Chapter 142: Discussing Ya Fei, Gu Yue, and Xiao Qing's New Challenge (Double Release)
Jia Ma Empire, Rooftop of Tianji Tower Branch
Hearing Xiao Tiance's words, Xiao Tian Ming suddenly remembered something. If anyone could talk about insane cultivation speed, the person before him was unmatched. Xiao Tiance was the youngest Dou Sheng in the history of the Dou Qi Continent to reach that level without the help of Dou Emperor bloodline.
Thinking of this, Xiao Tian Ming slapped his forehead and chuckled bitterly.
"I forgot what a freak you are, Brother Ce. Compared to you, Xiao Yan's talent doesn't seem so extraordinary. If I recall correctly, at his age, you had already reached Dou Zun."
Indeed, Xiao Tiance's cultivation speed was absurd. Even Xiao Xuan, who had always been ahead of him, had managed it only because of his older age. If they were peers, Xiao Tiance would have left him far behind.
"Hahaha!"
Xiao Tiance laughed as he recalled his own rapid progress. Waving it off, he turned to Xiao Tian Ming and said, "Tian Ming, let's not dwell on that. I have a plan, and I'd like to discuss it with you."
"A plan? You want my input?" Xiao Tian Ming raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Brother Ce, you must be joking. If I were as smart as you, my father wouldn't complain about me so much."
Clearly, Xiao Tian Ming had no illusions about his own intelligence. He understood all too well that his wits were nowhere near Xiao Tiance's level.
Before Xiao Tiance could reply, Xiao Tian Ming added, "Brother Ce, just tell me what to do. I'm not the thinking type, nor do I want to be."
Xiao Tiance gave him a helpless look. Over the years, Xiao Tian Ming had grown accustomed to being under his protection. Xiao Tiance always handled the planning, leaving Xiao Tian Ming to carry out his directives. This had fostered an almost blind trust in Xiao Tiance.
After some thought, Xiao Tiance smiled wryly. "Fine. I won't trouble you with the details. I'll finalize the plan and let you know when the time comes."
"Heh, that works best for me," Xiao Tian Ming said, grinning as though he had scored a small victory.
Disinclined to continue looking at his clueless companion, Xiao Tiance stood and moved to the window. Gazing at the distant Mittel Auction House, he asked with a smile, "Did you say that Xiao Yan once caused a scene at the Mittel Auction House for someone special?"
"Yes, it was for a woman named Ya Fei. From what I've heard, she's quite stunning and graceful, but she has no cultivation talent. Without an 8th grade pill to change her physique, she'll likely never advance beyond Dou Shi," Xiao Tian Ming remarked casually, sipping his tea.
"Ya Fei, huh?" Xiao Tiance mused.
In his view, the women in the original story each had their strengths, but in terms of management skills, Ya Fei was unparalleled. Unfortunately, her low starting point held her back. With the right training, she could have become a renowned figure on the Dou Qi Continent.
Turning back to Xiao Tian Ming, Xiao Tiance asked, "Have there been any significant developments between Ya Fei and Xiao Yan?"
Instead of answering directly, Xiao Tian Ming tossed a scroll to Xiao Tiance. "Knowing how much you value Xiao Yan, I had someone document his interactions with everyone he's come into contact with. This scroll contains details about his relationship with Ya Fei and her life story. If you're interested, take a look."
As Xiao Tiance opened the scroll, Xiao Tian Ming smirked. "Brother Ce, this girl seems nice. You've been alone all these years why not take her as a companion? It'd be a great opportunity for her."
Xiao Tian Ming wasn't entirely joking. Given Xiao Tiance's status and strength, taking someone like Ya Fei as a companion would be a tremendous honor for her. In fact, many families, even among the Emperor Clans, would willingly offer daughters to serve as his companion.
Still, Xiao Tian Ming's words were mostly in jest. He knew Xiao Tiance well enough to doubt his interest in romance. Despite his strength and status, Xiao Tiance lived a life of self discipline that bordered on asceticism.
Xiao Tiance paused at the comment, then shook his head with a wry smile. **"Taking her as a companion isn't an option. I'm not exactly a great match, and I'd rather not ruin someone else's life.
