Chapter 330: The Ghost Sect and the Heavenly Dao Sect
"Master Tiance, my enemy has arrived," Liu Changkong announced solemnly.
In the grand hall of the palace in Luo Shui City, which the Luo Shen Clan had arranged for its honored guests, Xiao Tiance nodded with a calm smile.
"You can tell me about your enemy now, can't you? I mentioned before: once the Tianluo Hall submitted to me, no matter if your enemy was a high tier Earth Supreme, a pinnacle Earth Supreme, or even a Heaven Supreme, I would shoulder your vendetta.
"I don't go back on my word, so rest assured."
While Xiao Tiance wasn't particularly concerned about any enemy of Liu Changkong after all, even the Western Sky Battle King didn't faze him it was always wise to know one's enemy before engaging. With the foe already in Luo Shui City, it was important to understand who Liu Changkong's adversary was and the power they represented.
Liu Changkong's Tale
"Yes, Master Tiance," Liu Changkong said, bowing respectfully.
"My enemy is Liu Ming, the current sect master of the Ghost Sect, the most powerful faction in the Soulfall Continent. The Ghost Sect was also my former sect, and my teacher, Liu Wenfeng, was its previous sect master.
"When my teacher ascended to the Earth Supreme realm, Liu Ming ambushed him, shattering his Supreme Sea and causing his death.
"After my teacher's fall, Liu Ming slaughtered all 18 of my senior brothers and sisters, intending to eradicate our lineage entirely. I only survived because of my unusual heart, which differs from others.
"After escaping to the Soulfall Continent, I swore to avenge my teacher and my fellow disciples. Yet, nine centuries have passed, and I've still failed to break into the Earth Supreme realm. I don't dare return to the Soulfall Continent, nor face Liu Ming to exact vengeance."
As he recounted his story, Liu Changkong's voice carried raw pain, and his body trembled with suppressed anger. His hands clenched tightly into fists, his nails digging into his palms until blood oozed out, but he didn't seem to notice.
Xiao Tiance's Questions
Xiao Tiance observed Liu Changkong's turmoil with an understanding gaze. However, a question gnawed at him: why rush after waiting for 900 years?
"If you've already waited nine centuries, why not wait a little longer?" Xiao Tiance asked, his tone curious. "If you hadn't encountered me, were you planning to throw your life away on a futile attempt?"
Liu Changkong let out a bitter laugh and shook his head. "It's not that I don't want to wait, Master Tiance, but if I miss this opportunity, I'll never have another chance to avenge them.
"After my teacher's fall, Liu Ming eliminated nearly all his loyal followers. However, Liu Ming doesn't know that the person he trusts most was secretly planted by my teacher as a spy.
"This person has informed me that Liu Ming recently entered the Ancient Secret Realm and has discovered a way to advance to the pinnacle of the Earth Supreme realm. If he succeeds, I'll have no chance of avenging my teacher or my fellow disciples in this lifetime.
"Furthermore, this could very well be the last time this Ancient Secret Realm opens. Such a once in a lifetime opportunity cannot be missed."
Doubts Arise
Xiao Tiance listened thoughtfully before shaking his head. "Liu Ming may be a high tier Earth Supreme, or even a pinnacle one, but to someone at the peak of the Ninth Grade Supreme Realm like you, does it really make a difference?"
"You're right, Master Tiance. It doesn't," Liu Changkong admitted. "But the person who sent me the message also told me that Liu Ming sustained serious injuries during his ambush on my teacher. These injuries remain hidden and will only surface when he attempts his breakthrough to the pinnacle Earth Supreme stage.
"If I can confront him during that critical moment, I can exploit his injuries to end his life once and for all. This is the only chance I have."
As Liu Changkong finished, his voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed his desperation.
Xiao Tiance chuckled faintly, then asked, "And you trust this informant? Are you not concerned they might be deceiving you?
"If Liu Ming truly has such a hidden injury, why hasn't this informant taken action themselves? And after 900 years, why are you only hearing about this now, on the eve of the Ancient Secret Realm's opening?"
A Harsh Awakening
The three questions struck Liu Changkong like lightning. His face turned pale as realization dawned. He wasn't a fool he had simply been blinded by his thirst for vengeance.
