Chapter 230: Hard Work Begins
Beside the bamboo pavilion, a silver waterfall cascaded from the mountain peak like a hanging galaxy, crashing into a deep pool below and sending splashes against giant rocks. The mist rising from the waterfall infused the lush green forest with even more vitality, giving the foliage a fresh and vibrant glow.
Standing amidst this verdant scenery was a young girl, her figure silhouetted against the mist. Clad in a simple green dress, her tall and elegant frame hinted at budding curves, despite her mere fifteen years of age.
Her silhouette alone could entrance countless artists, as though she were a living masterpiece, an integral part of nature's beauty. But it was her face delicate, ethereal, and already breathtaking despite its hint of youthful innocence that could make even the most resplendent scenery pale in comparison.
Gu Xun'er stood silently in the bamboo pavilion, her serene gaze absorbing the natural rhythm of the place. The mist dampened the air, creating a soothing ambiance, while the softened roar of the waterfall, filtered through layers of formations, carried a unique resonance.
News from the Xiao Clan
A shadow flickered behind Gu Xun'er, eventually coalescing into the form of an elderly woman cloaked in black robes. Her stooped figure exuded an air of deference as she addressed the young girl.
"Miss."
The elder's voice was respectful, for the girl before her was not only the treasured jewel of the Gu Clan but also a beacon of hope for their future.
"What is it, Granny Ling?" Gu Xun'er did not turn around, her voice calm and melodious as she continued to listen to the waterfall's melody.
"It is news regarding the Xiao Clan's Imperial Son," the elder replied.
At these words, Gu Xun'er's serene posture faltered slightly, and her gaze, serene like a lotus flower, grew clouded. Slowly, she turned to face the elder, her refined brow furrowing ever so slightly.
"Do you mean Xiao Yan?"
"Yes." Granny Ling nodded, producing a jade slip from her sleeve.
Seeing the slip, Gu Xun'er's frown deepened. Ever since her father and the Gu Clan elders had arranged her engagement to the Xiao Clan's young heir, she had harbored mixed feelings about the matter.
The Burden of Responsibility
As the daughter of an ancient clan, Gu Xun'er had been born into unimaginable privilege. Her bloodline, a rare blessing, and the near limitless resources of the Gu Clan provided her with opportunities most could only dream of. These gifts alone were enough to carry her to the Dou Saint realm.
But such privilege came with immense responsibility. The prosperity of her clan and its survival against powerful adversaries weighed heavily on her shoulders. The arranged marriage with Xiao Yan was part of this responsibility, a strategic move to unite two powerful clans.
However, Gu Xun'er could not suppress the resistance in her heart. Marrying a man she had never met was unappealing enough. Worse, rumors of Xiao Yan's actions further fueled her disdain.
Xiao Yan's Reputational "Issues"
Granny Ling's reports painted Xiao Yan as a philanderer of rare talent. From his alleged involvement with two female alchemists at the Pill Tower to his entanglement with the Medicine Clan's Saintess, Yao Ling, the young heir seemed alarmingly skilled in winning women's hearts.
While it wasn't unusual for powerful men to have multiple companions, Gu Xun'er found such behavior beneath her aspirations. For someone aiming to reach the lofty heights of the Nine Star Dou Saint or even the legendary Dou Di realm, accepting a partner with such frivolous inclinations was difficult.
After a moment of hesitation, Gu Xun'er took the jade slip. As its contents flowed into her mind, her tranquil expression darkened.
"This man is nothing but a womanizing stallion!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with frost.
The jade slip detailed numerous escapades involving Xiao Yan pursuing women, earning him the nickname of a "stud." To Gu Xun'er, these antics were reminiscent of the worst kinds of second generation heirs privileged, irresponsible, and utterly self indulgent.
Yet as she read further, her expression shifted from disdain to surprise.
A Prodigious Talent
Despite his apparent faults, Xiao Yan's achievements were remarkable. According to the slip, he had reached the Dou Emperor pinnacle within the past six months. Not only that, he had defeated over twenty Dou Zong experts consecutively while still at the Dou Emperor level.
Such an extraordinary feat was beyond even Gu Xun'er's current capabilities. Having recently broken through to the Nine Star Dou Emperor level herself, she wasn't confident she could handle so many Dou Zong opponents simultaneously.
The report continued with even more shocking revelations. In just six months, Xiao Yan had rapidly ascended to the Five Star Dou Zong level. His cultivation speed was unprecedented, even by the standards of the ancient clans.
Furthermore, Xiao Yan was already a peak tier seventh grade alchemist. While a sixteen year old Five Star Dou Zong might be impressive, a sixteen year old seventh grade alchemist was simply unparalleled in millennia of history.
Despite her disdain for his character, Gu Xun'er couldn't deny the staggering magnitude of Xiao Yan's talent. No wonder the Xiao Clan had proclaimed him their Imperial Son before he even reached the Dou Saint realm.
After reading the slip, Gu Xun'er's delicate face grew pensive. With a slight squeeze of her fingers, she crushed the jade slip into dust.
A Determined Heart
"Xiao Yan," she muttered, her voice firm and resolute. "No matter how extraordinary your talent may be, I will defeat you in the near future."
Her bright eyes blazed with determination. "I will prove to my father and the elders that the Gu Clan does not need the Xiao Clan's support to remain strong.
"I refuse to marry a womanizer like you. If defeating you as a Dou Saint isn't enough, I'll reach the Dou Di realm to do so!"
Standing beside the roaring waterfall, her slender fists clenched tightly, the elegant girl radiated an unyielding spirit.
Meanwhile, in the Seven Colored Realm
Back in the remote northwestern lands, within the inheritance grounds of the Heaven Swallowing Python Clan, Xiao Yan and his companions were preparing for their next phase of cultivation.
"You've all pledged yourselves to this kid?" a gentle, teasing voice rang out.
In the seven colored space, the original Heaven Swallowing Python spirit eyed Medusa and her two attendants with a playful smile.
At her words, Medusa's cheeks flushed faintly.
"All right, all right, I'll stop teasing you," the ancient figure chuckled. With a wave of her hand, she gestured toward the shimmering blood lake nearby.
"That lake contains immense energy and unique properties. Refining it will greatly enhance your strength," she said, addressing Medusa.
Medusa turned toward Xiao Yan, her gaze steady.
"Let's begin," Xiao Yan said with a grin. "Time for me to get to work!"
(End of Chapter)
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