Chapter 259: Gu Yuan Takes Action
"Qing ge, this is wonderful news! Yue'er fully supports you!"
Tianwaitian, Xiao Qing's Residence
Xiao Qing felt a sudden pang of sadness as he gazed at Gu Yue's radiant smile.
If he hadn't personally witnessed her earlier conversation, he might not have felt this way. But now, after seeing her unhesitating agreement to his suggestion, his heart ached.
She didn't even pause to consider the implications. Did she truly not realize what it would mean for the Xiao Clan if someone from the Gu Clan gained the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance?
"It seems that, in Yue'er's heart, the Gu Clan is far more important than I am," Xiao Qing thought bitterly.
The Proposal
"Well, since Yue'er agrees, I'll start making preparations. As hosts, we must ensure everything is in order. It's important that our side achieves excellent results during the trial," Xiao Qing said with a warm smile.
"Qing ge, you're worrying too much! The Xiao Clan's geniuses are countless. You could randomly pick a few, and no one from the other Imperial Clans would stand a chance!" Gu Yue said reassuringly.
Her thoughts, however, were racing. If the Xiao Clan sent their top talents into the trial, it would leave no opportunity for the other clans to shine.
The Xiao Clan had honed their training methods over the past millennium:
Meritocratic Selection: Regardless of status, only talent and strength mattered. Any promising youth was chosen for advanced training.
Rigorous Training: Candidates were cultivated until they reached comparable levels, after which only the most exceptional were selected for further development.
Final Trial: The selected few underwent grueling trials in life and death training grounds. Only those who survived this stage qualified for the Dragon Guard's reserve force, one of the Xiao Clan's elite units.
Compared to the other Imperial Clans, the Xiao Clan's process was far more competitive and brutal. Consequently, their talents emerged significantly stronger.
Xiao Qing's Strategy
Xiao Qing, however, ignored Gu Yue's words and continued smiling. "It's a trial, after all. There will inevitably be casualties. If we send in those who aren't outstanding, wouldn't we just be sending them to their deaths?
But don't worry, Yue'er. You can inform Grand Elder Gu Dao about this in advance. That way, the Gu Clan will have time to prepare and benefit from this opportunity."
Hearing this, Gu Yue felt a brief moment of confusion before breaking into a joyous smile. She assumed Xiao Qing was making this concession for her sake.
"Qing ge, on behalf of the Gu Clan, thank you!" she said happily.
"No need to thank me. We're husband and wife there's no need for such formalities.
Now, Yue'er, would you draw me a bath? I've been so busy these past few days that I haven't had a moment to relax," Xiao Qing said, lightly patting her on the back.
"Alright! I'll even help scrub your back!" Gu Yue teased, laughing as she walked off to prepare the bath.
A Hidden Resolve
Watching Gu Yue leave in high spirits, Xiao Qing's eyes darkened, a flash of ruthlessness crossing his face.
"Yue'er, I'm sorry. I just hope you won't hate me too much when the time comes."
After a deep sigh, Xiao Qing turned and began changing his clothes.
Xiao Tiance's Preparations
In Tiance Pavilion, on the ninth floor, Xiao Tiance was busy studying spirit arrays. After breaking through to Dou Di, his mastery of spirit arrays had finally reached Grandmaster Level.
Now, he could form arrays with a mere thought, no longer requiring the tedious process of condensing hundreds of thousands or even millions of seals.
However, he knew the Great Thousand World was far more dangerous than the Dou Qi Continent. Upon entering, all his Dou Qi would need to convert into Spiritual Energy.
While Ling'er had assured him that with her assistance, the conversion process would be several times faster than normal, Xiao Tiance preferred not to rely solely on luck. Should he accidentally land in hostile territory, he wanted to have every advantage possible.
To him, spirit arrays were the most reliable fallback.
Ling'er's Report
"Little Master, that Xiao Yan you asked me to monitor has just emerged from the Heavenly Flame Realm. He successfully subdued the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame and has fused all his flames into a singular Flame Spirit," Ling'er said suddenly, interrupting his thoughts.
