Chapter 226: The Essence of the Emperor
"Today, I've gathered everyone here to discuss an important matter."
At the Tiance Pavilion, located on the ninth floor of the Xiao Clan's headquarters in Tian Wai Tian, everyone's focus shifted to Xiao Tiance. Conversations about the Gu Clan and the Ancient Dragon Clan ceased as the room turned silent.
The weight of his words made it clear: the topic was the Essence of the Emperor.
Facing their eager gazes, Xiao Tiance smiled calmly.
"No need to be so tense, everyone. Relax a bit."
"Hahaha..."
The group chuckled, though the anticipation remained thick in the air.
The Opportunity for Dou Di
Xiao Tiance began explaining:
**"The reason I call this a significant matter is that it pertains to the source energy needed to ascend to the Dou Di realm.
As you all know, since Tuoshe Ancient Emperor, no one has managed to break through to the Dou Di stage. No matter how talented or exceptional one may be, without source energy, achieving Dou Di is impossible a mere fantasy.
But I've discovered the whereabouts of the Essence of the Emperor. Five portions of this essence exist, sealed by Tuoshe Ancient Emperor. Additionally, I possess a half completed Emperor Tier Pill, which could be refined into the sixth source.
That means there are six portions of Emperor Essence available.
Now, seated here are six trusted allies, all of whom have reached the Nine Star Dou Saint realm. Among you, Xiao Xuan has reached the peak, Tian Luo, Mu Ling, and Xiao Qing are at the late stage, and Huang Jiuji has just entered the initial stage.
Each of you can receive one portion of the Essence of the Emperor, giving all of you a chance to ascend to Dou Di."**
As his words sank in, the group's faces lit up with joy and anticipation.
Another Path to Ascension
After a brief pause, Xiao Tiance added:
**"There is, however, one problem. Based on my information, retrieving the five portions of Emperor Essence from Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's seal will require at least twenty years of effort with my current strength.
But there is also another opportunity to quickly ascend to Dou Di."**
"Another opportunity?" the group exclaimed, stunned by this revelation.
"Yes," Xiao Tiance confirmed. **"You've all wondered why I brought the Ancient Emperor's cave back to the Heavenly Tomb, haven't you?
The reason is simple there is a portion of Ancient Emperor's Legacy sealed within it.
This legacy is special; only those deemed worthy can claim it. Even I cannot directly break the seal to retrieve it.
If any of you obtain this legacy, not only will you ascend to Dou Di, but you can also assist me in breaking the seals on the remaining portions of Emperor Essence. This will save us the twenty year wait."**
Xiao Tiance's tone grew serious.
**"Of course, aside from this method, there's a third option: refining the Emperor Tier Pill I possess. Once complete, it can grant instant ascension to Dou Di.
However, a Dou Di who ascends using the Emperor Tier Pill will be weaker than one who ascends through the Essence of the Emperor or the Ancient Emperor's Legacy.
To summarize, there are three paths:
Claiming the Ancient Emperor's Legacy, the strongest and most challenging method.
Utilizing the Essence of the Emperor, a balanced option.
Refining and consuming the Emperor Tier Pill, the easiest but weakest option."**
Xiao Tiance finished his explanation, his sharp gaze scanning the room.
Individual Choices
The group began considering their options.
Xiao Xuan spoke first, reaffirming his earlier stance.
"I will not use the Emperor Tier Pill to ascend."
Mu Ling agreed, leaving Tian Luo, Huang Jiuji, and Xiao Qing to decide.
Huang Jiuji bowed and said,
"Clan Leader, I am indifferent to the method. However, as I am only at the initial Nine Star Dou Saint stage, it will take time for me to reach the peak."
Both Tian Luo and Xiao Qing shared that they were open to using the Emperor Tier Pill, though they also needed to reach the peak stage first.
Xiao Tiance sighed, rubbing his temples.
