Chapter 258: Xiao Qing Sets a Trap
"Yes, Third Uncle, I understand," Xiao Qing replied firmly before leaving the hall.
In the ninth floor of Tiance Pavilion, Xiao Tiance watched his nephew depart, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. Despite his reluctance to force Xiao Qing to deal with Gu Yue, he knew it was a necessary step. If the matter wasn't resolved, it could eventually lead to chaos within the Xiao Clan, even its potential downfall.
A Burdened Leader's Lesson
"Go now, Qing'er. I won't pressure you, but within ten years, you must handle the matter with Gu Yue. I trust you won't let me down," Xiao Tiance said, his tone laden with both expectation and resignation.
Xiao Qing bowed deeply, his voice unwavering. "I will not fail you, Third Uncle."
Once Xiao Qing left, a faint ripple in the air signaled the arrival of Tianluo, who stepped out of a spatial portal.
"Master, isn't this too cruel? You could've dealt with Gu Yue yourself. Xiao Qing respects you so much he wouldn't hold it against you if you took matters into your own hands," Tianluo said, his voice filled with concern.
For years, following Xiao Tiance's instructions, Tianluo had stayed close to Xiao Qing, guiding him and ensuring he avoided major mistakes. His role was not only that of an advisor but also a surrogate for Xiao Tiance in times of need.
Xiao Tiance offered a faint smile, motioning for Tianluo to sit. Pouring tea, he spoke calmly: "Tianluo, you know why I'm doing this. Being the leader of the Xiao Clan is a heavy responsibility, one that Xiao Qing must bear alone.
Back then, many noble families sent daughters to Tianwaitian for marriage alliances. Among them were women far more virtuous and capable than Gu Yue. But Xiao Qing chose Gu Yue because he loved her.
Now, with our departure imminent, this is the last lesson I can teach him. Throughout history, even heroes have fallen for their attachments to women. Xiao Qing is a man of loyalty and sentiment, but only by overcoming this trial can he truly shoulder the weight of leading the Xiao Clan."
A Dangerous Reflection
Xiao Tiance's gaze turned distant, his expression pensive.
"For over a millennium, I've worried about the Xiao Clan's future. Even though I knew much about the events to come, the Soul Clan's mysteries have always been a thorn.
During my breakthrough to Dou Di, I narrowly avoided falling into Hun Tiandi's trap.
If he had succeeded in his scheme… Do you understand what would've become of the Xiao Clan?"
Tianluo's eyes widened in shock. "Hun Tiandi? But didn't you already kill him in the Ancient Emperor's Cave Mansion?"
Xiao Tiance let out a bitter laugh. "That's what I thought too. But that's the nature of the Soul Clan. Even when they're at a disadvantage, they always have tricks up their sleeve."
A Dangerous Encounter
Tianluo leaned forward, curiosity and concern etched on his face. "Master, please tell me more. What happened?"
Xiao Tiance took a slow sip of tea, his expression grave as he recounted the events.
"It happened right after I broke the seal of the Ancient Emperor Tuoshe and obtained the Emperor's Origin. As I was about to absorb it to ascend to Dou Di, I was ambushed by Hun Tiandi. He had secretly implanted part of his soul into the seal, intending to use the moment of my breakthrough to possess me.
Can you imagine? If Hun Tiandi had succeeded in taking over my body and breaking through to Dou Di, the Xiao Clan would have been doomed. It wouldn't matter how many Dou Shengs we had or how strong we were. Against a Dou Di, we'd be nothing more than ants."
Even now, Xiao Tiance shivered at the memory.
Finishing What Was Started
Tianluo's voice was tinged with awe. "The Soul Clan's methods are truly terrifying. It's no wonder you've always been so cautious with them."
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Yes, the Soul Clan was always the greatest threat. But now that Hun Tiandi is dead, we must seize this opportunity to wipe out the remnants of his clan.
