Chapter 203: Xiao Xuan's Choice
"Nine Colored Origin Stone? What is that?"
On the third level of the spatial ship, Medusa was puzzled. She had never heard of the Nine Colored Origin Stone. Huang Jiuji smiled and explained:
"The Nine Colored Origin Stone is a precious item. It can only form under very rare conditions: when hundreds of Seven Colored Swallowing Pythons perish in the same place, there's a small chance of creating an Eight Colored or Nine Colored Origin Stone.
Your bloodline belongs to the Seven Colored Swallowing Python lineage. Using the Nine Colored Origin Stone, you can evolve your bloodline into that of the Eight Colored or even Nine Colored Swallowing Python."
"Master, I'm part of the Snake People tribe. Can I really use the Nine Colored Origin Stone to evolve my bloodline?" Medusa asked, a mix of doubt and concern on her face.
"Of course you can," Huang Jiuji replied. "Even though you're from the Snake People tribe, your bloodline must contain traces of ancient magical beasts.
Think of your Snake People tribe as descendants of the Seven Colored Swallowing Python. Otherwise, when you used the Heavenly Flame to evolve, you wouldn't have been able to upgrade your bloodline into that of a Seven Colored Swallowing Python.
Now that your bloodline has already transformed, you can consider yourself a true Seven Colored Swallowing Python a rare ancient magical beast.
The Nine Colored Origin Stone will enable your bloodline to evolve further. Once you reach the Nine Colored Swallowing Python level, you'll surpass the might of the Ancient Heavenly Serpent, one of the strongest magical beasts.
According to ancient texts passed down by my Heavenly Phoenix Clan, there was once a Nine Colored Swallowing Python that suppressed the Ancient Heavenly Serpent.
The Seven Colored Swallowing Pythons disappeared from the Dou Qi Continent after a large scale war with the Ancient Heavenly Serpents, during which both species vanished from history," Huang Jiuji said calmly.
Medusa was stunned. She knew her Seven Colored Swallowing Python bloodline was strong, but she hadn't imagined it could rival the Ancient Heavenly Serpent.
In truth, the Seven Colored Swallowing Python was slightly weaker than the Ancient Heavenly Serpent. However, the Eight Colored Swallowing Python matched it, and the Nine Colored Swallowing Python surpassed it.
During ancient times, even the Heavenly Phoenix Clan and the Ancient Void Dragon Clan were no match for the Ancient Heavenly Serpents or the Seven Colored Swallowing Pythons.
Time had erased much of this history, leaving only fragments.
After a long pause, Medusa bowed respectfully to Huang Jiuji. "Thank you, Master!"
"No need to thank me. Since I've taken you as my disciple, I'll naturally share the best resources with you.
Moreover, you're likely the last Seven Colored Swallowing Python on the Dou Qi Continent. I'm eager to see what you'll achieve after evolving into a Nine Colored Swallowing Python," Huang Jiuji said with a smile.
Medusa bowed again, silently vowing to repay her master's kindness in the future.
A Month Later
The spatial ship had been traveling through the void for a month. Both Huang Jiuji and Xiao Tiance suddenly opened their eyes, exchanging a knowing smile.
"We've arrived. This spatial ship is still a bit too slow," Xiao Tiance remarked casually as he walked onto the deck.
With a slight surge of Dou Qi, he struck the space ahead with his palm, creating a space tunnel.
"Whoosh!"
The spatial ship swiftly passed through the tunnel. The next moment, everyone on board felt a slight jolt. The endless void outside was replaced by a vibrant landscape of green hills and clear waters.
Below the ship lay a vast lake, marking the entrance to Beyond the Heavens, the Xiao Clan's domain.
Moments after the spatial ship appeared, dozens of powerful figures arrived.
"Greetings, Clan Leader!" they said in unison, bowing to Xiao Tiance.
Nodding with a smile, Xiao Tiance replied, "No need for formalities. Rise."
"Yes, Clan Leader!"
These individuals, ranging from Dou Zong to Dou Zun levels, were members of the Dragon Soaring Army, the Xiao Clan's only organized military force tasked with guarding the entrance to Beyond the Heavens.
Xiao Tiance turned to the leader of the group and said, "Summon Jinshi of the Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe. I have something to discuss with him."
"Yes, Clan Leader. Right away!"
The leader promptly sent someone to fetch Jinshi.
