Chapter 423: Conditions, Encounter with Tian Luo, Earth Essence
"So, if Lord Tiance can refine a breakthrough pill to help me advance to the Celestial Rank Heavenly Sovereign level, what price would I need to pay?"
As the Dragon Sovereign's words fell, Xiao Tiance remained silent for a moment, not immediately responding.
Seeing this, the Dragon Sovereign assumed Xiao Tiance was unwilling and was about to speak again when Xiao Tiance smiled and said:
"Haha, a breakthrough pill? I can indeed refine it. However, Dragon Sovereign, what are you willing to offer in return?"
Hearing this, the Dragon Sovereign froze momentarily before a surge of excitement welled up in his heart. Yet, upon noticing the subtle smile on Xiao Tiance's face, he quickly realized that this man would not be easy to negotiate with. If left entirely up to Xiao Tiance, he feared that his entire collection accumulated over the years would be drained dry.
After some thought, the Dragon Sovereign weighed his options. If he successfully advanced to the Celestial Rank Heavenly Sovereign level, his combat power combined with the physical strength of his true draconic body would at least match that of a mid tier Celestial Rank. Furthermore, breaking through from the late Spirit Rank to the initial Celestial Rank was far more challenging than advancing within the Celestial Rank itself.
Steeling his resolve, the Dragon Sovereign said through clenched teeth:
"Lord Tiance, if you're willing to refine the breakthrough pill, I am prepared to offer all the rare treasures and heavenly materials I've collected over the years. Would that be acceptable?"
His tone carried cautious reverence. After all, when seeking something from someone, especially someone stronger, humility was essential. Besides, the Dragon Sovereign was fully aware that Xiao Tiance wasn't someone he could afford to offend.
During his previous battle with Nine Abyss, the Dragon Sovereign had seen clearly how Xiao Tiance suppressed even the likes of Maha Tian, the arrogant scion of the Maha Ancient Clan. If not for the protective artifact Maha Tian carried, he might not have escaped with his life after taking that palm strike from Xiao Tiance.
Moreover, Xiao Tiance wasn't just a powerful individual he was the leader of White Jade Capital, a rising superpower capable of suppressing the True Phoenix Clan. He was also the audacious figure who leveraged heavenly tribulation to obliterate a half step Saint Rank Heavenly Sovereign. With such a reputation, the Dragon Sovereign knew that bargaining was out of the question.
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly, neither agreeing nor declining immediately. After a moment, he shook his head slightly and said:
**"If that's your only offer, I'm afraid I won't be able to refine the breakthrough pill for you.
Refining a pill of this caliber is no trivial matter, even for someone like me, a grandmaster of alchemy. Furthermore, to be frank, White Jade Capital isn't lacking in the kinds of treasures you mentioned."**
Hearing this, the Dragon Sovereign's face fell, disappointment written all over it. If even his most valuable offer wasn't enough, there was nothing more he could do. He sighed and began to turn away.
Just then, Xiao Tiance spoke again:
"However, there might be another way. Tell me, Dragon Sovereign, you're a solitary practitioner, correct?"
This stopped the Dragon Sovereign in his tracks. He turned back with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
"Lord Tiance, are you saying you would be willing to refine the breakthrough pill?"
"That depends," Xiao Tiance said calmly. "You don't belong to any major power, do you?"
The implication was clear. Xiao Tiance was offering the Dragon Sovereign a chance to join White Jade Capital.
The Dragon Sovereign hesitated. He had long embraced the freedom of being a lone cultivator. Yet, as he reflected on his stagnant cultivation and his dwindling physical peak, he realized the truth: without external aid, he might never break through to the Celestial Rank Heavenly Sovereign level.
After a moment of internal struggle, he exhaled deeply and lowered his head in a gesture of submission.
"Lord Tiance, if you're willing to refine the pill and grant me this breakthrough, I am willing to join White Jade Capital and serve under your banner."
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance nodded approvingly. He admired those who could adapt and make rational decisions based on circumstances.
Superpowers like White Jade Capital offered far more than mere protection. They ensured deterrence against would be aggressors. A lone cultivator, no matter how strong, was vulnerable to retaliation from major clans. However, a superpower like White Jade Capital had the resources and influence to retaliate in kind, forcing others to think twice before making a move.
"Excellent," Xiao Tiance said with a smile. "Since you've made your decision, I will prepare the breakthrough pill. In five years, you may come to White Jade Capital to collect it."
"Thank you, Lord Tiance," the Dragon Sovereign said, bowing deeply. His formality reflected the shift in their dynamic from two individuals bargaining to one pledging allegiance.
From that moment, the Dragon Sovereign became a shadowy yet loyal follower of Xiao Tiance. Traveling alongside him, the Dragon Sovereign grew increasingly impressed with Xiao Tiance's myriad talents not only as a warrior but also as a grandmaster in alchemy, formations, and battle tactics.
By the time they returned to White Jade Capital, the Dragon Sovereign's initial reservations had completely dissolved. He had gone from reluctantly joining the sect to wholeheartedly dedicating himself to its cause.
The trio departed from the Ice Spirit Clan's ancestral grounds, heading northward. Along the way, Xiao Tiance admired the unique and breathtaking landscapes of the Great Thousand World. To their surprise, they encountered Tian Luo, whom they had not seen in nearly two months.
A Tavern Meeting
In a small tavern, Xiao Tiance sat at the head of the table, flanked by the Dragon Sovereign and Jiu Yuan. Across from them sat Tian Luo.
