That Dou Emperor of the Xiao Clan had entered the Great Thousand World with the power of the Plane Embryo, once becoming a prominent figure there.
Unfortunately, the tallest trees caught the strongest winds—or perhaps heaven envied talent. In any case, that Dou Emperor had not survived to become an even greater version of himself. Instead, he had died in the Great Thousand World.
After Emperor Xiao's death, the Plane Embryo returned to the Dou Qi Continent. Unfortunately, for some reason, it had failed to successfully return to its original rightful place.
Its power had even continued to dissipate, all the way until today...
Seeing these scenes, Xiao Xuan unconsciously rubbed his brow. So his ancestor had been the chief culprit behind the exhaustion of Source Qi.
Suddenly, waves of soul fluctuations raged wantonly through the Secret Realm Small World.
Within the secret realm, space collapsed layer upon layer. Having witnessed the countless years of evolution on the Dou Qi Continent, he had become a witness to ancient times, the present, and the future.
He had finally broken through. However, lacking Source Qi, he could not advance in Dou Qi and could only break through with his soul into the Emperor Realm.
Even so, his strength now far surpassed that of an ordinary Nine-Star Dou Saint.
Xiao Xuan was confident that he now lacked only Source Qi to advance in Dou Qi.
"This is truly an unexpected delight. My soul has reached the Emperor Realm, and my strength has increased enormously.
If I wish to improve further in the future, I can only seek another path.
Perhaps I can focus on the paths of Heavenly Flames and space.
Heavenly Flames... Heavenly Flames... What is the essence of fire?
On the Dou Qi Continent, one can traverse space upon reaching the Dou Zun realm...
Space emerges without a source and enters without an opening; it has substance yet no fixed location, extension yet no fundamental boundary. That which emerges without an opening has substance.
That which has substance yet no fixed location is the cosmos; that which has extension yet no fundamental boundary is time...
The Tou She Ancient God Jade is divided among the eight clans. Every clan possesses deep foundations, making it difficult to obtain.
Relying on the Ancient Emperor Jade to open the Ancient Emperor Cave Abode is simply unrealistic.
As long as one's backing is strong enough, one's nature cautious enough, one's heart ruthless enough, and one's methods decisive enough, living safely for a thousand years is no problem.
During these long years, perhaps I should carefully consider and study the essence of fire and the Truth of space."
"Dong..."
Xiao Xuan, still within the secret realm, froze. What could have happened?
For the clan elders to make such a grand display and ring the Assembly Alarm Bell.
Taking one step out of the secret realm, he arrived at the Xiao Emperor Hall. To his surprise, not only had many Xiao Clan elders gathered there.
More importantly, Gu Yuan, the man who had succeeded to the position of Patriarch, was also present.
At the same time, Hun Tiandi, Lei Ying, Yan Jin, Yao Dan, and the other former Young Patriarchs had all become the rulers of their respective clans.
"Patriarch!"
"Patriarch Xiao!"
"Patriarchs, what wind has brought you all to the Xiao Realm? You honor us with your presence."
Hun Tiandi looked at the Xiao Clan elders, whose ranks were badly depleted, seemingly lost in thought.
Then he said, "Patriarch Xiao, we would not visit without cause.
The Tunling Clan's Dou Emperor Bloodline has severely withered, and they are facing the risk of extinction.
The Tunling Clan possesses an ability that allows them to devour the bloodlines of other Emperor Clans to sustain their own people.
I do not know about the Xiao Clan, but quite a few geniuses from our clans have already fallen victim to them.
Even Dou Saints have..."
He did not continue. Xiao Kong said gravely, "Patriarch, it is indeed true. We simply had not noticed, nor did we know the Tunling Clan was responsible.
Over the past few years, quite a few young Xiao Clan disciples and even elders who went out to train have met with unexpected deaths.
In the past, this would have been normal, so we did not pay it much attention."
Xiao Xuan said nothing. Closing his eyes, he communicated with his two avatars to see whether they had any relevant information.
Before long, he sorted through the information in his mind. It had come from Xiao Yao.
The reports had arrived long ago, but he had remained in seclusion and never organized them, which had caused the delay.
The Tunling Clan possessed such an ability, yet instead of hiding it properly, they had deluded themselves into using it to continue their bloodline. They truly did not know the meaning of death.
Seeing the looks in the elders' eyes, he replied, "It did happen."
He then looked toward the Patriarchs and said, "The Tunling Clan truly does not know the meaning of death.
How do you all intend to form this alliance?
Since you have come to the Xiao Clan, you must have already discussed it. Just tell me directly."
Gu Yuan said, "Our conclusion is that each clan will send some Dou Saints and Dou Zuns to attack them directly, wiping out the Tunling Clan before they can react.
As for the spoils after the battle, they will be divided according to the contributions of the clan members we deploy."
Xiao Gong asked, "How do you Patriarchs intend to contribute?
How many Dou Zuns and Dou Saints will each clan send?"
Yao Dan said, "Since post-battle benefits will be divided according to contributions, there is no fixed limit on how many experts each clan sends.
However, the Tunling Clan is not much weaker than the Xiao Clan.
I believe every clan must dispatch at least two High-Stage Dou Saints to ensure we can destroy the Tunling Clan."
Xiao Jing said, "Patriarch, count this old man in. It has been a long time since I last took action."
"Count this old man in as well."
Xiao Chen likewise stated his position. Seeing the two Xiao Clan Eight-Star Dou Saints so eager to act, everyone else felt much more assured.
Xiao Xuan did not immediately agree. Instead, he said to the Patriarchs, "I agree with your proposal.
However, I still need to discuss it thoroughly with the clan elders before making a final decision.
Let us gather at the Burial Heaven Mountain Range in half a month. How does that sound?"
"Haha, good. No problem. In that case, we must also return to discuss and determine which elders to send. Farewell!"
Hun Tiandi, Gu Yuan, and the others each took their leave.
Once only the Xiao Clan's many Dou Saint Elders remained, Xiao Xuan said, "Since Grandpa Jing and Grandpa Chen intend to go, I will not stop you. Come with me when the time comes.
We will also select several Intermediate and Low-Stage Dou Saints, along with around twenty Dou Zuns.
The two of you need not exert yourselves fully. Just hold back the enemy. Your personal safety is the most important thing.
As for the Tunling Clan's resources, the Xiao Clan does not necessarily need to take part in dividing them.
Every Dou Zun and Dou Saint of the Xiao Clan is far too precious now. I do not want any of you to come to harm."
"Patriarch, you do not need to go personally."
"Say no more!"
In the end, they decided on two Eight-Star Dou Saints, five Intermediate Dou Saints, ten Low-Stage Dou Saints, and twenty Dou Zuns to accompany them.
It was not that only these people were willing to go. They merely brought this small a force in order to preserve more of the clan's strength.
After the Xiao Clan had discussed the matter and finalized their candidates, the other great Emperor Clans had also more or less completed their discussions.
Their numbers were all roughly similar. The forces dispatched by the Gu Clan and Hun Clan were about the same as those of the Xiao Clan.
The Thunder Clan, Flame Clan, Stone Clan, Spirit Race, and Yao Clan had quite a few people, but their overall strength was far inferior.
Not a single one of them had an Eight-Star elder. Even their Patriarchs, Lei Ying and Yan Jin, were merely Six-Star Dou Saints.
Yao Dan and the others were only three-star Dou Saints, while the Hun Clan and Gu Clan not only possessed Eight-Star elders, but it was said that both Patriarchs had already reached the Nine-Star Dou Saint realm.
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