Chapter 111: Ling Hua's Persuasion of the Yao Clan

Chapter 111: Ling Hua's Persuasion of the Yao Clan

Central Plains, Tianji Tower Headquarters

When Xiao Tiance reappeared, he had already arrived at Tianji Tower.

On the top floor, Xiao Qing respectfully greeted him and once again recounted his conversation with Ling Hua in detail.

After listening, Xiao Tiance smiled and nodded. **"Alright, I approve of this matter. You can continue handling it as you see fit.

If you need the clan's support, feel free to use the token I gave you earlier. If we can bring the Yao Clan under our banner, it will only benefit the Xiao Clan's future development. The clan will fully back you."**

Hearing this, Xiao Qing felt relieved but also expressed concern. "Uncle, I'm worried that Ling Hua might not be able to deliver on his promise. After all, I've never heard of any personal connections between him and the Yao Clan."

Xiao Tiance chuckled softly, his expression calm. **"There's no need to worry. Whether he succeeds or not doesn't really matter to us.

Of course, if he succeeds, it's even better, as the Xiao Clan's strength will grow significantly.

If he fails, the Xiao Clan can still take action ourselves.

Remember, Qing'er, true strength lies in seizing what you desire with your own hands, not relying on the promises of others."**

Xiao Qing fell silent for a long moment before nodding solemnly.

Afterward, Xiao Tiance shared details about the upcoming exchange among the younger generations of the Ancient Clans. He instructed Xiao Qing to remain vigilant regarding the Central Plains' movements.

"If the Soul Clan dares to disrupt the event, that would be perfect," Xiao Tiance added. "We can use this opportunity to track them down and wipe them out completely."

After Xiao Qing solemnly agreed, Xiao Tiance announced he would remain at Tianji Tower for a few days, giving Xiao Qing full authority over ongoing matters.

Left alone, Xiao Tiance sat by a window, watching cultivators pass by below, their gazes filled with awe as they looked up at the towering letters spelling "Tianji Tower."

"How amusing," Xiao Tiance mused.

With the Soul Palace's destruction spreading across the Central Plains, many factions were on edge. The once dominant Soul Palace had been annihilated in a single stroke by Tianji Tower, shaking the entire continent.

In fear of becoming the next target, major factions hurriedly sent emissaries bearing gifts to Tianji Tower.

Though Xiao Tiance remained at Tianji Tower for several days, meeting the representatives of many factions including a vice president of the Alchemist Association and leaders of renowned sects like the Three Valleys and Four Corners Pavilion he found their strength unimpressive. Even their strongest warriors were only peak Dou Zongs, unworthy of his attention.

After a few uneventful days, Xiao Tiance returned to Tianwaitian.

Two Days Later Tianwaitian, Ninth Floor of Tiance Manor

Huang Min and Huang Lingyun returned from the Beast Region.

Following a brief reunion, Huang Min proudly declared, **"Teacher, the entire Beast Region is now under our control excluding the Void Ancient Dragon Clan.

The Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan and the Nine Netherworld Python Clan have all submitted to us."**

Before Huang Min could boast further, Huang Lingyun interjected coldly. **"It's all thanks to Teacher's victory over the Soul Clan's Soul Heavenly Emperor. Without that reputation, we wouldn't have succeeded.

Frankly, even dealing with just the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan gave us trouble, let alone the Nine Netherworld Python Clan. They only submitted out of respect for Teacher's name."**

Huang Min pouted, glaring at Huang Lingyun before turning to Xiao Tiance with a playful smile. **"But Teacher's reputation is our reputation too!

And unifying the Beast Region strengthens our own influence, doesn't it?"**

Chuckling, Xiao Tiance patted Huang Min's head gently. **"Of course. My prestige is yours to use as my disciples.

Still, now that you're back, head to the Ninth Level Spirit Gathering Array to cultivate.

Aim to break through to the seven star Dou Sheng realm. That way, I won't have to worry about your safety when you travel."**

Huang Min grimaced, her voice soft as she tried to negotiate. "But Teacher, we'll reach seven stars naturally in a year or two. There's no need to rush, right?"

"Yes, Teacher!" Huang Lingyun responded firmly, cutting off Huang Min's complaints.

Their journey to the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan had been challenging. Initially, the clan had treated them with courtesy due to their pure ancient bloodline.

However, once they revealed their intention to unite the Beast Region, the reception turned hostile.

Dozens of Dou Sheng experts surrounded them. Though they initially held the upper hand, they were soon outnumbered and overwhelmed.

Only by relying on spiritual formations given by Xiao Tiance had they managed to subdue the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan. Even so, loyalty among the clan members was questionable.

It wasn't until Huang Min casually mentioned that Xiao Tiance was their teacher that the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan fully submitted.

Riding this wave, they swiftly brought the Nine Netherworld Python Clan under control, eventually unifying the Beast Region excluding the elusive Void Ancient Dragon Clan.

Xiao Tiance smiled kindly. **"Only with strength can you truly stand tall. The Spirit Gathering Array has accumulated enough energy for you both to break through.

As my disciples, failing to reach high tier Dou Sheng would tarnish my name."**

Seeing Xiao Tiance's insistence, Huang Min relented, bargaining for a few more days of leisure before heading to the array to cultivate.

