Chapter 114: Gu Yuan Visits the Xiao Clan – Shock, Awe, and More Shock
"One favor should suffice!"
In the Gu Realm's meeting hall, Gu Yuan frowned deeply as two senior elders of the clan firmly asserted their stance. While he neither approved nor denied their suggestion, his concern was evident.
After a moment of silence, Gu Yuan sighed. "I'll go personally. First, to ensure the safety of Gu Lie and Elder Gu Dao. As for the rest, we'll see what Xiao Tiance has in mind before deciding our course of action."
One elder nodded solemnly. "We appreciate your effort, Clan Leader. However, I urge you do not anger Xiao Tiance unnecessarily. The Xiao Clan has grown far stronger than us. If conflict arises between you two, a war between our clans would be inevitable."
The other elder added cautiously, "Exactly. Even if Xiao Tiance deliberately provokes you, if the situation demands it, agree to his terms for now. Once you return safely, we can reevaluate our strategy. If the Xiao Clan truly pushes us to the brink, we won't shy away from a desperate, all out battle."
Gu Yuan nodded firmly. "It hasn't reached that point yet. Xiao Tiance is a calculated and composed man, not one to act rashly. Rest assured, I will return with our people safe and sound."
With that, Gu Yuan's figure disappeared into the void.
Gu Realm, Tou She Ancient Emperor Jade Vault
Gu Yuan arrived at the sacred space where the Gu Clan's fragment of the Tou She Ancient Emperor Jade was guarded. Upon arrival, the elder on duty immediately bowed in respect.
"Clan Leader!"
Gu Yuan waved off the formalities with a polite smile. "No need for such courtesies. I'm here to ensure everything is in order. May I proceed?"
With a nod of approval from the elder, Gu Yuan passed through the protective formations and personally inspected the jade's location before departing.
Tian Mu Mountain Range, Xiao Clan's Hidden Realm
Arriving at the entrance to Tian Wai Tian (Heaven Beyond Heaven), Gu Yuan's sharp senses immediately detected an unusual and formidable presence emanating from the gate. Despite his status as a peak nine star Dou Saint, this presence felt threatening a rarity that sent a chill down his spine.
"What is this? Could something here truly harm me?" he thought, his expression grim.
Suppressing his unease, Gu Yuan infused his voice with Dou Qi, sending it reverberating through the heavens. "Xiao Tiance, Gu Yuan requests an audience!"
Moments later, a Xiao Clan Dou Zun stepped forward. Bowing respectfully, he greeted, "Welcome, Clan Leader Gu Yuan. Our Clan Leader has been expecting you. Please, follow me."
Gu Yuan nodded and moved swiftly alongside the guide. As they crossed the threshold, an ominous pressure enveloped him a sensation akin to being watched by a colossal predator.
Before he could speak, the Xiao Clan member activated a token, instantly dispelling the pressure.
"Impressive!" Gu Yuan muttered, marveling at the Xiao Clan's ingenuity.
His guide smiled politely. "The formation at the entrance was personally set by our Clan Leader. It ensures no unauthorized individuals enter. According to him, anyone below the level of a nine star Dou Saint attempting to breach the gate will face utter annihilation."
Gu Yuan's heart trembled as he realized the Xiao Clan's vigilance. "Have I been too reckless, walking into the Xiao Clan's domain so freely?"
Noticing Gu Yuan's momentary hesitation, the guide reassured him, "Please don't worry, Clan Leader Gu. As long as you remain by my side, the formation will not harm you."
Relieved, Gu Yuan followed the guide across a spatial bridge. Upon entering Tian Wai Tian, he was greeted by a massive plaque bearing the name "Xiao Clan."
"Remarkable. If not for the ruins of the original Xiao Realm, I might have mistaken this for the true Xiao Realm," Gu Yuan murmured in awe.
The guide chuckled. "Our Clan Leader replicated the original Xiao Realm's layout when creating this space. While not as sturdy as the original, it is reinforced to a comparable level."
