Chapter 420: Four Heavenly Sovereigns Clash
"Lord Tiance, the Western War Emperor has sent a message. Please take a look."
In the Ice Spirit Clan's ancestral grounds, within a serene garden, the Ice Spirit Clan's patriarch handed a glowing jade slip to Xiao Tiance. With a bitter smile, he added, "Lord Tiance, it seems our Ice Spirit Clan has completely offended the Western War Emperor this time."
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance understood what the patriarch meant. Nodding, he gestured for the elder to stay calm.
The elder activated the jade slip, channeling his spiritual energy into it. Moments later, a message filled with veiled threats appeared before the three of them.
"Lord Tiance, it seems the Western War Emperor has no intention of letting this slide. Should we summon reinforcements from White Jade Capital? With five days remaining, it would be enough time for Lord Moyang and the others to arrive," Jiuyuan suggested solemnly, bowing respectfully.
Previously, Xiao Tiance and Lin Dong had spent a month reaching the Ice Spirit Clan's ancestral grounds, not because they were traveling at full speed, but because Xiao Tiance wanted to explore the scenery of the Great Thousand World.
If reinforcements were summoned now, Moyang and the others might arrive late, but not by much. After all, battles between top tier experts were rarely resolved quickly it was common for such clashes to last days or even weeks.
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Why so anxious? If the Western War Emperor refuses to back down, that's perfect. I never expected him to swallow his pride. Besides, I owe him for the last time. Back when I had just ascended to the Heavenly Sovereign realm, I suffered greatly at his hands. If he shows up this time, it's exactly what I want."
Xiao Tiance's confident tone reassured both Jiuyuan and the Ice Spirit Clan patriarch.
"Yes, as Lord Tiance decides. If the Western War Emperor remains obstinate, we'll teach him a lesson about White Jade Capital's strength. After all, we've already crushed the pride of the True Phoenix Clan. If the Western War Emperor doesn't appreciate the warning, we'll let him know what we're capable of." Jiuyuan nodded, his respect unwavering.
The Ice Spirit Clan patriarch, seeing Xiao Tiance's composed demeanor, also felt a wave of relief. "Lord Tiance, hearing your words eases my worries. However, there is one small request I have been meaning to ask of you but hesitated, fearing rejection."
"Oh? Please speak freely. After all, you've shown great goodwill by allowing Lin Dong to leave with Miss Huanhuan. This already gives face to White Jade Capital and me personally. If you have a request, feel free to ask. We at White Jade Capital repay respect tenfold." Xiao Tiance smiled reassuringly.
The patriarch bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Lord Tiance. My request is this: our Ice Spirit Clan has now fully offended the Western War Emperor. With our current strength, we cannot possibly contend with the Western War Hall. Therefore, we seek White Jade Capital's protection. Might you grant us this favor?"
The patriarch's words were filled with hope, and Xiao Tiance laughed warmly. **"I thought it might be something complicated, but it's this? Simple enough.
Your clan only became entangled in this matter because of me, so naturally, I'll take responsibility. However, instead of protection, why don't we forge an alliance?
White Jade Capital and the Ice Spirit Clan could become partners, sharing glory and hardship. Just as we resolved our differences with the Fire Spirit Clan now bound by marriage between Lord Tong Sihai and their princess an alliance benefits both sides."**
The patriarch's eyes lit up with excitement. "Lord Tiance, are you serious?"
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Of course. My word is my bond. In addition to the alliance, White Jade Capital has an academy overseen by Sky Peak Master, one of our Twelve Tower Lords. If your clan is willing, you can send your talented disciples to study there. I assure you the resources and instructors will exceed your expectations."
The patriarch bowed deeply. "Excellent! In three months, I will personally send our young elites to your academy. As for the alliance details and intermarriage arrangements, we can discuss those further later."
That evening, the Ice Spirit Clan hosted a grand banquet in Xiao Tiance's honor. For three days, the clan pulled out all the stops to demonstrate their respect.
