Chapter 458: Unlocking Xiao Xuan's Shackles, The Crystal Coffin
Northern Underworld Continent, Imperial City.
Inside the Main Hall.
As Xiao Xuan's voice filled with heartfelt emotion, Xiao Tiance nodded in agreement. Then, looking at Xiao Xuan with a calm yet serious expression, he said, "Brother Xuan, perhaps one day, we'll become the people we admire ourselves."
Xiao Xuan let out a hearty laugh. **"Hahaha! If that day comes, I'll gladly embrace it.
I already feel this life is without regrets. I roamed the Dou Qi Continent for centuries, chasing the Dou Di realm. Though it cost me my life and my soul scattered, I was given another chance thanks to you, Tiance, and Xiao Yan.
Using three types of Heavenly Flames, you brought me back. Later, you introduced me to the Origin of the Emperor, giving me a glimpse into the Dou Di realm. Now, we've arrived in the vast Great Thousand World, where I've achieved the Heavenly Sovereign realm.
We've fought the Outer Realm Demons together, and I can say with certainty that I've lived a fulfilling life. Even if I were to die today, I'd have no regrets.
But if we truly become the kind of people we admire, then Tiance, even if I fall, you must not grieve for me."**
Xiao Xuan's laughter was bold and full of life, his gaze brimming with longing for a future that seemed just within reach.
Xiao Tiance's Concern
Listening to these words, Xiao Tiance suddenly felt an inexplicable heaviness. After a moment of silence, he turned to Xiao Xuan and asked earnestly, "Brother Xuan, do you feel like I've been holding you back?"
"Holding me back?" Xiao Xuan froze, then pondered the question while quietly observing Xiao Tiance, waiting for him to elaborate.
Seeing Xiao Xuan's thoughtful demeanor, the feeling in Xiao Tiance's heart grew stronger. After deliberating, he continued, **"Yes, holding you back.
Brother Xuan, you are one of the most talented and powerful figures in our Xiao Clan. Your life should be more radiant and brilliant.
But recently, I've been thinking because of my presence, you might have been restrained. In the past, the Xiao Clan relied solely on you. It was like a shackle.
Later, when I brought back the Emperor's Origin, which helped you break through to the Dou Di realm, I fear I became another shackle for you keeping you tied to my path."**
Before he could finish, Xiao Xuan waved his hand, interrupting him. **"Tiance, you've never held me back, and I don't let anything restrain me.
For instance, over a thousand years ago, I ignored your objections and forcibly extracted the Dou Di bloodline from the clan to attempt a breakthrough.
I knew the risks, the likelihood of failure, and the dire consequences for the Xiao Clan after my death. Yet, I still chose to press forward.
If not for you saving the Xiao Clan, our bloodline might have perished, and we wouldn't have enjoyed the strength and prosperity we have today.
So, Tiance, your so called 'shackles' don't exist. What I do now is simply to atone for my impulsiveness back then."**
As he spoke, a trace of guilt flashed across Xiao Xuan's face. He sighed and continued, **"I understand what you mean, but I also know that the stronger you and White Jade Capital become, the more secure our Xiao Clan will be.
My purpose now is to protect you, protect White Jade Capital, and ensure that one day, when we're strong enough, we can bring our clan members from the Dou Qi Continent to the Great Thousand World.
They would have opportunities to achieve greater heights. When the Xiao Clan stands tall in this world, perhaps then I'll think about another path for myself."**
Xiao Tiance's Response
Hearing Xiao Xuan's heartfelt words, Xiao Tiance fell into deep thought. After a long silence, he made a move with his will, summoning twenty two Heaven Puppets into the hall.
"What is this?"
Xiao Xuan was stunned. He could sense the overwhelming power radiating from the puppets, despite their restrained aura. Among them, two puppets standing closest to Xiao Tiance gave him an instinctive feeling of awe and fear.
