Chapter 416: Fighting Spirit – Crushing Mohatian's Arrogance
"Five... fifty million battle patterns!"
At White Jade Capital's headquarters in the Northern Netherworld Continent, the astonished shout of a half step Saint Grade Heavenly Sovereign from the Black Sky Ancient Clan rippled through the gathering. Guests rushed outside the banquet hall, their gasps of shock filling the air.
The Revelation of Xiao Tiance's Power
The stunned gazes of the crowd fell on Xiao Tiance, who stood amidst the dazzling display of glowing battle patterns emanating from his twelve Heavenly Demon Puppets. The revelation left even his allies, like Moye and others, speechless.
Xiao Tiance wasn't just a master of battle formations he was a million pattern Battle Array Master, a status far more prestigious and rare than even most Heavenly Sovereigns.
In the Great Thousand World, Battle Array Masters stood at the pinnacle of elite professions. A practitioner with millions of battle patterns was a force to be reckoned with:
Up to 3 million battle patterns: Comparable to a Heavenly Sovereign.
Up to 6 million battle patterns: Comparable to a Spiritual Heavenly Sovereign.
Beyond 6 million patterns: Comparable to a Saint Grade Heavenly Sovereign.
The fact that the battle patterns surrounding Xiao Tiance's puppets were rapidly approaching 6 million stunned everyone present.
Reactions of the Crowd
"What... what is this?! His battle pattern count is nearing six million?"
Among the onlookers, Mohatian, supported by an elder of the Mohe Ancient Clan, looked utterly dumbfounded. The color drained from his face as he watched the unbelievable display.
"Impossible… This guy… he's not just a Spirit Array Grandmaster… He's also a Saint tier Battle Array Master?"
The crowd's whispers reflected their disbelief:
"The White Jade Capital's Sovereign isn't just a peerless fighter he's a legend in the making!"
"A battle formation master capable of summoning fifty million patterns this is monstrous!"
Among them, even the elder shielding Qing Yanjing, the renowned beauty from the Futuo Ancient Clan, could not hide the flicker of awe in his eyes.
Xiao Tiance Unleashes His Power
Unperturbed by the murmurs, Xiao Tiance's calm gaze remained fixed on Mohatian and his entourage.
"Buzz!"
The atmosphere tensed further as Xiao Tiance's hands began weaving intricate seals in midair. With every motion, the pulsating battle patterns condensed into the form of a terrifyingly sharp longsword.
The sword was adorned with complex, lifelike patterns of mythical beasts, exuding an aura so menacing that those in its line of sight felt a visceral sense of impending death.
Even the Mohe elders, seasoned powerhouses, broke into cold sweats. They instinctively understood: if Xiao Tiance willed it, this sword could cleave them into nothingness in an instant.
Xiao Tiance's Warning
Xiao Tiance's cold, commanding voice echoed across the silent battlefield:
"Now, tell me, Mohe Ancient Clan are you declaring war on White Jade Capital?"
His piercing gaze swept across the Mohe delegation. Those caught in it dared not meet his eyes, hurriedly averting their gazes. Even Mohatian, brimming with arrogance moments before, could barely suppress his trembling.
Mohatian's Fear and Bluster
Mohatian swallowed hard, struggling to mask his panic.
If he had known Xiao Tiance wielded such terrifying power, he would never have acted so brashly. Summoning what little composure he had left, Mohatian forced a sneer:
**"Xiao Tiance, do you realize that if you dare harm us today, you'll make an enemy of the Mohe Ancient Clan?
"You think crushing the Phoenix Clan or clashing with the Western Heavens Temple gives you the right to ignore the authority of the Mohe Ancient Clan? Think again.
"If you value your life and your sect, you'll deactivate your array and apologize. Otherwise, I guarantee the days of White Jade Capital are numbered!"**
Xiao Tiance Responds with Scorn
At Mohatian's threat, Xiao Tiance erupted into laughter. His voice dripped with mockery as he retorted:
**"Hahaha! So this is the famed young master of the Mohe Ancient Clan a brainless fool!
"You initiated an unprovoked attack on my city lords during a public event, insulted my White Jade Capital, and spat on my dignity.
"And now you demand an apology? If I were to let you off, I might as well close White Jade Capital and retire as a hermit!"**
Without waiting for a response, Xiao Tiance's battle forged longsword began to glow brighter as his power surged.
The Assault Begins
"Slash!"
The sword emitted a wave of devastating energy. A terrifying arc of sword qi cut through the air, hurtling toward Mohatian and his group with unstoppable force.
"Block it, no matter what!" Mohatian shouted, his face pale.
The elder shielding Mohatian leapt forward, pouring all his strength into a defensive barrier.
"Boom!"
The sword qi collided with the barrier, resulting in an earth shattering explosion. When the dust settled, the elder was sent flying, blood spurting from his lips.
As for the others, those who weren't annihilated outright were left gravely injured, clutching their chests as they coughed up blood. Mohatian, despite the elder's protection, spat another mouthful of blood and slumped to the ground, his face ghostly pale.
Xiao Tiance's Icy Declaration
"It seems the Mohe Ancient Clan lacks the strength to match its arrogance," Xiao Tiance remarked coldly.
He raised his battle forged sword once more, its power continuing to build. His intent was clear he would deal a decisive blow to the half step Saint Grade elder before he could retaliate.
Mohatian's Desperation
Realizing the dire situation, Mohatian's bravado finally cracked.
**"Great elders of the Great Thousand Palace! Will you stand idly by and let Xiao Tiance slaughter us?
"Your laws forbid the killing of Heavenly Sovereigns within the Great Thousand World! Are you going to let him break the rules?"**
The Stakes Intensify
As the crowd held their breath, their gazes turned toward the representatives of the Great Thousand Palace. Would they intervene to uphold the law or would they let Xiao Tiance continue his rampage?