Gu Yuan's attention was soon drawn to another astonishing sight: a magnificent array of glowing formations that seemed to draw massive amounts of Dou Qi from the surrounding environment.
"What is that? It's channeling an extraordinary amount of energy!" Gu Yuan exclaimed.
"That is a Spirit Gathering Formation," the guide explained with a smile. "What you see is one of the lower tier formations used by our younger generation. The more advanced formations lie deeper within. If you're interested, I can arrange for you to inspect one personally."
Gu Yuan's interest was piqued, but he remained cautious. "You'd allow me to examine such a formation? Aren't you worried about exposing the Xiao Clan's secrets?"
The guide replied confidently, "There's no need for concern. Our Clan Leader has instructed us to treat the Gu Clan as a trusted ally, with nothing to hide. If you wish to observe, I'd be honored to show you."
Impressed by this openness, Gu Yuan grew more wary of the Xiao Clan's underlying confidence.
"And your name?" Gu Yuan inquired.
The guide bowed slightly. "I am Xiao Bieli. I've served the Clan Leader for over a millennium."
Gu Yuan was stunned. "A Dou Zun at peak strength, merely a servant? The Xiao Clan's depth is far beyond what we've imagined."
Xiao Bieli chuckled humbly. "The Xiao Clan has many strong members. Those without the title of 'Saint' rarely garner attention. To serve the Clan Leader is a great honor for me."
Tiance Manor
Arriving at the imposing nine story Tiance Manor, Gu Yuan was struck by the powerful defensive aura emanating from the building. As he gazed up, a sudden attack hurtled toward him, accompanied by a sharp, childlike voice.
"Halt! Who dares to spy on Tiance Manor?"
The energy blast was formidable, enough to threaten a three star Dou Saint. However, with a simple wave of his hand, Gu Yuan neutralized the attack effortlessly.
"Impressive defense mechanisms," Gu Yuan mused, stepping inside.
At this moment, a childlike figure with a green lotus imprint on his forehead appeared.
"Saint Qinglian, calm down. This is the honored guest of our Clan Leader, the Gu Clan Leader."
Upon seeing the child, Xiao Bieli immediately bowed in respect.
Hearing this, the child snorted coldly and glared at Gu Yuan, speaking rudely: "How rude of you! If you're a guest, don't recklessly scan this place with your soul power. Don't you have any manners?"
Gu Yuan's forehead instantly darkened with frustration. Just as he was about to lose his temper, Xiao Bieli quickly interjected: "Saint Qinglian, please mind your words. If the Clan Leader hears about this, you'll face punishment again."
"Hmph, boring. I'm going back to sleep."
The child shot a dissatisfied look at Gu Yuan and Xiao Bieli before transforming into a streak of green flame and vanishing.
After the child left, Gu Yuan spoke gravely: "If I'm not mistaken, that was the Green Lotus Core Flame, ranked nineteenth on the Heavenly Flame List, wasn't it?"
Xiao Bieli smiled and nodded. "Gu Clan Leader has sharp eyes. Saint Qinglian is indeed the Green Lotus Core Flame in human form. A thousand years ago, our Clan Leader personally brought him back. However, he's not fond of interacting with others and only communicates calmly with our Clan Leader.
I apologize for not warning you in advance, causing Saint Qinglian to offend you."
"No need. It was indeed my fault for forgetting this is Xiao Clan territory," Gu Yuan admitted with magnanimity.
"Thank you for your understanding. Please follow me. The Clan Leader has been waiting for you."
With that, the two headed toward the ninth floor of Tiance Manor.
Shortly after, a hearty laugh echoed from the direction of the ninth floor.
"Hahaha! Brother Gu, your visit honors us. Forgive me for not personally welcoming you earlier."
Before the voice faded, Gu Yuan saw Xiao Tiance approaching with a smile. Behind him stood the spirit form of Huang Jiuji and Xiao Chun.
"Tiance, we meet again," Gu Yuan greeted warmly.
"Please, have a seat," Xiao Tiance invited.
