Chapter 489: Maha Ancestor Attacks, Xiao Tiance's Unyielding Response
"They're nothing but beasts. You could randomly pick ten of them to kill, and even if an innocent bystander were caught up in it, they wouldn't deserve your pity."
On the Sacred Abyss Continent, within the Grand Thousand Palace division, Ji Ping'an's words, dripping with boundless hatred, echoed in the hall.
Xiao Tiance and Lu Tong could clearly empathize with his sentiment. Those who had betrayed the Grand Thousand World on the battlefield were always the first targets of concentrated fire. But Ji Ping'an's hatred ran even deeper. Having lived among the Outer Demonic Race for a million years, he had witnessed firsthand the cruelty and ruthlessness of the human factions that surrendered to the demons.
"Understood, Senior Ji. We will remember your words and see to it that justice is done. Not only do you hate them; we share the same hatred," Lu Tong and Xiao Tiance said as they bowed.
"Good. Then I'll leave this in your hands," Ji Ping'an nodded.
Lu Tong then asked for information about the Outer Demonic Race, and Ji Ping'an recounted his knowledge in astonishing detail, describing everything he had learned. The conversation lasted for hours.
Searching for a Cure
Over the next two days, Xiao Tiance focused on researching soul healing elixirs with Ling'er. Despite their efforts, they could not find any suitable for Ji Ping'an's condition. It was a frustrating dead end.
Then, Xiao Tiance suddenly turned his gaze toward the eastern skies of the Sacred Abyss Continent. Moments later, he sensed several powerful and familiar presences one of them was Qin Tian.
A streak of light flashed, and Qin Tian appeared before Xiao Tiance. Without a word, he embraced him tightly.
"Tiance, you're safe. That's all that matters," Qin Tian said, his voice filled with relief.
For days, Qin Tian had been tormented by worry, regretting that he had left Xiao Tiance behind. He had even considered returning to the Outer Demonic Race's territory to search for him. But three days ago, when Lu Tong sent word that Xiao Tiance had not only returned safely but also rescued Ji Ping'an, Qin Tian had immediately made his way to the Sacred Abyss Continent.
"Haha, I'm sorry to have worried you, Qin Tian," Xiao Tiance laughed.
"I truly was worried," Qin Tian admitted. "If something had happened to you, I would have carried that guilt for the rest of my life."
Qin Tian's gratitude toward Xiao Tiance had reached the level of a life debt. Xiao Tiance's decision to use the one time long distance teleportation array to send him away had left an indelible impression on Qin Tian.
"Don't worry. I wouldn't have taken that risk if I wasn't confident," Xiao Tiance said with a reassuring smile.
Qin Tian patted Xiao Tiance on the shoulder, his tone warm. "Tiance, from now on, don't call me 'Senior.' Just call me 'Brother Qin' or 'Big Brother Qin.' In truth, your strength has already surpassed mine. In the Grand Thousand World, strength dictates seniority, and no one else is qualified to act as your elder anymore."
Seeing Qin Tian's sincerity, Xiao Tiance nodded and smiled. "Very well, Brother Qin."
"Good! Come, let's meet the others. I heard from Lu Tong that you plan to enlist the help of the Divine Craftsmen to create a replica of the Tai Ling Diagram. Leave it to me; I'll handle it for you."
The Gathering of Giants
As they entered the main hall, Xiao Tiance saw not only the leaders and ancestors of the ancient clans but also many of the Grand Thousand World's renowned powerhouses.
One figure stood out a man exuding a terrifying dragon like aura, as though a colossal dragon loomed over the hall. This was none other than True Dragon Emperor.
Beside him was a woman whose fiery aura seemed capable of burning mountains and boiling seas. Her presence was accompanied by an overwhelming vitality, marking her as True Phoenix Empress, True Dragon Emperor's Dao companion.
Though her aura was slightly weaker than his, the True Phoenix Clan's techniques were formidable, making her a force to be reckoned with.
Most of the others present were figures Xiao Tiance had met before. Those who hadn't reached the late stage of Saint Heavenly Sovereign were not worth his attention.
