Chapter 228 Discussion with Xiao Zhan
Xiao Zhan noticed the moment Xiao Ling stepped into the meeting room. He immediately shifted his gaze away from the scroll in his hand and revealed a gentle smile on his face.
"Xiao Ling, what's the wind blowing today that makes you come here in person?" Xiao Zhan laughed loudly, with a bit of surprise and kindness in his tone, "If there is anything important, just tell me and I will come to you. Why bother you to come here in person?"
Xiao Zhan's words revealed his respect for Xiao Ling and his generosity as a clan leader, and also showed his special regard for Xiao Ling. In the Xiao family, although Xiao Ling did not often get involved in family affairs, his influence and status were irreplaceable.
Xiao Ling smiled in response to Xiao Zhan's greeting, "That's not necessary, Patriarch. I just happened to be free today, so I came to see you."
Then, at Xiao Zhan's signal, Xiao Ling walked to the side, elegantly pulled out a carved wooden chair, and slowly sat down.
Xiao Ling took a sip of tea, the fragrance of the tea slowly permeated his mouth. He put down the teacup and said to Xiao Zhan in a calm and firm tone: "Patriarch, I came here today mainly to tell you that I plan to leave the Xiao family and handle some necessary affairs. In addition, in view of the potential crisis at present, I want to make some arrangements for the family before I leave."
"Alas, you are talented. It is impossible for you to have achieved such success at this age. It is impossible for you to stay in the Jiama Empire forever."
Xiao Zhan had nothing to say about Xiao Ling's decision. After all, the Jiama Empire was indeed a little too small for Xiao Ling.
As the current patriarch of the Xiao family, Xiao Zhan naturally knew about the ambitions of the Three Kingdoms Alliance against the Jia Ma Empire. And he knew that Xiao Ling was now a Dou Zong-level warrior, not the Dou Huang-level warrior as rumored by the outside world.
In fact, the reputation and power of the Xiao family depended largely on Xiao Ling, the pillar. Apart from Xiao Ling, who was a Dou Huang in name only but a Dou Zong in reality, the strongest fighter of the Xiao family was only Xiao Zhan himself, who was at the high level of Dou Ling. Such a family's strength was not even considered a top force in the Jia Ma Empire.
Facing the situation that Xiao Ling was about to leave, Xiao Zhan was actually very uncertain. If the three-nation coalition really launched an attack at this time, and Xiao Ling was not in the Jiama Empire, the Xiao family would face huge risks without the top combat power.
However, Xiao Zhan did not make any excessive requests to Xiao Ling, such as asking him to stay in the Xiao family to tide over the difficulties. He knew that Xiao Ling had not stayed in the Xiao family for a long time and did not have deep feelings for the family. The Xiao family was very lucky to receive such a favor from Xiao Ling. If he asked for more, it would be a bit impolite and even cause Xiao Ling's disgust.
At this moment, hearing Xiao Ling mention the arrangements for the future of the Xiao family, Xiao Zhan's heavy burden was finally relieved. Obviously, even if Xiao Ling was about to leave, he also planned to reserve some coping strategies for the Xiao family to provide a guarantee for the family's future.
Xiao Zhan spoke eagerly, with a bit of sincerity and curiosity in his tone: "Xiao Ling, what are your plans? Feel free to tell me. After all, the Xiao family's current situation is almost entirely due to your efforts."
Xiao Ling did not rush to answer Xiao Zhan's question, but calmly took out two exquisite jade bottles from the ring. As the jade bottles were opened, a unique fragrance of elixir spread out, subtle and refreshing, which refreshed people.
"Xiao Ling, what is this? Is it some kind of elixir?" Xiao Zhan stared at the two jade bottles with a hint of curiosity and confusion.
Xiao Ling smiled slightly, his tone still calm: "Chief, you will know after taking a look first." As he spoke, he handed the jade bottle to Xiao Zhan.
Xiao Zhan took the jade bottle. With his Douling-level strength, he naturally had an extraordinary sense of elixirs. He noticed that the bottle cap of the jade bottle seemed to be engraved with mysterious energy patterns. Upon closer inspection, these patterns seemed to form a series of mysterious seals.
