Chapter 271: The Heavenly Tomb Trial (Part 1)
"Whether or not you like the name, that much is clear. But your intentions are far from innocent."
In the Ninth Level of Tiance Mansion at Tianwaitian, Xiao Tiance's words drew a laugh from Medusa. She covered her mouth as her melodious giggle filled the room.
"Sir, some things are better left unsaid. You know the truth, so why speak it aloud?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled. **"Ah, if only you'd exercise some restraint, I wouldn't have to call you out.
"Still, none of this matters. I know your thoughts, but before I leave for the Great Thousand World, I have no intention of entertaining personal matters."**
His tone turned serious by the end of his remark.
Medusa nodded, showing no trace of disappointment. Instead, she smiled softly. "That's fine, sir. Waiting can also be a kind of happiness. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll stop liking you altogether."
Her frankness left Xiao Tiance momentarily stunned.
**"Perhaps so. Well, I've tasted your dishes, and they were delicious. But I have matters to attend to shortly. You should return for now.
"By the way, if you're interested, you can participate in the Heavenly Tomb Trial. The tomb's dense energy rivals that of high grade spiritual arrays, and its time dilation six years inside for every one outside will greatly accelerate your cultivation."**
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly, as if trying to deflect the conversation.
Medusa rose gracefully and prepared to leave. But as she reached the doorway, she turned back with a playful grin.
"Sir, the name 'Feng Jinghong' you gave me isn't exactly the most beautiful... but because you chose it, I've grown to love it."
Before Xiao Tiance could respond, she vanished into the hallway.
Watching her leave, Xiao Tiance sighed, shaking his head with a wry smile.
"It was just a joke. Even I think the name isn't great."
Shrugging, he resumed eating the dishes and snacks she'd prepared until the plates were completely clean. Only then did he summon Xiao Bieli to clear the table.
Tianji Pavilion Headquarters
The next morning marked the day when Ya Fei would lead a group of Tianji Pavilion officials to Tianwaitian.
The previous evening, Xiao Yi Xian had arrived at the pavilion to join Xiao Yan and Yao Chen for their journey via the teleportation array.
Currently, Xiao Yi Xian, having reached the peak of Three Star Dou Saint, was a force to be reckoned with. When paired with the terrifying venom of her Woeful Poison Body, even a Five Star Dou Saint would think twice before crossing her.
As she stepped out of her room, her long black hair flowed like a waterfall, resting lightly on her shoulders. Clad in a snow white robe, her ethereal beauty and elegant figure gave her the aura of a celestial maiden.
She encountered Xiao Yan and Yao Chen as they emerged from their rooms, and though no words were exchanged, the three exchanged warm smiles and headed toward the teleportation array.
Ya Fei and the Tianji Pavilion high ranking members were already waiting by the array. Upon seeing them approach, Ya Fei greeted them with a gentle smile.
"Did you rest well last night?"
Xiao Yan nodded with a polite smile. "We rested very well. Thank you for your concern, Ya Fei."
Xiao Yi Xian and Yao Chen also returned her smile with a slight nod.
"Good. Once we enter the teleportation array, you must use Dou Qi to protect your bodies. The array moves at an incredible speed. If you're careless, you risk your body being torn apart," Ya Fei reminded them with a calm expression.
Her warning wasn't without precedent. In the past, someone had neglected to shield themselves with Dou Qi and had their arm torn off by the array's forces.
"Thank you for the reminder, Ya Fei. Tomorrow marks the beginning of the Heavenly Tomb Trial. Are you sure we'll arrive in time?" Xiao Yan asked.
**"Don't worry. The array is extremely fast. We'll reach the entrance of Tianwaitian within an hour.
"Now, let's move. I still need to discuss some matters with the Tower Master once we arrive,"** Ya Fei replied, leading the group onto the teleportation platform.