Ji Ping'an Shares His Knowledge
For three days, the meeting continued, with Ji Ping'an recounting everything he had learned about the Outer Demonic Race during his million year infiltration. His insights left the attendees both astonished and enlightened.
But just as the meeting concluded, an unexpected event unfolded.
Maha Ancestor's Sudden Attack
Without warning, the Maha Ancestor of the Maha Ancient Clan struck out, aiming a devastating palm strike directly at Ji Ping'an. The attack carried overwhelming force, enough to obliterate everything in its path.
The sheer destructive power caused many present to pale in shock. If the strike landed, Ji Ping'an would be utterly annihilated, body and soul.
"Stop! Maha Ancestor, what are you doing?"
Qin Tian roared in fury, preparing to intervene. But the Maha Ancestor's attack was ruthless, reinforced by the Maha Clan's supreme technique, the Maha Infinite Body, leaving Qin Tian struggling to react in time.
Just as everyone thought Ji Ping'an's end was inevitable, a deafening crack of thunder echoed through the hall.
A figure appeared before Ji Ping'an in an instant.
"Hmph!"
With a cold snort, the newcomer countered the attack with a single palm strike of his own.
"Boom!"
The two forces collided, unleashing a shockwave that obliterated the hall. The resulting gusts of energy sent those below the late stage of Saint Heavenly Sovereign reeling backward.
As the dust settled, all eyes turned to the figure who had stepped in to block the Maha Ancestor's attack Xiao Tiance. His expression was cold, and his presence exuded an unshakable authority.
"Maha Ancestor," Xiao Tiance said icily, "attacking Ji Ping'an in front of everyone... Do you think the Grand Thousand World is still a place where you can do whatever you please?"
Amidst the wreckage, the crowd could finally see the figure who had intercepted the Maha Ancestor's strike it was none other than Xiao Tiance, who had brought Ji Ping'an back.
A Clash of Titans
The Maha Ancestor, his powerful aura fully unleashed, glared at Xiao Tiance with eyes as deep and oppressive as an abyss.
"Tiance, are you going to stand in my way?" the Maha Ancestor demanded coldly, his tone seething with restrained fury.
Although enraged, the Maha Ancestor managed to hold himself back upon realizing that his opponent was Xiao Tiance.
"Maha Ancestor, what is the meaning of this?" Xiao Tiance fearlessly returned the gaze, his tone sharp and resolute.
Before the Maha Ancestor could respond, Qin Tian and Lu Tong quickly moved to Xiao Tiance's side, their voices equally firm:
"Maha Ancestor, such a sudden attack requires an explanation," Qin Tian said, his expression hard.
The surrounding experts, including the True Dragon Emperor and other top figures of the Grand Thousand World, remained silent, their expressions a mix of confusion and unease. They, too, wanted to know what had provoked the Maha Ancestor's seemingly unprovoked attack.
Ji Ping'an Steps Forward
Ji Ping'an, sensing the tension, let out a bitter laugh. Slowly stepping forward, he bowed apologetically toward the Maha Ancestor.
"I didn't expect that after fifty thousand years, you would still hold this grudge," Ji Ping'an said with a wry smile.
"Hmph! Fifty thousand years? Even if five hundred thousand years passed, I wouldn't forget," the Maha Ancestor retorted coldly, his killing intent spilling forth. It was clear that this attack had not been a spur of the moment decision he had long planned to kill Ji Ping'an.
The Source of the Grudge
Hearing their exchange, Xiao Tiance and Qin Tian realized that the two had a deep history of enmity.
Before anyone could inquire further, Ji Ping'an explained:
"Fifty thousand years ago, I was forced to intervene and stop you, which caused you to lose your chance at the Eternal Immortal Body. I had no choice back then, and I hope you can understand that."
Xiao Tiance's eyes flickered with realization he recalled an incident recorded in the annals of the Grand Thousand World. The Maha Ancestor had once competed with the Immortal Emperor for the Eternal Immortal Body, but he had ultimately failed.
