Chapter 66: Spanning Millennia of Time
Heaven Beyond Heaven, Ninth Floor of Tiance Residence.
Hearing these words, Xiao Chun smiled warmly.
"Today marks your first day as the Clan Leader. It's only right to congratulate you. Tiance, you've finally taken on the mantle of leadership. Under your guidance, the Xiao Clan will undoubtedly grow stronger."
"Congratulations, Third Uncle!" Xiao Qing quickly followed up with his own congratulations.
"Have a seat."
After inviting them to sit, Xiao Qing spoke up.
"Third Uncle, I've just received news that the masked figure who was by your side earlier has left Heaven Beyond Heaven, carrying your unique 'Heavenly Net Command Token.' Third Uncle, who is that person, and how can he earn such trust from you?"
Xiao Chun chimed in as well.
"The Heavenly Net Command Token is of great importance, allowing its bearer to command all members of Tianji Tower and Net. Tiance, even I would like to know who this person is to be entrusted with such power."
Initially, they had assumed the masked figure was a Tian Yao puppet. However, it was clear that the figure could speak and think independently undeniably a living person. This realization made them all the more curious.
Xiao Tiance chuckled softly.
"Don't worry. You can think of Tian Luo as an extension of myself."
He paused before continuing:
"Tian Luo's strength has reached the late stage of Nine Star Dou Sheng. With him leading, both Tianji Tower and Net are in capable hands."
"An extension of yourself?"
Both Xiao Qing and Xiao Chun gasped in astonishment. Even with their vast experience, they had never heard of such a thing.
**"Yes, you could say it was a fortuitous opportunity. In truth, Tian Luo is a Tian Yao puppet crafted from Xiao Xuan's body. During the process, I sought perfection and split nearly half of my soul to imbue him with life.
This is how such a unique Tian Yao puppet came to be."**
Both men drew sharp breaths. A Tian Yao puppet becoming an autonomous extension of one's soul? Such a concept was beyond anything they'd ever encountered.
"Third Uncle, can you control Tian Luo?" Xiao Qing asked anxiously.
"Of course," Xiao Tiance said with a reassuring smile.
"When I crafted him, I engraved my soul imprint upon him. Power that cannot be controlled is better left untouched."
Seeing that Xiao Qing wanted to ask more questions, Xiao Tiance raised his hand to stop him.
**"That's enough. It's sufficient that you both know about this. Do not spread this information.
Having Tian Luo oversee Tianji Tower and Net is a precaution for the future. If some unexpected opportunities arise, all the better."**
"Understood, Third Uncle." Xiao Qing bowed respectfully.
At this moment, Xiao Chun interjected.
**"Tiance, the elders, protectors, and stewards have all been assigned. However, there's one matter left unresolved.
You mentioned forming a strong military unit to safeguard the Xiao Clan. We've discussed it thoroughly, but we need you to decide who will lead this force. Everyone is eyeing the position, and none can convince the others."**
Xiao Tiance drummed his fingers lightly on the table. After a moment's thought, he asked, "Second Uncle, do you have anyone in mind?"
"Yes," Xiao Chun nodded.
**"Xiao Wu. While his strength has declined somewhat, he remains a peak Five Star Dou Sheng one of the clan's top powerhouses.
Moreover, he is resolute, decisive in battle, and has no tolerance for corruption. He would make an excellent leader for this force."**
Xiao Tiance chuckled.
"Or perhaps you prefer him because he isn't from our branch of the clan? Second Uncle, when did you start playing political balancing games?"
Xiao Chun sighed and nodded.
**"It's true. Balance is important. While Xiao Tian Ming is also a suitable choice, appointing him as leader might cause discontent among the other branches.
Xiao Wu, however, has the strength and character needed for the role. He's the best candidate for the position."**
Xiao Tiance nodded.
**"Very well. The position of commander will go to Xiao Wu.
As for the chief elder of the Disciplinary Hall, that will be Xiao Tian Shan.
Xiao Teng and Xiao Fei, former branch heads, should also be given responsibilities. Qing'er often handles clan affairs alone, which can be overwhelming. Let's bring them in to assist.
Lastly, the six elder statesmen who have retired from active duties will serve as honorary elders. Should the need arise, they can still contribute."**
With these assignments settled, the remaining tasks were left to Xiao Qing.
"Understood. I will handle the arrangements." Xiao Qing bowed before asking, "And you, Third Uncle? What are your plans?"
**"After setting up the additional Spirit Gathering Arrays, I'll enter seclusion to study spirit arrays and strengthen myself.
This will take at least ten years. During that time, you, Second Uncle, and the other elders will manage clan affairs.
With Heaven Beyond Heaven sealed for a century, I expect the clan's strength to fully recover by the time it reopens."**
"Understood. We will take our leave."
"Go ahead."
A Century Passes
Time flew by like a fleeting shadow.
In five years, Xiao Tiance perfected all the Nine Grade Spirit Arrays. His Dou Qi advanced to the late stage of Eight Star Dou Sheng.
Ten years later, he broke through to the Nine Star Dou Sheng realm, reaching the early stage. His soul also ascended to the Heavenly Perfection level, achieving the coveted Emperor Tier Soul.
After a hundred years, Heaven Beyond Heaven reopened.
The Xiao Clan had transformed. Xiao Tiance had advanced to the late stage of Nine Star Dou Sheng, and Xiao Qing reached the early stage of the same rank.
The clan boasted six Eight Star Dou Shengs, and most members had recovered their strength from before the bloodline extraction.
Additionally, thirty more Dou Shengs had emerged, making the Xiao Clan's Dou Sheng count the highest among all factions.
On the day of the reopening ceremony, Xiao Tiance personally presided over the event.
The clan's progress filled him with satisfaction as he looked into the hopeful eyes of his people.
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