Chapter 29: Xiao Tianming's Journey to the Northwest
Heavenly Outer Realm, Secluded Chamber
"This feels like a storage battery!" Xiao Tiance chuckled, storing the converter and resuming his seated position to recover his Dou Qi.
Two months of relentless effort had left him drained, not only of Dou Qi but also of soul power. Without immediate recovery, his life could have been in jeopardy.
As he activated his Heaven tier cultivation technique, Dou Qi from the surrounding world surged into his body, spiraling like a hurricane.
Three Days Later
His Dou Qi had returned to its peak state. However, his soul power, depleted from the grueling process, was only partially replenished, leaving his body somewhat unsteady.
Activating the Heavenly Soul Art again, he continued to restore his soul strength.
After another full day, his Dou Qi and soul power were completely restored. With a satisfied sigh, Xiao Tiance opened his eyes.
"The Heavenly Soul Art is truly formidable," he remarked. "To restore my Mid Tier Heavenly Soul Realm in such a short time... it's a technique worthy of being compared to high tier Heaven level cultivation methods."
Even with his extensive knowledge, he couldn't help but marvel at how quickly this soul technique had restored him.
Having regained his full strength, Xiao Tiance decided to step out and assess the current situation.
Outside the Chamber
A massive stone door creaked open as Xiao Tiance emerged.
"Greetings, Patriarch!"
Standing at attention was Xiao Long, a clan member at the peak of Seven Star Dou Zun.
"Xiao Long?" Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow. "Why are you guarding my chambers?"
"Patriarch, Elder Xiao Qing assigned me here to ensure everything was prepared for your needs upon exiting seclusion. I volunteered for the task," Xiao Long replied respectfully.
Xiao Tiance nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, since you're here, you may remain by my side for now. Once we have more people, I'll assign you a more suitable post."
"It would be an honor, Patriarch!" Xiao Long bowed deeply, his excitement evident.
"Good. First, arrange for a bath and prepare some food," Xiao Tiance instructed with a wave of his hand.
"At once!" Xiao Long hurried off to carry out the orders.
Soon, a steaming bath was ready. As Xiao Tiance soaked in the large wooden tub, the warmth eased his body and mind, putting him in high spirits.
Afterward, as he finished his meal, Xiao Tianming arrived, his face lit with a wide smile.
"Brother Tiance! You're finally out of seclusion!"
"Have a seat," Xiao Tiance said with a smile, gesturing to a chair. "Judging by that grin, something good must have happened. Wait... you've broken through, haven't you?"
"Brother Tiance, you never miss a thing!" Xiao Tianming beamed. "After being stuck at the peak of Three Star Dou Sheng for decades, I'd nearly given up. But thanks to Senior Huang Jiuji's guidance, I've advanced!"
"Huang Jiuji guided you?" Xiao Tiance asked, slightly surprised.
"Yes. Last month, Elder Xiao Qing introduced me to Senior Huang Jiuji. After a brief conversation, he immediately pinpointed my problem and offered some advice. It worked like a charm!"
"I see," Xiao Tiance murmured, impressed but also wistful.
Having someone like Huang Jiuji, an ancient powerhouse with unparalleled insight, actively guiding the clan would be an invaluable asset. Yet, Huang Jiuji preferred his solitude in Tianhuang Palace, rarely intervening.
"By the way, Brother Tiance, I'm planning a trip to the Northwest Continent."
Xiao Tiance frowned slightly. "The Northwest? Why there? We don't have any deployments in that region."
"Clan Leader sent me a message recently," Xiao Tianming explained. "He said he'd sent some of our clan members to the Northwest Continent years ago. However, he hadn't assigned any experts to protect them. He asked me to check on their current situation."
Xiao Tiance's eyes narrowed slightly. If his guess was correct, these were likely the ancestors of Xiao Yan, the eventual Flame Emperor.
The Northwest Continent had long been considered the weakest part of the Dou Qi Continent, with its most powerful individuals rarely surpassing the Dou Zun realm. Even the future Yun Lan Sect wouldn't exist yet.
After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Tiance nodded. "Very well. It's a good idea to check on them. While you're there, observe the current strength of any prominent sects or clans. In the future perhaps a thousand years from now the Northwest will be part of our strategic plan."
Xiao Tianming blinked in confusion but nodded nonetheless. "Understood. I'll leave some contingencies in place while I'm there."
"No," Xiao Tiance interjected firmly. "Do not leave anything behind. It must be as if you were never there. If the other ancient clans detect our presence, it could draw unnecessary attention.
"When you find our clan members, help them erase any trace of their connection to us. Be thorough."
Xiao Tianming didn't fully grasp the reasoning but respected Xiao Tiance's wisdom. "Understood. I'll ensure their tracks are well hidden."
"Good. Though the Northwest lacks strong opponents, don't let your guard down. Return swiftly," Xiao Tiance said with a nod.
"I will. I'll leave now," Xiao Tianming replied, bowing deeply before departing.
Once Xiao Tianming had left, Xiao Tiance mused for a moment before deciding to visit Huang Jiuji.
In a flash, he appeared at the entrance of Tianhuang Palace.
"Xiao Tiance greets Senior Huang Jiuji!"
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