Chapter 412: Responses from All Sides, A Lack of Respect
"If possible, try to establish friendly ties during the visit."
The Maha Ancient Clan's Perspective
In the ancestral grounds of the Maha Ancient Clan, the Maha Clan Leader, also known as Maha Patriarch, concluded his remarks.
Maha Tian, frowning slightly, bowed respectfully and said, **"Clan Leader, while I agree that Xiao Tiance's strength is impressive and that he has the potential to become a top tier powerhouse, I believe we should take a different approach.
Given his potential, wouldn't it be better to bring him and White Jade Capital under our Maha Ancient Clan's banner? Their recent victory over the True Phoenix Clan proves they have the power to humble even such a proud force.
If we successfully subjugate White Jade Capital, it would significantly strengthen our Maha Ancient Clan, tipping the scales against the Floating Tower Ancient Clan, which has long overshadowed us.
After all, White Jade Capital, despite its strength as a superpower, lacks a Saint Heavenly Sovereign to anchor it. Such a force has no choice but to yield to us."**
Hearing this, the Maha Patriarch paused momentarily before chuckling and shaking his head. "Heh, Tian'er, you're oversimplifying the matter."
"Please enlighten me, Clan Leader," Maha Tian requested, his confusion evident.
"Ordinarily, I would have let you figure this out on your own, but since you brought it up, allow me to explain in detail," the Maha Patriarch began.
**"First, based on the information we've gathered, Xiao Tiance ascended from a lower realm as its most powerful figure. People like him are inherently proud and will never submit to anyone or any force.
Think about it if another ancient clan approached you, asking you to bow your head, would you agree?"**
Maha Tian straightened his posture and confidently replied, "Absolutely not. None of the other Four Ancient Clans could ever make me submit."
The Maha Patriarch smiled. **"Exactly. Xiao Tiance is the same.
For instance, the Saintess of the Tai Ling Ancient Clan once invited Xiao Tiance to join their clan, but he refused without hesitation, even before his rise. Later, even the West Heaven Battle Hall and the Fire Spirit Clan Patriarch tried and failed to recruit him.
While our Maha Ancient Clan is powerful, we stand no better chance of subjugating Xiao Tiance than they did."**
The patriarch took a sip of tea, allowing Maha Tian to digest his words.
"Secondly," he continued, **"what you've thought of forcing submission is not unique. Do you think the other Four Ancient Clans haven't considered the same?
If we were to take action against White Jade Capital, the other clans would undoubtedly intervene. Our current balance with the other Four Ancient Clans is delicate. Any move to disrupt this equilibrium would provoke opposition.
Moreover, White Jade Capital is no weakling. If we estimate their strength based on their victory over the True Phoenix Clan, they likely have the power equivalent to nine Heavenly Sovereigns.
While lacking a Saint Heavenly Sovereign, they remain formidable enough that only the Five Ancient Clans and the Great Thousand Palace could truly overpower them."**
Maha Tian's expression grew contemplative, and the patriarch smiled knowingly as he took another sip of tea.
After a moment, Maha Tian bowed deeply. "Thank you for your guidance, Clan Leader. I see now that my perspective was too narrow."
"No need to apologize," the patriarch replied warmly. **"In truth, I wouldn't oppose you testing the waters if not for one last factor.
Remember that Xiao Tiance brought about Feng Mingtian's fall during the battle at the True Phoenix Clan's ancestral grounds.
It has been some time since then, yet the Great Thousand Palace has taken no action against him. As you know, the palace prohibits Heavenly Sovereigns from perishing within the Great Thousand World.
Why do you think the Great Thousand Palace has remained silent?"**
Maha Tian's eyes widened as realization dawned on him. The Great Thousand Palace, rather than punishing White Jade Capital, likely deemed their victory over the True Phoenix Clan necessary.
White Jade Capital's position on the Northern Ming Continent the Great Thousand World's northernmost frontier clearly signaled their intent to guard against External Demonic Beasts.