Once Gu Yuan was seated, Xiao Tiance introduced his companions: "This is one of our clan's Grand Elders, Huang Jiuji, and this is my second uncle, Xiao Chun."
The two greeted Gu Yuan respectfully: "An honor to meet the Gu Clan Leader."
Gu Yuan responded courteously: "A pleasure to meet you both."
After exchanging pleasantries, tea was served, and they began their discussions. Xiao Tiance smiled and said: "Brother Gu, I must apologize for making you travel all this way. It's truly our oversight."
Gu Yuan waved his hand dismissively. "You're too kind, Tiance. It is my fault for not properly restraining Black Smoke King Gu Lie before his departure. Despite my warnings, he still offended you. Speaking of which, how are Gu Lie and Elder Gu Dao?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "They're doing well, staying in one of our courtyards. If you'd like to see them first, I can have Xiao Bieli bring them here."
"That would be appreciated. Thank you, Tiance."
Xiao Tiance nodded and instructed Xiao Bieli to fetch the two elders.
As they waited, Gu Yuan's gaze fell on Xiao Chun and Huang Jiuji. Xiao Chun didn't draw much attention; although he was a Dou Saint, his strength was relatively modest. Huang Jiuji, however, exuded an extraordinary aura.
Gu Yuan couldn't help but ask, "Elder Huang, might you be from the ancient Sky Phoenix Clan?"
Huang Jiuji smiled faintly. "Indeed, Gu Clan Leader. Your perception is as sharp as expected. Even though my soul power has reached the Emperor level, I couldn't escape your detection."
"Hiss!"
Gu Yuan was taken aback. "An Emperor level soul?! To think I'd meet a member of the long extinct Sky Phoenix Clan here..."
Suppressing his shock, Gu Yuan bowed slightly. "Our clan had some dealings with the Sky Phoenix Clan in the past. There is a faint connection between us."
Huang Jiuji nodded thoughtfully. "You're correct. Our clans did interact long ago. Your clan exchanged a wisp of the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame's sub flame with my clan's leader at the time. Unfortunately, while the Gu Clan has endured over the centuries, the Sky Phoenix Clan has long since declined."
Xiao Tiance added reassuringly: "Elder Huang, there's no need for such sorrow. The Sky Phoenix Clan will surely rise to prominence once again."
Huang Jiuji waved his hand dismissively. "There's no need for comfort. I've grown accustomed to the current state of affairs."
At this moment, Gu Yuan bowed and inquired cautiously, "Might I ask if that wisp of sub flame still exists? If possible, my clan would like to exchange for its return."
Before Huang Jiuji could respond, Xiao Tiance smiled mischievously. "Brother Gu, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. That sub flame does still exist, but I've already absorbed it. Even if I wanted to exchange it, that's no longer possible."
"What?!"
Gu Yuan frowned deeply as Xiao Tiance revealed a golden flame in his hand. Recognizing it instantly, Gu Yuan was stunned. "Something's odd about this sub flame…"
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Brother Gu, this flame has undergone a unique enhancement using the Sky Phoenix Clan's secret techniques. It now closely resembles the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame's main body. Even if you were to retrieve it, it would be incompatible with your main flame."
After careful observation, Gu Yuan sighed. "Very well. It seems there's no point in pursuing this matter further."
At that moment, Xiao Bieli returned, accompanied by Gu Dao and Gu Lie. The moment Gu Yuan laid eyes on them, he immediately noticed a powerful energy sealed within Gu Lie's body an energy that could detonate at any moment, killing the Black Smoke King instantly.
"Clan Leader!"
Both elders were visibly relieved and emotional upon seeing Gu Yuan. His presence significantly boosted their morale.
"No need for formalities. Please rise," Gu Yuan said warmly, personally helping them to their feet.
He then turned to Xiao Tiance and said, "Tiance, could you kindly remove the restriction within Gu Lie? Such a volatile force is too dangerous to leave unchecked."
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. "Consider it done. Let this be a small lesson for his earlier actions."
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