Chapter 462: Visitors from the Futuo and Tai Ling Ancient Clans
"Can you refine a Heavenly Demon Puppet at the late Saintly Heavenly Sovereign level?"
The hall fell silent as the Immortal Lord posed this question.
Refining Limitations
Xiao Tiance shook his head slightly. **"Senior, at present, this junior cannot refine a Heavenly Demon Puppet of late Saintly Heavenly Sovereign strength.
This is primarily due to the lack of materials in the Great Thousand World capable of matching the physical resilience of a late Saintly Heavenly Sovereign's body. Even the most precious sacred treasures fall short."**
The Immortal Lord nodded, understanding. "So, if such materials were available, you would be able to refine one?"
"Indeed," Xiao Tiance replied. "The process of refining is not the most difficult part. The challenge lies in the materials. Without suitable resources, it is simply not possible."
The Immortal Lord gave a faint smile. "Understood. If you ever develop a method to refine the highest grade Heavenly Demon Puppets, do let me know."
With that, he turned and left.
Afterward, Tian Luo approached and asked curiously, "Immortal Lord was speaking to you about the Heavenly Demon Puppets?"
"Yes," Xiao Tiance responded with a chuckle.
The Immortal Lord was one of the pinnacles of the Great Thousand World, a peerless powerhouse at the late Saintly Heavenly Sovereign level. He was also the commander of the Tomb Guardian Army, having served directly under the first Great Thousand Palace Lord, the Undying Emperor. He resided in the Northern Desolate Hills, guarding the sealed Heavenly Evil God, rarely stepping out.
To Xiao Tiance's surprise, such a figure had personally attended the funeral on the Shen Cang Continent.
The Arrival of Futuo Clan Representatives
The banquet continued for about an hour. Suddenly, several individuals dressed in the distinctive attire of the Futuo Ancient Clan entered the hall, heading straight for Qin Tian.
After a brief exchange of whispers, Qin Tian led them toward Xiao Tiance.
"Tiance, let me introduce you. These are Qing Tian, Xuan Guang, and Mo Tong, the respective heads of the Qing, Xuan, and Mo branches of the Futuo Ancient Clan."
The three immediately bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Lord Immortal."
Xiao Tiance returned a polite nod, his tone calm. "There's no need for such formalities. May I know why the three of you are seeking me at this time?"
The Futuo Ancient Clan consisted of three branches: Qing, Xuan, and Mo. Each was formidable, and Qing Tian, Xuan Guang, and Mo Tong were among the most likely to step into the Saintly Heavenly Sovereign realm in the future. Their simultaneous appearance suggested that the purpose of their visit was no trivial matter.
As expected, Xuan Guang spoke up, his tone respectful. "Lord Immortal, there are too many eyes and ears here. Perhaps we can discuss matters in a more private setting?"
"Very well," Xiao Tiance agreed with a nod. Turning to Tian Luo and Xiao Bai Ying, he said, "Tian Luo, take care of Ying Ying for me."
"Of course, Lord Immortal." Tian Luo responded dutifully.
Xiao Bai Ying giggled and chimed in, "Daddy, I'll be very good!"
Her endearing behavior melted Xiao Tiance's heart. Smiling, he patted her head. "Yes, Ying Ying is the best. Daddy will be back soon."
A Private Conversation
In a side chamber near the main hall, Xiao Tiance sat at the head of the table, while Qing Tian, Xuan Guang, and Mo Tong took seats below him.
After glancing at one another, Xuan Guang spoke up. **"Lord Immortal, we are aware of the strength of White Jade Capital and the rarity of the Heavenly Demon Puppets you have crafted.
We come today on behalf of our clan's Grand Elder to discuss the matter of refining a Heavenly Demon Puppet from the remains of our ancestor, Xuan Tian Gang."**
The name "Xuan Tian Gang" was no stranger to Xiao Tiance. This legendary figure had been a pillar of the Futuo Ancient Clan and had fallen heroically in battle against the external demon forces.
"Continue. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them all at once," Xiao Tiance encouraged.
Xuan Guang inclined his head respectfully. **"The Grand Elder has tasked us with conveying the following four questions:
What level of strength would a Heavenly Demon Puppet refined from our ancestor's remains possess?
Would this puppet be entirely under the control of the Futuo Ancient Clan, or would you retain any override mechanisms?
While we understand from Senior Qin Tian that you have agreed to refine this puppet without compensation, our clan does not believe in taking advantage of others. If there is anything you require, please let us know, and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Finally, if we wished to commission additional Heavenly Demon Puppets in the future, what terms and conditions would you require?"**
The sincerity in their words and their respectful demeanor left a favorable impression on Xiao Tiance. The heads of the three branches, despite their high status as leaders of one of the Great Thousand World's five ancient clans, carried no trace of arrogance.
After a moment of thought, Xiao Tiance smiled faintly and replied. "Very well. Allow me to address your questions one by one."
Adding Qing Yan Jing to the positive impression Xiao Tiance had of the Five Ancient Clans, the Futuo Ancient Clan now ranked second only to the Tai Ling Ancient Clan in his regard.
"Your questions are straightforward, so allow me to respond just as clearly," Xiao Tiance began.
