Chapter 472: Connecting the Great Thousand World and Dou Qi Continent
In the Endless Flame Territory, after Xiao Tiance left, Xiao Yan returned to the sect's founding ceremony. Although the audience was unsure of the outcomes of Xiao Yan's clashes with the Western Battle Emperor and Mo He Tian, one fact was clear Xiao Yan had returned while his powerful challengers had quietly left.
Over the next half month, news spread across the Great Thousand World: a new superpower called the Endless Flame Territory was rising.
This was no ordinary event. Both the Western Battle Emperor and Mo He Tian, known figures of immense power, had challenged Xiao Yan, and he had faced them head on. Such a feat established Xiao Yan's strength as legitimate and proven.
The Northern Frontline Strengthens
Half a month later, the Great Thousand World buzzed with even more excitement. Another superpower, Supreme Martial Realm, had emerged near White Jade Capital.
With three new superpowers White Jade Capital, Endless Flame Territory, and Supreme Martial Realm standing firm on the northern frontline, this region became an even greater barrier against the extradimensional demon forces than the Sacred Abyss Continent.
After attending Supreme Martial Realm's founding ceremony, Xiao Tiance planned to visit Medusa, who had remained silent in the Heavenly Snake Continent. Before he could depart, however, he received a transmission from Medusa informing him that she had already returned to White Jade Capital with Xiao Baiying.
Medusa also mentioned that Tian Luo had embarked on a journey to explore the Great Thousand World. Xiao Tiance wasn't concerned Tian Luo was now immensely powerful and carried a Heavenly Demon Puppet gifted by Xiao Tiance. Unless a Saint Heavenly Sovereign acted against him, Tian Luo was unlikely to face any real trouble.
A Quiet Year Passes
One year later, Xiao Tiance emerged from a period of cultivation to hear Shi Hao reporting from outside, "Immortal Lord, there is a visitor requesting an audience. He claims to be the headmaster of the Holy Spirit Academy, one of the original Five Great Academies."
"Hmph, Holy Spirit Academy?" Xiao Tiance muttered, his brows furrowing as memories stirred. He soon recalled past events involving Xiao Baiying.
"Send him away," Xiao Tiance instructed. "If he's here for Baiying, there's no need. White Jade Capital has abundant resources and excellent teachers. She doesn't need their academy."
"Yes, Immortal Lord," Shi Hao replied respectfully before leaving to dismiss the visitor.
Moments later, Xiao Tiance felt a pair of soft hands encircle his neck, followed by warm breath brushing his ear.
"Husband, who was that? And what's this Holy Spirit Academy? Are they here for our little Yingying?" Medusa's sultry and tender voice whispered beside him.
Pulling Medusa into his arms, Xiao Tiance explained warmly, "The Holy Spirit Academy is a well known institution in the Great Thousand World.
"Their headmaster likely came to recruit Yingying. But our daughter is still young, and I doubt you'd want her to leave. Besides, while the Holy Spirit Academy is famous, it can't compare to White Jade Capital in terms of resources or teaching.
"More importantly, Dean Tianqiong has asked multiple times to take Yingying as his disciple, and I've already agreed. I can't go back on my word."
Medusa nodded, satisfied. Hugging him tightly, she kissed his neck and chuckled. "Then let's ignore them. Yingying can decide for herself when she's older."
"Agreed," Xiao Tiance replied with a smile. His gaze darkened as Medusa's teasing gestures stirred old passions. After her return from the Heavenly Snake Continent, Xiao Tiance had already spent days "punishing" her, yet she remained as mischievous as ever.
Three Years Later: A Blessed Birth
Three years later, Medusa gave birth to a pair of twins, a boy and a girl.
Upon their birth, the heavens responded: torrents of spiritual energy surged toward the infants, cleansing their bodies and refining their innate potential.
When the spiritual energies subsided, the newborns had already reached the Sovereign Realm, a level of innate talent unparalleled among humans. Even newborns of supreme divine beast clans paled in comparison.
However, their extraordinary gifts came at a cost. The immense energy coursing through their bodies caused them to lapse into a deep coma. Despite Xiao Tiance's efforts to stabilize them, the only solution was to seal their powers temporarily. They would awaken only when their bodies were ready to withstand their innate strength.
