Chapter 23: Abandoning the Human Territories, The Entire Clan Migrates to the Forbidden Zone of Life

"Ancestor Xiao Xuan, the Grand Elder was severely wounded by the Quasi-Emperor Decree of the Cangyan Martial Emperor and is now in critical condition. Please, save him!" Xiao Qingtian reported with desperate urgency.

Xiao Xuan waved his hand and replied calmly, "There is no need for concern. I happen to have a strand of Quasi-Emperor Origin in my possession. It is enough to not only preserve his life but to help him transcend his current limits and break through to the Quasi-Emperor realm."

Long before, when his consciousness first descended, Xiao Xuan had already noted Xiao Cangming's condition. At that time, however, he had only been able to project a sliver of his spirit, which was insufficient to provide direct treatment. Now that he had returned in person, he held the Quasi-Emperor Origin—a substance more potent than a holy medicine and comparable even to a divine one. It would not only purge the injuries from Xiao Cangming's body but also extend his lifespan. Given the immense power of this Origin, Xiao Cangming would need time to absorb it; even absorbing half would elevate him to the Great Saint realm, and with luck and proper control, he could reach the Quasi-Emperor level.

"Thank you, Ancestor Xiao Xuan!" Upon hearing that the ancestor had taken action, the anxiety of the Xiao clansmen finally dissipated, and they knelt in gratitude.

"Ancestor, I am but a useless old man, my vitality already exhausted. I am not worth such a precious divine treasure. Please, bestow it upon the younger generation instead," Xiao Cangming stammered, his aged face filled with shock and disbelief. He had long since accepted his fate; to see Ancestor Xiao Xuan return and suppress the Cangyan Martial Emperor was satisfaction enough.

"My mind is made up. Say no more. You stepped forward when the clan was in peril, and for that, I am very pleased with you," Xiao Xuan said, his voice carrying an irresistible authority—the mark of an Emperor whose words become law. "I have returned in haste, and this is all the Origin I have on hand. Otherwise, I would have gifted you a true Emperor Origin, which would have been a far greater fortune."

***

"When I departed, though I left no foundation of the Emperor Realm, I left behind the most precious Emperor-level scriptures. Why is the Xiao clan so weak today?" Xiao Xuan surveyed his kin, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. He found the clan's strength far below his expectations, with barely any presence in the Saint Realm.

"Forgive us, Ancestor. It is a long story. The Heaven-Devouring Creation Scripture you left behind ten thousand years ago became fragmented and incomplete through the many upheavals our clan has endured," Xiao Qingtian explained, his head bowed in shame. "Furthermore, the scripture is profoundly abstruse, and the talents of later generations have been limited. We have struggled to comprehend it, leading to the clan's decline."

"The essence of the Heaven-Devouring Creation Scripture lies in the word 'devour.' It is meant to refine all techniques and draw upon the strengths of many. When I reached the pinnacle of that path, I constantly absorbed the methods of other Emperors to enhance my cultivation. By closing yourselves off, you were destined to achieve nothing," Xiao Xuan sighed. "Without me, you have no hope of self-preservation. There is only one way to ensure your survival now."

"And what is that, Ancestor?" Xiao Qingtian asked urgently.

"The entire Xiao clan shall relocate to a Forbidden Zone of Life," Xiao Xuan declared. His voice was calm and resolute, as if he were announcing the most trivial of matters. Yet, the words struck the assembly like a thunderclap, leaving everyone stunned and doubting their own ears.

"Relocate... to a Forbidden Zone of Life?"

The Forbidden Zones were places of terror, legendary abodes where ancient and powerful entities slumbered—realms that even contemporary Emperors feared to provoke.

"What? Do you have such an attachment to the Eastern Wilderness that you are unwilling to follow me?" Xiao Xuan asked, noting their shock.

"No, that is not it," Xiao Qingtian replied, his voice trembling. "It is just... we never imagined you would choose such a place. Those zones are occupied by ancient beings. Would they even permit our entry?"

Xiao Xuan smiled, his gaze unwavering. "Those wretches have no authority to interfere with what I intend to do. You need not worry; you only need to follow me."

***

Xiao Xuan knew the Forbidden Zones intimately. The beings sleeping there, once mighty Emperors, were now merely clinging to life, devoid of any ambition to conquer the world. They only hoped to survive until the Immortal Realm opened and lacked the courage to cross him. After all, they would not risk their lives in a confrontation with him.

"Ancestor, are you certain they will not block us?" Xiao Qingtian still harbored doubts.

"I said, no one can stop me," Xiao Xuan replied firmly.

Hearing his resolve, the clan members began to accept the decision. With Ancestor Xiao Xuan present, what did they have to fear? It was the masters of the Forbidden Zones who should be afraid.

"Do not worry. The Forbidden Zones are the most taboo and ancient places; even the demons from the outer realms fear to tread there. If the Xiao clan can relocate within, it is our best option," Xiao Xuan continued. "The situation in the Profound Heaven Continent is becoming increasingly complex. The struggles between Emperor clans are intensifying, and the Heavenly Abyss has been unsealed. The outer realms could invade at any moment. While I am here, I cannot guard you every second. Moving to a Forbidden Zone is the only way to ensure your protection."

"But Ancestor," Xiao Qingtian persisted, "the environment of a Forbidden Zone is likely far inferior to our current home."

"Do not worry about that. I will find a place with an excellent environment. And if I cannot, with my power, I can simply forge a new Forbidden Zone," Xiao Xuan stated with rock-solid certainty.

"You are right, Ancestor. Securing the safety of the clan is what matters most," Xiao Qingtian said, finally bowing in support. "I will begin the preparations for our relocation immediately."

"Good. I leave the preparations to you," Xiao Xuan nodded.

He had his own preparations to attend to—finding a place to refine an Immortality Herb and bringing himself to his peak state for the battles to come. He had a premonition that the Supreme God Temple would be sending people soon. He had to be fully prepared.