Chapter 422: The Stubborn Western Sky War Emperor and the Tracking Dragon Sovereign
"War Emperor, my debt is repaid. Farewell."
In the skies above the Ice Spirit Clan's ancestral grounds, the Dragon Sovereign abruptly retreated from his battle. Before anyone could react, the Snow Demon Elder, deflecting a massive blow from Qinghou, also called out:
"War Emperor, I've fulfilled my obligation. This situation is beyond us farewell!"
In an instant, the two Heavenly Sovereigns were hundreds of miles away, their retreat showcasing the unparalleled speed of their rank.
"Damn it!"
The Western Sky War Emperor cursed inwardly, fuming at their abrupt desertion. He felt betrayed; the least they could have done was warn him.
But on reflection, he understood their decision. The battles had turned unfavorable: the Dragon Sovereign had only a marginal upper hand against Nine Abyss, while the Snow Demon Elder was thoroughly outmatched by the Twelve Heavenly Puppets.
With Mohe Tian already escorted away by a Saint Heavenly Sovereign of the Mohe Clan, the balance of power had shifted. If Xiao Tiance joined the fray, neither the Dragon Sovereign nor the Snow Demon Elder would escape unscathed.
Even so, understanding didn't quell the War Emperor's fury.
His thoughts were interrupted as he caught sight of Xiao Tiance, accompanied by Nine Abyss and the twelve puppets, advancing rapidly toward him.
"Huff!"
Exhaling deeply, the War Emperor thrust a palm strike to force Lin Dong back before retreating a few steps.
Lin Dong, sensing the shift, refrained from pursuing. Though eager to continue gaining combat experience against such a powerful opponent, he understood that the War Emperor wasn't foolish enough to risk encirclement.
"Haha, War Emperor, your reinforcements have fled. What now? Want to keep fighting?" Xiao Tiance called out with a playful grin as he arrived at Lin Dong's side.
"You think I'm afraid of you, Xiao Tiance? Don't get cocky! If you push me too far, I'll take you down with me." The War Emperor's voice was cold, but his calm demeanor revealed his confidence in his escape or his ability to cause serious harm before falling.
Indeed, while he couldn't defeat Xiao Tiance and his allies, his survival was assured. And even if forced into a desperate fight, he was confident he could drag Xiao Tiance to the grave with him.
Besides, he doubted Xiao Tiance would risk his life for Lin Dong.
More importantly, the War Emperor had a trump card: Da Qian Palace. The celestial decree banning the deaths of Heavenly Sovereigns in the Great Thousand World was a deterrent Xiao Tiance couldn't ignore.
If the War Emperor were to fall here, Xiao Tiance would face Da Qian Palace's wrath, regardless of the circumstances.
Seeing the War Emperor's confident smirk, Xiao Tiance chuckled knowingly. "I see, you're betting I wouldn't dare cross the line... clever, but not clever enough."
He clapped his hands slowly, a mocking smile on his face. "Of course, I believe you have the strength to retaliate, War Emperor. But would you really risk your life over a woman?"
The War Emperor narrowed his eyes and sneered. "Xiao Tiance, care to gamble on that?"
"Why not?" Xiao Tiance replied with a casual shrug, raising his hand. Battle patterns surged across the Twelve Heavenly Puppets, and in an instant, a gleaming battle intent sword materialized in his hand.
"Swish!"
He twirled the sword deftly, pointing it directly at the War Emperor. "You're right that the Great Thousand World forbids Sovereigns from dying here. But... what's stopping me from crippling you, dragging your half dead body outside the boundaries of the Great Thousand World, and finishing you off there?"
"Hmm?"
Lin Dong and Nine Abyss exchanged glances, their eyes lighting up with malicious glee.
"Excellent idea, Tiance!"
The duo cracked their knuckles, their intentions clear as they moved closer to surround the War Emperor.
Faced with their united front, the War Emperor's confidence wavered. A single glance at Xiao Tiance's glowing blade confirmed that a direct hit would leave him severely injured, if not worse.
"Huff..."
Exhaling heavily, the War Emperor weighed his options. Despite his bluster, he wasn't foolish enough to throw his life away over a grudge.
"Fine. Xiao Tiance, Lin Dong, you win this time. That woman... she's yours. From now on, she has nothing to do with me," the War Emperor growled, reluctantly backing down.
Lin Dong's tense expression softened, and he smiled gratefully. "Thank you, War Emperor. I appreciate your understanding."
Xiao Tiance, however, wasn't done. With a calm but firm tone, he added: "I'll leave you with a warning, War Emperor. White Jade Capital has allied with the Ice Spirit Clan. Should you decide to retaliate against them in the future, consider whether your Western Sky Battle Hall can endure the wrath of White Jade Capital."
The War Emperor's face darkened. He shot a brief glare at the Ice Spirit Clan's anxious elders below before snorting disdainfully. With a flick of his sleeve, his figure blurred and disappeared into the horizon.
"He's gone."
Lin Dong turned to Xiao Tiance, bowing deeply. "Tiance, thank you. Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to bring Huanhuan back."
Xiao Tiance waved off the gratitude with a laugh. "No need to thank me. You came to Dragon Phoenix Haven without hesitation to assist White Jade Capital against the True Phoenix Clan. Returning the favor is only fair."
He gestured toward the ground, smirking. "Now, let's head down. The Ice Spirit Clan's old patriarch looks like he's been holding his breath this whole time."
Lin Dong laughed heartily as they descended together, the tension finally lifting. However, as Xiao Tiance descended, his mind wandered to the future:
"Lin Dong, your strength and determination are admirable. When you establish the Supreme Martial Hall, I hope White Jade Capital and your faction will remain steadfast allies."
