Chapter 260: Xiao Yan in a Bind
"Uncle, Xun'er and I are truly in love. Even if she becomes the next leader of the Gu Clan, that shouldn't stop us from being together, right?"
Outside the Heavenly Flame Realm
As soon as Xiao Yan said this, far away in Tianwaitian, Xiao Tiance's lips curved into a faint smile.
Beside him, Ling'er tilted her head in confusion and asked, "Little Master, why are you smiling? When Gu Yuan mentioned that his daughter had been chosen as the next leader of the Gu Clan, shouldn't she have been happy? Why did her face turn pale instead?"
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Ling'er, you were born as the spirit of this world, and though you've existed since the creation of the Dou Qi Continent, your mind is far too pure. It's no wonder you didn't catch the true meaning behind Gu Yuan's words."
"Huh? Little Master, is there more to this than what he said?" Ling'er asked earnestly. Between her and Xiao Tiance, there was no need for pretense or concealment.
"There's much more," Xiao Tiance explained with a slight smirk. "Gu Yuan has set a trap for Xiao Yan.
What's more surprising is that Gu Yuan, who's lived for so long, has sunk so low as to use his own daughter as bait. It seems the longer he's lived, the less courage he has left."
A Cynical Observation
Xiao Tiance's tone was laced with disdain.
"A real man, if he wants something, should fight for it with his own hands.
But Gu Yuan? He's resorted to such underhanded tactics, even involving his own daughter in his schemes. It's honestly quite pathetic."
Ling'er, puzzled, asked, "Little Master, can you explain further? How exactly is Gu Yuan setting up his daughter?
As the leader of the Gu Clan, isn't it natural for him to want her to become the next clan leader?"
Tiance smiled faintly and said, "Keep watching, Ling'er. You'll understand soon enough."
His gaze returned to the scene before him, filled with a tinge of contempt.
At the Heavenly Flame Realm
Hearing Xiao Yan's declaration, Xiao Xun'er grew even more anxious. At this point, she could no longer ignore the reality that her father had made her a piece in the Gu Clan's game of power.
As Gu Yuan's daughter, she had a duty to strengthen the Gu Clan. That much was undeniable.
But to be drawn into such a scheme without her consent it was a betrayal, even if it came from her own father.
Nearby, Gu Yuan chuckled coldly. "Xiao Yan, you probably don't understand what it means for Xun'er to become the next leader of the Gu Clan, do you?"
Though Xiao Yan didn't fully grasp the implications, one thing was clear: he would never give up on Xiao Xun'er.
"Please, Uncle, enlighten me," Xiao Yan said, bowing respectfully.
"Very well, I'll tell you," Gu Yuan said solemnly. "Once Xun'er becomes the leader of the Gu Clan, her responsibilities and obligations will prevent her from leaving the clan.
Do you have any idea what kind of price you'll have to pay to be with her?"
A Determined Response
Xiao Yan's eyes hardened. "No matter the price, I will pay it. I will stay by Xun'er's side, no matter what it takes even if it costs me my life."
"Xiao Yan!" Xiao Xun'er's heart melted at his words, her love for him shining brighter than ever.
Gu Yuan, however, was unmoved. His eyes glimmered with regret but also resolve.
"Foolish boy," Gu Yuan thought. "You don't understand what you're saying. But if you truly love my daughter, you won't refuse the condition I'm about to set."
Gu Yuan Shows His Strength
"Arrogant!" Gu Yuan roared.
An overwhelming aura surged from Gu Yuan's body, crashing toward Xiao Yan like a tidal wave. As a Half Emperor, Gu Yuan's sheer presence was enough to overwhelm most people.
Even as a late stage Five Star Dou Saint, Xiao Yan was utterly powerless against this assault.
"Boom!"
The impact hit Xiao Yan like a thunderbolt, sending him flying backward. His face turned pale, and blood spurted from his mouth.
"Xiao Yan!"
Xiao Xun'er rushed forward, catching Xiao Yan before he could fall. Her eyes were filled with worry and pain as she held him tightly.
"I'm fine, Xun'er," Xiao Yan reassured her, squeezing her hand.
With Xun'er by his side, Xiao Yan steadied himself and glared defiantly at Gu Yuan.
"Uncle," he said, his voice unwavering despite his injuries. "I've already said it. I'll do whatever it takes to be with Xun'er even if it costs me my life."
Xun'er's Unwavering Support
Hearing this, Xiao Xun'er's heart overflowed with emotion. Tears welled in her eyes as she turned to her father.
"Father, I will only marry Xiao Yan in this lifetime. My resolve is the same as his. Even if we die, we will die together."
Gu Yuan's heart ached at his daughter's determination.
"I'm sorry, Xun'er," he thought bitterly. "How could I not understand your feelings?
But for the Gu Clan to rise again, I have no choice but to do this.
If Xiao Yan truly loves you, he won't refuse the terms I'm about to offer."
Gu Yuan's face darkened as he prepared to speak his ultimatum.
"Uncle, I truly love Xun'er. Even if she becomes the next leader of the Gu Clan, that doesn't mean we can't be together!"
Outside the Heavenly Flame Realm.
As soon as Xiao Yan finished speaking, far away in Tianwaitian, Xiao Tiance's lips curved slightly into a mocking smile.
Ling'er, standing beside him, tilted her head and asked innocently, "Little Master, why are you smiling? When Gu Yuan mentioned his daughter becoming the next Gu Clan leader, shouldn't that make her happy? Why does she look so troubled?"
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance chuckled lightly. "Ling'er, you are pure at heart and lack the experience to discern Gu Yuan's hidden intentions. It's not surprising that you don't understand."
