Chapter 6: The Shadow Guard and Xiao Xuan's Bold Ambition

Chapter 6: The Shadow Guard and Xiao Xuan's Bold Ambition

Xiao Realm, White Tiger Hall

"Greetings, Clan Leader! Greetings, Elder Qing!"

The twenty one gathered Dou Zun warriors stood and saluted with utmost respect. Xiao Qing remained silent, his gaze fixed on Xiao Tiance, awaiting instructions.

Xiao Tiance swept his eyes across the group, assessing their strength. It was as Xiao Tianming had described: 21 Dou Zun experts. Among them were three at the peak level, six at nine stars, two at eight stars, one at seven stars, four at six stars, two at five stars, one at four stars, and two who had just reached the Dou Zun stage.

Most of these people were familiar to him they had already reached the Dou Zun level before his coma, and he had personally promoted many of them. Only a few, including the two new Dou Zuns and two others at the mid level, were unfamiliar.

Xiao Tiance smiled warmly. "I've been in a coma for a hundred years, and it's heartening to see all of you again."

"We are fortunate to see you, Clan Leader," the group responded in unison, their voices filled with reverence.

Xiao Tiance glanced at Xiao Qing, then raised his hand to quiet them. "Be at ease. Take your seats. Each of you has contributed greatly to our branch of the clan during these years, and for that, I thank you."

The group hesitated but eventually sat down. However, the three peak Dou Zuns stood to speak.

"Serving the clan is our duty, Clan Leader. We are unworthy of your praise," one of them said humbly.

"We have always believed that you would awaken and lead us to greatness once more," added another.

Seeing their loyalty and respect, Xiao Tiance smiled but gestured for them to sit. Once everyone was settled, he continued, "No need to be so formal. I've called you here for two reasons.

First, I wanted to see all of you after my long absence. Second, as Dou Zun experts, you are the backbone of our branch, and there are important matters to discuss."

The group listened intently.

"You've likely heard of the clan leader's plan to gather the bloodline power of all clansmen and attempt a breakthrough to the Dou Di realm," Xiao Tiance began. "I've already refused this plan and persuaded him otherwise.

The clan leader has given us ten years. In that time, you will disappear from the public eye, each in different ways. Ultimately, our entire branch will leave the Xiao Realm. I cannot yet share all the details, but your task is simple: follow my orders."

The group murmured softly but didn't question him. They trusted Xiao Tiance to handle everything.

"We understand and will obey your orders, Clan Leader," they said in unison.

"Good. There are 21 of you here, so I will divide you into three groups of seven. I'll escort you out of the Xiao Realm in three separate trips. Xiao Qing will assign the groups. The first group will leave with me tomorrow, while the others will remain here and wait."

Xiao Qing stepped forward. "Xiao Chengyun, Xiao Hua, and Xiao Donglai, step forward. You three are peak Dou Zuns and will each lead a group. The rest of you may choose your group freely, regardless of strength."

The group quickly divided, each leader gathering six members. Xiao Tiance nodded in satisfaction. Though strength varied within the groups, they were evenly balanced.

"From this day forward, you will have a shared name: the Shadow Guard.

The Shadow Guard will become the strongest and most mysterious force of the Xiao Clan. Your mission is to grow stronger and dedicate your lives to the clan's glory," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.

"For the Xiao Clan, we would gladly die!" the group responded, a newfound sense of purpose burning in their hearts.

"Good. I'm counting on you."

Standing, Xiao Tiance turned to Xiao Qing. "You'll accompany the first group tomorrow. For now, allow everyone to return and bid their families farewell."

"Yes, Clan Leader," Xiao Qing replied with a bow.

With a wave of his hand, Xiao Tiance opened a spatial portal and stepped through, vanishing from sight.

Xiao Xuan's Residence

Arriving at Xiao Xuan's residence, Xiao Tiance found him already looking his way.

"You're here, Tiance. What brings you?" Xiao Xuan asked with a smile.

"I came to check on you, Brother Xuan. I'll be taking a few people out tomorrow," Xiao Tiance replied as he sat down.

Xiao Xuan nodded knowingly. "It seems you already have a plan, don't you?"

"I have some ideas, yes. I came to discuss something with you," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.

"Go ahead. Whatever you need, I'll do my best to cooperate," Xiao Xuan said without hesitation.

Xiao Tiance was momentarily stunned. "You're not even going to ask what the plan is?"

Xiao Xuan chuckled. "Why would I? You're my brother and the strategist of the Xiao Clan. I trust that you've thought everything through.

Given your personality and the fact that you've already been ambushed by the Soul Clan once, I know you'll be extra cautious. If you've come to me, your plan must be thorough. My role is simply to support you. What difference does it make whether I know the details?"

Hearing this, Xiao Tiance felt a pang of guilt. He had inherited the original body's memories and understood why Xiao Xuan trusted him so completely.

After a moment of silence, Xiao Tiance looked Xiao Xuan in the eye and asked, "Brother Xuan, do you really have to attempt the Dou Di breakthrough?"

This time, it was Xiao Xuan's turn to pause. After a brief moment, he nodded solemnly. "Tiance, you know me. Once I've made up my mind, I won't change it.

I understand the risks. Failure could lead to the Xiao Clan's destruction. But as the clan leader, I cannot stand by and watch our people grow weaker with each generation.

For the Xiao Clan's strength, I'm willing to gamble everything. If I fail, all the blame will rest on me."

Xiao Tiance sighed deeply. "Brother Xuan, in terms of talent and courage, I cannot compare to you."

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