Before we leave the Dou Qi Continent for the Great Thousand World, every loose end must be tied up. A fortress often crumbles from within, and the Soul Clan's remnants could be the poison that rots the Xiao Clan from the inside."
A Ruthless Strategy
Tianluo frowned. "But, Master, is it necessary to go to such lengths? The Soul Clan has been reduced to nothing but a few stragglers. Even if they recover, it would take them thousands of years to regain their former strength."
Xiao Tiance's lips curled into a cold smile. "Tianluo, you know as well as I do:
'One must not pursue false glory by sparing a weakened foe.'
The Soul Clan may be weak now, but they still possess the potential for resurgence. I've always believed in cutting weeds at their roots to prevent future troubles.
This isn't about cruelty. It's about survival. If our roles were reversed, do you think the Soul Clan would show mercy to us?"
A Broken Promise
Tianluo hesitated. "But didn't you promise Hun Tiandi, in the Ancient Emperor's Cave Mansion, that you would spare the remnants of his clan?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled darkly. "Do you think Hun Tiandi would've gone to his death peacefully if I hadn't promised him that?
And besides, he broke the rules first. By attempting to possess me, he forfeited any mercy I might've shown.
In the end, promises mean nothing to the dead. Hun Tiandi can't rise from the grave to demand my accountability, can he?"
A Final Task
Xiao Tiance's voice hardened. "Tianluo, I need you to travel to the remnants of the Soul Realm. Seek out and eliminate every last trace of the Soul Clan.
The Xiao Clan's future must be free of this shadow."
Tianluo nodded solemnly. "Understood, Master. I'll ensure the job is done thoroughly."
Xiao Tiance watched as Tianluo departed, his gaze returning to the horizon.
"Hun Tiandi, even in death, you sought to claim my life. But your ambition will end here along with the remnants of your wretched clan."
"Alright, off you go. Take this jade pendant it can pinpoint the location of the Soul Realm. After you've eliminated the remnants of the Soul Clan, don't forget to scour the place. No matter how diminished they are, the Soul Clan was once one of the strongest Imperial Clans, and their leftover resources will definitely be substantial.
Also, I've always been quite interested in their secret arts," Xiao Tiance said, pulling a jade pendant from his storage ring and tossing it over to Tianluo.
Tianluo caught the pendant and smirked. "Fine. My hands are already drenched in blood. Killing a few more won't change much just adding a little more sin to the pile, hahaha!"
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance's lips curled into a faint smile as he said, "To kill one is a crime; to slaughter thousands is heroic.
To slaughter three million is to be the hero among heroes.
Sin? Such trivialities. As cultivators, we defy the heavens with every step. If we don't fight for our destinies, how can we reach the pinnacle and emerge as true victors?
Heh, from the moment we entered this world, we were never destined to leave it with clean hands."
Tianluo laughed heartily at this. "Today, Master seems especially philosophical. Alright, I'm off!"
A spatial vortex appeared before Tianluo. He stepped into it, glancing back with a teasing grin.
The vortex disappeared with a faint hum, leaving Xiao Tiance standing alone.
Strength Above All
Xiao Tiance sighed, shaking his head. "Philosophical? Nonsense. I've never cared for words only strength.
What logic? What justice? Fists are the only truth that matters."
Xiao Qing's Dilemma
Meanwhile, Xiao Qing had just left Tiance Pavilion. His face was dark, his emotions heavy as he pondered his third uncle's words.
Deep down, he knew Xiao Tiance was right. The reality of the situation left no room for alternative choices. While it seemed like he had two options to deal with Gu Yue or relinquish his position as Clan Leader the truth was clear: there was only one path he could take.
Giving up his position was impossible, not because he wouldn't sacrifice for Gu Yue, but because of everything Xiao Tiance had poured into him. Xiao Qing couldn't betray the trust and expectations his third uncle had placed on him, even at the cost of his own life.