That said, your words reminded me of something. From what I've read, Ya Fei has excellent potential as a manager if given proper training."**
"So, what are you thinking, Brother Ce?" Xiao Tian Ming asked, setting down his teacup to focus on the conversation.
Instead of answering directly, Xiao Tiance asked, "What do you think of Gu Yue, Xiao Qing's wife?"
"Gu Yue? You mean Xiao Qing's wife?" Xiao Tian Ming echoed, somewhat puzzled.
"Yes. Do you think she's fit to be the future matriarch of the Xiao Clan?" Xiao Tiance pressed.
The question immediately made Xiao Tian Ming sit up straight. After a moment of contemplation, he replied, **"As of now, Gu Yue still carries strong ties to the Gu Clan. In the three years since her marriage to Xiao Qing, she's sent a significant amount of resources back to her family.
What's more, many of the Gu Clan women who've married into the Xiao Clan follow her lead. Some of them have even swayed other clan members to her side."**
Realizing his words might sound overly critical, Xiao Tian Ming added, "That said, Xiao Qing is probably aware of this. He hasn't intervened, so he likely believes it's still within his control. Other than sending resources to the Gu Clan, Gu Yue hasn't done anything too out of line."
Xiao Tiance nodded thoughtfully. His questions were prompted by recent intelligence from Tianji Tower and the Xiao Clan, confirming Gu Yue's deep ties to the Gu Clan.
**"You're not wrong, Tian Ming. Xiao Qing himself recently sent me a report. However, Gu Yue's mindset needs adjusting. If she's to become a proper matriarch, she has a long way to go.
Here's what we'll do: send someone to the Mittel Auction House with an 8th grade pill to improve Ya Fei's physique. If she agrees, have her trained alongside Xiao Qing for a few years.
With Ya Fei's presence, Gu Yue will likely feel the pressure and adjust her behavior."**
"Understood, Brother Ce," Xiao Tian Ming said with a nod.
Xiao Tian Ming thought for a moment after hearing Xiao Tiance's instructions. He nodded and said,
"That makes sense. Without a sense of crisis, Gu Yue might not fully realize she's already part of our Xiao Clan."
He clapped his hands, and soon, a steward of the Tianji Tower branch entered and bowed respectfully.
"Lord Tian Ming!"
"Fetch your branch leader. I have orders for him," Xiao Tian Ming instructed.
"Yes, my lord. I'll notify him immediately," the steward replied, casting a curious glance at Xiao Tiance before leaving. Unfamiliar with the Xiao Clan's internal figures, he didn't recognize Xiao Tiance.
Shortly after, Xiao He, the branch leader, hurried in.
He was about to bow to Xiao Tian Ming when he noticed Xiao Tiance. Immediately, he dropped to his knees and greeted with reverence,
"Greetings, Clan Leader! Greetings, Elder Tian Ming!"
Xiao Tiance glanced at Xiao He without saying a word. It wasn't arrogance; rather, he was slightly displeased by Xiao He's trembling demeanor it was unbecoming of someone in his position.
Sensing this, Xiao Tian Ming quickly intervened. "Stand up. The Clan Leader has only recently arrived, so it's normal you didn't recognize him."
"Thank you, Clan Leader. Thank you, Elder Tian Ming," Xiao He said, wiping sweat from his brow as he cautiously rose.
"Here's your task," Xiao Tian Ming began. **"Go to the Mittel Auction House and find Ya Fei of the Mittel Clan. Give her this 8th grade Meridian Cleansing Pill. If she's willing to work for the Xiao Clan, the pill will serve as a welcoming gift. Bring her back with you if she agrees.
If she refuses "**
Before Xiao Tian Ming could finish, Xiao Tiance interjected,
"If she refuses, don't force her. Leave the pill with her regardless."
Xiao He was momentarily stunned. An 8th grade pill was an invaluable treasure, even for someone of his rank as a branch leader of Tianji Tower. He only received one such pill every five years, and that was whatever type was assigned to him not tailored to his needs.
