Chapter 55: Meeting Xiao Xuan Again
Heavenly Star Mountains.
Gu Yuan glanced at Gu Dao and the other two members of the Gu Clan's Three Immortals before smiling faintly.
"Whether it's worth it or not, I believe we'll soon see the results. When the time comes, you'll understand. Besides, the Soul Clan is different from the Xiao Clan. Soul Heaven Emperor isn't Xiao Xuan. If he finds the opportunity, he'll definitely make a move against us.
In the past, the Xiao Clan's strength kept him in check. But now, with Xiao Xuan's time running out, the situation could drastically change. We must prepare ourselves. Should the Xiao Clan fall, we'll become the Soul Clan's primary target. Whether we can withstand their pressure and protect the legacy of our ancestors... is still uncertain."
Gu Yuan's voice carried a heavy sense of foreboding.
"Clan Leader, there's no need to be so pessimistic.
Our Gu Clan may not be as strong as the Xiao or Soul Clans, but we're no pushovers. We're not so easily crushed. If the Soul Clan truly invades, we old bones are ready to fight on the frontlines. We'll defend the Gu Clan's legacy to the death!"
Gu Dao's voice rang out, firm and fearless.
The other two Immortals joined in, bowing deeply and declaring in unison, "We swear to protect the Gu Clan's eternal legacy!"
Gu Yuan smiled faintly and said, "I've never doubted your resolve. Let's return to the Gu Realm."
With a wave of his hand, Gu Yuan stepped into the void, followed closely by the Three Immortals, vanishing without a trace.
Meanwhile, back in the Soul Realm, Soul Heaven Emperor and Void Devouring Flame had returned. Confirming the earlier message, the Soul Heaven Emperor's expression turned dark with rage.
"BANG!"
His terrifying aura surged as his fury boiled over.
"Good, very good. Xiao Xuan, your tactics are truly remarkable. My entire force over one hundred Dou Sheng completely wiped out in the Xiao Realm. Excellent!"
His tone was bitter, his teeth grinding audibly as he fought to suppress his anger.
The loss of over a hundred Dou Sheng was a catastrophic blow. These warriors represented the Soul Clan's foundation, built over countless years. Now, they were all gone, eradicated in a single campaign.
"Damn it!"
The Soul Clan elders knelt and pleaded, "Please, calm yourself, Clan Leader!"
Taking a deep breath, Soul Heaven Emperor suppressed his anger. He waved his hand and commanded coldly, "Enough. Prepare the secret ritual. Before we set out, I left a sliver of soul power with Soul Sheng Tian and the other three elders. Begin the revival ceremony immediately upon my return."
"Yes, Clan Leader!"
The elders quickly dispersed.
Left alone, the Soul Heaven Emperor spat out a mouthful of blood, his injuries still severe from the clash with Xiao Xuan. From his storage ring, he retrieved a ninth tier healing pill and swallowed it before sitting cross legged to recover.
After about ten minutes, he absorbed the pill's energy and his injuries began to heal. Rising, he waved his hand and disappeared into the void.
Above the Xiao Realm
The Soul Heaven Emperor appeared at the Xiao Realm's entrance, descending slowly. He scanned the battlefield's remnants before unleashing his full spiritual power, probing the realm below.
Moments later, he withdrew his senses, his expression dark.
"The battle traces remain, but there's no sign of life in the Xiao Realm. Whether the Xiao Clan has truly been destroyed remains a mystery. Yet, this weakened Xiao Clan somehow annihilated over a hundred of my clan's Dou Shengs... Xiao Xuan, you remain as unfathomable as ever."
As he pondered, he sensed a strange wisp of energy lingering nearby. Frowning, he reached out and caught it in his palm.
"What's this?"
He examined it closely, but the wisp dissipated before he could determine its nature.
"Damn it, what kind of trick did Xiao Xuan use to inflict such devastating losses on my clan?"
Frustrated, he ordered his subordinates in the Soul Palace, "Deploy personnel immediately. Investigate every suspicious individual in Central Plains. Capture them at all costs!"
With the command issued, the Soul Heaven Emperor turned and vanished into the void, returning to the Soul Realm.
Elsewhere
After leaving the Xiao Realm, Xiao Tiance did not return to the Xiao Clan's sanctuary in Tianwaitian. Instead, he traveled to Holy Pill City.
The Alchemy Tower, though newly established, had grown into a powerful organization capable of rivaling the Soul Palace. Curious about their rapid rise, Xiao Tiance decided to pay them a visit.
Checking into an inn, he hadn't yet had time to enjoy the local cuisine when a sudden spatial ripple filled his room.
Startled, Xiao Tiance quickly sensed the presence and broke into a smile.
Moments later, Xiao Xuan emerged from the void.
"Brother Xuan!"
Xiao Tiance rushed forward to greet him, but his joy turned to concern upon seeing Xiao Xuan's weakened state. Supporting him quickly, Xiao Tiance asked anxiously, "Brother Xuan, why are you here? Are there Soul Clan pursuers?"
Xiao Xuan smiled faintly, his voice hoarse but calm. "No, the Soul Heaven Emperor left after receiving some troubling news. I used the soul connection in the jade pendant I gave you to find you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to locate you with your aura concealed."
Xiao Tiance nodded, understanding. The pendant had been critical in ensuring their reunion.
"The news he received must've been about the annihilation of the Soul Clan forces in the Xiao Realm," Xiao Tiance said, recounting how he had used six eighth tier arrays to completely eradicate the invading Dou Shengs and secure the Xiao Clan's retreat.
Listening, Xiao Xuan coughed violently, his face turning red before he laughed weakly. "Well done, Tiance! I knew you wouldn't disappoint. The Xiao Clan is fortunate to have you!"
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