Chapter 33: The Proud Members of the Xiao Clan
"Using Spirit Arrays as a combat method capable of trapping or killing opponents, forming within moments such techniques must originate from another world," Xiao Xuan remarked.
In the depths of Tiance Mansion, Xiao Xuan was awed by such capabilities.
Though these were merely Eight Tier Spirit Arrays, he couldn't help but imagine the potential devastation of more advanced arrays. Even for someone like him, the acknowledged strongest in the Dou Qi Continent, they would undoubtedly pose a serious threat.
Just the energy consumption required to escape these arrays had nearly depleted his reserves, a testament to their unparalleled power.
Across from him, Xiao Tiance gave a modest smile, waving his hand as he replied, "Xuan ge, it's nothing more than luck."
"Don't belittle yourself, Tiance," Xiao Xuan said, shaking his head. "The fact that you've mastered such a technique is proof of your strength.
It's a shame, really. My obsession with breaking through to the Dou Di realm has consumed me. If we could both focus on leading the Xiao Clan together, I have no doubt we could surpass its past glory."
Xiao Xuan sighed deeply and added, "But now, I'm not worried anymore. Even if I fail and perish, with you at the helm, the Xiao Clan will not only survive but thrive. I trust you completely."
"Xuan ge…"
Xiao Tiance wanted to persuade him further, but he knew it was futile. Xiao Xuan had made up his mind, and his determination to reach the Dou Di realm outweighed all other considerations.
Resigned, Xiao Tiance instead asked, "Have you set a specific time to make your attempt?"
Xiao Xuan nodded. "A year from today. I'll use this time to prepare and adjust myself to peak condition. During this period, I'll leave the clan in your hands, Tiance."
He paused, then added, "Speaking of which, given your current strength equivalent to at least the peak of an Eight Star Dou Sheng do you think the plan we discussed still needs to proceed?"
Xiao Tiance remained silent for a moment before replying firmly, "Xuan ge, a year isn't enough for me to surpass the strongest powers of this world.
I estimate that I'll need at least two more years to reach the level of a Nine Tier Spirit Array Master.
If you could give me that time, I'd be confident in ensuring the survival of every member of the Xiao Clan, no matter what challenges we face.
But with only a year, it's simply impossible. To ensure the clan's safety, we must stick to the original plan. Protecting some is better than risking the loss of all."
Xiao Xuan fell silent. A year might not seem like much, but for someone with his ambitions, it felt like both an eternity and a fleeting moment.
His obsession with the Dou Di realm wouldn't allow for further delays. Yet, he was acutely aware of the risks: if he failed, the Xiao Clan would be in grave danger, especially with the Soul Clan's increasingly invasive actions.
If the Xiao Clan's Dou Di bloodline were extracted, their collective strength would plummet, leaving them defenseless against the Soul Clan's aggression.
"Tiance," Xiao Xuan finally said with a heavy sigh, "I've been an unworthy clan leader. From now on, the Xiao Clan's future rests on your shoulders."
Hearing these words, Xiao Tiance understood that Xiao Xuan's mind was set. He wouldn't ask for more time, as his resolve to break through to the Dou Di realm was unshakable.
After a moment of thought, Xiao Tiance said, "Xuan ge, what if we sought the Gu Clan's help? They might be able to ensure the Xiao Clan's survival."
Xiao Xuan's eyes lit up briefly but then dimmed again. He shook his head and sighed.
"I've already considered that," he admitted. "But the Xiao Clan's pride runs deep. Asking the Gu Clan for help would be seen as a humiliation.
Moreover, Gu Yuan is focused solely on the Gu Clan's interests. He wouldn't commit their forces to protect us unless it directly benefited him."
Xiao Tiance thought of Gu Yuan and nodded in agreement. Ever since Gu Yuan assumed leadership of the Gu Clan, their interactions with the outside world had dwindled. They would only act if their territory was directly threatened.
"Ah, the Xiao Clan, the Soul Clan, the Gu Clan… All three have stood above the others for so long.
But without the Gu Clan's intervention, the Xiao Clan without its Dou Di bloodline will never stand a chance against the Soul Clan."
Xiao Xuan let out a bitter laugh. "That's how it is. Our pride may be our greatest strength, but it's also our greatest weakness.
Still, I believe in the Xiao Clan. Sometimes, a rebirth requires a breaking point. If I succeed in my breakthrough, the Xiao Clan will rise again. If I fail… then I leave our rebirth in your hands, Tiance."
He turned to face Xiao Tiance directly, his expression solemn. "Three months from now, I'll extract the Dou Di bloodline from our clan members.
But I want to leave a few children untouched children from every branch.
Tiance, I'm entrusting their survival to you. If I succeed, this will all be moot. But if I fail, they'll be the seeds of the Xiao Clan's revival."
Xiao Tiance bowed deeply and responded, "I promise you, Xuan ge. I'll protect them as if they were my own family. They'll face no prejudice or mistreatment."
"I knew I could count on you." Xiao Xuan's laughter was tinged with relief. "Honestly, Tiance, I've always thought you were the most suitable leader for the Xiao Clan."
Xiao Tiance shook his head, saying nothing in response.
After a moment of silence, Xiao Xuan clapped Tiance on the shoulder and said, "From now on, the Xiao Clan is in your hands."
"Rest assured, Xuan ge," Xiao Tiance replied, his voice resolute. "No matter what happens, the Xiao Clan will remain one of the greatest powers on the Dou Qi Continent."
With that, Xiao Xuan smiled faintly and turned to leave.
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