BTTH: I Am the Ancestor of the Xiao Clan

Jia Ma Empire, Imperial Capital.

The streets of the Jia Ma Empire's capital were in chaos. People fled in panic, their faces pale with terror, as if death itself were chasing them. Many wished they had extra legs to run faster, fearing that lingering even a moment might spell their doom.

The earlier commotion at Tianji Tower had been like a sudden thunderclap on a clear day. The oppressive aura that followed left many unconscious on the spot. Those closer to the tower fared worse, collapsing like leaves in a storm, as if an unstoppable plague were sweeping through.

Moments later, several Dou Wang and Dou Huang cultivators activated their Dou Qi Wings, rising into the air to survey the city and pinpoint the source of the disturbance.

In just seconds, figures like Jia Xingtian, Hai Bodong, the heads of the three major clans, elders from the Yun Lan Sect, and even Xiao Yan appeared in the skies, all wearing expressions of shock and dread.

The earlier aura had felt like the sky itself was collapsing. Many were convinced the entire world might be destroyed in the next moment.

Fortunately, the pressure subsided quickly. If it had lasted longer, the entire Jia Ma Imperial Capital would have been devastated, leaving no one below the Dou Huang level alive.

Xiao Yan and the others exchanged anxious glances, preparing to head toward Tianji Tower to investigate.

Suddenly, a beam of white light shot through the air, stopping abruptly before them.

Everyone turned to see a young man in his twenties, his presence commanding and ethereal. His features were sharp and handsome, and his long, unbound hair added a carefree and unrestrained aura to his appearance.

But these details paled in comparison to the overwhelming power radiating from him. Though he made no aggressive move, his very presence was suffocating. It felt as if an unshakable mountain had descended, pressing down on their spirits.

Before the man could speak, Xiao He arrived, flying swiftly toward the group. Landing respectfully, he bowed and addressed the man, "Vice Tower Master!"

The crowd froze in disbelief. This man was a vice tower master of Tianji Tower? If someone this powerful was only second in command, how unimaginably strong must the actual tower master be?

The young man smiled faintly, motioning for Xiao He to rise. "No need for such formality. I experienced a minor breakthrough earlier and failed to control my aura in time. I apologize for alarming everyone."

Jia Xingtian and the others quickly bowed in response. "So it was just a misunderstanding. With that clarified, we can all rest easy."

Xiao Tian Ming's gaze lingered on Xiao Yan for a moment before he spoke. "For someone so young to have already subdued a Heavenly Flame, that's truly remarkable. Your future is boundless."

"You flatter me, senior," Xiao Yan replied humbly, bowing in respect.

Xiao Tian Ming waved dismissively and turned to Xiao He. "Everything has been explained. Handle the rest. I'll take my leave."

"Understood. Safe travels, Vice Tower Master!" Xiao He bowed deeply as Xiao Tian Ming vanished in the blink of an eye, disappearing like a phantom.

The group watched in awe. To most of them, even Dou Zong level cultivators were rare. Witnessing the methods of a Dou Sheng was nothing short of miraculous.

Xiao He broke the silence, bowing politely. "Apologies for disturbing you all."

Jia Xingtian, ever the diplomat, quickly replied, "Tower Master Xiao, you're too humble. To witness such a figure today is a great honor for us. The earlier commotion is hardly worth mentioning."

With Jia Xingtian setting the tone, the others chimed in with similar sentiments.

The Yun Lan Sect elders, however, wore uneasy and bitter expressions. After offering brief pleasantries, they left in haste.

Once they were gone, Xiao He exchanged a few more polite words with the group before returning to Tianji Tower.

Xiao Yan, watching Xiao He's retreating figure, couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen this man before. His surname, Xiao, also caught his attention.

Still, he dismissed the thought. There were plenty of people with the Xiao surname it wasn't as if every strong cultivator named Xiao was related to his family.

Back in his room, Xiao Yan barely had time to settle before Yao Chen's soul form emerged.

"Teacher," Xiao Yan asked eagerly. "That expert earlier he must've been at least at the Dou Zun level, right? That aura was terrifying. To think a mere breakthrough could cause such a disturbance!"

Yao Chen smiled cryptically, saying nothing. The Tianji Tower vice tower master was indeed strong, but the aura from earlier wasn't his. It had come from someone far more powerful.

Yao Chen chose not to elaborate, instead advising, **"Let me just say this: that man was above Dou Zun. But Xiao Yan, don't concern yourself with such realms for now.

Focus on what's within your reach the upcoming Alchemist Conference and your three year agreement."**

Xiao Yan nodded respectfully. "You're right, Teacher. That level of strength is far beyond me. There's no point dwelling on it."

After a pause, he added, "By the way, Teacher, I feel like my alchemy skills are on the verge of breaking through to the 4th tier, but I'm not sure how to push past the barrier."

Yao Chen examined Xiao Yan's soul and nodded approvingly. **"Indeed, you're close. With some luck, you might already be able to refine lower level 4th tier pills.

Don't rush it. Breakthroughs in alchemy are like water flowing naturally you'll get there when the time is right. Remember, your alchemical talents already surpass your peers. In the Jia Ma Empire, no one your age can match you."**

Xiao Yan smiled wryly. "I hope so. I'd like to win the Alchemist Conference championship. It would reflect well on you as my teacher."

Meanwhile, in the top floor of Tianji Tower's branch, Xiao Tiance addressed Xiao He and Xiao Tian Ming.