**"Haha, Brother Xuan, these are Heaven Puppets I recently forged. Two of them have reached the mid Saint Heavenly Sovereign level.
The weakest among them is at the late peak of the Spirit Heavenly Sovereign level. So, tell me combined with the strength of White Jade Capital, do you think we're strong enough to face the Outer Realm Demons without fear?"**
Xiao Xuan inhaled sharply, utterly shocked. **"Enough! More than enough! Tiance, I never expected that beyond the puppet you gifted me, you've created so many more at such a high level.
You're amazing, Tiance. Truly incredible."**
Even with all his life experience, Xiao Xuan couldn't help but marvel at the sight of twenty Heaven Puppets standing before him. Their imposing presence made him feel as if his long held dreams were finally within reach.
Seeing Xiao Xuan's excitement, Xiao Tiance smiled, retrieving the puppets with a wave. Then he added, **"Aside from these puppets, I've lent twenty more to the Great Thousand Palace, all at the Spirit Heavenly Sovereign level.
If we count only Heavenly Sovereign level forces, White Jade Capital likely has more than the entire Great Thousand World combined."**
A New Plan
Xiao Xuan was even more astonished, his eyes glowing with enthusiasm. "If that's true, then no power would dare provoke White Jade Capital."
"Exactly. So, Brother Xuan, I'd like you to handle two things next," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
"Name them."
**"First, begin preparations to bring our clan members from the Dou Qi Continent to the Great Thousand World. The Northern Underworld Continent will be their new home. With White Jade Capital here, they'll be safe and have opportunities to grow.
Second, once they're settled, I hope you'll reflect on what you truly want. I wasn't exaggerating earlier I sense that you've been restrained, and you're no longer the brilliant and bold Xiao Xuan I once knew."**
Xiao Xuan fell silent, mulling over Xiao Tiance's words. After a long pause, he finally nodded. "Alright. I'll handle bringing our clan members here and give your second request serious thought."
"Good. That's all I ask."
"We're brothers. You've always looked out for us, so now, I want to do something for you, Brother Xuan." Xiao Tiance smiled as he spoke, watching as Xiao Xuan opened his arms, signaling him to come closer for a hug.
Seeing this, Xiao Tiance didn't hesitate. With a faint smile, he stepped forward and embraced Xiao Xuan.
"You kid, why are you suddenly so sentimental? I'm not used to this." Xiao Xuan chuckled, patting Xiao Tiance on the back. **"But you're right. I'll take it seriously and think about what I truly want.
Alright, go ahead and take care of your work. I'll handle the arrangements to bring our clan to the Great Thousand World. Once everyone's here, we'll sit down and have a proper drink together."**
"Alright."
Xiao Xuan left shortly after, and Xiao Tiance finally felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
Xiao Tian Ming was different from Xiao Xuan. The former enjoyed a carefree life, avoiding cultivation, favoring a leisurely existence of travel and relaxation. Xiao Xuan, on the other hand, was destined to be like the radiant moon, shining brightly and illuminating the world with his own brilliance.
Xiao Bai Ying's Unexpected Return
As Xiao Tiance let out a long exhale, a small figure suddenly rushed toward him.
"Daddy!"
Before he could react, Xiao Bai Ying flew into his arms. Xiao Tiance caught her effortlessly, pressing a kiss onto her chubby, rosy cheeks.
"Ying Ying, why aren't you still outside playing?" Xiao Tiance asked gently.
"I missed Daddy, so I came back." Xiao Bai Ying beamed, hugging his neck tightly. Then, with a curious tone, she added, "Daddy, while I was playing, I felt like something chose me. Do you know what it is?"
Xiao Tiance's brows furrowed slightly. "Chosen? By what?"
He carefully examined Xiao Bai Ying with his spiritual sense. Surprisingly, he found that she had indeed been marked by a mysterious power. This force wasn't hostile; rather, it carried the aura of a sacred artifact.
