Chapter 139: The Grandmaster Level Spirit Array – Green Lotus Divine Confinement Array
"Forget it. I've just regained my freedom; all I want now is to see my child!"
Before the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's cave
Upon hearing Zhu Kun's refusal, Xiao Tiance was momentarily stunned but quickly understood the reasoning behind it.
Zhu Kun was wary of him. He feared that upon entering the cave together, Xiao Tiance might make a move against him.
This was reasonable. Both knew the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's cave held treasures of immense value items even peak powerhouses would covet. If both entered and encountered something they both desired, a fight would likely break out.
Zhu Kun, knowing he was no match for Xiao Tiance, chose to avoid the conflict entirely by leaving.
In reality, Xiao Tiance didn't care for most of the cave's treasures. The only thing he was interested in was the embryonic Emperor Pill. However, Zhu Kun didn't know that, leading to his overly cautious decision.
A Favor for the Sky Phoenix Clan
As Zhu Kun prepared to leave, Xiao Tiance thought of the Sky Phoenix Clan's delicate situation. Concerned that Zhu Kun might encounter his disciples, Feng Min and Feng Lingyun, and cause harm, Xiao Tiance decided to make a request.
"If that's the case, senior, feel free to go, but I have a favor to ask."
Zhu Kun halted but remained wary, keeping a distance. "Speak."
"If you encounter anyone from the Sky Phoenix Clan after you leave, I ask you to give me some face. The Sky Phoenix Clan now shares a deep bond with the Xiao Clan, so I hope you won't provoke or harm them. If you agree, I'll consider the three favors you owe me repaid."
The mention of the Sky Phoenix Clan caused a glint of cold light to flash in Zhu Kun's eyes.
In Zhu Kun's era, the Sky Phoenix Clan had been the mortal enemy of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan a rivalry so intense that both sides would fight to the death whenever they crossed paths.
Even now, the descendants of the Sky Phoenix Clan, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan, were bitter enemies of the Void Dragons.
A Tense Exchange
Zhu Kun's expression darkened further. He sneered, "You know the history between the Ancient Void Dragon and Sky Phoenix clans. Yet, you dare ask me to stay my hand against them?"
Xiao Tiance's face remained calm as he met Zhu Kun's gaze. "Does this mean senior won't give me this face?"
"Boy, are you threatening me?" Zhu Kun's tone grew icy. His body emitted a faintly oppressive aura.
Xiao Tiance's polite demeanor disappeared, replaced by a frosty expression. "It's not a threat, merely a fact. Although the Ancient Void Dragon Clan's Dragon Island is hidden, it can still be found if I wish. If something unpleasant happens, don't blame me for disregarding civility."
A Calculated Gamble
Despite the disparity in power, Xiao Tiance refused to compromise on this matter. The Sky Phoenix Clan, though far weaker than the Void Dragons, had played a significant role in the Xiao Clan's rise.
They had provided key resources and even ancient scrolls that helped Xiao Tiance become the only Spirit Array Master on the continent.
For Xiao Tiance, loyalty and gratitude dictated that he stand firm in his request.
Zhu Kun observed Xiao Tiance silently for a long moment. He understood the unspoken threat. If he ignored Xiao Tiance's request, the Xiao Clan might turn its full power against the Void Dragons, igniting a bloody conflict.
In the end, Zhu Kun sighed inwardly. "Fine. I agree. If I meet anyone from the Sky Phoenix Clan, I won't harm them."
Hearing Zhu Kun's response, Xiao Tiance smiled faintly and gave a slight bow of gratitude.
Zhu Kun wasted no time leaving. His massive figure vanished in an instant, as though fleeing from an invisible pursuer.
Opening the Ancient Emperor's Cave
After Zhu Kun's departure, Xiao Tiance turned his attention to the towering bronze door.
Taking out the incomplete Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's jade, he carefully placed it into the door's groove. With a series of intricate spirit seals forming in his hands, the grooves filled with radiant patterns.
"Click. Click."
The ancient door shuddered before creaking open.
As the door swung wide, Xiao Tiance stepped inside and sealed it behind him.
A Treasure Trove
Inside the cave, Xiao Tiance's eyes widened at the sight of several Heavenly Flames floating in the air. However, these flames lacked their original cores and appeared more like remnants.
What truly stunned him was the rows of scrolls and manuals, numbering in the hundreds, each radiating auras of advanced techniques.
Every single one was a rare treasure high tier heavenly techniques or battle skills that would be coveted across the Dou Qi continent.
Suppressing his excitement, Xiao Tiance picked up a scroll to examine it. After a brief inspection, his expression turned to astonishment.
"Even the advanced heavenly techniques I cultivate pale in comparison to this..."
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Tiance murmured, "Tuoshe Ancient Emperor... truly deserving of the title as the last Dou Emperor of the continent. This collection is beyond imagination!"
A Surprise Encounter
Just as Xiao Tiance prepared to collect the manuals, a deep, ancient voice echoed through the chamber.
"Fortunate young man, do you intend to take my treasures without even offering a greeting?"
Xiao Tiance's expression turned solemn as he quickly turned toward the voice, his gaze scanning the depths of the chamber.
The voice resounded through the chamber, carrying an intimidating weight. Yet Xiao Tiance had anticipated this moment.
If his predictions were correct, the source of the voice was none other than the embryonic Emperor Pill he had come for.
