Chapter 293: The Tian Cang Continent's Three Great Powers
The Northern Tian Cang Region Tianlan Sect
Located in the eastern part of the Northern Tian Cang Region, the Tianlan Sect governs over a territory with a population exceeding one billion. It is considered one of the most prominent powers in the Northern Tian Cang Region.
However, the atmosphere within the Tianlan Sect today was unusually tense. Uncertainty loomed would their sect survive or face annihilation?
The Great Hall of Tianlan Sect
In the grand hall, Bai Lan, the sect master, read the message delivered by Elder Wuyun. His brows furrowed deeply, and a trace of unspeakable fear flashed across his face.
Even the most powerful figures in the Northern Tian Cang Region were only at the early stages of the Transformation Heaven Realm. Yet now, a mysterious figure, whose strength was at least at the Three Minor Challenges of Supremacy, had appeared out of nowhere.
This unforeseen variable left Bai Lan deeply unsettled.
Conversation Between Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu
Chu Jiaoyu, the vice sect master and Bai Lan's wife, noticed his unease. Gently, she asked:
"Lan ge, are you worried?"
Though she was concerned about the sect's survival, Chu Jiaoyu dared not show it.
Her influence within the sect was significant. Bai Lan owed his rise to the position of sect master to her support, and many disciples and elders held her in higher regard than Bai Lan.
Bai Lan sighed heavily and replied:
**"Jiaoyu, you know what it means when a powerhouse of at least the Three Minor Challenges of Supremacy suddenly appears in the Northern Tian Cang Region.
"Even with the backing of our patron sect, we wouldn't stand a chance if such a figure were to unleash their wrath. The entire Tianlan Sect could be destroyed before reinforcements arrive."**
Chu Jiaoyu nodded but reassured him:
**"Lan ge, I understand your concerns, but there's no need to panic. While we lack the strength to defeat such a person, our goal should be to delay them.
"In the worst case scenario, we can seek assistance from my father. A powerhouse at the Three Minor Challenges of Supremacy is formidable, but they're not insurmountable.
"Besides, this individual hasn't harmed Elder Wuyun or his group, which suggests they're not bloodthirsty. If necessary, we can offer them whatever they desire.
"And if we can recruit them into the Tianlan Sect, Lan ge, your dream of uniting the Northern Tian Cang Region wouldn't just be a fantasy it would become a reality."**
Hearing her words, a spark of hope lit up in Bai Lan's eyes. However, before he could respond, a loud humming sound echoed from outside the hall.
"He's here!" Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu rose quickly and headed toward the transmission array.
Xiao Tiance Arrives at the Tianlan Sect
Xiao Tiance stepped out of the transmission array. Immediately, his vast spiritual power swept across the entire Tianlan Sect. In moments, he had a clear understanding of their overall strength.
"How disappointing," Xiao Tiance thought. "Not even one Transformation Heaven cultivator. What a letdown."
Elder Wuyun, noticing Xiao Tiance pause, hurriedly approached and bowed respectfully.
"This way, my lord," he said.
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly and nodded, following Wuyun toward the sect's grand hall.
Meeting Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu
At the grand hall, Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu stood at the top of the staircase, smiling warmly. However, it was unclear whether their smiles reflected genuine delight or masked apprehension.
Wuyun introduced them quickly:
"My lord, these are Bai Lan, the sect master of Tianlan Sect, and Chu Jiaoyu, the vice sect master."
The two bowed deeply, saying:
"Sect Master Bai Lan and Vice Sect Master Chu Jiaoyu greet the lord."
Xiao Tiance's gaze lingered on them, and their hearts quaked in fear.
Despite his youthful appearance, the pressure emanating from him was far greater than even Chu Jiaoyu's father, a mid stage First Rank Supreme. To Xiao Tiance, they felt like ants creatures he could crush effortlessly.
Although they did not sense killing intent, his demeanor suggested that his life of dominance had bred a natural air of supremacy.
Xiao Tiance's Intentions
Xiao Tiance finally spoke, his tone calm but commanding:
"No need for formalities. I've just arrived in the Northern Tian Cang Region and have many questions I'd like answered."
Hearing this, Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu both sighed in relief. As long as Xiao Tiance wasn't here with malicious intent, they could provide him with the information he sought.
Bai Lan quickly replied:
"Of course, my lord. Please, come inside, and we'll discuss everything in detail."
In the Grand Hall
Once seated in the grand hall, Xiao Tiance occupied the primary seat. Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu sat to his left, while Elder Wuyun took a seat to his right.
Wuyun immediately explained:
**"Sect Master, Vice Sect Master, this lord entered the Soul Eating Forest by chance.
"Unfortunately, the Soul Eating Trees attacked him, which angered the lord. In response, he destroyed the entire forest. By the time we arrived, it had already been reduced to ashes.
"The fault lies with me for not guarding the forest earlier. Please punish me as you see fit."**
Hearing this, Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu were stunned. They realized how fortunate they were not to have offended this mysterious individual earlier.
The Soul Eating Forest was notorious for its near impenetrable defenses. Even a Transformation Heaven cultivator would struggle to destroy a single tree. Yet Xiao Tiance had eradicated the entire forest effortlessly.
Bai Lan's Response
Bai Lan forced a smile and said respectfully:
"It's of no consequence. The Soul Eating Forest is merely a minor resource for our sect. As long as the lord does not hold the trees' actions against us, their destruction is unimportant."
In the grand hall of the Tianlan Sect, Bai Lan's expression remained composed despite the turmoil in his heart. Though the destruction of the Soul Eating Forest was a devastating blow to the sect, he feigned magnanimity as he addressed Xiao Tiance respectfully:
"May I ask the esteemed gentleman's name?"