Xiao Tiance paused, putting down the spirit array notes. "Oh? That quickly? What's his current strength?"
"Late Five Star Dou Sheng," Ling'er replied with a smile.
Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow. In the original story, Xiao Yan had reached the early Five Star Dou Sheng stage after subduing the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame. It seemed his presence had led to no significant changes in this regard.
"Hmm, not bad. Ling'er, keep an eye on him. Let me know if he plans to return to Tianwaitian," Xiao Tiance instructed.
"Understood, Little Master. I'll wait a moment," Ling'er suddenly said, her playful expression vanishing as she focused on something. "That's odd. Why are people from the Gu Clan still lingering outside the Heavenly Flame Realm?"
Gu Yuan's Appearance
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Ling'er, you're forgetting that the girl accompanying Xiao Yan into the Heavenly Flame Realm is Gu Yuan's precious daughter.
She's been in there for quite some time. Gu Yuan is famously overprotective, so it's only natural for him to have stationed people nearby."
Ling'er, however, shook her head, her expression turning mischievous. "Little Master, you might be wrong this time. Gu Yuan didn't just send people he's personally there."
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance frowned. "Gu Yuan? Himself?
Even if he's concerned about Gu Xun'er's safety, he wouldn't need to go in person. What could be so important for him to leave everything behind and wait outside the Heavenly Flame Realm?"
"Brother Qing, this is wonderful news! Yue'er fully supports you!"
Tianwaitian, Xiao Qing's Residence
Xiao Qing couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as he gazed at Gu Yue's radiant smile.
If he hadn't personally witnessed the earlier events, he wouldn't have felt this way. But after seeing her enthusiastic approval without hesitation, he could no longer deceive himself.
She didn't even pause to consider the implications. Did she truly not understand what it would mean for the Xiao Clan if someone from the Gu Clan obtained the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance?
"It seems that, in Yue'er's heart, the Gu Clan is far more important than I am," Xiao Qing thought bitterly.
Xiao Tiance's Perspective
Meanwhile, back in Tiance Pavilion, Xiao Tiance pondered over recent developments.
He recalled that while drifting through the void turbulence, Ling'er had once mentioned that Gu Yuan, even if given the Essence of the Emperor, would still be unable to break through to the Dou Di realm.
The reason was clear: like Xiao Xuan a thousand years ago, Gu Yuan had developed an obsession that consumed his mind.
Xiao Tiance understood this all too well. Back when Xiao Xuan had desperately sought to advance to Dou Di, he had gone to the extreme of forcibly extracting the Dou Di bloodline from many Xiao Clan members sparing only those from Xiao Tiance's lineage.
Even knowing the devastating impact this would have on the Xiao Clan's overall strength, Xiao Xuan had resolutely gone through with it, driven by his unshakable obsession.
Now, Gu Yuan seemed to harbor a similar fixation.
Ling'er's Observation
"Little Master, could it be that Gu Yuan didn't go to the Heavenly Flame Realm for his daughter after all?" Ling'er asked softly.
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance nodded. "That's quite possible. It might not be because of Xiao Xun'er.
However, even for the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame, Gu Yuan wouldn't need to go personally. In the Heavenly Flame Realm, that flame is the only valuable thing. Gu Yuan would surely know this.
If it's not for Xiao Xun'er, then there's only one other possibility he's there for Xiao Yan."
"For Xiao Yan? Little Master, what would Gu Yuan want with Xiao Yan?" Ling'er asked, puzzled.
"Heh, I don't know yet, but we'll find out soon enough, won't we?" Xiao Tiance replied with a faint smile.
"That's true," Ling'er nodded, her curiosity piqued.
Outside the Heavenly Flame Realm
It didn't take long for their questions to be answered.
