Chapter 364: Exiting the Ancient Secret Realm, The Western Heaven Battle Emperor Attacks
Inside the ancient secret realm, Gu Xun'er had been searching for days before she finally found Xiao Yan in a secluded valley. Her longing for him was evident as she approached.
At this moment, Xiao Yan had successfully ascended to the lower Earth Supreme realm, equivalent to breaking into the Dou Di level.
The reason was simple Xiao Yan's extraordinary talent, coupled with incredible luck. In the ancient secret realm, he had stumbled upon the remains of a fallen Heavenly Supreme. From the site, he obtained a complete Heavenly Supreme skeleton and extracted over ten drops of Heavenly Supreme bone marrow essence.
Due to the sealed nature of the valley, his breakthrough did not cause much commotion.
Now, Xiao Yan held Gu Xun'er in his arms, gently inhaling the scent of her hair as he softly said, "I'm sorry, Xun'er, for making you wait so long."
"No, as long as Brother Xiao Yan is safe, I'm happy," Gu Xun'er replied in a tender voice. "We heard news about you back in Luoshui City, but by the time we arrived, you were already gone."
"I know. When you reached Luoshui City, I hadn't left yet. But since Old Ancestor Tiance was with you, I decided not to show myself," Xiao Yan said with a gentle nod.
Back then, when Xiao Tiance first confronted the Western Heaven Battle Palace, Xiao Yan had been nearby. However, since no conflict had broken out, and the Western Heaven Battle Palace had retreated in disgrace, he saw no reason to appear.
The truth was, Xiao Yan wanted to forge his own path and prove that he could become a peerless powerhouse without relying on Xiao Tiance.
Gu Xun'er understood his determination and didn't argue. Instead, she hugged him tightly, as if to ease the pain of their time apart.
After a while, the two separated. Xiao Yan glanced in the direction of Xiao Tiance's tribulation and said, "Xun'er, Old Ancestor Tiance has likely succeeded in his tribulation. It's time for us to part ways.
"Although I want to stay with you forever, now isn't the right time."
Hearing that Xiao Yan was leaving again, Gu Xun'er felt reluctant but knew she couldn't change his mind. She nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with sorrow.
"Brother Xiao Yan, take care of yourself. If you ever face something you can't handle, don't push yourself too hard. Just let me know."
Then she added, "Oh, Brother Xiao Yan, Uncle Tiance once mentioned sensing the presence of my father and Dragon Sovereign Senior while traveling through the spatial passage to the Great Thousand World. Have you encountered them?"
"We came to the Great Thousand World together, but after passing through the barrier, we got separated.
"However, you don't need to worry. Both Uncle Gu Yuan and Dragon Sovereign Senior have their own ways to protect themselves. Here, these are their soul tablets. As long as they remain intact, it means they're safe."
Xiao Yan retrieved two flawless soul tablets from his storage ring.
Seeing the intact tablets, Gu Xun'er breathed a sigh of relief. If she had known her father had secretly followed them to the Great Thousand World, she would have insisted he stay by her side.
"Thank goodness," she said with a smile. "As long as Father and the Dragon Sovereign are safe, I'm relieved. Brother Xiao Yan, though I'll miss you dearly, I'll always support you.
"But promise me one thing if you're in trouble, don't hesitate to seek help, even if it means owing Uncle Tiance a favor. Once you're strong enough, you can repay it later."
She took out seven or eight jade pendants from her storage ring and handed them to Xiao Yan. "These are spirit formation jade pendants. As long as you don't encounter a Heavenly Supreme powerhouse, they'll ensure your safety."
Xiao Yan was deeply moved. He knew these jade pendants came from Xiao Tiance and were likely all that Gu Xun'er had.
Embracing her once more, he said, "Thank you, Xun'er. I promise you'll hear my name resounding across the Great Thousand World before long."
"I believe in you, Brother Xiao Yan. You've always been the best in my eyes," Gu Xun'er replied with a bright smile.
