Chapter 253: Sharing the Rewards
"Why ask so many questions? I just like doing as I please is that not allowed?"
In the Void.
After Xiao Tiance spoke, Qing Lin dared not say another word. She didn't understand the mindset of someone as powerful as him. Looking at him pitifully, she replied respectfully, "Sir, with your strength, you can naturally do whatever you wish."
"Heh!"
Xiao Tiance chuckled lightly but said no more. Qing Lin, with her docile nature, was clearly resigned to his whims. He saw no need to explain further.
After restoring the spiritual barrier with a wave of his hand, Xiao Tiance continued his journey with Qing Lin at full speed.
Back in the Forest.
"Teacher, do you know that senior?" Nalan Yanran asked in astonishment.
The enemies who had been threatening them moments ago were reduced to dust in an instant. She had even used a treasure she acquired from the Gate of Life and Death to detect soul fluctuations, yet those attackers didn't leave behind even a trace of their souls. The sheer lethality terrified her.
Yun Yun shook her head, indicating she hadn't seen the senior before. However, deep down, she had her suspicions, and Xiao Yan's image flashed in her mind.
"Let's not dwell on it, Yanran. We were lucky this time. Focus on healing your injuries. The Sect Master is still waiting for us," Yun Yun sighed softly and said gently.
"Yes, Teacher," Nalan Yanran replied respectfully.
Half an Hour Later, Tianwaitian Entrance.
Xiao Tiance and Qing Lin arrived at the entrance to Tianwaitian after traveling at high speed.
Looking at the entrance, which appeared no different than before, Xiao Tiance sighed, "Finally, I'm back."
"Sir, is this the Xiao Clan?" Qing Lin asked curiously.
Though the scenery was beautiful, she didn't see anyone else around.
Xiao Tiance nodded and smiled. "Yes, this is the entrance to Tianwaitian. It's concealed by a spiritual formation, which is why you can't see it."
With that, Xiao Tiance released a spiritual imprint from his hand. The imprint shot into the air, and a loud boom echoed as a massive spatial rift was revealed.
Qing Lin gasped in surprise. Though Xiao Tiance had told her much about the Xiao Clan during their journey, and she had some prior knowledge about Tianwaitian as a powerful sanctuary, witnessing it in person was still astonishing.
"Let's go. Through this spatial tunnel lies Tianwaitian."
Placing a hand on Qing Lin's shoulder, Xiao Tiance teleported them both into the rift.
Since the tunnel was protected by a barrier that only allowed members of the Xiao Clan to enter, Xiao Tiance used a spiritual formation to envelop Qing Lin for safe passage.
Inside Tianwaitian.
As Xiao Tiance and Qing Lin emerged from the tunnel, the guards of the Dragon Soaring Army froze for a moment before the leader, Xiao Xingzhu, broke into a wide grin. He quickly knelt and saluted, shouting, "Commander Xiao Xingzhu of the Dragon Soaring Army greets the First Supreme Elder!"
"Greetings to the First Supreme Elder!"
"Greetings to the First Supreme Elder!"
The guards' enthusiastic salutes triggered a wave of cheers within Tianwaitian.
Xiao Tiance, the former leader of the Xiao Clan and its most powerful figure, was the idol and role model of countless clan members. Even though Xiao Qing had served as Clan Leader for six years, his prestige still paled in comparison to Xiao Tiance's.
If Xiao Qing was akin to a ruler who maintained the kingdom, Xiao Tiance was the emperor who had expanded its territory and built its foundation.
Soon, dozens of streaks of light rushed toward them.
At the forefront was Xiao Qing, followed by Muling, Tianluo, Huang Jiuji, Huang Min, Xiao Wu, Xiao Teng, and other Supreme Elders like Xiao De and Xiao Xian. All bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, First Supreme Elder!"
"Greetings, First Supreme Elder!"
"Greetings, First Supreme Elder!"
"There's no need for such formalities," Xiao Tiance said with a smile, gesturing for them to rise.
"Third Uncle, congratulations on successfully advancing to Dou Di! We've been holding celebrations in the clan for a month, eagerly awaiting your return. Now that you've returned safely, it's truly a joyous occasion," Xiao Qing said, bowing respectfully.