Yet, here they were, offering a highly specialized pill as a mere introduction gift to someone like Ya Fei, a relatively insignificant figure in the grand scheme of things.
What shocked Xiao He even more was Xiao Tiance's command to give the pill to Ya Fei, even if she declined to serve the Xiao Clan.
"Understood, Clan Leader. I will see it done," Xiao He responded without hesitation, not daring to question further.
He bowed respectfully and left, closing the door softly behind him to avoid making any noise.
After Xiao He departed, Xiao Tian Ming looked at Xiao Tiance and said,
"It seems you have quite an interest in Ya Fei, Brother Ce. To give her an 8th grade pill, even if she won't work for our clan it's quite generous."
Xiao Tiance didn't turn to face him, his gaze fixed on the distant Mittel Auction House. He replied calmly,
**"It's just an 8th grade pill. To others, it might be a once in a lifetime treasure, but for us, acquiring such a pill is no harder than getting a piece of candy.
If this small investment can secure a talented manager for the Xiao Clan, it's more than worth it."**
Xiao Tian Ming shrugged. "As you wish, Brother Ce. If Ya Fei agrees, great. But if she doesn't, how do you plan to handle Gu Yue's issue?"
Instead of answering immediately, Xiao Tiance calmly summoned a teacup to his hand with a flick of his wrist. After taking a slow sip, he replied confidently,
**"Xiao Qing grew up under my guidance. I've taught him personally and shown him the way through both words and actions.
If he can't even manage his own wife, how can I expect him to shoulder the responsibility of leading the Xiao Clan after me?"**
Xiao Tian Ming stiffened at those words, suddenly understanding Xiao Tiance's intent. Xiao Qing had long been considered Xiao Tiance's successor. Xiao Tiance had even gone as far as to let Xiao Qing retain control of a mid stage Nine Star Dou Sheng Heavenly Puppet.
Moreover, Xiao Tiance had publicly declared multiple times that Xiao Qing was the sole heir to the position of Clan Leader.
If Xiao Qing couldn't handle such a relatively small issue, it would be a cause for serious concern.
"If Xiao Qing mishandles this matter, I'll have to intervene. I can't let Brother Ce be disappointed," Xiao Tian Ming thought to himself.
But before he could voice his concerns, Xiao Tiance, as if reading his thoughts, warned,
**"Tian Ming, don't meddle. Xiao Qing should have his own judgment and ability to act.
Besides, he was the one who personally reported Gu Yue's actions to me. If he fails to take this seriously, he would have to be remarkably foolish.
I want to see how he handles this problem and to what extent he resolves it."**
Xiao Tian Ming sighed with a wry smile. "As always, Brother Ce, your reasoning is irrefutable. I'll stay out of it, then. Less work for me."
Meanwhile, Xiao He followed Xiao Tian Ming's instructions promptly. After retrieving the 8th grade Meridian Cleansing Pill from the pharmacy, he brought along two attendants and headed to the Mittel Auction House.
Today, the Mittel Auction House was especially lively, hosting several Mystical Tier auctions. Visitors came in droves, including representatives from the empire's noble families and even the royal court. The atmosphere was electric.
"Branch Leader Xiao He of Tianji Tower has arrived!"
A voice suddenly announced Xiao He's arrival, freezing the bustling crowd in place.
Whispers erupted moments later.
"The branch leader of Tianji Tower is here? What an honor!"
"Why would such a significant figure visit the Mittel Auction House?"
Despite his nervousness around Xiao Tiance and Xiao Tian Ming, Xiao He's status was undeniable. As a peak Dou Zong cultivator, he was among the strongest individuals in the Jia Ma Empire and the entire northwest region.
What's more, his position within the formidable Tianji Tower made him untouchable. Even Jia Ma's imperial family would struggle to secure an audience with him.
The moment the Mittel Clan heard of Xiao He's arrival, Mittel Tengshan, the clan's patriarch, wasted no time. He rushed to greet Xiao He, bringing several elders and an entourage of attendants.
Before Xiao He could step foot into the auction house, Mittel Tengshan and his group were already waiting respectfully outside.
"Welcome, Lord Xiao He, to the Mittel Auction House!"
(End of Chapter)
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