Chapter 500: Arrival on Tianluo Continent, Meeting Mandala
"Father, there's news about Aunt Qing Yanjing. Would you like to hear it?"
In the ninth floor of the Tiance Residence, within White Jade Capital's bustling city, Xiao Baiying's words caught Xiao Tiance by surprise.
After a moment of contemplation, he nodded. "What's the news? So many years have passed don't tell me she's still wandering the Grand Thousand World?"
Xiao Baiying shook her head. "Aunt Qing Yanjing has already returned to the Futuo Ancient Clan, but it seems she's been confined recently."
"Confined?"
Both Xiao Tiance and Medusa exchanged puzzled glances. Qing Yanjing was the saintess of the Futuo Ancient Clan and likely to succeed as its next leader. For someone like Futuo Xuan, the clan's great elder, to confine her, it had to be over something significant.
"Could it be that she's already encountered Mu Feng and even given birth to Mu Chen?" Xiao Tiance speculated.
While the timeline didn't quite align, the ambiguity of the Great Ruler's story left room for the unexpected. After all, for cultivators, age and time often held little importance.
Conflict Within the Futuo Ancient Clan
Meeting Xiao Tiance and Medusa's questioning gaze, Xiao Baiying nodded. **"Yes, that's what I heard from some Futuo Ancient Clan members who came to White Jade Capital to train. Apparently, Great Elder Futuo Xuan wants Aunt Qing Yanjing to marry Maha Tian from the Maha Ancient Clan.
But Aunt Qing Yanjing disagreed, and things escalated. I heard they even fought, and in the end, the great elder had to use the clan's sacred treasure, the Ancestral Pagoda, to suppress her."**
Both Xiao Tiance and Medusa were stunned. Xiao Tiance couldn't help but smirk bitterly. "Maha Tian, huh? So he's got his sights set on Qing Yanjing now. Things are getting interesting."
In The Great Ruler, Futuo Xuan indeed tried to arrange a marriage between Qing Yanjing and Maha Tian. However, Qing Yanjing fell in love with Mu Feng and gave birth to Mu Chen. Her refusal to comply led Futuo Xuan to suppress her, especially after she transferred her divine vein to Mu Chen.
Even though Xiao Tiance's presence had altered the original trajectory of events, some things still seemed inevitable.
Medusa's Suggestion
"Husband, why not consider it? I think Qing Yanjing has feelings for you. If you personally propose to the Futuo Ancient Clan, she likely won't refuse," Medusa said softly.
Xiao Baiying's eyes widened in surprise at her mother's suggestion but said nothing. Realizing this was an adult matter, she found an excuse and left the Tiance Residence.
Xiao Tiance's Perspective
Once alone with Medusa, Xiao Tiance sighed. **"I understand your thoughts, Wife. If I went to the Futuo Ancient Clan myself to propose, there's a good chance Qing Yanjing would agree.
But I've already told her before: if she has the same feelings, she can come to me directly. Yet I haven't heard from her all these years. That means she has her own considerations and hasn't made up her mind."**
He smiled bitterly and added, "For now, let's wait and see. At least she's safe."
Hearing this, Medusa nodded and didn't press further. While she was open to Qing Yanjing joining their family, she couldn't force the issue either.
Seeking Mandala
As months passed, Xiao Tiance scoured countless places and sought advice from various people, but he still found no trace of the One Qi Transforming into Three Purities divine ability.
"It seems I'll have to find Mandala," he muttered with a sigh.
Informing Medusa to oversee White Jade Capital in his absence, Xiao Tiance vanished into the void.
Tianluo Continent: A Land of Power Struggles
The Tianluo Continent, one of the Grand Thousand World's ten supercontinents, was once ruled by the Heavenly Emperor of the Nine Ancient Emperors during the ancient era. It housed the fabled Ancient Heavenly Palace. After the palace's fall, the continent became a hotbed of conflict, with no single power able to dominate it.
In response, the superpowers of the Grand Thousand World agreed not to send Heavenly Supreme level experts to the Tianluo Continent. Instead, they allowed the native factions to grow and battle freely, hoping to foster a true hegemon.
