Chapter 62: Tian Luo and the Unusual Meeting (A Farewell)
Heaven Beyond Heaven
As Xiao Tiance let out a low shout, the fragment of his soul swiftly entered the Heaven Demon Puppet.
"Boom!"
The Golden Emperor Heaven Burning Flame intensified, enveloping the puppet's body. Moments later, the tightly shut golden eyes of the puppet snapped open.
"It's done!"
Suppressing the searing pain, Xiao Tiance retracted the Golden Emperor Heaven Burning Flame. Despite his weakened state, he prepared to apply the final step: imprinting his soul brand onto the Heaven Demon Puppet.
"This is strange," the puppet suddenly spoke.
Startled, Xiao Tiance froze, sensing an uncanny familiarity from the puppet. It was as if he were facing another version of himself.
"What's strange?" Xiao Tiance asked, regaining composure.
"It feels strange for someone to imprint their soul brand onto themselves," the puppet replied.
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance burst into laughter. Without hesitation, he swiftly branded the puppet with his soul imprint.
With that step completed, he smiled and said, "You're right, it is quite odd. But I'm someone who trusts no one completely not even another version of myself. I must remain in control."
The puppet, surprisingly, nodded in agreement. **"That makes sense. No two leaves are identical, just as there are no two identical people.
Besides, the strength I now possess surpasses your current level. Your caution is justified. But... don't you think I deserve a name?"**
"A name?" Xiao Tiance mused aloud before recalling the lack of someone to oversee both Tian Ji Tower and Luo Wang. The Heaven Demon Puppet seemed like the perfect candidate.
"How about Tian Luo? What do you think?" he asked after a moment's thought.
"Tian Luo? Not bad," the puppet replied with a smile. "You want me to take charge of Tian Ji Tower and Luo Wang, right?"
"Ha! It's strange, isn't it? Talking to oneself feels bizarre," Xiao Tiance laughed heartily, observing Tian Luo as if he were gazing into a mirror.
"Is it that funny?" Tian Luo inquired.
"It is," Xiao Tiance admitted, still amused. **"From now on, you'll go by the name Tian Luo. You'll manage Tian Ji Tower and Luo Wang as we planned. If you need anything, contact me.
Likewise, if I require assistance or important updates, you'll hear from me."**
"Understood. Then I'll get to work. Mind if I stir things up a bit?" Tian Luo asked with a sly grin.
"Do as you like," Xiao Tiance replied, waving dismissively. "But there's one rule: do not meddle in Xiao Yan's original storyline. He's the last safeguard I've left behind."
He then retrieved a set of clothes and a golden mask from his storage ring, tossing them to Tian Luo.
Tian Luo donned the outfit and mask, then bowed deeply.
"Familiarize yourself with your new body while I focus on recovering my soul strength. In the meantime, stand guard for me," Xiao Tiance instructed.
Without another word, he sat cross legged and activated the Heavenly Soul Art. As his soul power gradually recovered, Tian Luo began exploring the intricacies of his form.
Although Xiao Tiance was unaware, Tian Luo had positioned himself strategically, ready to defend his creator at a moment's notice.
Two months later.
In Heaven Beyond Heaven, within a building called Yuqing Hall, a massive round table dominated the central space. Twenty smaller tables lined either side, creating a formal and ceremonial atmosphere.
At the entrance, Xiao Qing supervised the registration of attendees.
"This meeting is of utmost importance. There must be no mistakes. Understood?" Xiao Qing ordered.
"Rest assured, Elder Qing. Everything has been arranged," Xiao Bieli replied, bowing respectfully. Entrusted with organizing the seating and registrations, he had exceeded expectations, impressing Xiao Qing with his efficiency despite his otherwise ordinary strength.
Before long, Xiao Clan's Dou Sheng and Half Saint powerhouses began arriving, each recording their names in the registry.
"Respected elders and clansmen, please find your assigned seats, marked with your names. The family head will arrive shortly. Until then, I ask for your patience and silence," Xiao Qing announced as confusion flickered across the attendees' faces.
Once everyone had settled, Xiao Qing released a burst of his aura to command attention.
"Please rise and welcome the family head, Xiao Tiance, along with the Grand Elder!"
As soon as he finished, Xiao Tiance, Tian Luo, Huang Jiuji, and the young twins Huang Min and Huang Lingyun entered the hall.
The sight of the five figures drew varying reactions from the crowd admiration, skepticism, and even dissatisfaction.
Xiao Tiance, taking note of every expression, walked calmly to the head seat and sat down. Huang Jiuji and Tian Luo took their places on either side, while the twins stood quietly beside Xiao Tiance, curiously observing the crowd.
At Xiao Tiance's signal, Xiao Qing stepped forward to address the assembly.
**"Esteemed elders and clansmen, welcome to the first Xiao Clan Dou Sheng Conference.
Everyone present here today represents the backbone of our clan respected, skilled, and outstanding individuals.
Before we proceed, let us rise for ten breaths of silence to mourn our patriarch, Xiao Xuan, and the 2,823 clansmen who perished during the Hun Clan's invasion."**
"Swish!"
Everyone, including Xiao Tiance, stood silently in mourning.
When the silence concluded, Xiao Qing continued, **"You may be seated.
As you all know, our clan has endured a great calamity. The patriarch has fallen, and 2,823 clansmen have been lost.
Our ancestral home, Xiao Realm, is no longer accessible. To evade the Hun Clan's pursuit, we've been forced to retreat to this newly established refuge in Heaven Beyond Heaven."**
His voice grew heavy. "This marks one of the darkest, most humiliating chapters in our history."
A few members, overwhelmed with emotion, stood abruptly.
"We must avenge them! I won't rest until every last Hun Clan scum is eradicated!" one shouted.
Xiao Qing quickly raised a hand to calm the crowd.
**"Please, remain composed. At this darkest hour, we are fortunate to have Xiao Tiance as our leader. Without him, we wouldn't even be here today.
Now, let us welcome the family head, Xiao Tiance, to speak. A round of applause, please."**
Leading the applause, Xiao Qing set the tone for the others, who reluctantly followed suit.
Xiao Tiance rose slowly and walked to the podium. The hall fell silent as he raised his hand.
**"Clansmen, I am Xiao Tiance. Most of you here already know me.
You may be wondering why this meeting feels so different from our usual gatherings. Why the formality? The round table?
The purpose is simple: to bid farewell to the past."**
His voice resonated through the hall. **"The glory, the brilliance, the honor of the old Xiao Clan all of it is behind us now.
From this day forward, we must embrace a new Xiao Clan, unlike anything we've ever known before."**
(End of Chapter)
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