the Xiao Clan without giving anything back.
Until I repay that debt, I won't return."**
Hearing this, Gu Xun'er sighed inwardly but nodded.
"Alright. If you're not going back, I'll stay with you in Qingshan Town for these few years."
"You're staying here?" Xiao Yan asked, surprised.
He knew Gu Xun'er loved him deeply, a fact that filled him with pride and joy. But now that she was a Dou Di, wouldn't her absence drive the Gu Clan to panic?
Gu Xun'er nodded firmly.
**"Yes, Brother Xiao Yan. For these few years, I won't go anywhere. I'll stay by your side.
I've already fulfilled my duty to the Gu Clan.
When I ascended to Dou Di and helped awaken the Dou Di bloodline for other members of the clan, my mission was complete."**
Her words were resolute.
Even if she returned to the Gu Clan, her status as a Dou Di meant they would either revere her to the point of suffocation or politicize her return.
Moreover, with the Xiao Clan now boasting four Dou Dis Xiao Tiance, Xiao Xuan, Mu Ling, and Huang Min the Gu Clan had no room to assert dominance. Her presence or absence would make little difference.
Xiao Yan gazed at her for a moment, then nodded with a soft smile.
"Alright, Xun'er. Stay by my side."
Meanwhile, in Tianwaitian
Far away, in the Tianmu Mountains of Tianwaitian, Xiao Tiance observed their conversation through a spiritual screen.
After hearing Xiao Yan's steadfast resolve, he raised an eyebrow and murmured to himself:
**"So, he's grown a spine after all.
Fine. If you're so determined, let's see how you a mere Dou Sheng intend to reach the Great Thousand World."**
With a wave of his hand, the spiritual screen dissipated, and Xiao Tiance sent out messages to Xiao Xuan and the others.
Not long after, the ninth floor of the Tiance Pavilion was filled with people.
Xiao Tiance sat at the head, with Xiao Xuan, Huang Min, and Mu Ling on his right, while Huang Jiuji and the others sat on his left.
"I've gathered you all here today to discuss the opening of the pathway to the Great Thousand World," Xiao Tiance began calmly.
"From now on, we must prepare for this journey."
The room buzzed with excitement.
For those ready to leave the Dou Qi Continent, the thought of exploring the Great Thousand World filled them with anticipation.
"Finally, we're leaving the Dou Qi Continent!"
"I've long wanted to see the wonders of the Great Thousand World!"
Xiao Tiance raised a hand, silencing the room.
**"Don't get ahead of yourselves.
Before we can step into the Great Thousand World, we'll face three significant challenges.
First, the Void Storms within the spatial passage.
These storms are powerful enough to harm even Dou Di bodies.
Before opening the passage, I'll need to craft protective spiritual arrays for everyone.
Second, though we'll enter the passage together, the Void Storms may scatter us upon arrival in the Great Thousand World.
This means we may not end up in the same place.
Finally and this is the most dangerous part when we arrive in the Great Thousand World, we'll need to convert our Dou Qi into spiritual energy.
During this process, our strength will plummet, leaving us vulnerable to predatory factions.
At that time, we could face enslavement or imprisonment."**
The room grew tense as everyone absorbed his words.
Xiao Tiance's lips curled into a slight smile.
**"But don't worry. I've prepared countermeasures.
I can guarantee everyone's safe passage to the Great Thousand World, but once there, you'll need to fend for yourselves."**
"Understood!" the group responded in unison, their determination evident.
Xiao Tiance then turned to Xiao Qing and Ya Fei.
**"Qing'er, Ya Fei, the Xiao Clan will be in your hands once we leave.
As for the Lady Emperor, she'll be leaving with us. You won't need to worry about her posing a threat to you."**
The moment Xiao Qing finished speaking, he respectfully cupped his hands and said, **"Third Uncle, rest assured. Even if she doesn't leave, I have ways to handle her. With the Grandmaster level spirit array you left behind, even a Dou Di wouldn't be able to escape if caught.
Moreover, I still hold a portion of the Emperor's Source within me. In the event of a dire emergency, I can quickly ascend to Dou Di and hold my ground."**
"That's right. Xiao Qing speaks the truth. Please don't worry, Third Uncle," Ya Fei added, also bowing respectfully.
Over the years, Ya Fei had gained considerable respect and influence within the clan. Her fair and just demeanor had won the loyalty of all branches of the Xiao Clan.
Additionally, a year ago, Ya Fei gave birth to a son for Xiao Qing. Though it was too early to discern his cultivation talent, testing revealed that the child possessed exceptionally concentrated Dou Di bloodline. Upon birth, his strength was already at the pinnacle of Dou Huang.
If not for restrictions preventing him from training due to his young age, the child might have already advanced to Dou Zong or even Dou Zun.
As for Gu Yue, ever since Ya Fei assumed her role as the Xiao Clan's matriarch, Xiao Qing had arranged for a palace to be built for her in the center of the Tianmu Mountain Range. Guarded by powerful protectors, Gu Yue had seemingly accepted her fate, settling into this life without resistance.
Sitting in the main seat, Xiao Tiance nodded with satisfaction. He had great confidence in the two of them.
