Chapter 373: Leaving the Western Heaven Continent, Mu Ling
"Did any of the gifts include Supreme Spirit Liquid?"
In the city of Luoshui, Xiao Tiance asked casually as he reflected on the many gifts brought by various factions over the past few days.
Though most of these factions were subordinate to the Western Heaven War Palace, they couldn't afford to offend another Heavenly Supreme expert. After all, the battle between Xiao Tiance and the Western Heaven War Emperor had left an impression: not even the War Emperor could do anything to him.
Some factions, like Zishan Sect and Shumen, had directly opposed Xiao Tiance in the past. Now, fearing retribution, they rushed to present gifts, hoping to avoid future trouble.
In the vast Great Thousand World, strength determined survival. Even if factions belonged to one camp, they would often bow to the stronger force to protect themselves.
"Yes," Xiao Xuan replied with a smile. **"Supreme Spirit Liquid was included, and not in small amounts.
"These factions seem to have coordinated. Zishan Sect and Shumen, for instance, each sent 50 million drops of Supreme Spirit Liquid. Smaller sects contributed between 10 and 30 million. In total, we've received about 300 million drops of Supreme Spirit Liquid over the past few days.
"I figured, since we've only just arrived in the Great Thousand World and lack sufficient resources, it'd be wise to accept. Still, if you think it's inappropriate, I can personally return everything."**
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance chuckled. **"Xuan, there's no need for that. Since you've already accepted, it's fine.
"Besides, we didn't lose anything. If anything, we should thank them without their efforts in the Ancient Secret Realm, I wouldn't have found so many Earthly Supreme corpses for refining Heavenly Demon Puppets.
"These are gifts we'll gladly accept."**
Xiao Xuan laughed, feeling reassured. **"I thought the same why refuse free offerings?
"But you seemed particularly concerned about Supreme Spirit Liquid earlier. Do you need some? I can hand it over immediately."**
"It's not for me," Xiao Tiance explained. **"It's for Tian Luo. Back in the Dou Qi Continent, he mentioned wanting to travel freely once we reached the Great Thousand World.
"Since he can't refine Supreme Spirit Liquid directly due to his Heavenly Demon Puppet form, I figured giving him some would make his journey easier."**
Nodding, Xiao Xuan asked, "How much should we give him?"
"Give him 100 million drops," Xiao Tiance replied after some thought. **"He'll need resources to strengthen his body, and having ample Supreme Spirit Liquid will reduce the chance of him causing trouble.
"We're still finding our footing here and haven't reunited with everyone yet. It's best to avoid unnecessary complications."**
"Understood," Xiao Xuan said readily. "I'll not only give him the liquid but also let him pick from the rare metals we've received. Some might be useful for enhancing his body."
"Good. I'll leave it to you, then.
"By the way, Xuan, Yi Xian, Tian Ming pack your things. We'll be leaving Luoshui soon."
The three of them nodded without hesitation. They knew Xiao Tiance was most concerned about locating the companions who had traveled with him from the Dou Qi Continent, as well as his disciples.
Among them, Huang Min and Huang Lingyun were especially important to Xiao Tiance, who treated them like his own children. Reuniting with everyone would not only alleviate his worries but also bolster their strength as they prepared to establish their new faction.
A Conversation with Luo Tian Shen
Later, in the reception hall of the Luo Clan, Xiao Tiance and Luo Tian Shen sat across from each other, sipping tea.
Sensing Xiao Tiance's silence, Luo Tian Shen asked hesitantly, "Lord Tiance, are you planning to leave soon?"
Xiao Tiance nodded, smiling faintly. **"Yes. When we arrived in the Great Thousand World, some of my disciples and a close friend were separated from us.
"If not for the Ancient Secret Realm, I would've left the Western Heaven Continent long ago. Now that things here have been resolved, it's time to move on."**
Hearing this, Luo Tian Shen's expression faltered.
Although he knew this day would come, the Luo Clan had thrived under Xiao Tiance's protection. His departure left Luo Tian Shen anxious. Without him, would the Blood God Clan return to seek revenge? Would the Western Heaven War Palace act against them in Xiao Tiance's absence?
Sensing Luo Tian Shen's unease, Xiao Tiance smiled and said, "Are you worried about the Luo Clan's safety after my departure?"
Luo Tian Shen hesitated before sighing. **"Forgive my boldness, Lord Tiance. But yes, I'm concerned.
"The Luo Clan has grown stronger with your help, but we're still too weak to guarantee our survival against powerful threats like the Blood God Clan or the Western Heaven War Palace."**
Assurance from Xiao Tiance
Xiao Tiance chuckled softly. **"I understand your concerns, but you need not worry too much.
"First, I've left you with a Heavenly Demon Puppet. While it may not deter the War Palace outright, it's more than enough to handle any probing attempts.
"Second, while the War Palace might seem imposing, their true strength isn't as united as it appears. They wouldn't risk an all out war over a single faction unless provoked."**
Luo Tian Shen nodded thoughtfully. Xiao Tiance's words eased some of his worries.
**"Lastly, the Luo Clan's best course is to consolidate its strength quietly. Avoid unnecessary conflicts and focus on nurturing your talents.
"When my faction is established, I'll build a teleportation array connecting our territories. If the Luo Clan wishes to join us, you'll have my protection."**
Hearing this, Luo Tian Shen's eyes lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Lord Tiance. The Luo Clan will never forget your kindness!"
Setting Out
After settling matters with Luo Tian Shen, Xiao Tiance returned to his companions.
