Chapter 27: Secrets and Apologies
"On the Dou Qi Continent, strength reigns supreme. If not, why would the Soul Heavenly Emperor resort to ambushing Xiao Tiance, despite his much higher cultivation level?"
Xiao Realm, Zhenwu Courtyard.
Hearing Xiao Wu's explanation, Xiao Tianyun was utterly stunned. He had thought he had a solid grasp of Xiao Tiance's strength, but it was now clear he had grossly underestimated him.
"Brother Wu, are you saying I should just swallow this indignity? How can I let this go without doing anything?" Xiao Tianyun asked, unwilling to give in.
"You'll have to swallow it, whether you want to or not. Tiance isn't someone you or your brother can handle. Let it go.
"Besides, your brother didn't come to me for help. That shows he already understands what I'm telling you. Tianyun, because of our good relationship, I'll give you some advice: don't underestimate Tiance.
"You may think he's only a Five Star Dou Sheng beginner, but he's far more dangerous than his apparent cultivation suggests. Don't forget what it means to be one of the 'Xiao Clan's Three Prodigies.' Don't underestimate him or our clan's true elites," Xiao Wu said solemnly, his gaze sharp and unwavering.
Xiao Tianyun couldn't help but feel a chill down his spine.
"Now, I've got matters to attend to. Go back, and take this as my final warning: don't seek revenge. Not even the Clan Leader could shield you if you stir up trouble," Xiao Wu added with a faint smile.
Hearing the dismissal, Xiao Tianyun reluctantly bowed and left Zhenwu Courtyard.
After leaving Zhenwu Courtyard, Xiao Tianyun tried several other places, only to receive the same advice everywhere. Discouraged and sullen, he returned to Sangui Pavilion, where he found Xiao Tianshan carefully packing a chest of gifts.
"You're back?" Xiao Tianshan asked without looking up.
"Yes," Xiao Tianyun mumbled, his energy utterly depleted.
Seeing his younger brother's gloomy state, Xiao Tianshan sighed. "I've shielded you all your life, so it's only natural that this setback would hit you hard. It's nothing to be ashamed of."
"Big brother, what are you trying to say?" Xiao Tianyun snapped, irritation flashing across his face.
Xiao Tianshan remained calm, responding gently, "You're young and didn't witness Xiao Tiance's influence firsthand. It's not your fault.
"But consider this incident a lesson. Avoid provoking him in the future."
"I understand, brother," Xiao Tianyun said weakly, nodding in defeat.
"Good," Xiao Tianshan said with a faint smile, storing the chest of gifts in his spatial ring. "Now, since this matter originated with you, it's only right that you see it through. Let's go resolve this before it escalates further."
Reluctantly, Xiao Tianyun followed Xiao Tianshan to Tiance Manor.
At Tiance Manor Entrance
"Greetings, Elders Tianshan and Tianyun," Xiao Bieli said with a respectful bow. Recognizing their intentions, he showed no hostility and maintained his composure.
"There's no need for formalities. Please inform Tiance that we've come to apologize for the matter involving Elder Xiao Chun," Xiao Tianshan said with a smile.
"Of course, please wait a moment," Xiao Bieli replied before hurrying inside.
Soon, Xiao Bieli returned with a message: "The Master says there's no need for an apology. He asks only that the clan maintain harmony."
"Then we won't impose further," Xiao Tianshan said, waving his hand. A chest appeared on the ground. "This is a token of our remorse. Please convey our gratitude to Tiance for his magnanimity."
With that, the two brothers departed.
Back at Sangui Pavilion, Xiao Tianyun's frustration boiled over. "Unbelievable! Xiao Tiance didn't even grant us an audience. He's so arrogant!"
Xiao Tianshan, however, chuckled. "Calm down, little brother. The fact that he's letting this slide is already a blessing. If this were the old days, we'd be in far worse trouble."
Seeing that Xiao Tianyun was still fuming, Xiao Tianshan shook his head. "Let it go. The matter is settled. No need to stir up more trouble."
"Humph!" Xiao Tianyun grumbled but held his tongue.
At Tiance Manor
After receiving the chest, Xiao Tiance had it sent to Xiao Chun without even opening it. Soon after, Xiao Chun and his son, Xiao Tianming, arrived at Tiance Manor.
"Tiance, this was unnecessary. I told you it wasn't a big deal," Xiao Chun said, though he was clearly moved by his nephew's gesture.
"Second Uncle, you raised me. How could I stand by and let someone insult you? Besides, I'm the head of this branch. If I don't defend my people, how can I command respect in the clan?" Xiao Tiance replied firmly.
He continued, "I couldn't avenge the slights you endured during my coma, but now that I've awakened, I won't allow anyone to bully our branch again. The Xiao Tianshan brothers handed me the perfect opportunity to assert our position.
"If not for the need to maintain appearances, today's resolution would've been far harsher."
Hearing the resolve in Xiao Tiance's voice, Xiao Chun nodded approvingly.
"Thank you for standing up for my father, Brother Tiance," Xiao Tianming said, bowing deeply.
"Tianming, I'm sorry I could only mete out a light punishment," Xiao Tiance replied with a hint of regret.
"You've done more than enough. The clan's unity comes first," Xiao Tianming said earnestly.
"Good. Let's move on. I didn't return just to address this matter. Second Uncle, I plan to take Tianming and the remaining Dou Zuns with me to establish a new base in the Tianmu Mountain Range.
"I've prepared a secluded space there that will serve as our branch's headquarters. You'll remain here to oversee things in my absence. Unless the clan faces a major crisis, we won't return for at least ten years."
"As you wish, Branch Master," Xiao Chun and Xiao Tianming said in unison, bowing deeply.
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