Chapter 487: Lu Tong's Astonishment and the Elder Awakens
"Sigh, while the elder's physical injuries aren't severe, his soul has suffered irreparable damage," Xiao Tiance said, frowning deeply after completing his examination.
A Glimpse into the Past
As he stared at the unconscious elder, Xiao Tiance couldn't help but recall their first meeting over fifty years ago. At that time, Xiao Tiance had been seeking Gu Yuan and Zhu Kun, and the elder had warned him:
"I can only hold on for so long. If the Great Thousand World cannot find a way to counter the Outer Demonic Race within a century, I won't live to see the prosperous future I dream of."
Now, reflecting on those words, Xiao Tiance realized the elder must have been fully aware of his deteriorating condition all along.
This soul injury was unlike anything Xiao Tiance had ever encountered. Even when crafting numerous Heavenly Beast Puppets a process that consumed massive amounts of soul power it paled in comparison to the damage the elder's soul had endured.
Lu Tong's Consolation
Beside him, Lu Tong sighed and said, "Tiance, you've already done so much by bringing the elder back. At least now, we can say we've done our part with a clear conscience."
Xiao Tiance nodded, understanding Lu Tong's attempt to comfort him. While he respected and admired the elder for his million years of sacrifice infiltrating the Outer Demonic Race, Xiao Tiance had long accepted the harsh reality of life and death.
"Don't worry about me, Elder Lu. After all I've been through, I've learned to accept it," Xiao Tiance said with a faint smile.
Update from Lu Tong
"That's good to hear," Lu Tong replied. "By the way, Tiance, while you were diagnosing the elder, Xiao Yan, Lin Dong, and your three disciples returned to White Emperor City. I've also sent word to Elder Qin Tian and the other major factions they should arrive soon."
"Thank you, Elder Lu," Xiao Tiance said with a respectful bow.
Lu Tong waved it off, smiling. **"There's no need for thanks. Compared to the contributions you've made to the Great Thousand Palace, this is nothing.
We're all well aware you've never mentioned the matter of Demon Slayer Points because you feared our treasury would be emptied to meet your contributions. Tiance, the least I can do is handle such matters for you."**
Xiao Tiance chuckled, slightly embarrassed. He still viewed himself through the lens of age and hierarchy, even though his strength had long earned him equal footing with the Great Thousand World's ancient powerhouses.
Shocking the Elder Again
As they spoke, Xiao Tiance explained the two conditions he had imposed on the Outer Demonic Race: a century without Heavenly Demon Emperor invasions and taking the Dark Heavenly Demon Emperor captive.
Hearing this, Lu Tong was stunned into silence for a long time. Finally, he stood up and solemnly bowed to Xiao Tiance.
"Lord Tiance, on behalf of the Great Thousand Palace and every warrior who has fought against the Outer Demonic Race, I thank you. You've given us a century of peace something invaluable. Who knows how many young lives you've saved?"
Seeing Lu Tong's sincerity, Xiao Tiance tried to decline the gesture, but when Lu Tong insisted, he eventually accepted the heartfelt gratitude.
"Elder Lu, I only did what needed to be done. There's no need for such formality. If anything, I regret that my strength wasn't greater. Otherwise, I would have eliminated all three of those top tier Heavenly Demon Emperors in the Sacred City," Xiao Tiance said, shaking his head with a bitter smile.
Lu Tong's Astonishment
At this, Lu Tong sighed helplessly and warned, "Tiance, I advise you not to say such things publicly. Otherwise, you might end up being the target of everyone's envy and resentment."
Seeing Xiao Tiance's puzzled expression, Lu Tong explained, **"Your growth rate is already unprecedented. Even the Immortal Emperor of old didn't progress this quickly. Frankly, when Elder Qin Tian returned without you, I feared the worst.
After all, surrounded by so many top tier Heavenly Demon Emperors, most would have been doomed. Yet here you are, not only unharmed but victorious. It's truly incredible. How did you manage it?"**
Despite having witnessed Xiao Tiance's abilities firsthand, Lu Tong still found it hard to believe.
Xiao Tiance Explains His Tactics
Xiao Tiance chuckled. **"Elder Lu, it's not as complicated as it sounds. I'm a Saint Grade Grandmaster in array formations. By using myself as the array's core, I trapped the Saint Heavenly Demon Emperor, Nine Heaven Corpse Demon Emperor, and Dark Heavenly Demon Emperor inside while keeping the others out.
Additionally, I have the Tai Ling Ancient Diagram, which continuously replenishes my spiritual energy. Even if they tried to outlast me, I could have exhausted them to death.
The only reason I didn't finish them off is that I feared the Outer Demonic Race might have hidden trump cards. Otherwise, I wouldn't have hesitated to eliminate all three."**
Hearing this, Lu Tong gasped, stunned by Xiao Tiance's calm and straightforward explanation.
Lu Tong's Praise
**"Tiance, your strength is beyond words. From the moment I met you, I knew you were destined to become the pillar of our world's resistance against the Outer Demonic Race.
But to think you've grown to the point where you can not only fight but suppress three of their strongest at once it's astonishing."**
He paused, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Saint Heavenly Demon Emperor, Dark Heavenly Demon Emperor, and Nine Heaven Corpse Demon Emperor these are names that make even our strongest shudder. Yet you managed to suppress them single handedly."
