Chapter 225: The Fall of the Soul Heavenly Emperor
"You were too impatient, and you made me overestimate your endurance!"
In the Ancient Emperor's Cave, within the Sealed Heaven Spirit Array, the Soul Heavenly Emperor sighed deeply. Meanwhile, Void Devouring Flame's body began to change. The human form he had maintained dissolved, transforming into a massive, ominous black flame.
However, it was no longer sentient, reduced to the state of a newborn flame. Restoring its intelligence would require a great deal of time and effort.
The Power of Void Devouring Flame
Outside the spirit array, Xiao Tiance observed with a calm yet intrigued expression.
"No wonder Void Devouring Flame ranks second on the Heavenly Flames List. Even without intelligence, its inherent heat and destructive power far exceed those of ordinary flames," he mused.
Throughout his journey, Xiao Tiance had encountered many of the twenty three Heavenly Flames. While the legendary Emperor Flame remained elusive and the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame ranked third was yet unseen, Void Devouring Flame's rank as second was undoubtedly well deserved.
A Moment of Gratitude
Inside the array, the Soul Heavenly Emperor did not immediately absorb the flame to enhance his strength. He knew that doing so in the current situation was impossible. Turning toward Xiao Tiance, who stood calmly outside the array, the emperor's voice carried a rare tone of sincerity:
"Thank you, Xiao Tiance."
Xiao Tiance chuckled lightly, his tone laced with mockery.
"Hearing the word 'thank you' from someone like you is quite an honor. But now that your grudge with Void Devouring Flame is settled, the question remains: will you end it yourself, or shall I help?"
The tension in the air was palpable. Xiao Tiance's determination was unwavering there was no chance he would let his enemy survive. The feud between the Xiao Clan and the Soul Clan was too deep to reconcile.
The Soul Heavenly Emperor chuckled, unperturbed by Xiao Tiance's remarks. He responded with calm defiance:
"Why don't you step into the array yourself and kill me with your own hands?"
Xiao Tiance's Wariness
Xiao Tiance smirked and shook his head.
"I think not. Killing you doesn't require my physical presence. Your Soul Clan's methods are too sinister, and I have no intention of becoming the victim of a last ditch trick. Better safe than sorry, wouldn't you agree?"
The Soul Heavenly Emperor wasn't surprised. He smiled knowingly.
"Cautious as always, Xiao Tiance. If Xiao Xuan had been as vigilant, perhaps he would still be alive today."
The emperor paused before continuing:
"I have one last question or perhaps a request. Before I die, can you tell me where you learned these spirit arrays? Ever since our first encounter, I've been curious. Surely, they're not from the Dou Qi Continent?"
The Origin of Spirit Arrays
Xiao Tiance gave a faint smile, nodding.
"You're right. These arrays don't originate from this world. They are techniques from the Great Thousand World, the place where Dou Di ascendants go after leaving this continent. Although I've never been there, a fortunate encounter allowed me to become the Dou Qi Continent's first spirit array master."
The Soul Heavenly Emperor's eyes flickered with understanding.
"So, it was a heaven sent opportunity, as I suspected. One last request: after my death, spare the ordinary members of my clan hiding in the void currents. They lack cultivation talent and pose no threat to anyone. Their highest achievements would only be at the Dou Zun level."
The emperor bowed deeply to Xiao Tiance, his posture uncharacteristically humble.
Xiao Tiance's Response
This display surprised Xiao Tiance. He had only known the Soul Heavenly Emperor as an arrogant and indifferent man.
"And why should I grant such a request?" Xiao Tiance asked, neither agreeing nor refusing.
The Soul Heavenly Emperor laughed bitterly.
"Because I know you, Xiao Tiance. All the information I've gathered points to you as someone who doesn't kill indiscriminately. I'll even show my sincerity I'll self destruct to ensure the Soul Clan can never threaten you or the Xiao Clan again."
