Chapter 104: Xiao Clan's Strategy Meeting and Xiao Tiance's Plans
Ling Realm, Conference Hall
After settling on the broad direction, the Ling Clan turned its attention to the next pressing issue: who would approach the Xiao Clan for negotiations.
Everyone understood that whoever was chosen to represent the Ling Clan would gain significant leverage, securing potential support from the Xiao Clan in the future. Naturally, no one wanted to miss such an opportunity, and the meeting quickly devolved into heated disputes as each elder tried to stake their claim.
Tianji Tower Headquarters
Back at the Xiao Clan's base, after listening to Tianluo and Xiao Qing's reports, Xiao Tiance's expression darkened considerably. A faint regret lingered in his heart over Stone Zhongtian's swift death, as it had ruined a critical opportunity.
After a long silence, Xiao Tiance finally regained his composure and addressed the gathered group:
**"Everyone, you've done well. Although we failed to eliminate the Hun Clan entirely, we did wipe out their external informants. That's still a meaningful victory.
Now, everyone should take some time to rest. Those who received Soul Sources as rewards, find a quiet place here in Tianji Tower and refine them to enhance your soul power.
As for Wu Ge, Fei Ge, Teng Ge, Qing Er, and Tianluo, stay behind. The rest may leave."**
The group bowed in unison. "Yes, Clan Leader!"
Once the room cleared, Xiao Qing prepared a pot of tea, carefully pouring cups for everyone before sitting beside Xiao Tiance.
The others turned their attention to Xiao Tiance, awaiting his next words.
A Tactical Failure
Xiao Tiance broke the silence, his voice calm but heavy:
**"This operation was a failure. We let Hun Tiandi and Void Swallowing Flame escape, and the Hun Clan has hidden themselves without significant losses.
This isn't your fault it's mine for underestimating Stone Zhongtian's recklessness. That idiot's interference led to our defeat. The saying goes, 'The heavens leave one path of escape.' Perhaps it wasn't yet the Hun Clan's time to perish."**
Tianluo nodded in agreement. **"The blame lies with me as well. I failed to anticipate Stone Zhongtian's audacity. Had he not blindsided me, the outcome would've been different.
Now, with Hun Tiandi and Void Swallowing Flame severely injured and the Hun Clan hidden, tracking them down will be an immense challenge."**
Proposals for Retaliation
Xiao Wu spoke up, his tone sharp:
**"Tianluo Da Ren, there's no need for self blame. None of us could've predicted Stone Zhongtian's foolishness.
But since the Hun Clan is hidden, we should redirect our focus. Let's march on the Stone Clan instead. After all, we hold the moral high ground. The other five clans won't dare voice opposition."**
Xiao Teng agreed, his killing intent palpable. **"Exactly. Stone Zhongtian's stupidity ruined our plans to eradicate the Hun Clan.
Though he's already been killed by the Clan Leader, the Stone Clan must still pay a price. We can't let this slide."**
Xiao Fei added with a grim expression:
**"Not just the Stone Clan. The Ling Clan must also answer for this. Ling Hua and Stone Zhongtian are both clan leaders. Their actions represent their entire clans.
Even if Ling Hua didn't directly interfere, he shares responsibility. Neither clan should get off lightly. With our current strength, we can simultaneously subdue both clans.
Frankly, the Clan Leader doesn't even need to take action. With a few high level Dou Saints and the Ninth Rank Spirit Arrays provided by the Clan Leader, we can suppress both clans without difficulty."**
A Different Perspective
Xiao Tiance listened quietly before turning to Xiao Qing with a smile:
"Qing Er, what do you think?"
The room fell silent as everyone realized Xiao Tiance was testing Xiao Qing. This was a chance to demonstrate his capability to lead the clan in the future.
Xiao Qing stood, bowed to the elders, and replied confidently:
"Uncle, esteemed elders, I believe force is unnecessary."