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly, shaking his head. "Elder Lu, while I can suppress Saint Heavenly Demon Emperor in a one on one fight, if all three fight me together, I can only hold my ground within the Great Thousand World."
"Even so," Lu Tong said with a proud smile, "your presence gives us hope. With you here, the Outer Demonic Race will never have their way."
"Without the Tai Ling Ancient Diagram, I couldn't have managed it."
Within the Outer Demonic Race's territory, where spiritual energy couldn't be replenished, Xiao Tiance acknowledged his reliance on the artifact. While his divine grade Xieling Clan bloodline granted him an endless reserve of bloodline power, the spiritual energy stored within him even supplemented by a few jade tokens filled with equivalent grade energy would have been insufficient without the Tai Ling Ancient Diagram's boundless reserves.
Lu Tong's Proposal
"The Tai Ling Ancient Diagram truly bolsters your endurance during battle," Lu Tong mused. "Why not have me speak with the Tai Ling Patriarch when he arrives? Perhaps they can leave it with you for a longer period."
Xiao Tiance was briefly tempted by the idea but soon shook his head. The Outer Demonic Race's pride had taken a severe blow during their confrontation, and Saint Heavenly Demon Emperor would need at least a century to rally his forces again.
Moreover, with the century long peace he had secured, few would dare challenge him, granting him ample time to elevate his strength. Whether it meant achieving the Sovereign Realm or simply carving his name into the Sky Ranking, he intended to prepare thoroughly.
"It's too much to ask," Xiao Tiance replied. "The Tai Ling Ancient Diagram is their clan's sacred artifact a treasure of immense significance. Being allowed to use it once is already a great honor. Asking for more wouldn't be appropriate."
Lu Tong nodded, understanding his reasoning, before suggesting another idea. "Then what if we have a replica made? While it won't match the original in grade, even a lesser version could greatly enhance your endurance in battle."
A Craft of Legend
Xiao Tiance considered the suggestion and nodded. "If it's possible, I'd gladly have a replica made. But, Elder Lu, who could craft something so intricate? I've been in the Great Thousand World for years and haven't heard of such artisans."
"Haha, it's no surprise you haven't. Even many seasoned Heavenly Sovereigns don't know of them. 'Divine Smith' isn't a title for a single individual it refers to a race: the Elven Dwarves."
Lu Tong continued, "For tens of thousands of years, they've lived on a secluded island in the far south of the Great Thousand World. It's been over 30,000 years since anyone last saw them in the wider world."
"The Elven Dwarves?" Xiao Tiance echoed, intrigued. "How can you be certain they still exist after such a long absence?"
"Simple," Lu Tong explained. **"Every few decades or centuries, items like divine artifacts or sacred relics appear in auctions across the Great Thousand World. I've never personally seen the Elven Dwarves, but their craftsmanship is unmistakable.
Only their race could produce such exquisite creations so consistently. If you wish to enlist their help, perhaps the Tai Ling Patriarch could provide guidance."**
A Plan in Motion
Nodding thoughtfully, Xiao Tiance remarked, "It seems I owe the Tai Ling Patriarch another discussion. When I see him, I'll be sure to bring this up."
Just then, Xiao Tiance noticed a subtle movement. The elder's fingers twitched. Moments later, the elder slowly opened his eyes, his gaze disoriented as he stared at the ceiling.
A Resilient Elder Awakens
"It seems I've narrowly escaped death once again," the elder murmured.
"You're awake, senior!" Xiao Tiance and Lu Tong exclaimed, rushing to his side.
The elder coughed weakly but managed a smile. "Haha, Xiao Tiance, I imagine it's your doing that I'm still alive?"
Nodding, Xiao Tiance retrieved a medicinal pill from his spatial ring and offered it to the elder. Without hesitation, the elder swallowed it, feeling his physical injuries rapidly heal.
"I thought this was the end for me," the elder said, sitting up slowly. "But it seems fate has other plans. Well, if I have a few years left, I may as well return to the Great Thousand World and take in its beauty one last time."
"Senior, don't speak like that," Xiao Tiance interjected, attempting to comfort him. "You've lived for a million years surely you can endure for longer. And if necessary, we can provide Outer Demonic Race captives for you to inhabit."
Lu Tong added earnestly, "Exactly. You've done so much for the Great Thousand World, spending a million years undercover to protect it. Whatever you need, we'll do everything in our power to provide it."
A Life's Limits
The elder chuckled, his tone light yet resolute. **"I appreciate your sentiments, but there's no need. My soul has endured countless lifetimes through possession, and it can no longer withstand the process.
Besides, Xiao Tiance's strength has grown to a point where he can safeguard the Great Thousand World. As for me, I'm a relic of a bygone era. There's no place for someone like me in the world today. It's time for me to fade into history."**
An Emotional Response
Hearing these words, both Xiao Tiance and Lu Tong fell silent. They knew the elder's dedication had likely made him a legendary figure in his own era a man of unparalleled resolve who had infiltrated enemy ranks for the greater good.
"The great river flows east, carrying away the heroes of ages past. Senior, the future still holds wonders for you to witness. You can't give up so easily," Xiao Tiance said softly.
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