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." Why bother going to your place?"

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. Clan leader, I happen to be 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." ”

"Oh, you are so talented and you have achieved such an achievement at your age. It is indeed impossible to stay in the Jiaji Empire forever."

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 looked at 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, firmly 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 sixth-grade pinnacle."

"Seventh-grade!" Xiao Zhan was shocked. Although he had expected it, he was still surprised to hear the level of the pill in person. He had occasionally seen sixth-grade pills in recent years, but this was the first time he had seen a seventh-grade pill 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, which is a seventh-grade pill that can make a great Dou Shi-level cultivator instantly have 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 that I personally refined. Taking it can extend a person's life by more than ten years."

Hearing this, Xiao Zhan stared at the red pill called Life-Devouring Pill again. It was blood red all over, as big as a longan, and exuded a mysterious aura. In the center of the pill, a bloody light flickered, like a tiny eye, exuding a weird feeling.

After listening to Xiao Ling's detailed introduction to the pill, Xiao Zhan's eyes wandered over the two pills, with a hint of heat in his eyes that was difficult to conceal. The figures of his eldest son and second son instantly emerged in his mind. The current cultivation of these two children just met the conditions 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 this pill. Xiao Yan's talent is obvious. He has reached the Douling level. It is only a matter of time for him to be promoted to Dou Wang. And Xiao Zhan himself, as a high-level Douling, is confident that it is not difficult to break through to Dou Wang in his lifetime.

But as the head of a clan, Xiao Zhan's insight and prudence gained from years of experience soon made him realize the potential problem. The name of this pill, Life-Devouring Pill, sounds a bit evil, which makes him feel a little alert.

"Can this elixir really make people instantly possess Dou Wang's power?" 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 big price to pay."

Xiao Ling saw that Xiao Zhan was not confused by the powerful effect of the elixir, and a trace of praise flashed in his eyes. He agreed with Xiao Zhan's calmness and keen insight, and then smiled and said: "As you think, this elixir is not without cost. Although it can make people soar to the strength of Dou Wang in an instant, this power comes at the cost of overdrawing life potential. Therefore, those who take this elixir will only have three years of life left in their lives. Unless they reach Dou Huang, they cannot eliminate the sequelae."

Xiao Zhan's face changed slightly when he heard the sequelae behind the elixir. Then he smiled bitterly: "Xiao Ling, you took out this pill, 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 pill not for you or the family members 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 price 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 with Xiao Ling's character and conduct, he would never let him take such a risk of shortening his life. The question just now was just an impulse that he said without thinking deeply.

Xiao Ling looked at Xiao Zhan's embarrassment and continued in a calm tone: "The reason why I gave you this pill is that as the patriarch, you will stay in the family. Holding them can be used as a last resort in times of crisis. The blue Qingming Shoudan can add ten years to the life span. 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 dissipate." After hearing this, Xiao Zhan's heart was moved. Isn't this a shortcut to quickly become a Douwang? But then, he also realized the huge risks behind it. 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, and then replied: "In theory, of course it is possible. But I don't recommend them to do so." His voice was calm, but revealed a kind of firmness, "Although the Life-Devouring Pill can increase strength in a short period of time at the cost of consuming vitality, even with the life supplemented by the Qingming Shou Pill, it is still difficult to break through from Dou Wang to Dou Huang within thirteen years."

Xiao Zhan nodded, showing his understanding. He also knew in his heart that even if he had thirteen years, to leap from the initial Dou Wang to Dou Huang, such a training speed can only be achieved by a very small number of people with extraordinary talents.

"As for Xiao Yan, it goes without saying that he has great talent. It is not difficult for him to reach Dou Huang within thirteen years." Xiao Ling continued, "But he is now a Dou Ling-level warrior. These two pills are no longer necessary for him." "As for my cousins ​​Xiao Li and Xiao Ding, it is also very difficult for them to break through from the initial Dou Wang to Dou Huang within thirteen years with their talent. Although I can forcefully use some resources to help them break through 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 at hand and took a sip of the tea, leaving Xiao Zhan on the opposite side to slowly digest the information he had just revealed in silence.

Xiao Ling's words were not aimless, and what he said was based on reality.

There are many Dou Wang strongmen in the Jia Ma Empire, up to dozens of them, but only a few can reach the Dou Huang realm, and there are only five on the surface.

This is the situation in Canaan College. There are many Dou Wangs, and there are more than a dozen sitting in the Tianfen Qi Training Tower alone, but there are only a handful of people who can really break through to the Dou Huang realm. It can be seen from this that the step from Dou Wang to Dou Huang is very difficult and it is very difficult without excellent talent or great opportunity.

Although Xiao Ding and Xiao Li are among the outstanding talents in the Xiao family, they are 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 body of the practitioner.

This is why Xiao Ling did not choose the quick way even though he had the Life Devouring Pill. If there really is such a way without any side effects, how could the big forces in Zhongzhou not adopt it to cultivate more talents?

Those who are cultivated by big forces basically have the potential to break through to Dou Zong. With the support of the forces, it is not easy to break through from Dou Wang to Dou Huang in more than ten years.

Xiao Ling had previously asked Xiao Xun'er about the use of Life Devouring Pill and Qingming Shou Dan in combination, whether it is feasible.

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 you stay in the Dou Wang realm, the more serious the sequelae will be, especially if it exceeds five years, the sequelae will be very serious, greatly affecting the user's cultivation potential.

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, it is probably a bit difficult to achieve such a cultivation speed. We should be more cautious and not use these two pills easily."

Xiao Ling nodded gently, revealing a hint of seriousness in his tone: "Indeed, these pills should be kept carefully and used only when absolutely necessary."

Xiao Zhan listened carefully to Xiao Ling's advice. He carefully put the pills back into the jade bottle and carefully tightened the bottle stopper to ensure that no medicinal power would be lost. Then, he waved his hand gently, a white light flashed, and the two precious pills were safely stored in his ring.

After collecting the pills, Xiao Zhan turned to Xiao Ling with a gentle smile on his face: "Xiao Ling, besides these, is there anything else to arrange?"

Xiao Zhan knew in his heart that although the seventh-grade pills were extremely precious and could quickly improve 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.

If Xiao Ling really intended to leave a back-up for the Xiao family, his means would naturally not be limited to providing the emergency measure of the Life-Devouring Pill.

As soon as Xiao Zhan finished speaking, Xiao Ling showed a mysterious smile and slowly said: "The clan leader is indeed insightful. 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 is safe and sound 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 did not say anything extra, but just waved his hand lightly, and summoned the Earth Demon Puppet he had refined not long ago to the scene.

As soon as the Earth Demon Puppet appeared, the aura on its body was like an invisible storm, sweeping the entire conference hall 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 darkness around it and reflected its cold and ruthless metal face.

Xiao Zhan felt the momentum emanating from the Earth Demon Puppet, his breathing became rapid and heavy, his heartbeat accelerated, as if he was shrouded by an invisible pressure.

His eyes were fixed on the Earth Demon Puppet. Although he felt the strong sense of oppression, his will was firm and he 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, about two meters tall, has a silver metal surface that not only reflects cold light, but is also engraved with complex runes. These runes seem to contain ancient power, providing additional blessings for the puppet. And those 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 because of the momentum of the Earth Demon Puppet, Xiao Ling waved 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. With a hint of apology, Xiao Ling gently said to Xiao Zhan: "Patriarch, I'm so sorry. I finished refining 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."