After thinking for a moment, Xiao Tiance recalled something: the Judgment Mirror from the original Great Ruler story.
The Judgment Mirror was said to be a relic from ancient times, capable of piercing through dimensional barriers to reveal the truth. It would select exceptionally talented youths every three years to undergo the Spiritual Path Trial.
In the original story, the protagonist, Mu Chen, was chosen by the Judgment Mirror to enter the Spiritual Path. There, he met Luo Li and began his journey to the North Cang Spiritual Academy, eventually growing stronger step by step.
Now, in the Great Thousand World, there were already institutions rivaling the Five Great Academies, some even stronger. For example, the White Jade Academy, which had been relocated to the Northern Underworld Continent. It was now part of White Jade Capital and accepted only descendants of White Jade Capital's warriors or those willing to join its ranks.
Explaining to Xiao Bai Ying
"Daddy, do you know what it is?" Xiao Bai Ying's sweet voice interrupted Xiao Tiance's thoughts.
He nodded with a smile. "Yes, Ying Ying. It's a sacred artifact that chose you, but there's nothing to worry about. You can keep playing as usual."
"Daddy is amazing!" Xiao Bai Ying giggled, planting a loud kiss on his cheek.
Seeing her soft, adorable demeanor, Xiao Tiance couldn't help but smile warmly.
As he prepared to chat with her, a familiar voice echoed in his mind it was Ling'er.
"Go play now, Ying Ying. Daddy has some work to do." Xiao Tiance said gently.
"Okay, Daddy!"
With a playful leap, Xiao Bai Ying landed gracefully on the ground, her spiritual energy stabilizing her. She turned back with a cheeky grin before scampering off, her small legs moving quickly.
The Mystery of the Crystal Coffin
"Ling'er, what is it?" Xiao Tiance asked.
"Master, we've completed our research on the crystal coffin," Ling'er replied softly.
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance retrieved the Heavenly Dao Glazed Bottle, summoning Ling'er, Fatty Doll, and the crystal coffin they had been studying for months.
"Boom!"
The coffin landed with a heavy thud. Xiao Tiance studied its unchanged surface before turning to Ling'er and Fatty Doll. "What did you find?"
"Master," Fatty Doll began, **"there's a small spiritual array on this crystal coffin that constantly absorbs external spiritual energy to nourish the bodies inside.
Based on ancient records, the Moon Temple possessed a resurrection technique. It involved preserving corpses in crystal coffins while infusing them with spiritual energy. Over time, this would generate vital energy, which could reanimate the body."**
Ling'er nodded and added, **"However, this method clearly failed. The spiritual energy accumulated inside only crystallized and didn't transform into vital energy. Without vital energy, resurrection is impossible.
Moreover, Master, only those whose souls remain intact can be resurrected. The Ice Spirit Clan's revival of Lin Dong's wife, Ying Huanhuan, is an example of this.
The souls of the bodies in this coffin had already dissipated before they were placed inside. Unless we can use the Embryo of the World Plane to restore their souls, resurrection is impossible."**
After listening, Xiao Tiance nodded in agreement.
Opening the Coffin
"Should we open the coffin now?" he asked.
"We should, Master," Fatty Doll said. "Without proper soul preservation, these bodies will disintegrate once exposed to the air. Only crystalline skeletons will remain."
Ling'er added, "Master, I'd like to retrieve the origin energy within. However, we'll need to isolate this space with a spiritual array to prevent the World Plane from absorbing the origin energy."
"That's simple," Xiao Tiance chuckled. With a wave of his hand, a spiritual array rose, sealing the entire hall.
Once everything was ready, he placed his hands on the coffin. With a surge of power
"Bang!"
The coffin lid flew off. As the spiritual energy inside dispersed, Xiao Tiance's gaze fell on the two corpses within. To his surprise, they didn't disintegrate as Fatty Doll had predicted.
"How is this possible?"
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