Chapter 296: Repayment, the Nine Colored Heaven Swallowing Python
"After all, earning a favor from a powerhouse like you, Lord Tiance, is something even Tianqiong Academy would eagerly seek."
Honest Words
Tiancang North, Tianlan Sect, Rear Mountain Courtyard.
When Chu Changhe made this candid statement, Xiao Tiance smiled. He appreciated honest people, and Chu Changhe's straightforwardness further reassured him.
**"Very well, since Elder Chu has spoken so plainly, I won't hold back either.
The woman being pursued by Tianluo Hall is very important to me. I hope you can inform Tianqiong Academy or directly communicate with Tianluo Hall.
If anything happens to her, I will make Tianluo Hall disappear from existence."**
Xiao Tiance's voice was calm, but the overwhelming killing intent in his words sent chills down Chu Changhe's spine.
"Please rest assured, Lord Tiance. I will immediately contact the academy and ensure that woman is protected." Chu Changhe quickly promised after a brief moment of thought.
He knew that for a supreme powerhouse who could easily defeat even an Earth Supreme, earning his favor was a treasure Tianqiong Academy would cherish.
A favor from such a figure, if used wisely, could bring immense benefits to even the most powerful sects.
Repayment Begins
Xiao Tiance clasped his hands in thanks. "I'll leave this matter to you."
Medusa was his woman, and knowing what he now did, he regretted letting her leave his side. While the separation had been unplanned, his priority was to ensure her safety.
After making his promise, Chu Changhe quickly left the courtyard to carry out his task.
Turning to Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu, who stood nervously before him, Xiao Tiance chuckled. "There's no need for you to be so cautious. I'm not going to eat you. Besides, your Tianlan Sect has done me a kindness, so you can relax around me."
"Lord Tiance..." Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu replied hesitantly, but their cautious expressions remained.
Seeing their unease, Xiao Tiance sighed. He understood their perspective were the roles reversed, he might feel similarly.
A Thoughtful Gift
Xiao Tiance scanned Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu with his spiritual sense. Bai Lan, though competent, had already reached his potential. Without a significant fortuitous encounter or access to rare treasures, he would likely remain at the late Fusion Sky Realm for the rest of his life.
Chu Jiaoyu, on the other hand, had much more potential. However, the cultivation technique she practiced seemed to limit her progress, leaving her stuck in the mid Fusion Sky Realm despite her hard work.
In the Tiancang North, their levels of strength made them formidable figures. Yet, Xiao Tiance saw an opportunity to repay their kindness.
With a thought, he summoned two jade bottles from his storage ring. Inside each bottle was a pill crafted on the Dou Qi Continent. He wasn't entirely sure if these pills would work with their cultivation systems, but he intended to find out.
Floating the jade bottles toward Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu, Xiao Tiance said, "These bottles contain pills I've refined to enhance one's strength. Take them now, and I will ensure your safety as you absorb their energy."
A Bold Experiment
Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu were stunned but overjoyed. Alchemists were rare and highly respected in the Great Thousand World, and Xiao Tiance's demeanor left no doubt about his sincerity.
Without hesitation, they opened the jade bottles and swallowed the pills inside.
Moments later, a burst of pure energy erupted within them, sending waves of power coursing through their bodies. Both quickly sat cross legged and began focusing on refining the energy.
Xiao Tiance observed their reactions closely. Soon, their expressions contorted with pain as the Dou Qi from the pills clashed with their natural Ling Qi.
Seeing this, Xiao Tiance acted immediately, channeling his own Ling Qi infused with traces of Dou Qi into their bodies to stabilize the conflict.
The moment his energy entered them, their pained expressions eased, and the turbulent energies within them began to harmonize.
A Breakthrough
Over time, Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu absorbed the pills' energy completely, their cultivations surging in the process.
For Bai Lan, the energy elevated him to the late Transformation Sky Realm. Though his natural talent limited further progress, the breakthrough still made him stronger than ever.
Chu Jiaoyu, blessed with greater potential and higher quality techniques, progressed even further. By the time she finished refining the pill's energy, she had reached the late Fusion Sky Realm with ease.
Half an hour later, both cultivators exuded a powerful aura, signaling the completion of their breakthroughs.
"Thank you, Lord Tiance!" Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu bowed deeply, their faces radiant with gratitude.
They were amazed by Xiao Tiance's ability to casually provide such extraordinary pills. If they'd known he could help them advance so effortlessly, they wouldn't have cared about losing the Soul Devouring Forest earlier.
A Lesson Learned
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. "It seems my pills are effective after all. However, without my guidance, even a low grade pill could have proven fatal to you both."
Reflecting on this, Xiao Tiance realized that the pills from the Dou Qi Continent might not be suitable for casual distribution in the Great Thousand World. A misstep could easily lead to disaster for someone unprepared.
With a mischievous glint in his eye, a cunning idea formed in his mind, though he decided to save it for later.
Gratitude Overflowing
Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu, still reeling from their breakthroughs, bowed again.
"Thank you, Lord Tiance. Your generosity has given us hope for further growth. We will never forget your kindness!"
Their heartfelt gratitude was apparent. Even the loss of the Soul Devouring Forest seemed trivial compared to the immense opportunity Xiao Tiance had just granted them.
In the North of Tiancang, at the Tianlan Sect's Rear Mountain Courtyard, Xiao Tiance's words left Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu in awe.
Even though their strength already made them dominant forces in Tiancang North, their recent breakthroughs to a new major realm elevated their potential to unify the entire region under their rule.
