Chapter 419: The Furious Western War Emperor
"No worries, I have my ways to help Huanhuan remember."
At the Ice Spirit Clan's ancestral grounds, Lin Dong's determined words prompted the clan's Patriarch to relent.
"Very well. Please, rest within our clan. I'll arrange for Lin Dong to meet Huanhuan shortly."
"Thank you!"
After welcoming Xiao Tiance and his companions, the Patriarch kept his word. Lin Dong was promptly allowed to meet Ying Huanhuan. Meanwhile, the Patriarch wasted no time drafting a detailed message, which he sent to the Western War Hall using a jade slip to explain the situation.
Western Heaven Continent, Western War Hall
The opulence of the grand hall was unmatched. Every corner radiated extravagance. At this moment, the Western War Emperor lounged with several stunning women, clearly enjoying himself. However, the calm was disrupted when a jade slip glowed brightly.
"Hmm? A message from the Ice Spirit Clan. Could it be that they're finally sending that stunning woman over for the arranged union? Well, let's see."
Injecting his spiritual energy into the jade slip, he quickly read its contents.
"Boom!"
The hall trembled as a sudden burst of overwhelming aura emanated from the War Emperor, shattering priceless porcelain and splintering the walls.
"Damn it! Damn it! The Ice Spirit Clan dares to humiliate me? Xiao Tiance! Do you think I'm someone you can trample on?!"
His voice, filled with fury, resounded like the roar of an enraged lion, shaking the air itself.
The women on the grand bed immediately knelt, trembling in fear. Barely covered and terrified, they dared not move, afraid that even a small misstep might provoke his wrath.
"Leave."
Though his tone had steadied, his words carried undeniable authority. Without hesitation, the women scrambled to grab their clothes and fled. Their frantic footsteps echoed through the halls as they raced to safety.
Once the hall emptied, the Western War Emperor's rage reignited. He didn't bother restraining his aura this time, and the hall bore the brunt of his fury. Cracks spread across the walls, and the grand pillars showed signs of imminent collapse.
"Xiao Tiance, Lin Dong, Ice Spirit Clan!"
Each name was spat with venom, his killing intent rising with every utterance.
"Guards!"
Moments later, the Elder of Winter, one of the War Hall's most trusted figures, appeared swiftly and bowed deeply.
"My lord."
"Elder Winter, summon Snow Demon Elder and Dragon Sovereign immediately. Tell them I personally invite them to accompany me to the Ice Spirit Clan's ancestral grounds."
His voice was icy, carrying an unchallengeable authority.
The Elder of Winter hesitated briefly before bowing again. "Understood, my lord." He knew better than to ask questions when the War Emperor was in such a state. Even the Hall's next leader, Ling Zhanzi, wouldn't dare question him now.
After the Elder left, the War Emperor muttered coldly, "Xiao Tiance, don't think sparing you earlier means I fear you. If not for the Great Thousand Palace's restrictions, killing you would be as easy as crushing an ant!"
Despite his bluster, the War Emperor wasn't a fool. Reports of Xiao Tiance's prowess as a million mark war formation master and his overwhelming power against Maha Tian of the Maha Ancient Clan had given him pause. He had hoped the Maha Ancient Clan would retaliate and deal with Xiao Tiance, but their inaction had left him disappointed.
Still, he couldn't tolerate Xiao Tiance interfering with his plans. Ying Huanhuan was crucial to his ambitions, both for personal reasons and as a means to strengthen ties with the Ice Spirit Clan. To lose her to Lin Dong, with Xiao Tiance's backing, would be an insult he couldn't endure.
Determined to handle the situation decisively, he decided to enlist the help of two powerful allies:
Snow Demon Elder, a late stage Celestial Heavenly Sovereign known for his mastery over ice and snow, feared even by other Sovereigns.
Dragon Sovereign, a flood dragon who had reached the Celestial Heavenly Sovereign level, renowned for his unparalleled physical strength and durability.
With their support, the War Emperor was confident that even Xiao Tiance would struggle to stand against him.