During this time, the patriarch sparred with Lin Dong to gauge his strength. Though Lin Dong held back, his sheer skill and talent left the entire Ice Spirit Clan in awe.
A New Day Dawns
As sunlight glimmered on the icy landscape, casting dazzling reflections like diamonds, Xiao Tiance and Jiuyuan strolled through the gardens.
"Lord Tiance, you seem to have high expectations for Lin Dong. Even before his rise, you entrusted him with facing a Heavenly Sovereign during the battle against the True Phoenix Clan. You were confident he'd win, and he did. Could it be that you knew of Lin Dong before arriving in the Great Thousand World?" Jiuyuan inquired thoughtfully.
Xiao Tiance chuckled. **"Sharp observation. Indeed, I knew of Lin Dong long before I came here.
As for why I hold him in high regard, it's simple he has the potential to become one of the Great Thousand World's strongest. Supporting him now ensures we have a powerful ally in the future. Besides, he has already proven his worth by helping us against the True Phoenix Clan."**
Jiuyuan frowned slightly. "But what of the Western War Emperor? Won't this provoke him further?"
Xiao Tiance smirked. "Let him come. I've been looking forward to a rematch. The last time we fought, I wasn't fully prepared. This time, things will be different."
A Messenger Arrives
Suddenly, both men sensed a presence approaching. Moments later, the Ice Spirit Clan patriarch appeared with a jade slip in hand.
"Lord Tiance, the Western War Emperor has responded. Please take a look."
Xiao Tiance watched the sunrise in the east, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. He then turned toward the west, muttering to himself, "Heh, the Western War Emperor indeed lives up to his reputation. If you're coming, then come what's with the grand show? Aren't you afraid you'll leave in disgrace after all this bluster?"
Just as he finished speaking, the Ice Spirit Clan's patriarch, Jiuyuan, Lin Dong, and a few others joined him in the courtyard. Though none spoke, their eyes betrayed a hint of worry.
The Western War Emperor's infamous reputation was well known across the Great Thousand World; anyone with some understanding of the realm knew of his power.
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!"
Suddenly, four beams of light shot in from the west, tearing through the Ice Spirit Clan's ancestral grounds.
"I have arrived! Xiao Tiance, come out and face me!"
Before the four figures had fully materialized, the arrogant voice of the Western War Emperor reverberated through the air, accompanied by the suffocating pressure of a late stage Immortal Heavenly Sovereign.
All around, the Ice Spirit Clan members found themselves struggling to breathe under the oppressive aura.
"Hahaha, the War Emperor is punctual as always. I didn't expect you to be so eager to meet me," Xiao Tiance remarked with a chuckle as he ascended into the air, flanked by Jiuyuan, the Ice Spirit Clan's patriarch, and Lin Dong.
Facing the four figures, Xiao Tiance's gaze immediately narrowed. Among them were two unfamiliar faces and one all too familiar: Mohe Tian, the young master of the Mohe Ancient Clan.
"Hmph, Xiao Tiance! You're as arrogant as ever!" Mohe Tian's expression darkened the moment his eyes met Xiao Tiance's. His gaze brimmed with icy malice.
If looks could kill, Xiao Tiance would have been sliced into a thousand pieces.
"Heh, I didn't expect to see the young master here. It seems you've recovered quite well from your injuries," Xiao Tiance teased, his tone lighthearted, as if greeting an old acquaintance.
"Hmph! Xiao Tiance, you may have injured me through underhanded means last time, but this time we fight fair. Let's see how you fare in an open battle!" Mohe Tian sneered.
Xiao Tiance turned his attention to the Western War Emperor. "War Emperor, aren't you going to introduce these two seniors? After all, they are both late stage Spirit Heavenly Sovereigns. They deserve to be acknowledged."
Before the Western War Emperor could respond, a short, thin elder spoke up with a smile. "I am Xue Yuji, though most call me the Snow Demon Elder. I hail from the Ice and Snow Continent. And you must be the famous Lord Xiao Tiance of White Jade Capital."
