Chapter 327: Both Recovered, Ling'er Awakens
"The Bear King has a point, but what concerns me more is the message we received earlier. It says the Three Nameless Bandits, whom we dispatched, have also been captured.
"Based on the description in the letter, it seems the person who captured them is the same one who took Ling Longzi," Winter Elder said.
In the Small Western Sky Realm, within the Western Sky Battle City, Winter Elder's words caused the group's expressions to darken.
The Three Nameless Bandits were infamous across the surrounding continents for their heinous acts of plundering and murder. Known as Wu Li, Wu Qing, and Wu Yi, their cruelty earned them the nickname "Three Nameless Bandits," as they left no survivors in their wake.
However, in reality, these three were secretly collecting resources for the Western Sky Battle Hall. The treasures they amassed over the years had helped cultivate many powerful warriors for the hall.
The eldest, Wu Li, had even advanced to the Earth Supreme level, thanks to the direct intervention of the Western Sky Battle Emperor. Yet now, this notorious trio had been defeated, and Winter Elder might not have known if not for the anonymous letter.
The Mystery of the Letter
"Winter Elder, something doesn't add up," Ling Feizi interjected with a frown. "The Three Nameless Bandits would never claim to be part of the Western Sky Battle Hall.
"If they were captured, it's unlikely the person who sent the letter is the one who captured them. How, then, does the sender know of their connection to us?"
Her question drew nods from the others, all pondering the same mystery.
Winter Elder also frowned, deep in thought. "That's exactly what puzzles me.
"It's not surprising that the person who captured the Three Nameless Bandits might discover their affiliation with us. But clearly, the one who sent the letter isn't working with them. Unless…"
Before Winter Elder could finish, Ling Zhanzi cut in, "Unless the sender happened to witness or overhear something when the bandits were captured.
"It's possible this sender has a grievance against the person who captured the bandits and Ling Longzi but lacks the strength to confront them directly. So, they're using us to deal with their enemy."
"That explanation makes sense. Regardless, it's clear that the person who captured Ling Longzi and the bandits is the same.
"When we arrive at Luoshui City, we'll deal with them together. Also, since there's an entrance to the ancient secret realm near Luoshui City, we can handle everything there in one go," Winter Elder said, his gaze turning cold and ruthless.
Ling Zhanzi nodded. "Agreed. Time is of the essence. Let's head to Luoshui City immediately. Also, send messages to the Shumen Sect Master and the Purple Mountain Sect, asking them to assist us."
The others voiced their agreement. Moments later, a ripple in space signaled their departure. All but Ling Feizi, tasked with guarding Western Sky Battle City, vanished.
Meanwhile, in Luoshui City
As Xiao Tiance was about to retire for the night, he sensed someone approaching his door. Recognizing the visitor's aura, he heard Luo Tianshen's voice calling from outside.
"Lord Tiance, may I have a word? Are you still awake?"
Xiao Tiance rose and opened the door, seeing the respectful expression on Luo Tianshen's face. He smiled and said, "It's late, Senior. What brings you here?"
He invited Luo Tianshen inside, and the two sat down. Xiao Tiance poured tea, waiting patiently for Luo Tianshen to explain.
Luo Tianshen took a sip of tea, then said, "Lord Tiance, after much thought, I decided we must discuss the Western Sky Battle Hall again."
"Oh? Why is that?" Xiao Tiance asked, puzzled. Had Luo Tianshen changed his mind about their alliance, fearing retaliation from the Western Sky Battle Hall?
"It's because of him," Luo Tianshen said, gesturing toward Ling Longzi, who remained unconscious under Qinghou's control.
"What's so special about him?" Xiao Tiance asked with a frown.
"Do you know who he truly is?" Luo Tianshen replied with a question of his own.
"Of course. He's Ling Longzi, one of the Four Holy Sons of the Western Sky Battle Hall, and his teacher is the Western Sky Battle Emperor, the strongest in the Western Sky Continent," Xiao Tiance said matter of factly.
