Returning again to the Tianfu Union evoked a feeling quite different from before. During Xiao Yan’s months away, the union’s momentum remained continuously strong and vibrant. After defeating the Hun殿, the union maintained neither complacency nor arrogance which led many factions secretly approving its rise. The true yardstick of the prowess of an organization can’t only be measured by its resilience faced with adversity but also its ability to withstand the corrosion of success. Fortunately, the team succeeded, making their strength indisputable to all.
In these months, nothing of significant relevance had surfaced linking to Hun殿 and the previous sharp conflicts had declined numerous times as if the power dominating the Central Region were fading into the horizon, leaving the stage to others. Yet in view of Hun殿’s abnormal restraint, the Union’s command had remained profoundly guarded. Their dealings with the Hun殿 stretched across years and the higher rank fully understood their adversaries’ true nature. Hence, absolutely distrustful was their belief that a mysterious force as cryptic as this, which once had tasted substantial setbacks, would give up that easily. Their confusion laid in how all the Union probes meant to decipher Hun殿 activities came back futile.
This situation caused bafflement mingling unease in the Union circles with heightened suspicion, the unusual hush emanating ominous undertones reminiscent of approaching storms.
As Xiao Yan revisited Union halls, both Little Healer Immortal along with Qing Lin who accompanied him before toward Beast Domain were both awaiting his presence. Through chatty anecdotes from the ladies, upon his exit days, the Tianya Phoenix族 promptly withdrew.
Later, after roughly half a lunar cycle of deep discussions, Jiuyou Diming Python族 surprisingly presented an offer forming a strategic partnership with Tianfu. Deliberated by the Union command, Tianfu readily accepted this collaboration. Though not equal to Heavenly Phoenix族 regarding strength, Jiuyou族 remained one of Spirit Domain’s Three Leading Tribes while far outnumbering Phoenix counterparts, which made their alliance crucial, timely, and significant—especially for an ascendent faction like the Tianfu Union seeking influential associates.
Their alliance undeniably created notable stir in Central and Beasts’ domains alike. Some beast races having previously entertained ambitions regarding Jiuyou族’s resources quickly reconsidered any such plans. Knowledge circulating regarding Tianfu’s power made other tribes reflect that only the previously dominant Heaven-phoenix rivals stood comparably in status and might in the Beasts’ Territory.
Now allied with formidable support bolstered by Jiuyou族, no clan, not even Heaven phoenix族 could dare contemplate mass invasion attempts like those witnessed before.
This newfound strength Jiuyou族 garnered came with increased protection ensuring steadier positioning, yet the Union also capitalized gaining momentum, with one of Beasts’ Three Great Tribes enlisted under their folds. A historical move among human factions dwelling the central regions.
Upon reunion, Xiao Yan conveyed details concerning Tai Xu Gu Long族’s willingness for Union collaboration to select senior officials and elation followed naturally. Once known as powerful, mysterious dragons even by Central Region’s current mighty standards, Tai Xu族’s peak glory left deep impressions. Undoubtedly, an explosive development enhancing Tianfu’s influence exponentially.
The consensus for embracing Tai Xu Dragon族’s alliance came without objections from leadership circles; it got sealed almost instantly. Yet while significant the information proved, it remained classified. Maintaining this ally shrouded might work advantageously surprising foes should hostilities arise, granting valuable developmental breathing space for Tai Xun Gu Long族 to regenerate strength.
Post return, free from Hun殿 provocations Xiao Yan slipped back into leisure. Cai Lin entered another prolonged retreat while reuniting with Xiaoxiao kept both engrossed leaving Xiao Yan helplessly idle at times, with duties elsewhere preventing direct involvement, easing back his usual responsibilities. Hence leading rather relaxed lifestyle engaging occasionally in training.
Yet amidst such idleness absorbed full attention dwelled researching the mysterious power within the Little Healer — the Nine Heavenly Golden Thunder energy. While its immense power intrigued, Xiao Yan resisted immediate acquisition, dedicating himself daily and nightly for research into the nature of said power. However the more obsessive exploration continued, The golden lightning dragon spirit residing inside refused calming down under constant suppression methods tested, including refined treatments applying Golden Lotus Demon flames.