The Soul Eating Forest was an invaluable resource for the Tianlan Sect. Over the years, it had allowed them to capture numerous spirit beast souls, enabling many disciples to reach the Spirit Soul Realm by merging with these essences. This had bolstered their reputation as the faction with the most Spirit Soul Realm cultivators in the Northern Tian Cang Region.
Yet, compared to the crisis threatening their survival, the loss of the forest was insignificant. Bai Lan's willingness to let it go reflected his understanding of the greater threat at hand.
Xiao Tiance Introduces Himself
Xiao Tiance responded calmly:
"This seat is Xiao Tiance. I am not from this continent."
The name "Tiance" rang unfamiliar to Bai Lan, Chu Jiaoyu, and Wuyun. This confirmed to them that Xiao Tiance was truthful.
Though they had no knowledge of him, their respect for his power remained undiminished. The vastness of the Great Thousand World meant there were countless mighty individuals unknown to them.
Bai Lan Explains the Continent's Situation
Xiao Tiance gestured for Bai Lan to relax and requested:
"No need for formalities, Sect Master Bai. Why not tell me about this continent's situation?"
Bai Lan quickly bowed and began:
**"Of course, Lord Tiance.
"This land is called the Tian Cang Continent, located in the southeastern part of the Great Thousand World. It is ruled by the Tianqiong Academy, whose dean is a Lower Earth Supreme expert.
"Aside from the Tianqiong Academy, there are two other top tier forces: the Tianluo Hall and Lingjian Mountain. Both are led by Nine Grade Supremes.
"As for the Northern Tian Cang Region, where we are located, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Lingqiong Academy, which is a subordinate force of Tianqiong Academy.
"The dean of Lingqiong Academy, an Outer Sect Elder of Tianqiong Academy, is a Five Grade Supreme. Under him are several other Supreme experts stationed to oversee the region.
"However, with the dean of Tianqiong Academy in seclusion for many years, Lingjian Mountain and Tianluo Hall have risen in power, often clashing with the academy. If the dean does not emerge soon, I fear the entire Tian Cang Continent may fall under the control of Lingjian Mountain and Tianluo Hall."**
Xiao Tiance's Calm Response
Despite Bai Lan's grave tone, Xiao Tiance's expression remained impassive. This left Bai Lan in awe.
For someone like Bai Lan, a Supreme was already a rare and revered figure, and an Earth Supreme was practically an overlord of the continent. Such power was enough to dominate freely as long as they didn't provoke the true titans of the Great Thousand World.
Yet Xiao Tiance's composure suggested he had encountered far more extraordinary individuals in his time.
Further Explanation from Bai Lan
Realizing this, Bai Lan continued with even greater respect:
**"As for the Northern Tian Cang Region, besides our Tianlan Sect, there are two other factions capable of rivaling us.
"But for someone of your caliber, Lord Tiance, resolving such trivial matters would require no more than the flick of a finger. Such concerns would surely not trouble you."**
Xiao Tiance waved his hand, signaling Bai Lan to stop the flattery. A thought crossed his mind how could someone like Bai Lan, whose strength wasn't even at the Transformation Heaven Realm, possess such detailed knowledge about the continent?
Xiao Tiance Inquires Further
"Sect Master Bai, how do you know so much about the Tian Cang Continent, including Tianqiong Academy and the friction with Lingjian Mountain and Tianluo Hall?"
Bai Lan chuckled bitterly, glancing at Chu Jiaoyu. With a bow, he explained:
"Lord Tiance, my wife, Chu Jiaoyu, is the youngest daughter of Chu Changhe, an Inner Sect Elder of Lingqiong Academy. It is through her connections that I have access to this information."
Xiao Tiance's eyes briefly lingered on Chu Jiaoyu. Her aura indeed carried a noble air that matched such a background. Still, he couldn't help but wonder why a Supreme Realm elder's daughter would marry someone as weak as Bai Lan.
Shrugging off the thought, he nodded and said:
**"Sect Master Bai, you are fortunate indeed.
"I now have a general understanding of the Tian Cang Continent. There is another matter I need your assistance with."**
Xiao Tiance Makes a Request
Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu immediately bowed and replied in unison:
"Please, Lord Tiance. There is no need to call it a request. Anything within our power, we will do without hesitation."
Xiao Tiance gestured for them to rise and spoke:
"It's nothing too troublesome. I'd like you to gather information on any significant events, interesting occurrences, or notable individuals on the Tian Cang Continent recently. That is all."
Although puzzled by the request, Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu dared not question him. Information gathering was a trivial task, especially with the connections of Lingqiong Academy and Chu Jiaoyu's father.
The Sect Leaders Agree
Bai Lan bowed deeply.
"Rest assured, Lord Tiance, we will see to it immediately."
Chu Jiaoyu added:
"My father's influence in the Tian Cang Continent is considerable. With his help, this task will be completed quickly."
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly.
**"Thank you, Sect Master Bai and Vice Sect Master Chu. I appreciate it.
"In the meantime, I will remain in the Tianlan Sect to recover my strength. Please arrange for a quiet residence. Once I have regained my power, I will repay your assistance generously."**
The Leaders' Swift Response
Hearing this, Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu responded enthusiastically:
"Of course, Lord Tiance! We will arrange everything immediately."
Bai Lan continued:
"Lord Tiance, we have a secluded courtyard in the rear mountain, off limits to disciples. You may rest there without disturbance. Any information we uncover will be personally delivered to you."
Xiao Tiance nodded approvingly, standing to follow them to his new residence.
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