Chapter 256: Gu Dao's Scheme
Tianwaitian
Three days had passed since Xiao Tiance returned to Tianwaitian. His return filled every member of the Xiao Clan with excitement and pride.
After all, it had been countless years since a Dou Di had appeared on the Dou Qi Continent. Now, with Xiao Tiance, the former Clan Leader, successfully advancing to Dou Di, the entire clan shared in the glory.
A New Mindset Among the Xiao Clan
Despite this, the Xiao Clan members, after a thousand years of transformation, no longer displayed arrogance or looked down on others. Xiao Tiance, with Ling'er's assistance, had been observing the clan closely. Initially, he had worried that this newfound pride might lead to old habits of arrogance resurfacing.
Fortunately, his concerns were unwarranted.
In the past few days, representatives from various clans Gu Clan, Ancient Void Dragon Clan, Thunder Clan, and Medicine Clan arrived in Tianwaitian to pay their respects.
The Xiao Clan members, tasked with hosting these guests, behaved with impeccable courtesy, showing even greater humility than before Xiao Tiance's ascension.
It was unclear whether this change stemmed from their increased strength, which made them feel no need to impose their status, or from an expanded worldview that altered their mindset. Regardless, Xiao Tiance was pleased.
A Quiet Approach to Diplomacy
Even though the visitors included Clan Leaders of the various Emperor Clans, Xiao Tiance chose not to meet them personally. Instead, he instructed Xiao Bieli to inform Xiao Qing to handle all receptions on his behalf.
Gu Dao's Concerns
As the sky darkened, Gu Dao sat in Gu Yue's chambers, his face troubled.
"Yue'er, now that Xiao Tiance has become the first Dou Di since Tuoshe Ancient Emperor, the Xiao Clan's strength has surged tremendously.
Meanwhile, despite the efforts of every Gu Clan member and even the assistance of the Nine Level Spirit Gathering Formation that Xiao Tiance personally arranged, our progress remains insignificant.
The gap between our strength and the Xiao Clan's is only growing larger," Gu Dao said, his tone heavy.
Gu Yue frowned, displeased. "Grandfather, I've done everything I can to help the clan improve."
Before she could finish, Gu Dao interrupted.
"I know, Yue'er. You've done your best. But if the Gu Clan is to rise again, we must produce a Dou Di.
From the information you've passed to us, all paths to becoming a Dou Di the Ancient Emperor's Legacy, the Emperor Grade Pill, or the Dou Emperor's Origin are controlled by the Xiao Clan.
Grandfather begs you, for the sake of the Gu Clan's future, help us one more time. Only with a Dou Di can we hope to stop falling behind the Xiao Clan."
Gu Dao's voice was tinged with desperation and guilt. He knew his granddaughter had already sacrificed much for the clan. Pushing her further could bring her harm, yet he also understood that without a Dou Di, the Gu Clan would forever be overshadowed by the Xiao Clan.
Furthermore, tempted by promises from Gu Yuan, Gu Dao felt compelled to press Gu Yue into action.
Gu Yue's Dilemma
Gu Yue sighed, her brows tightly furrowed.
"Grandfather, I understand what you're saying, but what can I do to help?
Over the years, I've funneled resources into the clan far beyond what is reasonable. Those resources alone could have nurtured seven or eight Dou Saints. What more can I do?
The paths to becoming a Dou Di whether the Ancient Emperor's Legacy, the Emperor Grade Pill, or the Dou Emperor's Origin are all beyond my reach.
The Ancient Emperor's Legacy lies within the Heavenly Tomb, guarded by a grandmaster level spirit array personally set by the First Supreme Elder. Without a token, no one can enter.
Moreover, every token is meticulously recorded, and any attempt to circumvent this would be immediately noticed. No one dares to take such a risk.
Even if someone managed to enter, hundreds of Xiao Clan members have attempted to claim the Ancient Emperor's Legacy, yet none have succeeded."
Barriers to the Emperor Grade Pill
"As for the Emperor Grade Pill, it's now in Muling's possession. His strength alone makes him a formidable obstacle, and even Gu Yuan may not be able to defeat him with certainty.
