Chapter 473: Fifty Years Later Special Operations
In White Jade Capital, Xiao Tiance handed the Emperor's Essence back to Xiao Qing with a knowing smile.
"Keep it," Xiao Tiance said. "When you've fully assimilated it and converted the energy into spiritual power, your strength will undoubtedly soar."
Xiao Qing nodded gratefully, carefully putting the box away before recounting the changes that had taken place on the Dou Qi Continent since the Xiao Clan's strongest members left for the Great Thousand World.
Despite the migration of their top tier powerhouses, the Xiao Clan remained the dominant force on the Dou Qi Continent. With Xiao Qing and Huang Jiuji both at the Nine Star Dou Saint level, no other faction could rival them.
Even with the absence of Gu Yuan and Zhu Kun, the second strongest force was merely the Lei Clan, led by their Eight Star Dou Saint patriarch. The Xiao Clan, with its overwhelming high level combatants, was unshakable.
The Xiao Clan in the Great Thousand World
After listening to Xiao Qing's report, Xiao Tiance nodded approvingly. "You've done well, Qing'er. Even here in the Great Thousand World, the clan still needs your guidance.
"Your Uncle Xiao Xuan has already arranged for a spatial teleportation array to connect the Great Thousand World with the Dou Qi Continent. It'll only take ten breaths of time to travel between the two realms."
Xiao Qing bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your trust, Third Uncle. I'll continue to manage the clan for now. Once I find a suitable candidate, I'll pass on the role of clan leader."
"Good." Xiao Tiance knew Xiao Qing wasn't one to cling to power. In fact, Xiao Qing had taken on the clan leadership role only at Xiao Tiance's insistence. With many other powerful elders like Xiao Wu present, the Xiao Clan's leadership could easily be transitioned without causing instability.
The Evolution of White Jade Capital
Two months later, Xiao Tiance spent some time on the Dou Qi Continent, catching up with family and friends. When Xiao Yan arrived to take Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lin, and his children back to the Great Thousand World, Xiao Tiance returned to White Jade Capital.
Time passed quickly. In the span of fifty years, White Jade Capital truly solidified its position as a top tier faction in the Great Thousand World. Its ranks of powerful warriors swelled, and its mid and lower level personnel were supplemented by recruits from the Xiao Clan.
The Revitalization of Saint Abyss Continent
At the invitation of Qin Tian, Xiao Tiance traveled to the Saint Abyss Continent. The land, once desolate and lifeless, had transformed over the decades into a thriving world teeming with vitality.
As he observed the lush landscape and flourishing communities, Xiao Tiance felt a wave of emotion. He also reflected on the pivotal role played by the fifty Heavenly Monster Puppets he had lent to the Great Thousand Palace.
These formidable war machines had caused catastrophic losses to the Outer World Demon Clan. Among their casualties were dozens of Demon Emperors and even three Sky Demon Emperors a devastating blow to the enemy forces.
Meanwhile, the Zhu Xian City battlefield, nominally under White Jade Capital's jurisdiction, had become a shared training ground for three rising superpowers: White Jade Capital, Infinite Fire Domain, and the Supreme Martial Realm.
The Outer World Demon Clan's inability to gain any ground on either the Zhu Xian battlefield or the Saint Abyss Continent only compounded their woes. In these two theaters alone, the demons had lost five Sky Demon Emperors, over seventy Demon Emperors, and countless lower tier forces.
A Warm Welcome
When Xiao Tiance arrived at the Great Thousand Palace's branch in Saint Abyss, he was greeted personally by Manager Wan Feng, whose radiant smile reflected years of prosperity and success.
"Haha, Lord Tiance! It's been too long. Your presence alone makes this old man's day," Wan Feng said, bowing deeply.
Though Xiao Tiance's power now far surpassed Wan Feng's, he still held immense respect for the man who had spent decades on the front lines defending the Great Thousand World.
"Manager Wan, it's good to see you," Xiao Tiance replied with a polite bow.
"Come, come! Let me take you inside to rest," Wan Feng said cheerfully. "You've yet to claim a single reward for all these years of contribution. Our treasury is overflowing with treasures feel free to pick whatever you like before you leave!"
Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow in surprise but soon understood that Wan Feng was referring to the spoils of war from the battles with the Outer World Demon Clan.
"Very well," Xiao Tiance said with a chuckle. "If you're being so generous, I won't refuse. By the way, where's Elder Qin Tian? I didn't sense his aura here."
Wan Feng laughed. "No rush, Lord Tiance. The Grand Elder has gone to visit one of the Ancient Clans. He'll be back in a couple of days."
A Toast to Victory
At the banquet that evening, Wan Feng raised his cup in a toast to Xiao Tiance.
"Lord Tiance, this old man drinks to you! Thank you for lending us those fifty Heavenly Monster Puppets. They've helped us achieve victories against the Outer World Demon Clan while minimizing our losses."
Xiao Tiance clinked glasses with Wan Feng and drank heartily before replying, "Manager Wan, you're too kind. Defending the Great Thousand World is a duty we all share.
"While my contribution of the puppets was small, it pales in comparison to the sacrifices made by the Great Thousand Palace over countless millennia."
Wan Feng shook his head with a smile. "Lord Tiance, there's no need for modesty. Since the rise of White Jade Capital, your contributions have rivaled, if not surpassed, those of the Great Thousand Palace.