A Final Decision
Xiao Tiance fell silent for a moment before nodding.
"Very well. As long as the remnants of your clan remain in hiding and do not provoke me for the next ten thousand years, I'll let them live."
The Soul Heavenly Emperor bowed deeply again, his gratitude genuine.
"Thank you."
When he straightened, his demeanor shifted. The humility and gratitude vanished, replaced by the unyielding pride of a man who had once sought to dominate the world.
"Xiao Tiance, you truly are an anomaly. I once dreamed of unifying the Dou Qi Continent, of seeing my Soul Clan conquer all. But fate had other plans, and you were the one to thwart them. The Dou Qi Continent is lucky to have you."
Xiao Tiance's lips curled into a faint smile.
"Enough reminiscing. It's time for you to go."
The Soul Heavenly Emperor's Final Moments
The Soul Heavenly Emperor let out a hearty laugh, then nodded.
"Indeed, it's time."
With that, his body surged with Dou Qi. At its peak, he directed the energy inward, spreading it throughout his body.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Explosions erupted as his body began to collapse, his life force dissipating rapidly.
Amidst the destruction, the Soul Heavenly Emperor's voice echoed one final time:
"Xiao Tiance, the Soul Clan's era ends here. But remember this where there is darkness, there will always be someone to carry its flame. Farewell!"
A New Dawn
As the Soul Heavenly Emperor's body disintegrated into nothingness, Xiao Tiance stood silently, his expression unreadable.
"Darkness may rise again, but it won't be today."
With the fall of the Soul Heavenly Emperor, the long standing feud between the Xiao Clan and the Soul Clan came to an end.
Amid the deafening explosions, the Soul Heavenly Emperor's body began to disintegrate piece by piece, crumbling into ash and scattering on the ground. When only his head remained, his voice resounded through the cave.
"Xiao Tiance! I do not regret being your enemy in this lifetime. Hahaha!"
Boom!
His laughter echoed throughout the Ancient Emperor's Cave. Within the spirit array, only the Void Devouring Flame now a smoldering black fire and a spatial ring on the ground remained. The Soul Heavenly Emperor was gone.
Relief and Reflection
Xiao Tiance gazed at the scene before him, feeling both a sense of relief and an inexplicable emptiness. His most troublesome enemy had finally been vanquished.
**"A hero in life, a ghostly legend in death. Soul Heavenly Emperor, though we were enemies, you were indeed a man worthy of respect.
You claimed no regrets in fighting me, and I, too, share the sentiment. It was an honor to stand against you."**
With that, Xiao Tiance deactivated the Sealed Heaven Array. In a flash, he appeared beside the Void Devouring Flame. After a quick inspection, he used spatial power to seal it away.
Next, with a simple wave of his left hand, he retrieved the two spatial rings on the ground. After ensuring they no longer carried any trace of the Soul Heavenly Emperor, he sighed again.
"The obstacles before the Xiao Clan are now removed. My mission is complete."
Safeguarding the Legacy
After securing the spatial rings and the Void Devouring Flame, Xiao Tiance did not leave immediately. He approached the nearby Heavenly Flame Plaza and reinforced the sealing spirit array over it.
He then began forming intricate hand seals, releasing tens of thousands of spirit prints that coalesced into a massive spirit array. The array enveloped the entire Ancient Emperor's Cave, sealing it completely.
Transferring the Ancient Emperor's Legacy
A few days later, Xiao Tiance stood in the third layer of the Heavenly Tomb. Before him was the Ancient Emperor's Cave, which he had transported to this sacred space.
Looking at it, a faint smile appeared on his face as he murmured,
"Bringing the Ancient Emperor's legacy to the Heavenly Tomb ensures the Xiao Clan's future. If someone with the right fortune discovers it, it might create another Dou Di."
After sealing the cave with another powerful array, Xiao Tiance left the Heavenly Tomb.
