Chapter 1195: The Frog's Cry Resounded Throughout the World
The biggest loss the sect had suffered was the taurus' death. Other damages were neglectable in comparison. After all, Di Batian's group hadn't conducted a slaughter and had only aimed to kill the leaders and take over the sect. On the other hand, Di Batian's side had suffered great losses. Their Great Saint had lost his body, and they had also lost a fifth-stage Saint. This would be a painful loss for any organization.
After listening to all the reports, Xiang Shaoyun remained in thought for a while before saying, "Hang the saint bones on our gates to warn the world that we are not to be challenged."
"Yes, young sect master," Devouring Ghost replied.
After giving a few more commands, Xiang Shaoyun had those below the Heaven Battling Realm withdraw and placate the sect. He had more things to tell those in the Heaven Battling Realm.
He looked at Li Juetian and asked, "Why did you return?"
After Scarlet Flame Monarch's departure, Li Juetian had left with the other villains. They weren't members of the Ziling Sect, and Xiang Shaoyun had once promised to let them go free after he regained the sect. Thus, he never interfered with their freedom. Thus, Li Juetian's return came as a surprise.
"I've always been around," replied Li Juetian flatly.
"Oh? You mean you've been staying near the sect?" asked Xiang Shaoyun in astonishment.
Li Juetian only nodded in reply, looking proud and aloof. Devouring Ghost and Xiang Chenge were dissatisfied with his attitude.
"Thank you for the help. When Scarlet Flame returns, I'll have him fulfill his promise to you," promised Xiang Shaoyun solemnly. He then looked at the turtle and the toad and said, "I have some healing liquid here. Use it to nurse your bodies."
He then tossed over two bottles of top-quality lightning liquid. The two left after receiving them. Li Juetian also spun around and left.
"What an arrogant person," said Devouring Ghost, who could no longer stand Li Juetian.
Xiang Shaoyun waved his hand and said, "Let him be. This is how he is. He was never a member of the sect anyway. Big Brother Du left with you, right? Why isn't he back yet?"
"Don't worry. He's well. He has something personal to take care of. He'll be back after he's done," said Devouring Ghost with a smile.
From Devouring Ghost's expression, Xiang Shaoyun could see that Du Xuanhao had benefited greatly from his trip. Thus, he was no longer worried.
"Young sect master, about your transformation earlier, have you recovered your previous life's strength?" asked Devouring Ghost hopefully.
Xiang Shaoyun shook his head and said, "How can it be so easy? I took a trip back to the Xiang Clan and reclaimed my blood-soaked robe. The robe allowed me to borrow some power from my previous life."
"I see. I had thought that the previous Overlord had returned," said Devouring Ghost with a trace of disappointment in his eyes.
"I am no longer the same person. But it won't take me long to surpass my previous life," declared Xiang Shaoyun, his eyes brimming with confidence.
Devouring Ghost and Xiang Chenge could feel his determination, and they didn't dare to doubt his declaration. On the contrary, they were filled with expectations, confident that a day would come when a brand new Overlord would appear and startle the world.
Xiang Shaoyun had the rest retreat, and he spent some time meditating in the grand hall. When he finished, he headed to Pang Tongyuan's residence. He had returned with some top-quality lightning liquid. Although the liquid couldn't restore Pang Tongyuan's stars, it could still extend his lifespan and improve his health, which might help Pang Tongyuan live long enough for Xiang Shaoyun to bring back an astral grass which could heal his stars.
Pang Tongyuan, a meritorious servant, had taxed his mind and body serving the sect. When Xiang Shaoyun arrived at Pang Tongyuan's place, he found someone else also there. It was none other than Tian Ji, whom Xiang Shaoyun had once considered taking as his attendant.
When Tian Ji saw Xiang Shaoyun, he knelt down respectfully and said, "Tian Ji greets the young sect master."
"What are you doing here?" asked Xiang Shaoyun curiously.
Xiang Shaoyun still hadn't forgotten Tian Ji, who was quite smart. Because of the man's intelligence, Xiang Shaoyun had considered keeping him by his side to help manage the random trivial affairs that might arise in Xiang Shaoyun's daily life.
Pang Tongyuan said, "Young sect master, I brought him here. Since he wants to serve you in the future, I need to teach him well and make sure he is good enough to take some weight off your shoulders."
By the side, Tian Ji flashed an earnest smile and said, "Yeah. Elder Pang taught me a lot recently. I will serve you well in the future, young sect master."
"Good. A student of third uncle will definitely be a competent helper," said Xiang Shaoyun with a satisfied nod. He then took out a bottle of top-quality lightning liquid and handed it to Pang Tongyuan. He said, "Third uncle, I have some top-quality lightning liquid here. It can help nurse your body. You have worked too hard for the sect over the years."
Pang Tongyuan did not reject the offer. He sighed, "I am such a burden to you, young sect master. Just wait until the others grow. Then, I can retire."
"Do not lose heart, third uncle. You will definitely recover. The sect can't lose you," said Xiang Shaoyun.
"Young sect master, our sect has encountered one enemy after another in recent years. This can't go on," said Pang Tongyuan with a sigh.
Xiang Shaoyun said helplessly, "There is nothing I can do about that. With Di Batian still alive, he will probably return again. But before long, our sect will obtain some strong backers. Even if the Di Clan comes with their army, they will regret ever coming here."
Xiang Shaoyun had decided to connect the teleportation formations he had built. With the Holy Hall's support, he would feel much more relaxed.
"It will be much better if we can take the initiative instead of facing our enemies passively," said Pang Tongyuan.
Xiang Shaoyun raised his brow, but his expression soon dimmed.
"That's a good idea, but we don't know where the Di Clan is. Also, we're still not strong enough to face them," said Xiang Shaoyun in a reasonable manner.
"You're right, young sect master. I was too optimistic," said Pang Tongyuan, his expression dimming like Xiang Shaoyun's.
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine after I activate the teleportation formation," Xiang Shaoyun placated him, then left.
Pang Tongyuan hurriedly told Tian Ji to follow Xiang Shaoyun. Tian Ji naturally wouldn't let go of this chance and chased after Xiang Shaoyun in a fawning manner.
Tian Ji looked rather old but was, in fact, very young. He was already an Emperor and still had a lot of potential waiting to be unearthed. Also, he was extremely clever and was worth using.
Nobody knew that this day would be the start of Tian Ji's meteoric rise. By following Xiang Shaoyun, he would eventually grow into one of the most important individuals in the Ziling Sect and gain extraordinary status in the entire world. There would even be a saying: Tian Ji the frog, his cry resounded throughout the world.