Once everyone was in place, a bright red light descended from the sky, enveloping the group. Feeling the pulling force around them, everyone promptly activated their Dou Qi to protect themselves.
In a split second, there was a humming sound, and they disappeared.
When they reappeared, they stood at the entrance to Tianwaitian, deep within the Tianmu Mountain Range.
The area was already bustling with people. As Xiao Yan scanned the crowd, he spotted two familiar figures: Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran.
The sudden arrival of Xiao Yan and his group drew many curious gazes, though most were directed toward Ya Fei and the Tianji Pavilion officials rather than Xiao Yan or Xiao Yi Xian
"So that's Ya Fei from the Tianji Pavilion, huh? No wonder the strongest of Central Plains are enamored by her. With a figure and aura like that, what man wouldn't dream of having her?"
"Shut up! You want to die? This is the entrance to Tianwaitian. The Tianji Pavilion is under the protection of the Xiao Clan. If anyone hears you, you'll lose more than just your life!"
"Yeah, what an idiot. Ya Fei is far beyond your reach."
Ya Fei paid no mind to the whispers around her. Having worked in the Tianji Pavilion headquarters for years, she was used to such comments.
**"Ya Fei really is a temptress. Even back in the Jia Ma Empire, she was a dream for many young men.
"Now that her strength and presence have grown, she's even more captivating."**
Xiao Yan sighed inwardly as he observed her.
Suddenly, one of the Tianji Pavilion officials beside Ya Fei produced a jade token. As they infused it with Dou Qi, a beam of light shot skyward, drawing everyone's attention.
"Boom!"
The light pierced the heavens, and the crowd turned to see what was happening.
"That is the exclusive communication signal of the Tianji Pavilion. The pillar of light soaring into the sky is used for transmitting messages."
"Fortunately, it's white light. If it were red, we'd have to pack up and run for our lives in advance."
"Exactly. I've seen the blood red light of the Tianji Pavilion once. Within moments, hundreds of their elite fighters gathered and wiped out a second tier force entirely. It was terrifying."
As the crowd whispered among themselves, a heavy tension hung in the air. Judging by the solemn expressions of those around, it was clear how fearsome the Tianji Pavilion's reputation had become over the past millennium in the Dou Qi Continent.
Ever since the Xiao Clan's growing strength became widely known, and people realized that the Tianji Pavilion was under their control, the pavilion's name had been treated with even more caution. Now, any appearance by Tianji Pavilion members was enough to make the faint hearted flee, afraid of inviting trouble upon themselves.
Suddenly, large spatial ships began emerging at the entrance to Tianwaitian. Each ship bore a golden flag with the Xiao Clan's symbol prominently displayed.
Troops of Dragon Vanguard Army warriors disembarked swiftly from the ships, lining up on either side with military precision. The air was heavy with their formidable presence, as each soldier radiated power at the Dou Zun level or higher.
Gasps rippled through the crowd as they realized the strength of Xiao Clan's guards.
"All of them are Dou Zuns?!"
The astonished murmurs grew louder.
In the Central Plains, a Dou Zun was a rare and highly respected figure, a powerhouse with significant standing. Even the Four Way Pavilion once a well known second tier force in the region had only managed to recruit a single Dou Zun as their guardian.
Now, seeing an entire battalion of Dou Zuns serving as mere escorts for the Xiao Clan, many could barely breathe under the overwhelming pressure.
The spatial ships descended gracefully, coming to rest on the ground. The light barrier above dissipated, revealing two figures stepping down from one of the ships: Xiao Wu and Xiao Teng.
Their presence alone caused ripples of awe.
Spotting Xiao Yan and his group, Xiao Wu and Xiao Teng approached them directly.
"Greetings, Elders," Xiao Yan and the others quickly bowed with utmost respect.
Xiao Wu waved dismissively. "No need for formalities."
He then turned to Ya Fei with a warm smile. "It's been a while, Ya Fei. You've become even more beautiful."
