Chapter 63: The Round Table Meeting (Part 1)
Yuqing Hall, Conference Hall
As Xiao Tiance's words echoed through the hall, the gathered clansmen began to feel something different a spark of change.
His sharp gaze swept across the room, and he continued in a solemn tone:
**"This so called 'new Xiao Clan' does not mean we've merely moved from the Xiao Realm to Heaven Beyond Heaven, nor that I've taken over as clan leader after Xiao Xuan's passing.
It means the Xiao Clan must become a truly renewed clan one that doesn't live in the shadows of past glories, resting on our laurels while waiting for greatness to fall into our laps.
It means abandoning the old attitudes of arrogance, where we viewed ourselves as second only to heaven and earth.
Times are changing, and the Dou Qi Continent evolves every day.
If the Xiao Clan wishes to remain at the pinnacle of the continent, it will require contributions from every single one of us me, you, and every member of this clan."**
Pausing to gauge the crowd's reactions, Xiao Tiance let out a sigh before dropping a bombshell:
**"According to the plan Xiao Xuan and I originally devised, only my branch and a select few outstanding talents from the other branches were meant to survive.
The rest, regardless of their strength, would have perished under the Hun Clan's attack by their hundred Dou Shengs!"**
The hall erupted in chaos.
"Impossible! Xiao Xuan would never abandon us!"
"You're lying, Xiao Tiance! How dare you sow discord here!"
"Exactly! We know the patriarch's character. He would never do such a thing!"
A chorus of protests filled the room, but Xiao Tiance merely chuckled coldly. At his signal, Xiao Qing unleashed his aura, silencing the uproar in an instant.
"Impossible, you say?" Xiao Tiance sneered. **"What's so impossible about it?
You, you, and you what have you contributed to the Xiao Clan in all these years?
Why did Xiao Xuan push himself to break through the Dou Di bloodline? Wasn't it because he saw the decline in each successive generation?
When it comes to cultivation, can any of you say you've truly given it your all?
Beyond relying on the Dou Di bloodline's awakening and the benefits of the clan's sacrificial altar, can any of you confidently claim to match a Hun Clan expert of equal rank?
Or do you believe that the glory of the Xiao Clan exists because of you?"**
His stern gaze swept across the hall, silencing all objections.
**"And when I ordered Heaven Beyond Heaven sealed, some of you felt I was restricting your freedom, didn't you?
But tell me what do you think would happen if the Hun Clan discovered your movements?
Could any of you guarantee your survival? Worse yet, could you ensure the clan's safety if the Hun Clan used you to trace our whereabouts?
If Hun Tiandi returned with his forces, could you, you, or you stand at the forefront and defend our people?"**
Xiao Tiance's words struck like a hammer, leaving many pale faced and lost in thought. The bitter memories of their defeat in the Xiao Realm resurfaced, weighing heavily on their hearts.
After a long silence, Xiao Tiance sighed.
**"We are all members of the Xiao Clan. I only hope you never forget the tragedy that unfolded in the Xiao Realm a year ago.
I know many of you believe that if you hadn't lost the Dou Di bloodline, the Hun Clan wouldn't have been able to defeat us.
But the reality is, most of you have lost the bloodline. And now, can you honestly say that continuing with your old ways will enable you to stand against the Hun Clan?"**
As heads hung low in shame, Xiao Tiance softened his tone.
**"I understand your frustration and your resentment. I share your feelings completely.
I, Xiao Tiance, have reached the early stage of Eight Star Dou Sheng, with strength capable of rivaling Nine Star Dou Sheng powerhouses.
Yet from the day my Dou Di bloodline awakened, I have never relied on it for cultivation.
The loss of the Dou Di bloodline means nothing.
If you can let go of past glories and shed your pride, I believe you too can reach greater heights.
Remember this: you once took pride in being part of the Xiao Clan. Now, it's time to make the Xiao Clan proud of you.
Only by striving together each of us contributing, regardless of strength can the Xiao Clan grow stronger.
This is the true secret to a family legacy lasting 10,000, 100,000, or even a million years."**
Moved by his words, the clansmen stood up in unison.
"We understand now. Please forgive us, Clan Leader!"
Seeing the newfound determination on their faces, Xiao Tiance nodded.
**"I believe in you all. I believe that the tragedy and humiliation of a year ago will fuel your resolve to grow stronger.
And I promise you this: if you work hard and persevere, I will lead you to annihilate the Hun Clan and avenge the blood of our fallen clan members within a thousand years!"**
"We will work hard and destroy the Hun Clan!"
"We will work hard and destroy the Hun Clan!"
"We will work hard and destroy the Hun Clan!"
Pleased with the transformation in their attitudes, Xiao Tiance returned to his seat and gestured for Xiao Qing to continue.
Standing once more, Xiao Qing declared:
**"As the clan leader has said, let us remember these lessons. Now, moving on to the next agenda item:
Previously, the Xiao Clan was divided into six branches, each with its own head, often resulting in internal conflicts.
To strengthen our unity and cohesion, we will no longer distinguish by branch. From now on, there is only one Xiao Clan!"**
The room erupted into murmurs. Xiao Wu stood and asked, "If the branches are abolished, how will we manage a population of over 600,000 clansmen?"
"An excellent question, Uncle Xiao Wu," Xiao Qing replied. **"The clan leader has already devised a system.
From now on, the Xiao Clan will be led by Xiao Tiance. Huang Jiuji will serve as Grand Elder, while Huang Min and Huang Lingyun will be the clan's guardian divine beasts.
Dou Sheng level experts will hold the title of Elder, categorized into High, Middle, and Low ranks:
High Elders: Seven Star Dou Sheng and above.
Middle Elders: Four Star to Six Star Dou Sheng.
Low Elders: One Star to Three Star Dou Sheng.
Half Saint cultivators will serve as Protectors, while Dou Zun level experts will be Stewards, similarly ranked by strength.
Responsibilities and privileges for each rank are outlined in the newly issued Xiao Clan Charter.
This system ensures fairness, emphasizing the value of strength. Our clan's growth depends on everyone's effort. The harder you work, the greater your rewards. This is the way forward."**
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon. Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1