Chapter 369: The Western Heaven Battle Emperor Retreats, Arrival of the Great Thousand Palace
"Western Heaven Battle Emperor, are you planning to violate the Great Thousand Palace's decree?"
In the void west of Luo Shui City, Western Heaven Continent, the crisp voice of Fatty rang out, causing the Western Heaven Battle Emperor's face to darken instantly.
With his vast experience, he immediately recognized Fatty as an artifact spirit, not a human or a divine beast. Seeing the Heavenly Dao Tower floating in Fatty's hands, it became clear to the Battle Emperor that Fatty was none other than the artifact spirit of the Heavenly Dao Tower.
"I am not violating the Great Thousand Palace's decree," the Battle Emperor snorted coldly. "But you, a mere artifact spirit, dare to question me?"
"What about it? Do you think I'm beneath you just because I'm an artifact spirit? If you're offended, why don't you come and hit me?" Fatty retorted without fear.
Unlike most who cowered before the mighty Battle Emperor, Fatty was utterly unfazed. While the Heavenly Dao Tower lacked significant offensive power, its defensive capabilities were legendary.
Even a newly ascended Saint Grade Heavenly Supreme would find it immensely challenging to break its defenses, let alone the Western Heaven Battle Emperor, a mere Celestial Grade Heavenly Supreme at his late stage.
After all, the Three Treasures of the Heavenly Dao were no ordinary artifacts.
Fatty, having witnessed countless beings far stronger than the Battle Emperor during the peak of the Heavenly Dao Sect, was completely unimpressed by the emperor's posturing.
A Heated Exchange
"You !"
The Battle Emperor's frustration boiled, but he knew better than to act rashly. Breaking through the Heavenly Dao Tower's defense would be no easy feat. Even his strongest techniques had failed to make a dent in the tower.
Moreover, Xiao Tiance stood nearby, his potential still an enigma. Though the Battle Emperor had managed to break through the youth's defensive arrays earlier, he had sensed a chillingly powerful aura within Xiao Tiance one that retreated when the Heavenly Dao Tower appeared.
This implied that Xiao Tiance still had hidden cards to play.
Finally, the Battle Emperor growled, "In deference to the Heavenly Dao Sect's contributions against the extraterrestrial demons in the past, I will let this slide. But Xiao Tiance's disrespectful words cannot go unpunished. Where will my dignity go if I don't teach him a lesson?"
"Hah! Dignity? What dignity?" Fatty sneered. **"A late stage Celestial Grade Heavenly Supreme, bullying someone who just ascended to the Spirit Grade Heavenly Supreme realm, and you didn't even gain the upper hand. What dignity are you talking about?
"Let's not forget, if it weren't for the Heavenly Dao Sect standing against the extraterrestrial demons in the past, you wouldn't even exist. Back then, people at your level were crushed like ants.
"And now? You've made a little progress, gained a bit of fame, and suddenly you think you're something special? Save it for someone who cares!"**
Fatty's words were merciless, tearing at the Battle Emperor's pride.
A Show of Strength
Despite the provocation, the Western Heaven Battle Emperor understood that the Heavenly Dao Tower's defenses were unbreakable, and further action would be futile.
The fact that Xiao Tiance was protected by both the Heavenly Dao Tower and the Spirit Array Body Refinement Technique only complicated matters. Even with all his cards on the table, the emperor knew he couldn't win decisively.
Moreover, if the rumors were true and Xiao Tiance was indeed the hope for the revival of the Heavenly Dao Sect, any attempt to harm him could provoke a backlash from the sect's ancient allies such as the Floating Tower Ancient Clan and the Tai Ling Ancient Clan.
"Hmph!" the Battle Emperor scoffed. "If not for the Heavenly Dao Sect's past contributions, I would have ended you today, even if it meant defying the Great Thousand Palace's decree. Consider this a favor to the Heavenly Dao Sect. But don't think I'll show such mercy next time."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the void, his tone carrying a mix of reluctance and warning.