Ice Spirit Clan's Ancestral Grounds
Meanwhile, Lin Dong stood before Ying Huanhuan, tears brimming in his eyes. After years of searching, the woman he longed for was finally within reach. His emotions surged uncontrollably.
"Huanhuan, I've finally found you!"
Overcome with emotion, he stepped forward, arms outstretched to embrace her.
However, Ying Huanhuan's expression remained calm and unfamiliar. Taking a step back, she regarded Lin Dong with a detached gaze.
"Who are you? We've never met, have we?"
Her words froze Lin Dong in place. The woman before him was undeniably Ying Huanhuan, yet her tone carried no recognition. It was as if she were a stranger.
Taking a deep breath, Lin Dong steadied himself. "Huanhuan, I'm sorry. I got too excited. It's not your fault you've lost part of your memories. It's natural that you don't recognize me."
Nearby, Xiao Tiance observed the scene. Seeing Ying Huanhuan in person, he couldn't help but marvel at her beauty. Like Ling Qingzhu and Medusa, she possessed an ethereal charm unique to herself.
"Lin Dong, why not help her recover her memories first? That way, she'll know who you are," Xiao Tiance suggested gently.
Snapped out of his daze, Lin Dong nodded hastily. "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Tiance."
From within his spatial storage, Lin Dong retrieved an icy object that radiated immense energy.
Seeing the item, Xiao Tiance's eyes lit up.
"The Ice Ancestral Symbol?"
After observing for a while longer, Xiao Tiance and Jiuyuan quietly left the room, giving Lin Dong and Ying Huanhuan their private moment.
About half an hour later, Lin Dong and Ying Huanhuan emerged hand in hand from the room. Seeing their affectionate and inseparable demeanor, Xiao Tiance smiled warmly and said, "Congratulations to Lin Dong and Miss Huanhuan. True lovers have finally been united."
"Thank you, Senior Tiance. Without your help, I'm afraid I'd have faced many more challenges to see Huanhuan again." Lin Dong quickly bowed in gratitude, then turned to Ying Huanhuan to introduce Xiao Tiance.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Senior Tiance. Thank you for your kindness," Ying Huanhuan said gracefully, curtsying in respect.
"Haha, no need to be so formal. By the way, Lin Dong, just a small reminder there are two beasts lingering outside the Ice Spirit Clan's ancestral grounds. It seems they're on the verge of clashing with the clan members." Xiao Tiance chuckled and waved his hand dismissively.
"Ah, that must be Xiao Diao and Xiao Yan!"
Lin Dong immediately remembered his companions, Lin Diao (Little Marten) and Lin Yan (Little Flame), who had arrived ahead of him to scout. Thanks to Xiao Tiance's presence, Lin Dong had entered the Ice Spirit Clan with ease and had been so preoccupied with meeting Ying Huanhuan that he'd forgotten about them entirely.
Lin Dong's figure flickered, transforming into a bolt of lightning as he disappeared. About ten minutes later, he returned with two individuals.
The Arrival of Lin Diao and Lin Yan
Lin Diao was a strikingly handsome young man, perhaps one of the most attractive men Xiao Tiance had ever seen. Lin Yan, on the other hand, was a towering figure with a physique comparable to that of Ling Longzi from the Western War Hall.
"Senior Tiance, Senior Jiuyuan, these are my brothers second brother Lin Diao and third brother Lin Yan," Lin Dong introduced respectfully.
"Lin Diao, Lin Yan, meet Senior Tiance and Senior Jiuyuan. Please thank them for helping me reunite with Huanhuan."
Both Lin Diao and Lin Yan stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Lin Diao/Lin Yan greets Senior Tiance and Senior Jiuyuan. Thank you both for helping our big brother find his beloved."
"Haha, no need for such formalities." Xiao Tiance smiled warmly, waving off their bows. Jiuyuan, ever the stoic figure, merely nodded in acknowledgment, his cold demeanor unchanging even toward members of the White Jade Capital.
Xiao Tiance had always found the trio of Lin Dong, Lin Diao, and Lin Yan intriguing while reading Wu Dong Qian Kun (Martial Universe). Meeting them in person only solidified his impression of their strong camaraderie. Knowing the original story, Xiao Tiance was well aware of their bright futures.