Over the next two days, preparations were finalized. Xiao Tiance, Xiao Xuan, Yi Xian, and Tian Ming bid farewell to the Luo Clan and departed. Their destination: the Northern Cang Continent, where Zi Yan was rumored to be.
"As the leader of the Luo Clan, I'm indeed worried that it might collapse under my leadership," Luo Tian Shen said with a bitter smile, his voice tinged with helplessness.
Xiao Tiance understood his concerns. The Luo Clan's current strength was no match for the Blood God Clan, let alone the Western Heaven War Palace. If the War Palace decided to act, even without deploying their top forces, their subordinate factions alone could cause chaos for the Luo Clan.
Tapping his fingers lightly on the table, Xiao Tiance thought for a moment before speaking. **"Your concerns are valid, and I understand them, Senior.
"Here's what I'll do: once we leave, I'll make an official announcement across the Western Heaven Continent anyone who dares to harm the Luo Clan will face my wrath.
"Even the Western Heaven War Palace will have to think twice before taking action, let alone the Blood God Clan, which lacks a Heavenly Supreme expert.
"What do you think?"**
Hearing this, Luo Tian Shen was overjoyed. **"Thank you, Lord Tiance! With your protection, no one will dare to invade the Luo Clan.
"When you establish your faction in the future, the Luo Clan will be the first to join."**
"Haha, Senior, you're a little late at best, the Luo Clan will be the second to join," Xiao Tiance joked. "Back on the Sky Azure Continent, Tian Luo Hall's Liu Chang Kong already pledged his allegiance to me. He's currently heading to the Soulfall Continent to subdue the Ghost Sect. I doubt he'll encounter much trouble."
Luo Tian Shen was momentarily stunned before laughing along. "Haha, Lord Tiance is too humorous. But second is still good enough! With your protection, the Luo Clan will surely regain its former glory."
"That's certain," Xiao Tiance replied confidently, chatting a while longer with Luo Tian Shen.
A Farewell Feast
To bid Xiao Tiance and his group farewell, Luo Tian Shen hosted another grand banquet. After the festivities ended, the group prepared to leave.
At the teleportation array, Tian Luo also said his goodbyes.
Now, only Xiao Tiance, Xiao Xuan, Xiao Tian Ming, and Gu Xun Er remained, heading toward the Merchant Continent using a series of teleportation arrays.
Before leaving, Liu Chang Kong had arranged for Chen Yunqiao, a seasoned guide and the former deputy hall master of Tian Luo Hall, to accompany them. With his cultivation at the peak of the seventh grade Sovereign level and extensive knowledge of the Great Thousand World, Chen Yunqiao was an ideal travel companion.
"Lord Tiance, the Merchant Continent is quite far from here. We'll need to pass through five teleportation arrays, which will take about five days in total," Chen Yunqiao explained respectfully.
"That's fine. Lead the way," Xiao Tiance replied with satisfaction.
Chen Yunqiao was a reliable guide, having traveled across much of the Great Thousand World during his early years. His familiarity with the routes and locations put Xiao Tiance's group at ease.
The Merchant Continent
The Merchant Continent was known as a bustling hub of commerce. As recorded in the Great Ruler, this continent boasted the most magnificent auction house across dozens of neighboring continents. Rare treasures, divine artifacts, and secret techniques from all over flowed through its veins.
While some of its dealings were shrouded in darkness, no one cared. Here, with enough Supreme Spirit Liquid, anything was for sale.
Mu Ling's Plight
At the headquarters of the Four Seas Trading Association, Mu Ling sat by a window in a quiet room, gazing down at the bustling streets below. Despite the lively scene, a sense of loneliness weighed on him.
When Mu Ling arrived in the Great Thousand World, he had imagined freedom like a tiger returning to the mountains or a dragon diving into the seas. Yet, things hadn't gone as planned. During the journey through the barrier between worlds, he was teleported to a deadly wasteland, his Dou Qi suppressed by the Great Thousand World's spiritual energy.
Weakened and unable to access his full strength, Mu Ling would have perished if not for the spiritual array token Xiao Tiance had given him. Nearing death, he was saved by a passing merchant caravan, only to be sold to the Four Seas Trading Association as a slave.
Imprisoned in their dungeons, he encountered a fellow prisoner who taught him how to convert his Dou Qi into spiritual energy. This transformation allowed him to regain his strength, eventually earning him the position of guest elder within the association.
Despite his newfound status, second only to the president, Mu Ling found little joy. He had tirelessly searched for Xiao Tiance and the others but found no trace of them.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Elder Mu Ling?"
"Come in," he said, frowning slightly.
A middle aged man entered and bowed respectfully. "Elder Mu Ling, the president requests your presence."
Mu Ling nodded. "Understood. I'll head over now."
Meeting with Tong Sihai
Arriving at the president's courtyard, Mu Ling saw a rotund middle aged man adorned with gold and jewels. This was Tong Sihai, the president of the Four Seas Trading Association and a peak Earthly Supreme expert slightly stronger than Mu Ling.
Upon seeing Mu Ling, Tong Sihai rose with a hearty laugh. "Brother Mu Ling, how are you? Have my people been treating you well? If anyone has been neglecting their duties, let me know I'll personally punish them!"
Before Mu Ling could respond, the surrounding maids and guards dropped to their knees, trembling with fear. Though Tong Sihai wore a friendly smile, his authority was undeniable.
Mu Ling shook his head. "President Tong, there's no need for that. Your people have been more than accommodating. However, I do have one concern have you found any information on the individuals I asked you to investigate?"
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