A Sigh of Relief
As the Battle Emperor departed, Xiao Tiance exhaled a long breath of relief. Although he had put up a strong front, he wasn't entirely certain that even his most powerful techniques, including the Spirit Array Body Refinement and the Ten Thousand Tribulations Body, would be enough to defeat the Battle Emperor.
Fatty floated to his side, grinning. "You should thank me, Little Sir. If I hadn't stepped in, you might've had a hard time."
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "I won't deny it. That was a close one."
"Close? Hah, with the Heavenly Dao Tower here, what's there to fear? Even a Saint Grade Heavenly Supreme would think twice before challenging us," Fatty boasted, puffing up his chest.
Lingering Concerns
As the tension eased, Xiao Tiance exchanged a glance with Fatty. They both understood that while the immediate threat was gone, the Western Heaven Battle Emperor would remain a formidable adversary.
Nonetheless, Xiao Tiance's path forward had only just begun.
"Shall we leave?" Xiao Tiance asked.
Fatty nodded but added, "We need to keep an eye out. I sensed a powerful aura approaching from another continent while the Battle Emperor was still here. It might be someone from the Great Thousand Palace."
A New Arrival
Back in Luo Shui City, Xiao Xuan and Gu Xun'er continued to watch the skies.
"Uncle Xiao Xuan, look!" Gu Xun'er exclaimed, pointing to a shimmering rift opening in the void.
From the rift emerged an enigmatic figure cloaked in golden robes, their aura vast and oppressive, seemingly representing the very order of the Great Thousand World.
Xiao Xuan's eyes narrowed. "It seems the Great Thousand Palace has sent someone. Let's hope they're here to mediate, not escalate."
After exhaling a deep breath, Xiao Tiance gently circulated his spiritual power, instantly clearing away the impurities on his body. He then retrieved fresh robes from his storage ring and put them on.
Suddenly, Fatty spoke up:
"The Western Heaven Battle Emperor has left. I'll hide myself now. By the way, there's a powerful aura approaching at least the level of an early stage Saint Grade Heavenly Supreme. It's coming this way quickly. If I'm not mistaken, it should be someone from the Great Thousand Palace."
"The Great Thousand Palace?"
Xiao Tiance also sensed the aura, though he hadn't considered that it might belong to someone from the Great Thousand Palace.
"Yes," Fatty explained. **"The Great Thousand Palace possesses an extraordinary sacred artifact capable of detecting the presence of newly ascended Heavenly Supremes anywhere in the Great Thousand World. Although you ascended within the secret realm, the moment you exited, your presence would have been detected.
"According to their rules, the Great Thousand Palace sends representatives to register newly ascended Heavenly Supremes. Consider it an invitation to join the Great Thousand Palace.
"But don't worry about it restricting your freedom. The Great Thousand Palace has only one goal to combat the extraterrestrial demons."**
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance nodded. "Understood. Fatty, you can go back for now."
Fatty's figure disappeared, and the Heavenly Dao Tower transformed into a beam of light, settling back into the headband Xiao Tiance used to tie his hair.
"Ling'er, stay alert," Xiao Tiance instructed.
"Understood, Young Master. My aura is now synchronized with yours. Unless I reveal myself, no one will notice my presence," Ling'er responded promptly.
"Good."
At Luo Shui City Gate
Xiao Tiance teleported to the city gate, where he was immediately greeted by Xiao Xuan.
"Tiance, are you alright?" Xiao Xuan asked anxiously.
"I'm fine, Brother Xuan. Sorry for worrying you," Xiao Tiance replied with a smile.
Glancing at the relieved faces of the others, Xiao Tiance reassured them:
"There's no need to worry. For now, the Western Heaven Battle Hall poses no threat."
The crowd erupted into cheers.
"Lord Tiance is truly powerful, even the Western Heaven Battle Emperor couldn't defeat him!"
"Long live Lord Tiance!"