Although Xiao Yan had not inherited the Ancient Emperor's legacy and his current strength was slightly lower than in the original story, Xiao Tiance firmly believed that Xiao Yan would still rise to become the Flame Emperor, ruler of the Endless Fire Territory in the Great Thousand World.
As for Lin Dong, his life trajectory remained unchanged. With time, the Supreme Martial Hall would inevitably emerge. Once three top tier factions united, even the Five Ancient Clans would have to tread cautiously around them.
"No matter what, I owe you a great debt, Tiance. Should you ever need anything in the future, send word no matter the distance, I will come without hesitation," Lin Dong solemnly promised.
Given his straightforward nature, Xiao Tiance believed his words.
"Very well. I'll accept your promise for now, Lin Dong," Xiao Tiance replied with a nod.
Lin Dong smiled and descended alongside Xiao Tiance and the others toward the Ice Spirit Clan below.
"Thank you, Lord Tiance. I heard your words just now and am truly grateful," the Ice Spirit Clan Patriarch said as he approached swiftly, bowing deeply in gratitude.
"Haha, no need to be so formal, Patriarch. Since I've agreed to an alliance with the Ice Spirit Clan, you are now my allies. And as allies, it is only natural for me to consider your interests," Xiao Tiance responded with a hearty laugh, his tone genuine.
"Indeed, Old Patriarch," Lin Dong chimed in with a respectful bow. "Since Tiance has agreed to an alliance, you can rest assured that the Ice Spirit Clan will not be abandoned."
Though Lin Dong's strength now surpassed the patriarch's, given his relationship with Ying Huanhuan, addressing him as "Patriarch" was a gesture of respect.
"Haha, excellent! Lin Dong, I'm truly at ease entrusting Huanhuan to you," the patriarch exclaimed with a satisfied smile.
Having witnessed Lin Dong's ability to stand toe to toe with the Western Sky War Emperor, the patriarch held him in high esteem. Such an exceptional son in law was a blessing to the clan.
"Today's retreat of formidable enemies calls for celebration. Let us head to the banquet hall and revel in this victory!" the patriarch suggested cheerfully.
Lin Dong and the others agreed, though Xiao Tiance shook his head and declined politely:
**"A banquet is unnecessary. White Jade Capital is still in its infancy, and I've been shirking my responsibilities for some time. It's time I return to take charge.
Patriarch, since you've agreed to an alliance, I suggest you arrange for representatives to travel to White Jade Capital as soon as possible to finalize the details."**
The patriarch, though disappointed, understood. "Of course, Lord Tiance. Within three months, I will personally lead a delegation to White Jade Capital."
Xiao Tiance nodded approvingly and turned to Lin Dong. **"Lin Dong, with this matter resolved, my task here is complete. It's time for me to take my leave.
By the way, I know you're not one to settle for mediocrity. If you ever plan to establish a top tier faction and need assistance, don't hesitate to send word."**
Lin Dong bowed deeply. "Thank you, Tiance. I will remember your words. And don't worry if the time comes, even if you don't offer, I'll be thick skinned enough to seek your help!"
"Haha, good! Then let's part ways for now. May the mountains and rivers endure until we meet again."
With that, Xiao Tiance raised his hand, tearing open a void pathway. Retrieving his twelve Heavenly Puppets, he stepped into the void with Nine Abyss, disappearing from sight.
As they vanished, Lin Dong couldn't help but feel a pang of respect.
"Tiance is a man of integrity and honor. With such talent gathered under White Jade Capital's banner, it won't be long before it grows into an unparalleled force."
The patriarch nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Building ties with Lord Tiance is a great advantage for us."
Meanwhile, Xiao Tiance and Nine Abyss had barely left the Ice Spirit Clan's ancestral grounds when they noticed a faint aura trailing behind them.
Exchanging a glance with Nine Abyss, Xiao Tiance gestured subtly. Nine Abyss immediately unleashed a wave of scorching flames toward the source of the aura.
"Boom!"
A figure intercepted the flames, quickly raising their hands in surrender. "Wait! I mean no harm!"
Xiao Tiance and Nine Abyss turned to see none other than the Dragon Sovereign, who had fought Nine Abyss earlier.
"Ah, Dragon Sovereign," Xiao Tiance remarked, his tone light but tinged with mockery. "I wondered who had the audacity to follow me. Tell me, what brings you here?"
Nine Abyss stepped back, though his aura remained locked on the Dragon Sovereign, prepared to strike at a moment's notice.
Unbothered, the Dragon Sovereign bowed respectfully. "Lord Tiance, I've heard that you are skilled in alchemy."
Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow. "Impressive. It seems news travels quickly. If I recall correctly, Four Seas Commerce hasn't even started selling our pills yet. Where did you hear this?"
The Dragon Sovereign chuckled awkwardly. **"I came upon the knowledge by chance, not through deliberate snooping.
I wish to know what would it take to commission a Breakthrough Pill from you?"**
Xiao Tiance paused, surprised, before responding: "That depends on the breakthrough in question. The difficulty of refining such a pill varies with the realms involved. Which realm are you seeking to transcend?"
The Dragon Sovereign sighed. **"Lord Tiance, I reached the late stage of the Spirit Rank Heavenly Sovereign realm ten thousand years ago. Yet, due to my limited aptitude, I've been stuck there ever since, unable to progress.
When I heard that your disciples have advanced thanks to your pills, I was overjoyed. At the time, I also received an invitation from the Western Sky War Emperor to join his effort against you.
Owing him a favor and eager to meet you, I agreed. But now, I humbly ask if you can refine a pill that helps me break into the Celestial Rank Heavenly Sovereign realm, what would the price be?"**
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