"Hidden intentions? What do you mean, Little Master?" Ling'er asked, genuinely curious.
Xiao Tiance's smirk deepened. "Gu Yuan isn't just announcing Xun'er's new position he's laying a trap for Xiao Yan.
And the method he's using... well, it's both cunning and shameful. He's leveraging his own daughter as a bargaining chip. It's disappointing, really."
The Cold Reality
Xiao Tiance's tone carried a distinct hint of disdain.
"A true leader, if they want something, fights for it with their own hands.
But Gu Yuan? He's stooped to using his daughter as a pawn in his game of power. A man like that doesn't deserve respect."
Ling'er blinked in confusion. "Little Master, are you saying Gu Yuan is scheming against his own daughter? How does wanting her to lead the Gu Clan count as scheming?"
"Just watch," Xiao Tiance replied cryptically, his gaze sharpening as he observed the scene.
At the Heavenly Flame Realm
Hearing Xiao Yan's declaration, Gu Yuan's expression grew colder. His piercing gaze locked onto Xiao Yan as he spoke in a chilling tone:
"Xiao Yan, who do you think you are?
Do you think you're worthy of Xun'er, even if you claim you'd die for her?
If that's true, then explain something to me: who is Xiao Yi Xian? Who is Yun Yun? And who is Qing Lin?
You talk about sacrifice and love for Xun'er, but are you willing to kill these women, here and now, to prove your loyalty to her?
If you can do that, then I'll agree to let you marry my daughter."
As soon as the words left Gu Yuan's mouth, Xiao Yan's face went pale. He felt as if he'd been caught red handed.
Caught Off Guard
Xiao Yan froze, his mind racing. He had never crossed certain boundaries with Xiao Yi Xian, Yun Yun, or Qing Lin, but they were all women he deeply cared for. He couldn't deny their significance in his life.
But now, Gu Yuan had laid his cards on the table, leaving Xiao Yan at a loss for words.
How could he respond? Should he shamelessly admit, "I love your daughter, but I also care about these other women"?
That would only make matters worse. Gu Yuan would never accept such an answer, and it would surely hurt Xun'er's feelings.
"Uncle, I..." Xiao Yan began, his voice faltering.
Seeing his hesitation, Xun'er quickly stepped forward, gripping Xiao Yan's hand tightly. She looked at her father with determination.
"Father, Xiao Yan is a man of loyalty and integrity. You can't force him into such an impossible choice!"
A Battle of Principles
Xiao Yan's heart swelled with gratitude. Xun'er's understanding and support felt like a balm to his troubled soul.
However, Gu Yuan was unfazed. He was a seasoned manipulator and knew this moment was critical. If he couldn't leverage Xiao Yan now, he would lose his chance to secure the Gu Clan's future.
"Ridiculous!" Gu Yuan snapped.
"If you truly love my daughter, then what do you intend to do with your so called confidantes?
Do you think that just because the Xiao Clan is powerful, you can have it all?
Let me tell you something, Xiao Yan: even the Xiao Clan's current leader, Xiao Qing, after marrying Gu Yue, has kept his household free of 'confidantes.'
And you? You're not even the Xiao Clan's leader! Do you think you deserve the same privileges?"
The Weight of Responsibility
Gu Yuan's harsh words only deepened Xiao Yan's guilt. He now realized how much Xun'er had endured to stay by his side.
But amid the reprimand, Xiao Yan noticed something important: Gu Yuan hadn't completely shut him down.
This meant there was still a chance if he could meet Gu Yuan's conditions, he might still win Xun'er's hand.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan stood tall and faced Gu Yuan.
"Uncle, you're right I'm not Xiao Qing, nor am I the leader of the Xiao Clan. But I believe in my own potential. One day, I will stand at the very top of the Dou Qi Continent.
Not only am I a member of the Xiao Clan, but I'm also the future leader of the Pill Tower and the successor to the Starfall Pavilion.
I don't say this out of arrogance. I'm telling you this because I want you to know that I can give Xun'er the happiness she deserves.
As for your earlier condition... I can't agree to it. I care deeply for Xiao Yi Xian, Yun Yun, and Qing Lin. If I were to betray them for Xun'er's sake, how could you trust me to treat Xun'er any differently?
If I were capable of such betrayal, you wouldn't entrust your daughter to someone like me, would you?"
A Test of Character
Gu Yuan paused, his sharp eyes assessing Xiao Yan. Despite his personal grievances, he couldn't deny the logic in Xiao Yan's words.
If Xiao Yan had agreed to his earlier demand, it would have revealed a lack of integrity. Such a man couldn't be trusted with the future of the Gu Clan or with Xun'er.
After a moment of silence, Gu Yuan's expression softened slightly.
"You're right," he admitted. "If you had accepted my condition, I would have killed you on the spot even if you're someone Xiao Tiance values.
Xiao Yan, I won't deny that your potential is extraordinary. Few across the Dou Qi Continent can match you.
But Xun'er is no ordinary woman. As the next leader of the Gu Clan, her responsibility is to lead us to rise again.
To stand on equal footing with the Xiao Clan or even surpass it.
Tell me, Xiao Yan, with the Xiao Clan poised to produce five Dou Emperors, what can you offer to convince me that you're worthy of my daughter?"
In Tianwaitian, Tiance Pavilion.
Ling'er's eyes widened as realization dawned. "Little Master, I get it now! Gu Yuan is using his daughter as leverage to manipulate Xiao Yan.
He wants to exploit Xiao Yan's connection to the Xiao Clan to obtain the resources needed to create a Dou Emperor for the Gu Clan!"
Xiao Tiance smiled approvingly. "Exactly.
But Gu Yuan has underestimated one thing: me."
(To Be Continued)
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