Chapter 261: Strange Intentions
"Little Master, is Gu Yuan using his own daughter as a bargaining chip to manipulate Xiao Yan? Or is he trying to use Xiao Yan as leverage to obtain a chance for the Gu Clan to produce a Dou Emperor?"
In Tianwaitian, on the ninth floor of the Tiance Pavilion, Ling'er's voice carried a note of both curiosity and indignation.
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly and nodded. "Yes, Ling'er, that's precisely what Gu Yuan is doing. His intentions couldn't be more obvious."
A Play for Power
Ling'er sighed deeply. "How despicable... and sad."
Xiao Tiance chuckled lightly and shook his head. **"I can understand Gu Yuan. Everything he's doing boils down to one thing: lack of strength. Gu Yuan, Xiao Yan, and others like them often desire things far beyond their current abilities to achieve.
The overwhelming strength of the Xiao Clan has suppressed the Gu Clan to the point where they can barely lift their heads. If Gu Yuan doesn't resort to such schemes, he stands no chance at all.
And don't forget what you said earlier Gu Yuan is burdened by his own obsession. As long as he's driven by that obsession, his actions are understandable."**
Ling'er tilted her head, her gaze questioning. "But, Little Master, you seem unfazed. Aren't you upset that Gu Yuan is scheming against Xiao Yan? You've always shown great care for him."
Xiao Tiance's expression remained calm as he responded with a slight smile. **"Upset? Why would I be?
No matter what schemes Gu Yuan hatches, they won't affect me in the slightest. At most, I'll watch his performance unfold. And if I eventually grow tired of his antics, I'll simply end him with a single strike.
For me, there's no reason to get upset. In fact, these ten years I plan to spend in the Dou Qi Continent might feel dull without some entertainment. Gu Yuan's ploys? They're just a pleasant distraction."**
Hearing this, Ling'er giggled, her heart lightened by Xiao Tiance's unshakable confidence.
Outside the Heavenly Flame Realm
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan's expression turned serious after processing Gu Yuan's earlier statement.
"Uncle, did you just say that the Xiao Clan's ancestor, Tiance Lao Zu, has already become a Dou Emperor?"
Gu Yuan nodded. "Yes. Surely you've noticed the intensified Dou Emperor bloodline within your body. Hasn't the change become apparent to you?"
Xiao Yan's eyes flickered with understanding. It all made sense now the surge in his strength, the heightened intensity of his Dou Qi, and the newfound power in his Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Change technique.
"I see... So that's why my progress has been so significant recently." Xiao Yan murmured inwardly.
A Clear Stance
After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Yan seemed to make a decision. He turned to Xiao Xun'er, gently holding her hand as he spoke with determination.
"Xun'er, do you trust me?"
Without hesitation, she replied, "Of course, Xiao Yan gege. I've always trusted you."
Relieved by her unwavering support, Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. He then looked back at Gu Yuan, his tone respectful but firm.
**"Uncle, I understand your concerns. And while I cannot agree with your approach, let me make one thing clear: I would never turn my back on Xun'er or the Gu Clan.
If the Gu Clan ever needs help, I will not hesitate to offer my assistance. After all, once I marry Xun'er, the Gu Clan will be my family too."**
Gu Yuan's Obsession
For a brief moment, Gu Yuan felt a surge of joy, but it was quickly tempered by Xiao Yan's next words.
**"That said, Uncle, I must decline your terms.
The resources required to produce a Dou Emperor, whether it's the Emperor Pill or the Emperor Source, will never fall into the hands of the weak.
Even if the Gu Clan manages to seize them, do you truly believe the Xiao Clan or Tiance Lao Zu himself would let it slide?
With all due respect, Uncle, you cannot possibly expect to challenge a Dou Emperor with your current strength. If you insist on this path, it could very well lead the Gu Clan to ruin."**
A Plea from Xun'er
Xun'er, seizing the moment, chimed in with urgency.
