Tianji Tower Headquarters
Top Floor Room
"As long as the result is what I desire, the process doesn't matter!"
Hearing this, Tianluo nodded with a smile.
"Indeed. If the outco is as you wish, the process well, it doesn't matter how you get there."
As he spoke, Tianluo poured Xiao Tiance a cup of tea, then asked with a knowing expression:
"Master, you must have sothing specific you need to do. What is it?"
Xiao Tiance smirked. "Take a guess."
Tianluo confidently responded, **"You deliberately sent Xiao Qing away, which ans this matter requires utmost secrecy.
Since not even he can know, there's only one explanation. Based on what we've just discussed, I'd say you don't want to personally collect the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade fragnts you want to do it instead."**
The Mission
Tianluo was spot on. The jade fragnts, originally a single piece, had been split into eight parts, each guarded by one of the eight ancient clans.
Xiao Tiance trusted Xiao Qing deeply, but even he wasn't privy to this plan. Xiao Tiance's decision made one thing clear: he was serious about collecting all eight fragnts.
**"You know well, Tianluo. Yes, this task suits you perfectly. Your strength and loyalty are beyond question.
Although I plan to wait for Xiao Yan to beco a Dou Di, having a backup plan never hurts. If I act personally, it will draw too much attention. The other clans are already wary of ; it's possible they've planted spies around .
But you, on the other hand, have the strength and anonymity to pull this off. Despite showing so of your power before, you've always worn a mask. No one knows what you really look like."**
Tianluo nodded, mulling it over before responding:
"I can handle this, but I'll need your help."
Xiao Tiance imdiately assured him:
"I'll craft a high grade, ninth tier spirit array for you. It'll mask your identity completely. As long as you don't actively dispel it, no one will suspect you're a Tian Yao Puppet."
Preparing Tianluo for the Task
Xiao Tiance's arrays were formidable. A Tian Yao Puppet's inability to use Dou Techniques was its most obvious giveaway, but with the spirit array's assistance, Tianluo's attacks would appear indistinguishable from Dou Techniques.
This disguise, combined with Tianluo's nine star Dou Saint strength, would enable him to infiltrate other clans and secure the jade fragnts.
Tianluo agreed but added his own request:
"Master, I'll take on this mission, but I have one condition. When we reach the Great Thousand World, I want my freedom. No more soul bindings."
Xiao Tiance's lips curled into a smile as he gazed at Tianluo. After a mont, he nodded.
**"When we enter the Great Thousand World, I'll release your soul binding. I'd like to see what kind of life you can create for yourself.
However, you must promise to assist unconditionally should I ever need your help."**
Tianluo nodded without hesitation. "Of course. But for now, let's focus on the task at hand."
"Agreed."
A Sudden Arrival
Their conversation was interrupted by Xiao Qing's voice from outside the door:
"Uncle, Tianluo, the three elders of the Stone Clan have arrived!"
Xiao Tiance chuckled coldly.
"So soon? I expected them to hold out for at least ten days before coming."
Tianluo shook his head with a wry smile. "Circumstances dictate their actions. As long as they're not fools, they know they have no other choice."
"Invite them in," Xiao Tiance ordered.
The Stone Clan's Submission
Monts later, Xiao Qing led the three elders of the Stone Clan Shi Mo, Shi Lin, and Shi Qing into the room.
As they entered, the elders imdiately felt a suffocating pressure emanating from Xiao Tiance and Tianluo. Despite their status as peak seven star Dou Saints, they were overwheld, as though standing before towering mountains.
The elders bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Clan Leader Xiao, and greetings to you, esteed elder."
Their initial indignation over Shi Zhongtian's death evaporated entirely. Before these two powerhouses, even thoughts of revenge seed absurd.
"The Xiao Clan... its strength is unfathomable," the three elders thought in unison.
Xiao Tiance gestured for them to sit.
**"Please, take a seat.
Though recent events have caused so unpleasantness, they don't directly involve the three of you.
Your prompt arrival speaks volus about your sincerity. I trust you've co with the intention of making ands?"**
The elders exchanged glances before Shi Mo spoke solemnly:
**"Clan Leader Xiao, our two clans share a long history of friendship.
Unfortunately, due to the rashness of Shi Zhongtian, our late clan leader, your plans were disrupted. His actions were inexcusable."**
Shi Mo's words were interrupted by Xiao Tiance's dismissive wave.
**"It wasn't rely an insult to .
Shi Zhongtian's interference caused the failure of my clan's operation to eliminate Hun Tiandi. Without his foolishness, the Hun Clan would no longer exist.
And yes, in my mont of anger, I may have used a bit too much force, accidentally killing Shi Zhongtian.
For that, I ask your understanding."**
His tone was casual, as if Shi Zhongtian's death were a trivial matter.
For the three elders, this nonchalant attitude stung deeply. Humiliation and rage simred within them, but they dared not show it.
