Chapter 89: Hun Miesheng's Madness
Jia Ma Empire, Xiao Clan's Old Residence in the Imperial Capital.
"This goal... is it too ambitious?" Huang Min asked hesitantly.
Xiao Tiance chuckled and replied, "Ambitious? Little one, you and Lingyun are both Dou Sheng level powerhouses. Such strength makes you stand out across the entire Dou Qi continent. With the Xiao Clan's support, uniting the Beast Region isn't just possible it's inevitable."
It was evident that Huang Min's reluctance stemmed more from her laziness than a lack of ability. With her intelligence and Lingyun's composure, achieving unity in the Beast Region was hardly a challenge.
"Fine, fine, teacher! If you insist, Min'er has no choice but to agree," Huang Min sighed, wrinkling her nose in resignation.
"Good. In that case, you and Lingyun will return to the Central Plains in a few days. If you need assistance, seek out Tian Luo," Xiao Tiance said, patting her on the head with a warm smile.
"Understood, teacher," Huang Min replied, pouting slightly as she trudged back to her room.
Shortly after she left, Xiao Tiance poured himself a cup of tea. He hadn't even had time to take a sip when he sensed Xiao Yin's aura in the courtyard.
"Xiao Yin greets the Clan Leader!"
"Come in," Xiao Tiance called out.
Moments later, Xiao Yin entered and knelt before him, ready to accept punishment. He hadn't expected his Dou Zong level concealment skills to be uncovered by Ling Ying, a Dou Huang. Though his identity hadn't been fully exposed, Xiao Yin felt he had failed.
"Stand up," Xiao Tiance ordered. "It's no surprise you were discovered. Ling Ying hails from the Gu Clan and has his own means. You now have two options: either return to Tianwaitian and focus on cultivation as a reward for your years of service, or assist Xiao Lei in establishing our presence in the Black Corner Region. Once the groundwork is complete, you may return and claim your reward."
Without hesitation, Xiao Yin chose, "Clan Leader, I will go to the Black Corner Region."
"Very well. Leave now, and if you hurry, you should catch up with Xiao Lei," Xiao Tiance said with a nod.
"Yes, Clan Leader." Xiao Yin disappeared without a trace.
A few days later, Huang Min and Huang Lingyun departed for the Central Plains. Both being Dou Shengs, they didn't need to rely on the spatial wormholes of the Chu Yun Empire. Before leaving, Xiao Tiance gave Huang Min his last Tianji Token, ensuring she could call on Tian Luo if needed.
With Tian Luo's strength, few could stand in their way, even among the strongest like Soul Heavenly Emperor or Gu Yuan.
After everyone had left, Xiao Tiance's only remaining attendant was Xiao Feng. But given Xiao Feng's reserved nature, these quiet months passed without incident.
On this day, snow began to fall, blanketing the world in white.
Sitting by a window, Xiao Tiance sipped tea and admired the snowflakes. Suddenly, Xiao Feng rushed into the room, his face filled with urgency.
"Clan Leader, something terrible has happened!" Xiao Feng exclaimed, bowing deeply.
"What's the rush? The sky isn't falling," Xiao Tiance replied calmly, raising an eyebrow.
"Apologies, Clan Leader," Xiao Feng said, steadying himself. "News has arrived from Tianji Tower. Soul Hall's leader, Hun Miesheng, personally led an assault on our branch in the Falling God Gorge. None of our members escaped, and Elder Xiao Tianyun perished in battle.
"Following this, Elder Xiao Tianshan led reinforcements from Tianwaitian to Falling God Gorge. However, it was an ambush. Hun Miesheng, along with two Dou Shengs from the Soul Clan, slaughtered everyone. Elder Xiao Tianshan was gravely injured and only managed to return to Tianwaitian in critical condition.
"Elder Xiao Qing has reported that the entire clan is now in an uproar, demanding vengeance. They've requested your immediate return to address the situation."
Xiao Tiance's face darkened, his gaze icy. "What of Tian Luo? Has he responded?"
"Clan Leader, when the message arrived, Tian Luo was in the Beast Region, assisting our elder guardians in subduing the Sky Demon Phoenix Tribe. He wasn't at headquarters," Xiao Feng replied.
Xiao Tiance's frown deepened as he muttered to himself, "I see."
Standing up, he ordered, "I'll return to the Central Plains immediately. Keep an eye on Wu Tan City and the Jia Ma Empire. If any powerful figures arrive or head toward Wu Tan City, inform me immediately."
"Yes, Clan Leader," Xiao Feng answered, bowing deeply. When he looked up again, Xiao Tiance had already vanished.
Void Realm.
Xiao Tiance tore through space at high speed, estimating that he would reach the Tianmu Mountain Range within the hour.
Soul Hall Branch in Falling God Gorge.
Hun Miesheng bowed respectfully to two Soul Clan elders. "This victory is thanks to your intervention. With your aid, we crushed the Tianji Tower branch, slew Xiao Tianyun, and repelled Xiao Tianshan."
"Spare the formalities," one elder replied. "Had you not discovered the connection between the Tianji Tower and the Xiao Clan, we wouldn't have intervened.
"Our clan bears a blood feud with the Xiao Clan. A thousand years ago, over a hundred of our Dou Shengs perished without a trace an enduring shame for our people.
"Now that the Xiao Clan's trail has surfaced, killing a few of their members is only the beginning. However, allowing Xiao Tianshan to escape means the Xiao Clan will surely retaliate. Hun Miesheng, your position may become precarious."
The second elder added, "You should return to the Soul Clan with us. Staying in the Central Plains is far too dangerous."
Hun Miesheng shook his head. "Thank you for your concern, but I must remain to manage the Soul Hall. The organization has existed for millennia and spans the entire Central Plains. Even if its members are expendable, dismantling it entirely would be a great loss to our clan.
"Besides, if the Xiao Clan fully reveals itself, it will provide an opportunity for our strongest to locate their base. Once found, their annihilation will be certain."
The elders exchanged approving glances. "Very well. Proceed cautiously. Should you require aid, contact the clan immediately. But remember, the Xiao Clan is not to be underestimated. After a thousand years in hiding, their strength may rival our own."
Once the elders left, Hun Miesheng's expression darkened. A cold gleam flashed in his eyes as he muttered, "I've waited a thousand years for this. The Xiao Clan spilled my family's blood and left me with endless torment. Only their extinction will satisfy my vengeance!"
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