Amid the rising tension, all eyes turned toward Wan Feng, the steward from the Great Thousand Palace. Feeling the weight of countless gazes, Wan Feng sighed inwardly and stepped forward, gesturing with cupped hands toward Xiao Tiance.
"Xiao Tiance, as an esteemed guest elder of the Great Thousand Palace, I must ask: could you grant us a small favor in this matter?"
Xiao Tiance Responds with Firmness
Xiao Tiance's gaze sharpened as he faced Wan Feng.
**"Steward Wan, it's not that I'm unwilling to honor your request. But the Mohe Ancient Clan has gone too far this time.
"I invited them in good faith to attend White Jade Capital's founding ceremony. Had they refused to come, I wouldn't have held it against them. After all, compared to a behemoth like the Mohe Ancient Clan, my White Jade Capital is as insignificant as an ant.
"But since they came, I treated them with utmost respect, without the slightest offense. And yet, as you and everyone else here witnessed, Mohe Tian showed utter disdain for my sect and openly humiliated me.
"If you were in my position, could you endure such disrespect without taking action?"**
Understanding Wan Feng's Position
Wan Feng smiled wryly. He had anticipated this reaction. While the Great Thousand Palace typically refrains from interfering in worldly disputes, its role as the guardian against the extraterrestrial demon race often compelled it to step in during critical moments.
When Xiao Tiance had clashed with the Phoenix Clan before, resulting in the death of Feng Mingtian, a half step Saint Grade Heavenly Sovereign, the Great Thousand Palace had investigated the incident thoroughly. They discovered that Feng Mingtian had died to tribulation lightning rather than Xiao Tiance's direct action. Had it been otherwise, the Great Thousand Palace would have held Xiao Tiance accountable.
Even so, the Great Thousand Palace had extracted a price from Xiao Tiance: he and White Jade Capital were assigned to guard the northern front against extraterrestrial threats.
Thus, the palace could not afford for Xiao Tiance to take actions that might destabilize the precarious balance in the Great Thousand World.
Wan Feng's Appeal
Wan Feng glanced briefly at Mohe Tian, then returned his gaze to Xiao Tiance. With a heavy sigh, he cupped his hands again.
**"Elder Xiao, I completely understand your position. Were I in your shoes, I would feel the same way.
"But the Great Thousand World is under constant threat from the extraterrestrial demon race. A misstep on our part could allow them to breach our defenses, which would spell disaster.
"So, on behalf of the Great Thousand Palace, I implore you to take a step back for the greater good.
"Of course, I also recognize that Mohe Tian's actions today have humiliated you and your sect. Your response is justified, and your actions understandable."**
As Wan Feng spoke, he noticed Xiao Tiance's expression soften slightly. Though Xiao Tiance remained silent, his grip on the battle forged sword in his hand did not relax.
The Resolution Wan Feng Proposed
Seeing the faint shift in Xiao Tiance's demeanor, Wan Feng pressed forward with his suggestion.
"Elder Xiao, if you are willing, allow me to mediate this matter. I promise you that neither your dignity nor White Jade Capital's reputation will suffer."
Xiao Tiance's Decision
After a moment of silence, Xiao Tiance nodded slightly.
"Fine. Since Steward Wan has made this request, it is only proper that I grant you this favor. I'll leave this matter in your hands."
Though he relented, Xiao Tiance kept the battle forged sword in hand. This subtle gesture signaled that while he had agreed to a resolution, he was prepared to act if things took a turn for the worse.
"Thank you," Wan Feng said, visibly relieved.
Wan Feng's Instructions to Mohe Tian
Wan Feng turned toward Mohe Tian, his face hardening. Stepping closer, he whispered a few words into the Mohe heir's ear. Whatever was said caused Mohe Tian's expression to shift dramatically. His face alternated between pale and red, and his clenched fists trembled with barely contained rage.
Finally, his expression turned into one of suppressed fury as he lowered his head.
Mohe Tian's Forced Apology
With great reluctance, Mohe Tian cupped his hands toward Xiao Tiance and spoke through gritted teeth:
**"I apologize, Sovereign Xiao. My earlier behavior was inappropriate. I acted rashly and disrespected both you and White Jade Capital.
"To express my regret, I present this scroll containing a quasi divine skill and ten thousand rare heavenly treasures as a gesture of apology. I hope you can forgive my rudeness."**
The Crowd's Reaction
Gasps and murmurs filled the air.
"The Mohe Ancient Clan actually gave in!"
"I didn't expect White Jade Capital to be strong enough to make a colossus like the Mohe Ancient Clan bow its head!"
"Serves him right. Mohe Tian was looking for trouble."
Amid the murmurs, Mohe Tian's fists tightened further, his face contorting with humiliation. But the words Wan Feng had whispered still echoed in his mind, forcing him to endure.
Xiao Tiance's Calm Response
Xiao Tiance remained seated, his sharp eyes fixed on Mohe Tian. Though he accepted the apology, he could see the burning anger and unwillingness in the heir's eyes.
"Steward Wan," Xiao Tiance finally said, his voice steady. "Mohe Tian has apologized. Shall we consider this matter resolved?"
Wan Feng's Plea for Closure
Wan Feng stepped forward, cupping his hands again.
"Thank you, Elder Xiao, for your magnanimity. The matter ends here, and I assure you, the Mohe Ancient Clan will not forget this lesson."
Xiao Tiance nodded slowly. Though the situation had been resolved, his stance made one thing clear to all the assembled factions:
White Jade Capital was not to be trifled with.
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