**"Very well, we'll proceed step by step.
First, after Qing'er assumes leadership of the Xiao Clan in three days, we will all visit the Ancient Emperor's cave in the Heavenly Tomb. Everyone should attempt to obtain the legacy.
Second, I will focus on breaking Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's seal. Once one of us becomes a Dou Di, they will assist me in completing the task.
Third, Xiao Xuan will refine the Emperor Tier Pill into its final form.
Fourth, those who haven't reached the peak of Nine Star Dou Saint will train in the Heavenly Tomb. After Qing'er takes over as Clan Leader, I will construct a Grandmaster level Spirit Gathering Array in the tomb's third layer to aid everyone's cultivation.
Finally, Tian Luo, Mu Ling, Xiao Xuan, and Huang Jiuji I want to see both the Gu Clan and the Ancient Dragon Clan submit before Qing'er's inauguration."**
"Understood, Clan Leader!" the group replied in unison, their resolve clear.
Tools for Submission
Xiao Tiance retrieved four purple jade pendants from his storage ring.
"These pendants contain my strongest Grandmaster level killing arrays. If Gu Yuan or Zhu Kun are caught within one, they will die without a doubt."
The room fell silent as the group absorbed the weight of his words. The pendants emanated a terrifying aura, leaving no doubt about their lethality.
"We will not fail you, Clan Leader," Huang Jiuji said, accepting his task with Tian Luo.
"I'll personally handle the Gu Clan with Mu Ling," Xiao Xuan added, taking his pendant.
Xiao Tiance nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his gaze.
"Good. As for Qing'er's inauguration, I'll oversee the preparations. Let's all carry out our tasks I look forward to your successes."
"Yes, Clan Leader!"
The group dispersed, each determined to fulfill their mission.
Two spatial vortexes appeared before Tian Luo and Huang Jiuji stepped into one and vanished, while Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling disappeared into the other.
Moments later, the ninth floor of Tiance Pavilion was quiet, leaving only Xiao Qing and Xiao Tiance behind.
Guidance from Xiao Tiance
Seeing Xiao Qing's calm and composed demeanor, befitting a future leader, Xiao Tiance smiled in satisfaction.
**"Qing'er, you haven't let your Third Uncle down. You've done remarkably well over the years, and for that, I'm proud of you.
However, once you take over the role of Xiao Clan leader, your responsibilities will grow significantly. I have no doubt in your abilities to lead the clan, but your heart your resolve is not yet hard or ruthless enough."**
Hearing this, Xiao Qing quickly cupped his hands respectfully.
"I apologize for disappointing you, Third Uncle."
Xiao Tiance waved his hand dismissively.
**"Disappointed? Not at all. As I said, I'm pleased with you. You've not let me down, nor am I blaming you.
In fact, I wanted to leave the fate of the Ancient Dragon Clan and the Gu Clan in your hands. However, since Xiao Xuan and Huang Jiuji have proposed sparing them, I won't interfere.
But as the next leader of the Xiao Clan, you must decide how to handle these matters carefully.
Let me teach you one last lesson today: if the Gu Clan and the Ancient Dragon Clan are to survive, it must be on your terms. They should continue only within your grasp and control.
Put simply, you may allow their survival, but you must also retain the power to destroy them. As they say, 'Never let others snore beside your bed.'"**
Xiao Tiance's tone was calm, but the weight of his words was undeniable.
Xiao Qing's Response
Xiao Qing bowed deeply.
"Third Uncle, I understand your intention. Please rest assured that before you ascend to the Great Thousand World, I will ensure the strength of the Gu Clan and the Ancient Dragon Clan is greatly diminished."
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly.
**"There's no need for that. Whether it's Gu Yuan or Zhu Kun, I'll handle them myself before ascending. I have no intention of leaving you with an unresolved mess.
Your responsibility is to ensure that after my ascension, the Xiao Clan remains unshaken at the pinnacle of the Dou Qi Continent."**
"Yes, Third Uncle! I will not disappoint you!" Xiao Qing vowed.
