Chapter 475: The Ancestral Pagoda and the Grand Spirit Map
"Indeed, if your plan succeeds, the Outer World Demons will undoubtedly launch a frenzied assault on the Great Thousand World, and we are far from ready for such a battle. I cannot support your plan."
In the main hall of the Great Thousand Palace's branch on the Saint Abyss Continent, Black Heaven's firm objection was quickly echoed by Black Earth, the Mahā Clan Patriarch, and several other veteran experts.
Xiao Tiance quietly listened to the voices of opposition, understanding their reasoning.
A full scale war with the Outer World Demons would indeed spell disaster for the Great Thousand World, especially considering their current disparity in strength.
The Vast Power of the Outer World Demons
The Outer World Demons possessed 32 large clans, each rivaling a superpower in the Great Thousand World, and at least one Heavenly Demon Emperor presided over each clan.
Beyond these, there were nearly a hundred smaller clans, each led by a Profound Demon Emperor or a Nether Demon Emperor figures whose strength matched those of the Great Thousand World's superpowers.
In terms of low and mid level combatants, the Outer World Demons held an overwhelming numerical advantage, making them a near unstoppable force in open conflict.
Doubts and Disapproval
Qin Tian's expression was grim as he addressed Xiao Tiance.
"Tiance, the elders' words make sense. If we follow through with your plan, it could indeed provoke a large scale war. This is not the right time."
Lu Tong also voiced his disapproval.
"Xiao Tiance, as bold as your plan is, I must agree with the others. I cannot support it."
Not a single person expressed support for Xiao Tiance's daring strategy.
Adjusting the Plan
Seeing this, Xiao Tiance nodded, clasped his hands respectfully, and said:
"The elders make valid points. I concede that my initial proposal may have been too reckless.
"Let us then adjust the mission to focus solely on rescuing the senior. I will avoid any large scale exterminations of the demon clans. This should mitigate the risk of provoking a massive retaliation. What do you think?"
Qin Tian immediately responded, "If the mission is limited to rescuing the senior, I am the first to support it."
The others exchanged glances. Though they refrained from openly voicing approval, their silence signaled their reluctant acquiescence.
A Last Reminder
As the meeting concluded, Xiao Tiance bid farewell to the assembly, leaving the defense of the Great Thousand World in their capable hands.
The Desolate Ancient Patriarch, however, lingered for a moment longer.
"Tiance," he said gravely, "I admire your courage and your unwavering resolve to save others. But remember this your decisions hold the fate of countless lives. I urge you to think carefully."
With those parting words, he turned and left, followed by the others.
Unexpected Gifts
Once the hall had cleared, two figures approached Xiao Tiance: Futu Xuan, the patriarch of the Futu Clan, and Tai Ling, the elder of the Tai Ling Clan.
Futu Xuan bowed respectfully and presented a jade pendant to Xiao Tiance.
"Lord Tiance, while I cannot join your rescue mission, I wish to contribute in some way. Take this jade pendant. If you find yourself in mortal peril, crush it. It will summon my clan's Ancestral Pagoda to protect you."
"Ancestral Pagoda?" Xiao Tiance asked, surprised.
The Ancestral Pagoda was the Futu Clan's sacred treasure, a supreme saint tier artifact renowned throughout the Great Thousand World. In the original Great Ruler, it was said to surpass the legendary Eight Ancestor Glazed Cauldron forged by Martial Ancestor Lin Dong.
Futu Xuan nodded.
"Once summoned, the Ancestral Pagoda will shield you for ten seconds. Even attacks from a Heavenly Sovereign beyond the saint tier cannot breach it."
Xiao Tiance clasped his hands and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Patriarch Futu. I will not forget this favor."
Futu Xuan smiled. "There is no need for thanks, Lord Tiance. Consider it a token of my clan's gratitude."
The Grand Spirit Map
As Futu Xuan stepped back, Tai Ling approached and unfurled a scroll.
The ancient map exuded a terrifying aura of spiritual energy, and within its folds, faint shadows of colossal figures seemed to stir. The oppressive energy it radiated was comparable to the might of a Heavenly Sovereign.
Seeing Xiao Tiance's reaction, Tai Ling chuckled.
"It seems Lord Tiance recognizes this artifact."
Xiao Tiance's eyes widened in astonishment.
"The Grand Spirit Map… Your clan's supreme treasure?"
Indeed, the Grand Spirit Map was the Tai Ling Clan's greatest artifact, mentioned in the original Great Ruler as one of the top ten treasures in the Great Thousand World.
Forged by generations of Tai Ling ancestors, who sealed their life's spiritual energy into the map before their deaths, its power was immeasurable.
When unfurled, it could summon a spiritual umbrella adorned with ancient runes, cloaked in an unassailable spiritual cloud. Even the strongest Heavenly Sovereigns were said to hesitate before challenging its might.
Tai Ling handed the scroll to Xiao Tiance.
"Take this, Lord Tiance. It will serve as a shield against the greatest dangers."
Xiao Tiance hesitated.
"Elder Tai Ling, this is your clan's most sacred treasure. Are you certain you wish to entrust it to me?"
Tai Ling smiled.
"The Grand Spirit Map exists to protect the Great Thousand World. If it can help you rescue the senior, then it is fulfilling its purpose. Use it wisely."
A Dangerous Mission
With these invaluable gifts in hand, Xiao Tiance felt a renewed sense of responsibility.
He clasped his hands and bowed deeply to both elders.
"I thank you for your trust. I will not let you down."
Futu Xuan and Tai Ling smiled, their expressions a mix of hope and solemnity.
"May the heavens guide you, Lord Tiance."
As they departed, Xiao Tiance turned his gaze to the distant horizon.
