Chapter 228 Discussion with Xiao Zhan
The moment Xiao Ling stepped into the meeting hall, Xiao Zhan was aware of it. He immediately looked away from the scroll in his hand and showed a gentle smile.
"Xiao Ling, what kind of wind is 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 give me an order and I will take care of it." Let’s go to your place, why bother you to go there yourself”
Xiao Zhan's words revealed his respect for Xiao Ling and his generosity as the clan leader, and also showed his special regard for Xiao Ling. In the Xiao family, although Xiao Ling does not often get involved in family affairs, his influence and status are irreplaceable.
Xiao Ling smiled at Xiao Zhan's greeting, "That's not necessary. Chief, I am free today, so I came to see you."
Then, at Xiao Zhan's signal, Xiao Ling walked aside, elegantly pulled out a carved wooden chair, and slowly sat down.
Xiao Ling took a sip of tea, and the aroma of tea slowly filled his mouth. He put down the tea cup and said to Xiao Zhan in a calm and firm tone: "Chief, the main reason I came here today is to inform you that I plan to leave the Xiao family soon." , and make some necessary arrangements. In addition, in view of the current potential crisis, I want to make some arrangements for the family before leaving.”
"Oh, you are so talented and you have achieved this at your age. It is indeed impossible to stay in the Overweight Empire."
Xiao Zhan had nothing to say about Xiao Ling's decision. After all, the empire was indeed a bit too small for Xiao Ling.
As the current patriarch of the Xiao family, Xiao Zhan naturally has some understanding of the Three Kingdoms Alliance's ambitions towards the Gama Empire. And he knew that Xiao Ling was now a strong man at the Douzong level, not the Douhuang level as rumored by the outside world.
In fact, the reputation and strength of the Xiao family depended to a large extent on Xiao Ling, the backbone of the family. Except for Xiao Ling, who is a fighting emperor on the surface but is actually a strong man in the fighting sect, the Xiao family's current strongest combat power is only Xiao Zhan himself, who is at the high-level fighting spirit level. Such a family's strength cannot be ranked among the top forces in the Jiama Empire.
Facing Xiao Ling's imminent departure, Xiao Zhan felt really unsure. If the Allied Forces of the Three Kingdoms really attack at this time, and Xiao Ling is not in the Jiama Empire, the Xiao family, which has lost its top combat power, will face huge risks.
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 is extremely lucky to have such favors from Xiao Ling. If you ask for too much, it will be impolite and may even arouse Xiao Ling's resentment.
At this moment, hearing that Xiao Ling mentioned that he had plans for the future of the Xiao family, the heavy burden in Xiao Zhan's heart was finally relieved. Obviously, even if Xiao Ling is about to leave, he plans to reserve some countermeasures for the Xiao family to provide a guarantee for the family's future.
Xiao Zhan spoke eagerly, with a hint of sincerity and curiosity in his tone: "Xiao Ling, what are your arrangements? But it doesn't matter. After all, the Xiao family's current situation is almost entirely dependent on your own efforts."
Xiao Ling was not in a hurry to answer Xiao Zhan's inquiry, but calmly took out two exquisite jade bottles from the ring. As the jade bottle was opened, a unique fragrance of the elixir filled the air. It was subtle, fresh and refreshing.
"Xiao Ling, what is this? What kind of elixir is it?" Xiao Zhan fixed his eyes tightly on the two jade bottles with a hint of curiosity and confusion.
Xiao Ling smiled slightly, but his tone was still calm: "Clan leader, you will know after you take a look." As he spoke, he handed the jade bottle to Xiao Zhan.
Xiao Zhan took the jade bottle. With his spirit-fighting level of strength, his perception of elixirs was naturally extraordinary. He noticed that the cap of the jade bottle seemed to be engraved with mysterious energy lines. Upon closer inspection, these lines seemed to form mysterious seals.
"Elixirs that need to be preserved with seals must be of extraordinary quality." Xiao Zhan thought to himself, full of expectations for the quality and effectiveness of these two elixirs.
He gently uncorked the bottle, and immediately, two different rays of light shot out from the bottle. One pill was as red as flames, while the other was as green as a drop of green.
These two elixirs are not only bright and dazzling in color, but also stir up ripples in the air. They seem to have their own spirituality. Once they come into contact with the atmosphere of the outside world, they greedily absorb the surrounding energy, as if they are trying to use this power. Go through the air.
When Xiao Zhan saw this, a flash of understanding flashed in his eyes. As a strong fighting spirit, he is no stranger to the properties of high-level elixirs. He knew that such spiritual elixirs often contained huge energy, and if they were not controlled quickly, they would likely escape.
Therefore, Xiao Zhan did not dare to neglect, and quickly mobilized his fighting spirit to form an invisible net, tightly binding the two pills in mid-air before they had gathered much energy.
Xiao Zhan stretched out his hand and waved lightly, and the two pills fell lightly into his palm. However, when he actually touched the two pills, he was only familiar with the cyan one.
He once had the impression that the blue pill was the Qingming Shou Pill given to Xiao Yan by Yun Yun, the leader of the Yunlan Sect, as an apology gift. It was a rare pill that could prolong life. However, compared with the previous one, the quality of the outstanding one Xiao Ling just took is obviously even better.
