Chapter 5: Planning and the Eight Rank Alchemist

Chapter 5: Planning and the Eight Rank Alchemist

Ninth Floor of Tiance Mansion

"What nonsense! And the clan leader? Did he just ignore this?"

Xiao Tiance's face darkened with fury upon hearing Xiao Chun's explanation. How could the Xiao Clan treat their own people as cannon fodder?

"Brother Tiance, please calm down," Xiao Tianming said quickly, noticing his cousin's anger. "The clan leader didn't ignore it. A century ago, after Hun Tiandi ambushed and gravely injured you, the clan leader brought you back and immediately went to the Soul Clan alone.

Although he injured Hun Tiandi, he was surrounded and attacked by their Dou Sheng experts. While he managed to escape after wounding Hun Tiandi, he was severely injured himself and spent 30 years recovering.

Because of this, many clansmen blamed us for the clan leader's injuries, claiming it was your fault. That's why they targeted our branch. After the clan leader healed, he went into seclusion and only emerged shortly before you awakened."

Hearing this, Xiao Tiance felt a bit better. Since the fault didn't lie with Xiao Xuan, there was no need for him to hold back.

"I see," Xiao Tiance said, his expression softening. After a deep breath, he added, "Since the other branches have gone this far, there's no point in considering past friendships."

He looked at the three before him and continued, "I plan to establish a faction in Zhongzhou, but its connection to the Xiao Clan must remain hidden.

Brother Xuan has given us ten years. We'll use this time to build a hidden force that can secure our survival if the worst comes to pass."

Xiao Chun frowned slightly. "Tiance, are you doing this because you believe the clan leader might fail in his attempt to reach the Dou Di realm and fear the Xiao Clan could face disaster?"

"Exactly. I don't believe Brother Xuan can succeed. We must prepare for the worst case scenario: the annihilation of the Xiao Clan.

If Brother Xuan falls, the Soul Clan and other hostile imperial clans will surely attack us. Without the power of the Dou Di bloodline, our clan cannot stand against them.

Creating a faction in Zhongzhou will not only provide us with a refuge but also offer hope for our branch to one day restore the Xiao Clan's glory."

Xiao Tiance considered that if Xiao Xuan fell, the Xiao Realm would likely be destroyed. The Soul Clan would stop at nothing to exterminate the Xiao Clan. While his branch might escape the immediate fallout, they couldn't hide forever. Establishing a force would allow them to monitor events in Zhongzhou and maintain influence.

"I understand, Brother Tiance," Xiao Tianming said with a nod. "If that's the plan, I'll disguise myself and recruit strong followers. It won't take long to build a faction."

"No, none of us can reveal ourselves," Xiao Tiance replied. "Dou Sheng experts are rare. If one suddenly appears, it will attract the attention of the Soul Clan and other imperial clans.

Tianming, select two clansmen from our branch people who are unknown to outsiders. This way, no one will suspect a connection to the Xiao Clan.

Additionally, I'll take all the Dou Zun level clansmen for retraining and open a new space to house our people. We need to make sure our presence is hidden."

Xiao Tianming nodded thoughtfully before asking, "What strength should the two selected clansmen have?"

"Preferably below the Dou Zong level. Send them to places outside Zhongzhou to leave traces of their presence. This way, even if someone investigates later, they won't suspect a connection to the Xiao Clan.

Also, let the others know that we will leave the Xiao Realm in five years. By then, I'll work with Brother Xuan to stage a convincing event to erase our tracks entirely."

Xiao Tiance knew that if his branch suddenly disappeared, the Soul Clan might notice. A staged departure would be a more effective way to cover their tracks.

"Don't worry, Tiance," Xiao Chun said with a smile. "You're our branch leader, and your decision is absolute. No one will have any objections."

"Good," Xiao Tiance said. "Tianming, select the clansmen as soon as possible and send them out to train before establishing the faction. Qing'er, gather all Dou Zun level clansmen. I'll take them in a few days. As for managing the rest of the clansmen, that's up to Elder Uncle."

"Understood, Clan Leader!" the three replied solemnly.

After they left, Xiao Tiance exhaled deeply. With four Dou Shengs and over twenty Dou Zuns, his branch had enough strength to carry out his plans.

"If I can one day break through to Dou Di, all will be well. If not, then I'll pave the way for Xiao Yan. Once he becomes a Dou Di and connects this world to the Great Thousand World, obtaining Source Qi will allow me to achieve Dou Di status."

He sighed wistfully. "Brother Xuan, your fate is sealed. If only you could remain, I wouldn't need to make all these preparations."

With a wave of his hand, Xiao Tiance summoned an alchemy furnace.

Though he was an eight rank alchemist, he needed to retrain his skills. While he retained the memories of his original body, certain techniques required time to adapt.

Over the next few days, Xiao Tiance began refining pills.

First rank pills: Two hours.

Second rank pills: Two hours.

Third rank pills: Progressed over three days.

By the third day, as a six colored Dan Thunder formed in the sky, Xiao Tiance smirked. Without hesitation, he stepped into the lightning.

The destructive bolts rained down on him, but his expression remained calm, unaffected by their immense power.

When the lightning subsided, Xiao Tiance reached out with his left hand, catching a pill with intricate Dan patterns.

"Not bad. Though it took a few days to readjust, my soul strength is now at the peak of the Spirit Realm. Reaching the Heavenly Realm will be a matter of time."

He carefully placed the pill in a white jade bottle and returned to the ninth floor.

At that moment, spatial ripples appeared, and Xiao Qing stepped out, bowing respectfully. "Third Uncle, all the Dou Zuns are gathered in the White Tiger Hall. Shall we go?"

"Let's go," Xiao Tiance said, opening a spatial portal with a wave of his hand.

The two stepped through and disappeared.

White Tiger Hall

Twenty one Dou Zuns were quietly discussing among themselves when the space rippled. Xiao Tiance and Xiao Qing stepped out.

"Greetings, Clan Leader! Greetings, Elder Qing!" the group chorused, bowing respectfully.

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