Xiao Tiance noted the shift in Tian Luo's aura, now firmly at the upper tier Earthly Sovereign level, and exclaimed:
"I didn't expect that in just two months, your strength would increase so significantly. Moreover, your aura suggests continuous growth. It seems you've encountered quite the opportunity during this time."
Tian Luo smiled modestly and replied:
**"Thank you for the praise, Lord Tiance. Indeed, I stumbled upon some good fortune. After leaving the Northern Dark Continent, I traveled southward to explore the Great Thousand World.
During my journey, I discovered a secluded cave housing the remnants of a small sect known as the Heaven Puppet Sect. Inside, there was a pool called the Heaven Puppet Pool, filled with a substance called Earth Essence.
At first, I assumed that any resource beneficial to the body would enhance a Heaven Demon Puppet's strength. To my surprise, this Earth Essence was both gentle in nature and easy to absorb. In less than half a month, I advanced from the peak of the ninth tier Sovereign to the upper tier Earthly Sovereign level.
Even now, there's still a substantial amount of Earth Essence's energy within me. Given time, breaking through to the Heavenly Sovereign level shouldn't be a problem."**
The Treasure of Earth Essence
Jiu Yuan and the Dragon Sovereign exchanged shocked glances before gasping audibly. The Dragon Sovereign, despite being a seasoned Spirit Rank Heavenly Sovereign, couldn't help but exclaim:
"Earth Essence? An entire pool of it?"
Seeing their astonishment, Xiao Tiance turned to Jiu Yuan for an explanation. Jiu Yuan quickly clarified:
**"Lord Tiance, Earth Essence is a rare and invaluable heavenly treasure. It forms over countless eons as the earth absorbs and refines spiritual energy.
Typically, it takes at least a year to generate a single drop of Earth Essence. For Tian Luo to have encountered an entire pool of it indicates that the secret realm he discovered likely dates back to ancient times.
What makes Earth Essence truly remarkable isn't just its rarity or gentle nature, but its compatibility. It can be absorbed without causing harm to the body, and its energy remains stored within the user until fully refined.
Moreover, unlike most resources that lose efficacy beyond the Earthly Sovereign level, Earth Essence is beneficial even for Heavenly Sovereign level cultivators."**
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance's admiration for Tian Luo's fortune grew.
The Dragon Sovereign added,
**"Lord Tiance, Jiu Yuan is correct. Earth Essence also has miraculous restorative properties it can mend grievous injuries and even regrow flesh and bone.
For Tian Luo to absorb an entire pool of Earth Essence, his physical body has essentially become self repairing.
I've traveled across the Great Thousand World for tens of thousands of years and have never seen Earth Essence myself. It's so coveted that even the ancient elders of the five great clans would come running if it appeared at an auction."**
Tian Luo, clearly surprised, said sheepishly:
"I didn't realize how valuable it was. I must have struck gold by pure luck."
As he spoke, Tian Luo retrieved two gourds from his storage ring and handed them to Xiao Tiance with both hands, saying:
"Fortunately, I managed to collect some Earth Essence in advance. Here are two gourds' worth, which I offer to you, Lord Tiance."
Generosity Rewarded
Xiao Tiance smiled warmly as he accepted the gourds. He had always seen Tian Luo as unique, given his connection to his own soul. Though Tian Luo had grown increasingly independent over the centuries, his loyalty to Xiao Tiance had never wavered.
"Thank you, Tian Luo. This is indeed a precious gift. I'll study its properties and see if I can incorporate Earth Essence into future alchemical creations. Of course, I won't take this without offering something in return."
Xiao Tiance took out a scroll from his storage ring and spread it open on the table, pointing to a specific location marked on the map.
**"Look here, this is a Void Thunder Pool. It's a place teeming with powerful and volatile lightning energies. If you're not ready to return to White Jade Capital yet, I suggest you visit this Void Thunder Pool when the time is right.
Its lightning will significantly enhance your Heaven Demon Puppet body, potentially pushing your strength to the mid tier Celestial Rank Heavenly Sovereign level."**
Tian Luo studied the map closely and nodded with excitement.
"A Void Thunder Pool? Such a place exists? Thank you, Lord Tiance. This will be immensely beneficial to me."
Xiao Tiance chuckled,
**"It's a fortuitous location I discovered by chance. I wasn't planning to mention it so soon, given the pool's extreme volatility. Its lightning energy is so fierce that even ordinary Heavenly Sovereigns struggle to endure it.
However, with the Earth Essence you've absorbed, your body should be resilient enough to benefit from the experience."**
Tian Luo bowed deeply.
"Thank you for the guidance, Lord Tiance. I won't waste this opportunity. For now, I'll continue my travels through the Great Thousand World, but I'll visit the Void Thunder Pool when the time comes."
Xiao Tiance nodded approvingly but added a warning:
"Be cautious when you go. Don't rush into the center of the pool. Even Qing Hou barely made it out alive from that area."
Hearing this, Tian Luo's expression turned serious. Knowing that Qing Hou a powerful Heaven Demon Puppet comparable to a Celestial Rank Heavenly Sovereign had struggled in the Void Thunder Pool, he realized the immense danger.
"Understood, Lord Tiance. I'll proceed carefully."
Returning to White Jade Capital
Xiao Tiance smiled and said,
"Good. Then continue your journey and take care. We'll return to White Jade Capital now. After two months away, I'm curious to see how much has changed."
With a final exchange of farewells, Xiao Tiance, Jiu Yuan, and the Dragon Sovereign set off toward White Jade Capital, while Tian Luo resumed his exploration of the vast Great Thousand World.
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