Chapter 464: Yao Ming's Consideration
Hearing Yao Ming's offer, Xiao Ze fell silent. He knew that this time, his relationship with Yao Ming was purely transactional. It wasn't like in the original story where Xiao Yan had greatly helped Yao Ming.
In the original story, Xiao Yan not only rescued Yao Ming from the Nine Nether Yellow Springs but also provided him with elixirs to restore his Dou Qi, and defended him against the attacks of Yao Xiao Tian and the Grand Elder, giving Yao Ming time to recover. This allowed Yao Ming to take revenge and reclaim his position as clan leader. In that context, Yao Ming offering the Demon Saint's blood essence and the high-tier Heaven class combat technique "Yellow Springs Fury" as compensation made sense.
But Xiao Ze didn't go to such lengths to help Yao Ming. Before Xiao Ze could respond, Yao Xiao Tian, still impaled by the Nine Nether Scepter, spoke first, looking heartbroken.
"Yao Ming, I can't believe you would betray the Nine Nether Earth Python Clan by handing over our high-tier Heaven class combat technique to an outsider just to reclaim your position as clan leader!" Yao Xiao Tian's tone was passionate, as if he genuinely cared about the clan's interests. But in reality, he was trying to use this as leverage. He didn't know the exact relationship between Xiao Ze and Yao Ming, but he understood that mishandling benefits could create a rift between them. For a self-serving person like Yao Xiao Tian, using benefits to sow discord was second nature.
However, neither Yao Ming nor Xiao Ze showed any change in expression. Without a word, Yao Ming placed his hand on Yao Xiao Tian's throat and, with a slight squeeze, crushed his windpipe, silencing him permanently.
"Apologies, Xiao Ze. I didn't handle this properly. I will take him back to the Nine Nether Yellow Springs and imprison him," Yao Ming said with a smile. Yao Xiao Tian, in immense pain, looked incredulously at Yao Ming.
Yao Xiao Tian's plan had failed. Yao Ming and Xiao Ze's relationship was one of absolute subordination. With a single thought, Qing Lin could activate the soul contract and control Yao Ming completely. Thus, ordinary benefits couldn't drive a wedge between them.
"Why? I didn't help you that much. Is it really worth giving me a high-tier Heaven class combat technique?" Xiao Ze asked. Yao Ming's expression turned slightly bitter.
"Xiao Ze, if I'm not mistaken, the Grand Elder is under your control too, right?"
"Yes," Xiao Ze admitted straightforwardly. He had previously avoided mentioning it to prevent distrust among the Nine Nether Earth Python Clan, but now that Yao Ming brought it up, there was no need to hide it.
"If the Grand Elder is under your control, then all of the clan's secrets are exposed to you. Rather than waiting for you to demand it, I might as well offer it willingly," Yao Ming explained honestly. He deeply understood the power of the soul contract on his soul. Qing Lin could control him completely with a single thought. Recognizing this reality, Yao Ming chose not to struggle. He hoped that by cooperating and showing goodwill, Qing Lin wouldn't activate the soul contract unnecessarily.
Additionally, he had a personal motive. If Xiao Ze obtained the high-tier Heaven class combat technique, it would also benefit the Nine Nether Earth Python Clan. After some consideration, he decided to offer it.
"Of course, I have a selfish reason. If you can acquire that high-tier Heaven class combat technique, our clan's strength will also improve," Yao Ming added, then stood quietly, waiting for Xiao Ze's decision.
Xiao Ze glanced at Yao Ming and guessed that his decision was influenced by the soul contract. "Alright, after all, a high-tier Heaven class combat technique is tempting, even for me."
Yao Ming sighed in relief and began explaining the origin of the combat technique. "This technique isn't originally from our clan. The Yellow Springs Demon Saint, who once roamed the Dou Qi Continent and earned great renown, had a deep connection with our clan. Over the ages, his legacy faded, leaving only his legendary name. However, our clan still holds the Demon Saint's legacy, including 'Yellow Springs Finger,' 'Yellow Springs Palm,' and 'Yellow Springs Fury.'
Xiao Yi Xian and Medusa were surprised to hear about the famous 'Yellow Springs Fury,' a technique known to have claimed the lives of many Dou Shengs under the Demon Saint's hand.
"Indeed, 'Yellow Springs Fury.' But the method to practice it lies within the Demon Saint's remnant soul in the legacy stone tablet. No one in our clan has been able to meet the Demon Saint's requirements, so we haven't been able to learn it. We estimate that one needs a Heaven realm soul power to pass the Demon Saint's test. Our clan has long lifespans and strong physiques, but weak soul power remains a common flaw. Even at my level, my soul power is only equivalent to a seventh-tier alchemist."
"Our clan has always been wary of inviting high-level alchemists from outside, fearing the exposure of such a famous combat technique. If you can pass the test, you will also obtain the Demon Saint's blood essence, a boon even for those at our level."
"Very well, I would like to see the prowess of a peak expert from ancient times," Xiao Ze agreed. Yao Ming's face lit up with joy. With Xiao Ze's help, the chances were much better than hoping for a rare alchemical genius to emerge from their clan.
After making arrangements for Xiao Ze and his group, Yao Ming took Yao Xiao Tian back to the Nine Nether Yellow Springs, ready to make him experience the centuries of torment he had endured.
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