Both Lin Diao and Lin Yan would eventually become prominent figures in the Supreme Martial Realm. Cultivating a relationship with them now was a strategic move. In the future, if Xiao Yan established the Endless Fire Territory, the Supreme Martial Realm, White Jade Capital, and these allied forces banded together, even the Five Great Ancient Clans would think twice before provoking them.
"Alright, I'll leave you here to catch up. You must have a lot to discuss. Jiuyuan and I won't disturb you any further."
With that, Xiao Tiance stood up to leave. Jiuyuan nodded at the group before following suit.
A Private Discussion
After Xiao Tiance and Jiuyuan left, Lin Diao smirked at Lin Dong. "Big brother, I must say, you and Sister Qingzhu really outdid yourselves by getting the help of White Jade Capital's master himself. That's impressive!"
"Big brother is amazing!" Lin Yan grinned broadly, giving a thumbs up.
Lin Dong laughed sheepishly. **"Senior Tiance is a remarkable person. As I mentioned before, I had the pleasure of speaking with him during our encounter in the Western Heaven Continent's secret realm. Not only did he provide me with valuable advice, but he also told me about Huanhuan's connection to the Ice Spirit Clan.
Later, during the battle between White Jade Capital and the True Phoenix Clan, Senior Tiance invited me to join him. After the war, he even offered his assistance if I ever needed help."**
At this, Ling Qingzhu, who had been whispering with Ying Huanhuan, chuckled softly. "Senior Tiance is indeed an admirable person. However, I believe his willingness to help you stems from recognizing your potential. If we are to establish our own superpower in the future, maintaining a good relationship with Senior Tiance and White Jade Capital would benefit us greatly."
Lin Diao and Lin Yan nodded in agreement, while Lin Dong smiled. "Indeed, Qingzhu is right. Senior Tiance's goodwill should not be wasted. With White Jade Capital's strength on the rise, forming an alliance with them can only be advantageous."
Xiao Tiance's Perspective
Elsewhere in the Ice Spirit Clan's serene gardens, Xiao Tiance and Jiuyuan strolled while observing the clan members.
"Lord Tiance, you seem to hold Lin Dong in high regard. Before the battle against the True Phoenix Clan, he was only a peak Earthly Sovereign, yet you entrusted him with fighting a Heavenly Sovereign level opponent. You were confident he'd win, and he did so effortlessly. Could it be that you knew about Lin Dong before arriving in the Great Thousand World?" Jiuyuan asked curiously.
Xiao Tiance chuckled. **"You're quite observant, Jiuyuan. Yes, I knew about Lin Dong long before I came to the Great Thousand World. As for how I knew, let's leave that a mystery.
But you're right I do think highly of Lin Dong. With time, he has the potential to become one of the Great Thousand World's top tier powerhouses. Investing in him now is a calculated move. It's easy to support someone at their peak, but helping them during their struggles is what forges lasting alliances."**
Pausing for a moment, he continued with a smile, "That said, Lin Dong has already proven his worth by helping us against the True Phoenix Clan. Returning the favor now is only fair. As for whether this offends the Western War Emperor… well, I'm not too concerned. If anything, I'd welcome the opportunity to cross blades with him again. Last time, I was at a disadvantage. This time, I'll be ready."
Jiuyuan inhaled sharply. "Lord Tiance, this is the first time I've seen you hold someone in such high regard."
Xiao Tiance laughed. "He's worth it. Besides, Lin Dong isn't the only one I value. There's also Xiao Yan of my Xiao Clan. His talent is extraordinary, and I believe he'll become one of the strongest in the Great Thousand World."
He paused, his tone turning serious. "Of course, if these relationships turn sour, I won't hesitate to act. Friendship is a two way street."
Just then, both men turned eastward, sensing a presence. Moments later, the Ice Spirit Clan Patriarch appeared.
"Lord Tiance, the Western War Emperor has sent a response. Please take a look."
(End of Chapter)
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