"So this is spiritual energy... it really is far superior to Dou Qi." As Xiao Yan felt the new energy within his body, he couldn't help but feel a touch of surprise. It seemed the Spirit of the Ancestral Stone hadn't deceived him—this so-called spiritual energy was indeed far more refined and potent than the Dou Qi he had cultivated in the past.
After exiting his cultivation state, Xiao Yan turned to look at Qing Tan beside him. He had been a little worried she might run into the same issues he had during the transition, but to his surprise, she had managed to convert her elemental force into spiritual energy all on her own. Judging from the aura around her, she had even broken through to the Sovereign level—this truly caught Xiao Yan off guard.
"Impressive. To complete spiritual energy assimilation by yourself... a fine talent." Just as Xiao Yan was marveling at Qing Tan's improvement, a calm voice suddenly rang out behind him. Though the voice was plain and unassuming, Xiao Yan's pupils shrank slightly, and his body instinctively tensed up.
He turned sharply—and saw a middle-aged man standing less than twenty zhang away. Xiao Yan's hand moved subtly to grip the hilt of the Heavy Xuan Ruler. Anyone who could appear behind him without being noticed had to possess strength far beyond his own. If this man was an enemy, it would be troublesome.
"No need to be nervous, little one. I mean you no harm." The man smiled as he spoke, unaffected by Xiao Yan's guarded demeanor. Although he released no overt killing intent, Xiao Yan could clearly sense an extreme danger radiating from him.
"Who are you?" Xiao Yan asked cautiously. Countless thoughts raced through his mind. If a fight broke out, even the Eternal Flame and the Everlasting Ruler might not be enough. He had other cards to play—like Calamity of All Life—but aside from his battle with the Evil Demon Emperor, he had never clashed with an opponent of his own level. He wasn't sure if it would work here.
"I am Tianhuang, Patriarch of the Nine Nether Bird Clan," the man said slowly.
"Nine Nether Bird?" Xiao Yan was slightly stunned. The Undying Flame within his body had evolved from the Nine Nether Flame of that very race. He hadn't expected to encounter someone from the Nine Nether Bird Clan so soon—let alone their patriarch.
"It seems you've sensed it too. Our blood carries the same origin. In other words, we are kin." Tianhuang interpreted Xiao Yan's surprised expression as something else entirely.
This wasn't their clan's territory. As clan patriarch, Tianhuang had come personally because one of their detection artifacts had sensed the appearance of another Nine Nether Bird bloodline—one that had ascended from a lower realm. That was enough for him to come in person and investigate.
As the patriarch, Tianhuang understood very well: although the lower planes were weaker, anyone capable of breaking through to the Great Thousand World had enormous potential. If they could adapt and grow here, their future was limitless. Because of this, despite the hierarchy between realms, few in the Great Thousand World truly looked down on those from below.
What's more, the Nine Nether Bird Clan itself had once originated from a lower plane. Their rise came only after several ancestors had broken through planar limits and achieved the Heavenly Sovereign level. That was when their clan rose among the myriad divine beast races—so much so that even the Phoenix Clan had to acknowledge them.
That had been the clan's golden era. Though their strength had waned in recent times, they were still considered upper-middle tier among the divine beast races. But to reach their former heights again, they needed a new prodigy. That was why Tianhuang had come himself.
At this point, Xiao Yan understood. It must have been his Undying Flame and his unusual bloodline—infused with the Four Fiend Spirits—that caused Tianhuang to mistake him for a fellow clansman who had ascended from below. Xiao Yan didn't bother to explain. He had just arrived in the Great Thousand World and knew little of the place. Having someone to guide him would be extremely helpful, and this man seemed a good candidate.
"Do you believe me now when I say I have no ill intent?" Tianhuang smiled as he saw Xiao Yan ease his guard. "Since you are of the Nine Nether Bird lineage, you are welcome within our clan. Would you be willing to return with me?"
Xiao Yan hesitated slightly, then quickly nodded. He had originally hoped just to glean some information about the Great Thousand World, but now Tianhuang had extended an olive branch. It was a great opportunity. As the saying goes—better to lean against a big tree for shade. If he could rely on such a powerful backer, why walk the path alone?
"By the way, can she come with me?" Xiao Yan turned to Qing Tan and asked.
"I'm afraid not. Our Nine Nether Bird Clan has strict rules—outsiders are not permitted to enter freely," Tianhuang replied with a shake of his head.
"She's my wife. That should count as half a clan member, right?" Xiao Yan responded immediately. Qing Tan's lips twitched at that, but she didn't object. She knew Xiao Yan said it for her sake.
"Your wife… well, in that case, I suppose it's fine." Tianhuang nodded. Since she was Xiao Yan's partner, he had no reason to break up a pair of lovers. Besides, she too had ascended from a lower realm—her talent likely wasn't low either.
In fact, the Nine Nether Bird Clan had many guest elders from other races. Though they didn't carry the clan's blood, they were still considered honorary members. While Qing Tan's current strength didn't compare to those guest elders, her potential was clearly remarkable and deserved recognition.
Tianhuang didn't question Xiao Yan's background. After all, although the Nine Nether Bird Clan had long since migrated to the Great Thousand World, it was still possible for a few bloodlines to remain scattered in the lower realms. The appearance of an unknown clansman wasn't unusual. And considering Xiao Yan's young age and terrifying talent, he was a peerless prodigy even by the Great Thousand World's standards. Even if Tianhuang had doubts, he wouldn't pass up the chance to bring such a talent back to their clan.
(End of Chapter)
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