Before parting, Xiao Yan warned her, "Be careful, Xun'er. Old Ancestor Tiance has humiliated the Western Heaven Battle Palace. If they clash, it could be dangerous.
"According to my sources, the Western Heaven Battle Emperor advanced to Celestial Grade Heavenly Supreme years ago. If a battle occurs, you must prioritize your safety."
Gu Xun'er chuckled and said playfully, "Don't worry, Brother Xiao Yan. You know Uncle Tiance. If he's not confident, he won't engage directly. At most, we'll rescue Lord Tianlu in secret.
"Besides, I have my Emperor Flame. Unless it's a Heavenly Supreme, I'll be fine. Now that Uncle Tiance has ascended to Heavenly Supreme, he'll handle the Western Heaven Battle Emperor."
Her lighthearted demeanor eased Xiao Yan's worries. Stroking her cheek, he said with a smile, "Alright, since you're so confident, I'll trust you.
"Old Ancestor Tiance is on his way here, so I'll take my leave. Stay safe."
Though reluctant, Gu Xun'er let him go. Watching him depart, she whispered, "Brother Xiao Yan, please take care. I'll be thinking of you."
Moments later, Xiao Tiance arrived with Xiao Xuan, Jiuyuan, Shi Hao, Luo Tianshen, the Dean of Tianqiong Academy, Liu Changkong, and others who had entered the secret realm.
"Girl, that brat Xiao Yan ran off again? Seems like he really doesn't want to see me," Xiao Tiance joked as he approached, his tone lighthearted.
He wasn't upset. Although Xiao Yan avoided him, he was still a part of the Xiao family's bloodline. Unless Xiao Yan became an enemy, such details didn't matter to Xiao Tiance.
"Uncle Tiance, Uncle Xiao Xuan…"
After exchanging greetings, Gu Xun'er gave a wry smile and said, "Brother Xiao Yan is leaving to search for my father and Senior Dragon Sovereign, so he had to go ahead."
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance waved it off with a smile. "No matter. Since we're all in the Great Thousand World now, there'll be opportunities to meet again.
"Girl, if you want to follow Xiao Yan, you can still catch up if you leave now."
Gu Xun'er's eyes lit up with excitement, but after glancing in the direction Xiao Yan had gone, she turned back to Xiao Tiance and said, "Uncle Tiance, it's better if I stay. Following Brother Xiao Yan now won't help him much, and he's already reached the lower Earth Supreme level. He should be safe enough."
"Haha, as you wish. Let's head out. This space is already collapsing."
Seeing the look in her eyes, Xiao Tiance understood that she was simply giving Xiao Yan more freedom while ensuring his safety.
It didn't matter. If Xiao Yan were ever truly in danger, Xiao Tiance wouldn't stand idly by.
With that, the group tore through space and exited the collapsing realm.
One Day Later: Luoshui City
Back in Luoshui City, Xiao Tiance and his companions arrived to find Ling Zhanzi and a young woman waiting for them. As soon as Ling Zhanzi saw Xiao Tiance, he stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Ling Zhanzi and Ling Feizi of the Western Heaven Battle Palace greet Lord Tiance."
Xiao Tiance's gaze fell on the two. He had to admit, Ling Feizi was stunningly beautiful, with an elegant figure that naturally drew attention.
"Hmm. Where is Tianlu? Have you brought him?" Xiao Tiance asked calmly.
"Lord Tiance, we hope you'll understand. We need to see the safe return of Linglongzi before we can hand over Tianlu.
"This isn't about doubting you, Lord Tiance, but our master is still in seclusion. If you don't release Linglongzi, we'd have no way of stopping you."
Ling Zhanzi bowed deeply, his tone polite but firm.
Ling Feizi chimed in with a light laugh and a bow. "Lord Tiance, we mean no offense. Given our lack of strength compared to you, this was the only precaution we could take."
"Hmph, a pitiful precaution indeed." Xiao Tiance smirked coldly before turning to Luo Tianshen. "Senior, please have someone bring Linglongzi."
"Understood, Lord Tiance," Luo Tianshen replied, quickly sending a message to Luoyang.
