BTTH: I Am the Ancestor of the Xiao Clan

Mittel Auction House, VIP Room

Xiao Yan's sharp analysis left everyone in the room frowning. His words made too much sense to ignore. After all, who could truly understand the thoughts of such powerful figures?

If Tianji Tower's leaders did take offense, the Mittel Clan would stand no chance. Crushing them would be as effortless as swatting a fly. Such was the brutal reality of the vast power gap between ordinary families and superpowers like Tianji Tower.

Standing behind Xiao Yan, Ya Fei felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She had noticed the expressions of everyone present and made a firm decision:

"I've decided. I'll accept Tianji Tower's invitation."

Her voice cut through the tense atmosphere, shocking everyone.

The Mittel Clan elders were left dumbfounded. They had assumed that since Ya Fei hadn't immediately agreed, she wouldn't accept the offer at all. They had hoped to use the 8th grade pill to host a Heaven Tier auction, elevating the Mittel Clan's reputation across the Jia Ma Empire and even the entire northwest.

But now, with Ya Fei agreeing to work for Tianji Tower, their plans fell apart. Worse still, they had openly opposed her, and if Ya Fei sought revenge later, they could be in serious trouble.

As the elders struggled to process her decision, Hai Bodong broke the silence.

**"This matter ends here. The 8th grade pill was a gift from Tianji Tower to Ya Fei, and it is hers alone.

Regardless of whether she joins Tianji Tower, no member of the Mittel Clan is to make any further attempts to take it."**

Hai Bodong's words came too late. If he had spoken up before Ya Fei made her decision, she might have appreciated his protection. Now, his stance came across as reluctant compliance.

Still, no one dared to object openly. After Hai Bodong spoke, everyone quickly expressed their agreement, vowing to leave the matter alone.

Once Hai Bodong, Mittel Tengshan, and the others left, only Ya Fei and Xiao Yan remained in the room.

Ya Fei turned to Xiao Yan, her eyes filled with gratitude. In a soft voice, she said, "Thank you, Xiao Yan, for standing up for me earlier. If not for your words, this 8th grade pill might have been taken from me."

Xiao Yan smiled. **"Sister Ya Fei, there's no need for thanks between us. I was simply stating the truth. Tianji Tower is a massive power, not just in the Jia Ma Empire but across the entire Dou Qi Continent.

If the Mittel Clan had caused offense over an 8th grade pill, it could have brought true disaster upon them."**

In truth, Xiao Yan wasn't thinking about such grand implications. He simply couldn't stand by and watch others bully Ya Fei just because she was a woman. Beyond that, their relationship meant he would protect her regardless of Tianji Tower's involvement.

Ya Fei smiled warmly at his words. **"Xiao Yan, if I can establish myself in Tianji Tower, know that you can always count on me for help.

Not just because of our long standing friendship I've never considered you an outsider."**

She spoke lightly, her tone teasing to lift the mood.

Xiao Yan nodded seriously, appreciating her sentiment. While he doubted Ya Fei could immediately assist him, he made a mental note to remember her promise.

"Thank you, Sister Ya Fei. By the way, how much do you know about Tianji Tower's power?"

Ya Fei's expression turned thoughtful. **"Not much. I know the Tianji Tower branch in the imperial capital is one of their lowest ranking branches. Its branch leader is a peak Nine Star Dou Zong.

As for the larger organization, I don't know much else. But considering that Tianji Tower doesn't even regard the Yun Lan Sect as a threat, it's clear they are far beyond what we can provoke."**

She sighed, adding, **"I hadn't planned to join Tianji Tower, but Xiao Yan, you saw how things are. As a powerless elder, I have no say in important matters. It's a frustrating and bitter reality.

In this world of Dou Qi, strength is everything. Whether in the Jia Ma Empire or within the family, only the strong are respected and heard."**

Xiao Yan sighed as well. "Indeed, life is a struggle for everyone. But Tianji Tower has a great reputation and vast power. For you, Sister Ya Fei, it seems like an excellent opportunity."

Realizing he was sounding overly philosophical, he smiled and added, **"Enough about that. Sister Ya Fei, let's talk about something else.

Your three year agreement with Nalan Yanran is only half a month away. Do you think you can win? I've heard she's reached the level of Da Dou Shi and has trained in advanced Xuan Tier Dou Skills from the Yun Lan Sect. Her strength is no joke.

You've worked so hard for this, but if you're not confident, it might be better not to go."**

Her tone was tinged with concern.

Xiao Yan smiled confidently. **"Don't worry, Sister Ya Fei. I'm fully prepared. I've waited too long for this battle and wouldn't miss it for anything.

Besides, she's only a Da Dou Shi hardly a threat. Even if she had reached Dou Ling, it wouldn't matter."**

Though his words carried a touch of bravado, his unwavering confidence reassured Ya Fei. She didn't know his true strength but decided to trust his judgment.

After chatting for a while longer, Ya Fei bid Xiao Yan farewell.

Meanwhile, at the Tianji Tower branch…

Xiao He returned and immediately reported to Xiao Tiance and Xiao Tian Ming.

On the top floor of the tower, Xiao Tian Ming poured Xiao Tiance a cup of tea and asked with a smile, "Brother Ce, do you think Ya Fei will accept the offer?"

Xiao Tiance caught the amused look on Xiao Tian Ming's face and smiled. **"Whether she accepts or not doesn't matter.

However, considering how Xiao He made such a public gesture at the Mittel Auction House and offered an 8th grade pill, if Ya Fei is as smart as she seems, she'll surely accept."**

As Xiao Tiance finished speaking, Xiao Tian Ming wasn't slow to catch on. Coupling the confident smile on Xiao Tiance's face with the situation, the realization hit him.

