Chapter 461: The Top Powerhouses of the Great Thousand World
"If I had been present, none of you would have escaped alive."
At the exit of the teleportation array, the elder from the Black Phoenix Clan's provocative words hung in the air.
Xiao Tiance's face broke into a faint smile. He knew this elder, once part of the True Phoenix Clan, had left them tens of thousands of years ago to join the Black Sky Ancient Clan. This explained his absence during the conflict between White Jade Capital and the True Phoenix Clan.
Yet, despite the years that had passed, this elder still carried such deep seated hostility toward him.
Confrontation with the Elder
The elder, seeing Xiao Tiance's smile, grew visibly irate. "What are you smiling at? Do you find my words amusing?"
Remaining calm, Xiao Tiance looked at him steadily. "So, does this mean that Senior plans to represent the True Phoenix Clan in a battle against White Jade Capital?"
The elder's confidence faltered instantly. Though he dared to speak rudely to Xiao Tiance, it was only because of his strength as an early Saintly Heavenly Sovereign. Yet, White Jade Capital's meteoric rise to power in recent years made it one of the most untouchable forces in the Great Thousand World.
"What? When did I say that I represent the True Phoenix Clan in a battle against White Jade Capital?" the elder hastily denied.
Xiao Tiance's gaze grew colder, but his tone remained calm. "Oh? If not the True Phoenix Clan, does Senior perhaps intend to represent the Black Sky Ancient Clan in declaring war on White Jade Capital?"
The elder turned crimson, realizing he was cornered. His position as an early Saintly Heavenly Sovereign might afford him some influence in the Black Sky Ancient Clan, but he was far from qualified to represent it in any capacity.
"Xiao Tiance, stop twisting my words. I never claimed to represent the Black Sky Ancient Clan either!" the elder denied fervently.
He knew full well the repercussions if this were misconstrued and reported back to the Black Sky Ancient Clan's supreme leaders, Black Heaven and Black Earth. Such reckless words could cost him everything.
Xiao Tiance's Retort
With a sneer, Xiao Tiance's expression grew icy. **"If it's neither the True Phoenix Clan nor the Black Sky Ancient Clan, then does Senior plan to face White Jade Capital alone?
That's fine too. Perhaps my easygoing demeanor has led you to think I'm easy to bully. Very well, come. Today, I'll let you see if I, Xiao Tiance, still know how to wield a blade."**
As his voice fell, an overwhelming Saintly Heavenly Sovereign aura erupted from Xiao Tiance, suffusing the surrounding space with his power.
Twelve Heavenly Demon Puppets Unleashed
With a wave of his hand, twelve powerful Heavenly Demon Puppets materialized beside him. Each radiated an immense aura, ranging from early Immortal Heavenly Sovereign to mid Saintly Heavenly Sovereign levels. The air itself seemed to tremble under their oppressive might.
Gasps erupted from the onlookers.
Figures like the Western Battle Emperor, Feng Xuan of the True Phoenix Clan, and Mo He Tian, the young master of the Mo He Clan, instinctively retreated, their faces pale with shock.
The Elder's Embarrassment
The elder from the Black Phoenix Clan froze, his earlier bravado replaced by panic. The combined presence of the twelve puppets, along with Xiao Tiance's own power, made retreat the most logical option.
Yet, retreating would mean losing face. He stood there, unable to advance or retreat.
Xiao Tiance sneered. "What's wrong, Senior? Are you so magnanimous that you're offering me three free moves?"
The elder opened his mouth to respond, but before he could speak, a powerful burst of aura erupted from a nearby city. Several figures, each exuding the pressure of a late Saintly Heavenly Sovereign, emerged.
The Arrival of Qin Tian and the Elders
"Hahaha! Tiance, my young friend, what's with the commotion? Who dares provoke the Lord of White Jade Capital?"
It was Qin Tian, accompanied by several other elders from the Great Thousand Palace.
