In the northern reaches of the Central Plains stands the Zang Tian Mountain Range—a place long forgotten by the common folk of these eras. Yet to the elders of the ancient races, its name still evokes thunderous echoes for it was here that once erupted the war between the Hun Clan and the Xiao Clan, a cataclysm that made the Central Plain itself tremble. Deep within this land lies an ancient battlefield—a vast wasteland once filled with bloodshed. On normal days it swarms with countless beast beasts that render this place forbidding and scarcely trenched by humans.
And today it feels peculiar—the usual throngs of roaming beast beasts vanished with not even the shadow of one in sight, as though aware the region might soon birth a clash the likes of which would turn the skies. Amidst the deep silence with even the usual beast beasts’ howls stilled suddenly came a sound, a sharp whooshing as though space shattered—a swarm of shadows swiftly descended upon the battlefield from the distant horizon, each moving with blinding speed before landing amid its desolation.
“We are here…”
Gu yuan lightly touched the ground his eyes sweeping across the broken, ruined expanse now the very symbol of a forgotten war. Emotion stirred subtly in the depths of his gaze. The first clash erupted on this very stage—it was only fitting that their confrontation with the Huns thousands of years hence resumed from the same ground.
Scouting parties quickly launched outward upon touching foot—seeking any ambushes the Hun Clan may have set prior.
“They’ve yet to arrive,” remarked Yan Jin surveying the silence, while all felt were frightened lowlings cowering under the weight of their auras.
Suddenly Xiao Yan’s gaze lifted toward the distant northern edge.
“The Tianfu Union arrives.”
Even as he spoke those gathered turned expectant though yet perceived no figures to confirm—only refraining any dissent upon recalling few among them save for Gu Yuan might rival Xiao Yan’s perception.
Soon from those heavens arose once again the slicing howl of wind, until countless black-clad figures surged skyward descending with the force of a storm—an array not an ounce smaller than the gathered three clans’ forces combined.
“Indeed—it appears this time the Tian Fu Alliance spared no hand.”
Yan Jin and Lei Ying exchanged glances taken aback for although these might lack yet the elite edge compared to the fire and thunder warriors, sheer numbers alone were enough for even them to reconsider lightly.
“Heh. Seems we are not late,” the black masses descended and scattered, revealing in front none other the Old Saint. Behind him trailed the ranks of elite—both Ci Lin, Xiao Yixian, Xiao Chen, Elder of Alchemy Chen and even the revered Grand Elder of the Medicine Sage. A sign of extensive negotiation and persuasion by Xiao Yans forces recently drawing these revered alchemical masters onboard willingly.
Mergence of both factions began with cordial reunion—both the Old Saint from Alchemy Chen and Grand Sage Nongren found themselves familiar already with the three ancestral clans sparking friendly exchanges. As Xiao Chen merely nodded at the three clans and directly approached towards Xiao Yan.
“All well?”
His face usually stern broke briefly into gentle warmth—a nod met nod from Xiao Yan.
To share this revelation of Xiao Xuan, he hesitated. Knowing of deep familial trust binding them, to expose it so callously could shatter Xiao Chen further—better veiled momentarily.
Yet the two spoke, when a sudden fragrant breeze swept in—upon turning emerged Ci Lians coldly beautiful figure.
Her usual icy stare drew an awkward grin from Xiao Yan as the ever composed yet subtly tender tone slipped.
“Ci Lin senior, it has been too long—a safe return from Xiao Xiao?”
The approach of Xunner saw a flicker behind once-stormy gaze that broke—softening as her voice slipped out.
“Ah, well, missing the prodigal one endlessly…”
From which both Xiao Yan and Xuner sighed—a silent understanding blooming that her irritation towards the absence had simmered under her cool exterior for some time.
“And your wounds—safe from harm?”
The icy lips curled—softer the warmth beneath despite that lingering resentment.
“They have healed.”
Ci Lins nodded before a glance around, voice slipping lower.
“The Old Saint said—the importance of this place—could never risk sparing hands.”
Her blunt words left Xiao Yan paused—his warmth growing deeper amidst her presence.
Across the battlefield meanwhile the Tianfu Union’s massive force swarmed—spreading ripples of attention drawing eyes from the very borders of Zhongzhou—others dared venture no more however, feeling acutely the sheer dread brimming within those skies—knowing instinctively any intrusion meant swift demise.
United yet watchful now—both alliances spread eyes to the furthest reach, ensuring no shift within the lands remained undetected. Yet still none moved—their moment awaited.
It reached zenith—its golden eye poised—suddenly the quiet breathing of both Xiao Yan and Gu Yayuan halted in harmony. Their shared whisper cut steel through silence.
“They’ve arrived…”
Almost with cue—a darkness bloomed above—churning fog spilled in layers, revealing at last a titanic spatial rift—a deluge from it both ominous and powerful poured outward in a wave of deathly presence. Chilling the skies—their sun veined in cold.
The heavens rippled with its shadow.
And like phantom stepping from void—descended Hun Tiandi flanked by Void Swallow Flame, Hun Clan’s Four Demon Emperors and countless elders—a demonstration none among Tianfu or Three Ancestral Clans failed in noticing.
“You trespassed upon our sanctum—return at once our relics. Or we storm your hell.”
Roared Lei Ying, his fury a long kindling, now spitting flame—fractured peace had long festered with him.
But Hun Tiedi—mere soft laughter escaped.
“My, the arrogance of fleeting men—how quaint…”
His eyes shifted smoothly—towards Xiao Yan directly.
“To make clear terms—do you bargain, or steal by force?”
But Xiao Yan’s eyes remained locked beyond.
“Show…Father to me!”
Upon the decree—another shift—a chain bound form rising within mist—a prison woven purely from darkness’ essence.
Tense breath stilled—their eyes locked. The instant sight—ripples of blood memory screamed certainty.
There—shackled upon misty height—was a familiar ancient frame swarmed by iron chains slitherned with poisonous grace…
Time ceased around Xiao Yan—fists crushing tighter, deeper blood oozing warm across his palms—an endless howling storm of fury surged.
Decades had passed.
From once fiery chief now but withered husk in prisoning haze—no longer towering in presence. A cruelly long cage in which he had languished.
Flesh writhed, eyes burning crimson—voice raw, gutless scream of wrath spilled forth:
“You dare keep him… I’ll erase soul to hounds!”
And suddenly—the skies churned—his soul aura roared forth like tempest breaking sky in twain—a presence unmistakably…Imperial?
Gasps echoed—none braved scorn this moment as even Hun Clan froze in dread. Even Hun Tiedi blinked, stunned by this unforeseen evolution in Xiao Yan’s might.
“Aa—excellent Xiao Yan…”
The whispered menace dripped, as his mind sharpen to slay.
And suddenly—from the captive mists—rose an answering shudder.
Eyes lifting—old, unfocused sight breaking tears upon locking upon dark youngling above… his throat rasped broken—
“Aa…Yanyan…”
His boy… returned… after eternity apart.
Tortured—yet hopeful… wept not fear… but joy.
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