"Congratulations, First Supreme Elder, on your ascension to Dou Di!"
"Congratulations, First Supreme Elder, on your ascension to Dou Di!"
The waves of cheers and congratulations once again brought the jubilant atmosphere of Tianwaitian to its peak.
With a nod, Xiao Tiance asked Xiao Qing to arrange for someone to escort Qing Lin to rest. He then led the group to the Tiance Residence.
At the Tiance Residence.
As they arrived, a green flame suddenly flew toward them and transformed into a small child.
"You're finally back!" Qinglian exclaimed with a grin, jumping onto Xiao Tiance's shoulder.
Bang!
Before Qinglian could settle, an invisible force bounced him off.
"What was that?" Qinglian muttered, unable to see what had struck him. He could, however, sense that something else was occupying Xiao Tiance's shoulder.
"Hehe, Ling'er, don't cause trouble," Xiao Tiance said with a chuckle, gently patting Ling'er on the head.
He then beckoned Qinglian, who was floating midair, and placed him on his other shoulder.
"Ling'er helped me a great deal during my breakthrough. I'll introduce her to everyone later. For now, let's head inside. I'm sure you're all eager to hear about my journey to becoming a Dou Di," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
Everyone nodded enthusiastically. Even Xiao Xuan, who rarely showed curiosity, was eager to learn about Xiao Tiance's experiences.
Ninth Floor of Tiance Residence.
With so many people gathered, Xiao Bieli brought in extra chairs for everyone.
Xiao Tiance sat at the main seat, with Xiao Qing, Xiao Chun, Xiao De, Xiao Xian, and other elders on his left. On his right were Xiao Xuan, Muling, Tianluo, Huang Jiuji, Huang Min, Xiao Chen, and Xiao Tianming.
Aside from Xiao Chun, who was a six star Dou Saint, everyone present was at least an early seven star Dou Saint.
As Xiao Tiance settled in, he cast a small spiritual formation over Ling'er, making her visible to everyone.
With a smile, he said, "Everyone, allow me to introduce Ling'er. Her assistance was crucial in breaking the seal left by Tuoshe Ancient Emperor during my advancement to Dou Di."
"Also, Ling'er's contribution was indispensable to my smooth advancement to Dou Di."
As soon as Xiao Tiance finished speaking, Ling'er smiled and nodded at everyone before deactivating the spiritual formation that had made her visible.
When Ling'er disappeared almost immediately after revealing herself, the group understood she had no intention of engaging with them. They all cupped their hands in respectful salutation and turned their attention back to Xiao Tiance.
Xiao Tiance smiled and said, "Don't mind her. Ling'er has a unique identity and prefers to avoid interacting with others."
Xiao Qing bowed and said, "No matter. The fact that she assisted you, Third Uncle, in advancing to Dou Di makes her a benefactor of our Xiao Clan."
Tianluo added with a smile, "Indeed, no one will mind."
The others echoed this sentiment, nodding in agreement.
Satisfied with their understanding, Xiao Tiance smiled and began exchanging a few pleasantries. Seeing their curiosity about his journey over the years, he decided not to hold back and recounted his experiences.
When Xiao Tiance mentioned that only three portions of the Dou Emperor's Origin remained, the crowd was first shocked, but their expressions quickly turned fervent.
After all, retrieving the Dou Emperor's Origin was an extraordinary boon for the Xiao Clan.
The Emperor Grade Pill is Revealed
"Lord Tiance, here is the Emperor Grade Pill you entrusted Tianluo and me to refine. We have successfully completed it," Xiao Xuan said as he retrieved a box from his storage ring and offered it respectfully.
Xiao Tiance noticed Xiao Xuan's deliberate attempt to conceal his identity and didn't press the issue. With a wave of his hand, the box was drawn toward him by a mysterious force.
Inspecting the seals on the box, Xiao Tiance smirked and erased them with a gesture.
The next moment, a golden streak of light shot out from the box, darting toward the window with incredible speed.
"Hmph!"
As the golden light attempted to escape the Tiance Residence, Xiao Tiance snorted coldly, releasing an overwhelming force from his body. In an instant, the light froze in place.
