Chapter 154: The Three Year Agreement Begins
Tianwaitian – Xiao Qing's Residence
"Qing ge, let me explain!" Gu Yue pleaded, her face pale and panic stricken.
Xiao Qing's expression was cold and heavy. He had been fully aware of Gu Yue's actions over the past two years. After all, this was Tianwaitian the stronghold of the Xiao Clan. If even this place slipped from his control, how could he take on the mantle of the next patriarch?
No matter how much Gu Yue tried to justify herself, to Xiao Qing, her explanations were weak and meaningless.
"Explain? Did I accuse you wrongly? Haven't you recruited dozens of Dou Zun level Xiao Clan members to serve you?" Xiao Qing's voice was low, his face darkened, and a hint of killing intent flashed through his deep eyes.
"Qing ge, you must believe me! I did it all for you!" Gu Yue insisted, desperately trying to defend herself. Though they were husband and wife, their time together had been brief, and their feelings lacked depth. Thus, Gu Yue was genuinely terrified of Xiao Qing's rebuke.
"For me? Then tell me, how exactly did you do this for me?" Xiao Qing's tone grew even colder.
"Qing ge, trust me! We're husband and wife, and I have no selfish motives. Everything I did was to ensure that you could smoothly assume the position of the next patriarch.
Though you are the designated successor, there are many within the clan who do not agree, especially among the other branches of the family. They all have ambitions to seize the patriarch's seat. And since you've been absent from Tianwaitian most of the time, I had no choice but to work behind the scenes to rally more support for you!"
As she spoke, tears streamed down Gu Yue's face. She looked pitiful, as if she had been wronged, her delicate frame trembling with sorrow.
Her reasoning seemed plausible, but Xiao Qing already knew her every move. How could she fool him? Watching her performance, he felt an ever deepening sense of disappointment.
What Xiao Qing needed was simple an admission of wrongdoing and a promise to change. But instead, Gu Yue continued to weave excuses.
Sighing heavily, Xiao Qing's tone softened. **"You… What am I supposed to do with you? Do you think the Xiao Clan is like your Gu Clan?
Whatever decisions Third Uncle makes, no one dares to defy. Yue'er, you've crossed the line!"**
Xiao Qing wanted to berate her more harshly, but seeing her fragile state, his words turned into a resigned sigh.
"Qing ge "
Xiao Qing raised a hand to silence her. "No need to explain. I've known about everything you've done. I just wanted to see how far you would go before stopping you."
These words felt like a death sentence to Gu Yue. Her body trembled uncontrollably, and she looked at Xiao Qing with fear in her eyes, waiting for the inevitable rejection.
But to her surprise, Xiao Qing didn't lash out further. Instead, he calmly said, "Tell someone to prepare hot water. I need a bath."
"Huh? Oh, yes, of course!"
Gu Yue was stunned but quickly complied, ordering the servants to prepare a bath.
When the water was ready, Gu Yue personally attended to Xiao Qing, helping him bathe like a dutiful maid, massaging his shoulders and scrubbing his back.
In the steaming bathroom, Xiao Qing leaned back into the hot water, his tone tranquil. **"Stop meddling in such things. I don't need nor want your help in that way. My position as the Young Patriarch was decided by Third Uncle himself. No one in the Xiao Clan will oppose it.
After I leave, stay quiet and fulfill your role as the Young Patriarch's wife. Don't overstep your bounds again."**
Having said his piece, Xiao Qing closed his eyes, enjoying her ministrations.
"I understand, Qing ge," Gu Yue murmured.
She felt a wave of relief. She had feared Xiao Qing would despise her for her actions, but now she realized he had chosen to let the matter rest.
Later, after Xiao Qing rested and woke, Gu Yue continued to serve him, eventually leading to an intimate moment in their bedroom.
As they lay together, Xiao Qing gently stroked her hair, noticing the lingering disappointment in her eyes. His voice was soft yet firm.