Amidst the praises, Xiao Tiance smiled faintly.
At that moment, an immensely powerful aura rapidly approached, drawing everyone's attention. Xiao Tiance was unsurprised Fatty had already mentioned that someone from the Great Thousand Palace might be coming.
Moments later, a figure emerged from the void, suppressing their overwhelming aura.
A Representative Arrives
Seeing the new arrival, Xiao Xuan and the others instinctively tensed up. This figure's earlier aura was far more terrifying than even the Western Heaven Battle Emperor's.
Xiao Tiance stepped forward, placing himself protectively in front of his companions. Noticing the distinctive Exorcism Token of the Great Thousand Palace hanging from the stranger's waist, he cupped his hands in greeting.
"May I know which esteemed figure of the Great Thousand Palace has graced us with their presence? I, Xiao Tiance, offer my respects."
Hearing this, Luo Tian Shen and the others relaxed. Being natives of the Great Thousand World, they were well aware of the Great Thousand Palace's noble reputation. Xiao Xuan and Gu Xun'er, unfamiliar with the organization, also felt at ease upon seeing the lack of hostility.
The visitor smiled faintly and returned the salute.
"I am Wan Feng, steward of the Great Thousand Tower branch. There's no need for such formalities."
As he spoke, Wan Feng raised the Exorcism Token in his hand.
The Exorcism Token, a symbol of an Exorcist's status, also served as a pass within the Great Thousand Palace. It could absorb a trace of a slain extraterrestrial demon's soul, converting it into Exorcism Points.
With Wan Feng's token on display, the tension in the air eased further.
A Friendly Exchange
"Greetings, Steward Wan," Xiao Tiance said respectfully, cupping his hands again.
"Haha, there's no need for such formality," Wan Feng chuckled. **"Headquarters detected the appearance of a newly ascended Heavenly Supreme on the Western Heaven Continent and sent me to investigate.
"Frankly, I thought it might be one of the old recluses breaking through. To my surprise, it turned out to be such a young man.
"Wonderful! Truly wonderful! With another Heavenly Supreme joining our ranks, our chances in the battle against the extraterrestrial demons have increased."**
Wan Feng's joy was genuine. As a branch steward of the Great Thousand Tower, he welcomed the emergence of new Heavenly Supremes, each a crucial asset in the war against the demons.
"You flatter me, Steward Wan," Xiao Tiance responded humbly.
Though Wan Feng's rank wasn't exceptionally high, he represented the Great Thousand Palace a force even Xiao Tiance dared not offend. Moreover, he genuinely admired the Great Thousand Palace's unwavering dedication to protecting the Great Thousand World from the extraterrestrial demons.
A force wielding such immense power yet refraining from seeking dominion deserved respect.
Wan Feng noted Xiao Tiance's respectful demeanor and was pleased, especially by the sincere admiration in his eyes. It reaffirmed that the Great Thousand Palace's efforts were appreciated.
**"No need to be modest. To ascend to the Heavenly Supreme realm at your age, especially after just entering the Great Thousand World from a lower plane, is a remarkable achievement.
"Now, to the main purpose of my visit. First, I came to confirm the identity of the newly ascended Heavenly Supreme. Second, I need to ask you a few questions. If all goes well, I'll extend an invitation for you to become a guest elder of the Great Thousand Palace."**
A Solemn Inquiry
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Should we speak here, or move to a more private location?"
"Here is fine. The extraterrestrial demons have been acting up lately, so I must return to the Great Thousand Tower immediately after this," Wan Feng replied casually.
"Very well. Please proceed, Steward Wan," Xiao Tiance said.
**"Alright, Xiao Tiance, I will ask you three questions on behalf of the Great Thousand Palace:
Are you willing to fight the extraterrestrial demons to protect the Great Thousand World?
If the demons invade, will you commit everything, including your life, to resist them?
Will you join the Great Thousand Palace as a guest elder?"**
(End of Chapter)
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