The Spirit Realm, Meeting Hall.
With their general course settled, the next question was whom to send to negotiate with the Xiao Clan.
Everyone understood that whoever went would have the best chance of securing the Xiao Clan's future support. None of them wanted to surrender that first-mover advantage.
And so, an argument erupted in the Meeting Hall over who would approach the Xiao Clan, with no one willing to yield.
Meanwhile, at the Heavenly Secret Tower Headquarters.
After hearing Heavenly Net and Xiao Qing's reports, Xiao Tian Ce's face turned livid. At the same time, he felt a flicker of regret that Shi Zhong Tian had died too quickly.
Only after a long while did he collect himself. Looking at everyone, he said, "Thank you all for your efforts. Although we failed to finish the job and wipe out the Hun Clan in one stroke, eliminating all the eyes and ears they stationed outside was still a passable result. Go and rest.
"Brother Wu, Brother Fei, Brother Teng, Qing'er, and Heavenly Net, stay behind. Everyone else is dismissed.
"Also, those who received Soul Source earlier should find a room here in the Heavenly Secret Tower and absorb it first to strengthen your souls."
Everyone bowed in unison and answered respectfully, "Yes, Clan Leader!"
After the others left, Xiao Qing personally brewed a pot of tea, poured everyone a cup, and then sat down beside Xiao Tian Ce.
Everyone looked at Xiao Tian Ce, waiting for what he would say next.
Seeing this, Xiao Tian Ce wasted no time and said gravely, "This operation failed to stop Hun Tiandi and the Nihility Devouring Flame from escaping, and allowed the Hun Clan to slip safely into hiding without suffering any crippling damage. It was an utter failure.
"Of course, none of