Chapter 839: Retreat Three Thousand Miles When You See Me
High above the desolate continent, the Maha Yin Yang Flask was now confined within the oppressive might of the surrounding boundless starlight. The black and white streams emanating from the flask were gradually worn down by the unyielding pressure of the stars.
The Heavenly Emperor Sword hovered above, its edge resting firmly against the flask, suppressing all its attempts to struggle.
Two immensely powerful sacred artifacts each terrifyingly potent in its own right had been brought together under Xiao Ze's control, working in harmony. Despite the Maha Yin Yang Flask being among the top ten supreme sacred artifacts of the Great Thousand World, the combined might of the Heavenly Emperor Sword and Zhou Tian Star Map was enough to suppress it completely.
The Scene of Suppression
The incredible sight of the flask subdued by sword and stars left everyone outside the battlefield in stunned silence. Even Maha Tian stared at the scene with a mix of disbelief and resignation.
After a long moment, Maha Tian finally exhaled deeply, his voice low.
"Zhou Tian Star Map… the artifact of the Chaos God Emperor…"
Xiao Ze chuckled, clapping his hands together.
"I see the Maha Ancient Clan lives up to its reputation. Even the Chaos Divine Hall isn't beyond your records."
Maha Tian's gaze darkened. "I'm even more surprised that you've managed to inherit the legacies of two of the nine greatest emperors of ancient times."
Xiao Ze's lips curved into a faint smile. "Well, praising me now seems a bit late, doesn't it?"
As he spoke, his hands formed seals, further tightening the suppression of the Maha Yin Yang Flask.
"Rather than idle compliments, Maha Clan Leader, you should think about what compensation you'll offer to earn the flask's safe return."
Negotiations Begin
Hearing that Xiao Ze wasn't intent on taking things to their absolute conclusion, Maha Tian's worry eased slightly. However, his expression remained solemn.
After a brief moment of contemplation, he spoke.
"I've only recently taken on the mantle of clan leader and have limited resources at my disposal. Now that I've lost to you, requesting more from the clan would be impossible..."
Before Maha Tian could continue, Xiao Ze raised a hand, his tone sharp but calm.
"Don't tell me you're planning to play poor, Clan Leader Maha? And are you seriously claiming you can't requisition resources from your clan? Is the Maha Yin Yang Flask your personal property, or does it belong to the Maha Ancient Clan?"
Faced with Xiao Ze's cutting words, Maha Tian could only sigh heavily.
"Fine. I'll offer 10 billion sovereign spiritual liquid, two spirit grade sacred artifacts, and one celestial grade sacred artifact as compensation for this… unfortunate conflict."
Xiao Ze silently evaluated the offer.
A total of 10 billion sovereign spiritual liquid was a staggering sum, even for a celestial grade superpower. Adding the three sacred artifacts rare and priceless treasures in the Great Thousand World the compensation was undeniably substantial.
Still, Xiao Ze's silence made Maha Tian uneasy. He furrowed his brows and added, "You should understand that even for me, securing such a significant sum is no small feat. The Maha Clan's resources are vast, but so are its expenses."
After a moment, Xiao Ze nodded.
"Fine. But I'll be the one to choose the three sacred artifacts."
Maha Tian reluctantly agreed, his voice laced with resignation. "So be it."
One Final Demand
As Xiao Ze prepared to seal the deal, he suddenly spoke again.
"I have one more condition."
Maha Tian's face darkened, and his voice grew cold.
"Xiao Ze, don't push your luck."
Xiao Ze's tone remained lighthearted. "Don't worry, it's not about more resources. But since your Maha Clan failed in its attempt to claim my Source Realm, you must now face the consequences of failure."
His expression turned sharp as he added, "From this day forward, for the next ten years, all members of the Maha Clan must retreat three thousand miles whenever they encounter someone from the Source Realm."
Maha Tian's face twisted with rage.
If he agreed to such terms, it wouldn't just be a personal humiliation it would tarnish the Maha Clan's honor for generations.
"You dare insult me and my clan to such an extent?! Do you truly wish to start an all out war between us?"
Xiao Ze's eyes gleamed coldly.
"War? Go ahead and try. But let me remind you, Maha Clan Leader I hold the upper hand now, not you."
His voice grew heavier with conviction.
"If your clan wants a war, I'd love to test whether my newfound strength qualifies me to lead the Great Thousand Palace as its true ruler. Shall we see if the Maha Clan can truly stand against the combined might of the Great Thousand Palace?"
He paused for effect before continuing, his tone icy.
"And if you think you can afford such a gamble, I'll destroy the Maha Yin Yang Flask here and now. Without it, do you think your clan can still sit alongside the Four Divine Clans?"
A Painful Decision
Maha Tian froze, a chill running down his spine.
The destruction of the Maha Yin Yang Flask would not only cripple the clan's power but also ruin his own reputation forever.
After a long silence, he finally relented.
A flick of his wrist produced three sacred artifacts and a storage bracelet containing the promised resources. He tossed them toward Xiao Ze with a pained expression.
"Fine! From this day forward, the Maha Clan will retreat whenever we encounter members of the Source Realm. Satisfied?"
Xiao Ze examined the items and, finding them satisfactory, nodded. With a series of hand seals, the star map and divine sword withdrew, releasing the Maha Yin Yang Flask.
The flask descended into Maha Tian's hands, and he quickly inspected it for damage. Confirming its integrity, he let out a long breath of relief.
News Spreads
Without another word, Maha Tian cast a long, resentful look at Xiao Ze before tearing open a spatial portal and leaving.
Xiao Ze watched him go, shaking his head.
"This defeat will undoubtedly weigh heavily on him. It's not just a loss of resources or prestige it's a blow to his very foundation as a leader."
As Maha Tian departed, news of the battle spread like wildfire throughout the Great Thousand World.
The compensation offered by the Maha Clan worth untold fortunes became a hot topic of envy and astonishment among countless powers.
Yet the most talked about condition was the Maha Clan's humiliating vow: to retreat three thousand miles upon encountering anyone from the Source Realm for the next ten years.
This was not just a simple loss. It was a historic humiliation that would be remembered for generations to come.
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