Chapter 117: Gu Yuan's Plan, Xiao Tiance's Generosity
"After leaving the Spirit Gathering Array, I inquired privately about it from members of the Xiao Clan. The information I learned shocked me greatly!"
In the guest courtyard within Tianwai Heaven, Gu Yuan listened intently to Gu Lie's report. With a nod, he said, "Tell me everything you've learned in detail."
Gu Lie took a deep breath before continuing, **"Clan Leader, the Xiao Clan has multiple Spirit Gathering Arrays. According to what I heard, these arrays are among the most valuable treasures of the Xiao Clan and are crucial to enhancing the strength of their members.
"Whenever a member of the Xiao Clan encounters a bottleneck in their cultivation, they enter the Spirit Gathering Array. Not only does it significantly increase their chances of breaking through, but it also eliminates impure Dou Qi within their bodies and heals internal injuries sustained during training.
"Moreover, these arrays have enabled even those who lost their Dou Emperor bloodline to recover their former strength and in some cases, even surpass it. In the eyes of the Xiao Clan, the Spirit Gathering Array is practically a secret weapon!"**
Gu Lie's voice grew more impassioned as he continued. His eyes sparkled with fervor as he concluded, "Clan Leader, we must do everything we can to persuade Xiao Tiance to construct a Spirit Gathering Array for our Gu Clan. If we succeed, our clan's strength could one day rival even surpass that of the Xiao Clan!"
Gu Yuan's expression was solemn as he turned to Gu Dao. "Elder Gu Dao, what do you think?"
After a moment of thought, Gu Dao replied gravely, **"The Black Smoke King speaks the truth. If we could obtain a Spirit Gathering Array, the benefits to our clan would be immeasurable.
"During my brief time in the nine star Spirit Gathering Array, I could already sense that if I were to remain there for a few years, I might break through to the strength of an eight star Dou Saint."**
Hearing this, Gu Yuan's resolve hardened. His earlier hesitation gave way to determination as he contemplated his next steps.
However, he needed to address the cost of acquiring such a treasure. "Both of you seem convinced of the array's value, but Xiao Tiance's conditions are not trivial," he began.
**"The Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade has been in our clan's care for thousands of years and symbolizes the prestige of the ancient clans. Moreover, it holds the key to the Ancient Emperor's estate.
"If we were to give it up to the Xiao Clan, there's a real chance they might succeed in unlocking the Emperor's estate. Should they produce a Dou Emperor, our Gu Clan could face devastating consequences."**
Gu Yuan continued, **"The Xiao Clan already possesses three pieces of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade theirs, plus the ones they've taken from the Stone and Spirit Clans. If we hand over ours, they will control half of the jade pieces.
"Have you considered the ramifications of such an outcome?"**
Gu Dao and Gu Lie fell silent, their brows furrowing deeply.
The implications were clear: if the Xiao Clan succeeded in producing a Dou Emperor, their dominance over the Dou Qi Continent would be absolute. The unparalleled strength of a Dou Emperor bloodline would make even newborn Xiao Clan members formidable cultivators, far surpassing those of other clans.
How could the Gu Clan hope to compete in such a future?
After a long silence, Gu Dao spoke. **"Clan Leader, waiting passively for our fate to unfold is not the answer. We should seize this opportunity instead.
"Whether or not the Xiao Clan succeeds in creating a Dou Emperor, the reality remains that their strength is steadily growing. Between their Spirit Gathering Arrays and the support of the Stone and Spirit Clans, it is only a matter of time before they surpass all others.
"In such a scenario, wouldn't it be better to align ourselves with their rise? By agreeing to this deal, we can secure a Spirit Gathering Array for our clan, which will elevate our strength and secure our position on the continent."**
Pausing briefly, Gu Dao locked eyes with both Gu Yuan and Gu Lie. "To me, exchanging the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade a relic that neither nourishes nor sustains us for an array that could strengthen our clan for generations to come, is a trade we must make."
Gu Yuan's eyes glimmered with understanding. Gu Dao's words echoed his own thoughts. In truth, he had brought the jade with him to this meeting in anticipation of such a possibility.