"Ah, the Snow Demon Elder what an honor," Xiao Tiance replied politely before shifting his gaze to the other figure.
"I am Long Wu, also known as Dragon Venerable."
Xiao Tiance's suspicions were confirmed it was indeed these two. Despite his presence altering the storyline, the Snow Demon Elder and Dragon Venerable had still been roped into the Western War Emperor's schemes.
**"So it's Dragon Venerable. Your name precedes you. Both of you are well known across the Great Thousand World.
However, today's matter is between the Western War Emperor and myself. I understand his grievance, as well as Mohe Tian's vendetta against me. But for you two to involve yourselves in this is that truly wise?"**
Though Xiao Tiance's words were calm, the veiled warning in his tone was unmistakable.
Hearing this, the Snow Demon Elder and Dragon Venerable's expressions stiffened momentarily. However, glancing at the Western War Emperor and Mohe Tian beside them, they quickly regained their composure.
Both of them were powerful but lacked the backing of a massive force like White Jade Capital. Aligning themselves with the Western War Hall and the Mohe Ancient Clan gave them confidence to act without fear of reprisal.
"There's no need to threaten my allies, Xiao Tiance. This matter doesn't concern you. If you don't want to get involved, leave now, and I'll pretend I didn't see you." The Western War Emperor sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Xiao Tiance, if it weren't for my clan's elder acting magnanimously and prioritizing the greater good, I would have already razed White Jade Capital to the ground!" Mohe Tian added, his tone arrogant, clearly unrepentant about his earlier defeat.
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly, noting that attempts to dissuade the Snow Demon Elder and Dragon Venerable had failed. He turned to Lin Dong with a knowing look.
"Lin Dong, this matter concerns you. Choose your opponent," he said with a smile.
Lin Dong chuckled, stepping forward. "Thank you, Lord Tiance. In that case, I won't stand on ceremony. I've long heard of the Western War Emperor's unmatched combat prowess. Allow me the honor of testing it firsthand."
"Oh? So you're Lin Dong?" The Western War Emperor burst into laughter. "You dare covet a woman I fancy? Let me show you just how foolish you are!"
Though Lin Dong had reached the Spirit Heavenly Sovereign stage, the Western War Emperor didn't believe he was a threat. After all, Xiao Tiance's earlier prowess had been an exception, not the rule.
"We'll see soon enough," Lin Dong retorted coldly, vanishing into the void with the Western War Emperor for their duel.
As the two left, Jiuyuan stepped forward eagerly, locking eyes with Dragon Venerable. Without hesitation, the two moved away to begin their own battle.
This left only the Snow Demon Elder and Mohe Tian facing Xiao Tiance. The Ice Spirit Clan's patriarch looked ready to step in, but Xiao Tiance waved him off with a smile.
"Relax, Patriarch. There's no need for you to trouble yourself. Let me handle this."
As he spoke, Xiao Tiance released a surge of soul energy, and twelve dazzling golden Heavenly Demon Puppets materialized.
"Ling'er, the Snow Demon Elder is yours. Test his strength for me," Xiao Tiance instructed telepathically.
Ling'er's cheerful voice echoed in his mind. "Understood, Little Sir. A mere late stage Spirit Heavenly Sovereign is no problem."
"Don't kill him outright. He's still a Heavenly Sovereign, after all. His death would be difficult to justify to the Great Thousand Palace," Xiao Tiance reminded.
"Got it."
With that, Ling'er took control of the Heavenly Demon Puppets and launched a relentless assault on the Snow Demon Elder.
Meanwhile, Mohe Tian sneered. "Xiao Tiance, you're arrogant enough to face me without using your battle array techniques? Should I call it hubris or bravery?"
Indeed, without his battle array, Xiao Tiance was merely a late stage Spirit Heavenly Sovereign facing an Immortal Heavenly Sovereign a vast difference in power.
"It seems you're confident in defeating me, Mohe Tian. That's perfect, because I'm equally confident I'll crush you." Xiao Tiance's smile turned icy.
"Prepare to die!"
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