Compared with the cyan sixth-grade elixir, the energy fluctuations of the red pill were stronger, which made Xiao Zhan couldn't help but guess whether 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 peak sixth-grade pill."
"Seventh grade!" Xiao Zhan was shocked. Although he had expected it, he was still surprised when he heard the grade of this elixir with his own ears. He has occasionally seen sixth-grade elixirs over the years, but this is the first time in his life that he has seen these seventh-grade elixirs.
"That's right." Xiao Ling nodded and continued to explain, "The red elixir in your right hand is called the Life-devouring elixir. It is a seventh-grade elixir that can allow a practitioner at the level of a great fighting master to instantly possess the power of fighting." The strength of the king. The green elixir on the left is probably not the first time you have seen it. It is called Qingming Shoudan. It is the pinnacle of the sixth grade that I personally refined. Taking it can extend a person's life by more than ten years. ”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhan stared at the red pill called the Life-Eating Pill again. It was blood red, as big as a dragon's eye, and exuded a mysterious aura. In the center of the elixir, a bit of blood flickered, like a tiny eye, exuding a strange feeling.
After listening to Xiao Ling's detailed introduction to the elixirs, Xiao Zhan's eyes wandered over the two elixirs, with an unconcealable heat flashing in his eyes. The figures of his eldest son and second son suddenly appeared in his mind. The current cultivation level of these two children just meets the conditions for taking this seventh-grade life-devouring pill.
As for his youngest son Xiao Yan, and himself, Xiao Zhan didn't think too much about taking this elixir. Xiao Yan's talent is obvious, he has reached the level of Dou Ling, and it is only a matter of time for him to be promoted to Dou King. As for Xiao Zhan himself, as a high-level Dou Ling, he was confident that it would not be difficult to break through to Dou Wang in his lifetime.
But as the leader of the clan, Xiao Zhan's insight and prudence gained from years of experience quickly made him aware of potential problems. The name of this elixir, Life-Eating Dan, sounded a bit sinister, which made him feel a little wary.
"This elixir can really give people the power of a fighting king instantly?" Although Xiao Zhan was shocked, he quickly calmed down and asked in a deep voice, "Even so, the price behind such a magical effect is probably not small."
Seeing that Xiao Zhan was not fooled by the powerful effects of the elixir, Xiao Ling's eyes flashed with approval. He recognized Xiao Zhan's calmness and keen insight, and then said with a smile: "As you thought, this elixir is It is not completely cost-effective. Although it can instantly soar people to the level of Dou Wang, this power comes at the cost of overdrafting their life potential. Therefore, those who take this elixir will only have three years left in their lives. Unless the cultivation level reaches Douhuang, the sequelae cannot be eliminated.”
When Xiao Zhan heard the sequelae behind this elixir, his face changed slightly, and then he smiled bitterly: "Xiao Ling, when you took out this elixir, didn't you want me to take it? Even though Dou Wang's strength is indeed tempting, but I don't want to end the rest of my life just yet. Although I already have three sons, I don't need to worry about the inheritance of the Xiao family. However, with the resources you left to the Xiao family, I don't believe it. In three years, I will be able to steadily break through to Dou Wang, so why bother to force this speed?" Xiao Ling smiled slightly and explained: "Clan leader, I didn't take this pill for you or anyone in the family. An emergency strategy for the Xiao family when faced with a desperate situation. Of course, this needs to be used with caution, after all, the price is not trivial.”
After hearing Xiao Ling's explanation, Xiao Zhan had an embarrassed smile on his face. He knew in his heart that with Xiao Ling's personality and character, he would never let him take such a risk of losing his life. The question he just asked was just an impulsive statement that he made without careful consideration.
Xiao Ling looked at Xiao Zhan's embarrassment and continued in a calm tone: "The reason why I gave this elixir to you is because as the clan leader, you will be the permanent resident of the clan. By holding them, you can use them as your last trump card in times of crisis. . The blue Qingming Longevity Pill can add ten years to the life span. If someone in the family encounters an accident, taking this pill will buy them valuable time. The side effects of Shishengdan will also disappear.”
After hearing this, Xiao Zhan couldn't help but feel something in his heart. Isn't this a shortcut to becoming a fighting king? But then, he also realized the huge risks behind this.
With some expectation and hesitation, Xiao Zhan asked: "Can these two pills also be applicable to your cousin Xiao Ding and cousin Xiao Li, and my two sons?"
Xiao Ling pondered for a moment, and then replied: "Theoretically, it is possible. 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 consume life force, , to improve the strength in a short period of time, but even with the supplementary lifespan of Qingming Shou Dan, it is still difficult to break through from Dou Wang to Dou Huang in thirteen years.”
Xiao Zhan nodded to express his understanding. He also knew in his heart that even if it took thirteen years to jump from a beginner to a fighting king, only a very small number of talented people could achieve such a speed of cultivation.
"As for Xiao Yan, it goes without saying that he is talented. It is not difficult for him to reach Dou Huang within thirteen years." Xiao Ling continued, "But he is now a strong man at Dou Ling level. These two pills Medicine is no longer necessary for him.”
