Chapter 506: Kindred Spirits of Madness
"Haha, the male and female protagonists of the Great Ruler world have been born. It looks like it's my turn to step up."
At White Jade Capital, within the Heavenly Strategy Pavilion, Xiao Tiance spoke with a hint of amusement as he gazed out at the clear blue sky.
"Ling'er, my two avatars have already reached the peak of the Saint Grade Heavenly Sovereign realm. If I merge them with my main body, my overall strength will likely reach the Half Step Ruler realm. Based on your assessment, if we actively seek out the Plane Embryo of the Great Thousand World and a conflict arises, will we be able to leave safely?" Xiao Tiance asked inwardly.
Moments later, Ling'er flew out from within him, her small and delicate figure perched lightly on his shoulder. Her beautiful, doll like face was filled with worry.
"Master, based on what I've sensed of the Plane Embryo, it can no longer kill us outright. However, like me, it is a Plane Embryo. The temptation I represent to it is the same as the temptation it represents to me.
If we meet, the instinct to devour each other and grow stronger will be nearly impossible to resist. That's why I fear it may attack us with everything it has." Ling'er's tone was thoughtful, yet heavy with concern.
Xiao Tiance frowned slightly, his gaze pensive. After a moment of silence, he chuckled wryly. Ling'er's concerns highlighted the choice they now faced.
The Risks
The Plane Embryo of the Great Thousand World was likely as powerful as a Half Step Ruler. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to suppress the Heavenly Evil God during his invasion. The Evil God had no choice but to feign submission, allowing himself to be sealed by the Immortal Emperor for 49,000 years to remove the Plane Embryo's rejection of his existence.
Similarly, Xiao Tiance, not being a native of the Great Thousand World, could reasonably expect rejection from the Plane Embryo as well.
But there was an even more critical concern. Ling'er, who resided within Xiao Tiance, was also a Plane Embryo. If the Great Thousand World's Plane Embryo sensed her presence, it would instinctively view her as both a threat and a source of sustenance.
Finally, Xiao Tiance's ultimate goal was to convince the Plane Embryo to lend him its Source Power so that he could ascend to the Ruler realm. But this was akin to asking someone to hand over their life force a deeply personal and vulnerable request. Without trust, who would agree to such a thing?
"It seems that if we want the Plane Embryo's help, we'll likely have to fight it first," Xiao Tiance murmured after a long pause, letting out a quiet sigh.
Ling'er nodded solemnly. "Yes, Master. If you intend to borrow its Source Power for your enlightenment, a battle is almost inevitable.
However, there's an even greater concern. If we fail to subdue or if I fail to absorb it, the Plane Embryo will undoubtedly expel us from the Great Thousand World. Being exiled would be catastrophic, especially with the Evil God's seal nearing its breaking point."
The Stakes
Xiao Tiance understood Ling'er's fears. Without his presence, the Great Thousand World might fall to the invading Extraterrestrial Demons.
Currently, he was the only one who could hold back the Saint Demon Emperor. Even if Xiao Yan and Lin Dong both legendary figures of the Great Ruler teamed up, they could at best manage a draw against the Saint Demon Emperor.
The truth was grim. The extraterrestrial demons had over thirty top tier Heavenly Demon Emperors. Even with Xiao Tiance, the Great Thousand World was barely holding its ground. Without him, defeat was all but certain.
After another moment of contemplation, Xiao Tiance's expression grew resolute.
"Ling'er, no matter the risks, we must meet with the Plane Embryo of the Great Thousand World."
Ling'er's adorable face lit up with determination. "If that's your decision, Master, Ling'er will support you wholeheartedly."
Xiao Tiance couldn't help but smile as he reached out to pat her head. Then, he sent a message to Xiao Xuan.
A Meeting of Titans
Moments later, a figure materialized before him it was none other than Xiao Xuan.
"Brother Xuan," Xiao Tiance greeted warmly.
As his gaze swept over Xiao Xuan, he suddenly broke into a grin. "Haha! I didn't expect you to break through to the late stage of the Saint Grade Heavenly Sovereign realm. Congratulations!"
Xiao Xuan chuckled heartily. "Haha, it's all thanks to you. Without the pills you gave me, I'd have needed decades more to reach this stage."
Currently, White Jade Capital boasted three late stage Saint Grade Heavenly Sovereigns: Xiao Tiance, Xiao Huai'en, and now Xiao Xuan. This trio firmly established White Jade Capital as the most powerful faction, surpassing even the Five Ancient Clans.
As the two sat down, Xiao Tiance reminisced, "Time flies, doesn't it? I still remember when you were determined to restore the Xiao Clan's Dou Emperor bloodline, even though it seemed impossible without Origin Qi."
A shadow of regret crossed Xiao Xuan's face as he nodded. "Back then, I made many foolish decisions. My actions caused immense suffering for our clan, and I've carried that guilt ever since.
But you… you shouldered the burden of revitalizing the Xiao Clan. You found a way to restore the Dou Emperor bloodline and even brought back Origin Qi, allowing me to break through to the Dou Emperor realm.
When we arrived in the Great Thousand World, you bore the brunt of every danger. Now that I've finally caught up to you, I hope I can share some of that burden."
Xiao Tiance smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. "Brother Xuan, the Xiao Clan wouldn't be where it is today without you. And as for catching up to me, you've always been an inspiration to our people."
To Face the Plane Embryo
Their conversation soon turned serious as Xiao Tiance explained his plan to confront the Great Thousand World's Plane Embryo. Xiao Xuan listened intently, his expression grave.
"Are you certain about this? If something goes wrong…" Xiao Xuan's voice trailed off.
"I'm certain," Xiao Tiance replied firmly. "It's a risk we must take for the Xiao Clan and for the Great Thousand World."