He had known Ling Longzi's identity from the moment he captured him.
"Lord Tiance, since you know this, you must also realize the risk of bringing him here. By now, the Western Sky Battle Hall surely knows about this," Luo Tianshen said with a sigh.
If the Luoshen Clan's goddess were still alive, the Western Sky Battle Hall would be no threat. But now, the name "Western Sky Battle Hall" was an insurmountable mountain for most forces on the continent.
Though Luo Tianshen believed Xiao Tiance would one day become one of the Great Thousand World's top tier experts, he was still only a peak Earth Supreme.
If the Western Sky Battle Emperor himself intervened, even Xiao Tiance might struggle to survive.
These concerns had plagued Luo Tianshen after the banquet, compelling him to seek Xiao Tiance out despite the late hour.
Xiao Tiance's Response
"And if they do know, what of it?" Xiao Tiance replied calmly.
"When I brought Ling Longzi to Luoshui City, I never intended to keep it a secret. Sooner or later, I'll face the Western Sky Battle Hall.
"If you're worried about the Luoshen Clan being implicated, just feign ignorance when they arrive. As long as your clan doesn't get involved, the Western Sky Battle Hall won't target you."
Luo Tianshen immediately shook his head. "Lord Tiance, you misunderstand. I'm not worried about the Luoshen Clan. I'm worried about your safety.
"The Western Sky Battle Hall is ruthless. Anyone who opposes them faces relentless and overwhelming retaliation. Over the past ten thousand years, every force that refused to submit has been either annihilated or driven out of the Western Sky Continent."
"They know you've captured Ling Longzi, and to restore the Western Sky Battle Hall's dignity, they will undoubtedly send many powerful individuals.
"Rumors say the Western Sky Battle Emperor has been in seclusion these past years. If that's true, the ones coming will likely include Winter Elder, at least two Holy Sons, and several Earth Supreme level experts.
"The most dangerous one to watch for is Winter Elder. He's incredibly powerful and ruthless.
"The eldest Holy Son, Ling Zhanzi, reached the upper Earth Supreme level years ago and has cultivated the Ancient Battle Emperor Physique. His combat strength isn't far from Winter Elder's, despite not being a peak Earth Supreme.
"The second Holy Son, Ling Jianzi, reached the upper Earth Supreme level last year. With his three foot long Qingfeng Sword, even I would find him a troublesome opponent.
"Beyond them, the Western Sky Battle Hall has allies like the Purple Mountain Sect, Star Pavilion, and the Shumen Sect. The Purple Mountain Sect Master is particularly troublesome, as he's a grandmaster in spiritual arrays. The Shumen Sect has two upper Earth Supreme level experts.
"Thankfully, the Star Pavilion is located far from Luoshui City and might not get involved.
"Even so, you'll be facing at least six Earth Supreme level powerhouses.
"In the Luoshen Clan, aside from me, there's only one other elder at the upper Earth Supreme level. However, his vitality has waned significantly, and he can't sustain prolonged combat.
"I could stall one Holy Son, but the rest… Lord Tiance, I fear even your strength alone won't suffice," Luo Tianshen explained with a grave expression.
A Calm Reply
Luo Tianshen's deep understanding of the Western Sky Battle Hall's power painted a grim picture. Xiao Tiance, however, remained calm as he listened. After a moment of thought, he nodded.
"Thank you for the warning, Senior. I understand your concerns. But you needn't worry," he said, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Before Luo Tianshen could respond, two powerful auras surged into the night sky.
"This…!" Luo Tianshen gasped in shock.
He sensed two upper Earth Supreme level auras erupting nearby. What was even more astonishing was that these auras seemed even stronger and more domineering than his own.
Thunder Tribulations Descend
"It's happening… No, the Heavenly Thunder is coming!" Xiao Tiance muttered, smiling at first but quickly turning serious.
