Chapter 11: The Web and the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix’s Secret Realm

Chapter 11: The Web and the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix's Secret Realm

"So, what do you say? Are you willing to cooperate?"

Ancient Realm, Gu Yuan's Residence

To be honest, Gu Yuan didn't feel much inclination to reject Xiao Xuan's proposal.

"You trust me this much? Are you certain I won't stab you in the back like the Soul Clan?" Gu Yuan asked, his tone calm as he studied Xiao Xuan's expression.

"Heh, you're the cautious type, always preferring compromise. I suppose if you were to betray me, I wouldn't have much recourse. But knowing you all these years, I believe you're not like those dishonorable Soul Clan schemers. Your character is something I can trust," Xiao Xuan said with a laugh, giving Gu Yuan a side glance.

Hearing this, Gu Yuan felt a strange sense of warmth, perhaps even a bit touched. Xiao Xuan's attempt to break through to Dou Di was essentially a gamble with his life success or death, with no middle ground.

Throughout the history of the Dou Qi Continent, there hadn't been a single recorded case of someone surviving a failed Dou Di breakthrough.

"Tch, you idiot. Don't trust me so much!" Gu Yuan snapped, a mix of frustration and exasperation on his face.

"Hahaha, alright, alright. Don't feel embarrassed now. Of course I trust you, otherwise I wouldn't be here proposing this collaboration," Xiao Xuan said, his laughter hearty and unbothered.

Looking at Xiao Xuan's unrelenting optimism, Gu Yuan couldn't help but feel a wave of emotions. After a while, he sighed deeply.

"Sometimes you're overwhelmingly forceful and domineering, a true testament to why you're called the strongest on the Dou Qi Continent. But at other times, you seem like a complete fool. Something as monumental as a Dou Di breakthrough, and you're discussing it with me, someone from another clan? What if you fail, the Soul Clan attacks, and I decide to abandon you? Your entire Xiao Clan would be doomed."

Xiao Xuan met Gu Yuan's serious expression with his usual carefree laugh. "Hahaha, of course I've thought of that. And that's why I came to you! I trust your character, Gu Yuan, more than enough."

"Fine, let's not dwell on it. If we're going to cooperate, tell me the details. If it seems feasible, I'll help you. I'd like to know if this world truly still permits the existence of a Dou Di," Gu Yuan said, his tone softening with a hint of curiosity.

"Great, let's discuss..."

Half an hour later, the two had ironed out the details. Gu Yuan looked at Xiao Xuan, whose face was lit with confidence.

"If it's possible, I genuinely hope you succeed in becoming a Dou Di. I'd like to see the pinnacle of this world and what lies beyond it," Gu Yuan said, his tone both sincere and expectant.

"Hahaha, then pray for me! If I succeed, we'll both find out."

With that, Xiao Xuan's figure flickered and disappeared, leaving only his voice lingering in the air. "Wait for my word!"

"Ah..."

Once Xiao Xuan left, Gu Yuan sighed deeply. "What a madman. But to live in the same era as him it's a unique experience in itself."

Tian Wai Tian

Three months passed in the blink of an eye. Under Xiao Tiance's tireless efforts, the structure of Tian Wai Tian had grown immensely stable.

Not only that, but his immersion in spatial refinement had granted him an unprecedented understanding of space manipulation, surpassing even the innate abilities of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, the undisputed rulers of magical beasts and masters of spatial power.

"Three months already. They say time flies when one is immersed in cultivation truly, it feels like an instant," Xiao Tiance muttered, gazing up at the sky.

As he finished speaking, he sensed Xiao Qing's presence reenter Tian Wai Tian. Moments later, Xiao Qing approached and bowed respectfully.

"Third Uncle, I've returned."

Three months ago, Xiao Qing had left to establish a new intelligence network in Zhongzhou. His absence had stretched on without word, but now he was back.

"You've worked hard. How's the construction of Luo Wang coming along?" Xiao Tiance asked with a smile.

Luo Wang, the name of the intelligence network, symbolized an all encompassing web that allowed no escape.

"The preliminary organizational framework is complete. Members are divided into four ranks: Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow.

Dou Zun level members are ranked 'Heaven.'

Dou Zong level members are ranked 'Earth.'

Dou Huang level members are ranked 'Black.'

Dou Wang level members are ranked 'Yellow.'

Each rank is further divided into nine grades, with Grade One being the highest. For instance, a Nine Star Dou Zong would be 'Earth, Grade One,' while a Three Star Dou Zun would be 'Heaven, Grade Seven.'

Per your instructions, we've also recruited individuals with lower cultivation levels as auxiliary personnel. Those below Dou Wang are considered non ranking members and recorded separately.

For individuals at the Half Saint level and above such rare talents I've designated elder positions to highlight their authority within Luo Wang. They can command members ranked 'Heaven, Grade Five' and below.

That's the progress I've made over the past three months. I await your guidance, Third Uncle," Xiao Qing reported solemnly.

Xiao Tiance nodded in approval. He hadn't expected Xiao Qing to build such a structured network in such a short time, complete with over a dozen Dou Zong members and even two One Star Dou Zuns.

"Excellent work. However, Luo Wang is still in its infancy. You must proceed with caution to avoid attracting the attention of Zhongzhou's major powers, especially the Soul Hall.

The Soul Hall is backed by the Soul Clan and must not be underestimated. Whatever happens, do not let anyone trace Luo Wang's operations back to our Xiao Clan.

Now that Luo Wang is established, it's time to begin building Tian Ji Tower for open intelligence trade. In the future, Tian Ji Tower will operate in the open while Luo Wang works in the shadows.

Once everything is in place, I want the entire Dou Qi Continent under our watch. No wind or grass must stir without our knowledge!" Xiao Tiance declared, his aura suddenly surging.

"Congratulations, Third Uncle, on reaching mid Five Star Dou Sheng!" Xiao Qing exclaimed, sensing the newfound strength in Xiao Tiance's aura.

"Nothing more than a natural progression. Compared to the continent's peak experts, I'm still far behind nothing worth celebrating," Xiao Tiance said, dismissing the praise.

To him, true joy would only come when he stood atop the Dou Qi Continent, unmatched by any foe.

Xiao Qing bowed respectfully. "Understood, Third Uncle."

Suddenly, he remembered something and retrieved a scroll from his robes, handing it to Xiao Tiance.

"Third Uncle, this is a scroll detailing a secret realm. I believe you'll find it interesting," Xiao Qing explained.

"Oh? There aren't many secret realms that could pique my interest," Xiao Tiance said, unfolding the scroll. As his eyes scanned its contents, they narrowed sharply, and he broke into laughter.

"Well, well. It's about the long lost Ancient Heavenly Phoenix! How widely known is this secret realm?"

"Rest assured, Third Uncle. A Yellow, Grade Three member stumbled upon it by chance. Unable to enter due to its restrictions, he reported it in exchange for contribution points.

When the report came in, I happened to be nearby and immediately sealed the information," Xiao Qing replied confidently.

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