Chapter 324: Luo Tianshen and Xiao Tiance's Gesture of Goodwill
"They were both very strong originally, but their Dou Qi hasn't yet fully converted into spiritual energy, so their strength hasn't returned."
In the Luoshen Clan's palace prepared by Luo Yang, the group introduced themselves after Xiao Tiance's explanation.
Having witnessed Xiao Tiance's formidable power firsthand, even the Headmaster of Tianqiong Academy an expert nearing the upper Earth Supreme level treated Xiao Xuan and Gu Xun'er with great respect. This sentiment was shared by other Supreme level experts like Liu Changkong and Wan Sui.
Once the introductions were complete, Xiao Tiance turned to Liu Changkong and asked, "Changkong, has there been any news while I've been away? Has anyone reported their token lighting up?"
"Lord Tiance," Liu Changkong replied with a respectful bow, "no messages have come in yet. However, I believe we should hear from everyone before the ancient secret realm opens."
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance felt a hint of disappointment.
At present, Xiao Xuan, Xiao Tianming, and Gu Xun'er were all safe and with him. He also knew Tianluo was in the Western Sky Battle City within the Small Western Sky Realm, and he planned to retrieve him personally in a few days.
However, there was still no news of Huang Min, Huang Lingyun, Zi Yan, Xiao Huaian, or Mu Ling.
Xiao Tiance wasn't too concerned about Huang Min and Huang Lingyun's safety. While they hadn't recovered their strength, their speed as members of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan and the toughness of their magical beast forms would allow them to escape even if they encountered Earth Supreme opponents. Furthermore, they carried numerous spiritual array tokens he had prepared, including over a dozen master grade ones.
The ones who worried him the most were Zi Yan, Xiao Huaian, and Mu Ling.
Mu Ling, in particular, had the fewest defensive measures. His only assets were his physical resilience and his soul strength. Zi Yan and Xiao Huaian, while less experienced in the world, had the spiritual array tokens Xiao Tiance had given them, but he feared they might still struggle to escape in dangerous situations.
"Phew!"
Exhaling softly, Xiao Tiance said, "Alright, Changkong. Keep this matter in mind. If there's any news, have the Tianluo Hall send word immediately."
"Rest assured, Lord Tiance," Liu Changkong replied. "The highest priority order was issued as soon as this mission began. If there's any news, they will inform us without delay."
"Good."
Xiao Tiance nodded and then suggested Xiao Xuan, Xiao Tianming, and Gu Xun'er get some rest. Since the palace was already surrounded by a seventh grade Spirit Gathering Array, there was no need to set up another. Luo Yang personally escorted the three to their rooms, then returned a short while later, accompanied by a guard.
Luo Yang bowed respectfully and said, "Lord Tiance, Headmaster Tianqiong, my father, Luo Tianshen, wishes to speak with you. Would that be acceptable?"
Xiao Tiance glanced at the Tianqiong Headmaster, who gave no indication of objection. Smiling, he said, "Young Leader Luo Yang, this is the domain of the Luoshen Clan, and your father, Luo Tianshen, is its leader. Who here would refuse to meet him?"
"Wonderful! I'll inform my father right away." Luo Yang's excitement was palpable. If his father could establish a good relationship with these two, the Luoshen Clan wouldn't have to worry about the Blood God Clan anymore.
After all, Xiao Tiance alone a peak Earth Supreme was enough to ensure the Blood God Clan wouldn't dare act against them unless they threw themselves under the Western Sky Battle Hall's protection.
Moments later, a spatial ripple appeared outside the room.
Deliberate or not, Luo Tianshen arrived with his peak upper Earth Supreme aura fully released. Except for Xiao Tiance, everyone in the room felt as though a mountain were pressing down on them.
However, the pressure lasted less than two seconds before dissipating. An elder in black robes entered the hall. His hair and beard were streaked with white, and his face bore signs of weariness, but his every movement radiated a majestic presence that made the surrounding space tremble slightly.