Xiao Tiance's eyes gleamed with approval, though his tone remained probing:
**"Go on. Why do you think force isn't necessary?
You know the conditions I gave Ling Hua: handing over the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade, three Heavenly Flames, and 1,000 high level medicinal herbs.
While the last two demands might be manageable for the Ling Clan, the first shatters their pride. If there are still men of spirit in their clan, they won't accept it.
And the Stone Clan? After Stone Zhongtian's death and the blame they bear for our failed operation, their anger will be even greater.
Do you still believe they'll yield without force? Do you think these two ancient clans will submit so easily?"**
Xiao Qing nodded confidently, meeting everyone's gaze before responding:
**"Uncle, Tianluo Da Ren, esteemed elders, I still believe there's no need for military action.
If we give them time, they'll understand the situation on their own.
Why? Because after Uncle's battle with Hun Tiandi, the other clans have witnessed your strength. Your ability to injure him and force his retreat has left the clans in awe.
Additionally, the number of high level Dou Saints we've mobilized shows that even the Gu Clan would hesitate to confront us directly.
As for the Stone and Ling Clans, they are among the weakest of the eight ancient clans. Ling Hua, in particular, is soft spoken and pragmatic. His clan also includes an elder, Ling Chen, who has always been a proponent of peace.
Once they fully grasp the disparity between their strength and ours, they'll fracture from within before we need to take any action."**
The Value of Wisdom
Xiao Tiance's smile deepened as he listened. His test was yielding the results he'd hoped for. While Xiao Qing's raw strength was undeniable, Xiao Tiance believed true leadership required strategic thinking.
"Qing Er," Xiao Tiance said, his tone warm, "your reasoning is sound. Sometimes, the best battles are the ones that never have to be fought."
The room relaxed slightly as the elders nodded in agreement, appreciating Xiao Qing's measured approach.
Xiao Tiance leaned back and sipped his tea, his mind already racing ahead. Though he appeared calm, every move of the Xiao Clan was part of a greater plan one he intended to execute flawlessly.
**"Circumstances dictate actions. Under the current situation, no matter who leads the Ling Clan, they won't dare offend the Xiao Clan. In fact, there's even a possibility that the entire Ling Clan might willingly submit to us.
Once that idea takes root, their internal disputes will likely revolve around who gets to represent the Ling Clan in negotiations with us to secure our favor."**
Xiao Qing smirked as he continued his analysis.
**"As for the Stone Clan, there's even less to say. Stone Zhongtian was their strongest warrior, an early stage Eight Star Dou Saint, yet Uncle dispatched him with ease.
The Stone Clan's 'Three Respects' have no choice but to swallow their pride. They'll have to bear this humiliation, whether they like it or not. For all we know, representatives from the Stone and Ling Clans may already be on their way here to offer apologies."**
Xiao Qing's remarks brought smiles of approval from the gathered elders. This young leader's insight and maturity impressed them.
Besides, Xiao Qing had proven himself repeatedly over the years. While Xiao Tiance had largely delegated clan affairs, Xiao Qing had handled day to day operations with remarkable skill.
It was no wonder the clan held high hopes for him as the next patriarch.
Preparation for War
Xiao Tiance nodded with satisfaction, but his tone remained cautious:
**"Qing Er, your observations are correct. However, we must remain vigilant. Should the Stone or Ling Clans refuse our terms, we must be prepared to teach them a harsh lesson.
Wu Ge, Tianluo, prepare our forces. If we don't receive satisfactory responses from the two clans within half a month, we'll mobilize our army and resolve this with brute force."**
"Understood," the two replied in unison, bowing deeply.
Shifting Focus to the Hun Clan
After addressing the Ling and Stone Clans, the discussion shifted to the Hun Clan.
Compared to the other clans, the Ling and Stone Clans were like delicacies on a platter ready to be devoured at any time without risk.
The Hun Clan, however, remained a persistent threat. Even though Hun Tiandi was severely injured, as long as the Hun Clan survived, they would be like a venomous serpent hiding in the shadows, waiting to strike.