Despite the agreement, many superpowers secretly manipulated events by deploying their Earth Supreme level experts and cultivating proxy factions.
In The Great Ruler, the Tianluo Continent only achieved unity when Mu Feng's son, Mu Chen, established the Mu Mansion following the Tianluo Banquet, becoming the second ruler after the Ancient Heavenly Palace.
By descending upon the Tianluo Continent, Xiao Tiance was technically violating the long standing agreement.
A Tense Encounter
As Xiao Tiance emerged from the void, his powerful aura immediately attracted attention.
"Elder of Dragon Phoenix Pavilion greets the Immortal Sovereign."
A gray robed elder appeared before him, bowing respectfully. The elder, an Earth Supreme at the peak of his realm, exuded deference.
"Dragon Phoenix Pavilion?"
Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow. He was familiar with the faction Dragon Phoenix Pavilion was a well known force on the Tianluo Continent. While they didn't expand aggressively, their solid base in Dragon Phoenix Ancient City and minimal enmity with others earned them respect.
"Indeed," the elder said. "This is Dragon Phoenix Pavilion's territory. May I ask what brings the Immortal Sovereign here?"
Though Xiao Tiance had breached the rules, his reputation across the Grand Thousand World was enough to make even someone as seasoned as the Dragon Phoenix Pavilion elder tread carefully.
A Direct Answer
After a brief pause, Xiao Tiance replied, "I'm here to see Mandala. Passing through your territory is merely a coincidence."
The elder frowned slightly but maintained his composure. **"Immortal Sovereign, though I don't know your purpose for seeking Domain Lord Mandala, I must remind you that your presence violates the long standing agreement.
Even White Jade Capital has acknowledged this pact. If you wish to contact Mandala, perhaps you could send someone from Golden Condor Manor or Thunderclap Mountain to deliver your message instead?"**
A Show of Power
Xiao Tiance's gaze turned cold, his aura pressing down like a mountain. The elder fell to his knees, blood trickling from the corners of his mouth.
"Are you sure you didn't misspeak just now?" Xiao Tiance's voice was calm, yet it carried a terrifying edge.
"Pfft!" The elder coughed up blood but met Xiao Tiance's gaze with determination. "I am certain of what I said. Immortal Sovereign, your power is undeniable, but that doesn't change the fact that you have violated the agreement."
Xiao Tiance retracted his oppressive aura and looked at the elder of Dragon Phoenix Pavilion with a faint smile. "So, according to your understanding, this sovereign cannot set foot on Tianluo Continent?"
Hearing the displeasure in Xiao Tiance's tone, the Dragon Phoenix Pavilion elder paled. He was well aware of the immense power of White Jade Capital, which could rival if not surpass the five Ancient Clans and even the Grand Thousand Palace.
If Xiao Tiance were truly angered, White Jade Capital wouldn't even need to lift a finger. Just the combined forces of Thunderclap Mountain and Golden Condor Manor under its banner would be enough to obliterate Dragon Phoenix Pavilion.
The elder quickly replied, "Immortal Sovereign, please quell your anger. If you wish to meet Domain Lord Mandala, allow me to act as your intermediary. While you rest in Dragon Phoenix City, I will personally bring Domain Lord Mandala here. How does that sound?"
A Test of Resolve
Xiao Tiance pondered for a moment, secretly admiring the elder's composure.
Even without outright declaring he was unafraid, the elder's courage was evident.
In the face of someone like Xiao Tiance whose presence could terrify even Heavenly Supreme beings this Earth Supreme elder's ability to maintain some dignity was commendable.
"Very well. I only need to meet Mandala. You have three days to bring her here," Xiao Tiance replied.
The Dragon Phoenix Pavilion elder hurriedly agreed and personally escorted Xiao Tiance into Dragon Phoenix City. After settling him in, the elder immediately departed for the Daluo Heavenly Region to seek Mandala.
Meeting Mandala
Within just two days, Mandala arrived alongside the Dragon Phoenix Pavilion elder.
"Greetings, Immortal Sovereign," the elder and a petite girl who appeared to be eleven or twelve years old both saluted Xiao Tiance.
