Chapter 56: Xiao Xuan's Final Arrangements
Holy Pill City, at the inn.
Hearing Xiao Xuan's words, Xiao Tiance shook his head and smiled. "The Soul Clan and our Xiao Clan have been mortal enemies for generations. Our hatred runs deep, and reconciliation is impossible.
Although both sides previously avoided full scale war for the sake of their respective clans' interests, Soul Heaven Emperor took advantage of your attempt to break through to the Dou Di realm to send over a hundred Dou Sheng experts to attack the Xiao Realm, even leading an assault on you personally.
Killing these Soul Clan members wasn't an act of cruelty it was justice."
Xiao Xuan's pale face lit up with a faint smile of satisfaction. He then asked, "That's good to hear. The Soul Clan will take centuries to recover from this loss. Tiance, how are our clan members?"
"Brother Xuan, do you want to see them?" Xiao Tiance asked cautiously.
Xiao Xuan fell silent for a moment, then shook his head with a sigh. "No, it's fine. Just tell me briefly. My body won't hold up much longer. It doesn't matter whether I see them or not."
Xiao Tiance hesitated but then replied honestly, "When the Soul Clan attacked the Xiao Realm, I originally planned to save only a small number of our people. However, Xiao Qing couldn't bear to watch the massacre and acted on his own.
Later, I decided to step in as well. Unfortunately, I was too late. Over 2,000 clan members perished, but the rest have been relocated to the Tianmu Mountains. They should be settling in as we speak."
Upon hearing that only about 2,000 clan members had died, Xiao Xuan let out a sigh of relief, though his expression also carried traces of sorrow.
"So, your heart softened after all. But that's alright. With your current strength, you're strong enough to command the entire clan. I'm at ease leaving them in your care."
In the Dou Qi Continent and the Xiao Clan alike, strength was paramount. If Xiao Tiance weren't the strongest, he wouldn't be able to lead the clan.
Although their original plan had been to rescue only a select few talented individuals while allowing the rest to perish to temper the clan's spirit, Xiao Tiance's decision had saved far more. Xiao Xuan couldn't help but feel conflicted.
"Brother Xuan, what's done is done. We'll take things one step at a time. For now, the clan is hidden in the Tianmu Mountains, and I've decided not to let them leave for at least a year. Once I become a ninth tier Array Master, they'll have the means to move about freely again." Xiao Tiance spoke calmly.
"The future is beyond my grasp, but I trust you'll lead the Xiao Clan to new heights.
I came here today for a few things I need to discuss with you." Xiao Xuan's tone turned serious.
"Brother Xuan, you don't need to stand on ceremony. Say what's on your mind." Xiao Tiance nodded.
"Alright, here it is. First, I wanted to check on the clan. Knowing they're safe puts my heart at ease.
Second, as we agreed, I'm entrusting you with all of the Xiao Clan's resources. This storage ring contains all our cultivation techniques, Dou Skills, treasures from the vault, and other supplies.
Third, my Nine Dragon Lightning Flame is useless to you since you already have the Golden Emperor Burning Flame, which has been nurtured by the Heaven Phoenix Clan to surpass even its original form. I'll give the flame and the Skyfire Three Mysterious Transformations technique to the founder of Burning Flame Valley as repayment for an old debt.
Fourth, a decade ago, I sent some of our less talented family members to the northwest. If you ever have the opportunity, please look after them, though there's no need to bring them back to the clan.
Finally, I've entrusted the Xiao Clan's ancient legacy the Emperor's Jade of Tuoshe to them for safekeeping. If you're worried, you can retrieve it. After my death, I'll leave behind remnants of my soul in the Tomb of the Heavens within the Gu Realm. I'll prepare some treasures there, and you can send talented descendants to retrieve them."
After explaining everything, Xiao Xuan's face grew even paler. Xiao Tiance memorized every word and accepted the storage ring solemnly.
"If only I could have stopped you from attempting the Dou Di breakthrough…" Xiao Tiance sighed.
Xiao Xuan laughed hoarsely. "If you could've stopped me, I wouldn't be Xiao Xuan. The clan is in your hands now. I have little time left, so I must take my leave. When the light on your jade pendant fades, crush it to retrieve my body. Use it to craft a Heavenly Puppet my final contribution to the clan."
Xiao Xuan rose shakily and bowed deeply. Xiao Tiance wanted to stop him but relented upon seeing the determination in his eyes.
Shortly after Xiao Xuan's departure, Xiao Tiance returned to Tianwaitian in the Tianmu Mountains.
Tianwaitian.
The moment Xiao Tiance arrived, Xiao Qing rushed to him. After confirming Xiao Tiance was unharmed, he knelt suddenly. "Uncle, I deserve punishment!"
Xiao Tiance helped him up with a smile. "Qing'er, get up. I don't blame you. In fact, I should thank you."
Xiao Qing was stunned. "But I disobeyed you and exposed myself, ruining your plans!"
Xiao Tiance laughed. "Qing'er, you saved tens of thousands of our people. Without you, the losses would've been even greater. Plans change, and I'm content with the outcome.
It's just… no matter how many Soul Clan Dou Shengs I killed, I couldn't change Brother Xuan's fate."
His voice carried deep sorrow, a sense of helplessness. Despite his unrelenting efforts over the past decade, he couldn't stop Xiao Xuan's fate or prevent the Xiao Clan's suffering.
Xiao Qing wanted to comfort him but was shocked by what Xiao Tiance had just admitted. "Uncle, did you… kill all the Soul Clan Dou Shengs who attacked the Xiao Realm?"
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Every last one. It's the least I could do for our fallen clan members."
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