"The pills that need to be sealed to preserve must be extraordinary." Xiao Zhan thought to himself, full of expectations for the grade and efficacy of these two pills.
He gently pulled out the cork, and suddenly, two different rays of light shot out from the bottle, one pill was as red as a flame, and the other was as green as water.
Not only were these two pills brightly colored, they also caused ripples in the air. They seemed to have their own spirituality, and once they came into contact with the outside world, they greedily absorbed the surrounding energy, as if trying to use this force to break through the air.
Seeing this, Xiao Zhan's eyes flashed with understanding. As a Douling master, he was familiar with the characteristics of high-level elixirs. He knew that such spiritual elixirs often contained huge energy, and if they were not quickly controlled, they would probably escape.
Therefore, Xiao Zhan did not dare to delay and quickly mobilized his own fighting spirit to form an invisible net. Before the two pills could gather much energy, he bound the two pills firmly in mid-air.
Xiao Zhan stretched out his hand and waved it gently, and two pills fell lightly into his palm. However, when he actually touched the two pills, he was only familiar with the green one.
He had an impression of that green pill. It was the Qingming Shoudan that Yun Yun, the leader of the Yunlan Sect, gave to Xiao Yan as an apology. It was a rare pill that could prolong life. However, compared with the previous one, the one that Xiao Ling just took was obviously of better quality.
Compared to the green sixth-grade elixir, the energy fluctuation of the red elixir was even stronger, which made Xiao Zhan wonder if this elixir was the legendary seventh-grade elixir.
At this time, Xiao Ling's voice sounded in his ears, calm but with an authority that could not be ignored: "These two pills, the one on the right is a seventh-grade pill, and the one on the left is a sixth-grade pinnacle pill."
"Seventh grade!" Xiao Zhan was shocked. Although he had expected this, he was still surprised to hear the grade of this elixir. He had occasionally seen sixth grade elixirs over the years, but this was the first time he had seen a seventh grade elixir in his life.
"That's right." Xiao Ling nodded and continued to explain, "The red pill in your right hand is called Life-Devouring Pill, a seventh-grade pill that can instantly make a great Dou Shi-level cultivator possess the strength of a Dou Wang. And the green pill on the left should not be the first time you have seen it. It is called Qingming Shoudan, a sixth-grade pinnacle product that I personally refined. Taking it can extend a person's lifespan by more than ten years."
Hearing this, Xiao Zhan once again stared at the red pill called Life-Devouring Pill. It was blood red in color, as big as a longan, and exuded a mysterious aura. In the center of the pill, a blood-red light flickered, like a tiny eye, exuding a weird feeling.
After listening to Xiao Ling's detailed introduction to the pills, Xiao Zhan's eyes wandered over the two pills, with an undisguised fiery glow in his eyes. His eldest and second sons instantly appeared in his mind. The current cultivation of these two children just met the requirements for taking this seventh-grade Life-Devouring Pill.
As for his youngest son Xiao Yan, and himself, Xiao Zhan did not think too much about taking the pill. Xiao Yan's talent was obvious, and he had reached the Dou Ling level. It was only a matter of time for him to be promoted to Dou Wang. As a high-level Dou Ling, Xiao Zhan himself was confident that it would not be difficult for him to break through to Dou Wang in his lifetime.
But as the head of the clan, Xiao Zhan's insight and prudence gained from years of experience soon made him realize the potential problems. The name of this elixir, Life-Devouring Pill, sounded a bit evil, which made him feel a little alert.
"Can this elixir really make a person instantly possess the power of a Dou Wang?" Xiao Zhan was shocked, but soon calmed down and asked in a deep voice, "Even so, behind this miraculous effect, I'm afraid there is a high price to pay."
Seeing that Xiao Zhan was not fooled by the powerful effect of the elixir, Xiao Ling's eyes flashed with approval, and he recognized Xiao Zhan's calmness and keen insight. Then he smiled and said, "As you think, this elixir is not without cost. Although it can instantly soar to the strength of a Dou Wang beginner, this power comes at the cost of overdrawing life potential. Therefore, those who take this elixir will only have three years left in their lives. Unless their cultivation reaches Dou Huang, there is no way to eliminate the sequelae."
