Chapter 1: Xiao Tiance
On the Dou Qi Continent, in Zhongzhou, within the Xiao Clan, lies the Xiao Realm.
Xiao Tiance had just stayed up all night reading the novel Battle Through the Heavens. Suddenly, his vision went black, and he collapsed onto the ground.
When he opened his eyes again, he had become Xiao Xuan's cousin and now bore the same name: Xiao Tiance.
In this new life, Xiao Tiance was recognized as the second most talented member of the Xiao Clan, possessing the power of divine grade bloodlines. He was a Five Star Dou Sheng at the initial stage, ranking among the top five strongest in the Xiao Realm.
A hundred years ago, while exploring a secret realm, he acquired the second ranked Void Swallowing Flame from the Heavenly Flame Ranking. Just as he was celebrating his fortune, he was ambushed by the Soul Clan's top expert, Hun Tiandi. Not only was the Void Swallowing Flame stolen from him, but Xiao Tiance also fell into a coma for a hundred years.
"Time traveling stories are everywhere, but now it's my turn? I didn't expect that staying up all night reading Battle Through the Heavens would make me a character in its world. Life truly is unpredictable!"
Xiao Tiance sat up abruptly. With just that simple movement, his body emitted a series of cracking sounds.
"Ah! Ancestor Tiance is awake! Ancestor Tiance is awake!"
While Xiao Tiance was marveling at the power of this body, a young boy in his teens entered the room carrying a basin of water. Upon seeing Xiao Tiance awake, the boy was so overjoyed that he dropped the basin onto the floor.
Moments later, Xiao Tiance sensed multiple powerful presences approaching some stronger, some weaker than him. Without exception, however, all of them were at least at the peak Dou Zun level, showing just how strong the Xiao Clan had become compared to the other ancient clans.
"Tiance, you've finally awakened!"
An elderly man with the strength of a Three Star Dou Sheng quickly approached the bed, his voice filled with urgency.
"Second Uncle."
"Tiance, this is wonderful! A hundred years in a coma, and now you're awake at last. This is cause for celebration!"
"Indeed, with Tiance awake, our clan's strength will surely rise!"
Seeing the smiles on his family members' faces, Xiao Tiance felt his heart warmed by the bond of family.
"Tiance!"
Just as Xiao Tiance was about to speak, a handsome middle aged man exuding a commanding presence suddenly appeared.
"Brother Xuan!"
The newcomer was none other than Xiao Xuan, the Xiao Clan's greatest expert, a peak Nine Star Dou Sheng, and the leader of the clan. He was also recognized as the number one expert on the Dou Qi Continent.
"Hahaha! Excellent, excellent! After a hundred years in a coma, not only have you recovered from your injuries, but your strength has also improved slightly. Truly worth celebrating!" Xiao Xuan laughed heartily, his eyes filled with admiration.
"I'm no match for you, Brother Xuan. Back then, I was severely injured in Hun Tiandi's ambush and fell into a coma. Now, my strength lags far behind yours," Xiao Tiance said with a bitter smile.
Before his coma, Xiao Tiance, Xiao Xuan, and Xiao Chen were known as the Xiao Clan's three prodigies. Their strength far surpassed their peers, and even some elders in the clan stood no chance against them.
Xiao Xuan was the leader in cultivation, always ahead of his generation. Xiao Chen was the embodiment of raw strength, a true battle maniac who loved challenging others even after reaching the Dou Sheng stage. Xiao Tiance, on the other hand, was known for his intelligence, serving as the brains of the trio.
However, a century had passed. Xiao Xuan had reached the peak of the Dou Sheng realm, Xiao Chen had gone missing while exploring a secret realm, and Xiao Tiance had been forgotten by many after his hundred year coma.
"It's good that you're safe. When you were ambushed and gravely injured, you sent me a distress signal. By the time I arrived, you were already unconscious, and I could only trace the aftermath of Hun Tiandi's attack. I brought you back to the clan and even ventured into the Soul Realm to demand justice, but with insufficient evidence, I couldn't do much," Xiao Xuan said gravely.
Seeing Xiao Xuan's unstable aura, Xiao Tiance's expression darkened. He responded coldly, "Brother Xuan, you don't need to worry. Now that I've recovered, I'll personally settle things with Hun Tiandi. Unfortunately, the Void Swallowing Flame I acquired in that secret realm was stolen before I could refine it."
"What? The Void Swallowing Flame?"
"The Void Swallowing Flame?"
The crowd gasped in unison. Over the years, they had speculated about why Hun Tiandi had ambushed Xiao Tiance. To think it was because of the second ranked Void Swallowing Flame!
"Unforgivable! He dared to covet the Void Swallowing Flame?"
As Dou Sheng experts and members of one of the ancient eight clans, they understood the significance of the Void Swallowing Flame better than most. Although it was ranked second on the Heavenly Flame Ranking, no one knew what the top ranked flame actually was.
In essence, the Xiao Clan had missed out on an unparalleled opportunity.
The Void Swallowing Flame was a unique existence, born from the void itself. It was invisible and formless, capable of devouring all things. There were only a few things in the world that could resist its devouring power. If the Xiao Clan had brought it back, their strength would have far surpassed the other seven ancient clans.
Even Xiao Xuan, the number one expert on the continent, couldn't hide his disappointment.
"Damn it! That wretched Hun Tiandi! Clearly, I didn't punish him enough last time!" Xiao Xuan roared in fury, his anger shaking the very heavens.
"Yes, the Void Swallowing Flame…"
Murmuring to himself, Xiao Tiance felt a pang of regret. If he had successfully refined the flame back then, he would have surpassed Xiao Xuan and become the strongest in the Xiao Clan.
Noticing Xiao Tiance lost in thought, Xiao Xuan smiled and said, "It's alright. Although the Void Swallowing Flame is ranked second, it's not unattainable. If you want a Heavenly Flame, I'll personally search for another one for you."
"There's no need, Brother Xuan. After a hundred years in a coma, I've already wasted too much time. Only the top five Heavenly Flames hold any appeal to me now," Xiao Tiance replied, shaking his head.
Indeed, while Heavenly Flames were miraculous, only the top five flames would be of real value to a Five Star Dou Sheng like him.
Second: Void Swallowing Flame.
Third: Purifying Lotus Demon Flame.
Fourth: Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame.
Fifth: Life Spirit Flame.
Currently, the Void Swallowing Flame was with the Soul Clan, the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame was hidden in a secret realm, the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame was with the Gu Clan, and the Life Spirit Flame seemed to be in the hands of a rising figure named Shennong. All of them were out of reach.
"Very well. Rest for now. Having just awakened, you likely need some time to yourself. When you're ready, come find me. I have an idea that, if successful, will restore the glory of our ancestors to the Xiao Clan," Xiao Xuan said, patting Xiao Tiance on the shoulder with a serious expression.
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance's heart skipped a beat. Though he kept a neutral expression, he nodded and bid farewell to the others.
Once everyone had left, Xiao Tiance sighed deeply. "It seems Xiao Xuan already has the idea of concentrating the Dou Di bloodline of the entire clan onto himself to break through to the Dou Di realm!"
Smiling bitterly, he added, "I thought I could live a peaceful life here with such power, but I've walked straight into a life and death crisis."
"But now that I know the plot, I can't let Xiao Xuan drain the Dou Di bloodline from the clan. That bloodline, though it relies on the ancestors' glory, is key to maintaining the Xiao Clan's prosperity!"
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