Chapter 23: Returning to the Xiao Realm
"It seems I need to make a trip back. It's the perfect chance to see how Brother Xuan is preparing."
Tianwaitian, Xiao Tiance's Residence
After arranging for a clan member to oversee matters in Tianwaitian, Xiao Tiance informed Huang Jiuji before leaving. As a Dou Sheng, he no longer needed to travel on foot. Tearing through space, he disappeared into the void.
Half a day later, in the Xiao Realm
As Xiao Tiance emerged from the void, several guards quickly surrounded him.
Judging by their attire, he recognized them as members of the Xuanhuang Army, one of the Xiao Clan's elite forces tasked with ensuring the clan's safety. Similar to the Gu Clan's Black Flame Army, the Xuanhuang Army also served as an assault force during external conflicts. Among young clan members, joining the Xuanhuang Army was considered a great honor.
Before ascending to Dou Sheng, Xiao Tiance himself had been a third commander in the Xuanhuang Army.
"Greetings, Elder Tiance!"
The guards saluted in unison, showing utmost respect.
Xiao Tiance nodded and waved them off. "At ease. Continue with your duties."
"Yes, Elder Tiance!"
The guards resumed their patrols, leaving Xiao Tiance to ponder. The Xuanhuang Army represented the Xiao Clan's future, but how many of them would remain after Xiao Xuan's failed attempt to break through to Dou Di?
Sigh.
With a heavy heart, he made his way back to his Tiance Residence.
The moment he stepped through the door, a maid hurried over and bowed. "Welcome home, Patriarch."
"No need for formalities. Did anyone come looking for me during my absence?" Xiao Tiance asked casually.
"Patriarch, the clan leader came by once. Upon learning you weren't home, he stayed for a short while before leaving," the maid replied respectfully.
Xiao Tiance nodded and dismissed her with a wave. Alone in the hall, he sighed. "It seems I truly lost much during my hundred years of slumber."
A century ago, before Soul Heaven Emperor ambushed him, Xiao Tiance's return from any journey would have been met with countless visitors waiting outside his door. The six branches of the Xiao Clan, numbering in the tens of thousands, would send him enough invitations to stack as high as a person.
Now, after his recovery, that bustling support had faded to a distant memory.
"Human nature is fickle. Even among one's own clan, estrangement grows like weeds."
As he shook his head, a maid announced the arrival of Xiao Chun, his second uncle.
The moment they met, Xiao Chun began to bow, but Xiao Tiance stopped him mid motion.
"Second Uncle, no need for such formalities between us!" Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
"Haha! Etiquette must not be neglected. You may be my nephew, but you're also the patriarch of our branch. It's only right I bow to you," Xiao Chun replied, clearly proud of Xiao Tiance's leadership.
"You're overthinking it, Uncle. Let's set this aside from now on."
Though Xiao Chun insisted, Xiao Tiance firmly prevented him from bowing again.
Seated together, Xiao Chun asked in a low voice, "Tiance, what brings you back so suddenly? Is there trouble outside? And where's Qing'er? He hasn't sent word for so long."
"Don't worry, Uncle. Nothing is wrong. Quite the opposite this trip has brought us immense gains. My strength has risen to the late stage of Six Star Dou Sheng, and Qing'er… he's now at the peak of Seven Star Dou Sheng!" Xiao Tiance's excitement was evident.
"What?! How is that possible? How could your strengths grow so quickly in such a short time?" Xiao Chun's shock was mixed with concern.
Once someone reached Dou Sheng, even advancing a minor level required tremendous effort, let alone leaping across multiple stages as Xiao Tiance and Xiao Qing had done. Xiao Chun worried they might have used forbidden methods, sacrificing their future potential for temporary gains.
Seeing his uncle's concern, Xiao Tiance laughed and reassured him. "Rest easy, Uncle. We didn't rely on pills or reckless shortcuts. Here's what happened…"
He recounted their journey to the Heavenly Phoenix Secret Realm, detailing the treasures and opportunities they had encountered.
When he finished, Xiao Chun was stunned. "The Heavenly Phoenix Clan… I never imagined such a race still existed on the Dou Qi Continent. What fortune! What an incredible opportunity you and Qing'er have stumbled upon!"
"Haha, it was pure luck! Without it, such a rare chance would never have fallen into our laps," Xiao Tiance replied, laughing heartily.
"Excellent, excellent! With your new strength and the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame, your combat power must rival an Eight Star Dou Sheng. Add Qing'er's peak Seven Star strength and that Eight Star Dou Sheng puppet of yours… Our branch is now second only to the main line led by Xiao Xuan!" Xiao Chun was ecstatic.
His greatest wish had always been for their branch of the Xiao Clan to rise to prominence. Xiao Tiance's rapid ascent had far exceeded his expectations.
"Uncle, I'll only be staying briefly this time. I need your help retrieving some Mithril from the treasure vault."
"Mithril? What for?" Xiao Chun asked, puzzled.
"Trust me, Uncle. I need it for an important project. According to the vault records, there should be enough Mithril to create a batch of elite fighters."
"Understood. I'll head to the vault immediately. Wait here; I won't be long."
With his characteristic decisiveness, Xiao Chun disappeared into the void, heading for the vault.
Not long after Xiao Chun left, Xiao Xuan arrived.
As soon as Xiao Xuan saw Xiao Tiance, he froze in surprise before breaking into a hearty laugh. "Tiance, you've outdone yourself! Your strength has soared to such heights after this trip. And that power within you… it's extraordinary!"
"Brother Xuan, please, take a seat." Xiao Tiance gestured warmly.
As they sat, Xiao Tiance smiled humbly. "This trip was indeed fruitful, but my strength still pales in comparison to yours."
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon. Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1