Chapter 262: Xiao Yan's Decision and Xiao Tianzuo's Disappointment
"Hmm, that's right. If not for her age, she might've been my only choice for a wife on the Dou Qi Continent."
In Tianwaitian, within the ninth floor of the Tiance Pavilion, Xiao Tianzuo's casual words left Ling'er visibly surprised.
After years of working alongside him, she had believed that love or romantic notions held no place in Xiao Tianzuo's personal code.
"Little Master, are you serious? You actually like that girl?" Ling'er exclaimed, pointing at the stunningly beautiful image of Xun'er on the screen.
Xiao Tianzuo chuckled softly. **"What's so surprising about that?
Still, I've already said it if not for the considerable age gap. My age is the same as her father's, Gu Yuan. So this is just idle talk between the two of us.
Besides, Xun'er is already Xiao Yan's lover. No matter what, there's no chance of anything between her and me."**
His tone remained light, but Ling'er could sense the faint trace of regret buried within.
"If the age difference weren't so vast," Xiao Tianzuo continued, "even if I were a decade or two older than her, I'd have thickened my skin to propose to Gu Yuan myself."
Ling'er raised an eyebrow. "That's hard to imagine. But fine, let's not talk about it. I can't understand your thoughts anyway."
"Alright, enough of this. Let's see what Xiao Yan will decide. I'm quite curious about his choice." Xiao Tianzuo waved his hand, ending the discussion as he turned his attention back to the scene unfolding before them.
Yet, a subtle chill lingered in his voice as he muttered to himself, "If Xiao Yan dares agree to Gu Yuan's terms or helps the Gu Clan steal the Ancient Emperor's inheritance I will personally erase him from existence."
The Weight of Xiao Yan's Decision
"After all the resources the Xiao Clan has poured into him…"
Xiao Tianzuo reflected on the lengths they had gone to for Xiao Yan.
In the Black Corner Region, when Xiao Yan had nearly been killed by Han Feng, Tianji Tower intervened and eliminated Han Feng, even handing over the Sea Heart Flame to Xiao Yan.
During the final battle with the Soul Clan, the Xiao Clan provided him with the Three Thousand Burning Flame and ensured his victory.
Most recently, while he was in the Flame Realm, Xiao Tianzuo had even planned to let Xiao Yan absorb Void Swallowing Flame, which had been sealed in Tianwaitian for years.
"If all of this effort produces nothing but betrayal," Xiao Tianzuo thought, "then Xiao Yan isn't fit to be part of the Xiao Clan nor worthy of inheriting the Ancient Emperor's legacy."
A Tense Exchange
Outside the Flame Realm, Gu Yuan nodded approvingly.
"Good. As long as you help the Gu Clan obtain the Ancient Emperor's inheritance, I guarantee that no one will interfere with your relationship with Xun'er."
Xiao Yan turned to Xun'er, noting the deep worry etched on her face. He then shook his head and faced Gu Yuan resolutely.
"Uncle, I'm sorry. I plan to compete for the Ancient Emperor's inheritance myself."
Gu Yuan's smile instantly froze, and his expression turned icy.
"You're courting death?" Gu Yuan's overwhelming Dou Qi erupted like a volcano, his aura suffocating as though the heavens themselves were bearing down.
A Defiant Stand
Despite the pressure, Xiao Yan didn't back down.
**"Uncle, the Xiao Clan has treated me with immeasurable kindness. I will never betray them not for anyone.
If the Gu Clan wishes to pursue the Ancient Emperor's inheritance, they're welcome to try their luck. However, I too will compete for it.
Should I succeed and become a Dou Emperor, I promise to safeguard the Gu Clan's survival."**
Gu Yuan's expression softened slightly at Xiao Yan's words, though suspicion lingered.
"Oh?" Gu Yuan's eyes narrowed. "You plan to obtain the inheritance for yourself?"
Gu Yuan's Calculations
The gears in Gu Yuan's mind turned rapidly. If Xiao Yan truly became a Dou Emperor, it might resolve the Gu Clan's precarious situation.