Now that Xiao Tiance had laid out these questions, Liu Changkong couldn't deny the possibility that this informant might be setting a trap for him, hoping to lure him into his own demise.
Cold sweat poured down his face, and his mind raced with doubt and uncertainty.
Xiao Tiance sighed, then smiled reassuringly. "Enough. Since you and the Tianluo Hall have pledged your allegiance to me, I will deal with Liu Ming for you.
"Whether the message is true or false doesn't matter. A high tier Earth Supreme is no threat to me. Now, tell me: do you want me to kill him here in Luo Shui City, or would you prefer I wait until the Ancient Secret Realm opens tomorrow?"
A Risky Decision
Liu Changkong hesitated, then bowed deeply. "Master Tiance, if possible, I'd like to test the authenticity of the message myself. I still believe the informant wouldn't deceive me."
Xiao Tiance shook his head, a hint of exasperation in his expression. "Nine centuries, and you still cling to hope?"
But he didn't press further. "Very well. We'll wait until the Ancient Secret Realm opens. Here."
Xiao Tiance retrieved a jade token from his spatial ring and infused it with a wisp of his spiritual power. He handed it to Liu Changkong.
"This token will allow you to command Qinghou for a short time. If you find yourself in a situation you can't handle, inject your energy into the token, and Qinghou will come to your aid immediately."
The token floated into Liu Changkong's hands, and he stared at it, deeply moved. Carefully, he stored it away and bowed again.
"Thank you, Master Tiance, for your efforts."
Xiao Tiance's Warning
Xiao Tiance waved dismissively. "It's no effort at all. If you wish to act in the Ancient Secret Realm, so be it. But remember, the realm is unpredictable, and if you die, I might sigh for a moment, but I won't do much else."
He didn't mince words Liu Changkong's decision struck him as foolish. If they could kill Liu Ming now in Luo Shui City, why wait?
But since Liu Changkong insisted, Xiao Tiance decided to humor him. After all, a promise was a promise.
Liu Changkong had chosen to gamble on the uncertain information from a questionable informant, entering the Ancient Secret Realm despite the risks.
"I understand," Liu Changkong said respectfully, bowing deeply.
"Very well," Xiao Tiance replied, shaking his head lightly, his tone calm. "Everyone must take responsibility for their own decisions. Since this is the path you've chosen, I hope you'll have the courage to bear whatever consequences arise.
"You may leave."
"Understood. I'll take my leave now," Liu Changkong said, retreating from the room.
Xiao Xuan Arrives
Shortly after Liu Changkong left, Xiao Xuan arrived.
The two sat down, enjoying a cup of Wan Sheng Tian Ling tea. After a moment, Xiao Xuan broke the silence with a smile.
"Tiance, you don't seem entirely confident about defeating the Western Sky Battle King, do you?"
Xiao Tiance glanced at him with surprise.
Xiao Xuan chuckled. "Don't look at me like that. I may dislike thinking too hard, but that doesn't mean I'm completely oblivious.
"If you were confident in defeating the Western Sky Battle King, those from the Western Sky Battle Hall wouldn't have walked away earlier. That means you don't fear him, but you're also not sure you can win."
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance nodded. "You're right. I'm not certain I can defeat the Western Sky Battle King. After all, I'm currently just a pinnacle Earth Supreme, while he's been a Celestial grade Heaven Supreme for many years.
"The gap between Heaven Supremes and Earth Supremes is likely greater than the difference between Dou Sheng and Dou Di on the Dou Qi Continent."
Xiao Tiance took another sip of tea, a confident smile forming on his face as he continued, "However, you needn't worry, Brother Xuan. I'm on the verge of breakthroughs in two areas my strength as a Grandmaster of Spirit Arrays and my advancement to the Heaven Supreme realm.
"If I succeed in either, I may not completely defeat the Western Sky Battle King, but he'll certainly gain nothing from me."
Hearing this, Xiao Xuan nodded approvingly. If Xiao Tiance was so confident, then there was no need to worry.
Xiao Xuan's Advice
After a pause, Xiao Xuan looked at Xiao Tiance warmly and said, "Tiance, don't push yourself too hard. I'd rather see the you of old the one who always smiled under my wing.