After all, if he had been willing to surrender the jade to save Gu Lie's life, how much more valuable was a treasure that could bolster the Gu Clan's overall strength?
Still, Gu Yuan wanted a second opinion. Turning to Gu Lie, he asked, "Black Smoke King, what do you think of Elder Gu Dao's assessment?"
A sly smile crossed Gu Lie's face as he replied, "Elder Gu Dao speaks my mind. However, I propose we add another layer of security to this deal through marriage."
"Marriage?" Gu Yuan raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Indeed," Gu Lie affirmed. **"A marital alliance would further solidify the ties between our two clans. If we arrange for one of our talented daughters to marry a Xiao Clan genius, any future Dou Emperor from the Xiao Clan would share our bloodline.
"This would not only safeguard our status but also allow our descendants to potentially awaken the Dou Emperor bloodline in future generations."**
Gu Dao clapped his hands in approval. **"Brilliant! A marriage alliance would ensure that even if the Xiao Clan produces a Dou Emperor, the Gu Clan would enjoy unshakable ties to their success.
"Moreover, sending one of our most gifted women to marry a Xiao genius would position our clan to benefit from the Xiao Clan's future rise."**
Gu Yuan's gaze darkened momentarily. He knew exactly which daughter Gu Dao and Gu Lie were hinting at, and the thought irked him. Yet, the logic was sound.
If aligning his daughter's future with the Xiao Clan's guaranteed the Gu Clan's prosperity, it was a sacrifice worth making.
Finally, Gu Yuan nodded. **"Very well. The marriage proposal is acceptable. Our two clans have a long history of intermarriage, so the elders in our clan should not object.
"However, upon our return, you two must work to convince the more conservative members of the clan. We cannot afford dissent when making such a pivotal decision."**
With that, the Gu Clan's path was set.
"Yes, Clan Leader. We will do our best," Gu Lie and Gu Dao said in unison, bowing deeply.
Meanwhile, in the Tiance Manor, Xiao Tiance sat calmly, confident that after witnessing the effects of the Spirit Gathering Array, Gu Yuan would likely agree to exchange the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade for it.
On the opposite side of the table, Huang Jiuji chuckled, "It seems the Clan Leader is very confident about acquiring the Gu Clan's Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade."
Moments earlier, after Gu Yuan feigned drunkenness and retired to the guest courtyard, Huang Jiuji arrived, and Xiao Tiance shared his plan to exchange the array for the Gu Clan's treasure.
"Haha, I suppose my face betrays my confidence," Xiao Tiance laughed, a hint of self mockery in his tone.
"Not at all," Huang Jiuji replied with a smile. "It's not that your expression gave you away but that, over the past millennium, the Clan Leader's plans have always succeeded. I merely trust in your ability."
Huang Jiuji's words were flattering, but Xiao Tiance simply shook his head. "You flatter me, Huang Lao. Though your words are encouraging, I dare not let them go to my head. To be honest, I initially thought there was only a fifty percent chance of success. But after Gu Yuan returned to the guest courtyard, pretending to be drunk, my confidence rose to eighty percent."
Xiao Tiance continued, **"Gu Yuan is an exceptional individual talented, intelligent, and resourceful. Yet he has one weakness: he shoulders the burden of the entire Gu Clan. He sees it as his responsibility to ensure the clan's survival and prosperity.
"In a sense, Gu Yuan lives for the Gu Clan. Now that I've presented the Spirit Gathering Array to him, he won't pass up the opportunity to strengthen his people. I'm sure he's already figuring out how to convince the more conservative elders in the Gu Clan to support the exchange."**
Huang Jiuji laughed heartily. **"That's precisely why I said the Clan Leader has an excellent chance of securing the Gu Clan's Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade.
"However, I do have a question: Why didn't you use Gu Lie's life as leverage? With his strength as an eight star Dou Saint, Gu Lie is second only to Gu Yuan within the Gu Clan. Threatening his life would surely have forced Gu Yuan to comply. Wouldn't that have saved you the trouble of offering such a valuable treasure as the Spirit Gathering Array?"**
Xiao Tiance smiled as he explained, **"You're not wrong. Using Gu Lie's life as leverage would likely have compelled Gu Yuan to submit.
