Chapter 88: Returning to the Imperial Capital

Chapter 88: Returning to the Imperial Capital

In Moya City, Xiao Tiance confirmed Hai Bodong's location but refrained from taking further action. Even though Hai Bodong might sense someone probing with spiritual energy, Xiao Tiance was confident that Hai Bodong, with his sealed strength now reduced to a mere Dou Ling, wouldn't find any trace.

Unlike the bustling Black Rock City, Moya City was desolate. Calling it a city felt like a stretch it resembled more of a large village. After a day's rest, Xiao Tiance tore through space, bringing Huai'en back to the Xiao Clan's old residence in the imperial capital.

As soon as they arrived, Huang Min, Huang Lingyun, Xiao Lei, and Xiao Feng hurried over.

"Clan leader (Teacher) has returned!"

Xiao Tiance patted Huang Min's head affectionately and asked, "Anything noteworthy during my absence?"

Knowing that he referred to events in the Central Plains, Xiao Lei shook his head and replied, "Clan leader, there have been no significant developments in the Central Plains or within the clan."

"Good. By the way, let me introduce someone." Xiao Tiance motioned to Huai'en. "This boy is an orphan I brought back. I've given him the name Xiao Huai'en. From now on, he'll be considered part of the Xiao Clan. Find him a room to settle in."

"Teacher, I'll take care of it," Huang Lingyun offered eagerly. He took Huai'en's hand and led him out of the courtyard.

Once they left, Xiao Feng approached and said in a hushed tone, "Clan leader, Xiao Yin has sent word. He believes the Dou Huang, Ling Ying, from the Gu Clan, may have detected his presence."

Hearing this, Xiao Tiance furrowed his brows slightly and, after a brief pause, said, "The Gu Clan is also one of the Imperial Clans. It's not surprising they have some means.

"Ling Ying's Dou Qi is of the dark attribute, which makes him highly sensitive to similar energies. It's normal for Xiao Yin to be noticed. Has he relayed this information back to the Gu Clan?"

Xiao Feng shook his head. "Unclear, but I suspect not. If the Gu Clan had learned of a powerful figure monitoring the Xiao Clan, they likely would have sent someone to retrieve the Gu Clan girl by now."

Xiao Tiance nodded, acknowledging the reasoning.

He knew that Xiao Xun'er, as Gu Yuan's daughter, held a lofty status within the Gu Clan. Gu Yuan, being a doting father, would undoubtedly fetch her personally if he knew of this. With Gu Yuan's strength, it wouldn't take long for him to arrive.

"You're probably right. Let Xiao Yin know he can return. There's no need for him to remain in Wu Tan City for now. Things there should remain quiet for the time being."

"Yes, I'll inform him immediately," Xiao Feng replied, bowing respectfully before leaving.

After Xiao Feng departed, Xiao Lei stepped forward and reported, "Clan leader, I recently returned from the Black Corner Region and discovered traces of a Soul Hall Protector. To avoid alarming them, I refrained from taking action."

"Oh? A Soul Hall Protector? Do you know their purpose?" Xiao Tiance asked.

"Yes, it was merely a Dou Zong level Protector. While their exact purpose is unclear, I found they were in contact with Han Feng, the Medicine Sovereign. Shortly after, they left."

"Han Feng…" Xiao Tiance mused. "If I recall correctly, isn't he Yao Chen's disciple?"

"That's correct," Xiao Lei confirmed. "According to records from the Tianji Tower, Han Feng colluded with the Soul Hall to capture Yao Chen's soul but ultimately failed.

"Given Yao Chen's reputation as the continent's top alchemist, the Soul Hall has never ceased searching for him. This Protector's visit to Han Feng was likely to inquire about Yao Chen's whereabouts."

Xiao Tiance nodded thoughtfully. "Understood. Return to the Black Corner Region and keep an eye on Han Feng. Don't act for now he may be of use later."

"Yes, clan leader." Xiao Lei bowed and departed swiftly.

As Xiao Tiance watched Xiao Lei leave, Huang Min approached, pouting. Clinging to his arm, she complained, "Teacher, you've been gone for days, and now that you're back, you're busy handling clan matters. Am I not important to you anymore?"

Xiao Tiance laughed heartily, patting her head. "What nonsense! Have you been studying diligently while I was away?"

The mention of studying made Huang Min's face scrunch up in frustration. "Teacher, you must not love me anymore if that's the first thing you ask!"

She crossed her arms and began walking away, but before she could leave, Xiao Tiance called out:

"Min'er, are you bored? If so, you can return to the Central Plains. There, you can cause as much trouble as you like."

Freezing in place, Huang Min turned back, her face pale. "Teacher, I was wrong! I'll go study right away. Please don't be angry!"

Xiao Tiance chuckled and waved her off. "If you dislike studying, you don't have to force yourself. Your lively nature shouldn't be suppressed too much.

"You're strong enough now to venture out on your own. As members of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan, you and Lingyun bear the responsibility of reviving your clan. It's time for you to establish your own influence."

He looked at her fondly. "One of the reasons I brought you out here was to prepare you for this."

"Establishing influence…" Huang Min murmured. "Teacher, before we left, the old man (Huang Jiuji) suggested this as well. He wanted Lingyun and me to build a force like the Tianji Tower.

"But neither of us has the temperament for such things, so I didn't mention it to you." She paused, her expression brightening. "Teacher, you're so wise why not help us come up with a plan? With your guidance, establishing a force should be easy!"

Xiao Tiance sighed, a wry smile on his face. "Digging a hole for myself, aren't I?

"You're clever, but you hate putting in the effort. Still, fine I'll help.

"You and Lingyun have the bloodline of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan, which is incredibly dominant. I mentioned the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan earlier. If you want to establish a force, why not start by uniting the Beast Region under one banner and founding a kingdom of magical beasts?

"Subdue the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan, and with the Xiao Clan's support, unifying the Beast Region should be achievable."

"Unify the Beast Region?!" Huang Min gasped. "Teacher, isn't that a bit too ambitious?"

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