Heaven Beyond Heaven, Tiance Mansion, Ninth Floor.
Xiao Tiance was visibly surprised. Currently, there were only a handful of nine star Dou Sheng peak experts left on the Dou Qi Continent. Previously, the most notable among them were Xiao Xuan, Hun Tiandi, Gu Yuan, the Blazing Fla Ancestor, the Pill Tower Ancestor, and Zhukun, the Dragon Emperor of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, trapped outside the Tuo She Ancient Emperor's cave.
After Xiao Xuan's death, the number of nine star Dou Sheng peak experts could be counted on one hand. To think that, within just a year of his seclusion, two more of these towering figures had fallen it was truly astonishing.
"Did the Pill Tower or Blazing Fla Valley release any information about their deaths?" Xiao Tiance asked, his tone grave.
Xiao Qing shook his head, a puzzled expression on his face. **"No information has been released. However, the Pill Tower has sealed off the Little Pill Tower entirely, allowing no entry or exit.
As for Blazing Fla Valley, they've announced a century long seclusion."**
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance nodded, his expression serious. The news left him deeply unsettled.
**"Have the Tianji Pavilion mbers continue their surveillance. The mont any updates arise, report to imdiately.
Now, what other developnts have occurred outside? Any new movents from the Hun Clan?"** Xiao Tiance pressed further.
**"Apart from the deaths of those two peak Dou Shengs, four new factions have risen over the past year: the Flower Sect, Tianming Sect, Ice River Valley, and Sound Valley. All were founded by Dou Sheng experts.
Since their creation, these factions have attracted a significant number of wandering cultivators, bolstering their ranks and influence. Their rapid rise has caused quite a stir on the continent.
Recently, so enthusiasts have compiled a ranking of the major forces, dubbing them 'The Hall, the Tower, and the Pavilion; Two Sects and Three Valleys.' These eight factions are now considered first rate forces on the Dou Qi Continent.
Incidentally, the Pavilion refers to our Tianji Pavilion. However, many question our strength, believing that aside from our enigmatic reputation, we lack any powerful figures."**
Xiao Qing's expression darkened slightly as he continued.
**"Additionally, taking advantage of this trend, nurous smaller factions have been established. However, their founders are mostly Dou Zongs, so they haven't garnered much fa.
As for the Hun Clan, there hasn't been much activity apart from a large scale operation by the Hall of Souls in Central Plains last year, likely to track down our clan's whereabouts.
Interestingly, rumors within the Hun Clan suggest that the individual who annihilated their hundred plus Dou Shengs possesses at least half emperor strength.
Heh, if they knew it was you, Third Uncle, I bet they'd be utterly shocked."** Xiao Qing added with a wry smile.
Xiao Tiance couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. The threads of fate woven in the original story seed to hold firm. The major powers from the original tale "The Hall, the Tower, the Two Sects, and Three Valleys" were now firmly established, save for the Four Way Pavilion. And now, with the Tianji Pavilion under his control, he had added a unique elent to the mix.
**"Don't let it bother you. Whether the Tianji Pavilion is recognized as a first rate faction or not is irrelevant. As long as it fulfills its purpose of gathering intelligence across the Dou Qi Continent, it serves its purpose.
As for the Hun Clan's speculation, leave it be. Let them guess all they want it's no loss to us."** Xiao Tiance waved dismissively. Recognition or rankings ant little to him; only the Pavilion's effectiveness mattered.
"You're right, Third Uncle. I agree completely." Xiao Qing nodded. He hesitated briefly before speaking again.
"However, the clan has grown increasingly discontent with the restricted access to Heaven Beyond Heaven. Now that you've erged from seclusion, should we lift the restrictions?"
Xiao Tiance pondered for a mont before responding. **"Extend the restriction for another three months. I need that ti to craft a Heaven Demon Puppet. Once I've finished, I'll inform you. At that point, you'll convene a clan assembly.
In the anti, do your best to appease the clan's dissatisfaction. If anyone refuses to comply, you know what to do."**
Xiao Qing nodded solemnly. "Understood. At this critical juncture, it's imperative we remain hidden. If the Hun Clan were to discover us, the consequences would be catastrophic."
After a pause, he added, "But there is one matter that requires your judgnt, Third Uncle."
"Oh? What is it that even you cannot decide?" Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow, puzzled. With the clan's affairs largely delegated to Xiao Qing and Xiao Chun, they rarely required his direct involvent.
**"It concerns the Tuo She Ancient Emperor's Jade. Six months ago, Uncle Xiao Ming traveled to the northwest region of the continent and reported its discovery.
Initially, I believed it should be brought back, but Uncle Chun was concerned that retrieving it without consultation could lead to internal strife, as the jade has always been managed by the Patriarch's lineage.
Ultimately, we instructed Uncle Xiao Ming to guard the jade while awaiting your decision."** Xiao Qing explained respectfully.
Xiao Tiance's expression turned contemplative. "What do you think, Xiao Qing?"
**"The Ancient Emperor's Jade is of imnse significance. I fear that the contingent of clan mbers in the northwest may not be strong enough to protect it.
Additionally, I've learned that the Hun Clan attempted to steal the jade guarded by the Gu Clan in the past, even at the cost of a Dou Sheng expert. Their desperation underscores its value.
If the Hun Clan discovers the jade in the northwest, it could lead to devastating consequences. Worse, they may exploit those clan mbers' safety to threaten us."** Xiao Qing analyzed gravely.
After a mont of contemplation, Xiao Tiance shook his head. **"Forget about retrieving the jade. Let it remain where it is for now.
However, your concerns are valid. To ensure their safety, assign a peak Dou Zun from our clan to covertly protect them.
Additionally, instruct the Tianji Pavilion to closely monitor the Hall of Souls and the Hun Clan. Should they make any moves toward the northwest, eliminate them imdiately. I'll handle any fallout."**
A flash of killing intent passed through Xiao Tiance's eyes. If the Hun Clan's interference disrupted the destined ergence of Xiao Yan, he would not sit idly by.
Xiao Qing seed puzzled by the complicated solution but decided not to question it. Sensing Xiao Tiance's determination, he shifted his focus, his eyes lighting up in realization.
"Third Uncle, have you beco a nine rank Formation Master?"
Xiao Tiance laughed heartily. "Indeed. Give a few more years, and we'll no longer need to hide from the Hun Clan."
"Amazing! Congratulations, Third Uncle! With this, the revival of our clan is within reach!" Xiao Qing exclaid joyfully.
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