Central Plains, Tianji Tower Headquarters

Time passed quickly, and the day for the elite exchange among the Ancient Clans arrived.

The Gu Clan delegation, led by Gu Dao and Gu Lie, consisted of their most outstanding younger members remarkably talented compared to their peers.

The Lei Clan's representative was a mid stage Seven Star Dou Sheng elder named Lei Mu, who brought a group of juniors comparable in skill to the Gu Clan's.

The Yan Clan sent a less impressive group, led by a late stage Six Star Dou Sheng elder. Their younger representatives were notably weaker than those of the Gu Clan and Lei Clan, a clear sign that the Yan Clan had little regard for this event.

The Shi and Ling Clans also sent their best juniors, with their leaders surpassing even the Gu and Lei Clan talents.

The Yao Clan, however, made a grand entrance, led by their clan leader, Yao Dan. Although his strength was only at the peak of the Seven Star Dou Sheng level unlikely to improve without significant opportunity his exceptional alchemy skills were noteworthy. Yao Dan could refine Nine Tier Mystic Pills and, under optimal conditions, even approach the creation of Golden Pills.

On the day of arrival, Xiao Tiance personally received the clan leaders. After meeting Xiao Tiance in person, all attendees shared a single thought: "This man is even more fearsome than Xiao Xuan of a thousand years ago. Not an enemy to provoke."

With this realization, everyone set aside their pride. Even when dealing with servants delivering tea, they remained exceptionally courteous.

After a warm reception, Xiao Tiance tasked Xiao Teng with hosting the clans and returned to Tiance Manor.

Nightfall Tiance Manor, Ninth Floor

Just as Xiao Tiance was about to retire for the night, he sensed two presences outside his manor.

"Heh, so they've come after all."

Sending a message to the guards, he instructed them to bring the two visitors upstairs.

Moments later, in the ninth floor reception hall, Xiao Tiance sat on the main seat, calmly observing the two arrivals: Yao Dan, the Yao Clan Leader, and Ling Hua, the Ling Clan Leader.

"Ling Hua, Yao Dan, greetings to Xiao Clan Leader!"

The two bowed respectfully, their demeanor far from equal footing.

Xiao Tiance smiled knowingly. "No need for formalities. Please, take a seat."

"Thank you, Xiao Clan Leader."

After thanking him, the two sat down as maids served tea and then left the room.

Xiao Tiance spoke first. "May I ask what brings you here so late at night?"

Ling Hua bowed slightly before replying. **"Xiao Clan Leader, I apologize for the late hour, but we have an important matter to discuss.

Did Elder Xiao Qing mention what I discussed with him?"**

Xiao Tiance nodded slightly. **"He did mention it, but I didn't pay it much attention at the time.

Now, with the Yao Clan Leader here as well, I take it you've accomplished what you promised?"**

Turning his gaze to Yao Dan, Xiao Tiance awaited confirmation.

Ling Hua gave Yao Dan a meaningful look, prompting the latter to bow and say, **"Xiao Clan Leader, as Ling Hua mentioned, the Yao Clan agrees to the proposed terms.

If the Xiao Clan can provide protection and respect the Yao Clan's sovereignty, we are willing to deliver the Tou She Ancient Emperor's Jade that our clan guards.

Additionally, we are prepared to form an alliance with the Xiao Clan. As a token of gratitude for your protection, the Yao Clan will provide ten Nine Tier Treasure Pills, twenty Eight Tier Pills, and fifty Seven Tier Pills annually."**

Hearing this, Xiao Tiance's lips curled into a slight smile.

"An alliance?"

His tone shifted subtly as he glanced at Ling Hua, clearly implying that what he desired was not a mere alliance but the Yao Clan's subordination.

However, Xiao Tiance reconsidered: an "alliance" and a true "alliance" could carry different connotations, depending on the terms.

Yao Dan, oblivious to the nuance, believed everything was proceeding smoothly. He trusted Ling Hua completely Ling Hua had once saved his life, and their friendship had endured for centuries.

The offer Ling Hua presented hadn't seemed detrimental to the Yao Clan's interests: the Tou She Ancient Emperor's Jade was an artifact they had failed to decipher after centuries of study, and the annual pill tribute was a manageable expense for a clan of alchemists.

Thus, Yao Dan had readily agreed.

Ling Hua, seizing the moment, interjected with a bow. "Xiao Clan Leader, just as the Ling Clan has 'allied' with the Xiao Clan, the Yao Clan Leader has agreed to the same terms of 'alliance.'"

Xiao Tiance chuckled inwardly. **"So, this is Ling Hua's plan to draw the Yao Clan into the fold and use the Ling Clan as a supporting example.

Once the Yao Clan is in, the Xiao Clan can easily convert an 'alliance' into subordination."**

Smiling, Xiao Tiance replied, **"If that's the case, then I naturally agree.

Yao Clan Leader, did you bring the Tou She Ancient Emperor's Jade with you?"**

Relieved, Yao Dan nodded and, after exchanging a glance with Ling Hua, retrieved a jade from his storage ring.

"Xiao Clan Leader, this is the Tou She Ancient Emperor's Jade that our clan has safeguarded for generations. Please, take a look."

He offered the artifact respectfully.

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