Everyone finally got a clear look: the Emperor Grade Pill was a radiant golden purple pill adorned with intricate pill patterns.
"Come back."
With another gesture, the pill flew back into Xiao Tiance's hand. After examining it briefly, he remarked, "As expected of an Emperor Grade Pill. Its medicinal power is sufficient to help a peak nine star Dou Saint ascend to Dou Di. It even contains a portion of the Dou Emperor's Origin, though it's less potent than a full Dou Emperor's Origin."
A Heated Moment
While Xiao Tiance appeared unimpressed, many in the crowd couldn't help but feel envious. For a cultivator, an Emperor Grade Pill capable of advancing one to Dou Di was a treasure beyond compare.
Though the members of the Xiao Clan were accustomed to valuable resources, this was the first time any of them had seen an Emperor Grade Pill.
Noticing their expressions, Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. He understood the allure such a treasure held for any cultivator.
Without hesitation, Xiao Tiance tossed the pill in front of Tianluo and Muling and said, "This Emperor Grade Pill is enough for one of you to ascend to Dou Di. Who will take it?"
Tianluo and Muling both felt their breathing quicken, but Tianluo quickly spoke, "Let Muling have it. I plan to wait until we reach the Great Thousand World before breaking through. Therefore, I won't claim any of the Dou Emperor's Origin either."
This declaration left everyone, including Xiao Xuan and Xiao Qing, astonished.
However, no one attempted to dissuade Tianluo. Xiao Tiance had already mentioned that only three portions of the Dou Emperor's Origin remained.
One portion was already reserved for Xiao Xuan.
Another was for Xiao Qing, who wouldn't immediately ascend but needed it to secure the Xiao Clan's future.
The last portion was earmarked for the Heavenly Phoenix Tribe.
Xiao Tiance was momentarily surprised by Tianluo's decision but nodded in approval. "Very well. The Emperor Grade Pill will go to Muling."
With that, the matter was settled. Muling would become the first Dou Di among the four candidates.
"Thank you, Lord Tiance," Muling said gratefully as he carefully stored the pill, eagerly awaiting the moment to ascend to Dou Di.
Xiao Tiance waved a hand dismissively, smiling. "It's what you deserve."
The Dou Emperor's Origin is Distributed
Next, Xiao Tiance retrieved three portions of the Dou Emperor's Origin. Under his control, the first portion flew to Xiao Xuan, the second to Xiao Qing, and the third to Huang Jiuji.
"This portion of the Dou Emperor's Origin goes to Xuanhuang as promised it is his due.
The second is for Huang Lao. The Heavenly Phoenix Tribe allied with our Xiao Clan a thousand years ago, offering us their secret treasures and resources. Among them was a spiritual array master's notes. As everyone knows, these notes played a vital role in strengthening our Xiao Clan.
As the only spiritual array master on the Dou Qi Continent, I owe much of my strength to those notes. It was this strength that gave our Xiao Clan the confidence to confront the Soul Clan. Huang Lao's portion is well deserved.
The final portion is for Qing'er. As the current Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan, Qing'er has made countless contributions. With his current strength at the Semi Emperor level, this portion of the Dou Emperor's Origin will ensure his successful advancement to Dou Di."
A Message for the Rest
Noticing the disappointment in the eyes of some, Xiao Tiance offered reassurance:
"Do not be disheartened. Even if you cannot ascend to Dou Di now, as Tianluo has chosen, there will be opportunities in the Great Thousand World. Once we establish ourselves there, I'll bring you over, and you'll have your chance to ascend."
"Yes, First Supreme Elder. We dare not covet what is not ours," the crowd replied respectfully.
Xiao Tiance didn't care whether they were sincere or not. He knew some would feel dissatisfied, but there was no alternative.
Xiao Xuan required a portion.
The Heavenly Phoenix Tribe's contribution demanded recognition.
Xiao Qing needed a safeguard for the Xiao Clan's future once they left the Dou Qi Continent.
These allocations were non negotiable.
"Thank you, Third Uncle/Lord Tiance," Xiao Qing, Xiao Xuan, Muling, and Huang Jiuji said, bowing in gratitude.
"There's no need for thanks. It's what you deserve," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1