Chapter 86: Xiao Xun'er and Ling Ying's Speculations
Night descended over Black Rock City, illuminating the sky with a cascade of stars and a radiant moon. A gentle breeze occasionally drifted by, bringing with it a refreshing coolness.
Xiao Tiance stood by the window, gazing at the city lights that twinkled like a sea of stars below. Memories of people and events from his life before this world surfaced in his mind.
"Over a thousand years have passed in the blink of an eye. In just a few decades, once Xiao Yan attains the rank of Dou Di and acquires Origin Qi, it'll be time to explore the Great Thousand World," he mused before closing his eyes, entering a light state of rest.
Little did he know, the events at the tavern had left many in Black Rock City restless that night, fearful of a powerful figure seeking vengeance under cover of darkness. Yet, the night passed without incident. The next morning, after sharing breakfast with Huai'en, Xiao Tiance resumed their journey toward Moya City.
Meanwhile, in Wu Tan City, at the Xiao Clan's rear mountain…
At the break of dawn, Xiao Yan began his routine training. Without Yao Chen draining his Dou Qi, his cultivation progressed significantly faster. Even so, the three years of stagnation had left him behind, requiring additional support from Foundation Elixirs to accelerate his training.
Yao Chen observed Xiao Yan soaking in medicinal liquid, but his thoughts were elsewhere. His spiritual focus lingered on the Tian Ji Order in his hand, which filled him with endless awe.
The Tian Ji Tower was a superpower in Central Plains, renowned for standing above even the Soul Hall and the Alchemist Association. Rumor had it that even if the Soul Hall and Alchemist Association joined forces, they might still struggle to contend with Tian Ji Tower.
"I never expected a small city like Wu Tan to be connected to the Xiao Clan," Yao Chen thought. "That girl Xiao Xun'er… she must be from the Gu Clan. She even carries a wisp of the Golden Emperor Burning Flame. Her status within the Gu Clan is likely extraordinary.
"And the Xiao Clan vanished without a trace a thousand years ago. It seems they've been in hiding all along.
"But why did that senior visit the Jia Ma Empire? From his words, he seems to have high hopes for Xiao Yan. Could Xiao Yan harbor some secret I'm unaware of?"
Yao Chen furrowed his brow, unable to unravel the mystery of why such a powerful figure would take an interest in a boy with merely three segments of Dou Qi.
Even if Xiao Yan had retained his Dou Qi, his talent while impressive couldn't compare to the prodigies of ancient clans. Yao Chen, a member of the ancient Yao Clan, was well aware of the vast resources and superior training conditions available to those clans. Prodigies among the ancient clans would easily surpass Xiao Yan's potential, achieving at least the Da Dou Shi rank by the same age.
Unable to make sense of the situation, Yao Chen resolved to take Xiao Yan's development more seriously.
"No matter the reason, that senior has rid me of the Soul Hall's pursuit. That alone is a great favor. Once Xiao Yan reaches the Dou Zhe rank, I'll pass him the Flame Mantra. Only then will I have hope of revival," Yao Chen decided.
Elsewhere, in another room of the Xiao Clan…
Ling Ying knelt respectfully before Xiao Xun'er, reporting, "Miss, there is indeed something peculiar about Xiao Yan. A powerful spiritual entity seems to be accompanying him. However, their spiritual strength is immense, so I did not dare get too close."
"I see. As long as they pose no harm to Brother Xiao Yan, there's no need to interfere," Xiao Xun'er said with a nod before shifting the topic. "Earlier, you mentioned that someone seems to be monitoring the Xiao Clan. Were you able to determine their origin?"
"I have not uncovered any traceable clues about their identity," Ling Ying admitted. "However, I suspect the individual monitoring the Xiao Clan may be connected to the Xiao Clan that disappeared a thousand years ago."
"Oh? Members of the Xiao Clan? Explain," Xiao Xun'er asked, her curiosity piqued.
"A thousand years ago, Xiao Xuan failed to ascend to the Dou Di realm and faced an ambush from the Soul Clan. Simultaneously, the Soul Clan sent over a hundred Dou Sheng experts to assault the Xiao Realm.
"However, according to the records of our clan, none of those Soul Clan experts ever returned.
"Some elders in the clan have mentioned that besides Xiao Xuan, there was another extraordinary figure in the Xiao Clan at the time Xiao Tiance.
"But there's a mystery here. It's said that before Xiao Xuan attempted to break through to the Dou Di rank, he had a life and death battle with Xiao Tiance, which led to Xiao Tiance's apparent death.
"It doesn't make sense. Given their relationship, it's unlikely Xiao Xuan would have delivered such a fatal blow, wiping out Xiao Tiance's entire lineage.
"Some elders speculate the battle might have been staged. If so, Xiao Tiance may still be alive, and the Xiao Clan could have survived in hiding.
"If true, those one hundred Dou Sheng experts from the Soul Clan were likely eliminated by Xiao Tiance," Ling Ying explained thoroughly.
Xiao Xun'er listened intently, her expression betraying surprise. After some thought, she asked, "If those watching the Xiao Clan are indeed Xiao Clan experts, could their purpose be to protect the Tuo She Ancient Emperor's Jade?"
"I believe so," Ling Ying confirmed. "The individuals monitoring the Xiao Clan are likely Dou Zong or higher in strength. Their presence in the Jia Ma Empire is likely to ensure the safety of the jade."
"Hmm… but if their sole purpose was to protect the jade, they could have simply retrieved it under the Xiao Clan's name and kept it secure. Why allow it to remain here, exposed to potential threats?" Xiao Xun'er questioned aloud.
"Miss, if the watchers are Xiao Clan experts, obtaining the jade will be difficult. Perhaps we should inform the clan. If the Xiao Clan is indeed involved, your safety would be the clan's top priority, and they might call you back," Ling Ying suggested cautiously.
Xiao Xun'er's expression shifted. Though her mission was to retrieve the Tuo She Ancient Emperor's Jade, she had developed deep ties to the Xiao Clan and couldn't bear the thought of leaving Brother Xiao Yan behind.
After a moment of silence, she spoke decisively. "Uncle Ling, do not inform the clan just yet.
"If those watching are truly from the Xiao Clan, we need to determine their intentions first.
"Besides, their long term observation without any action suggests they aren't a threat.
"Lastly, this is a personal request. Please keep this matter confidential. I'm not ready to return to the clan just yet."
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