Chapter 376: Reuniting with Mu Ling, A Familiar Bond
On Baiye Island.
The island was filled with cheers and laughter.
Listening to the heartfelt laughter around him, Xiao Tiance couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy for this nearly isolated and peaceful life.
Unlike the outside world, where murder and robbery could happen at any moment and battles never ceased, life here was plain and simple. The food was modest, and most people were ordinary, yet their genuine smiles carried a warmth that touched the heart.
At the banquet, though Bai Qi was the island's leader, he wouldn't dare let Xiao Tiance, a renowned Heaven Sovereign in the Grand Thousand Worlds, sit anywhere other than the main seat. After much back and forth, Xiao Tiance finally relented and took the seat of honor.
"Lord Tiance, I offer this cup to you," Bai Qi said respectfully, raising his glass. "If not for your teachings, Huaien wouldn't have the strength to fend off an Earth Sovereign. He protected us here on Baiye Island, and for that, we are deeply grateful."
Xiao Tiance waved his hand, glancing at Huaien with a pleased smile. **"Island Lord Bai, there's no need for such formality. Huaien has great talent, which is why he's been able to achieve his current strength. Helping you was only natural.
"Besides, if it weren't for you saving Huaien, who knows where he might be now? As the saying goes, a life saving grace must be repaid in kind. You saved him, so he should stand at the forefront to protect you in times of danger.
"Whether the threat is a Lower Earth Sovereign or even a Heaven Sovereign, Huaien should give his all to ensure your safety, even at the cost of his life."**
Xiao Tiance raised his glass in return. "So, instead of you toasting me, it should be me toasting you. Please, take this as a token of my gratitude!"
"This... how could I? You are a famous Heaven Sovereign of the Grand Thousand Worlds, while I'm just a small time island lord. My insignificant strength hardly qualifies me to accept a drink from you." Bai Qi was flustered and waved his hands nervously.
It was no exaggeration to say that he was just a shrimp in the vast ocean a small cultivator who had barely passed the Soul Tribulation. Meanwhile, Xiao Tiance was a supreme figure who had fought and come out unscathed against the West Heaven Battle Emperor, a legend in the Grand Thousand Worlds.
**"Hahaha, Island Lord Bai, before anything else, I am Huaien's teacher, and only then am I a Heaven Sovereign. Perhaps you don't know, but I have no children of my own. Huaien has been with me since he was seven or eight years old.
"In my heart, he is no different from a son. You saved his life, so I should thank you. As for his actions to protect Baiye Island, that was his duty as your benefactor.
"I've always believed in karma and fate. Island Lord Bai, just drink this toast it's well deserved. Cheers!"** Xiao Tiance waved dismissively, laughing heartily as he raised his glass.
Hearing these words, Bai Qi was deeply moved. He finally raised his cup, clinking glasses with Xiao Tiance and drinking with gratitude.
After finishing the drink, Huaien quickly refilled Xiao Tiance's cup. Standing respectfully behind his teacher, he carefully poured the wine.
**"Hahaha, Lord Tiance, it's an honor that you think so highly of someone like me. You toasted me with the first drink, so let me toast you with the second!
"Though I was the one who discovered Huaien, truthfully, I didn't help him much. He regained his strength through his own efforts. I thought he was an ordinary man at first, but I never imagined he was strong enough to defeat an Earth Sovereign.
"Lord Tiance, you might not know this, but in our Merchant Continent, Earth Sovereigns are already considered top tier powerhouses. I've lived over sixty years and never even seen an Earth Sovereign, let alone someone as mighty as a Heaven Sovereign.
"It's my great fortune to drink with such a legendary figure. Please, accept my toast!"** Bai Qi said humbly, ending with a lighthearted joke about bragging to his old friends about drinking with Xiao Tiance.
"Hahaha, well said, Island Lord Bai. Cheers!" Xiao Tiance laughed and clinked glasses again.