This development cast a somber mood over White Jade Capital. Frustrated and unsettled, Xiao Tiance redirected his energy toward the battlefield. As a result, the extradimensional demons on the frontline bore the brunt of his wrath.
The Connection Between Two Worlds
Six months later, Xiao Xuan finally succeeded in creating a spatial gateway between the Great Thousand World and the Dou Qi Continent, officially integrating the latter as White Jade Capital's "back garden."
In Xiao Tiance's estate, a long lost reunion unfolded. Xiao Qing, accompanied by his wife, Ya Fei, bowed deeply to Xiao Tiance. "Third Uncle!"
Tears streamed down Xiao Qing's face. The once youthful Xiao Qing now carried the aura of a mature man and a steady authority befitting a leader.
Xiao Tiance smiled in satisfaction, placing a hand on Xiao Qing's shoulder. "There's no need for such formality. Rise, Qing'er."
Turning to Ya Fei, who stood demurely at Xiao Qing's side, Xiao Tiance nodded approvingly. "It seems you've both fared well in the Dou Qi Continent. I'm pleased."
"Thank you, Third Uncle," Xiao Qing and Ya Fei said in unison as they straightened up.
Once seated, Xiao Qing spoke earnestly. "Ever since you ascended to the Great Thousand World, we've prayed for your success. Seeing you now eases our hearts."
Ya Fei added with a smile, "Yes, Third Uncle. Qing has always held you in his thoughts. To reunite like this is truly a blessing."
Xiao Tiance laughed heartily. "Reunions are worth celebrating, but first, help your Uncle Xuan settle the clan members. We'll have plenty of time to catch up afterward."
"As you wish, Third Uncle," Xiao Qing and Ya Fei replied respectfully before departing to assist Xiao Xuan.
The Xiao Clan's reunion marked a new chapter for White Jade Capital, now strengthened by its connection to the Dou Qi Continent, paving the way for even greater ambitions.
After Xiao Qing and Ya Fei departed from Xiao Tiance's residence, three familiar figures walked in: Huang Jiuji, accompanied by Huang Min and Ling Yun.
"Teacher/Immortal Lord," the three greeted in unison with a bow.
Before Huang Jiuji could finish his bow, Xiao Tiance moved swiftly, appearing beside him and helping him up.
While Xiao Tiance had no qualms about accepting the respectful bows of his disciples Huang Min and Ling Yun, he could not bring himself to accept Huang Jiuji's gesture. After all, Xiao Tiance owed much of his rise to Huang Jiuji.
In the past, Huang Jiuji had generously provided the majority of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan's treasures and resources to Xiao Tiance, enabling him to acquire the Heavenly Dao Sect Master's array formation notes. These resources had been pivotal in Xiao Tiance's swift victory over the Soul Clan and his eventual ascension as the first Dou Di on the Dou Qi Continent since the Ancient Emperor Tou She.
Now, after more than a decade apart, Xiao Tiance still felt deep gratitude toward Huang Jiuji.
"Haha, Elder Jiuji, your bow is something I cannot possibly accept!" Xiao Tiance laughed heartily, his face full of joy.
The scene was akin to the reunion of old friends in a foreign land one of life's greatest joys.
Huang Jiuji's smile grew even brighter. Through Huang Min and Ling Yun, he had learned about Xiao Tiance's incredible achievements in the Great Thousand World. Yet, seeing Xiao Tiance in person and sensing the unfathomable aura emanating from him still left Huang Jiuji in awe.
"It has been many years, and I knew that when we met again, you would shock me, Tiance. But I never imagined you'd achieve such astonishing feats in just over a decade," Huang Jiuji said, his tone filled with admiration and wonder.
Gratitude and Reflection
Xiao Tiance invited the three to sit and personally poured them tea. Once they had taken a sip, he smiled and asked, "I assume Min'er and Ling Yun have already told you about our experiences in the Great Thousand World?"
"They have, and I must thank you, Tiance, for saving their lives. If not for you, I wouldn't have the face to meet our ancestors," Huang Jiuji said sincerely, bowing again in gratitude.
