Chapter 18: A Tremendous Gain
Inside the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix Secret Realm, in front of the Treasure Pavilion.
"You haven't disappointed me, young one. You truly have the potential to become a great powerhouse.
As promised, I will now transfer my cultivation to you!"
Huang Jiuji, standing tall, seemed eager to pass on his strength to Xiao Tiance, who remained composed, expressing gratitude instead of excitement.
"Senior, is there truly no pill on the Dou Qi Continent that could restore your body? If there is, please let me know. I will spare no effort in searching for it and helping you regain your peak strength," Xiao Tiance said solemnly.
Losing such a powerful Eight Star Dou Sheng at his peak would be a tremendous waste. If there was a way to save him, Xiao Tiance thought, perhaps it could serve as a key to preserving the Xiao Clan even if Xiao Xuan failed to reach Dou Di.
Seeing through Xiao Tiance's thoughts, Huang Jiuji chuckled softly. "Tiance, I have already witnessed the glory and fall of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan in my lifetime. I have no regrets.
"I only tethered my life to the formations in this realm because I couldn't find a successor for my clan. But now that you have entered the Heavenly Phoenix Secret Realm and vowed to help our last descendants hatch, I can leave this world without regrets."
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance couldn't help but feel sorrow. Despite Huang Jiuji's calculated intentions in leading them here, his sincerity and candid nature had left a deep impression on him.
"Senior, you are the last living member of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan. How can you simply vanish like this? Even if your body cannot be saved, you can exist as a soul form. I've read of methods to revive soul forms, though they are beyond reach for now," Xiao Tiance explained, his tone resolute.
Huang Jiuji's eyes lit up with hope. "Oh? If such a method exists, then I would indeed consider lingering as a soul. Do you know of such a method?"
"Senior, have you heard of the technique known as Flame Mantra?" Xiao Tiance asked.
"Flame Mantra… I've heard of it, but I can't recall much. What is it exactly?" Huang Jiuji asked, his curiosity piqued.
"It's a unique, evolutionary technique that allows one to absorb different flames to progress. Reaching the level of a heavenly ranked technique, it can also accommodate multiple Heavenly Flames simultaneously.
"Once three Heavenly Flames are gathered, it's possible to revive a soul. Aside from obtaining Flame Mantra, the other requirements are manageable: a Dou Zong's corpse, a tier seven or higher magical beast's blood essence, and a specialized pill, either the Bone Forging Rebirth Pill or the Heaven Blood Life Pill.
"The only challenge lies in finding Flame Mantra. The rest, I can prepare even now," Xiao Tiance patiently explained.
Hearing this, Huang Jiuji's face lit up with joy. "If what you say is true, then I am willing to endure as a soul until this method can be realized. My clan has preserved many treasures, including tier nine magical beast blood essence.
"Tiance, I leave my hopes with you."
"Senior, rest assured. I promise to find this technique, no matter the cost," Xiao Tiance declared.
"Good. I will leave it in your hands. However, my body can no longer hold on. I will still transfer my cultivation to one of you and entrust my body to you it will surely be of great use," Huang Jiuji said, bowing slightly to Xiao Tiance.
"Senior, if I accept your cultivation, what level will I reach?" Xiao Tiance asked.
"If you absorb it all, you will ascend to the early stage of Eight Star Dou Sheng," Huang Jiuji estimated.
"And if my nephew receives it instead?"
"He would likely reach the peak of Seven Star Dou Sheng. However, his mindset is not as stable as yours, and it may take him longer to fully adjust."
"Then, Senior, please pass your cultivation to my nephew. From now on, you will be his master. Moreover, finding Flame Mantra will become one of his primary responsibilities," Xiao Tiance said decisively.
Huang Jiuji was stunned. "You would give up this opportunity? You should know that my voluntary transfer will leave no flaws in the recipient's foundation!"
"Third Uncle, you should be the one to grow stronger now," Xiao Qing interjected, kneeling on one knee. "Please accept Senior Huang's inheritance."
Xiao Tiance laughed heartily. "No need to argue. Even without this inheritance, I can reach Eight Star Dou Sheng in a few years. It's better to raise your strength first, so you can better serve the clan. This is my decision as the clan head. Accept it!"
"Understood! Thank you, clan head!" Xiao Qing kowtowed respectfully, then turned to Huang Jiuji, bowing deeply. "Disciple Xiao Qing of the Xiao Clan greets Master!"
"Good, good!" Huang Jiuji laughed heartily. "With the two of you, I believe the Xiao Clan can shine for thousands of years!"
Huang Jiuji helped Xiao Qing to his feet, then turned to Xiao Tiance. "Tiance, there is no need to explore the rest of this secret realm. After I transfer my strength, I will bring everything of value with us."
"Understood. How long will the process take, Senior?"
"Three days should suffice."
With that, Huang Jiuji and Xiao Qing vanished.
As they left, Xiao Tiance smiled, feeling satisfied. "This trip has truly been rewarding. Not only did I acquire Xiao Duoming and the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame, but I also gained an entire Treasure Pavilion and Huang Jiuji as an invaluable ally. The future looks promising indeed!"
Three days later.
"Boom!"
A massive shockwave erupted in the distance, signaling the collapse of the Heavenly Phoenix Secret Realm.
"It must have succeeded!" Xiao Tiance quickly activated his spatial ring, storing the entire Treasure Pavilion. Moments later, Xiao Qing appeared, radiating the aura of a peak Seven Star Dou Sheng.
Emerging from Xiao Qing's storage ring, Huang Jiuji's soul form appeared, his presence calm yet commanding.
"The secret realm is collapsing. I have collected everything worth saving. Let us go, Tiance, Qing!"
"Understood!"
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