The two drank heartily. Bai Qi couldn't help but feel like he was dreaming never in his life had he imagined he would one day drink with a Heaven Sovereign.
Seeing Bai Qi's joy, Xiao Tiance signaled Huaien to drink more with him. As the evening wore on, Bai Qi shared stories of Baiye Island's history and his most memorable life experiences.
For a moment, there were no discussions of strength or power just two old friends enjoying a simple drink together.
Morning Reunion
The next day, as the sun rose over Baiye Island, Xiao Tiance heard Huaien's voice from outside the room.
"Teacher, the others have returned!" Huaien called respectfully.
"Understood."
Pushing open the door, Xiao Tiance stepped outside, smiling at the ever diligent Huaien.
"You don't have to be so formal, child. Why can't you be more like your senior brothers and sisters? They're so much more casual and comfortable. I'd much rather you act like them," Xiao Tiance teased with a smile.
Huaien gave a wry smile and bowed. **"Teacher, I understand. But you know my nature it's just how I've always been.
"Besides, if it weren't for you saving me all those years ago, I wouldn't even be alive now. To me, you're more than a teacher; you're like a father. Isn't it only right that I show you respect?"**
Xiao Tiance sighed, shaking his head with a helpless smile. "Fine, have it your way. After all these years, I doubt a few words from me will change you. Let's go don't keep them waiting."
A New Plan
Arriving at the banquet hall from the previous evening, Xiao Tiance saw Xiao Xuan, Gu Xun'er, Xiao Tianming, Chen Yunqiao, and Mu Ling waiting for him.
Bai Qi, perhaps feeling out of place among such strong individuals, had left after arranging food and drinks.
"Tiance/Uncle Tiance/Lord Tiance/Brother Ce!"
The group greeted him with a mix of titles, their voices overlapping in a humorous cacophony.
"Mu Ling, it's been a while. I'm glad we've finally found you," Xiao Tiance said warmly, his gaze settling on Mu Ling as he sized him up.
Mu Ling's strength had reached the pinnacle of the Earth Sovereign level, but compared to Xiao Xuan and Gu Xun'er, he was merely at the entry point of that tier.
"Haha, many thanks to Lord Tiance for your concern, and for specially sending Emperor Xuan and Lady Empress to bring me back," Mu Ling said with a hearty laugh and a respectful bow.
**"It was only right. We entered the Grand Thousand Worlds together, and as one of the Xiao Clan's Supreme Elders, finding you was essential.
"Now that I see you safe and sound standing before me, I can finally rest easy,"** Xiao Tiance replied as he moved to the main seat.
Once everyone was seated, Xiao Tiance turned to Xiao Xuan and asked, "Brother Xuan, was everything smooth during your visit to the Four Seas Commerce Alliance?"
"Hahaha, smooth? Absolutely." Xiao Xuan laughed heartily before recounting, **"When we first arrived at the alliance's headquarters, only the two of us, that Tong Sihai fellow let slip a trace of killing intent.
"But when we revealed our auras, it was like he'd swallowed a fly his face turned pale in an instant.
"Once we explained our purpose to take Mu Ling with us his expression became even worse. He then called in every ally he could find, summoning several Earth Sovereign level experts to surround us, clearly intending to kill us all.
"But just as he was about to make his move, one of his subordinates hurried over and whispered something in his ear.
"After that, his attitude flipped. He started treating us like honored guests.
"Of course, we didn't play along. We simply left with Mu Ling.
"Haha, Tiance, you should've seen it! Tong Sihai's face probably looked like he wanted to tear us apart."**
Gu Xun'er chuckled as well, adding, **"Uncle Xuan, that's entirely expected. From what Mu Ling told us, Tong Sihai greatly valued having him as an ally.
"After all, an Earth Sovereign pinnacle level expert like Mu Ling could significantly boost the Four Seas Commerce Alliance's standing.
"He had worked hard to win Mu Ling over and even went to great lengths to hide our existence from him. It's no wonder he didn't want to let Mu Ling leave easily.
