Chapter 298: Nine Star Sovereign Qinghou, the Young Master of Tianluo Hall
"Let's see what kind of power your corpse can create as a Heavenly Demon Kui!"
In the rear courtyard of Tianlan Sect, Xiao Tiance stared at the floating corpse of Fifth Qinghou with a glint of excitement in his eyes.
Without delay, he retrieved the finest materials from his spatial ring, most of which were treasures he had acquired after becoming a Dou Emperor. These materials were far superior to those he had used to craft earlier Heavenly Demon Kui, including Xiao Xuan's corpse.
Among the items was a golden magic core, radiating an ancient and powerful aura. This particular core was from an ancient Sky Serpent, which, though it never reached the Dou Emperor level in life, was a peak level ninth tier beast, just a step away from breaking through.
The Refinement Begins
As Golden Emperor Heaven Burning Flames roared to life, consuming the precious materials, Xiao Tiance's mind calmed.
If the Heavenly Demon Kui he crafted from Fifth Qinghou's body could achieve Earthly Sovereign level strength, it would become an unparalleled trump card.
In the Great Thousand World, crafting Heavenly Demon Kui was an exceptionally rare art, ensuring that such a creation would be both powerful and unique.
Half a Month Later
After fifteen days of painstaking effort, Xiao Tiance successfully fused a wisp of his soul power into the magic core and the corpse. As the final integration completed, he couldn't help but smile.
Success!
A Display of Power
In a flash, the previously lifeless Fifth Qinghou opened its eyes, and a sharp gleam flickered within them. Under Xiao Tiance's command, the Heavenly Demon Kui now named Qinghou moved with terrifying speed, appearing instantly beside Xiao Tiance and striking out with a powerful fist.
"Bang!"
Even as Xiao Tiance blocked the blow with both hands, the sheer force sent him sliding back several meters.
"What a terrifying physique! As expected of a Heavenly Demon Kui crafted from the corpse of a Dou Emperor. This body alone is formidable enough to challenge a Nine Star Sovereign." Xiao Tiance's eyes lit with satisfaction.
While the magic core fell short of Dou Emperor level energy, Qinghou's combat strength was enough to rival a peak Nine Star Sovereign. Additionally, Heavenly Demon Kui could evolve, meaning that with sufficient energy absorption, Qinghou might one day challenge even Earthly Sovereigns.
Naming the Kui
Xiao Tiance addressed his creation with a calm smile: "Your name was Fifth Qinghou in life. From now on, you will simply be called Qinghou."
The Kui, though silent and lacking speech, nodded in acknowledgment before standing dutifully behind Xiao Tiance like a loyal guardian.
Reaching New Heights
After stabilizing Qinghou, Xiao Tiance focused on his own power. His internal Dou Qi had nearly completed its transformation into spiritual energy. Though the process wasn't yet finished, his strength had advanced significantly.
From the Fifth Sovereign tier, he had now reached the early stage of the Eighth Sovereign tier, placing him among the high level Sovereigns.
Although he had yet to cultivate a Sovereign Avatar, his overwhelming physical strength and Qinghou's assistance made him nearly unstoppable short of facing an Earthly Sovereign.
A New Journey Begins
As Xiao Tiance emerged with Qinghou, Chu Changhe was utterly dumbfounded by the presence of the Kui.
"L Lord Tiance, is this the Heavenly Demon Kui you've been crafting these past days?" Chu Changhe stammered.
Previously, Xiao Tiance had casually gifted him a Kui equivalent to a Five Star Sovereign, leaving him shocked. But now, the aura emanating from Qinghou was far more powerful likely surpassing that of the Lingjian Mountain Lord, a renowned Nine Star Sovereign of the Tiancang Continent.
Xiao Tiance's Farewell
With a smile, Xiao Tiance confirmed: "Indeed, this is Qinghou, a Heavenly Demon Kui crafted from special materials."
He then addressed Chu Changhe: "It's time for me to leave Tiancang North. Please convey my gratitude to Bai Lan and Chu Jiaoyu. Tell them I remember their kindness, and if fate allows, I will return to visit them someday."
With a wave of his hand, a spatial vortex appeared before him.
"Wait, Lord Tiance," Chu Changhe interjected. "May I ask where you plan to go next?"
Xiao Tiance pondered briefly before replying: **"When I ascended to the Great Thousand World, I was accompanied by several companions, including the woman pursued by Tianluo Hall.
Unfortunately, we were separated. After leaving Tiancang North, my priority is to find them. I don't yet know where my search will take me."**
Bowing deeply, Chu Changhe said: "Then I wish you success in reuniting with your companions. If you find the time, the Vice Dean of Tianqiong Academy has expressed a desire to meet you."
"If I have the chance, I'll visit Tianqiong Academy," Xiao Tiance replied before stepping into the vortex with Qinghou, disappearing in an instant.
The Search Continues
Within the spatial rift, Xiao Tiance consulted the Spirit Map Chu Changhe had given him. He and Qinghou were currently traveling through Tiancang North toward the continent's central region.
Upon exiting the rift, Xiao Tiance retrieved the locator jade pendant he had crafted to track his companions. However, it still failed to detect any of them.
Frowning, Xiao Tiance murmured, "Strange. This pendant should work flawlessly. Why can't it sense Brother Xuan and the others?"