Resultantly through relentless fire purification by Little Healer, the energies condensed forming into a dazzling fist-sized golden sphere known as The Golden Lightning Pearl. Once consolidated inside Little Healer’s right arm this radiant gem shrugged off all attempts for refinement whether initiated Xiao Yan’s manipulations or even under fierce sustained lotus blaze, producing only the meagrest of responses. Faced with such tenacity yielding little results both resigned abandoning direct efforts for now, content letting the Golden Pearl rest untouched where situated.
After accepting failures concerning Lightning Pearl refinement, free schedules beckoned other ventures, fulfilling tasks assigned by Pharmacist Elder. Leading groups of high-ranking union masters they combed regions suspected housing Hun殿 satellite facilities gathered from previous surveys.
Yet after searching for close to a month, disappointment struck as discovered Hun殿 branches found barren. Any soul energy including vital soul-source plundered previously, clearly orchestrated well considering Hun殿’s foresight anticipating raids.
Acceptingly Xiao Yan admitted such realities, clearly Hun殿 wised post past calamitous incidents adopting wiser tactics abandoning detectable posts decisively.
Finding nothing Xiao Yan dismantled and destroyed remaining structures empty handed though his mentor merely chuckled on return news unsurprised.
Observing from亭 inside Starspace realm Pharmaceutical Senior queried thoughtfully, “Our latest intelligence revealed Hun殿 almost wholly evacuated any suspected outposts and emptied entire contents, though a puzzle arises: even considering fears concerning potential Union attacks why leave such complete clearance devoid even crumbs?”
Acknowledged by silent nod, Xiao Yan too puzzled—small branches overlooked barely deserved mobilization attention but vanished entirely leaving dust trails—too methodical.
“I’ve already tasked messengers contacting jiuyou族 for collaboration tracing their movement; with larger numbers they possess tracking experience surpassing ours. This excessive evacuation signals mystery.” the Elder mused.
Frown crested brows, mutual comprehension acknowledging odd behavior seldom without ulterior cause. Xiao muttered darkly. “Events deviating normal patterns suggest dark motives at large. Heaven knows just what Hun殿’s plotting but I sense grave intent looming.”
Casually shrugging aside unproductive speculation Elder shook his head replying, “No use theorising without evidence—results alone shall illuminate truth.”
Gazing at solemn figure observing Senior Xiao Yan asked softly changing subjects, “Master, about the Clan Festival ceremony approaching soon?”
Mention startled Elder mid-reaching for cup; paused before acknowledging solemnly, voice thick—”One Moonth awaits…”
His face grew shadowed. Since departing years ago not once had he returned—their race remained unentered since youth, duty binding him now. On death-beds his parents secured vow that would etch their revered names onto the prestigious Memorial Slate, sacred stone recording all great achievers of Pharmaceutical Clan throughout history as the ultimate aspiration for all clansmen—a dream not exclusive to young Elder.
Despite wandering distant realms over decades and now achieving mastery deep inside Elder’s heart he knew the inevitable path ahead fraught obstacles and old rivals obstructing reconciliation with past.
Grimaced with growing grip tightening over his tea he steeled for what loomed. Recognizing the emotional storm raging quiet Senior Xiao reached out. Smiling confidence resonated. “Master—just inscribe your name upon memorial slate while everything else leave in disciples’ stead…”
The gentle words carried an edge—an echo grown mighty, once frail youth nurtured under careful watch who spread wide wings protecting old master in return against all harm past or future.
Watching that unwavering reassuring visage, eyes misted for Senior, aged lines glowing tender warmth. Opening slightly his mouth then shutting again with soft exasperated chuckling—“Headstrong brat indeed…”
Xiao Yan responded with grin turning sight southeastwards musing about distant Pharmaceutical Clan reputed as Earth’s preeminent Apothecaries, inwardly desiring eagerly sight thereof, destiny beckoning.
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