Chapter 137: Two Years Later
"Boom!"
At the entrance to the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's cave, Zhu Kun's powerful Dou Qi erupted uncontrollably as Xiao Tiance's words sank in. The sudden surge of energy was overwhelming, but Xiao Tiance sensed no killing intent. Otherwise, he might have taken defensive measures immediately.
"What did you say? Is it true?" Zhu Kun's voice trembled with emotion. For thousands of years, his heart had been burdened with worry for his child. Were it not for his confinement, he would have scoured the world to find them.
Hearing confirmation that the child he had missed for so long was alive, Zhu Kun could no longer suppress his emotions.
A Parent's Relief
Xiao Tiance gave Zhu Kun a calm look and replied, "Do you think, with my strength, I need to lie to you?"
The truth in those words hit Zhu Kun. He couldn't match Xiao Tiance's power, and the man had no reason to deceive him. What's more, Zhu Kun had never mentioned his child to anyone, further solidifying the legitimacy of the news.
Tears welled in Zhu Kun's eyes. His voice softened, laced with vulnerability. "Can you... can you tell me how my child is doing?"
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Of course. From what I know, your child is called Zi Yan. After accidentally consuming the Transformation Grass, she has maintained the appearance of a little girl. She's quite adorable. The Grand Elder of the Inner Academy at the Jia Nan Academy found her in a forest and took her in. She's been living well ever since. That's all I know."
Zhu Kun absorbed every word as if they were the most precious sounds he'd ever heard. His hands trembled, and tears streamed down his face. After a long silence, he finally muttered, "I've been such a terrible father... My poor Zi Yan."
Xiao Tiance stood quietly, watching the ancient dragon process his emotions. As someone who had lived two lives but never had children of his own, he couldn't fully understand Zhu Kun's grief and joy.
After some time, Zhu Kun wiped his tears and straightened himself. He turned to Xiao Tiance and bowed deeply. "Thank you. Thank you for telling me about my child. For this, I owe you a favor."
The Research Begins
Xiao Tiance waved a hand dismissively. "No need for favors, Senior. Your help in studying this grandmaster level spirit array is favor enough for me."
Zhu Kun composed himself and nodded earnestly. "Then let's begin right away. The sooner we start, the sooner I can break free."
"Agreed," Xiao Tiance said, his expression becoming serious as he retrieved the fragmented Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade.
The Spirit Array Revealed
As Zhu Kun strained against the chains, the spirit array's intricate lines began to glow and reveal themselves. Xiao Tiance activated his Heart's Eye, a technique indispensable to spirit array masters. This ability allowed him to pinpoint the array's core and replicate its design swiftly.
For a grandmaster level spirit array, failure was inevitable in the early stages of study. With millions of interlocking patterns, even a single error could lead to disaster. But Xiao Tiance wasn't deterred. He immersed himself in the process, dedicating himself to unraveling the array's secrets.
Time Passes
Meanwhile, two years passed in the blink of an eye.
In the Jia Ma Empire, the bustling imperial capital prepared for the much anticipated Pill Refinement Competition.
At the same time, the empire's political landscape remained largely stable. Xiao Tiance's earlier instructions to the Tianji Tower operatives stationed in the northwest ensured that the original plotlines of the story remained mostly intact.
Tianji Tower's Observation
At the Jia Ma Empire branch of Tianji Tower, a subordinate rushed into the office of the branch leader. "Lord Tianming, Xiao Yan has arrived in the imperial capital. Shall we continue monitoring him?"
Sitting behind his desk, Xiao Tianming smirked. "So, the three year agreement has come around already? Time flies."
After a moment of thought, he waved dismissively. "No need. Focus on watching Yun Shan instead."
"Understood, my lord."
After the subordinate left, Xiao Tianming stood and gazed out the window at the vibrant city below, bustling with activity due to the upcoming competition. A sly smile crept across his face.
Over the past two years, Xiao Tianming had stationed operatives to protect Xiao Yan from the shadows, ensuring his journey remained as exciting and challenging as it was in the original storyline.
From the Magic Beast Mountain Range to the Tager Desert, Xiao Yan faced peril after peril. His decisive actions often left a trail of destruction.
For instance, when the Mo Clan abducted Qing Lin, Xiao Yan stormed their stronghold and obliterated it with a Buddha's Fury Lotus Flame. The Mo Clan was wiped out.
When a Heaven Snake Mansion elder attempted to interfere, Xiao Yan borrowing Yao Chen's strength left the man gravely injured. The elder barely escaped with his life.
After Xiao Yan's departure, Tianji Tower's operatives cleaned up any remnants, ensuring no one posed a threat to him.
Now, Xiao Yan was a two star Da Dou Shi with a growing reputation as a skilled fourth tier alchemist.
Xiao Yan's Arrival
In the imperial capital, Xiao Yan tightened his fists. "Teacher, I'll find a way to wake you. I promise."
Under Hai Bodong's guidance, Xiao Yan visited the Mittel Auction House, where a chance encounter with Ya Fei led him to learn about the Seven Illusory Green Spirit Saliva held by the Nalan family.
Disguising himself, Xiao Yan went to the Nalan residence to compete for the opportunity to obtain it.
At the same time, a subordinate reported to Xiao Tianming, "Lord Tianming, Xiao Yan has entered the Nalan estate. Shall we send someone to ensure his safety?"
Hearing this, Xiao Tianming frowned. According to his understanding, Xiao Yan's three year agreement with Nalan Yanran was supposed to take place at the Yunlan Sect, not at the Nalan family estate.
"What's he doing there? Could it be impatience?" Xiao Tianming muttered, a trace of disdain in his tone. "If that's the case, then Xiao Yan is not as wise as I thought."
(End of Chapter)
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