This was Luo Tianshen, the current leader of the Luoshen Clan and an upper Earth Supreme.
Compared to his portrayal in the original Great Ruler storyline, Luo Tianshen now appeared significantly more powerful clearly at his peak. With the restrictions on the Luoshen Sword lifted, he exuded an air of sharpness that made it hard to meet his gaze directly.
As Xiao Tiance studied Luo Tianshen, the latter's eyes shifted from the Tianqiong Headmaster to Xiao Tiance.
Their gazes locked, and for an instant, Luo Tianshen's heart trembled. Even though Xiao Tiance was seated and exuding no aura, Luo Tianshen had a strong premonition: if this man wished to kill him, it would take no more than ten moves.
This wasn't just an abstract thought; it was an instinctive feeling born of years of experience and danger. In his youth, Luo Tianshen had relied on such premonitions to avoid mortal threats. Now, that same feeling of crisis returned.
If not for Luo Yang mentioning that Xiao Tiance was a senior relative of Xiao Yan someone the Luoshen Clan had helped in the past Luo Tianshen might have chosen to turn and leave.
"Luo Tianshen, leader of the Luoshen Clan, greets Lord Xiao Tiance, Headmaster Tianqiong, Mountain Lord Wan Sui, and Hall Master Liu Changkong," Luo Tianshen said, bowing slightly.
His words carried a warm and comforting tone, immediately dispelling the tension created by his earlier aura. Even those who had been on edge moments before now felt at ease.
"Greetings, Clan Leader Luo," everyone replied, bowing in return. Xiao Tiance and the Tianqiong Headmaster also returned the gesture courteously.
Luo Tianshen then took a seat near Xiao Tiance and the Tianqiong Headmaster. Though not in the host's chair, his strength made his presence unquestioned.
"Headmaster Tianqiong, we've only met briefly in the past. I'm glad we now have the chance to talk more," Luo Tianshen said warmly, directing his attention to the Tianqiong Headmaster before engaging with Xiao Tiance.
"Yes, we met briefly thousands of years ago. Now, Senior, you've become an upper Earth Supreme. It's an honor to reminisce with you, though I feel unworthy," the Tianqiong Headmaster said humbly, clasping his hands in respect.
Luo Tianshen had risen to fame earlier than the Headmaster, and as the leader of the Luoshen Clan one of the two most powerful factions on the Western Sky Continent he commanded immense respect.
In the past, the Luoshen Clan had its brightest era when a goddess of the clan successfully cultivated the Luoshen Physique. Even the Western Sky Battle Emperor had to tread carefully around her. Tragically, her brilliance was cut short, and she perished young.
Luo Tianshen had taken over as clan leader after her death. While he maintained the Luoshen Clan as a top tier faction, its glory paled compared to the rise of the Western Sky Battle Hall.
Even so, the Tianqiong Headmaster didn't dare act arrogantly in front of Luo Tianshen. Decades ago, when the Headmaster was just starting his journey across the continent, Luo Tianshen had already been a peak ninth grade Supreme, successfully leading the Luoshen Clan in repelling multiple invasions by the Blood God Clan.
Now, with Luo Tianshen showing such politeness, the Headmaster felt somewhat flattered.
"Haha, Headmaster Tianqiong, you're too modest. Today, you're one of the most renowned experts in the Great Thousand World. There's no need for such formality between us; let us treat each other as equals," Luo Tianshen said warmly, his face exuding a gentle smile.
His demeanor was remarkably approachable. Even Xiao Tiance, who radiated an innate sharpness from his vast experience, found himself appreciating Luo Tianshen's natural charisma something that couldn't be learned or faked.
"I'll take you at your word, then," the Headmaster replied, bowing again. "Your Luoshen Clan's hospitality in arranging such fine accommodations has been most generous. We should have come to pay our respects, but instead, you've come to see us. It's truly an honor."
"Haha, no need, no need," Luo Tianshen said with a hearty laugh before turning his gaze to Xiao Tiance. Bowing slightly, he said, "Lord Tiance, I've heard of your great reputation from Xiao Yan. To meet you today is a great privilege."