Xiao Tiance retracted his aura and greeted them with a respectful bow. "Senior Qin Tian, you've arrived just in time. I had only just arrived myself and was immediately challenged by someone."
His gaze shifted pointedly toward the Black Phoenix elder.
One of the elders accompanying Qin Tian turned to look at the Black Phoenix elder, his expression darkening. Without a word, the elder released a fraction of his own aura, directed at the Black Phoenix elder.
With just this one glance, the elder coughed up blood, his face pale as he staggered backward.
A Lesson from the Elder
The elder fell to one knee, his voice trembling. "I was wrong. Please forgive me, Great Elder!"
The elder who had reprimanded him, clearly someone of high status within the Black Sky Ancient Clan, snorted coldly. "Disgraceful! Get out of my sight immediately!"
Without daring to argue, the Black Phoenix elder retreated quickly, his head bowed in humiliation.
A Warm Welcome
The elder turned back to Xiao Tiance, his stern expression replaced by a warm smile. "Tiance, my young friend, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Black Earth speaks highly of you, but it seems even his praise fell short. Perhaps, in a few decades, not even I will be your match."
Xiao Tiance's heart skipped a beat. Black Earth one of the supreme leaders of the Black Sky Ancient Clan had indeed aided him during the battle at Zhu Xian City against the external demons.
He smiled humbly. "Senior flatters me. I still have much to learn."
Qin Tian laughed heartily, patting Xiao Tiance on the shoulder. "You've already achieved much, and your humility will take you even further. Come, let's not waste time. The funeral is about to begin."
Together, the group made their way to the Sacred Hidden Continent, leaving behind a crowd of onlookers buzzing with whispers about the power and prestige of White Jade Capital.
Among the gathered elite, the presence of the elder addressed as "Grand Elder" by the Black Phoenix and Black Dragon seniors and who spoke of Black Earth without any reverence left no doubt about his identity. He was Black Sky, the most powerful figure in the Black Sky Ancient Clan.
Greeting Black Sky
Xiao Tiance stepped forward, his demeanor respectful. "Junior Xiao Tiance greets Senior Black Sky."
Black Sky chuckled heartily. "I didn't expect you to know this old man's name."
Xiao Tiance replied modestly, "Senior is too humble. Your and Senior Black Earth's names have echoed throughout the Great Thousand World for tens of thousands of years. For this junior to be unaware would be the height of disrespect."
Black Sky's laugh grew louder. "Xiao Tiance, you are truly extraordinary. Such vigorous vitality emanates from you it's impossible to ignore. I dare say, in just a few decades, you may surpass us old timers."
Xiao Tiance remained humble. "Senior flatters me; I still have a long way to go."
Standing nearby, Qin Tian laughed as well, patting Xiao Tiance on the shoulder. **"Tiance, there's no need for modesty. Black Sky Senior rarely praises others. If he says so, he truly means it.
And your meteoric rise from the pinnacle of Earthly Sovereign to the early Saintly Heavenly Sovereign realm in just over five years is a feat unparalleled in the Great Thousand World."**
Black Sky and the other late Saintly Heavenly Sovereigns nodded in agreement, their expressions showing approval and admiration.
Xiao Tiance smiled wryly, knowing that while his rapid progress was indeed remarkable thanks to Ling'er's guidance and his unique Xie Ling bloodline it didn't mean he was invincible. Against these seasoned top tier powerhouses, he could only barely hold his own if he leveraged his war formation skills and bloodline abilities.
Victory? That was a distant dream until he advanced to the mid Saintly Heavenly Sovereign realm.
Introducing the Top Tier Powerhouses
Qin Tian resumed speaking, gesturing toward the gathered elders. **"Tiance, since you've already met Black Sky, let me introduce the others.
This is Ye Qingyang, the patriarch of the Tai Ling Ancient Clan.
This is Huang Sheng, the ancient ancestor of the Archaic Clan.
This is Mo He Wu Liang, the elder of the Mo He Ancient Clan.