After all, Xiao Xuan had already obtained one portion of the Emperor's Origin. With Xiao Xuan's talent, achieving the Dou Emperor realm was practically guaranteed.
Given the close bond between Xiao Xuan and the Gu Clan, this would ensure their protection.
Adding Xiao Yan to the equation a second Dou Emperor in their favor could solidify their security.
Gu Yuan relaxed slightly, his tone measured. **"Xiao Yan, let's make a deal.
Help the Gu Clan attempt to claim the inheritance first. If our people fail, then we will help you secure it.
However, if you succeed, you must become the Gu Clan's vice patriarch and assist Xun'er in leading the clan."**
Unexpected Terms
Both Xiao Yan and Xun'er froze in shock. Even Xiao Tianzuo and Ling'er, observing from afar, were momentarily stunned.
"Gu Yuan is pulling out all the stops now," Xiao Tianzuo muttered with a cold smile.
"Xiao Yan, agree to his terms!" Xun'er transmitted to him urgently. "We need to get out of here first. Once we're in Tianwaitian, you'll be safe. Don't provoke him any further."
Hearing her plea, Xiao Yan took a deep breath and nodded subtly.
"Alright, Uncle. If I gain the Ancient Emperor's inheritance, I'll accept the position of vice patriarch and help Xun'er consolidate control over the Gu Clan."
Gu Yuan burst into laughter, though the threat in his voice remained.
"Good! Xiao Yan, remember what you've promised. Otherwise, even if you become a Dou Emperor, I'll make you regret it for the rest of your life."
A Temporary Reprieve
Xun'er quickly seized the moment to defuse the situation.
"Father, let me return to the Gu Realm with you for now. When the Xiao Clan opens the Sky Tomb trial, I'll lead our people there."
Gu Yuan nodded. "Good. It's time you returned. You've been away long enough."
Xun'er turned to Xiao Yan with a radiant smile.
"Xiao Yan, will you come with us to the Gu Realm? We can travel to Tianwaitian together afterward."
Xiao Yan hesitated briefly before shaking his head.
**"No, Xun'er. I'll return to Starfall Pavilion and the Pill Tower first to meet my teacher and the elders.
When the Sky Tomb trial begins, I'll head straight to Tianwaitian. We'll meet there."**
Hearing Xiao Yan's response, Xun'er nodded gently, then released his hand. She carefully adjusted the folds on his clothes and, with a faint smile, turned to leave with Gu Yuan.
Tianwaitian: Xiao Tianzuo's Reflection
In Tianwaitian, after Gu Yuan and Xun'er departed, Xiao Tianzuo closed the projection display. However, his expression darkened as he recalled Xiao Yan's words.
Ling'er, noticing his mood, tried to console him.
"Little Master, there's no need to be upset. Xiao Yan's response wasn't unreasonable."
Xiao Tianzuo gently patted Ling'er's head, then sighed.
**"I'm not angry, Ling'er. I'm simply debating whether I should still allow Xiao Yan to inherit the Ancient Emperor's legacy.
As you said, the only two people capable of receiving the inheritance are Xiao Yan and Xun'er. But let's face it, either of them ascending to Dou Di would essentially grant the Gu Clan a Dou Di powerhouse.
That's not aligned with the Xiao Clan's interests.
Even now, without a Dou Di, the Gu Clan still harbors rebellious intentions. If they gain a Dou Di, wouldn't they attempt to overpower the Xiao Clan altogether?"**
He paused, his tone tinged with calculation.
**"Honestly, I could simply create someone capable of inheriting the Ancient Emperor's legacy.
With enough preparation, someone could be trained in Flame Mantra and absorb heavenly flames to develop a similar origin to the Tou She Di Flame. That way, the Xiao Clan could control the inheritance without handing it over to Xiao Yan or Xun'er."**
Ling'er tilted her head, her confusion evident. Still, she smiled sweetly.