By constructing the Zhu Xian Fortress to strengthen the northern frontlines, White Jade Capital had taken on a role that the Great Thousand Palace could only applaud.
Given these circumstances, any attempt to suppress White Jade Capital would not only draw the ire of the other Four Ancient Clans but also provoke the Great Thousand Palace.
"Thank you again, Clan Leader, for your wisdom. I will not act recklessly during the ceremony." Maha Tian bowed deeply.
The patriarch nodded in approval. **"Good. It's wise to understand the bigger picture.
Also, Tian'er, all the Ancient Clans are likely to attend this ceremony. You're of age now, and it's time to consider marriage. I'll have an elder accompany you. If you meet a suitable young lady, don't hesitate to get to know her better."**
Caught off guard, Maha Tian stammered. "I… I understand, Clan Leader. I will keep that in mind."
"Excellent. Now go and prepare gifts for the ceremony," the patriarch said, disappearing moments later.
Reactions of Other Clans
At the Floating Tower Ancient Clan, the Grand Elder gathered the clan's strongest members to discuss White Jade Capital's invitation. They ultimately decided to send the Second Elder, accompanied by promising young talents, to attend the ceremony.
Four Seas City
One month later, in Four Seas City, Tong Sihai reviewed the responses from invited parties. He frowned slightly, organizing the replies before heading to the White Jade Capital's central city, Jing City.
Heavenly Strategy Mansion
In Jing City, Xiao Tiance sat with Medusa, enjoying tea and conversation.
Suddenly, Shi Hao's respectful voice came from outside. "Immortal Lord, Four Seas City Lord Tong Sihai is here to report an urgent matter."
"Let him in," Xiao Tiance said calmly.
Xiao Tiance glanced toward the doorway and casually called out, "Come in."
Moments later, Shi Hao entered, accompanying Tong Sihai. The two saluted respectfully, saying, "Greetings, Immortal Lord, and Lady Mistress."
Xiao Tiance smiled and gestured for Tong Sihai to sit. "Tong Sihai, why are you here? Weren't you busy handling the invitations for the ceremony? What brings you back so soon?"
After sitting down, Tong Sihai retrieved a booklet from his sleeve and presented it respectfully. "The invitations have been delivered to most of the targeted factions. Here's the updated list for your review."
Xiao Tiance nodded, taking the booklet as Medusa poured tea for Tong Sihai. As he began flipping through the pages, his expression gradually darkened. Once he finished reading, he let out a cold chuckle.
"It's fine. The invitations have been sent, and whether they choose to attend or not is up to them. You've worked hard, Tong Sihai. Managing the merchant guild, dispatching personnel across the Great Thousand World to contact so many major factions it can't have been easy for you. Are you holding up?"
Tong Sihai stood and bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your concern, Immortal Lord. Serving White Jade Capital is an honor, not a burden. In truth, these busy days have been fulfilling. I'm the weakest among the five city lords, so having this responsibility is a blessing for me."
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance chuckled. **"You're too modest, Tong Sihai. What you've accomplished in these two months through the guild is something others couldn't achieve. The resources you've brought in have already contributed immensely to White Jade Capital's growth.
On another note, I noticed that the Fire Spirit Clan's Patriarch plans to attend the ceremony. Perhaps I can use this opportunity to see if they'd consider approving your marriage to the one you hold dear."**
Tong Sihai, caught off guard, widened his eyes in shock before quickly bowing. "Thank you, Immortal Lord, for your consideration."
"I won't make any guarantees," Xiao Tiance replied with a smile. "The Fire Spirit Clan and I didn't exactly part on good terms last time, but I'll see what I can do."
"Regardless of the outcome, I'm deeply grateful for your help, Immortal Lord," Tong Sihai said with utmost sincerity.
After some small talk and a few inquiries about the merchant guild, Tong Sihai took his leave.
