Chapter 343: Internal Strife
"Brother Xuan, don't rush. They want the Tian Yao Kui refinement method in my possession, but I want their lives!"
In the Ancient Secret Realm, Xiao Tiance's voice was calm but filled with a deadly edge.
Indeed, they might covet his Tian Yao Kui refinement method, but Xiao Tiance had no intentions of letting them leave alive.
The strength of the Black Sky Ancient Clan representatives, Black Dragon and Black Phoenix, was yet to be fully gauged. But if they thought they could simply take what belonged to him, they were deluding themselves. Even if they hailed from one of the Five Great Ancient Clans, without the power of a Heavenly Sovereign, attempting to seize anything from Xiao Tiance was wishful thinking.
"With those words, Tiance, I'm reassured. Let's hurry and head there immediately. When the time comes, leave the two from the Black Sky Ancient Clan to me and Xun'er."
Xiao Xuan cracked his knuckles, his fighting spirit surging.
"To be honest, I'm curious about these so called Ancient Clans you're so cautious about. I want to see how formidable they really are."
Despite having fought several battles recently, Xiao Xuan hadn't encountered any worthy opponents among lower or intermediate Great Earth Sovereigns. Now, he was eager to face stronger challengers.
"Uncle Tiance, I agree with Uncle Xiao Xuan! I also want to see if the Black Sky Ancient Clan is as formidable as they claim." Gu Xun'er smiled, her Imperial Flame surging within her body, clearly ready for battle.
Seeing their enthusiasm, Xiao Tiance laughed heartily.
"Very well. If you're both so eager, then Black Dragon and Black Phoenix are yours. But be cautious we know little about the Black Sky Ancient Clan. Prioritize your safety."
Xiao Tiance then turned to Luo Tianshen, the elder from the Luo God Clan.
"Elder, how long do you estimate it will take for them to break the seal?"
Luo Tianshen pondered for a moment before replying confidently:
**"Tiance, rest assured. This seal was created by the Heavenly Dao Sect's leader in his final moments. Breaking it is no easy task.
"Based on my understanding, even with the combined strength of those present, they'll need at least three days to succeed. At our current pace, we can reach them within two days."**
Xiao Tiance nodded at this assurance. With that, he gathered his party and continued their journey at full speed.
Meanwhile, at the Ancient Seal, Winter Elder was busy coordinating efforts to break the seal.
"We're counting on you both," Winter Elder said respectfully, bowing slightly toward Black Dragon and Black Phoenix.
"No need for formalities, Winter Elder," Black Dragon replied, returning the bow. **"Helping you retrieve the Heavenly Dao Mirror will give us an advantage when dealing with Xiao Tiance later.
"Once we obtain the refinement method for the Tian Yao Kui, the rest is yours."**
"Haha, rest assured, I won't go back on my word," Winter Elder promised with a hearty laugh.
However, not everyone shared Winter Elder's enthusiasm.
Ao Tianxiu, a leader of the Strength God Clan, stood silently, his expression cold. His gaze briefly flickered with resentment as Winter Elder so readily agreed to share terms with the Black Sky Ancient Clan.
Though he dared not voice his displeasure, the situation was clear his Strength God Clan, despite its reputation, was no match for the Black Sky Ancient Clan.
Similarly, Bone Changming of the Bone God Clan felt a pang of bitterness. He watched as Winter Elder lavished attention on the Black Sky Ancient Clan while seemingly sidelining the other allies.
Bone Changming discreetly reached out to Ao Tianxiu via mental transmission:
"Brother Ao, what do you think? Should we leave?"
Ao Tianxiu frowned. "Leave now? Are you serious?"
Bone Changming continued, **"Think about it. Winter Elder is blatantly favoring the Black Sky Ancient Clan. The promises made to us have already been handed to them.
"Winter Elder sought us out with your help, but now he won't even bother to consult you before making decisions.
"Our clans have no ties to the West Heaven Battle Hall, and we're the furthest removed from their influence. Even if we leave now, I doubt Winter Elder will have the time or energy to retaliate against us later."**
Bone Changming's tone grew somber as he added, "Besides, we've already crossed paths with Xiao Tiance. His strength isn't as simple as it seems. Give him enough time, and he may become another West Heaven War Emperor."
Hearing this, Ao Tianxiu's expression grew even darker.
"Brother Bone, do you truly think Xiao Tiance has that potential?"
"Yes," Bone Changming replied firmly. "And not just me. You've seen it too. Back during our encounter with him, didn't you feel the same? If we had chosen to fight him to the bitter end, do you think any of us would have walked away alive?"
Ao Tianxiu fell silent, his mind racing.
Indeed, during their previous clash, Xiao Tiance had given off an overwhelming aura of inevitability, as though any prolonged battle would have ended in their annihilation.
In the distance, Xiao Tiance and his team pressed on.
Unaware of the internal strife brewing among his enemies, he maintained a calm composure.
"They think they can scheme against me? Let them try. By the time they realize their mistake, it'll be too late," Xiao Tiance muttered under his breath, a faint smirk on his lips.
At the very least, delivering a severe injury to someone as strong as Ling Zhanzi in a single move was a feat that neither the Winter Elder nor the Black Sky Ancient Clan's Black Dragon and Black Phoenix could achieve. Yet, Xiao Tiance had done so effortlessly, at that.