"Senior, you flatter me. I haven't yet had the chance to thank you for helping my clan's descendant, Xiao Yan, assimilate his Dou Qi.
"I only learned of this from Young Leader Luo Yang outside Luoshui City. Please allow me to express my gratitude for your assistance," Xiao Tiance replied, bowing respectfully in return.
Though Luo Tianshen addressed him as "Lord Tiance," Xiao Tiance still deferred to him as a junior. He had taken a liking to Luo Tianshen's personality and appreciated his sincerity, which made him instinctively lower his guard.
"Oh? Lord Tiance, I dare not accept such a title. In the Great Thousand World, strength commands respect. Your aura alone tells me I could never be your match. Such a title from you is undeserved," Luo Tianshen said, surprised by Xiao Tiance's humility.
He recalled his encounter with Xiao Yan and his impression of the young man as someone destined to become famous in the Great Thousand World within a few decades. But Xiao Tiance was different. Luo Tianshen believed he would one day become a figure whose mere presence could shake the world.
Given time, even the lofty ancient divine clans would tread cautiously in Xiao Tiance's presence.
"Haha, Senior, no need for humility. I hold the Luoshen Clan in high regard and understand your current situation.
"I've already felt your goodwill, but I must warn you that my group is likely to clash with the Western Sky Battle Hall soon.
"To avoid implicating your clan, I suggest maintaining a neutral stance for now. If we return safely from the Western Sky Battle City and you still wish to strengthen ties with us, we would welcome it," Xiao Tiance said straightforwardly.
While he was confident in his ability to confront the Western Sky Battle Emperor, he couldn't be certain of the outcome until the fight occurred. If they failed and had to flee, the Luoshen Clan would be vulnerable.
Given their weakened state, even the Blood God Clan could overwhelm them, let alone the Western Sky Battle Hall. In such a scenario, the Luoshen Clan's annihilation could come without direct orders from the Battle Hall other factions would seize the opportunity.
If that happened, Xiao Tiance couldn't guarantee the safety of Luo Li, the future wife of Mu Chen.
More importantly, he didn't want to disrupt Mu Chen's storyline unnecessarily. He wasn't invincible in the Great Thousand World yet, nor was he certain of leaving his name on the Heavenly Sovereign Ranking or achieving the title of Great Ruler. For now, it was best to minimize interference in Mu Chen's path.
After all, if the Heavenly Evil God emerged in the future, Mu Chen might be the only one capable of defeating him.
Luo Tianshen, hearing Xiao Tiance's candid words, was momentarily stunned. While he knew from Luo Yang that Xiao Tiance had captured Ling Longzi, one of the Four Sons of the Western Sky Battle Hall, hearing it confirmed left him speechless.
If the Luoshen Clan were at their peak, they might not fear the Western Sky Battle Hall. But in their current state, they couldn't afford to provoke such a powerful enemy.
Sighing inwardly, Luo Tianshen clasped his hands and said with a wry smile, "Thank you, Lord Tiance, for your honesty. The Western Sky Battle Hall is indeed the strongest faction on the Western Sky Continent, and our Luoshen Clan cannot openly oppose them.
"However, Lord Tiance, none of us in the Luoshen Clan are cowards. If you need our help in secret, just send word. While we cannot openly defy the Western Sky Battle Hall, we are more than willing to assist in small ways."
"Senior, I appreciate your goodwill. Rest assured, my earlier words were not a test but genuine. If we return safely and you still wish to strengthen our ties, we'll be more than happy to oblige," Xiao Tiance replied with a polite smile.
"Good. If that's the case, then I look forward to your safe return. You'll always be welcome at the Luoshen Clan," Luo Tianshen said earnestly.
Nodding, Xiao Tiance shifted the conversation. "By the way, Senior, could you share some insights about the upcoming ancient secret realm?
"Given your deep roots in the Western Sky Continent, I'm sure you're well informed about it."
(Chapter End)
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