On top of that, Muling is currently cultivating in Tianwaitian's Spirit Gathering Array. Taking the pill from him would be harder than claiming the Ancient Emperor's Legacy."
The Dou Emperor's Origins
"That leaves the three Dou Emperor's Origins.
One belongs to Huang Jiuji of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan. While he likely won't use it himself, whether he gives it to Huang Min or Ling Yun, both are powerful enough to make any attempt to seize it from them laughable.
Huang Min alone defeated the Ancient Void Dragon Clan's Dragon King, Zhukun, without even using her trump cards.
Even if the Gu Clan sent all its experts, we wouldn't stand a chance of stopping them from escaping, let alone winning."
Gu Yue sighed deeply. "Grandfather, you may not know this, but the First Supreme Elder once said that Huang Min is virtually unstoppable below the Dou Di level. Even if she can't win, she can always retreat safely."
Gu Dao's Question
Hearing this, Gu Dao sighed as well. After a moment, he asked, "What about the other Dou Emperor's Origin?"
Gu Yue's expression became even more complicated.
"Grandfather, the last Dou Emperor's Origin is even more impossible.
The First Supreme Elder gave it to my husband, Xiao Qing.
Not only is Xiao Qing the current Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan, but his strength is significant. If you were to target him, the First Supreme Elder would undoubtedly descend upon the Gu Clan."
The Weight of Gu Dao's Choices
Gu Dao's heart sank. He had been hoping for some opportunity, but every path seemed blocked. The thought of provoking Xiao Tiance made him shudder.
After all, Xiao Tiance was now a Dou Di someone whose strength could crush the Gu Clan without breaking a sweat.
As Gu Yue finished speaking, the room fell into a heavy silence, both grandfather and granddaughter lost in their own thoughts.
Tianwaitian
"If that were to happen, it wouldn't just be a matter of whether the Gu Clan can advance; it would mean the complete annihilation of the entire clan," Gu Yue said, her voice calm but firm.
Her words were a stark warning to Gu Dao: if Gu Yuan made a foolish move, not only would they fail to benefit, but the Gu Clan would likely be wiped out entirely.
Gu Yue didn't disclose to the Gu Clan the exact reasons behind the destruction of the Stone Clan and Spirit Clan. However, she was certain that the Xiao Clan had a hand in their downfall. Without the Xiao Clan's involvement, even with their superior strength, the Gu Clan and Yan Clan couldn't have obliterated the Stone and Spirit Clans so quickly.
The Unspoken Truth
Even now, whenever the Stone and Spirit Clans were mentioned, Xiao Qing would avoid discussing them with Gu Yue. Though no explanation was ever given, Gu Yue's sharp mind had pieced together the truth.
Gu Dao, on the other hand, felt uncomfortable after hearing Gu Yue's warning. This was, after all, the heart of the Xiao Clan's territory, and he dared not say anything harsh. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, "Yue'er, does this mean that Qing'er is also going to break through to Dou Di soon?"
A Reminder of Status
"Grandfather, you must not address him as 'Qing'er.' He is the current Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan, and his position is far higher than that of Clan Leader Gu Yuan.
Please refrain from using such casual terms, especially if other members of the Xiao Clan overhear they won't let it slide easily," Gu Yue said with a slight frown.
Although Xiao Qing was her husband, and Gu Dao was her grandfather, the current strength and influence of the Xiao Clan made it clear that such familiarity was inappropriate.
Realizing his mistake, Gu Dao quickly corrected himself. "Apologies, it was a slip of the tongue.
But as far as I know, after breaking through to Dou Di, one cannot remain on the Dou Qi Continent for long. This world repels Dou Dis, forcing them to leave within decades, or at most a century.
When the Xiao Clan Leader leaves, will you go with him?"
Gu Yue's Calm Response
Gu Yue shook her head. Without much thought, she answered, "Although my husband has a Dou Emperor's Origin, he won't use it to advance to Dou Di.