**"Father, Xiao Yan gege is right! The gap in strength between the Gu and Xiao Clans is immense. Pursuing this risky plan will only put the Gu Clan in jeopardy.
Have you forgotten what happened to the Shi Clan and the Ling Clan? Their fate serves as a grim warning. Challenging the Xiao Clan now, all for a slim chance at producing a Dou Emperor, could doom the Gu Clan entirely."**
Her voice wavered slightly, the concern evident in her eyes.
An Unyielding Resolve
Gu Yuan's expression remained conflicted for a moment. He was well aware of the risks involved, and both Xiao Yan and Xun'er's words rang true.
But his obsession refused to let go. The Gu Clan's future weighed heavily on his mind, and he couldn't bear the thought of their continued subjugation to the Xiao Clan's dominance.
Finally, he spoke, his tone resolute.
**"You think I don't know the risks? Of course I do.
But the Dou Qi Continent has always respected one thing above all: strength. The Gu Clan cannot entrust its fate to the Xiao Clan's mercy.
Even if it means the Gu Clan's destruction, I will not sit idly by."**
Turning his sharp gaze to Xiao Yan, he added, **"Xiao Yan, I understand your feelings for Xun'er, but I cannot allow you to marry her unless you meet my conditions.
If you truly want to be with her, you must help the Gu Clan obtain a chance to produce a Dou Emperor."**
Back in Tianwaitian
Ling'er's eyes widened as the pieces fell into place.
"Little Master, I think I understand now. Gu Yuan is using his daughter as a tool to manipulate Xiao Yan. He's trying to exploit Xiao Yan's connection to the Xiao Clan to gain access to their resources."
Xiao Tiance smiled approvingly. **"Exactly. But Gu Yuan has made a grave miscalculation.
He thinks he's orchestrating a masterful plan, but he's forgotten one crucial detail: me."**
**"Otherwise, even though I'm the patriarch of the Gu Clan, the clan isn't solely under my control. The elders would pressure me to use Xun'er as leverage for a better deal.
Xiao Yan, if you truly care about Xun'er, I hope you'll agree to this. Honestly, as a young genius, you're someone I find quite satisfactory."**
Xiao Yan stood there, helpless against Gu Yuan's relentless insistence.
He knew what others might not despite the tension, the Xiao Clan's general stance toward the Gu Clan had always been tolerant. Thanks to Xiao Xuan's legacy and Xiao Tianzuo's leadership, even the current Xiao Clan leader, Xiao Qing, wouldn't casually antagonize the Gu Clan unless provoked.
Gu Yuan's stubbornness was puzzling. Why take such a risk when peace meant survival? Did he truly believe courting danger was the solution?
"If Xun'er wasn't Gu Yuan's daughter," Xiao Yan thought wryly, "I'd have summoned reinforcements by now and left him to deal with the consequences. But this..."
Unexpected News
Just as Xiao Yan struggled to decide how to respond, Gu Yuan received urgent news from Tianwaitian.
The message came from Gu Yue, informing him of Xiao Qing's plan to invite major clans and top talents from across the continent to a trial in Tianmu (Sky Tomb).
"An opportunity delivered on a silver platter," Gu Yuan thought, his spirits lifting.
Bursting into laughter, Gu Yuan turned back to Xiao Yan with a triumphant expression.
**"Xiao Yan, fate seems to favor us today.
There's a new opportunity. If you help the Gu Clan obtain the Ancient Emperor's inheritance, your relationship with Xun'er will no longer face any opposition from the clan."**
A Dangerous Proposition
Xiao Yan frowned, his thoughts racing. "The Ancient Emperor's inheritance? Isn't it sealed in the Sky Tomb? Without a token, no one can access it."
Gu Yuan laughed heartily, explaining. **"The Xiao Clan's patriarch, Xiao Qing, plans to invite various clans and influential powers to a trial in the Sky Tomb.
This means the Gu Clan now has a legitimate chance to approach the inheritance.