After a pause, Xiao Tian Ming muttered helplessly, "Brother Ce, you're the strongest person on the Dou Qi Continent, yet you're out here scheming against a little Dou Zhe girl? Aren't you embarrassed? If word got out, people would laugh at you."

Xiao Tiance shot him a glance, smiling faintly. "If you spread the word, I'll have your hide."

"And if I wasn't the one who leaked it?" Xiao Tian Ming asked nervously.

"I'll still have your hide."

Left with no way out, Xiao Tian Ming chuckled awkwardly. He knew Xiao Tiance was only joking. Smiling, he said, **"All jokes aside, Brother Ce, I truly admire you. Your ability to read and manipulate people's hearts leaves me in awe.

Now I finally understand why so many of our peers back in the family preferred to clash head on with Brother Xuan rather than provoke you. You've always had a way of keeping them under your thumb."**

Xiao Tiance smiled knowingly. He understood Xiao Tian Ming's admiration stemmed from realizing the overwhelming temptation an 8th grade pill posed to a small clan like the Mittel Clan. For someone like Ya Fei, without a powerful backer, protecting her interests was nearly impossible.

Xiao Tiance's strategy wasn't even a secret offering the pill to Ya Fei essentially left her with only one choice: to accept Tianji Tower's invitation.

With a sigh, Xiao Tiance remarked, **"People are complicated, and calling it 'control' is an exaggeration.

I merely understand human nature. People are driven by greed and desire. Some crave wealth, others lust for power, fame, or personal gain. Some falter because of love, while others are trapped by hatred or regrets they cannot let go of.

Everyone wants something they don't have, or regrets losing what they did. That longing becomes their weakness, making it easy to predict their actions. It's not as difficult as it seems."**

Xiao Tian Ming fell silent, pondering this deeply before nodding in realization. After a moment, he asked,

**"Brother Ce, what about you? What is it you've been pursuing all your life?

You're already the strongest on the Dou Qi Continent, and anything you desire is within reach. But I've always felt like you've never been truly happy.

I don't know why, but it seems like you still haven't found what you're looking for."**

Xiao Tiance froze. Xiao Tian Ming's words struck a chord. It was true he didn't know what he truly wanted.

For example, when Xiao Xuan had attempted to extract the Dou Emperor bloodline from the Xiao Clan to concentrate it within himself and break into the Dou Di realm, Xiao Tiance knew it was doomed to fail without Origin Qi. He had tried persuading Xiao Xuan a few times but ultimately let him proceed, knowing the outcome.

After Xiao Xuan's death, Xiao Tiance simply did what he thought was right preserving the clan's strength and giving its members a safe haven.

In the years since, he had waited. First, for the Soul Clan to act. Now, he waited for Xiao Yan to ascend to the Dou Di realm and open the path to the Great Thousand World, where he could obtain Origin Qi.

Even with the Emperor Tier Pill in his possession, Xiao Tiance refused to use it. Following the Soul Heaven Emperor's example of sacrificing countless innocents to reach Dou Di went against his principles. The pill remained unused, reserved for a last resort.

"BOOM!"

Suddenly, Xiao Tiance's Dou Qi erupted uncontrollably. Caught off guard, his immense aura demolished the top floor of the Tianji Tower branch, reducing it to rubble.

"What's happening?"

"That's coming from Tianji Tower! What terrifying power!"

Throughout the Jia Ma Empire's capital, Xiao Tiance's overwhelming aura forced everyone to their knees. Many who tried resisting were severely injured, coughing up blood.

The oppressive atmosphere lasted only three seconds before Xiao Tiance reined in his energy. Realizing the commotion he'd caused, he restored the destroyed floor with his Dou Qi and quickly addressed the situation.

Turning to the pale and trembling Xiao He, who had rushed up to investigate, Xiao Tiance instructed, "Xiao He, calm the people. Make sure no one gathers here."

"Understood, Clan Leader!" Xiao He immediately set about dispatching members of Tianji Tower to reassure the panicked populace.

Covered in dust and looking disheveled, Xiao Tian Ming sat up from the wreckage, staring at Xiao Tiance in disbelief. "Brother Ce, what just happened?"

Xiao Tiance laughed heartily. "It seems your words triggered something in me, and I accidentally broke through."

"Really?" Xiao Tian Ming forgot his messy appearance and rushed to Xiao Tiance's side, his face lighting up with excitement.

"Yes," Xiao Tiance confirmed. "I've just broken through to the Half Emperor stage. I'm only one step away from Dou Di now."

Xiao Tian Ming's joy was palpable. "Congratulations, Brother Ce! This is incredible news! I'll let the clan know immediately."

Before he could act, Xiao Tiance raised a hand to stop him. **"No need for such fanfare. Things are already chaotic in the clan. Let's keep this quiet for now.

Besides, your earlier words reminded me I still don't know what it is I'm searching for. I need some time to think."**

Xiao Tian Ming nodded but couldn't resist grinning. "Brother Ce, now that you've reached Half Emperor, if you run into the Soul Heaven Emperor again, he won't even have the chance to escape."

Xiao Tiance smirked. **"If I meet him again, I won't let him get away.

But enough about that. I caused quite the scene just now, and the Jia Ma Empire is probably in an uproar. You'll take the blame for this. Tell everyone it was your breakthrough.

With no other Dou Sheng in the northwest, no one will be able to discern the truth."**

(End of Chapter)

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