This uncertainty weighed heavily on the Xiao Clan. After all, as the saying goes: "You can guard against a thief for a day, but not for a lifetime."
Finding and eliminating the Hun Clan was the only way to achieve true peace of mind.
Xiao Tiance's Question
Turning to Xiao Qing once more, Xiao Tiance asked:
"Qing Er, do you have any strategies for drawing out the Hun Clan?"
Xiao Qing pondered for a moment before sighing:
**"Uncle, I believe the Hun Clan will remain in hiding for the foreseeable future. Even if we set traps, they'll likely see through them.
If we want to locate them, the best approach is to stay patient. Deploy more spies from Tianji Tower to monitor all major cities in Central Plains. Focus on any unfamiliar individuals or unusual activity.
Eventually, we'll uncover their tracks."**
A Passive Approach
The elders nodded in agreement with Xiao Qing's suggestion.
However, Xiao Tiance frowned slightly. While the plan made sense, it was too passive for his liking.
The Xiao Clan's recent emergence had showcased their power and forced the Hun Clan into hiding. Yet Xiao Tiance wasn't satisfied with just intimidation; he wanted results.
Moreover, Hun Tiandi's ambitions were clear he sought bloodline power and the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade to ascend to Dou Di.
As ruthless as Hun Tiandi was, he had even sacrificed his clan in the original timeline to achieve his goals. Such a man wouldn't remain idle for long, though his current injuries might keep him hidden for seven to eight years.
Assigning the Task
Xiao Tiance eventually nodded and said:
**"It's a reasonable plan, but not enough. Qing Er, I'm entrusting you with full authority over this matter. Mobilize anyone within the Xiao Clan as needed.
Do whatever it takes to uncover the Hun Clan's location as quickly as possible."**
"Yes, Uncle. I'll do my best," Xiao Qing replied confidently.
"Good. That's all for now. Everyone else is dismissed. Tianluo, stay behind."
The Search for the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade
Once the room was empty, Tianluo smiled knowingly at Xiao Tiance.
"So, you're planning to personally collect the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled.
**"Why not? If Hun Tiandi could gather the fragments, why not us?
Besides, if a monk can touch it, why can't I?"**
His deep eyes glinted with determination.
"With Xiao Yan as our backup plan, breaking through to the Great Thousand World won't be a problem."
A Calculated Gamble
Tianluo, being Xiao Tiance's avatar, understood his master's thoughts better than anyone.
**"If a monk can touch it, so can we. Worst case, after we eliminate Hun Tiandi, I'll step in and play the role of his replacement.
As for Xiao Yan, a little pressure will do him good. Accelerating his growth could only benefit us."**
Tianluo paused before adding with a smirk:
"It's just a pity that Xiao Yan is still following the original trajectory. Otherwise, I'd suggest replacing him with someone else to cultivate the Flame Mantra. With our support, they'd undoubtedly progress faster."
Xiao Tiance shook his head with a wry smile.
**"I've considered taking the Flame Mantra myself after finding Yao Chen, but it's not practical.
Switching to the Flame Mantra at my level would destabilize my cultivation, leaving me vulnerable. Without Dou Qi, I wouldn't even be able to use spirit arrays a risk I can't afford.
And even if we gave the Flame Mantra to someone else, who's to say they'd succeed in becoming a Dou Di?
It's better to ensure my own strength. The Flame Mantra may be powerful, but its real potential lies in merging twenty three Heavenly Flames.
Without Void Swallowing Flame's cooperation, it's impossible. And given my history with him, do you really think he'd help me over Hun Tiandi?"**
Tianluo sighed, nodding in agreement.
"You've accounted for everything, haven't you? It's just a shame that Hun Tiandi injured you all those years ago, robbing you of the chance to pursue this path yourself."
Xiao Tiance's gaze hardened.
"As long as the final outcome is in our favor, the process doesn't matter."
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