Chapter 413: Reflections and Lin Dong's Request
As time passed, the day of White Jade Capital's grand founding ceremony grew closer.
The Northern Underworld Continent, originally sparsely populated compared to other continents, became increasingly bustling with activity. The completion of the four newly constructed cities in addition to the mighty Execution City brought life to the land.
Four Seas City, in particular, had quickly surpassed a population of one million, while even Capital City, the smallest in terms of residents, now hosted over 300,000 people.
At the Gates of Capital City
As people stepped through the teleportation arrays and entered the city, their first reaction was always one of astonishment.
The towering walls, over thirty meters high, stood as an imposing reminder of the city's might. Even more impressive was the presence of a grandmaster level defensive array embedded in the walls.
Of course, weaker cultivators couldn't detect its dormant but overwhelming power. They simply marveled at the grand scale and the fact that Supreme Realm experts guarded even the city gates.
However, the strong immediately felt an underlying sense of danger. The faint energy emanating from the defensive array was enough to make even a Heavenly Sovereign hesitate.
Just then, the teleportation array at the city gate flickered, and four figures appeared: three men and one woman, each exuding an aura at the minimum level of Earthly Sovereign.
"Hiss!"
The four collectively gasped. One middle aged man exclaimed, "So, this is the headquarters of White Jade Capital? As expected of Lord Tiance. This defensive array it hasn't even been activated, yet its presence alone strikes fear into the heart."
Another man nodded solemnly. "Indeed, this array could probably obliterate even a Heavenly Sovereign who dared cause trouble here."
The young man leading the group exchanged a glance with the stunningly beautiful woman at his side. Smiling, he turned to the two older men and said, "Senior Dragon Emperor, Uncle Gu Yuan, let's head inside first. I already informed Ancestor Tiance of our arrival, so I imagine "
Before he could finish, a blur darted toward them.
"Father!"
The young woman leaped into the arms of one of the older men, her voice filled with excitement.
"Ziyan! My dear daughter, I've missed you so much!"
The man embracing her was none other than Dragon Emperor Zhukun, patriarch of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan.
The four were revealed to be Zhukun, Gu Yuan, Xiao Yan, and Gu Xun'er.
The young woman who had thrown herself into Zhukun's arms was naturally Zi Yan, who had been living in White Jade Capital alongside Xiao Tiance.
Father and daughter clung to each other tightly. Having been separated since leaving the Dou Qi Continent, their reunion was an emotional one.
Gu Yuan, Xiao Yan, and the others didn't interrupt the touching scene. Instead, they turned to greet the young man who had come to welcome them.
"Senior Gu Yuan, Senior Dragon Emperor, Lady Empress, Xiao Yan my master sent me to escort you."
The speaker was Xiao Huai'en, one of Xiao Tiance's four disciples.
Despite his youth, Xiao Huai'en's strength and potential were evident, earning him respect from all.
Gu Yuan smiled and returned the greeting. "There's no need for formalities. Since Ancestor Tiance is waiting, let's head inside."
The others nodded in agreement.
Just as they prepared to enter, two familiar auras approached. Turning, they saw Lin Dong and Ying Qingzhu walking toward them.
"Brother Xiao Yan, Sister Xun'er, Huai'en, Zi Yan we meet again!" Lin Dong greeted them warmly.
"Lin Dong, Brother Lin! Qingzhu, it's good to see you again!" Xiao Yan replied with a hearty laugh as the group exchanged greetings.
Their reunion turned the city gate into a lively scene. The atmosphere became even more spirited when Mo He Tian, leading the contingent from the Mo He Ancient Clan, arrived, causing a stir among onlookers.
In Capital City, Tiance Manor
On the ninth floor of the manor, Xiao Tiance sat in conversation with Shi Hao. The latter updated him on the arrivals of various forces and strongholds, as well as how they were being accommodated.
Not long after Shi Hao left, he returned, this time accompanied by Xiao Yan, Gu Yuan, Zhukun, and the others.
"Greetings, Ancestor Tiance/Uncle/Teacher/Immortal Lord!" the group chorused respectfully.
Xiao Tiance waved off their formalities and invited them to sit. Smiling, he said, "It's been some time since we last met, hasn't it? Gu Yuan, Dragon Emperor."
Gu Yuan smiled wryly, his admiration evident. "Indeed, it's been a while, Tiance. You remain as formidable as ever. In less than a year, you've established such a powerful force. White Jade Capital's name echoes everywhere we go it's nothing short of legendary."
Zhukun nodded in agreement. **"Gu Yuan is right. When Xiao Yan found us and told us about White Jade Capital, we wouldn't have believed it if it weren't coming from him.
But seeing this with my own eyes... Tiance, your achievements are truly astonishing."**
Zhukun's tone carried a mix of respect and self reflection. As the patriarch of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, he had always prided himself on his strength and accomplishments. Yet, standing here now, he couldn't help but marvel at Xiao Tiance's meteoric rise.
Xiao Tiance smiled calmly, waving a hand dismissively. "You're too kind, Dragon Emperor. The past is the past. If there's ever anything White Jade Capital can assist you with in the future, don't hesitate to ask."
His words were sincere, a gesture to set aside any lingering grievances from their shared history on the Dou Qi Continent.
In this unfamiliar realm, they were like workers from the same small village trying to make a living in a bustling metropolis. They had to support one another and avoid being bullied by outsiders.
Across from him, Zhukun and Gu Yuan sensed the goodwill in Xiao Tiance's words. They both nodded, expressing that they wouldn't hesitate to ask for help if needed.