When Xiao Zhan heard about the side effects of the elixir, his face changed slightly, and then he smiled bitterly: "Xiao Ling, you took out this elixir, don't you want me to take it? Even though the strength of Dou Wang is indeed tempting, I don't want to end the rest of my life like this. Although I already have three sons, I don't need to worry about the inheritance of the Xiao family. Xiao Yan is enough to shoulder the future of the family. However, with the resources you left to the Xiao family, I believe that within three years, I can steadily break through to Dou Wang. Why force this momentary urge?" Xiao Ling smiled slightly and explained: "Patriarch, I took out this elixir not for you or anyone in the family to take it. It is an emergency measure for the Xiao family when facing a desperate situation. Of course, it needs to be used with caution, after all, its cost is not trivial."
After listening to Xiao Ling's explanation, Xiao Zhan showed an awkward smile on his face. He knew in his heart that Xiao Ling would never let him take such a risk of shortening his life given his character and behavior. His doubts just now were just impulsive and he said them without thinking deeply.
Xiao Ling looked at Xiao Zhan's embarrassment and continued in a calm tone: "The reason why I gave these pills to you is because as the clan leader, you will be staying in the family. Holding them can be used as a last resort in times of crisis. The blue Qingming Longevity Pill can add ten years to your life. If someone in the family encounters an accident, taking this pill can buy precious time. If you can cultivate to the Douhuang realm during this period of time, the side effects of the Life-Devouring Pill will also disappear."
After hearing this, Xiao Zhan's heart was moved. Isn't this a shortcut to becoming a Dou Wang quickly? But then, he also realized the huge risks behind this.
With some expectation and hesitation, Xiao Zhan asked: "Then, can these two pills also be used for your cousin Xiao Ding and cousin Xiao Li, my two sons?"
Xiao Ling pondered for a moment, then replied: "Of course it is possible in theory. But I don't recommend them to do this." His voice was calm, but revealed a kind of determination, "Although the Life Devouring Pill can increase strength in a short period of time at the cost of consuming vitality, even with the lifespan supplemented by the Qingming Longevity Pill, it is still difficult to break through from Dou Wang to Dou Huang within thirteen years."
Xiao Zhan nodded to show his understanding. He also knew that even if he had thirteen years, to leap from a beginner Dou Wang to a Dou Huang, only a very small number of people with extraordinary talents could achieve such a speed of cultivation.
"As for Xiao Yan, it goes without saying that he is very talented. It is not difficult for him to reach Dou Huang within thirteen years." Xiao Ling continued, "But he is already a Dou Ling-level warrior now. These two pills are no longer necessary for him."
"As for my cousins Xiao Li and Xiao Ding, it is very difficult for them to break through from the initial Dou Wang to Dou Huang within thirteen years with their talents. Although I can forcibly use some resources to help them break through to Dou Huang within thirteen years, it is inevitable that there will be some sequelae."
"That's why I said these pills should be used as a last resort and only in emergencies." As soon as Xiao Ling finished speaking, he gently picked up the teacup beside him, took a sip of the tea, and left Xiao Zhan opposite him to slowly digest the information he had just revealed in silence.
Xiao Ling's words were not groundless; everything he said was based on reality.
There are many Dou Wang warriors in the Jia Ma Empire, numbering as many as dozens, but there are only a handful of people who can reach the Dou Huang realm, and there are no more than five in the public eye.
This is the situation in Canaan College. There are many Dou Wangs, and there are more than a dozen of them in the Tianfen Qi Training Tower alone, but there are only a handful of people who can truly break through to Dou Huang. It can be seen that the leap from Dou Wang to Dou Huang is extremely difficult and it is very difficult without excellent talent or great opportunity.
Although Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were among the outstanding talents in the Xiao family, they were still far behind those top Dou Wangs. Therefore, Xiao Zhan naturally understood the meaning of Xiao Ling's words.
Moreover, the practice of overdrawing vitality in exchange for temporary strength will undoubtedly cause irreversible damage to the practitioner's body.
This is why Xiao Ling did not choose the quick way even though he had the Life-Devouring Pill. If there really was such a way without any side effects, why wouldn't the big powers in Zhongzhou adopt it to cultivate more geniuses?