"Good. I trust you."
For a moment, Xiao Tiance considered reminding Xiao Qing that if the Gu Clan submitted, Gu Yue could stay. However, if they refused, then a member of the Gu Clan could no longer be the Xiao Clan leader's wife.
But he thought better of it. If Xiao Qing couldn't handle such a matter, then it wasn't worth intervening.
"Alright, enough of the serious talk. Soon, you'll be the Xiao Clan's leader. Go rest for now, and we'll discuss the rest after the ceremony."
"Thank you, Third Uncle. I'll take my leave now." Xiao Qing bowed respectfully before leaving.
"Go on."
Preparing for the Ceremony
After Xiao Qing departed, Xiao Tiance didn't rest. With Tian Luo absent, he needed to arrange the preparations for Xiao Qing's succession ceremony.
Turning to his attendant, he instructed:
"Xiao Bieli, summon Elder Xiao Chun and Elder Xiao Tianming to see me immediately."
Downstairs, Xiao Bieli respectfully bowed in the direction of Tiance Pavilion before hurrying off to deliver the summons.
Within ten minutes, both elders arrived.
After pouring tea for them personally, Xiao Tiance smiled at Xiao Chun and said:
"Second Uncle, Tianming, three days from now, Qing'er will succeed as the Xiao Clan leader. I need you, Second Uncle, to handle the arrangements."
Xiao Chun was momentarily surprised.
"So soon? Isn't it a bit early?"
Hearing this, Xiao Tianming chuckled.
**"Father, it's not early at all. Qing'er has been the designated successor for a thousand years. Over that time, Third Uncle has left most clan affairs in his hands, and Qing'er has proven his ability to manage them flawlessly.
He's also reached the late Nine Star Dou Saint stage, and with the Heavenly Demon Puppet under his control, no one in the clan, aside from Third Uncle, can challenge him.
This timing is perfect. Even after passing the mantle to Qing'er, Third Uncle will still oversee matters temporarily, ensuring no issues arise."**
Xiao Tiance nodded with a smile.
"Second Uncle, Tianming is right. Qing'er has both the strength and capability to take on this responsibility. No one in the clan will question his authority."
Xiao Chun relented with a smile.
"Very well. I'll handle the preparations for the ceremony."
Invitations to Major Powers
Xiao Tiance added:
"Second Uncle, please extend invitations to the Lei Clan, Yao Clan, Gu Clan, and the Ancient Dragon Clan, as well as the remaining first and second tier factions in Central Plains that survived the Soul Clan's onslaught. Have them attend the ceremony."
"Understood. I'll ensure it's handled. But I'll need to utilize the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion for message delivery and the Dragon Guard for security."
Xiao Tiance retrieved two tokens from his storage ring a Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master's Token and his Clan Leader Token.
Handing them to Xiao Chun, he said:
"Use these as needed."
Taking the tokens, Xiao Chun smiled and bowed.
"Leave it to me."
"Thank you, Second Uncle."
With a sense of urgency, Xiao Chun left to begin preparations.
A Private Conversation
After Xiao Chun's departure, Xiao Tianming leaned back casually in his chair, grinning.
"Third Brother, now that Father's gone, I'll ask: are you stepping down because you're preparing to leave the Dou Qi Continent?"
Seeing Xiao Tianming's relaxed demeanor, Xiao Tiance laughed.
"You brat, as soon as Second Uncle's gone, you show your true colors! Sit properly!"
"Heh, no need for formalities with you. So, are you leaving?" Xiao Tianming grinned mischievously, his tone playful but expectant.
"And you want to come with me, don't you?"
"Of course! Father's been nagging me to settle down, but I'm not done enjoying life yet. The Dou Qi Continent has nothing left to offer me. Take me with you I want to explore the upper realm!"
Xiao Tiance couldn't help but laugh.
"The Dou Qi Continent isn't enough for you? The upper realm is dangerous. I can't even guarantee my own safety."
(Chapter End)
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