This is the Green Robed Sword Saint, founder of the Sword Domain.
And this is the Immortal Lord, the master of the Undying Lands."**
Xiao Tiance listened attentively, his heart stirred. These were the most illustrious figures in the Great Thousand World, each a legend in their own right. Among them, the Green Robed Sword Saint and the Immortal Lord stood out, their power slightly exceeding the others.
Bowing respectfully, Xiao Tiance greeted them. "Junior Xiao Tiance greets the esteemed seniors."
The gathered powerhouses smiled kindly.
"No need for such formality, young one."
"With such incredible talent, it won't be long before you join our ranks as one of the Great Thousand World's top experts."
Their words carried genuine goodwill. Xiao Tiance's achievements establishing White Jade Capital and single handedly defending Zhu Xian City from an external demon invasion had earned him their respect.
Building Alliances
Many of the gathered powerhouses were well aware of Xiao Tiance's reputation. News of how his temporary loan of twenty Spirit Heavenly Sovereign level Heavenly Demon Puppets to Wan Feng had led to catastrophic losses for the external demons in the Saint Abyss Continent had only elevated his stature.
Seeing the twelve Heavenly Demon Puppets standing silently behind him, many of the elders began considering ways to strengthen their ties with him.
Rivalry Transformed
In the distance, figures like Mo He Tian, Feng Xuan of the True Phoenix Clan, and the Western Battle Emperor watched Xiao Tiance with mixed emotions.
Once, they might have considered themselves his rivals. But now, his Heavenly Demon Puppets alone were enough to overwhelm them completely.
A Sweet Distraction
Amid the camaraderie, a soft, milk sweet voice broke through.
"Daddy!"
Everyone turned to see a little girl rubbing her sleepy eyes, her innocent smile lighting up her face.
Xiao Tiance's expression softened instantly, a warm fatherly glow replacing his earlier sharpness.
He excused himself politely. "Apologies, seniors. My wife isn't home, so I had to bring my daughter along. Please forgive the distraction."
The powerhouses chuckled. "No problem at all! Tend to your daughter first."
Xiao Tiance turned and gently took Xiao Bai Ying from Tian Luo's arms.
"Ying Ying, you're awake? Are you hungry?" he asked with a smile.
The little girl nodded enthusiastically, rubbing her tummy. "Yes, Daddy. Is there food here? My tummy's so empty it might flatten!"
Laughing, Xiao Tiance kissed her forehead. "Alright, Daddy will take you to eat."
With a thought, he retrieved the twelve Heavenly Demon Puppets, then carried his daughter toward the city.
An Invitation to Talk
As they entered the city a strategic supply hub of the Great Thousand Palace the Immortal Lord approached Xiao Tiance with a raised wine cup.
"Tiance, may this old man have the pleasure of chatting with you for a moment?"
Xiao Tiance nodded graciously. "Of course, Senior. It's an honor."
The Immortal Lord smiled. "Earlier, I noticed that two of your Heavenly Demon Puppets had reached the mid Saintly Heavenly Sovereign level. Tell me, is it possible for you to craft puppets at the late Saintly Heavenly Sovereign stage?"
Xiao Tiance hesitated briefly before replying. "Senior, creating a Heavenly Demon Puppet at the late Saintly Heavenly Sovereign level is theoretically possible, but the materials required would be immense. Such a puppet would need the body of a powerful late Saintly Heavenly Sovereign, combined with rare spiritual materials to withstand and channel its power. Even then, the process would be incredibly time consuming."
The Immortal Lord nodded thoughtfully, his interest evident. "If the materials were provided, would you be willing to attempt it?"
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. "For the right cause, especially if it aids the Great Thousand World's defense against the external demons, this junior would gladly give it a try."
Hearing this, the Immortal Lord's smile deepened. "Excellent. Let's discuss further after the funeral."
The two clinked their cups, silently acknowledging a potential collaboration that could reshape the balance of power in the Great Thousand World.
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