Those who are trained by big forces basically have the potential to break through to the Dou Zong level. With the support of the forces, it is not an easy thing to break through from Dou Wang to Dou Huang in more than ten years.
Xiao Ling had previously asked Xiao Xun'er about whether it was feasible to use the Life-Devouring Pill and the Qingming Longevity Pill together.
Xiao Xun'er clearly stated that although this method can improve strength in the short term, it will more or less leave sequelae, and the longer the time stayed in the Dou Wang realm, the more serious the sequelae will be. Especially for more than five years, the sequelae will be very serious and will greatly affect the user's cultivation potential.
After listening to Xiao Ling's explanation, Xiao Zhan pondered for a moment, then slowly said: "I understand. Although Li'er and Ding'er have good talents, it may still be a bit difficult for them to reach such a speed of cultivation. We should be more cautious and not use these two pills lightly."
Xiao Ling nodded slightly, his tone revealing a hint of seriousness: "Indeed, these pills should be kept carefully and only used as a last resort."
Xiao Zhan listened carefully to Xiao Ling's advice. He carefully put the pills back into the jade bottle and tightened the stopper to ensure that no medicinal power would be lost. Then, he waved his hand lightly, a white light flashed, and the two precious pills were safely stored in his ring.
After putting away the pills, Xiao Zhan turned to Xiao Ling with a gentle smile on his face: "Xiao Ling, besides these, is there anything else that needs to be arranged?"
Xiao Zhan knew clearly in his heart that although the seventh-grade elixir was extremely precious and could quickly increase the strength of a Dou Wang, under the strong pressure of the Three Kingdoms Alliance, even a low-level Dou Huang would find it difficult to change the situation of the war.
If Xiao Ling really intended to leave a backup plan for the Xiao family, his methods would naturally not be limited to providing the Life-Devouring Pill as an emergency measure.
As soon as Xiao Zhan finished speaking, Xiao Ling revealed a mysterious smile and slowly said, "The clan leader is indeed very perceptive. I do have other plans. Please rest assured that as long as the Xiao family does not act rashly, this trump card is enough to ensure that the family will be safe in the Northwest Continent."
After hearing this, Xiao Zhan's eyes flashed with interest, and curiosity drove him to continue asking: "Xiao Ling, what exactly is this guarantee you are talking about?"
Hearing Xiao Zhan's question, Xiao Ling had no extra words. He just waved his hand lightly and summoned the Earth Demon Puppet that he had personally refined not long ago to the scene.
As soon as the local demon puppet appeared, its aura was like an invisible storm, sweeping across the entire meeting room in an instant. Its red eyes seemed to contain endless fighting spirit and murderous intent, making people feel a chill rising from the soles of their feet.
Its red eyes, like two burning flames, illuminated the surrounding darkness and reflected its cold and ruthless metal face.
Xiao Zhan felt the aura emanating from the Earth Demon Puppet. His breathing became rapid and heavy, and his heartbeat accelerated, as if he was enveloped by an invisible pressure.
His eyes were fixed on the Earth Demon Puppet. Although he felt a strong sense of oppression, his will was firm and he did not want to miss any details of observing this mysterious puppet.
Under Xiao Zhan's gaze, every detail of the Earth Demon Puppet gradually became clear. This puppet was about two meters tall. Its silver metal surface not only reflected the cold light, but was also engraved with complex runes. These runes seemed to contain ancient power, providing additional blessings for the puppet. And its red eyes were so deep that they seemed to swallow all the light, revealing an unfathomable power.
Noticing that Xiao Zhan seemed a little uncomfortable due to the Earth Demon Puppet's momentum, Xiao Ling waved his hand gently, skillfully isolating the oppressive feeling that the puppet inadvertently emitted. His movements were smooth and natural, like a breeze blowing across the lake, easily dispelling the tense atmosphere around them. With a hint of apology, Xiao Ling gently said to Xiao Zhan: "Patriarch, I'm so sorry. I refined this Earth Demon Puppet not long ago, and no one has refined it yet, so it has not been able to freely control the momentum it emits."
(End of this chapter)