"As for the two cousins Xiao Li and Xiao Ding, it is very difficult to break through from the junior Dou King to the Dou King within thirteen years with their talents. Although I can also forcefully use some resources to help They will break through the Dou Huang within thirteen years, but it will inevitably leave some sequelae.”
"That's why I said that these elixirs should be used as a last resort and only be used in emergencies." As soon as Xiao Ling finished speaking, he gently picked up the tea cup at hand, took a sip of the clear tea, and left Xiao Zhan, who was opposite him, was slowly digesting the information he had just revealed in silence.
Xiao Ling's words were not without purpose; everything he said was based on reality.
Within the Jia Ma Empire, there are many powerful Dou Wangs, numbering in the dozens. However, there are only a few people who can reach the Dou Huang realm, and there are no more than five people on the surface.
The situation in Canaan Academy is like this. There are many Dou Wangs. There are more than a dozen people in the Tianfen Qi Training Tower alone, but there are only a handful of people who can really break through to Dou King. It can be seen that the step from Dou Wang to Dou Huang is extremely difficult and no small matter. It is very difficult without excellent talent or great opportunity.
Although Xiao Ding and Xiao Li are considered to be outstanding talents in the Xiao family, compared with those top fighting kings, there is still a big gap. Therefore, Xiao Zhan naturally understood the meaning of Xiao Ling's words.
Moreover, the practice of overdrafting vitality in exchange for short-term strength will undoubtedly cause irreversible damage to the practitioner's body.
This is also the reason why Xiao Ling never chose the quick path even if he had the Life Devouring Pill. If there really was such a way without any side effects, how could the big forces in Zhongzhou not use it to cultivate more geniuses?
Those who are trained by big forces basically have the potential to break through to Douzong. With the support of the forces, it is not easy to break through from Douwang to Douhuang in more than ten years.
Xiao Ling had also asked Xiao Xun'er before whether it was feasible to use the Life-Eating Pill and the Qingming Shou Pill together.
Xiao Xun'er made it clear that although this method can improve strength in the short term, it will more or less leave sequelae, and the longer you stay in the Douwang realm, the more serious the sequelae will be, especially if it lasts more than five years. It will be very serious and greatly affect the cultivation potential of the user.
After listening to Xiao Ling's explanation, Xiao Zhan pondered for a moment, and then slowly said: "I understand, although Li'er and Ding'er have good talents, they are still a bit reluctant to achieve such a speed of cultivation. We should be more cautious. , don’t use these two pills lightly.”
Xiao Ling nodded slightly, with a hint of seriousness in his tone: "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 elixir back into the jade bottle and tightened the cork carefully to ensure that no potency would be lost. Then, he waved his hand gently, a white light flashed, and two precious elixirs were safely put into his ring.
After collecting the elixir, Xiao Zhan turned to Xiao Ling with a gentle smile on his face: "Xiao Ling, besides these, are there anything else that needs to be arranged?"
Xiao Zhan knew in his heart that although the seventh-grade elixir was extremely precious and could quickly increase the strength of a Dou King, under the strong pressure of the Three Kingdoms Alliance, even a low-level Dou King would not be able to change the situation of the battle.
If Xiao Ling truly intends to provide backup for the Xiao family, his methods will naturally not be limited to providing the Life-Devouring Pill as an emergency measure.
As soon as Xiao Zhan finished speaking, Xiao Ling showed a mysterious smile and spoke slowly: "The patriarch really has an insight into everything, and I do have other plans. Don't worry, as long as the Xiao family doesn't act rashly, this trump card is enough to ensure that the family stays in the northwest continent. Safe and sound.”
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 mentioned?"
Hearing Xiao Zhan's inquiry, Xiao Ling had no extra words. He just waved his hand gently 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, his aura was like an invisible storm, sweeping across the entire meeting hall in an instant. Its red eyes seemed to contain endless fighting spirit and murderous intent, making people involuntarily feel a chill rising from the soles of their feet.
Its red eyes were like two burning flames, illuminating the surrounding darkness and reflecting its 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 the strong sense of oppression, he was determined and did not want to miss every detail of observing this mysterious puppet.
Under Xiao Zhan's gaze, every detail of the Earth Demon Puppet gradually became clear. This puppet is about two meters high. The silver metal surface not only reflects cold light, but is also engraved with complex runes. These runes seem to contain ancient power and provide additional blessings to the puppet. And those red eyes were so deep that they seemed to be able to swallow up all light, revealing an unfathomable power.
Noticing that Xiao Zhan seemed a little uncomfortable due to the aura of the demon puppet, Xiao Ling gently waved his hand and skillfully isolated the oppressive feeling that the puppet inadvertently exuded. His movements were smooth and natural, as if a breeze was blowing across the lake, easily dispelling the tense atmosphere around him. Xiao Ling said to Xiao Zhan gently with a hint of apology: "Clan leader, I'm really sorry. I finished refining this demon puppet not long ago, and no one has refined it yet, so it can't control its own emission freely. Out of momentum.”
(End of chapter)