Chapter 91: The Confidence of the Soul Heavenly Emperor
Soul Realm, Residence of the Soul Heavenly Emperor
As the Soul Heavenly Emperor finished speaking, spatial ripples spread through the void. Moments later, the figure of Void Devouring Flame emerged with a cold sneer.
"The Xiao Clan may not surpass the Soul Clan in strength, but they are not to be underestimated," he said. "Don't forget, while Xiao Xuan has fallen, it's highly possible that man is still alive.
"Four hundred years ago, I caught traces of his aura in the Central Plains. I couldn't locate him, but his presence was unmistakable. And as for the 100 Dou Shengs you sent to the Xiao Realm a thousand years ago? Not a single one returned. If he truly survived, we can be certain it was his doing."
Void Devouring Flame paused briefly before continuing, "If he's still alive, a millennium of time would have allowed his talents to flourish. He may now be as powerful as you, perhaps stronger.
"Let me be clear: the Xiao Clan's sudden emergence after a thousand years of seclusion is no coincidence. They must have acquired the strength and confidence to rival the Soul Clan. I urge you to consider carefully the consequences of continuing this aggression."
His words left the Soul Heavenly Emperor in a rare moment of silence. After a long pause, he finally responded, "Void, your concerns aren't unfounded. But even if Xiao Tiance is alive, so what?
"Let's assume he's reached the pinnacle of a Nine Star Dou Sheng. I alone am enough to hold him back. With you a fellow Nine Star Dou Sheng fighting by my side, we can overwhelm him. Once I pin him down, you can quickly eliminate the others. Together, we will destroy him."
The emperor's voice carried an undeniable air of dominance and unshakable confidence. Even Void Devouring Flame found himself briefly stunned by the sheer force of his conviction.
However, Void Devouring Flame remained composed. "Your confidence is impressive," he remarked. "But heed my warning: underestimate Xiao Tiance, and you will regret it.
"Of course, if you're set on this course of action, I'll stand by you. That said, consider this without the Dou Di bloodline, the Xiao Clan holds little strategic value to us.
"Our ultimate plan is close to fruition. Should the Xiao Clan disrupt it, your goal of becoming a Dou Di may be delayed even further."
Finishing his statement, Void Devouring Flame seated himself opposite the Soul Heavenly Emperor, studying his expression carefully.
After some time, the emperor sighed. "A minor setback for a greater cause... Perhaps I have been too hasty.
"Still, the Xiao Clan and the Soul Clan are sworn enemies. With Soul Miesheng's recent strike killing Xiao Tianyun, the Xiao Clan will not let this go unanswered. This presents an opportunity to test their strength. If we can annihilate them, all the better."
Void Devouring Flame gave no further input, merely nodding. Rising from his seat, he said, "It's your decision. If you need me, you know how to contact me."
With that, he departed, leaving the Soul Heavenly Emperor alone.
As soon as Void Devouring Flame left, the emperor's confident facade crumbled. He understood all too well just how formidable Xiao Tiance was. The Xiao Clan's secret technique, the Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations, would make a direct confrontation even more difficult if his strength couldn't completely overpower Xiao Tiance.
But his pride remained unshaken. "No matter the odds, one must act to uncover the truth," he murmured.
Like all supreme powerhouses, he trusted only his own strength. Until he personally confirmed the outcome, nothing could shake his belief in his own invincibility.
Central Plains, Tianji Tower Headquarters
Thousands of Tianji Tower members had assembled, their expressions brimming with fury and determination. Each carried an air of murderous resolve a testament to their deep hatred for the Soul Hall and Soul Clan.
At the forefront stood over a dozen lower ranked Dou Shengs, followed by Semi Saints, Dou Zuns, and Dou Zongs, all arranged into over a dozen organized divisions.
"Move out!"
At Tian Luo's command, the divisions mobilized. Each was led by a Dou Sheng and set off for the Soul Hall's main headquarters and its branches.
As they departed, Xiao Qing emerged with over ten high ranking Dou Shengs in tow, including six ancient elders who were Eight Star Dou Shengs.
"Tian Luo!" the group greeted him respectfully, their demeanor solemn.
Tian Luo nodded approvingly as he inspected the lineup. "To ensure success, each of you will accompany one division. If you encounter an unbeatable enemy, signal us immediately. Xiao Qing, myself, and the Clan Leader will come to your aid."
"Yes, sir!"
The group dispersed swiftly, their figures vanishing into the horizon.
Xiao Qing approached Tian Luo. "Before we set off, Third Uncle instructed me to remind you our ultimate goal is the complete eradication of the Soul Hall. Should you require his assistance, he'll arrive without delay."
"Good," Tian Luo replied with a confident smile. "Even if the Soul Heavenly Emperor personally intervenes, I can hold him off. As for Void Devouring Flame, if he shows up, you'll handle him. Is that acceptable?"
Xiao Qing nodded firmly. Though he remained a Nine Star Dou Sheng beginner, his mastery of the Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations allowed him to hold his own against peak level opponents like the Soul Heavenly Emperor.
Moreover, Xiao Tiance had gifted him a legendary Sky Demon Puppet upgraded to Nine Star Dou Sheng level after centuries of refinement. Though it lacked combat techniques, its raw strength alone was formidable enough to level the playing field.
"Don't worry, Tian Luo," Xiao Qing said confidently. "If Void Devouring Flame dares to appear, I'll ensure the Xiao Clan claims another Heavenly Flame."
Soul Realm
As news of the Xiao Clan's reemergence spread, it reached the Soul Hall's spies, who relayed it to the Soul Realm.
"How amusing," a Soul Clan elder muttered. "After a millennium, the Xiao Clan dares to reveal itself. What could they possibly be hiding that emboldens them so?"
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