"Hahaha! I thought you'd stay hidden a bit longer. But it seems even thousands of years have left you feeling lonely, haven't they, Emperor Pill?"
Xiao Tiance laughed loudly, his gaze locking onto the form of the Emperor Pill, which had assumed the guise of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor.
If Xiao Tiance hadn't known the story beforehand, he might have been fooled. The Emperor Pill's aura was indeed powerful so strong it even surpassed his own peak Nine Star Dou Saint aura, albeit just slightly.
The oppressive power confirmed it: the Emperor Pill had reached the strength of a half step Dou Emperor.
A Revealing Encounter
"Who are you? How could you possibly " The Emperor Pill's voice broke off abruptly, its expression shifting to one of panic.
It was comical. The being that had tried to intimidate Xiao Tiance now trembled like a child caught in a lie.
Realizing its mistake, the Emperor Pill quickly adopted a more aggressive tone. "You impudent boy! How dare you question my identity? Are you not afraid I'll crush you with a single finger?"
The performance was almost convincing. But Xiao Tiance, unfazed, watched the Emperor Pill's antics with an amused expression before his smile faded.
"Enough of your theatrics. Keep calling yourself an emperor, and I might just kill you where you stand."
A Clash of Powers
The Emperor Pill's aura surged with rage. "Insolent wretch! Those who anger this Emperor shall perish!"
With a roar, it unleashed a devastating palm strike. The energy radiating from it was terrifying far surpassing even the bloodline burning attack of Hun Tiandi that Xiao Tiance had once endured within a Nine Tier Spirit Gathering Array.
There was no escape. No retreat. Xiao Tiance had no choice but to face it head on.
"Impressive."
He quickly formed seals with his hands, unleashing a series of five strikes: Mountain Cleaving Seal, Ocean Turning Seal, Earth Sundering Seal, Sky Annihilating Seal, and Ancient Emperor Seal. Each seal grew stronger than the last until they merged into one, creating an attack comparable to a high level Heavenly Technique.
"BOOM!"
The two forces collided, shaking the chamber with immense power. But despite the strength of his seals, they were gradually eroded and destroyed by the Emperor Pill's overwhelming strike.
"Hahaha! I thought you'd be stronger. Turns out you're just a paper tiger flashy but weak!" The Emperor Pill gloated, its attack continuing toward Xiao Tiance.
A deafening explosion followed, filling the area with dust and smoke.
A Twist Revealed
"Hmm?"
The Emperor Pill's triumphant expression faltered as it scanned the clearing dust. Xiao Tiance was nowhere to be seen, nor were the scattered Heavenly Techniques and Dou Skills that had littered the floor moments before.
"Impossible! He dodged it?"
Its gaze darted around in search of Xiao Tiance, who soon reappeared within a swirling array of ancient, glowing runes.
"Not bad. Facing a half step Dou Emperor truly is exhilarating!" Xiao Tiance's tone was light, but the mockery in his voice was unmistakable, infuriating the Emperor Pill further.
"You dare mock me?!"
The Emperor Pill pointed at the mysterious runes surrounding Xiao Tiance, its expression turning to disbelief. "How can this be? This world has no spiritual energy. How could you possibly master spirit arrays? And you're... a Grandmaster?"
The Power of a Grandmaster Level Spirit Array
Over the past two years of studying the Grandmaster level spirit array on the bronze gate, Xiao Tiance's mastery of spirit arrays had advanced dramatically. Though the lack of spiritual energy in the Dou Qi continent prevented him from fully reaching the Grandmaster level, he had absorbed the spiritual energy contained within the array, enabling him to replicate its might.
This newly constructed Grandmaster level spirit array was capable of unleashing attacks comparable to those of a Dou Emperor or even stronger an overwhelming counter to the Emperor Pill's power.
Notably, Xiao Tiance had begun preparing the array long before entering the cave, fully aware that the Emperor Pill would not surrender without a fight. The clash earlier had been a deliberate ploy to buy time for completing the array.
The Emperor Pill's Fear
The Emperor Pill's once arrogant demeanor crumbled. It knew its limits it might claim the title of "Emperor," but its true strength was that of a half step Dou Emperor. Against a Grandmaster level spirit array, it was nothing more than a lamb to the slaughter.
"Do you still wish to resist?" Xiao Tiance's voice was calm yet sharp. "You should understand the power of a Grandmaster level spirit array. It surpasses even a Dou Emperor's strongest strike. Would you like to test it for yourself?"
Fear flickered across the Emperor Pill's face.
Yet, in a final show of defiance, it roared, "You think I'll surrender? Fool! Take this!"
It unleashed another devastating attack, a high level Heavenly Technique far stronger than its previous strike.
Xiao Tiance sneered, his tone dripping with disdain. "In the face of absolute power, your struggles are meaningless. If you insist, then let this array show you the gap between us!"
With a sweeping motion, Xiao Tiance slammed his hand onto the ground. The ancient runes expanded instantly, forming a massive barrier that encompassed them both.
The Green Lotus Divine Confinement Array
"Grandmaster Level Spirit Array: Green Lotus Divine Confinement Array Activate!"
The chamber trembled as the array came to life, its radiant patterns casting an ethereal glow.
For the first time, the Emperor Pill knew true fear.
(End of Chapter)
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