**"First, the highest level Heavenly Demon Puppet I can currently refine is at the mid Saintly Heavenly Sovereign stage. This aligns perfectly with the strength of Senior Xuan Tian Gang, who was at the late Saintly stage before his passing.
Second, as I've stated to Senior Qin Tian, the Heavenly Demon Puppet I refine for your clan will not contain any restrictions or hidden safeguards. It will belong entirely to your clan, provided you do not misuse it for dishonorable purposes.
Third, I am refining this puppet as a gesture of goodwill. I will not accept any compensation, and the materials required for the refinement will be provided by the Great Thousand Palace.
Fourth, this will be the only Heavenly Demon Puppet I refine for the Futuo Ancient Clan, regardless of the terms you offer."**
The three branch leaders Qing Tian, Xuan Guang, and Mo Tong were pleased with the first three answers, but the firm refusal on the fourth point was not what they had hoped for.
After exchanging glances, Mo Tong bowed deeply and spoke respectfully.
**"Lord Immortal, regarding the possibility of refining additional Heavenly Demon Puppets, could we discuss this further?
If you agree, our Grand Elder has promised that the Futuo Ancient Clan will stand as your staunchest ally. Together, we could form an unbreakable alliance, sharing both glory and loss. Furthermore, our clan would also consider matrimonial ties with White Jade Capital to solidify this bond."**
Qing Tian added, **"Indeed, Lord Immortal. Your assistance in refining more Heavenly Demon Puppets would strengthen both of our forces against the Outer Demons.
An alliance between our two powers would make us a formidable force in the Great Thousand World."**
Though Xuan Guang remained silent, his expression suggested agreement.
Xiao Tiance chuckled softly. **"Your offer is indeed tempting, but my decisions are final and non negotiable.
As for the idea of alliances or marriages between our factions, I welcome such proposals. However, whether they proceed or not is entirely up to your clan."**
The three leaders couldn't conceal their disappointment. They had hoped to secure a more favorable arrangement, envisioning a partnership where the Futuo Ancient Clan could leverage an array of Heavenly Demon Puppets akin to White Jade Capital.
Realizing Xiao Tiance's position wouldn't waver, the trio exchanged glances and nodded in acquiescence.
As Xiao Tiance prepared to leave, Xuan Guang suddenly spoke.
"Lord Immortal, please wait a moment."
"What is it?" Xiao Tiance asked.
**"Our ancestor Xuan Tian Gang's body contains our clan's Divine Veins.
If we extract these veins to cultivate another top tier expert, would this affect the power of the Heavenly Demon Puppet you refine?"**
The question surprised both Qing Tian and Mo Tong, who exchanged shocked looks. Clearly, they hadn't anticipated Xuan Guang's intentions to harvest the Divine Veins from Xuan Tian Gang's body.
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. **"It would not.
Senior Xuan Tian Gang's body is robust enough that his physical strength alone will allow me to refine a mid Saintly Heavenly Sovereign puppet."**
With this assurance, Xiao Tiance turned and left without further concern for their internal debates.
An Unexpected Encounter
Just as Xiao Tiance reached the hall's entrance, he stopped abruptly. A familiar face stood before him.
"Qing Qing greets Lord Tiance," said none other than Ye Qing Qing, the saintess of the Tai Ling Ancient Clan.
Xiao Tiance smiled warmly. "Qing Qing, it's been a long time."
Ye Qing Qing covered her mouth and chuckled. **"It's been five years, Lord Tiance.
I still remember back in the Heavenly Dao Sect's secret realm, you were merely at the peak Earthly Heavenly Sovereign level. Who would have thought that five years later, you'd become one of the Great Thousand World's most formidable figures?
If I'd known back then how incredible your achievements would be, I'd have insisted on bringing you back to our Tai Ling Clan's ancestral lands, no matter what."**
Xiao Tiance laughed. **"You flatter me, Qing Qing.
Did you wait here specifically to meet me?"**
"Yes," she replied. **"Our Grand Elder is preoccupied with arranging the funeral on the Shen Cang Continent and couldn't come himself.
Knowing I was acquainted with you, he specifically asked me to discuss the matter of refining a Heavenly Demon Puppet for the Tai Ling Ancient Clan."**
Xiao Tiance instantly understood. While he hadn't promised to craft a puppet for the Tai Ling Clan, they had undoubtedly learned of his agreement with the Futuo Clan.
Sending Ye Qing Qing to negotiate was a strategic move to secure a similar arrangement.
Given the Tai Ling Clan's contribution in holding back the Saintly Demon Emperor, which led to the loss of their own warriors, Xiao Tiance couldn't outright refuse their request.
He nodded. **"Very well.
Given that your clan's elders fell in the fight against the Saintly Demon Emperor, I cannot refuse your request.
I can refine a Heavenly Demon Puppet for the Tai Ling Clan as well. Its strength will depend on the materials you provide.
If you have the body of a Heavenly Demon Emperor level foe, I can use that. Alternatively, if you wish to use one of your fallen elders' bodies, their strength must have been at the Saintly Heavenly Sovereign level."**
Ye Qing Qing was momentarily stunned, then broke into a delighted smile.
**"Thank you so much, Lord Tiance.
I didn't expect you to agree so readily!"**
"It's the least I can do," Xiao Tiance replied with a faint smile. "Let your Grand Elder know that I will fulfill this promise."
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