As a result, when the Immortal Emperor perished, the Eternal Immortal Body was entrusted to the Maha Ancient Clan for safekeeping. To this day, the secret technique for cultivating the Eternal Immortal Body was stored within the Maha Ancient Clan.
"Understand?!" the Maha Ancestor snarled. "If it weren't for your meddling, the Eternal Immortal Body would have been mine! Instead, it fell into the hands of that damnable Immortal Emperor."
His voice dripped with fury, his glare toward Ji Ping'an turning colder.
Without waiting for Ji Ping'an to respond, the Maha Ancestor added, "Had I known that Qin Tian and the others were going to rescue you, I would have gone myself and killed you on the spot."
Ji Ping'an's Resignation
Ji Ping'an sighed deeply, his expression weary. "Indeed, I had no choice, but my actions did cause you to lose the Eternal Immortal Body. Your hatred is justified."
Turning to Xiao Tiance and Qin Tian, Ji Ping'an continued: "Step aside. Let him take my life. After all, I don't have much time left. I've lived long enough, and perhaps it's time to let go."
Xiao Tiance's Stand
Ji Ping'an's words hung heavy in the air, but neither Xiao Tiance nor Qin Tian moved an inch.
Instead, Xiao Tiance turned to the Maha Ancestor, his voice steady but firm: "Maha Ancestor, Senior Ji was brought back by me. His contributions to the Grand Thousand World forbid anyone from harming him."
Pausing, Xiao Tiance's gaze sharpened. "As for what happened between the two of you, I don't know the full story. But it doesn't matter. If you want to kill Senior Ji, you'll have to get through me first."
A Collective Gasp
Xiao Tiance's words stunned everyone present. Even the Maha Ancestor was momentarily taken aback by his audacity.
Narrowing his eyes, the Maha Ancestor replied coldly: "Tiance, are you sure you want to stand up for this old man? Do you realize what it means to oppose me and the Maha Ancient Clan?
"Don't be deceived by the White Jade Capital's recent rise. My Maha Ancient Clan's foundations are far deeper than you can imagine. Is it truly worth making an enemy of us for his sake?"
The threat in his words was unmistakable.
Xiao Tiance's Response
A sudden, hearty laugh broke the tension. The sound echoed through the air, commanding everyone's attention.
As the laughter subsided, Xiao Tiance's demeanor shifted. His aura surged, radiating an overwhelming pressure that made even the Maha Ancestor take half a step back.
"Maha Ancestor," Xiao Tiance said, his voice sharp and unyielding, "should I interpret your words as a threat to me or to the White Jade Capital?"
Shockwaves
The sheer intensity of Xiao Tiance's words left everyone, even the most powerful figures present, momentarily speechless. Many were taken aback by his boldness.
This was the Maha Ancestor, a legendary figure who had once rivaled the Immortal Emperor himself. Even the Grand Thousand Palace had to tread carefully around the Maha Ancient Clan.
Though the White Jade Capital had risen rapidly in recent years, becoming a power on par with the five ancient clans, Xiao Tiance's refusal to show deference seemed reckless to many.
Mediation
As the Maha Ancestor's fury reached its peak, and he prepared to respond, the Tai Ling Ancestor suddenly burst into laughter, stepping forward to mediate.
"Maha, it's been so many years. Must you cling to this grudge? Even if Ji Ping'an hadn't intervened, you might not have defeated the Immortal Emperor," the Tai Ling Ancestor said, his tone teasing but firm.
He continued, "Besides, didn't the Immortal Emperor entrust the Eternal Immortal Body to your clan as compensation? Isn't that enough?"
The Azure Robe Sword Saint chimed in, "Indeed. Both of you are vital to our fight against the Outer Demonic Race. Turning on each other now only serves our enemies."
A Duel Proposed
Despite the others' attempts to defuse the situation, the Maha Ancestor's gaze remained locked on Xiao Tiance. After a long pause, he spoke:
"Very well, Tiance. If you're so determined to protect him, I won't press the matter here. But let's settle this in the void. You and I one duel. Do you dare?"
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