"Xiao He, you're dismissed," Xiao Tiance said.

"Yes, Clan Leader. I'll take my leave."

After Xiao He departed, Xiao Tiance turned to Xiao Tian Ming with a faint smile. "How did it feel to show off in front of everyone?"

Xiao Tian Ming rolled his eyes at the question but was about to respond when Xiao Tiance abruptly stood. His expression turned serious as he said, "Tian Ming, I need to step out for a bit."

Before Xiao Tian Ming could say anything, Xiao Tiance vanished into thin air.

"Every time... It's always like this," Xiao Tian Ming muttered in exasperation, shaking his head.

Outside the Jia Ma Imperial Capital, dozens of miles away.

Xiao Tiance reappeared in the wilderness. Opposite him stood a tall and imposing figure with an air of calm authority.

"I had a feeling that aura just now was familiar. It turns out to be you," said the man, his voice steady.

Xiao Tiance smiled. "It's been a while, Zhu Kun."

The man was none other than Zhu Kun, the Dragon Emperor of the ancient Taixu Dragon Clan.

Zhu Kun's expression darkened slightly. "Yes, we meet again. But this time, I've fully recovered. And without Zi Yan to protect, I no longer have anything to fear from you."

Zhu Kun's tone carried an edge of hostility. Previously, his strength had been weakened after being trapped in the ancient emperor's tomb, and with Zi Yan under his care, he had always been cautious around Xiao Tiance. Now, fully restored, he felt more confident.

"Oh?" Xiao Tiance responded with a faint smile. "Does that mean you want to fight me?"

Though he didn't know why Zhu Kun had come or why his tone was so aggressive, Xiao Tiance didn't mind. Having just broken through to Half Emperor, he was eager to test his strength, and Zhu Kun, a peak Nine Star Dou Sheng, would be the perfect opponent.

Zhu Kun didn't mince words. "I want to know what you took from the ancient emperor's tomb."

Xiao Tiance chuckled. "When I invited you to explore the tomb with me, you refused, thinking I'd harm you. Now you want to ask what I found? Do you think I'd tell you?"

Zhu Kun's tone hardened. **"You don't need to tell me. I already know. Hand over the Emperor Tier Pill and destroy it, and we can settle this peacefully.

I'll also honor the three favors I owe you, as promised."**

Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. It seems you know quite a bit. You even know about the Emperor Tier Pill. I assume the ancient emperor told you everything before his ascension."

He was confident Zhu Kun had never entered the tomb because the formation he left behind hadn't been disturbed. Zhu Kun's knowledge likely came from his interactions with the ancient emperor millions of years ago.

Zhu Kun snorted. **"That's right. But make no mistake if you try to use the Emperor Tier Pill to break through to Dou Di, you'll plunge the entire Dou Qi Continent into chaos.

That method violates the natural order, and I won't let you succeed."**

At their level of cultivation, Dou Shengs were well aware of the Emperor Tier Pill's destructive method for achieving Dou Di. Zhu Kun was determined to prevent such devastation.

Xiao Tiance's smile faded. "You're meddling in things that don't concern you. And let's be clear: if you want to take something from me, you'll have to do it by force."

"I'm not foolish enough to think I can overpower you," Zhu Kun admitted. "But I can offer you an alternative method to break through to Dou Di. How about a trade?"

Zhu Kun's calmness belied his confidence. While he knew he couldn't defeat Xiao Tiance, he was equally confident in his ability to escape, thanks to his mastery of spatial techniques.

But Zhu Kun underestimated Xiao Tiance.

"A trade? I didn't expect such altruism from you, Zhu Kun," Xiao Tiance said with a laugh. "Alright, tell me what you have to offer. If it's worthwhile, I'll consider it."

Zhu Kun's voice grew serious. "The Source of the Emperor. With it, you can break through to Dou Di. What do you think?"

Xiao Tiance paused, feigning contemplation.

He quickly pieced together Zhu Kun's true intentions. In the original timeline, Zhu Kun hadn't intended to let Xiao Yan become a Dou Di either. However, unable to access the Source of the Emperor beneath the ancient emperor's statue, Zhu Kun had no choice but to let Xiao Yan try.

Now, it seemed Zhu Kun was attempting to trick him with the same offer.

Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. "Of course. If you bring me the Source of the Emperor, I'll gladly trade you the Emperor Tier Pill."

Zhu Kun's expression flickered with triumph, but then he burst into laughter. **"So, you couldn't break open the ancient emperor's statue either? Ha! Xiao brat, trying to play games with me? You're not as clever as you think.

It seems it's not about strength after all. That damn ancient emperor must have designed it to require compatibility. If I ever find him, I'll wring his neck!"**

Xiao Tiance's smile froze. Zhu Kun hadn't come for the Emperor Tier Pill he'd come to confirm whether Xiao Tiance had already taken the Source of the Emperor.

Zhu Kun's laughter grated on Xiao Tiance. His expression darkened as his Dou Qi surged, emanating an oppressive aura that swept toward Zhu Kun.

"Is it funny, Zhu Kun?" Xiao Tiance asked coldly.

Zhu Kun smirked, unfazed by the pressure. **"Very funny, actually. Getting information out of the Xiao Clan's so called 'brains' isn't easy, but it seems I've succeeded.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."**

"BOOM!"

Xiao Tiance's aura erupted fully. "Zhu Kun, if I let you walk away today, I might as well quit!"

(To Be Continued)

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