Meeting Jinshi
About ten minutes later, Jinshi arrived with several Dou Zong level members of the Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe.
"Jinshi greets Clan Leader Xiao!" Jinshi said respectfully.
"No need for formalities, Clan Leader Jin. I require a piece of land near the Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe's territory for the Snake People tribe. Do you agree?" Xiao Tiance asked directly.
Jinshi was momentarily stunned but quickly scanned the Snake People on the spatial ship. After sensing their strength, he immediately agreed.
"Whatever the Clan Leader commands, my tribe will follow without question," Jinshi replied smoothly.
While Jinshi might have refused anyone else, the Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe was a subordinate clan of the Xiao Clan, and he dared not disobey. Moreover, the Snake People posed no threat to his tribe. With no Dou Zong among them, they couldn't challenge the Gold Swallowing Mice.
"Good. I'll leave this matter to you, Clan Leader Jin," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
"It's my honor, Clan Leader."
Xiao Tiance then turned to Medusa. "Medusa, come greet Clan Leader Jin. From now on, the Snake People will be neighbors with the Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe. Get acquainted to avoid future conflicts."
Medusa quickly stepped forward and bowed. "Medusa, Queen of the Snake People, greets Clan Leader Jin."
"Greetings, Queen Medusa. Since we'll be neighbors, there's no need for formality," Jinshi replied politely.
The two exchanged pleasantries, maintaining mutual respect as they met for the first time.
After ensuring the Snake People were settled with the help of the Dragon Soaring Army, Xiao Tiance led Xiao Yi Xian and Huang Jiuji into Beyond the Heavens.
Xiao Yi Xian's Awe
"Sir, is this Beyond the Heavens, where the Xiao Clan resides? Everyone here is so powerful. I've already lost count of how many are stronger than me!" Xiao Yi Xian exclaimed, her curiosity and amazement evident.
It was her first visit, and she was astounded. As more Xiao Clan members came to greet them, she realized just how deep the clan's strength ran.
Here, Dou Huang experts were as common as grass, Dou Zong were everywhere, and there were countless individuals whose auras vastly surpassed her own.
"Hehe, without this level of power, the Xiao Clan would have perished long ago," Xiao Tiance remarked with a faint smile.
"Alright, let me take you to my residence first. I'll have someone arrange your living quarters later," Xiao Tiance said. Without walking step by step, he placed a hand on Xiao Yi Xian's shoulder, and they vanished instantly.
Moments later, the two arrived at the ninth level of the Tiance Residence.
After instructing Xiao Bieli to bring tea and snacks, Xiao Tiance turned to Huang Jiuji and said, "Elder Huang, could you keep this girl company for a while? I need to take care of the Heavenly Tomb."
"Don't worry, Clan Leader. Leave her to me," Huang Jiuji replied with a smile.
"Girl, stay here with Elder Huang. I'll be back soon," Xiao Tiance said before disappearing without a trace.
Xiao Yi Xian's Reaction
"Is he always this unpredictable, Elder Huang?" Xiao Yi Xian asked, half complaining as she noticed Xiao Tiance had already left.
"Hehe, you'll get used to it," Huang Jiuji chuckled. "Once you reach his level of strength, you'll be the same way. Now, sit down and have some tea. It's quite good; give it a try."
"Thank you, Elder Huang," Xiao Yi Xian said as she sat down.
At the Northwestern Corner of Beyond the Heavens
Xiao Tiance took out the Heavenly Tomb and opened up a new space for it. Once the space stabilized, he added a ninth level spirit array for reinforcement before fully releasing the tomb into its new location.
He entered the Heavenly Tomb, moving swiftly toward the third level entrance. Before stepping in, he felt an immense surge in soul energy.
"Interesting. I didn't expect Xiao Yan's soul power to reach the later stages of the Heavenly Soul Realm so quickly," Xiao Tiance murmured with a faint smile before heading to the third level.
His figure flickered, covering great distances in an instant. Soon, he arrived at the side of Xiao Xuan and the Tomb Spirit, smiling as he greeted them.
"Brother Xuan, Tomb Spirit, I didn't think you'd work so quickly. Xiao Yan's soul power has already advanced to the late Heavenly Soul Realm!"
"Tiance, you're here!" Xiao Xuan replied warmly, nodding before gesturing toward the Tomb Spirit. "It's all thanks to the Tomb Spirit. He used a significant number of energy crystals to enhance Xiao Yan's soul power and steadily boost his strength."