Xiao Yan, you are a member of the Xiao Clan. It would be easy for you to participate without raising suspicion. All I ask is that you assist the Gu Clan discreetly. If you do this, everything can be resolved without issue."**
Xiao Yan's Instincts
Listening to Gu Yuan, Xiao Yan felt a growing unease.
The Ancient Emperor's inheritance was a treasure capable of elevating someone to the Dou Emperor realm a force akin to a nuclear weapon. Even if it wasn't being utilized by the Xiao Clan, allowing it to fall into someone else's hands would be reckless.
While Xiao Yan didn't know Xiao Qing well, he understood Xiao Tianzuo. Someone with such foresight and meticulous planning couldn't have overlooked this possibility.
**"If Xiao Qing is so capable, why make this decision?
Unless… could it be Gu Yue's influence? Has she been whispering in his ear for too long?"**
Xiao Yan let out a heavy sigh, then faced Gu Yuan.
A Heavy Decision
"Uncle, are you absolutely certain you want me to help seize the Ancient Emperor's inheritance for the Gu Clan?"
Meanwhile, in Tianwaitian, on the ninth floor of the Tiance Pavilion, Ling'er grew visibly worried.
"Little Master, do you think Xiao Yan will actually agree to this?"
Xiao Tianzuo shook his head, a faint smile on his lips.
**"Unlikely. Xiao Yan grew up in the Jia Ma Empire and has only known about the Xiao Clan for a few years. His sense of belonging to the clan isn't particularly strong.
However, he won't betray the Xiao Clan. Despite his love for Xun'er, he would never gamble with the lives of his father and two brothers."**
Ling'er nodded but remained cautious. "But what if he refuses? Will Gu Yuan let him leave alive? What if Gu Yuan accidentally kills him in a fit of rage?"
Xiao Tianzuo chuckled. **"You don't need to worry about that.
Gu Yuan's mind may be clouded by obsession, but his love for Xun'er remains as steadfast as ever.
Xun'er is his greatest bargaining chip to pressure Xiao Yan, but she's also the reason he won't truly harm him. Even a tiger wouldn't eat its cub. Xiao Yan is safe."**
Relieved, Ling'er patted her chest. "That's good to hear."
Noticing her concern, Xiao Tianzuo teased. "You seem unusually fond of Xiao Yan, Ling'er."
Blushing slightly, Ling'er admitted, **"Little Master, you're as sharp as ever.
It's just that after Xiao Yan emerged from the Flame Realm, I noticed his aura closely resembled that of the Tou She Emperor Flame.
What's more intriguing is that Xun'er's aura is about 60% similar to it as well."**
A Curious Revelation
Xiao Tianzuo's eyes glinted with interest. It made sense for Xiao Yan's aura to resonate with the Tou She Emperor Flame, considering his connection to the Heavenly Flames. But Xun'er?
"How could Xun'er's aura be so similar to Tou She's Emperor Flame? She only possesses the Golden Emperor Burning Sky Flame. How could it align so closely?"
He turned to Ling'er, his tone more serious. "What does this mean, Ling'er?"
Ling'er smiled confidently. **"It's simple, Little Master.
Both Xiao Yan and Xun'er are potential candidates for the Ancient Emperor's inheritance. Whether it's Xiao Yan or Xun'er, whichever one reaches it first will receive the inheritance's recognition."**
Xiao Tianzuo narrowed his eyes. "Are you certain about this?"
Ling'er nodded firmly. "Absolutely. I'm the embodiment of the Dou Qi Continent itself. There's no mistaking it."
A mischievous grin spread across Xiao Tianzuo's face. "Well then, this just got a lot more interesting."
Ling'er tilted her head. "You seem particularly fond of that little girl, Xun'er."
Xiao Tianzuo laughed softly. "Indeed. If she weren't so young, she'd be my only choice for a wife on the Dou Qi Continent."
(Chapter End)
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