Moments later, Luoyang arrived, leading a team of guards escorting a heavily sealed Linglongzi.
"Father, Lord Tiance, Linglongzi has been brought," Luoyang said respectfully.
"Good."
Luo Tianshen nodded and looked to Xiao Tiance, awaiting his signal. Xiao Tiance stepped forward, placed his hand on Linglongzi, and dispelled the seal in an instant.
Linglongzi slowly opened his eyes, scanning his surroundings. When he spotted Ling Zhanzi and Ling Feizi, he was about to speak when Xiao Tiance's cold voice cut in.
"You've seen Linglongzi. Now, I expect to see Tianlu."
Xiao Tiance's tone left no room for negotiation. He knew that as long as the Western Heaven Battle Emperor remained in seclusion, the Battle Palace wouldn't dare trick him.
"Very well, Lord Tiance. Please wait a moment."
Ling Zhanzi and Ling Feizi exchanged glances before Ling Feizi sent a message to her subordinates.
Within five or six minutes, a group appeared, escorting Tianlu.
"Lord Tiance!" Tianlu bowed respectfully.
Only then did Xiao Tiance release Linglongzi and beckon Tianlu over.
"You weren't mistreated, were you?" Xiao Tiance asked with a smile, patting Tianlu on the shoulder.
Tianlu grinned. "Not at all. With my body, even if they wanted to, they couldn't do much to me."
That was true. Although Tianlu's strength was only at the Ninth Grade Supreme level, he was formidable enough to hold his own against a lower Earth Supreme in a one on one fight.
"Good to hear." Xiao Tiance nodded before turning to Ling Zhanzi. "Now that you've returned Tianlu, the matter between me and the Western Heaven Battle Palace is settled.
"Though it's a shame I didn't get to meet the Western Heaven Battle Emperor. I would have liked to experience his skills firsthand. What a pity!"
At these words, Ling Zhanzi and Ling Feizi's expressions darkened. The Western Heaven Battle Palace's reputation had taken a significant blow.
But what could they do? Without the Western Heaven Battle Emperor, they weren't even qualified to negotiate with Xiao Tiance.
The Western Heaven Battle Emperor Appears
Just as Ling Zhanzi was about to speak, a terrifying aura swept across Luoshui City. Its oppressive force was unmistakable. Who else could it be but the Western Heaven Battle Emperor, said to be in seclusion?
"Hahaha! You wish to test my skills? That can be arranged!"
Even before his figure appeared, the Battle Emperor's hearty laugh echoed through the city, accompanied by an aura so overwhelming that even Luo Tianshen and the others struggled to stand straight.
With a wave of his hand, Xiao Tiance dispersed the oppressive force, his gaze fixed to the west.
Moments later, a golden figure appeared in the sky. The Western Heaven Battle Emperor stood with his hands behind his back, his golden hair shining like the sun. His chiseled features and deep eyes exuded an unforgettable charm, but it was his commanding, divine presence that left the strongest impression.
"So this is the Western Heaven Battle Emperor. He truly lives up to his reputation," Xiao Tiance thought, his figure flickering into the air to meet the Battle Emperor's gaze.
"You're Xiao Tiance?" the Battle Emperor asked, his voice filled with curiosity as he examined his opponent.
"Yes, I am. And you must be the Western Heaven Battle Emperor. Your fame precedes you, but meeting you in person far surpasses the stories," Xiao Tiance replied with a smile.
"Hmph. I expected someone who dares disregard my Western Heaven Battle Palace to be more than a mere early stage Ling Grade Heavenly Supreme.
"You're quite bold."
As he spoke, the Battle Emperor unleashed a burst of power, a domineering aura rushing toward Xiao Tiance.
Yet Xiao Tiance remained unflinching, gesturing calmly. "Why not make a move and see if I'm qualified?"
The Battle Emperor's interest was piqued. Despite sensing Xiao Tiance's relatively low cultivation level, he couldn't shake a faint feeling of unease.
"Hahaha! Very well. Let's see what you've got!"
(End of Chapter)
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