Chapter 65: Ruthlessness Doesn't Make a True Hero
Heaven Beyond Heaven, Outside Yuqing Hall.
Hearing Xiao Tiance's words, Huang Jiuji felt a sense of indescribable emotion welling up within him.
He knew that Xiao Tiance had previously used his own body to craft a Tian Yao puppet. Moreover, the figure standing silently by their side, masked and imposing, was another Tian Yao puppet of unparalleled strength.
Xiao Tiance clearly had better options, yet he still entrusted the vital task of overseeing the Spirit Gathering Arrays to Huang Jiuji. This filled Huang Jiuji with a warmth he hadn't felt in thousands of years.
"Huang Jiuji, I accept the Clan Leader's command. Rest assured, with me overseeing the Spirit Gathering Arrays, there will be no mistakes," he said, bowing deeply.
Xiao Tiance quickly stepped forward to help him up, smiling warmly.
"I have full faith in you, Grand Elder. Please rise."
Once Huang Jiuji stood straight, he proposed several additional suggestions. Xiao Tiance listened attentively, nodding in agreement.
"Thank you, Grand Elder. These are excellent points. I will have Qing'er handle them."
As the crowd emerged from the hall, they respectfully saluted Xiao Tiance.
"Greetings, Clan Leader."
Smiling, Xiao Tiance addressed them:
"Elders and Guardians, there's no need for formalities. The future of the Xiao Clan rests in your hands. I hope everyone will work together to restore our clan's glory."
"Understood! We heed the Clan Leader's guidance!"
After their collective bow, Xiao Tiance and Tian Luo returned to the Tiance Residence.
On the Ninth Floor.
Tian Luo sat across from Xiao Tiance, studying him intently. When their gazes met, Tian Luo finally spoke.
"I've been observing you for two months, and every time I see you, I find it increasingly odd."
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "What's so strange? Let's hear it."
Tian Luo leaned forward. **"I used to understand your thoughts perfectly, but now, I can't quite grasp what's on your mind.
By all logic, with the Xiao Clan's current strength, there's no need to remain hidden in Heaven Beyond Heaven. Even if Hun Tiandi brought the full might of the Hun Clan, you could handle it with ease.
You are the only Spirit Array Master on the continent, and a Nine Grade Master at that. Numbers mean nothing to you.
With your current strength enhanced by my capabilities as a Tian Yao puppet equivalent to a late stage Nine Star Dou Sheng there's no one on the continent who poses a threat to you.
And yet, despite all this, you're still sealing Heaven Beyond Heaven for a hundred years. This doesn't seem like you."**
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly, shaking his head with a sigh.
**"You're right. With my strength, I don't need to fear anyone. I could easily roam the Dou Qi Continent without concern.
With me here, the Xiao Clan wouldn't have to worry about the Hun Clan or Hun Tiandi's threats.
But what happens when I'm not here?"**
Tian Luo listened silently as Xiao Tiance continued:
**"You are a fragment of my soul, but you still don't fully understand me.
When I lacked strength, I desired power so I could control my fate and protect those I cared about. But now, my responsibility has grown.
On Earth, we have a saying: 'It's better to teach someone to fish than to give them a fish.'
Yes, I could protect the Xiao Clan by laying a Nine Grade Spirit Array at the entrance of Heaven Beyond Heaven. Not even the full force of the Hun Clan could breach it.
But what happens when I leave?
If the Hun Clan attacks in my absence, would the Xiao Clan be anything more than lambs awaiting slaughter? Who would they turn to for protection then?"**
Tian Luo suddenly burst into laughter.
Xiao Tiance's face darkened. "What's so funny?"
Seeing Xiao Tiance's expression, Tian Luo shrugged nonchalantly.
**"I laugh because you're a paradox.
You don't belong to this world. You don't truly care about these people, yet every decision you make prioritizes their well being.
Take Xiao Xuan, for example, or the current Xiao Clan. You could easily rule them with strength, but instead, you choose the most thankless path.
I don't understand you and that's why I find it amusing."**
Xiao Tiance fell silent. Tian Luo's words rang true.
After some contemplation, he replied:
**"Perhaps you're right. People are contradictory by nature, aren't they?
But isn't that what makes us human? Emotions like joy, sorrow, compassion, and hatred they define us.
Yes, I could impose my will and demand absolute obedience.
But I fear that someday, I might grow indifferent to life, that I might become someone who massacres the innocent without a second thought.
I refuse to let that happen. That's why I constantly restrain myself my desires for control, for domination, for power over others."**
Tian Luo and Xiao Tiance sat in silence for a long moment.
Finally, Tian Luo sighed. **"Ruthlessness doesn't make a true hero. Even compassion has its place in a strong heart.
You're aiming to become a moral philosopher, aren't you?"**
Xiao Tiance chuckled bitterly. **"A philosopher? Never.
My hands are already stained with blood. I'll forever be a flawed man."**
With that, Xiao Tiance waved dismissively.
"Enough of this. Didn't you want to cause some chaos in Zhongzhou? Go ahead."
He tossed Tian Luo a token and explained:
"This is the command token for Tianji Tower and Net. With this, you can mobilize anyone within both organizations."
Tian Luo examined the token, noting the "Heaven" character on one side and "Net" on the other.
"You have such a terrible sense of aesthetics. But I suppose it's better than nothing. I'm off."
Without another word, Tian Luo vanished from Xiao Tiance's perception.
Shortly after, Xiao Qing and Xiao Chun arrived.
"Greetings, Clan Leader."
Xiao Tiance sighed, shaking his head with a wry smile. "Second Uncle, didn't I tell you there's no need for formalities?"
(End of Chapter)
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