Xiao Xuan met his gaze and nodded resolutely. "Then count me in. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."
"Thank you, Brother Xuan." Xiao Tiance's smile returned as he prepared for the challenges ahead.
Together, they would face the unknown, driven by a shared determination to protect the Great Thousand World from the storm looming on the horizon.
"If anyone in the Xiao Clan wants to help Xiao Tiance the most, it's none other than Xiao Xuan himself."
This was why Xiao Xuan, over the years, had devoted himself to training in seclusion or battling the Extraterrestrial Demons at the Execution Immortal City battlefield. Several times, he returned with severe injuries, all in an effort to lighten Xiao Tiance's burdens.
Now that he had broken through to the late stage of the Saint Grade Heavenly Sovereign realm, Xiao Xuan could finally breathe a sigh of relief. He felt that, at last, he could offer meaningful support to his younger cousin.
Seeing the mix of relief and complexity on Xiao Xuan's face, Xiao Tiance chuckled and said, **"Brother Xuan, why say such things? Back then, you were willing to gamble your life for the Xiao Clan's future. As a fellow clansman, it was only natural for me to bear the corresponding responsibilities.
That said, life has its cycles. In the past, I urged you not to act impulsively. But today, it seems that the time has come for you to persuade me instead."**
The moment Xiao Tiance said this, Xiao Xuan stood up abruptly, his eyes sharp as he looked at Xiao Tiance and asked, "Tiance, are you saying that… you're preparing to aim for a higher realm?"
"Haha," Xiao Tiance nodded with a smile. **"That's correct. To be precise, I'm preparing to break through to the Ruler realm.
But just as you had no certainty when attempting to ascend to the Dou Emperor realm, I, too, lack full confidence in my success.
Furthermore, if I fail, I may be expelled from the Great Thousand World by its Plane Embryo. If that happens, I might not be able to help you all should the Extraterrestrial Demons launch a massive invasion."**
Xiao Xuan's Concern
Hearing this, Xiao Xuan fell silent for a moment before speaking, his tone steady but firm:
**"Back then, I acted out of obsession, knowing full well that my chances of ascending to the Dou Emperor realm without Origin Qi were slim. I pressed on despite knowing it was impossible because, to me, it was an act of courage.
Even if the Xiao Clan lost me, it still had you to hold it together. That's why I made my decision so resolutely.
But today, the situation is different, Tiance. Now, you are the strongest in the Great Thousand World. You've even defeated the Old Ancestor of the Maha Ancient Clan, and not even the Saint Demon Emperor of the Extraterrestrial Demons can match you.
So why take the risk of ascending to the Ruler realm? There's no need to gamble everything on such a dangerous move."**
Xiao Xuan's expression grew serious as he stared intently at Xiao Tiance. **"Tiance, think this through carefully.
On a grand scale, the Great Thousand World cannot afford to lose you.
On a smaller scale, White Jade Capital, our Xiao Clan, Medusa, Yingying, Shengping, and An'an all need you to protect them. There's no need for such haste. If you fail, as you said, and the Extraterrestrial Demons invade, how will we resist them?"**
Xiao Tiance's Resolve
Xiao Tiance listened quietly as Xiao Xuan spoke, his expression thoughtful. After a moment, he gestured for Xiao Xuan to sit and began to explain, **"Brother Xuan, I've given this a great deal of thought before making this decision.
Yes, the Extraterrestrial Demons are powerful, but they are not unbeatable.
However, have you forgotten the Heavenly Evil God sealed in the Land of Ten Thousand Graves?
Based on my calculations, he will break free in a century at most, perhaps even in a few decades.
When I sensed his aura in the Land of Ten Thousand Graves, it was already at the Half Step Ruler realm. Once he breaks free, the entire Great Thousand World will be plunged into unending darkness.
With my current strength, the best I can do against him is sacrifice my life to seal him away for a few hundred more years.
That's why, Brother Xuan, I hope you can support my decision to attempt the Ruler realm, just as I supported you when you sought the Dou Emperor realm."**
Xiao Tiance's tone was steady but filled with determination.
**"Even if I fail, I will not truly fall. White Jade Capital has you and Huai'en, both late stage Saint Grade Heavenly Sovereigns. It will remain secure.
But if I succeed, the looming threat of the Extraterrestrial Demons will be eradicated once and for all.
We will no longer need to worry about their armies descending upon us or fear endless wars and slaughter.
So today, I'm asking you, Brother Xuan, to help hold White Jade Capital together in my absence, just as I once cared for the Xiao Clan after your fall."**
Xiao Xuan's Reflection
Xiao Xuan fell silent, deep in thought.
He remembered how Xiao Tiance had supported him unconditionally when he chose to risk everything for the Dou Emperor realm, even though the odds were slim.
He also knew Xiao Tiance well once he made up his mind, nothing could dissuade him.
After a long while, Xiao Xuan let out a heavy sigh and said with a bitter smile, **"Tiance, while I'm honored that you trust me enough to leave everything in my hands during such a critical time, I wish you had never told me about this plan.
I know you aren't a reckless person. You always weigh the risks and rewards before acting.
To be honest, I once thought you were overly cautious, even indecisive. But hearing your words today, I finally understand that, deep down, we're the same.
We're both equally mad, equally responsible, and equally willing to give everything for what we want to protect."**
Xiao Tiance laughed heartily. **"Well said, Brother Xuan! Yes, we're both mad and proud.
Back then, you trusted me enough to entrust me with your legacy. Now, I trust you enough to do the same."**
Xiao Xuan smiled wryly. **"Yes, we're madmen. I know I can't stop you now that you've made up your mind.
But before you leave to challenge the Ruler realm, make sure to spend time with Medusa and your three children. They need you just as much as we do."**
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