"No need for formalities. I have matters to discuss with Domain Lord Mandala. Leave us," Xiao Tiance said, nodding toward the elder.
The elder quickly complied and left.
Turning his attention to Mandala, Xiao Tiance finally took a closer look at her. She was a strikingly delicate girl with long, jet black hair cascading to her knees. Her golden eyes were particularly captivating, and her youthful features exuded a charming elegance.
Mandala bowed respectfully and asked, "Immortal Sovereign, why have you personally descended upon Tianluo Continent and specifically requested to see me?"
Xiao Tiance waved a hand dismissively. "No need to be nervous. Relax and take a seat. I'm not here to harm you."
Mandala hesitated but eventually seated herself opposite Xiao Tiance.
After taking a sip of tea, Xiao Tiance decided not to waste time. "I'm here to ask about the Ancient Heavenly Palace."
Mandala's Reaction
The moment Xiao Tiance mentioned the Ancient Heavenly Palace, Mandala tensed visibly.
She quickly shook her head. "Immortal Sovereign, I have heard of the Ancient Heavenly Palace, but I know nothing about its secrets. You may be asking the wrong person."
Xiao Tiance didn't grow angry but responded calmly, "If even you the adopted daughter of the Heavenly Emperor claim ignorance about the Ancient Heavenly Palace, then no one in the Grand Thousand World would know anything about it."
Exposed Secrets
Mandala gasped audibly, her face filled with shock and fear. She hadn't expected Xiao Tiance to uncover her true origins.
Sitting on the main seat, Xiao Tiance chuckled softly. "No need to be alarmed. I simply wish to acquire one of the Ancient Heavenly Palace's divine abilities."
Mandala instinctively blurted out, "One Qi Transforming into Three Purities?"
Xiao Tiance smiled knowingly. "See? You do know something after all."
Realizing her slip, Mandala quickly covered her mouth, her wide eyes fixed on Xiao Tiance. After a moment, she composed herself and said firmly, **"Immortal Sovereign, you are forcing me into a difficult position. If you truly know my identity, you should understand that I cannot reveal the Ancient Heavenly Palace's secrets to you.
Moreover, your presence on Tianluo Continent as a Heavenly Supreme violates a long standing agreement. If other superpowers learn of this, they will not let it slide."**
Though inwardly anxious, Mandala maintained a composed demeanor.
Xiao Tiance's Confidence
Xiao Tiance burst into laughter. **"Violating the agreement? So what?
Mandala, you must understand that with White Jade Capital's current strength, even if I were to annex the entire Tianluo Continent, no superpower would dare utter a word of dissent in my presence.
Strength has always determined authority. In this world, only the strong have the right to speak."**
His words were brazen and carried an air of absolute dominance.
Mandala's expression turned ashen as she slumped in her chair, drained of energy. She couldn't refute his claim. Given White Jade Capital's unparalleled might, if Xiao Tiance truly wished to take over the Tianluo Continent, no faction would dare openly oppose him.
A Proposal
After a brief silence, Mandala regained her composure and met Xiao Tiance's gaze. "Even so, I cannot disclose the Ancient Heavenly Palace's secrets to you."
Xiao Tiance chuckled again. **"You're quite stubborn, I see. Fine, I won't bully the weak. Let's make a deal instead.
You share with me everything you know about the Ancient Heavenly Palace, and I'll grant you three things in return:
I will bring Lu Huan to you, allowing you to deal with him however you see fit.
I'll retrieve the remains of the Mandala Flower from the Ancient Heavenly Palace and present them to you.
I'll personally resolve the issues with your physical body.
How does that sound?"**
A Tempting Offer
Mandala's heartbeat quickened at the proposal. Each of Xiao Tiance's conditions touched upon her deepest desires.
After a moment of contemplation, she looked up and asked, **"May I ask why the Immortal Sovereign seeks One Qi Transforming into Three Purities?
Furthermore, as someone from a lower plane, how do you know about the Ancient Heavenly Palace? And how are you aware of my enmity with Lu Huan? This defies logic."**
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. **"Existence itself defies logic.
As for your first question, I'll answer it. But for the others, let's just say I stumbled upon this knowledge by chance."**
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