He gestured toward Qinghou, who struck Ling Longzi, sealing him completely. Without delay, Xiao Tiance, Luo Tianshen, and Qinghou flew out of the room.
Above the palace, two massive whirlpools of spiritual energy swirled in the sky, crackling with violent thunderbolts. The destructive force brewing in the storm seemed poised to obliterate the entire palace in mere moments.
Xiao Tiance remained calm, pondering whether to have Qinghou intercept the thunder now. However, he decided against it for the moment there was no rush. Each person undergoing the tribulation would face nine bolts of thunder, with the last two being the most powerful. Qinghou, as a Heaven Grade Demon Puppet, could handle it.
The Tribulation Begins
"Boom! Crack!"
Two bolts of thunder struck down instantly, obliterating the structures where Xiao Xuan and Gu Xun'er were residing.
Emerging from the destruction, Gu Xun'er was cloaked in her Emperor Flame, appearing like a divine Fire Goddess. Her grace and confidence shone through as she faced the thunder.
As Xiao Tiance had expected, the initial bolts of thunder were weak, more like warm ups. The Emperor Flame covering Gu Xun'er burned them away effortlessly.
Nearby, Xiao Xuan also rose into the sky. Unlike Gu Xun'er's elegant approach, his method was simple and direct. He unleashed two punches, nearly scattering the thunderclouds.
Escalating Thunder
"Boom! Crack!"
However, his defiance seemed to anger the thunderclouds. Two more bolts struck down, followed by three additional strikes in rapid succession.
"Ha! Come on, all of you at once! Do you think you can destroy me?" Xiao Xuan laughed wildly, activating his internal energy and unleashing two powerful Heaven tier techniques.
Facing five simultaneous bolts of thunder, Xiao Xuan's confidence didn't waver.
Seeing this, Xiao Tiance ordered Qinghou to rise into the sky and intercept two of the bolts.
"Lord Tiance, you can't interfere with a Heavenly Tribulation!" Luo Tianshen called out in alarm, trying to stop him.
Xiao Tiance, however, remained composed. "There's no need to worry, Senior. Qinghou is a Heaven Grade Demon Puppet, not a living being. The thunder won't retaliate against him."
As the three figures bathed in lightning, Xiao Tiance's mood brightened. Once the tribulation ended, he would have three new Earth Supreme level powerhouses on his side.
With Xiao Xuan and Gu Xun'er's combat strength, and Qinghou's unique nature, Xiao Tiance was confident they could handle any challenges even without Luo Tianshen's help.
Ling'er Awakens
At that moment, a joyful voice echoed in Xiao Tiance's mind.
"Little Master, Ling'er has finished assimilating her energy! From now on, you don't need to worry about the World Spirit of the Great Thousand World detecting me.
"I can help you fight now, too!" Ling'er's voice was brimming with excitement.
Xiao Tiance's heart soared with joy. If he had been 80% confident about facing the Western Sky Battle Hall's forces before, Ling'er's awakening pushed him to 100%.
Ling'er's assistance was akin to having a second version of himself. Together, they could even challenge the Western Sky Battle Emperor himself.
"Well done, Ling'er. Your timing couldn't be better," Xiao Tiance said warmly in his thoughts.
"Hehe, Little Master, not only that Ling'er can now channel spiritual energy from heaven and earth to aid your cultivation. With my help, it won't be long before you become a Heavenly Supreme," Ling'er said, laughing as she perched herself on Xiao Tiance's shoulder.
True to her words, Ling'er's assimilation was complete. Previously, she hadn't dared to reveal herself for fear of being detected by the Great Thousand World's World Spirit. But now, she could act freely.
"Ling'er, with your help, even if the Western Sky Battle Emperor comes in person, I'll have no problem slapping him back where he came from!" Xiao Tiance declared confidently.
(Chapter End)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1