The road ahead was fraught with peril, but he was resolute. The senior who had once saved countless lives deserved nothing less than his full effort.
And Xiao Tiance would stop at nothing to ensure his rescue.
Staring at Xiao Tiance's expression of surprise and puzzlement, the Tai Ling Patriarch chuckled and said, "Why not? Young friend Tiance, you are willing to risk your life venturing into the very heart of the Outer World Demons' territory to save a senior.
This Tai Ling Grand Spirit Map, while precious, is ultimately just an object. No matter how valuable it is, it can never compare to a life.
However, young friend Tiance, if you happen to lose it, don't worry. As long as you return safely, you can compensate by refining some of your Heavenly Demon Puppets for us instead."
Xiao Tiance laughed heartily. "Elder, you jest. How could my Heavenly Demon Puppets compare to the value of the Tai Ling Grand Spirit Map?"
The Tai Ling Patriarch shook his head with a smile. "I'm not joking. If you do lose it, just refine five Heavenly Demon Puppets with the strength of a Saint tier Sovereign at the initial stage as compensation."
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance was slightly confused, as the elder seemed almost eager for him to lose the artifact.
"Very well. Since it is the elder's goodwill, I shall accept it. Once I return, I will restore it to its rightful place. If it is lost, I will compensate you with five Saint tier Heavenly Demon Puppets."
As Xiao Tiance took the Tai Ling Grand Spirit Map, he could feel the immense spiritual energy surging within it. It was as if the energy of dozens of Saint tier Sovereigns had been condensed into the artifact.
The Tai Ling Patriarch laughed heartily. "Good. When using the Tai Ling Grand Spirit Map, simply grip this part here. I have inscribed a restriction that will allow you to activate it, even though the map will not recognize you as its master. As long as the restriction remains intact, you can wield its power."
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Understood. Many thanks for your kindness, elder."
A Surprising Insight
After the Tai Ling Patriarch and Futu Xuan left the hall, only Xiao Tiance, Qin Tian, Lu Tong, and Wan Feng remained.
Qin Tian glanced at Xiao Tiance with a smile.
"Tiance, do you know why the Tai Ling Patriarch so readily entrusted you with the Tai Ling Grand Spirit Map?"
"Isn't it because he sincerely wants to help us rescue that senior?" Xiao Tiance asked, puzzled.
Lu Tong chuckled. "That's partly true, but the real reason lies in the artifact's unique nature.
The Tai Ling Grand Spirit Map is not an ordinary supreme artifact. Regardless of where it is, whether it's suppressed or not, as long as someone from the Tai Ling Clan wishes to summon it, they can do so with a mere thought.
Distance, space, even barriers none of these can stop them from recalling the artifact.
It's the same with the Ancestral Pagoda of the Futu Clan.
So you see, that sly old man was likely hoping you'd 'lose' the Tai Ling Grand Spirit Map. That way, after you compensated them with five Saint tier Heavenly Demon Puppets, they could simply summon it back."
Qin Tian laughed aloud. "Now you understand, don't you?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled wryly. "The Tai Ling Patriarch is indeed quite cunning."
Despite his words, Xiao Tiance was relieved. Even if he did lose the artifact during the mission, it would not fall into the hands of the Outer World Demons.
Additionally, the goodwill shown by both the Tai Ling and Futu clans entrusting him with their sacred treasures was something he deeply appreciated.
Planning the Rescue
After securing the jade pendant and the Tai Ling Grand Spirit Map, Xiao Tiance grew serious. His gaze fell on the map of the Outer World Demons' territory, particularly the marked location of Liyuan Continent.
He turned to Qin Tian and asked, "Senior Qin, since the others are unwilling to join the rescue mission, it will be up to the two of us. Do you have any plans or suggestions for how we should proceed?"
Hearing the subtle dissatisfaction in Xiao Tiance's tone, Qin Tian sighed and replied, "Tiance, don't blame the others. They are thinking of the bigger picture.
From a pragmatic standpoint, risking the lives of so many Saint tier Sovereigns for a single mid stage Saint tier Sovereign does seem unreasonable."
Xiao Tiance shook his head. "Senior Qin, they're not wrong. I was acting out of emotion. Let's not dwell on it.
Do you have any ideas or strategies in mind? If so, please share them, and we'll work together to ensure everything goes smoothly."
Qin Tian sighed again. "Tiance, I won't lie to you. I don't have a concrete plan for this mission. Liyuan Continent is the heart of the Outer World Demons' domain. The moment we act, our spiritual energy will be detected, and we'll be surrounded.
The only viable approach is to infiltrate the continent undetected, rescue the senior, and then retreat.
I'll cover our escape by holding off the demon emperors while you lead the senior to safety. Even if I'm outmatched, I can buy you enough time to get away."
Xiao Tiance frowned, sensing a flaw in Qin Tian's plan. Given the strength of the Outer World Demons' leaders, even someone as strong as Qin Tian would struggle to survive a direct confrontation, let alone provide cover for an escape.
A Bold Counterproposal
"It's simple and direct," Xiao Tiance acknowledged. "But if we follow through with this plan, let's make one adjustment.
If we succeed in rescuing the senior, you will escort them to safety while I stay behind to hold off the demons."
"No!" Qin Tian immediately rejected the idea. "Tiance, the Great Thousand World can survive without me or any of the others, but it cannot afford to lose you."
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. "Senior Qin, I am stronger than you. Logically, it makes more sense for me to face the enemy while you ensure the senior's safety.
It's decided. However, before we head to Liyuan Continent, I'll need a few days to make some preparations and arrange matters in White Jade City."
Qin Tian hesitated but eventually nodded. "Very well, Tiance. How much time will you need?"
"Three days will be enough."
With that, the two began laying the groundwork for what would undoubtedly be one of the most perilous missions of their lives.
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