Resignation and Resolve
"Luckily, Third Uncle still has a heart. At least he's not asking me to kill Yue'er outright," Xiao Qing thought, a flicker of relief in his stormy heart.
However, his relief quickly turned to cold fury as he thought of Gu Dao. "That old bastard! If he hadn't come to Tianwaitian under the pretense of celebrating Third Uncle's breakthrough to Dou Di and then manipulated Yue'er, I wouldn't be in this position now."
Killing intent flashed in Xiao Qing's eyes, though his expression remained calm.
"If the Gu Clan has decided to make the first move, then don't blame me for responding in kind," he mused, his resolve solidifying.
A Facade of Normalcy
By the time Xiao Qing returned to his residence, his expression was back to its usual calm. Even Gu Yue, his wife, noticed nothing amiss.
"You're back, Qing ge," Gu Yue greeted him warmly, walking up with a bright smile. She linked her arm with his, her eyes filled with love and admiration.
Xiao Qing smiled. "Yue'er, what were you up to just now?"
"Nothing much. Grandfather came by to see me before heading back to the Gu Realm," Gu Yue replied, her tone light and casual, as though she had nothing to hide.
But Xiao Qing had already seen everything during her conversation with Gu Dao, thanks to Xiao Tiance.
Looking at his beautiful wife, who gazed at him with such affection, Xiao Qing suppressed the wave of disappointment that threatened to surface.
Feigning Affection
"Why didn't Grandfather stay a few more days? These past few days, I've been so busy with visits from various Imperial Clans and first tier powers from Central Plains that I didn't even have time to catch up with him properly," Xiao Qing said, his tone warm and genuine.
Gu Yue hesitated, guilt flickering in her eyes as she looked at her husband. "Qing ge, Grandfather didn't want to disturb you since you're so busy. He'd be uncomfortable if you took time out just for him."
"Yue'er, how could you say that? Grandfather is your elder, which makes him my elder too. Spending time with him is just fulfilling my duty.
Moreover, although the Gu Clan is now a subordinate of the Xiao Clan, they're still an Imperial Clan. Both personally and politically, I should've made the effort," Xiao Qing replied, his words laced with subtle implications, though his expression remained gentle.
Gu Yue's Response
"Qing ge, you're too formal! The Xiao and Gu Clans are one family now why bother with such pretenses?
Besides, whether it's you or me spending time with Grandfather, it's all the same," Gu Yue said sweetly, her demeanor as charming as ever.
Xiao Qing chuckled. "Alright, I can't argue with you.
By the way, there's something I've been meaning to discuss with you. With Third Uncle's safe return as a Dou Di, now is the perfect time to bring it up."
"What is it, Qing ge? You're my everything, so whatever you want to do, I'll support you," Gu Yue replied, her tone affectionate and playful.
The Trap is Set
"It's like this: the Gu Clan has been a subordinate of the Xiao Clan for some years now, and the other Imperial Clans have also submitted for quite some time. For example, the Medicine Clan has been on friendly terms with us for years.
I was thinking of opening Tianmu (the Heavenly Tomb) as a training ground. I plan to invite young talents from the remaining Imperial Clans and other first and second tier forces from the Central Plains to participate.
It'll be an opportunity to strengthen relationships and identify promising talents among the younger generation.
What do you think, Yue'er?" Xiao Qing asked, smiling as he laid out his plan.
Gu Yue's heart leapt with excitement. She had been racking her brain to find a way to suggest opening Tianmu for the Gu Clan's younger talents. Now, Xiao Qing had handed her the perfect opportunity.
Suppressing her excitement, Gu Yue smiled sweetly. "Qing ge, that's a wonderful idea! I fully support you."
Closing Thoughts
"Perfect," Gu Yue thought, suppressing her glee. "I didn't even have to say anything. Qing ge brought the idea forward himself."
But unbeknownst to her, Xiao Qing's gentle smile hid a storm of cold calculations.
The game had begun.
(Chapter End)
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