"Unfortunately, my own obsessions in the past led me to place all the Xiao Clan's burdens on your shoulders. That's what turned you into who you are now someone who shoulders everything for us.
"But you must remember, no matter where you are, you've never been alone. You always have people standing beside you and behind you."
These words touched Xiao Tiance deeply. As someone who had shared years of camaraderie with Xiao Xuan, he understood the man's heartfelt intentions.
Still, Xiao Tiance was accustomed to handling things alone. Whether it was facing Hun Tiandi in the past or preparing to confront the Western Sky Battle King now, it was always the same.
"Thank you for saying that, Brother Xuan," Xiao Tiance said with a smile. "Hearing it today warms my heart."
Seeing Xiao Tiance's expression, Xiao Xuan felt reassured. He added, "Don't overwork yourself. Once this Ancient Secret Realm business is over, I may go off on my own to explore the continent.
"The Great Thousand World is vast, and its strong are many. It's far more exciting than the Dou Qi Continent. Since I have this opportunity, I want to travel and see it for myself."
"Alright," Xiao Tiance said after a moment's thought. "When you leave the Secret Realm, I'll personally send you off."
Wansui's Arrival
Just as Xiao Tiance finished speaking, the two sensed Wansui's presence. Xiao Xuan stood up, smiling. "Looks like Wansui Mountain Master has something to discuss with you. I'll take my leave. See you tomorrow."
"Take care, Brother Xuan," Xiao Tiance replied.
As Xiao Xuan departed, Wansui entered the room. Bowing respectfully, he greeted Xiao Tiance, who responded with a smile.
"I've been expecting you, Wansui Mountain Master."
Wansui looked surprised. "Master Tiance, you knew I'd come?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Tomorrow is the day the Ancient Secret Realm opens. If you hadn't come, your earlier request for my assistance would've been wasted."
At this, Wansui nodded, admitting, "You're right, Master Tiance. I've come because there's something important to discuss.
"I owe you immense gratitude for agreeing to help me before, but I've hesitated over whether to reveal some secrets to you.
"Today, I've decided to tell you everything."
Seeing Xiao Tiance's calm expression, Wansui continued.
"Master Tiance, I mentioned before that I come from the Western Sky Continent. To be precise, I'm an inner disciple of the Heavenly Dao Sect.
"The Ancient Secret Realm that's about to open is actually the core region of the Heavenly Dao Sect."
The Secret of the Heavenly Dao Sect
"Oh? The Ancient Secret Realm belongs to the Heavenly Dao Sect?" Xiao Tiance asked, intrigued. "But if you're a disciple of the Heavenly Dao Sect, why didn't you participate in its last opening?"
Wansui smiled bitterly. "Master Tiance, you might not know this, but during the last opening, I was only at the early Seventh Grade Supreme level.
"At that level, I wouldn't have been able to do anything. Entering the main areas of the Heavenly Dao Sect requires at least the pinnacle of the Ninth Grade Supreme realm.
"Otherwise, you'd just be standing there, staring at treasures you couldn't touch.
"Additionally, this will be the Ancient Secret Realm's final opening. If I fail to access the core area this time and inherit the sect's legacy, I'll never have another chance.
"As an inner disciple of the Heavenly Dao Sect, it's both my duty and responsibility to seize this opportunity."
The Role of Liu Changkong
"Then why did you join forces with Liu Changkong? Did you think he alone was enough to help you?" Xiao Tiance asked.
Wansui sighed. "In terms of strength, Liu Changkong isn't ideal. Even that old monster Tianqiong Academy's dean is stronger.
"However, there's a barrier outside the core of the Heavenly Dao Sect's Secret Realm. Anyone beyond the Supreme realm cannot enter.
"That makes Liu Changkong, at the peak of Ninth Grade Supreme, the perfect candidate. Unfortunately, his enemies are too powerful for me to handle alone.
"My original plan was to deceive him trick him into helping me enter the core. Once inside, I wouldn't care whether he lived or died.
"But after Liu Changkong pledged loyalty to you, I realized if I did that, you'd probably crush my bones to dust."
(End of Chapter)
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