"But the moment his subordinate whispered in his ear, it was clear he'd learned about you, Uncle Tiance. Knowing your reputation, he had no choice but to swallow his pride."**
Listening to their accounts, Xiao Tiance nodded thoughtfully. He didn't know much about Tong Sihai's character, but anyone capable of leading a major commerce alliance was no fool.
**"Had he only faced Brother Xuan and Xun'er, two pinnacle Earth Sovereigns, Tong Sihai might've taken a gamble. If he succeeded in defeating them, he'd gain one or more pinnacle Earth Sovereign level allies.
"But against a Heaven Sovereign? No matter how many Earth Sovereigns he had, it would be meaningless. He made the right call by choosing to avoid conflict.
"Only someone capable of bending and enduring could reach his level of power."**
With a faint smile, Xiao Tiance added, **"Well, it seems my reputation still carries some weight.
"Let's leave it at that. Tong Sihai made the sensible choice, and since he was indirectly Mu Ling's benefactor, there's no need to make things difficult for him.
"If we cross paths again, we'll act based on the circumstances at that time.
"For now, though, we should celebrate! Reuniting with another companion calls for a proper toast!
"Raise your cups, everyone. Let's welcome Mu Ling back to the fold!"**
"Cheers!"
Meanwhile, at the Four Seas Commerce Alliance Headquarters
Tong Sihai's private quarters were in shambles. Everything breakable had been shattered, and the room reeked of blood. Several corpses lay scattered on the floor, victims of his uncontrollable rage.
Suddenly, a man dressed in black entered the room. His aura was formidable, revealing him as a Lower Earth Sovereign.
"Alliance Leader."
The man in black bowed respectfully.
Tong Sihai's fury seemed to dissipate upon seeing the newcomer, replaced by an unnervingly calm demeanor. "What brings you here?"
"There's no need to be upset, Alliance Leader. If you truly wish to bring Mu Ling back under your command, the opportunity is not entirely lost."
Tong Sihai let out a bitter laugh. **"Don't be ridiculous. Mu Ling now has two pinnacle Earth Sovereign allies and a Heaven Sovereign one who managed to fight the Western Heaven Battle Emperor and walk away unscathed.
"Even if we gathered all the commerce alliances across the Merchant Continent, we wouldn't stand a chance.
"And wasn't it you who told me about this Heaven Sovereign in the first place?"**
The man in black remained unfazed. **"You're correct, Alliance Leader. On our own, the Four Seas Commerce Alliance is indeed powerless against such a force.
"But what if we had the backing of the Fire Spirit Clan?"**
"The Fire Spirit Clan?" Tong Sihai frowned. "We have little connection with them. Moreover, the Fire Spirit Clan has no reason to involve themselves in this matter. Why would they help us?"
The man in black smiled faintly. "Alliance Leader, before dismissing the idea, why not meet someone first?"
"Who?" Tong Sihai asked cautiously.
"They're already here. Please, follow me to the reception hall."
After a brief moment of contemplation, Tong Sihai nodded. "Very well."
In the reception hall, Tong Sihai sat at the head of the table, scrutinizing the guest before him. His expression darkened as he turned to the man in black. "This is the person you wanted me to meet?"
The man in black nodded. "Alliance Leader, allow me to introduce Lan Tian, the leader of the Blood Puppet Sect, a dominant force on the Continent of Kings."
The visitor stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Lan Tian greets the esteemed Alliance Leader of the Four Seas Commerce Alliance."
Indeed, the guest was none other than Lan Tian, father of Lan Yu, who had been crushed to death by Xiao Tiance.
For years, Lan Tian had secretly monitored Xiao Tiance and his companions. He had even been the one to tip off the Western Heaven Battle Hall about their movements.
Tong Sihai's gaze turned sharp as he addressed the newcomer. "Do you have a plan to help me?"
(To be continued...)
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