“The strength of an Emperor-tier soul… how is such a thing possible…?” Gazing at the youthful figure emerging from the space rift, numerous shocked eyes could barely believe their sight. Even Gu Yuan, with his ironclad composure, wore an expression of disbelief — an Emperor-tier soul might not yet be equal to the power of a peak Sovereign, but anything touched by ‘Emperor-tier’ was still astonishing. Even as strong as Yan Jin and Lei Ying — cultivators strong enough to rival Eighth Star Sovereign-level powers — their soul strength still had not broken through into such a domain. They remembered it just half a month ago, the soul of Xiao Yan had still been merely on peak Heaven-tier mastery at best… In only days as short as this, how can someone accomplish such an astonishing transformation?
Observing the silence descending upon the surroundings, Xiao Yan couldn’t help but faintly shake is head. While externally it had been only half a month, for him inside Heavenly Burial Ground, more like two entire year’s time had passed. So though others might consider him breaking through in such a short span miraculous, truly, he knew that wasn’t surprising at all. Between two years full immersion in intensive cultivation and the vast infinite soul energy contained inside Heavenly Gate — rising up into such a realm was not entirely out of expectation.
“You… how did you manage it?” Yan Jin licked his lips involuntarily as he managed to ask, and indeed — while their focus wasn’t primarily on soul force, even through all their many years’ practice, the strength of their inner spirit was just reaching the same Heaven Tier perfection stage, with still much uncertain distance ahead before touching on Emperor strength.
“It was the blessing of the Ancestor Xiao Xuan.” Xiao Yan answered, without saying too much details. Upon hearing this name however, Yan Jin along with Lei Ying immediately reacted with surprised expressions, exchanging bitter smiles as their admiration further deepened. Truly the absolute strongest cultivator in the entire continent’s long past! Even though the man had departed the world so long ago, his astonishing strength remained unfathomable still.
“You’ve obtained your ancestor’s method for revival?” Then Gu Yuan recovered his calm tone. “I wish,” sighed Xiao Yan faintly, as he shook his head while answering softly. “The ancestor’s residual soul has dissipated within the Heavenly Ground already.”
Gu Yuan paused and continued examining him with a silent gaze, though after moments let out a mild sigh too, since despite having no knowledge of precisely which events occurred inside Heavenly Ground previously, surely his advancement likely had close connections linked to the soul-dissolution Xiao Xuan underwent… Reflecting on that, the aged warrior allowed expressions to become subtle, mixed with both rival’s respect and friend’s affection.
He knew: had Xiao Xuan been any common person instead of Clan Head of Xiao Clan – perhaps these two might long have already stood together as brothers united. Yet due to destiny both bore positions, their paths remained rigidly tied — the races always coming above everything personal.
Gu Yuan then interlaced his fingers before speaking again. “Tomorrow is exactly when that Half-Moon Time Limit promised by Hun Clan finally expires…” Gazing intensely now, “What do you plan doing then, Xiao Yan?”
“How else might I have — have no other path left,” shrugging his shoulder while responding somewhat reluctantly, “To rescue my father — my solemn promise towards older brothers…”
On hearing such, Lei Ying again exchanged meaningful stares with Yan Jin before both only sighed in mutual understanding. Both were well aware Xiao Yan had rightful claim on controlling ancestral relics. Not only would taking them back benefit alliance strength, even now, given Xiao Yan’s newly awakened status as a new soul Emperor presence with proven strength surpassing their own might — it was only natural his participation became vital.
To Xiao Yan’s firm response, Gu Yuan had prepared and so next stated clearly after some moments’ thoughts, “Then as soon as tomorrow begins, move we shall proceed!” He went forth, declaring, “Our three allied clans will back up beside you; immediately as your father recovers to you in person—immediately we would execute attacks against the adversary’s clan. Under any cost, must secure retrieval or even outright eradication of the clan jade relics!”
Then his expression turned uncommon grave. If Hun Clan really did manage gathering complete fragments of ancestral jade, then would quickly open The Ancestral Divine Sage Ascension Vault – thereby enabling Hun Tian Di potentially ascending into the ultimate legendary cultivator existence; if such happened all so-called great combined alliances were utterly helpless as fireflies facing colossal tree – futile as waves crashing against iron rock face.
Hearing such words, Xiao Yan nodded slightly. With combined might of the three major lineages, even his current possession of the Emperor tier soul didn`t guarantee victory against Hun clan’s top experts by any stretch, especially considering Hun clan had the terrifying Null Devourer Flame, plus the terrifying Quad Monarch-Saint warriors among his most dangerous threats awaiting them all.
Gu Yuan continued, “Messages have already delivered to my allies within your Tianfu Coalition forces. Presumably tomorrow you would see their arrival at this Burial Range, forming the Four Corners combined strength finally readying us against the foe!” Xiao Yan nodded once again as his agreement.