Ling'er's Insight
Ling'er's voice echoed from within him: "Little Sir, perhaps only Medusa was sent to Tiancang Continent. It's possible that Brother Xuan and the others were teleported to entirely different continents."
Upon hearing Ling'er's suggestion, Xiao Tiance considered the possibility.
The Great Thousand World indeed lived up to its name; even a single continent like Tiancang was larger than the Dou Qi Continent. Moreover, traveling between continents required teleportation arrays. Attempting to traverse the vast distances between them by physical travel would be a waste of precious time.
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Ling'er, you may be right. Since we all entered the Great Thousand World from the same place, even if we were scattered, we shouldn't be too far apart. Among the continents near Tiancang, I may find some trace of them."
Ling'er agreed, offering a thoughtful plan: "Little Sir, there's no need to rush. Let's search systematically, starting from Tiancang and expanding to nearby continents. We should locate them soon."
Xiao Tiance examined the Spirit Map and said, "Based on the map, we're near Iron Sword City, a major stronghold under Lingjian Mountain's influence. It's 3,000 kilometers to the south. If there's a teleportation array there, we can use it to travel further."
Ling'er sighed, her tone tinged with regret. "Little Sir, you'll have to handle this alone for now. The Great Thousand World's Plane Embryo is suppressing me. Until my aura fully assimilates, I can't assist you without being detected."
Her voice betrayed her frustration. Ling'er had hoped her unique nature as a Plane Embryo would allow her to bypass detection after forming a contract with Xiao Tiance. Yet, the Great Thousand World's Plane Embryo was far more intelligent and powerful than expected, forcing her into a dormant state to avoid exposure.
Xiao Tiance comforted her, **"It's fine, Ling'er. Focus on your assimilation. For now, my strength is more than enough to handle most situations on Tiancang.
Even if trouble arises, Qinghou and I can handle it together. Be it the Mountain Lord of Lingjian Mountain or the Hall Master of Tianluo Hall, Qinghou alone is enough to deal with them. As for the Dean of Tianqiong Academy, I have other means like my mastery of arrays that can neutralize him."**
Ling'er replied with a note of caution. "I believe in you, Little Sir, but please be careful. The Great Thousand World is full of unknowns, and its inhabitants may have unpredictable trump cards."
Xiao Tiance nodded. "I understand. You focus on your recovery; I'll take care of the rest."
Arrival at Iron Sword City
Xiao Tiance and Qinghou entered the spatial realm, quickly traversing the distance to Iron Sword City. Within ten minutes, they arrived at the city's outskirts.
As they approached, Xiao Tiance's keen perception caught something unusual. "Hmm?"
He was surprised to discover a Grandmaster level Spirit Array encasing the city. Not only did it shield the city, but it also prohibited flight.
Realizing this, Xiao Tiance brought himself and Qinghou to the ground just outside the towering city walls, which loomed several dozen meters high and were inscribed with unfamiliar, intricate symbols.
"Impressive. As expected of a city under Lingjian Mountain's control, Iron Sword City is both majestic and well fortified." Xiao Tiance couldn't help but admire its grandeur.
A Rude Encounter
Before Xiao Tiance could enter, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"What a bumpkin. This so called 'majestic city' is nothing compared to our Tianluo City. In comparison, it's like a child's toy!"
Xiao Tiance turned to see a young man dressed in luxurious robes. His arrogant demeanor and air of superiority suggested a high status. Behind him stood two Six Star Sovereigns, clearly his guards.
The young man, noticing Xiao Tiance's calm gaze, sneered and said, **"What are you looking at? Never seen someone as handsome and dashing as this young master?
Keep staring, and I might just gouge your eyes out!"**
Ignoring the insult, Xiao Tiance's expression remained indifferent. He asked plainly, "You're from Tianluo Hall?"
The young man scoffed. **"Indeed! I am Liu Yuansheng, the Young Master of Tianluo Hall! On this continent, few dare to act so nonchalantly in my presence.
If you're smart, scram! Otherwise, I might take your life for that insolent look."**
Behind him, the two guards tensed but didn't act, unsure of Xiao Tiance's strength. His composed demeanor unsettled them, especially since they couldn't discern his cultivation level.
An Icy Warning
Xiao Tiance chuckled coldly. "It's good that you're from Tianluo Hall. Saves me the trouble of looking for you."
His tone sent a chill down their spines. Before they could react, Xiao Tiance's aura turned oppressive, forcing the guards to step protectively in front of Liu Yuansheng.
One of the guards, a middle aged man in white robes, spoke cautiously. "Sir, Tianluo Hall has no grievances with you. This young master is the Hall Master's beloved son. If you make a move here, it would be unwise."
The other guard, while silent, readied himself for combat.
Xiao Tiance remained unfazed. "No grievances? That's your perspective. Let me ask didn't you pursue a certain woman recently?"
The mention of this made the guards tense further. They instinctively pulled Liu Yuansheng back several dozen meters.
A Chilling Admission
Liu Yuansheng scowled, his tone defensive. "What's your connection to that woman? We pursued her but didn't harm her. Besides, she was taken by someone from the Nine Colored Sky Swallowing Python Clan. She's no longer our concern."
As he spoke, a flicker of fear crossed his face, recalling the terrifying power of the array Medusa had used to counter them. Many of Tianluo Hall's Sovereigns had fallen in that ambush, and the memory still haunted him.
Confirmation
Xiao Tiance's voice turned icy. "So, you admit to hunting Medusa?"
(Chapter End)
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