A Generous Offer
Sensing no hidden injuries left by the pills he had given them, Xiao Tiance smiled and waved his hand dismissively.
**"No need for excessive gratitude. I dislike owing favors. Consider these two pills as compensation for the destruction of your Soul Devouring Forest.
Now, I'll give you two options.
First, I can set up a Grade 6 Spirit Gathering Array for your sect. Think of it as an apology for destroying your courtyard.
Second, you can choose to let me owe you a favor. Should you need anything in the future, you can call on me at any time."**
Xiao Tiance's offer stunned Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu.
A Grade 6 Spirit Gathering Array was a priceless treasure that could propel Tianlan Sect to become the uncontested hegemon of Tiancang North and perhaps even gain recognition from the Lingqiong Academy.
However, a favor from someone as powerful as Xiao Tiance was of immeasurable value. Even the mightiest sects would envy such an opportunity.
Despite the overwhelming generosity of both choices, the couple felt conflicted. They feared choosing the latter might make them appear greedy in Xiao Tiance's eyes.
Humble Refusal
After exchanging a glance with Chu Jiaoyu, Bai Lan bowed respectfully and said:
**"Lord Tiance, the pills you've given us to enhance our strength are more than enough. The value of the Soul Devouring Forest and the courtyard pales in comparison to these two pills.
Therefore, we cannot, in good conscience, accept either the Spirit Gathering Array or the favor."**
Chu Jiaoyu nodded firmly. "That's right, Lord Tiance. We are not greedy people. Your kindness has already exceeded our contributions."
Unwavering Generosity
Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow, surprised by their decision. He admired their restraint and clarity of mind, especially when presented with such tempting offers.
"Do you realize that when I make a promise, I never go back on my word? Whether you choose the array or the favor, I will fulfill my end of the deal," Xiao Tiance said with a frown.
However, the couple remained steadfast. Bai Lan bowed deeply once more and explained:
**"We understand, Lord Tiance, and your generosity humbles us. To be honest, either of your options would grant us enormous benefits. Especially the favor it's something even a powerhouse like Tianqiong Academy would desire.
But in relationships, fairness and reciprocity matter. What you've already given us far exceeds our contributions, and we cannot accept more."**
A Gift They Couldn't Refuse
Xiao Tiance observed their determination, his respect for the couple deepening. However, true to his principles, he decided to leave them no choice.
With a wave of his hand, a jade pendant floated into Bai Lan's hands.
"Whether you accept it or not is irrelevant. I insist. There may be people who can refuse me, but you are not among them."
His words carried an undeniable authority.
Bai Lan hesitated, holding the jade pendant with an expression of conflicted gratitude.
"Relax," Xiao Tiance added with a faint smile. **"I was merely jesting earlier. This jade pendant contains a wisp of my soul energy. It can shield you from any attack below the Earth Supreme level.
If you crush it in an emergency, I'll sense it, no matter the distance, once my strength fully recovers. Consider it a small token of my appreciation for your character."**
Seeing no room for argument, Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu finally accepted the jade pendant.
Both bowed deeply, their voices filled with emotion:
"Thank you, Lord Tiance. We will never forget your kindness."
A Farewell
After putting away the jade pendant, Bai Lan asked cautiously, "Lord Tiance, are you leaving us now?"
Xiao Tiance nodded. **"Yes, it's time to go. I came to the Great Thousand World from a lower plane, but the Plane Embryo suppressed my Dou Qi, rendering it unusable.
Now that my strength has partially recovered, I can face the dangers of this world and search for my companions who came here with me."**
Seeing the reluctance on their faces, Xiao Tiance smiled and added:
**"Don't worry. Once I reunite with my companions, I plan to establish my own faction somewhere on this continent.
If you pay attention to news from the continent, it won't be long before you hear about me."**
His words were sincere. Xiao Tiance didn't come to the Great Thousand World for leisure he intended to leave his mark here.
Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu nodded in agreement. With Xiao Tiance's power, founding a force capable of shaking the continent was inevitable.
"Lord Tiance, we're certain you'll succeed. If only we were stronger, we'd join you on your journey right away."
Xiao Tiance laughed heartily. "If you ever decide to follow me, you'll always be welcome."
Unexpected News
At that moment, Chu Changhe entered the courtyard with an excited expression.
**"Lord Tiance, I've just received a reply from the academy.
The woman pursued by Tianluo Hall has already been rescued."**
A Complicated Development
Xiao Tiance's brows furrowed. "Rescued? By whom?"
While he was relieved that Medusa might be safe, this development complicated matters. If she remained with Tianluo Hall, he could deal with them directly. Now that she had been taken elsewhere, things became less straightforward.
**"Yes, Lord Tiance. The woman was indeed rescued.
However, the one who saved her belongs to a powerful divine beast clan the Nine Colored Heaven Swallowing Python Tribe.
It seems that the woman is not human, correct?"** Chu Changhe asked cautiously.
Divine Beast Clan Involvement
Xiao Tiance narrowed his eyes. "What makes you say that?"
Chu Changhe explained, **"I mean no offense, Lord Tiance. It's just that the divine beast clans rarely interact with humans.
Yet, a Nine Colored Heaven Swallowing Python intervened to save her. This suggests that the woman might also be a divine beast.
Moreover, the python left a message for Tianluo Hall, saying they could bring their grievances directly to the Nine Colored Heaven Swallowing Python Tribe if they were dissatisfied."**
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance's expression darkened, and a cold light flickered in his eyes.
"Tianluo Hall, you're lucky she's safe. But if you dare harm her again, I'll turn your hall into a graveyard."
(Chapter End)
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