"Take Zhu Xian City, for example. Its establishment alone has reduced the pressure on the Saint Abyss front by at least fivefold. And with those fifty Heavenly Monster Puppets on our side, the demons have suffered one humiliating defeat after another.
"Without a doubt, Lord Tiance, you are among the foremost contributors to our war efforts."
The camaraderie at the banquet was warm, and Xiao Tiance's resolve to protect the Great Thousand World grew stronger than ever.
Final Battles: Fifty Years Later Special Operation in the Abyss Continent
Over the past fifty years, the Saint Abyss Continent frequently saw unfamiliar, powerful fighters joining battles against the Outer World Demon Clan. Although they rarely revealed their identities, it was no secret to Wan Feng, the overseer, that these reinforcements hailed from White Jade Capital, Infinite Fire Domain, and the Supreme Martial Realm three of the Great Thousand World's rising superpowers.
Wan Feng, now a seasoned leader in the continent's defenses, raised a toast during a gathering with Xiao Tiance.
"Lord Tiance," Wan Feng said, his expression full of genuine gratitude, "over the years, I've never had the chance to personally visit White Jade Capital to thank you. The assistance of your Heavenly Monster Puppets has been a cornerstone of our successes here."
Xiao Tiance, knowing that Wan Feng's appreciation came from the heart, smiled and reciprocated the gesture. He was well aware of the impact his creations had on the battlefield whenever a Heavenly Monster Puppet was destroyed by the Outer World Demon Clan, Xiao Tiance promptly dispatched replacements to ensure the puppet force remained at fifty strong.
Moreover, the newer puppets he sent were of even greater strength, each starting at the early Immortal Heavenly Sovereign level, which significantly bolstered their combat power.
A Dangerous Mission
Two days later, Xiao Tiance met with top tier experts from the Great Thousand World near a teleportation array. The attendees included figures from the Five Ancient Clans, such as Qin Tian and Lu Tong.
"Lord Tiance, it's good to see you!" one of the elders said, his tone warm and respectful.
Another laughed. "Tiance, let's drop the formalities. With your strength at the late Sacred Heavenly Sovereign Peak, coupled with your expertise as a Battle Array Master and Spirit Array Master, none of us here can rival you."
Even Qin Tian and Lu Tong joined in the sentiment.
"Tiance, in the Great Thousand World, strength reigns supreme. With your current power far exceeding ours, there's no need for formalities. Let's consider each other as equals moving forward," Lu Tong said with a smile.
It was true. Xiao Tiance's rapid growth over fifty years, aided by the Plane Spirit Ling'er and his dormant Xie Ling Clan bloodline, had propelled him to extraordinary heights. Thirty years prior, he had already reached his current level.
Furthermore, his skills as a Spirit Array Master had advanced significantly, allowing him to casually create late stage Grandmaster Spirit Arrays an achievement that commanded respect.
A Plan to Save an Ancient Hero
In the branch hall, Qin Tian displayed a large spiritual map, pointing to a location marked Abyss Continent the central stronghold of the Outer World Demon Clan.
"Our mission," Qin Tian explained gravely, "is to infiltrate the Abyss Continent and rescue a senior who has been hidden there for millions of years."
He turned to Xiao Tiance. "Tiance, you might remember the senior you encountered fifty years ago in the Demon Clan's territory?"
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Of course. Without that senior's help, killing two Sky Demon Emperors would have been far more challenging. Their intervention saved me from a possible ambush by other demon powerhouses."
Qin Tian continued, addressing the group. "This senior, who never left a name, has been a silent guardian of the Great Thousand World since ancient times. Many of us here owe him our lives.
"However, this mission is fraught with danger. The Abyss Continent is crawling with Demon Emperors, including Blood Sky Demon Emperor and Saint Sky Demon Emperor, along with at least twenty top tier Sky Demon Emperors.
"Despite the risks, we must bring this senior home. He has sacrificed enough, spending countless years in enemy territory for our sake. We cannot let him perish."
Concerns About a Trap
While many nodded in agreement, an elder from the Mohe Ancient Clan voiced his concern.
"Although I agree with rescuing this senior, this sudden plea for help feels suspicious. It could be a trap set by the Demon Clan to lure us into their stronghold."
Another elder, Hei Tian, concurred. "Indeed. It's likely the Saint Sky Demon Emperor and his ilk have laid a trap to annihilate us in one fell swoop."
The room fell silent, as many shared similar doubts.
Qin Tian then turned to Xiao Tiance. "What do you think, Tiance?"
Xiao Tiance's expression turned serious. "I agree this could be a trap. The suddenness of this message is highly suspect.
"However, even if the Abyss Continent is a deathtrap, I believe the senior's rescue is worth the risk. His sacrifices for the Great Thousand World cannot be overlooked."
A Determined Resolve
Xiao Tiance's unwavering stance drew respect from the room. His words carried weight, not just because of his strength, but because of the hope he represented.
After a moment, he continued, his voice firm. "If this mission truly leads us into a nest of demons, then so be it. I'm willing to confront the Saint Sky Demon Emperor and his minions head on.
"This isn't just a rescue mission it's a statement. No matter how dangerous, we must stand together to protect those who have fought for our world in the shadows."
His resolve reignited the group's courage, and after some deliberation, they unanimously agreed to proceed with the mission, albeit with the utmost caution.
As plans for the infiltration took shape, Xiao Tiance's heart was steeled for the challenges ahead. The Great Thousand World had given him much, and now it was his turn to give back no matter the cost
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