"As long as the outco is favorable, the process matters little!"
Tianji Tower Headquarters, Top Floor Room
Tianluo sat quietly until now, letting out a cold snort.
"The clan leader is magnanimous, giving the Stone Clan a chance after crushing Shi Zhongtian. If it were up to , I'd have led an army to their gates and made them pay the price they owe!"
As he spoke, Tianluo released his nine star Dou Saint late stage aura, pressing down like mountains upon the Stone Clan's three elders. They nearly collapsed, struggling to breathe under the pressure.
Watching their foreheads bead with sweat, Xiao Tiance raised a hand, signaling Tianluo to calm down. Once Tianluo retracted his aura, the three elders gasped for air, visibly shaken.
Stone Clan Offers Submission
Stone Qing quickly stood and cupped his hands respectfully.
**"Clan Leader Xiao, Shi Zhongtian deserved his fate. Before coming here, we officially removed him from the Stone Clan's ancestral records.
We are here today to reconcile with the Xiao Clan. Whatever Clan Leader Xiao requires, the Stone Clan will comply without hesitation."**
Although the other two elders felt humiliated by Stone Qing's words, they said nothing. The oppressive force Tianluo had displayed monts earlier left no room for defiance.
The two elders also bowed and echoed:
"Indeed. We are here in good faith. As long as Clan Leader Xiao spares the Stone Clan, we are willing to serve as your vanguard troops if needed."
Xiao Tiance smiled and waved off their remarks.
**"Elders, you overstate the matter. There's no need for such extres.
That said, Shi Zhongtian's rash actions did indeed ruin our operation. I trust Ling Hua explained this to you before you arrived?"**
Stone Mo stepped forward and bowed. "Yes, Clan Leader Xiao. Ling Hua disclosed everything. We understand the circumstances fully."
Discussing Reparations
Xiao Tiance's smile deepened as he sipped his tea.
**"In that case, this should be simple. What do the esteed elders believe would quell the Xiao Clan's anger?
Before this mission, the Xiao Clan had already suffered grievous losses. Elder Xiao Tianyun was killed by Hun Miesheng, and Elder Xiao Tianshan was severely wounded by the Hun Clan's forces.
This operation was our chance to exact justice, yet Shi Zhongtian's foolishness allowed Hun Tiandi to escape.
The Xiao Clan poured vast resources into this endeavor dozens of Dou Saints participated. Victory was within reach. And then? The duck we had roasted and seasoned flew away.
My clan mbers are outraged."**
He glanced at Tianluo.
Tianluo coldly interjected:
**"Our clan leader may be gracious, but we are not so forgiving.
Were it not for his restraint and insistence that the Stone Clan be given an opportunity to explain, our forces would have already marched upon your gates.
Believe , your Stone Clan even allied with the Ling Clan would crumble like paper before us."**
A Calculated Strategy
The three elders were seasoned and shrewd. They imdiately recognized Xiao Tiance and Tianluo's tactic: one played the good cop, the other, the bad cop.
Despite the indignity of the situation, the elders dared not protest.
Shi Zhongtian was gone, and the Stone Clan now faced the consequences of his actions. Refusing the Xiao Clan's demands would spell disaster.
Stone Mo clasped his hands together and spoke with sincerity:
**"Clan Leader Xiao, and esteed Tianluo, we acknowledge Shi Zhongtian's grave sins. Were he still alive, we would have punished him ourselves.
We regret his actions deeply, and we've co today with the utmost sincerity to resolve this matter.
As we ntioned, whatever reparations you require, the Stone Clan will deliver whether material goods or our unwavering service to the Xiao Clan."**
Stone Qing chid in:
"Indeed. We hope Clan Leader Xiao can see our sincerity."
Even the usually reserved Stone Lin bowed deeply.
"Should you demand our lives in exchange, we would give them without complaint. All we ask is that you spare the Stone Clan."
The Xiao Clan's Terms
Watching the three elders humble themselves, Xiao Tiance maintained his calm deanor and smiled warmly.
**"Elders, there's no need to go that far.
Since you've shown such sincerity, I won't dismiss your efforts.
However, the matter of reparations will be handled by Tianluo. After all, he was the one most affected by Shi Zhongtian's actions.
As for , I bear no ill will toward the Stone Clan.
I trust that once you've t Tianluo's terms, this unpleasant matter will be behind us."**
The elders exchanged glances, their expressions grim. Xiao Tiance had maintained an air of warmth and civility, yet they felt as though they were dancing on a knife's edge.
Tianluo, standing beside Xiao Tiance, let out another cold snort. His sharp voice broke the silence:
**"Fine. Were it not for your cooperative attitudes, I wouldn't even bother with this charade.
After all, if the Xiao Clan annihilated the Stone Clan, everything you own would beco ours anyway.
But I am willing to settle this peacefully if you agree to three conditions."**
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