Opposite them, Bone Changming detected the subtext in Ao Tianxiu's tone. He nodded slightly in agreement. Without further discussion or notifying the others, the two exchanged a glance and quietly departed.
After they had retreated some 200 miles, Ao Tianxiu finally broke the silence:
**"Brother Bone, what should we do next?
"If Winter Elder obtains the Heavenly Dao Mirror and pairs it with his power, I'm afraid even Xiao Tiance won't be his match. What if they turn on us in their arrogance?"**
Bone Changming pondered for a moment before replying:
**"Brother Ao, there's no need to worry. Even if Winter Elder manages to breach the seal and retrieve the Heavenly Dao Mirror, there's no telling how much power remains in it after being dormant for tens of thousands of years.
"Besides, Xiao Tiance and his group are no easy foes. Even if the West Heaven Battle Hall secures the Heavenly Dao Mirror, they won't necessarily hold the upper hand against Xiao Tiance.
"Winter Elder won't risk alienating us. And if he does, we can always ally with Xiao Tiance. With the two of us both pinnacle Great Earth Sovereigns joining his side, we'd create immense pressure for Winter Elder and his forces."**
Ao Tianxiu exhaled deeply, his frustration evident.
**"Brother Bone, your wisdom outshines mine. Still, I can't help but lament my weakness.
"If I were stronger, Winter Elder wouldn't dare bypass me and hand over the promises made to me to the Black Sky Ancient Clan.
"Now, I've even dragged you into this, forcing you to leave alongside me. For that, I feel guilty."**
Bone Changming shook his head with a faint smile.
**"Brother Ao, our clans share a bond deeper than words. Your honor is my honor; your losses, my losses.
"If Winter Elder treats you this way, what's to stop him from doing the same to me when someone more powerful joins their ranks?
"Don't mention guilt. Let's find a place to rest and regroup for now."**
Just as Ao Tianxiu was about to agree, a massive spatial vortex suddenly appeared not far from them. Moments later, Ling Zhanzi and Ling Jianzi emerged.
"Heh, gentlemen, do you realize that such behavior amounts to making yourselves enemies of the West Heaven Battle Hall?"
Ling Jianzi's cold voice broke the air before Ling Zhanzi could speak. His sharp gaze fixed on Ao Tianxiu and Bone Changming.
Both men tensed at the unexpected arrival, but they relaxed slightly after confirming that Ling Zhanzi and Ling Jianzi were alone.
Ao Tianxiu stepped forward, his tone calm but firm:
**"Greetings, Holy Sons. Let me clarify: we are not retreating from battle but rather distancing ourselves due to your West Heaven Battle Hall's actions.
"You promised my Strength God Clan the method to refine Tian Yao Kui, only for Winter Elder to casually hand it over to the Black Sky Ancient Clan without consulting me.
"Such actions hardly reflect integrity. We left quietly to avoid conflict.
"But now that you've chased after us, are you determined to push us into opposition?"**
Bone Changming chimed in, his voice steady yet sharp:
**"Brother Ao speaks the truth. It was your West Heaven Battle Hall that broke its word.
"If there's no longer any benefit for us, why should we remain? Why should we risk making enemies of Xiao Tiance, someone with immense potential?"**
However, Ling Zhanzi and Ling Jianzi showed no sympathy. Instead, their responses dripped with condescension.
"Are you expressing dissatisfaction with the West Heaven Battle Hall?" Ling Jianzi sneered.
Ao Tianxiu's patience snapped.
**"Hmph! And what if we are?
"We may not be able to stand against your entire West Heaven Battle Hall, but don't mistake us for pushovers. Even a cornered rabbit bites back. Do you think we'll just sit idly by?"**
At this point, neither Ao Tianxiu nor Bone Changming felt intimidated. Had Winter Elder and the Black Sky Ancient Clan's Black Dragon and Black Phoenix been present, they would have chosen their words more carefully.
But now? Against Ling Zhanzi, a newly risen upper tier Great Earth Sovereign, and Ling Jianzi, who had only just stepped into that realm? They had no need for restraint.
"Such insolence! Have you two clans grown tired of living? Let me teach you a lesson!" Ling Jianzi's voice dripped with anger. As he spoke, his three foot azure sword hummed, beginning to leave its sheath.
Before he could act, Ling Zhanzi grabbed his wrist and shook his head.
Turning to Ao Tianxiu and Bone Changming, Ling Zhanzi spoke calmly:
**"Gentlemen, my junior brother is impulsive. If his words have offended you, I ask for your understanding.
"We did not pursue you to fight but to deliver a message from Winter Elder.
"While it's true that the Tian Yao Kui refinement method has been promised to the Black Sky Ancient Clan, Winter Elder has assured me that your clan will be compensated appropriately.
"If you assist us in the upcoming battle against Xiao Tiance, the West Heaven Battle Hall will ensure you receive your due rewards."**
Hearing this, Ao Tianxiu and Bone Changming exchanged a glance.
Although they had no intention of continuing to ally with the West Heaven Battle Hall, they recognized that a direct confrontation here would be unwise.
"Holy Son, we understand your words but must regretfully decline." Bone Changming shook his head.
Ao Tianxiu followed suit:
"We mean no disrespect, but with the addition of the Black Sky Ancient Clan's experts, our presence is neither necessary nor missed."
Ling Jianzi scowled at their refusal.
"So you're choosing to snub the West Heaven Battle Hall?"
(To be continued.)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1