The rising Tianfu Coalition had become one mighty force on its own now. They now gathered powerful allies, no shortage of figures like Sage Master from Pill Tower and others like Xiao Chen, besides that, even greater strength now being Xiao Yan in his own newly reached state of soul mastery — the total might would no longer fall short of their traditional rivals from fiery flames domain or thunder clans.
“I have by my own hand already re-opened the spatial portal passages allowing both the Fire and Thunder & Ancient Clans safe and rapid transportation through it. Now this upcoming decisive moment — if only any fluctuations occur at any clan’s dimensional pathway shall immediately feed-back back here! The Three Clans shall instantly react with the strongest state of high-alarm readiness – forcing every elder cultivator from retreats and assembling them instantly on my commands!”
Indeed — with the great disaster visited previously against Pill, Gem, & Stone Clans acting as our final warning, now I personally oversee and fortify all linked spatial pathways. In this world, I’m confident there exists none now capable of secretly breaching space barriers I have set personally undetected — even Hun Tian Di shall remain limited unless somehow could manage truly obtaining authentic ‘Sovereign King’ strength.
“Now as the path clears, things shall align accordingly as our final preparation settles — all rests upon the single tomorrow ahead…”
Hearing such decisive words, nearby comrades all let serious expression sink in deeper: they fully understood that the next dawn will erupt in history-altering confrontation; perhaps being recorded as the strongest battle in several millennia across this continent!
Night now stretched broadly over Ancient Dominion lands, moonlight poured gently through darkness… Deep inside silent bamboo stands stood a small hidden court. Alone and gazing far off into infinite distance under open sky, Xiao Yan stood in reflection: how had times slipped on by? Ten+ years already passed since he left distant Northwest territories and ventured across vast territories arriving in Central Plains at last.
From that time when unnoted nobody boy first arrived — each step, each sacrifice climbed up gradually toward his ascendance today as uncontested Central Region overlord controlling mightiest alliance! Yet all such sacrifices driven forth by one single simple determination: finally rescuing and retrieving my lost long-gone father.
“Tomorrow, we shall meet again at last, my father!” Hand now tightly curling around ancient jade shard, within it a soft glimmering spiritual beacon pulsing gently, fingers traced affection through that soul’s light beacon, inhaled deeply into clear cool night.
Even despite having achieved peak eminence, reaching apex cultivation heights — never still could I forget the moment during the infamous “wasteful son” phase back at humble Wutang Town, amid scorn laughter thrown by crowds… Father still smiled warmly despite everyone, showing no wavering or disappointment; only instead feeling more remorse for his supposed failing.
Through those hard three years suffering all mockery while pushing myself to brink — it was my father’s belief granting the final spark I needed breaking out from chrysalis as new phoenix risen from flame.
“You would have surely felt pride if able beholding all achievements I gathered so far…” softly speaking his own memories. Through endless trials uncountable, he pursued relentlessly seeking arrival atop world mastery; the very father praying always for such an ascent still yet had no fortune beholding reality.
“Xiao Yan elder-brother.”
While Xiao Yan sank in private reflections softly murmured his words — the sound of soft footfalls approached from behind, a faint floral perfume drifting through the air, followed immediately by two jade-like slender arms wrapped affectionately and comfortably around his waist, pulling him back tightly toward a figure whose beauty radiated even beyond the glow of the moon itself casting her face into dazzling clarity in contrast with the gentle silver moonlight enveloping all.
“Father should already feel immense pride and joy for achievements you made already…”
He gently grasped her silken delicate hand — briefly closed his eyes, composing inner tumult momentarily before slowly turning around and pulling tender beauty against chest. With sudden smile on face now, he added, “Back when I still little — remember promising father I would take you to be my little bride, and while he tried scolding not to entertain foolishness, secretly he was quietly satisfied watching my deep affection you already…”
Then leaned a bit forward closer whispering to her blushing yet radiant ear, “Tomorrow soon upon successful liberation of Father from enemy imprisonment — I will invite him personally officiation my marriage proposal!”
With face resting upon his chest comfortably, she slightly shifted, showing rosy hue across cheeks while those exquisite large eyes reflected tender affection and happiness as she gently nodded her assenting answer without utter a word.
In his embrace held that delicate form — beauty whose allure could captivate empires and shift fate… His heart warming faintly within, with a faint chuckling expression, Xiao Yan encircled her small waist in tight embrace. Under that sweetly timid gaze she returned, his lips bent low capturing hungrily those tempting full lips in a searing passionate kiss — simultaneously, robes flaring, a small breeze formed as door silently opened from his will’s command — in an almost instantaneous movement pair flew inside chambers now, door slammed shut right behind.
Calmness slowly returning upon tranquil evening — all else hidden within warm chambers where two lovers lay…
When first sunlight streaked across horizons once again the following dawn, the silence of the Ancient Clan’s lands was broken suddenly — sky split apart as multiple mighty figures emerged amidst sound tearing the air with high-speed gust. Massive auras flaring one by one. The decisive battle had finally come!
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