**"Yue'er, let's put this matter behind us. I returned to see you and to ensure that you'd stop. The Xiao Clan isn't like the Gu Clan.
In the Gu Clan, factions fight over scraps of power, but the Xiao Clan is different. As long as Third Uncle is here, the Xiao Clan remains united. No one can challenge him, neither in strength nor in prestige.
And since I am the successor Third Uncle personally appointed, there's no need for you to worry. No one in the clan will oppose me.
You are my wife now. Your actions represent me. Remember your role: you are no longer of the Gu Clan. Do not overstep your boundaries again."**
Gu Yue nodded quietly, signaling her understanding. Seeing this, Xiao Qing sighed inwardly. Though he didn't say it out loud, he couldn't deny that he still had feelings for her.
After spending a few more days in Tianwaitian, Xiao Qing returned to the Tianji Tower Headquarters in the Central Plains.
Tianji Tower Headquarters – Top Floor
Xiao Tiance was deep in paperwork when Xiao Qing's voice called out from outside the room.
"Third Uncle, I've returned."
"Come in."
When Xiao Qing entered, Xiao Tiance glanced at his nephew, noting his refreshed appearance. With a teasing smile, he remarked, "It seems like you've been enjoying yourself. You look quite radiant."
Xiao Qing immediately knelt and confessed, "Third Uncle, I did not punish Gu Yue for her actions. I accept whatever punishment you deem fit."
Xiao Tiance wasn't surprised. He waved a hand dismissively and motioned for Xiao Qing to sit.
**"You're the next patriarch of the Xiao Clan and have handled clan affairs well over the years. I trust you have your reasons.
Let's consider this matter resolved. As long as the Xiao Clan remains united under your leadership, I will not interfere. But remember this:
If a day comes when I must intervene, it will only be to clean house. When that happens, lives will be lost. I trust you will manage the situation so it doesn't come to that."**
Tianwaitian, Xiao Qing's Residence
"I understand, Third Uncle. Thank you for trusting me," Xiao Qing replied earnestly, bowing once again.
After Xiao Qing's words, Xiao Tiance asked about the events that had taken place in the clan recently. Once he had been briefed, he stretched lazily and said, "Alright, now that you're back, I'll leave the matters of the Tianji Tower to you. Handling all this is more exhausting than cultivating!"
Xiao Qing could only smile wryly at his uncle's casual attitude. As Xiao Tiance prepared to leave, Xiao Qing also moved to escort him out, but Xiao Tiance waved him off. With a flick of his hand, spatial ripples appeared, and the tower master vanished.
Jia Ma Empire – Yunlan Sect
Today marked the long awaited day of the three year agreement between Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran, the young sect leader of the Yunlan Sect.
Preparations for the event had started half a month earlier. The entire Yunlan Sect, from top to bottom, was abuzz with anticipation for this battle.
Compared to the original tale, the scale of this event was grander. The reason was simple: ever since the Tianji Tower established its local branch, the Yunlan Sect had lost its dominant position in the Jia Ma Empire.
To restore its former glory and reputation, the sect elders unanimously decided to make this duel a spectacle a way to reclaim the sect's dignity, built over centuries of prominence.
As the day progressed, notable figures began arriving to witness the duel. Among them were Jia Xingtian, head of the Jia Ma Empire's royal family; the reigning emperor, Yao Ye; the head of the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Association, Fama; and Yunlan Sect Elder Pill King Gu He.
Additionally, the heads of the three major families Mitteltengshan, Mu Chen, and Lionheart Marshal Nalan Jie were in attendance. Even Hai Bodong, a Dou Huang ranked powerhouse, and several of the empire's top ten fighters, graced the viewing stands.
The main seating area was reserved for the Yunlan Sect's key figures, with Sect Leader Yun Yun sitting at the center. The grandeur of the gathering far surpassed the events described in the original tale.