Although Xiao Qing's strength had not yet reached Dou Di and remained at the Half Emperor stage, he knew that once Xiao Qing decided to break through, it would only take a few months for him to succeed. Xiao Qing was, after all, a vital trump card for the Xiao Clan.
**"Very well, this matter doesn't worry me.
Still, after we leave, the clan's high level combat strength will be significantly reduced. Qing'er, before our departure, make sure you have strategies in place to deal with any worst case scenarios. Plan as if the entire continent were our enemy ensure the Xiao Clan can withstand any attack."**
Xiao Tiance's reminder carried weight. Although no one dared make a move while he and the other Dou Dis remained, their departure would undoubtedly spark covetous eyes toward the Emperor's Source left behind. Precautions were imperative.
"Yes, Third Uncle, I understand." Xiao Qing bowed deeply.
Satisfied, Xiao Tiance turned toward Huang Jiuji and said warmly, "Old Huang, when we leave, Min'er and Ling Yun will accompany me. During this time, I'll have to rely on you to watch over the Xiao Clan and Beast Domain."
Huang Jiuji immediately replied, "Rest assured, Lord Tiance. As long as I draw breath, I will ensure the safety of the Xiao Clan and the Beast Domain."
The Beast Domain had become a critical resource for the Xiao Clan, supplying rare materials and treasures. It was crucial to maintain stability there.
And with Huang Jiuji's formidable presence, there would be little cause for concern. Even when facing Zhu Kun one on one, Huang Jiuji could hold his own perhaps not guaranteed victory, but certainly no defeat. His vast experience and role as Xiao Qing's teacher ensured solid support.
"Then I'll leave it in your hands," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
"It's no trouble at all," Huang Jiuji replied humbly.
Although he hadn't witnessed the Tianhuang Clan's revival on the Dou Qi Continent, his hopes lay with Huang Min and Ling Yun. If they could return to the Tianhuang Clan's ancestral land in the Great Thousand World, he would have no regrets.
Xiao Tiance then turned to the worried Xiao Chun and teased him, "Second Uncle, are you concerned about Tianming's safety?"
Xiao Chun didn't reply but nodded silently, his worry evident.
Seeing this, Xiao Tiance glanced at Xiao Tianming, who seemed obliviously excited, and teased further, "If you're so worried, why not keep Tianming here on the Dou Qi Continent? After all, he still hasn't fulfilled your expectations for him, has he?"
"Don't! Brother Ce, we agreed not to bring that up!" Xiao Tianming protested anxiously, his expression flustered.
The "expectation" of producing heirs clearly still weighed heavily on him.
The room erupted in laughter, leaving Xiao Tianming wearing a betrayed, aggrieved look.
"Tiance, as long as you're watching over Tianming, I have nothing to worry about," Xiao Chun said, chuckling. Although he wished his son wouldn't take such risks, he ultimately decided to let him go and gain some life experience.
"Don't worry, Second Uncle. As long as I'm around, nothing will happen to Tianming," Xiao Tiance assured him.
After finalizing their assignments, the group dispersed, leaving Xiao Tiance to begin crafting new spirit array jade pendants.
The Void Storms within the spatial passage were no joke; a single misstep could spell death, even for Dou Di powerhouses.
Having explored the area in advance, Xiao Tiance knew the dangers well. Though he hadn't opened the spatial passage, Ling'er had sensed traces of the Emperor's Source, hinting at the fall of a Dou Di. His cautious approach was justified.
Five Years Later
In the blink of an eye, five years passed.
Xiao Tiance stood before a group of individuals: Xiao Xuan, Mu Ling, Huang Min, Ling Yun, Tian Luo, Xiao Tianming, Medusa, Zi Yan, Gu Xun'er, and Xiao Huaien.
Among them, the weakest was Zi Yan, who, after obtaining the Dragon Phoenix Essence Fruit in the Ancient Secret Realm, had reached the Seven Star Dou Sheng peak.
Xiao Tianming was now at the mid Eight Star Dou Sheng stage, and Xiao Huaien at late Nine Star Dou Sheng.
With a flick of his wrist, Xiao Tiance distributed jade pendants engraved with Grandmaster level spirit arrays to each person.
**"Each of you gets two pendants.
One is for protection against the Void Storms in the spatial passage.
The other is to aid you in transforming your Dou Qi into spiritual energy when you reach the Great Thousand World.
I can't guarantee the second pendant will work perfectly it will depend on your luck."**
After distributing the pendants, Xiao Tiance spoke solemnly:
"Now that everyone is ready, I will open the spatial passage. Let's hope for a smooth journey."
With that, he raised his hand and delivered a powerful strike toward the sky.
The force of his blow was awe inspiring, leaving even the Dou Dis among them feeling uneasy.
"Boom!"
In an instant, the sky split open, revealing a rift. A fierce gale erupted, spreading across the surroundings.
Undeterred, Xiao Tiance unleashed another strike, expanding the rift into a hundred meter wide circular portal.
Within the portal lay nothing but darkness, but soon, a radiant light pierced through.
Turning to the group, Xiao Tiance declared loudly:
"The time has come. Let's go!"
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