The Tomb Spirit waved a hand dismissively. "It was nothing. Xiao Yan has great potential and remarkable restraint. After reaching the peak of Dou Huang, he suppressed his cultivation on his own.
With such self discipline, he's destined to become a true powerhouse, even without our assistance."
Xiao Tiance nodded in agreement. He had expected Xiao Yan to rapidly ascend in strength within the Heavenly Tomb, but he hadn't anticipated that Xiao Yan would resist the temptation and stop at the peak of Dou Huang.
"His self control is indeed commendable," Xiao Tiance said.
Encounters with Yao Tianhuo and Yao Chen
At that moment, Yao Tianhuo and Yao Chen floated over, their soul forms now much more solid. They respectfully greeted Xiao Tiance:
"Greetings, Senior!"
Seeing their improved states, Xiao Tiance smiled. "No need for such formality. It seems you've both made significant progress recently.
Once Xiao Yan awakens, we can craft physical bodies for your revival."
"This is all thanks to you, Senior," Yao Tianhuo said humbly. "Without your help, I might have completely dissipated by now."
Yao Chen nodded respectfully. "The Venerable Flame Master is right. Meeting you has been our greatest fortune."
Xiao Tiance waved them off. "Your revival is your own destiny. My role is merely to provide the necessary materials. It's not worth mentioning."
In the original story, both men were revived through Xiao Yan's efforts alone. Even without Xiao Tiance's intervention, their eventual revival was certain. Although their current strength wasn't impressive to him, their potential made them worth the effort.
Xiao Xuan's Choice
After asking the two men to step aside, Xiao Tiance turned to Xiao Xuan. "Brother Xuan, I've moved the Heavenly Tomb to Beyond the Heavens. Most of the clan members are there now. When Xiao Yan wakes up, let's go meet them together."
Xiao Xuan fell silent, saying nothing for several minutes. Finally, he shook his head.
"No, I won't meet them. Give me a mask, and I'll serve as your guard instead.
Please don't tell the clan members about my identity. I'm a failure. If I hadn't been so stubborn back then, the clan wouldn't have suffered such a massacre at the hands of the Hun Clan.
Although I've paid the price, it's not enough to atone for my sins. Seeing them would only bring pain to us all. Let them remember me as I was," Xiao Xuan said, his voice heavy with regret.
Xiao Tiance was taken aback. While he had no intention of reinstating Xiao Xuan as the clan leader, he hadn't expected Xiao Xuan to choose such a path.
"Brother Xuan, I don't believe the blame lies entirely with you. Although you failed in your attempt to reach the Dou Di realm, your actions were motivated by your desire to strengthen the clan. You haven't wronged them," Xiao Tiance tried to persuade him.
But Xiao Xuan shook his head. "There's no need to argue, Tiance. Since the day you brought Xiao Yan to revive me, I've been thinking about this decision.
While my original intent was to strengthen the clan, I was also driven by my own ambition to explore the Dou Di realm. Regardless of my intentions, the cost was catastrophic.
I've already made up my mind. Let me continue to protect the clan silently."
The Tomb Spirit's Advice
Hearing this, the Tomb Spirit chimed in. "Tiance, since Xiao Xuan has made his decision, I believe you should respect it.
As you've said before, the Xiao Clan is thriving under your leadership. Whether Xiao Xuan reveals himself or not, it won't change anything.
Moreover, as a hidden guardian, Xiao Xuan can still contribute to protecting the clan."
Having spent over 6,000 years alongside Xiao Xuan, the Tomb Spirit understood him better than anyone.
Seeing Xiao Xuan's resolve, Xiao Tiance decided not to press further. He retrieved a piece of metal from his storage ring and enveloped it in golden flames.
The metal quickly melted and, under the influence of his soul energy, took the shape of a black iron mask. Once it cooled, Xiao Tiance tossed it to Xiao Xuan.
"Brother Xuan, since you've made your choice, I won't try to change your mind. On another note, I've located Brother Chen. Once we destroy the Hun Clan, we'll rescue him."
"Chen is still alive?" Xiao Xuan asked, shocked, as he donned the mask.
"Yes. He's alive but trapped. We'll free him soon," Xiao Tiance confirmed.
(End of Chapter)
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