After he departed, Medusa noticed Xiao Tiance's expression still bore traces of anger. She gently reached out and held his hand, speaking softly. "What's troubling you, husband? Did something in Tong Sihai's report upset you?"
Xiao Tiance handed her the booklet. After reading it, Medusa's brow furrowed. "So many factions failed to respond? That's outrageously disrespectful."
Xiao Tiance gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and shook his head. **"It's frustrating, yes, but also expected.
We've only been in the Great Thousand World for a year. Our rise has been meteoric, and even though our accomplishments are impressive, many of these so called superpowers pride themselves on their supposed superiority.
What surprises me most is the Archaic Clan. Of the Five Ancient Clans, they didn't even bother to send someone to offer perfunctory congratulations. That level of disregard is unexpected.
Still, it doesn't matter. If they choose to ignore us now, we'll just continue to grow stronger. I'm curious to see if they'll remain so dismissive when White Jade Capital rivals the Ancient Clans in power."**
Medusa nodded, her gaze steady. **"You're right, husband. Our strength will only grow. Among the Five City Lords and Twelve Tower Lords, many have the potential to ascend to the Heavenly Sovereign level.
For instance, Brother Xuan, Tianming, and your four disciples all show great promise. Once they step into that realm, along with your increasing strength, matching the Ancient Clans will only be a matter of time.
What annoys me, however, is the attitude of the Five Elemental Clans. Aside from the Fire Spirit Clan, the Ice, Thunder, Wood, Earth, and Wind Spirit Clans didn't even bother responding. Their arrogance is infuriating. Should we pay them a 'visit' after the ceremony?"**
Indeed, the Five Elemental Clans were considered superpowers, but their combined strength couldn't compare to White Jade Capital. For them to blatantly snub the invitation was enough to provoke Medusa's ire.
Hearing her words, Xiao Tiance's anger dissipated. He smiled, gently smoothing the furrow in her brow. **"Why waste your energy being upset? Their attendance or lack thereof was always a possibility.
I'm honestly more surprised that the Fire Spirit Clan agreed to attend. As for the others, like the Thunder, Wind, and Earth Spirit Clans, their absence is inconsequential.
However, I must admit, the Ice Spirit Clan's absence actually pleases me."**
Medusa tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Is it because of Lin Dong's wife, Ying Huanhuan?"
Xiao Tiance nodded. **"Exactly. The Ice Spirit Clan won't let Lin Dong take Ying Huanhuan without resistance.
I've already promised Lin Dong that I'd accompany him to the Ice Spirit Clan to support him. Their absence simplifies matters if it comes to a fight, I won't have to hold back.
If they had shown up, it might've complicated things later."**
Medusa smiled and nodded. **"You have a point. Their absence makes it easier to deal with them when the time comes.
By the way, husband, you seem to admire Lin Dong quite a bit."**
Pouring tea into their cups, Xiao Tiance sipped thoughtfully before replying. **"Lin Dong is extraordinary. Despite our limited interactions, every time I've seen him, he's surprised me.
I'm convinced his future achievements will be immense.
Honestly, even without my help, he wouldn't fare poorly against the Ice Spirit Clan. But as the saying goes, offering aid in someone's time of need forges stronger bonds than simply celebrating their successes.
Helping Lin Dong now, before he fully rises, could yield invaluable returns in the future."**
Medusa chuckled softly, her gaze filled with admiration. **"Husband, you've always had this foresight. From our time on the Dou Qi Continent to now in the Great Thousand World, you always approach things with calm confidence, as if nothing is beyond your grasp.
My only wish is to stand by your side, grow stronger, and contribute to your endeavors."**
Her gentle tone, combined with her adoring gaze, struck Xiao Tiance deeply.
Pulling her into his arms, he smiled warmly and carried her toward their bedroom. "Then let me show my appreciation for my devoted queen."
(End of Chapter)
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