"Elder Jiuji, there's no need for such formality," Xiao Tiance replied with a wave of his hand. "As their teacher, it was my duty to protect them. Moreover, I promised you that I would take care of them. If anything had happened to them, I wouldn't have been able to forgive myself.
"Still, I must apologize. If I had been better prepared before we entered the Great Thousand World, Min'er and Ling Yun might not have encountered such danger."
Huang Jiuji, along with Huang Min and Ling Yun, quickly reassured Xiao Tiance that he was not to blame.
Huang Jiuji then sighed, his expression turning solemn. Rising to his feet, he bowed deeply to Xiao Tiance.
"Tiance, if anyone is at fault, it is me. Before you departed for the Great Thousand World, I asked them to visit the ancestral grounds of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan. That decision led them to the True Phoenix Clan's territory and the events that followed.
"If not for your strength and foresight, I would have been left with no choice but to atone with my life."
"Elder Jiuji, that's all in the past now," Xiao Tiance said, smiling gently. "If you'd like to visit the True Phoenix Clan's ancestral grounds to pay your respects, Min'er and Ling Yun can accompany you. White Jade Capital is now a top tier force in the Great Thousand World, on par with the Five Ancient Clans and the Great Thousand Palace. Even they must show us respect."
However, to Xiao Tiance's surprise, Huang Jiuji shook his head. After a moment of silence, he said, "There's no need, and I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
"Although the True Phoenix Clan's ancestral grounds are also part of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan's history, the moment they stripped Min'er and Ling Yun of their bloodline powers, they severed all ties with us.
"From now on, the True Phoenix Clan is the True Phoenix Clan, and the Heavenly Phoenix Clan is the Heavenly Phoenix Clan. We have no further connection.
"If conflict arises between us in the future, you have my permission to deal with them as you see fit. Hold nothing back kill if necessary."
A New Future for the Heavenly Phoenix Clan
Huang Min and Ling Yun echoed Huang Jiuji's sentiment, bowing to Xiao Tiance in agreement.
"Very well," Xiao Tiance said with a hearty laugh. "We'll follow your wishes. But you two, Min'er and Ling Yun, when will you finally marry? The future of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan rests on your shoulders."
Ling Yun smiled without replying, but Huang Min pouted and clung to Xiao Tiance's arm like a child. "Teacher!"
"Alright, alright. I won't rush you," Xiao Tiance said with a chuckle, patting Huang Min's head affectionately. Her playful grin returned, and Xiao Tiance could only shake his head in amusement.
Turning to Huang Jiuji, he said, "Elder Jiuji, I'll leave this matter to you. Fortunately, the Great Thousand World is home to many divine beast clans with excellent bloodlines, including the True Phoenix Clan, Undying Bird Clan, and Nine Nether Sparrow Clan. You can take your time selecting suitable matches."
Xiao Tiance's suggestion was not without merit. These divine beast clans shared ancestral ties with the Heavenly Phoenix Clan, and offspring born from such unions would likely inherit strong bloodlines. Even if the bloodline purity wasn't ideal, the descendants' innate talents would ensure the Heavenly Phoenix Clan's continued strength.
"Leave it to me!" Huang Jiuji said with a hearty laugh.
The Next Generation
Their conversation continued for several hours until Medusa arrived with Xiao Baiying. After exchanging greetings, Huang Jiuji doted on Xiao Baiying, gifting her rare treasures from the Heavenly Phoenix Clan's vault. Xiao Baiying accepted them with a bright smile, quickly warming up to Huang Jiuji.
That evening, the Xiao Clan's upper echelon gathered to reminisce about their experiences. Laughter and stories flowed freely, and by the end of the night, most were happily drunk.
In the early morning, Xiao Tiance stepped outside for some fresh air. Xiao Qing approached him respectfully, handing him a small box.
"Third Uncle, this is for you," Xiao Qing said.
Xiao Tiance scanned the box with his soul power and immediately recognized its contents: the Essence of the Emperor, which he had entrusted to Xiao Qing long ago.
"Keep it," Xiao Tiance said with a smile. "Once you've fully assimilated it, your strength will grow significantly."
This moment marked not only the Xiao Clan's reunion but also the promise of a brighter future for the Heavenly Phoenix Clan and White Jade Capital.
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