Ya Fei responded with a polite laugh. "Elder Xiao Wu is too kind. The two of you haven't lost any of your charm either."
"Elder Xiao Wu isn't exaggerating. Ya Fei, you've truly grown more radiant," Xiao Teng added with a gentle tone.
"Elder Xiao Teng, you've also learned how to joke," Ya Fei replied with a soft smile.
Xiao Teng laughed heartily before turning serious. **"Alright, enough banter. Ya Fei, the clan leader specifically sent us here to follow your lead. Whatever you need, just let us know.
"Now, let's head into Tianwaitian. The clan leader is waiting for us. As for the guests here, someone else will guide them in."**
Ya Fei nodded gracefully. "Very well. I'll rely on you two for assistance."
With that, Ya Fei, along with Xiao Yan and the rest, boarded the spatial ship.
Aboard the Spatial Ship
The ship glided smoothly into a spatial corridor, the environment shifting into a shimmering void. Standing on the deck, Xiao Yan glanced around, an inexplicable sense of danger prickling his instincts.
He turned to Yao Chen and communicated through spiritual transmission:
**"Teacher, is it just me, or does this spatial passage feel far more dangerous than before?
"When I was just a Dou Zun, I never sensed anything like this. Now that I'm stronger, I feel as if something here could kill me in an instant."**
Yao Chen's expression turned grim as he replied telepathically.
**"It's not just you. I feel it too.
"Either the entire defense system of Tianwaitian has been upgraded likely due to Xiao Tiance's breakthrough to the Dou Di realm or, these defenses were specifically enhanced for the Heavenly Tomb Trial.
"Regardless of the reason, Xiao Yan, we must tread carefully. When we arrive, you should visit Elders Xiao Xian and Xiao De. They're influential figures in your bloodline. If trouble arises, their support could be invaluable."**
Xiao Yan nodded in agreement. "Teacher, you're right. This trial will undoubtedly be perilous, especially if I'm determined to contest the Ancient Emperor's inheritance. It's best to prepare for every eventuality."
The ship soon began its descent, entering the interior of Tianwaitian. As it touched down, the protective light barrier surrounding it dissipated.
Xiao Wu approached Xiao Yan's group with a calm demeanor.
"Xiao Yan, you've been to Tianwaitian many times. Ya Fei and we have matters to discuss with the clan leader. You three can explore on your own for now."
"Understood, Elder Xiao Wu," Xiao Yan replied respectfully.
As Xiao Wu and the others departed, Xiao Yan, accompanied by Xiao Yi Xian and Yao Chen, made his way toward Xiao Zhan's residence.
Meanwhile, at Xiao Qing's Residence
In another part of Tianwaitian, Gu Yue sat in her chamber, her face clouded with discontent. Holding a cup of tea, she turned to her maidservant with an icy gaze.
"Have you confirmed it? Did Qing ge really assign Ya Fei to oversee guest reception?"
The maid nodded cautiously. "Yes, Madam. Just now, Elders Xiao Wu and Xiao Teng escorted Ya Fei here. They're currently on their way to the clan leader's office."
"Crack!"
The teacup in Gu Yue's hand shattered instantly, reduced to fine powder that fell to the ground.
"Madam, please calm down! Please don't be angry!" the maid pleaded, falling to her knees in fright.
But how could Gu Yue remain calm?
As the Xiao Clan's matriarch, it was customary for her to manage important receptions. This time, the Heavenly Tomb Trial involved not only second tier Central Plains factions but also major clans like the Gu, Lei, Taixu Ancient Dragon, and Yao Clans.
Assigning this responsibility to someone outside the Xiao Clan Ya Fei, no less was a blatant affront to her status and to the Gu Clan's dignity.
Suddenly, Gu Yue's body began trembling. Her voice turned into a whisper, as if she were trying to convince herself
"No… it can't be… This isn't what I think it is… Is it?"
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