"How could a disciple from a mere small family possibly advance to the Dou Zun realm? It's utterly absurd."
Yunshan couldn't understand it at all, and was practically driven mad with jealousy.
Yunshan, born into a prestigious sect, cultivated from a young age and was a prominent figure in the Yunlan Sect, once popular throughout the entire Jia Ma Empire.
However, he almost died when he was about to advance to the Dou Zong realm. If it weren't for the mysterious Soul Palace protector's help, he would probably be buried with grass growing three feet tall by now.
This brat named Xiao Ning, at only twenty years old, is already a supreme expert in the Dou Zun realm, a powerhouse that even Yunshan would look up to.
It's true what they say, comparisons are odious and will only make you angry; comparing goods will only make you want to throw them away.
After a long pause, Yunshan let out a sigh of relief and waved his hand listlessly, saying, "Let's put aside how to deal with this person for now and wait and see!"
"yes!"
All the elders responded in unison.
To be honest, they didn't want to be enemies with such an unparalleled expert.
…………
After the meeting, Yunshan went to a secret room.
A long, deep black mist, about ten feet wide, had been waiting there for some time. Upon seeing Yunshan enter, the mist spoke up: "Yunshan, have you found any information about that person?"
Then, the black mist contracted and rippled, and under Yunshan's gaze, it condensed into a figure shrouded in deep black smoke, with a pair of slightly crimson eyes peeking out from the deep darkness.
Yunshan was unsurprised, clearly already accustomed to the eeriness of the black mist. He replied with a slightly respectful tone, "Reporting to Protector Wu, that person and Xiao Yan are from a small family in Wutan Town, and they are cousins!"
"Hmm? The Xiao family..."
The figure in the black mist cried out in surprise, causing the mist to tremble; it was clearly quite shocked.
"Hehe, it came so easily! Just as the Palace Master predicted, the Xiao Clan still has a lineage that has survived and has not been completely extinct!"
"This protector has performed a great service!"
Then, the protector was overjoyed and couldn't help but shout it out.
Upon hearing his words, Yunshan frowned and asked, "What Xiao Clan? What is their relationship with the Xiao Family? Protector Wu, please explain clearly!"
The protector chuckled, clearly in high spirits, and didn't mind his rudeness. He sneered and said, "You just need to know that you have a very powerful background. I can't go into details, but I will remember you for this discovery! When I report back to the Palace Master, I will certainly ask for credit for you!"
Yunshan's eyelids twitched: "Thank you, Protector Xie Wu!"
Full of doubts and preoccupied with his own thoughts, Yunshan cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and said, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now!"
Protector Wu waved his hand: "Go!"
Yunshan left the secret room and returned to his own room, where he sat in a chair and pondered.
He was considering how to proceed.
Ultimately, his relationship with Protector Wu stemmed from nothing more than a transaction.
Protector Wu helped him break through to the Dou Zong level, and in return, he used the power of the Yunlan Sect to help Protector Wu with some tasks.
If they continue to follow the Soul Palace, the Xiao family will not let the Yunlan Sect off the hook in the future.
However, if they are determined to form an alliance with the Xiao family, even the Soul Palace might not be able to deal with them.
Anyone with eyes to see can tell that the Xiao family is in big trouble now, as the mysterious Soul Palace is looking for them.
If this isn't handled properly, the weak and insignificant Yunlan Sect won't be able to withstand such a huge risk; they can't afford to offend either side.
On the Soul Palace side, even a mere protector possesses the cultivation of a Dou Zong, not to mention the deacons, elders, and palace masters above them.
As for the Xiao family, although they only have a few Grand Dou Masters on the surface, last time they revealed a family disciple who was suspected to be a Dou Zun realm expert. Who knows what kind of powerful figures they have in secret?
The fact that even the Soul Palace is so wary of this so-called Xiao Clan, and dares not take direct action, but instead probes through peripheral forces, speaks volumes.
Furthermore, Yunshan himself received a favor from the Soul Palace, which allowed him to advance to the Dou Zong realm. If he were to turn against them, the situation would likely turn sour.
On the Xiao family's side, they have already lost a Douhuang realm disciple, Yun Yun. If they become enemies, this disciple will be in a difficult situation, and a Douhuang realm combat power will be wasted.
No matter what choice they make, it won't benefit the Yunlan Sect.
"My head hurts..."
Yunshan scratched his head, looking pained.
…
Xiao Ning was mentally prepared for the potential troubles; he had already considered them when he decided to reveal his cultivation level.
The Xiao family is, after all, one of the eight ancient clans that have declined. If they continue to decline, the other clans will not care and will not think of causing trouble.
However, the sudden appearance of a disciple at the Dou Zun realm would definitely attract the attention of the remaining ancient clans, and they might even test him step by step.
If Xiao Ning possessed absolute power and achieved the Dou Di realm, he could overcome any challenge with sheer force.
Although his cultivation level is not top-notch now, it is enough to deal with some small fry. Besides, if a Dou Sheng realm expert were to make a move, even if he couldn't win, he could always run away.
Most importantly, Xiao Ning felt that his cultivation was not far from breaking through. Once he broke through to the Golden Core Realm, he would be able to fight against a Dou Sheng, which should be enough to protect himself.
Xiao Ning's lips curled up, revealing a slight smile.
What appeared before Xiao Ning's eyes was an endless space that was somewhat dark and silent. It had been silent for countless years, and the entire space was filled with an ancient and vicissitudes.