"However, there are two key reasons why I didn't take that approach.
"First, Gu Yuan would undoubtedly harbor resentment if I threatened him. If a future conflict arises between the Xiao Clan and the Soul Clan, there's a real chance Gu Yuan would align the Gu Clan against us. Given his strength, even I can't guarantee the safety of everyone in the Xiao Clan if he chose to launch a surprise attack.
"Second, we owe the Gu Clan a favor. A thousand years ago, when my brother Xiao Xuan attempted to break through the Dou Emperor bloodline bottleneck, the Gu Clan extended their support. Though my brother ultimately perished, that debt remains. The Xiao Clan has always honored its promises, and I couldn't tarnish our reputation by exploiting Gu Lie's life.
"By sparing Gu Lie and granting Gu Yuan's plea for mercy, I've effectively repaid that debt.
"Finally, even without leveraging Gu Lie, I needed to acquire the Gu Clan's Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade. Since Gu Yuan expressed curiosity about the Spirit Gathering Array, I chose to show it to him and let its benefits speak for themselves. Gu Yuan is smart enough to make the right choice when presented with such clear advantages."**
Xiao Tiance paused, then smiled knowingly. "Besides, while I promised to give the Gu Clan a nine star Spirit Gathering Array, there's plenty of room to add certain... conditions."
Huang Jiuji's eyes lit up with understanding. "Ah, so the Clan Leader plans to provide them with a flawed array?"
"No," Xiao Tiance corrected. "Quite the opposite. I'll give them the best possible nine star Spirit Gathering Array so potent that even a Half Saint won't be able to enter. This way, while their Dou Saint experts may grow stronger, the number of Dou Saints in their clan won't increase."
Huang Jiuji thought for a moment before nodding in admiration. **"Brilliant. By barring Half Saints from using the array, the Gu Clan's overall strength will remain capped.
"Even if their Dou Saints benefit from the array, their progress won't be immediate. In essence, the Gu Clan gains a powerful resource that is ultimately a double edged sword impressive, yet limited in its impact.
"Truly, the Clan Leader's foresight is remarkable."**
Xiao Tiance shook his head modestly. **"You flatter me, Huang Lao. This plan is far from perfect. However, Gu Yuan, Gu Lie, and Gu Dao are so enamored with the array's potential that they're likely overlooking its limitations.
"Even if I provide them with the exact array they saw earlier, the natural bottlenecks between Dou Zun and Half Saint, and between Half Saint and Dou Saint, are formidable barriers.
"With the Gu Clan's resources, how many members could realistically cross those thresholds?"**
Huang Jiuji's respect for Xiao Tiance deepened. Bowing slightly, he said sincerely, "With the Clan Leader at the helm, the Xiao Clan is truly blessed."
After a moment, Huang Jiuji's expression grew serious. "Clan Leader, I have a bold request. I hope you'll consider it."
Xiao Tiance smiled warmly. "Huang Lao, there's no need for formalities between us. Speak freely."
Huang Jiuji hesitated briefly before bowing deeply. "I would like to request two types of Heavenly Flames. May I ask for your approval?"
Xiao Tiance's response was immediate. "Two Heavenly Flames? That's hardly an issue. Just tell me which ones you need, and I'll retrieve them for you."
His generosity stunned Huang Jiuji. "Clan Leader, aren't you curious which flames I want or why I need them?"
"There's no need to ask," Xiao Tiance replied with a smile. **"Huang Lao, whether it's two flames or all the ones we've acquired from the Stone and Spirit Clans, you're welcome to them.
"The Xiao Clan owes its current prosperity to the foundation you provided. Without the resources you offered from the Heavenly Phoenix Clan, we wouldn't be where we are today. Whatever you need, the Xiao Clan will provide."**
Huang Jiuji was momentarily speechless. Bowing deeply once more, he said, "Thank you, Clan Leader. Your magnanimity knows no bounds."
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