Chapter 64: Conclusion of the Round Table Meeting and Survival of the Fittest
Yuqing Hall, Meeting Hall.
As Xiao Qing's words fell, everyone in the room began flipping through the Xiao Clan Charter placed before them. Xiao Qing stood silently, waiting for the crowd to finish reading.
Meanwhile, at the head of the round table, Xiao Tiance unrolled a scroll documenting the clan members' strength.
Opening it, he scanned the list:
Xiao Qing: Early stage Eight Star Dou Sheng.
Six mid stage Six Star Dou Shengs.
Xiao Wu and three others: Five Star Dou Shengs.
12 Four Star Dou Shengs.
18 Three Star Dou Shengs.
16 Two Star Dou Shengs.
25 One Star Dou Shengs.
In total, the Xiao Clan boasted 82 Dou Shengs. Including Xiao Tiance, the three Tianhuang clan members, and the two Tian Yao puppets, the number reached 87 Dou Sheng level combatants.
Beyond this, the scroll listed:
40 Half Saints.
305 Dou Zuns and Dou Zongs combined.
As he reviewed the statistics, a twinge of sadness flickered in Xiao Tiance's heart.
While the Xiao Clan now had the highest number of Dou Shengs among the Ancient Eight Clans, their power was still far from sufficient.
Even with the Hun Clan severely weakened after the massacre of their hundred Dou Shengs, Xiao Tiance knew that quality trumped quantity.
The Xiao Clan's top experts could hardly compare to the strongest fighters of the Hun or Gu Clans.
The Gu Clan was manageable, but the Hun Clan posed a serious threat. Their mysterious secret arts and formations such as the Death Domain Array could devastate even a well prepared army.
Xiao Xuan's extraction of the Dou Di bloodline from clan members had left the Xiao Clan in a weaker state. Once, they had six late stage Eight Star Dou Sheng elders and Xiao Xuan, a peak Nine Star Dou Sheng. Now, only remnants of that power remained.
Taking a long breath, Xiao Tiance softly knocked on the round table, drawing the room's attention.
**"You've all read the Xiao Clan Charter. After this meeting, you can collect your official attire and tokens from Xiao Qing.
This meeting serves three purposes:
First, I wanted to meet everyone and assure you that the Xiao Clan will not remain dormant.
Second, I want you all to understand that our past glories are gone. To preserve or rebuild those glories, we must strive harder than ever before.
Third, I want everyone to abandon the outdated idea of separate branches. Moving forward, there is no distinction among our people. The Xiao Clan must unite with a singular purpose."**
He paused briefly, allowing his words to sink in before continuing:
**"Fourth, the clan will establish an Alchemist Tower. Anyone with knowledge of alchemy or the potential to become an alchemist is encouraged to join.
Fifth, like the Gu Clan's Black Smoke Army or the Hun Clan's elite guard, we will create a Xiao Clan military unit. This force will undergo rigorous training to protect the clan and carry out external missions.
Sixth, as you may have heard, the White Jade Pavilion here in Heaven Beyond Heaven is a holy training ground. I want you to draft rules for how clan members can qualify for entry.
Seventh, Heaven Beyond Heaven will remain sealed for 100 years. Aside from essential external operatives, everyone else must focus on cultivation. Resources will be allocated based on merit and progress.
Those who find life here stifling can apply to Xiao Qing to join Tianji Tower or Net. Assume false identities and work from within the shadows.
Eighth, the clan will no longer rely on bloodline awakening rituals or sacrificial ceremonies. True strength comes from within.
If someone lacks the potential to grow stronger even with ample resources, they are unfit to bear the responsibility of the Xiao Clan's revival.
This is the essence of what I wanted to say. A hundred years from now, when Heaven Beyond Heaven's gates open, I hope to see all of you stronger than ever."**
With that, Xiao Tiance stood and turned to Huang Jiuji with a smile.
"Grand Elder, let us depart."
Huang Jiuji chuckled. "Indeed. Strength must come from within."
Together, they left the hall, accompanied by Huang Min, Huang Lingyun, and Tian Luo.
Inside the hall, Xiao Qing, Xiao Chun, and Xiao Tianming exchanged knowing smiles as they noticed the confusion and contemplation etched on the faces of their clan members.
Xiao Chun rose, addressing the room:
"Let's not linger. We still need to discuss the criteria for entry into the White Jade Pavilion."
The room erupted into lively discussion, with everyone voicing their opinions.
Outside Yuqing Hall.
Huang Jiuji looked at Xiao Tiance and asked with a grin:
"Clan Leader, by abolishing the bloodline awakening rituals and sacrificial ceremonies, aren't you worried that future generations will fall behind the Gu and Hun Clans?"
Xiao Tiance's response was calm but resolute:
**"Grand Elder, there's no need for concern. The White Jade Pavilion's Spirit Gathering Array will more than make up for the difference in a century's time.
Besides, this world has always been cruel. Only the strong survive.
What I'm doing is simply introducing the laws of the jungle earlier letting them understand that the path of cultivation is one of struggle.
If, even with abundant resources, they cannot surpass the Gu or Hun Clans, then perhaps their fate lies elsewhere.
Survival of the fittest that is the way of this world."**
Huang Jiuji fell silent for a long moment before laughing softly.
"It seems you're even more suited to lead the clan than Xiao Xuan."
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. "Such praise is undeserved. If I could, I would rather not change anyone. Change always comes with pain and bloodshed."
Huang Jiuji sighed. **"True. The old Xiao Clan was no different from my Tianhuang Clan.
Had we encountered someone like you to guide us, perhaps the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan wouldn't have brought us to ruin.
I'm reminded of your words from the Tianhuang Secret Realm: 'The wealth of a gentleman lasts five generations before fading.' Perhaps that explains it all."**
Huang Min and Huang Lingyun gently squeezed Huang Jiuji's hand and reassured him:
"Everything will be fine!"
Smiling warmly at the children, Huang Jiuji glanced at Xiao Tiance.
"Clan Leader, I have a suggestion. May I speak?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Grand Elder, speak freely. There's no need for formalities between us."
Huang Jiuji nodded.
**"I noticed during my time at the White Jade Pavilion that it's best suited for Dou Zun and Dou Sheng cultivators.
For Dou Zong and below, the dense energy could cause them to lose control or even suffer serious injury.
If you can craft an Eight Grade Spirit Gathering Array, surely you can create arrays of lower grades to address this issue?"**
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance nodded in agreement.
**"You're absolutely right. I'll construct three additional Spirit Gathering Arrays:
A Level One Array for Dou Zhe to Da Dou Shi.
A Level Three Array for Dou Ling to Dou Huang.
A Level Six Array for Dou Zong and Dou Zun.
The current Eight Grade Array will be reserved for Half Saints and Dou Shengs.
Grand Elder, I have one more favor to ask of you."**
Huang Jiuji immediately understood.
"You wish for me to oversee the White Jade Pavilion and the other arrays, correct?"
(End of Chapter)
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