A Triumphant Return
Outside the tomb, several top tier Xiao Clan experts awaited him. Among them were Xiao Qing, Tian Luo, Xiao Xuan, Mu Ling, and the recently advanced Huang Jiuji, now a Nine Star Dou Saint.
With these figures present, the Xiao Clan was strong enough to sweep through the Dou Qi Continent.
As the tomb doors opened and Xiao Tiance emerged, the group bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Clan Leader!"
Xiao Tiance smiled warmly.
"We're all family; no need for formalities. Rise."
After approaching them, his tone became more serious.
"The Soul Heavenly Emperor and Void Devouring Flame have fallen. From today onward, the Xiao Clan faces no more existential threats."
Passing the Torch
Xiao Qing's face lit up with joy.
"That's wonderful, Third Uncle! With our greatest enemies gone, we can finally enjoy peace."
Xiao Tiance chuckled before addressing him seriously:
"Qing'er, inform the clan: three days from now, you will take over as the Xiao Clan's leader."
Though the others were unsurprised, Xiao Qing hesitated, struggling to respond.
"Third Uncle, I "
Before he could continue, Tian Luo interrupted with a grin.
"Clan Leader, leave the preparations to me. I'll ensure everything is handled smoothly."
Xiao Tiance glanced at Tian Luo, nodded, and said,
"Very well. I'll leave it to you, then."
Turning to the group, he added,
"Let's return to Tiance Pavilion. We need to discuss how to handle the Ancient Dragon Clan, the Gu Clan, and that clown, Yan Jin."
"Understood!"
The group replied in unison and followed Xiao Tiance into the void. Moments later, they reappeared in the hall of the Tiance Pavilion's ninth layer.
Discussing the Clans
Taking his seat, Xiao Tiance looked at Xiao Qing.
"Qing'er, what's the latest on the Gu Clan and the Ancient Dragon Clan? Any movements?"
Xiao Qing respectfully handed him a scroll.
"Third Uncle, the details are recorded here."
After scanning the scroll, Xiao Tiance's expression turned thoughtful.
**"I assumed that after the Four Clan Alliance's grand maneuvering, the Gu Clan and the Ancient Dragon Clan might act after the Soul Clan's emergence.
But it seems they're smarter than I gave them credit for they're not foolish enough to openly oppose us."**
Tian Luo chuckled.
**"That's because we moved too quickly. Before they could react, we had already crushed the Soul Clan in Dan Territory, Burning Flame Valley, and the Heavenly Nether Sect.
They knew that if they acted recklessly, we'd take the opportunity to eliminate them as well."**
Xiao Qing nodded in agreement.
"Exactly. Even the intelligence from the Lei Clan supports this analysis."
Decisions on the Clans
Xiao Tiance nodded and turned to the group.
"What are your thoughts? Speak freely."
Xiao Xuan was the first to respond.
"Clan Leader, if possible, I believe we should spare the Gu Clan. They have no fight left in them."
Xiao Tiance wasn't surprised by Xiao Xuan's stance. Despite clearing his debts with the Gu Clan, Xiao Xuan still respected Gu Yuan.
Before anyone else could speak, Huang Jiuji added his perspective.
**"The Ancient Dragon Clan isn't truly our enemy. Their involvement stems from the incident when Min'er and Ling Yun attacked East Dragon Island.
If possible, I'd like to leave the matter to Min'er and Ling Yun. They wish to resolve it personally."**
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance was momentarily surprised but quickly understood. After he brought Huang Min and Ling Yun back to Tian Wai Tian, the two had been in seclusion, likely preparing to confront Zhu Kun again.
After a brief pause, Xiao Tiance nodded.
"Very well. The Gu Clan and the Ancient Dragon Clan are in your hands. Handle them as you see fit."
A Greater Purpose
Finally, Xiao Tiance's gaze swept over the group.
"The reason I called you all here isn't just to discuss these clans. There's something far more important to address."
(Chapter End)
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