Xiao Tiance smiled knowingly at their responses. Then, his gaze shifted to Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er, who had been relatively quiet. With a warm smile, he asked, **"Xiao Yan, Xun'er, what are your plans?
Would you be interested in joining White Jade Capital?
With your talents and strength, you're destined to become Heavenly Sovereigns. If you're willing to join, I promise that you'll be treated well."**
Hearing this, Xiao Yan and Xun'er exchanged a glance. Xiao Yan then cupped his hands respectfully and said, **"Thank you, Tiance Ancestor, for your kindness. White Jade Capital is flourishing, filled with talented people and incredible strength.
If we were to join, I have no doubt you would treat us with great honor.
However, after leaving Dragon Phoenix Heaven, Xun'er and I discussed it. We'd like to explore and challenge ourselves further before making any commitments.
If we ever reach a point where we can no longer move forward, we'll come and seek your protection."**
Xun'er quickly nodded in agreement and added with a smile, "Yes, Tiance Uncle. Thank you for your generous offer."
Xiao Tiance noticed the firm determination in their eyes and sighed inwardly. He understood that Xiao Yan was not someone who would ever settle for being under someone else's authority.
If that were his nature, Xiao Yan wouldn't have distanced himself from the Xiao Clan back on the Dou Qi Continent. If Xiao Yan had sought to integrate into the clan, Xiao Tiance might never have passed the patriarchal position to Xiao Qing.
Now, Xiao Yan had reached the High Earthly Sovereign level. With his cultivation speed, even without the help of the Heavenly Flames, it wouldn't take him long to ascend to the Heavenly Sovereign realm.
Glancing at Xun'er, whose aura was already brushing against the threshold of the Heavenly Sovereign realm, Xiao Tiance nodded and smiled.
**"Alright. Exploring the world is a good thing for young people.
As your elder, I fully support your decision. If you ever encounter a problem you can't solve, don't hesitate to contact me.
I promise that I won't sit idly by and let you suffer.
And if you ever want to establish your own great power and need support, you can always count on White Jade Capital."**
As his words fell, Xiao Yan and Xun'er bowed deeply in gratitude. Zhukun and Gu Yuan also cupped their hands in thanks.
With the serious matters settled, the conversation became more casual, with everyone chatting about lighter topics.
Nightfall in Capital City
After dinner, Xiao Tiance lay in bed with Medusa, her head resting on his chest. The two quietly enjoyed the rare tranquility, gazing at the stars above.
"Husband, I feel like meeting Clan Leader Gu Yuan today changed something in your mindset," Medusa said softly, looking up at him.
Xiao Tiance chuckled, his fingers brushing through her hair.
**"It's true. Who would have thought there'd come a day when I could sit and talk peacefully with them?
Back then, if not for my regard for Xiao Xuan and Xun'er, the entire Gu Clan was nothing more than ants to me. I could have crushed them with ease there'd have been no room for their antics.
But in hindsight, I'm glad I restrained my anger.
The peace we have now, sharing drinks and laughter, is worth it. I don't regret showing mercy to the Gu Clan or the Ancient Void Dragon Clan."**
Hearing this, Medusa nodded and gently caressed his face. "As long as you don't regret it, Husband, I have no other wishes. I only pray that you remain safe and sound."
Xiao Tiance laughed heartily, pulling her closer. **"Don't worry. While I'm not yet at the pinnacle of the Great Thousand World, there are few who can truly threaten me.
Alright, let's rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day, and the founding ceremony is the day after."**
He patted Medusa's smooth back and closed his eyes. She nestled closer, finding a comfortable position before drifting into a deep sleep.
The Next Morning
As the first rays of sunlight bathed the Northern Underworld Continent, Xiao Tiance was already awake. He stood on a balcony, wearing a loose robe, quietly watching the breathtaking sunrise.
"Ah..."
After taking in the view, he returned to dress and began attending to the day's affairs. Despite delegating most tasks to his capable subordinates, the responsibilities of leadership still left him feeling that this lifestyle wasn't quite what he desired.
Stretching lazily, he felt Medusa's soft fingers gently massage his temples. With his eyes closed, he sighed contentedly.
**"Once White Jade Capital's founding ceremony is over, let's hand over its daily management to Brother Xuan and the others.
Then we'll explore the Great Thousand World together. After all, it'd be a shame not to take the opportunity to see it all."**
Medusa smiled warmly and nodded. "Wherever you go, Husband, I will follow."
Xiao Tiance laughed, pulling her into his embrace and kissing her lightly. Their tender moment was interrupted by Shi Hao announcing from outside that Lin Dong had come to visit.
Lin Dong's Visit
After tidying up, Xiao Tiance invited Lin Dong inside.
"Greetings, Tiance Senior. I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" Lin Dong teased, noticing Medusa's lingering blush.
"Haha, you brat. Sit down already. Where's Qingzhu? Didn't she come with you?" Xiao Tiance laughed as he gestured for Lin Dong to sit.
**"She prefers peace and quiet, so she's resting in our quarters.
I came for two reasons: first, to personally congratulate you on White Jade Capital's founding.
Second, I'd like to ask if we could move up our trip to the Ice Spirit Clan."** Lin Dong bowed slightly as he explained.
"Move it up? That's fine. When were you thinking?" Xiao Tiance asked, pondering briefly.
"Right after the founding ceremony," Lin Dong replied. "My two brothers have already scouted the Ice Spirit Clan's situation. With your help, we're confident in succeeding."
(End of Chapter)
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