The Duel Approaches
As the crowd's murmurs filled the air, Nalan Yanran stood confidently beside Yun Yun on the main platform, chatting and smiling as if she had no concern for Xiao Yan's challenge.
Her confidence was not unfounded. Over the past three years, she had gone from a three star Dou Zhe to a one star Dou Shi, achieving nearly a full rank each year a level of talent that shocked the entire sect.
In the Yunlan Sect's long history, no one had ever progressed so rapidly. It was no wonder the entire sect eagerly anticipated the duel, viewing it as an opportunity to reassert their dominance and prove their young prodigy's strength.
Among the spectators, Hai Bodong observed Nalan Yanran's smug demeanor and couldn't help but smirk. Unlike the others, he was privy to Xiao Yan's current strength.
Just last night, Xiao Yan had broken through to four star Dou Shi a level far above Nalan Yanran's. In terms of raw power, Xiao Yan already held the advantage. When factoring in his real combat capabilities, he could even challenge Dou Ling experts without fear.
Seeing Hai Bodong's subtle grin, Jia Xingtian leaned over and asked in a low voice, "Old Hai, it seems you already know how this duel will end?"
Hai Bodong, ever the stubborn type, simply turned his head away, ignoring Jia Xingtian entirely.
Before Jia Xingtian could tease him further, a figure suddenly appeared on the steps leading to the sect's arena. The crowd's murmurs quieted as everyone turned their attention toward the newcomer.
A young man in a black robe, with a heavy ruler strapped to his back, soared down gracefully on a pair of purple wings, landing with a loud bang at the center of the arena.
Unlike in the original story, where Xiao Yan had walked up the steps, this version of him made a bold, dramatic entrance using his Purple Cloud Wings, radiating confidence and arrogance.
"Xiao Clan's Xiao Yan, here to honor the three year agreement!"
As he spoke, Xiao Yan swung his heavy ruler to the ground, creating a booming sound that matched his rising aura.
Reactions Across the Stands
On the main platform, Yun Yun's eyes widened with surprise. She immediately recognized the young man as Yao Yan, the boy she had encountered during a critical moment of her life.
In the original timeline, Yun Yun and Xiao Yan had met in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, where Xiao Yan had saved her from a deadly injury inflicted by the sixth rank Amethyst Winged Lion King. Their time together had sown the seeds of mutual affection.
However, in this altered timeline, their paths had crossed differently. During a mission in the Snake Tribe's territory, Yun Yun had been ambushed and injured by a tribe elder, only to be rescued by Xiao Yan.
Despite these changes, fate seemed determined to bring them together, much to Yun Yun's surprise and inner turmoil.
As Xiao Yan's gaze swept the crowd, he noticed Yun Zhi, the young woman he had saved, now seated prominently on the main platform. Smiling knowingly, he hoped his flashy entrance would catch her attention.
Nearby, Nalan Yanran tightened her grip on her sword. Misinterpreting Xiao Yan's grin as mockery, her anger flared.
Enemies Face Off
"Humph!" Nalan Yanran scoffed, stepping forward. Her Dou Qi surged as she leaped gracefully into the air. Her movements were light and elegant, resembling a falling leaf in the breeze. As she descended, her figure fluttered like a butterfly, mesmerizing many Yunlan Sect disciples.
Upon landing, she gracefully struck the ground with her palm, using the rebound to settle just a short distance from Xiao Yan.
"Yunlan Sect's Nalan Yanran accepts your challenge!"
Their impressive displays had the crowd buzzing with excitement. Even before exchanging blows, the tension between the two was palpable.
On the main platform, Elder Yun Leng stood and addressed the audience. "Today's duel marks the resolution of the three year agreement between our sect's Young Mistress, Nalan Yanran, and Xiao Yan of the Xiao Clan. To ensure fairness, no one is to use excessive force "
Before Yun Leng could finish, Xiao Yan interrupted coldly.
"Life or death, we leave it to fate!"
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