The First Supreme Elder has instructed him not to use it unless the Xiao Clan faces a life or death crisis.
So, for now, he will not break through."
Gu Dao's Greedy Calculations
Hearing this, Gu Dao's heart skipped a beat, and his excitement grew.
*"If Yue'er isn't lying, this means Xiao Qing's Dou Emperor's Origin will remain unused.
This suggests that the Gu Clan might still have a chance to take it from him."*
Suppressing his excitement, Gu Dao pretended to be skeptical and shook his head.
"That's impossible. If Lord Tiance gave the Dou Emperor's Origin to the Xiao Clan Leader, it must be for him to use and advance to Dou Di.
No one can resist the temptation of becoming a Dou Di. Once you ascend, the heavens are limitless, and the seas are boundless. Even Lord Tiance only took a few years to break through to Dou Di after returning."
Gu Yue's Conviction
Gu Yue smiled faintly. "Grandfather, I'm your granddaughter. Do you think I would lie to you?
My husband won't use the Dou Emperor's Origin unless it's absolutely necessary.
He won't leave the Dou Qi Continent either. He will wait until the First Supreme Elder connects the Great Thousand World to the Dou Qi Continent through a space passage. Only then will he consider advancing to Dou Di."
Gu Dao's Inner Thoughts
*"So this was Lord Tiance's arrangement. No wonder it's hard to imagine anyone resisting the lure of becoming a Dou Di.
If that's the case, then there truly might be an opportunity for the Gu Clan. After all, Xiao Qing is someone personally nurtured by Lord Tiance for over a thousand years. It's no surprise he listens to him."*
Masking his surprise, Gu Dao replied nonchalantly, "Ah, so it's Lord Tiance's plan. That does make sense."
Gu Dao's New Request
Gu Yue glanced at Gu Dao, sensing something indescribable in his demeanor. Pouring him a cup of tea, she watched as he hesitated before speaking again.
"Yue'er, since obtaining the Dou Emperor's Origin or the Emperor Grade Pill is impossible, could you help our clan send a few talented youths into the Heavenly Tomb?
Even if they cannot gain the Ancient Emperor's Legacy, the Heavenly Tomb's time flow of six to one would allow them to cultivate more effectively.
Who knows? One of them might even receive the Ancient Emperor's approval it would be a great boon to the Gu Clan," Gu Dao said, his tone laced with hope.
A Difficult Position
Gu Yue felt conflicted.
Though she was born into the Gu Clan, she was now the Xiao Clan Leader's wife, with a status second only to the First Supreme Elder.
Considering the Xiao Clan's dominance and the possibility of producing several Dou Dis in the near future, Gu Yue's position was untouchable.
However, the matter of the Heavenly Tomb was delicate.
Though nearly a thousand Xiao Clan geniuses had failed to gain the Ancient Emperor's approval, if someone from the Gu Clan succeeded, her position would be jeopardized.
Gu Yue's Reluctant Agreement
After much hesitation, Gu Yue sighed.
"Grandfather, let me think about it. The Heavenly Tomb is indeed located in Tianwaitian, but it was built jointly by the Xiao and Gu ancestors.
Technically, Gu Clan members have a right to enter.
I can't promise anything now, but I'll see what I can do and inform you if it's possible. Does that work?"
Though disappointed, Gu Dao dared not push further. Feigning satisfaction, he smiled and said, "That's wonderful, Yue'er.
The Gu Clan's young talents will support you fully.
While the Xiao Clan may be powerful, if the Clan Leader ever dares mistreat you, the Gu Clan will not sit idly by."
Gu Yue's Mixed Feelings
Gu Yue felt a momentary warmth at her grandfather's words, despite knowing they were mostly empty promises.
Xiao Tiance's Observations
Unbeknownst to either of them, their conversation had been overheard by Xiao Tiance through Ling'er's abilities.
In the ninth level of Tiance Residence, Xiao Tiance turned to Xiao Qing with a sly smile.
"Qing'er, what do you think that old fox Gu Dao is plotting now?"
(Chapter End)
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