Chapter 77: Instructions and Promises
In Wu Tan City, behind the Xiao family's mountain...
Hovering in the void, Yao Chen listened to the man before him, feeling a chill run through his soul. He quickly emerged from the Bone Flame Ring, revealing his ethereal form. Before him stood a man with starry brows, sword like eyes, and an extraordinary appearance, smiling at him with an air of calm confidence.
"May I ask who you are and what you want? As far as I recall, I've had no dealings with someone of your stature," Yao Chen asked cautiously.
Though the man clearly knew Yao Chen's identity, he hadn't made a move against him, which ruled out the possibility of him being from the Soul Hall. However, the overwhelming aura emanating from the man made Yao Chen acutely aware of the vast gulf between their strengths. Even in his prime, Yao Chen doubted he could withstand a single finger from this individual.
What unsettled him even more was the man's presence in a place as small and insignificant as Wu Tan City.
"Oh? You're not going to run?" the man asked, smiling faintly.
"You must be joking. Before someone of your caliber, there's no point in running, whether I'm in this state or at my peak. Moreover, your actions suggest no malicious intent. Why else would you pull me into this void and not act against me?" Yao Chen replied respectfully.
"Haha, clever. I must admit, you've been on my radar for a while. Do you recall purchasing information from Tianji Pavilion? I happened to see you back then," the man said.
Hearing this, Yao Chen felt at a loss. Though the man appeared youthful, his demeanor suggested he was an ancient being. This 'young man' is probably a relic of the past, Yao Chen mused wryly.
The man chuckled, seemingly reading his thoughts. "Calling you a young one isn't wrong. I'm Xiao Tiance, an elder of the Xiao Clan, contemporaneous with your Yao Clan's leader. Now, does it make more sense to you?"
"What?!"
Yao Chen's soul trembled as the truth dawned on him. He immediately bowed deeply. "Junior Yao Chen greets Senior Xiao. I didn't realize you hailed from the Xiao Clan of a thousand years ago."
"Smart. By your talent, you could've become a Dou Saint. Unfortunately, your poor judgment in people led to your downfall. Betrayed by your disciple Han Feng and the Soul Hall, you ended up in this state. For the record, I've kept an eye on you since you left the Yao Clan. Rest assured, I have no ill intentions toward you," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
Hearing this, Yao Chen was both awed and relieved. To have a being of Xiao Tiance's magnitude following his life was both a terrifying and humbling realization.
"Senior, I brought my downfall upon myself. I have no one else to blame. But since you've revealed yourself, may I ask if there's anything you need? If I can be of assistance, I'll do my best," Yao Chen said earnestly.
"I do have a task for you," Xiao Tiance said, nodding. "That boy outside, Xiao Yan what do you think of him?"
"Are you referring to Xiao Yan?" Yao Chen asked cautiously.
"Yes, that's the one. From what I see, you've taken quite an interest in him," Xiao Tiance said, smiling.
Yao Chen hesitated briefly but decided to speak honestly. "His soul strength is exceptional. Having absorbed his Dou Qi for three years, I feel I owe him. I was planning to take him as my disciple."
"Good. I want you to guide him well. Teach him both in cultivation and alchemy. If you devote yourself to this task, I promise to shield you from the Soul Hall's threats in the future," Xiao Tiance said firmly.
Yao Chen's eyes lit up with excitement. If the Soul Hall were no longer a threat, he wouldn't have to live in constant fear.
"Do you mean it, Senior?"
"Haha, I don't waste my time lying to juniors," Xiao Tiance replied with a faint smile.
"Rest assured, Senior. I will teach Xiao Yan with everything I've got," Yao Chen said, bowing deeply.
"Good. Take this token." Xiao Tiance waved his hand, and a token inscribed with the characters Tian Ji landed in Yao Chen's hand. "If you ever need help, channel your soul force into the token. Someone will come to your aid."
Yao Chen inspected the token and quickly deduced its origins. So, Tianji Pavilion is tied to this man's influence. It makes sense if the Soul Hall has the Soul Clan backing it, why wouldn't Tianji Pavilion have ties to an ancient imperial clan?
"I understand, Senior," Yao Chen said reverently.
With a wave of his hand, Xiao Tiance returned Yao Chen to the cliff's edge at the back of the Xiao family's mountain.
Yao Chen chuckled softly as he hovered near the edge. "What a powerful backer. This might actually turn out well."
He then guided the Bone Flame Ring back toward the Xiao family grounds.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan stood near the cliff, feeling a pang of regret. While he despised the ring for draining his Dou Qi, it was still a memento from his mother.
Just as he prepared to leave, he heard Yao Chen's voice behind him.
"Hehe, feeling regretful, little one?"
Xiao Yan turned around, his anger having faded. "Regret? Not really. Now that I know the reason for my lost Dou Qi, I'm glad for the clarity. As for you, old man, go wherever you want I won't be serving you anymore."
"Haha, I owe you for those three years of Dou Qi. Let me ask you, do you want to become strong? With my help, you could become one of the most powerful figures on the Dou Qi Continent. Then, even the Yun Lan Sect and Nalan Yanran would be no more than ants for you to crush. What do you say?"
Xiao Yan scoffed. "With my talent, I'll become a strong cultivator even without you."
"Haha! Confident, aren't you? But overconfidence can lead to disaster. Your family's annual test is in a year. Can you reach Dou Zhi Qi level seven by then?" Yao Chen teased.
"Hmph! If you hadn't drained my Dou Qi, I'd already be a Dou Zhe. Do you think I need your help?" Xiao Yan retorted angrily, glaring at the ring.
Despite his frustration, Xiao Yan had no choice but to endure. Deep down, he knew his only path forward lay in proving his worth.
(End of Chapter)
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