Outside the Heavenly Flame Realm, Xiao Yan, holding Xiao Xun'er's hand, had just emerged. He was in high spirits, having not only subdued the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame but also won the heart of the girl he had long yearned for Xiao Xun'er, the dream of countless young men.
However, his triumphant smile froze the moment he stepped out.
Hovering in the air before him was Gu Yuan, smiling faintly as he gazed at Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er.
It was like a man leaving a hotel after spending the night with someone's beloved daughter, only to run into her father waiting outside. It was impossible not to feel a chill.
At that moment, Xiao Yan found himself in exactly that predicament.
A Father's Watchful Eye
"Father!"
Upon seeing Gu Yuan, Xiao Xun'er immediately flew over with a bright smile.
Gu Yuan, ready to celebrate his daughter's evident strength and growth, soon noticed something amiss.
As a Half Emperor with countless years of experience, Gu Yuan could easily discern that his precious "cabbage" had been uprooted by a certain pig named Xiao Yan.
"Xun'er, you had me worried," Gu Yuan said gently, pulling her into his arms.
However, when his gaze shifted back to Xiao Yan, his expression became dangerous.
Still, Gu Yuan restrained himself, knowing full well that Xiao Yan couldn't have succeeded unless his daughter was willing. His anger softened into a cold appraisal.
A father sizing up his daughter's suitor resentful, yet forced to confront reality.
Gu Yuan's Warning
"Xiao Yan," Gu Yuan began, his tone calm but scrutinizing. "Congratulations. Your strength has advanced to the late Five Star Dou Sheng stage. Impressive.
In fact, for someone your age to achieve such accomplishments is rare even in my Gu Clan."
"Thank you for your praise, sir. I dare not accept such high compliments," Xiao Yan replied humbly, his back straight and demeanor respectful.
However, internally, he was uneasy.
"Why does it feel like his aura is locked onto me? Could he have found out about me and Xun'er?!" Xiao Yan thought nervously.
Gu Yuan's tone shifted. He snorted coldly. "Don't get too proud. While your achievements are commendable, they're hardly unprecedented.
Even within the Xiao Clan, there are at least ten individuals at your age who have reached similar levels of strength.
You've still got a long way to go."
Xiao Yan felt a sting of dissatisfaction but didn't dare show it. This was Xiao Xun'er's father, after all. If he offended Gu Yuan, he might never gain his approval and he couldn't let that happen.
Burying his irritation, Xiao Yan bowed. "Sir, I will not let my current accomplishments make me complacent. I will continue to work hard and strive for greater heights."
Hearing this, Xiao Xun'er's heart swelled with admiration. She had long cherished Xiao Yan, and seeing his earnest effort to gain her father's approval only deepened her affection.
"Father, Xiao Yan has always worked hard. Please trust him," Xiao Xun'er said with a smile, her tone pleading.
Gu Yuan silently cursed Xiao Yan in his heart.
"This bastard dared to defile my precious daughter! And now she's defending him so fiercely how infuriating!"
Suppressing his anger, Gu Yuan sighed and spoke solemnly. "Xiao Yan, while you are indeed talented, I cannot allow Xun'er to remain by your side."
A Sudden Blow
"What?"
Both Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er froze in shock.
Xiao Xun'er stared at her father in disbelief. Hadn't he always said she could choose whom she loved?
"Father, why?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Gu Yuan sighed again. "It's not that I wish to separate you two.
But Xun'er is the Gu Clan member with the highest concentration of Dou Di bloodline. She has already been chosen as the next clan leader.
You both know the weight of that responsibility. And, Xun'er, you also know that for a woman to become clan leader in our Gu Clan is unheard of. The elders have placed immense expectations on you."
Xiao Xun'er's face turned pale.
Xiao Yan, though unaware of the full implications, could sense that this decision would make it nearly impossible for them to be together.
"Sir, Xun'er and I love each other deeply. Even if she becomes the next clan leader, must that truly prevent us from being together?" Xiao Yan asked, his voice steady but filled with resolve.
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