**"Little Master, if you're still unsure, why not delay the decision?
You can set up a spiritual formation on the third level of the Sky Tomb. With that in place, no one on the Dou Qi Continent could break through it.
When you're ready to choose who receives the inheritance, you can deactivate the formation."**
Xiao Tianzuo nodded, a faint smile gracing his lips.
"That's a sound plan. Let's proceed with it for now."
In the Beast Domain: A Different Scene
Meanwhile, in the Beast Domain, Huang Min had just entered the region with Zi Yan.
Huang Min quickly captured a flying magical beast, plucked its feathers, marinated it, and began roasting it over a fire with honey.
"Sister Min, your roasting skills are amazing! Just the smell is making my mouth water," Zi Yan chirped, her eyes glued to the slowly roasting meat.
Huang Min chuckled.
**"This was something my teacher taught me centuries ago. Back then, I was just like you always craving good food.
To satisfy my appetite, my teacher came up with all sorts of recipes.
For instance, the hot pot you enjoyed so much in Central Plains? That was also his creation. When Tianji Tower wanted to open restaurants for information gathering, he gave them the recipe.
As you saw, the moment the restaurants opened, their business was phenomenal.
Too bad they didn't inherit my teacher's skills. Compared to what he could make, their version is still far inferior."**
Hearing this, Zi Yan's mouth watered even more.
"I can't even imagine how good that would taste if it's better than what we had in Central Plains!"
Seeing Zi Yan's reaction, Huang Min burst into laughter. Just as she was about to speak again, her attention shifted to the side, sensing a spatial fluctuation.
Moments later, Ling Yun appeared, smiling warmly as he stepped out of the space ripple.
"Sister Min, Little Zi Yan." Ling Yun greeted them cheerfully.
"Brother Ling Yun!" Zi Yan ran to him, grinning. However, her eyes darted to the storage ring on his finger.
Ling Yun noticed and chuckled. He pulled out two jade bottles from his ring and handed them to her.
"Here, 100 fifth grade pills and 50 sixth grade pills. Treat them like candy."
Zi Yan cheered and immediately began popping pills into her mouth like snacks, drawing smiles from both Huang Min and Ling Yun.
Huang Min gave Ling Yun a sly look.
"So, which little spy told you we were here?"
Ling Yun shrugged with a smile.
**"Sister Min, you know as well as I do. When we first arrived in the Beast Domain, we set up an intelligence network.
It's nearly impossible for someone like you, the Beast Domain's second leader, to avoid being recognized by the little ones under you."**
Huang Min laughed but nodded in agreement. She glanced at Zi Yan, who was busy refining the pills in her body, then softly said:
**"Ling Yun, you should already know, right? Our teacher gave the Heavenly Phoenix Clan one of the Emperor's Origins he brought back.
Elder Huang explicitly refused it, saying it wasn't for us.
But I still feel that you're the most suitable person to inherit it."**
Ling Yun shook his head with a gentle smile.
**"Sister Min, there's no need for this. Whether you or I ascend to Dou Di doesn't matter; the result is the same.
Protecting you is my duty and my mission. You know this. If there were two portions of the Emperor's Origin, I wouldn't hesitate to accept one.
But since there's only one, I won't take it.
The things others dream of mean nothing to me. None of them compare to a single strand of your hair."*
Huang Min's cheeks flushed, her face tinged with red.
After spending so many years together, how could she not feel Ling Yun's affection for her?
She thought back to their time on the Eastern Dragon Isle of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan. When she used the Heavenly Phoenix Secret Art, Ling Yun had joined her without hesitation, despite knowing the consequences.
Huang Min leaned her head gently on Ling Yun's shoulder, clasping his hand in hers.
**"Ling Yun, you don't have to do all this for me. Over the years, everything good that's come your way, you've given to me. Even when Teacher punished me, you took the blame without question.
I've always understood your feelings."**
Ling Yun smiled faintly and wrapped his arm around her.
"Teacher always said your talent surpasses mine. If it's you, there's no doubt you'll succeed in ascending to Dou Di."
(End of Chapter)
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