Chapter 204: Each Has Their Own Plans!
"Then strive to break through to the Dou Di realm!"
Hearing the encouraging expectation in Xiao Xuan's words by his ear, Xiao Yan's expression froze for a moment. He fixed his gaze on Xiao Xuan, nodded seriously, his eyes filled with unprecedented determination.
"Ancestor, take care. Xiao Yan will definitely find a way to grant you release!"
Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Xuan earnestly and spoke. The instant his words fell, the surrounding space began to fluctuate violently. An irresistible suction force emanated from the space around them, as if trying to forcibly pull him into the void.
Sensing this sudden change, Gu Xun'er's beautiful eyes looked at Xiao Yan, and she said softly, "Xiao Yan ge-ge, time is up..."
Xiao Yan nodded upon hearing this. He reached out and took Gu Xun'er's hand, casting one last glance at Xiao Xuan. In the next moment, the surrounding space instantly tore open a large rift. Suction force surged wildly, and with a violent gulp, it swallowed the two of them whole...
Gazing at the spot where Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er had vanished, Xiao Xuan smiled with gratification, then sighed softly and murmured, "Ancestors of the Xiao Clan, you must bless this little one. Whether the Xiao Clan is destroyed or revived depends entirely on him now..."
In the Gu Realm, above the vast, remote mountain range, several figures stood in the air. All of them gazed with slightly furrowed brows at the space ahead, which rippled gently like water waves.
"Clan Head Gu Yuan, just when will Xiao Yan come out? It has already been four months since Hun Tiandi arrived. If Xiao Yan doesn't come out soon, I fear Hun Tiandi does not have that much patience!"
Lei Ying's gaze was fixed tightly on the Heavenly Tomb entrance ahead. Frowning slightly, he asked Gu Yuan, who stood beside him.
Hearing this, Yao Dan's expression flickered behind them. Although it was somewhat uncharitable, Yao Dan actually hoped Hun Tiandi would carry out his threat. That way, the ancient jade in Xiao Yan's possession would not fall so easily into the Hun Clan's hands.
Ultimately, it would likely end up in Gu Yuan's possession. In that case, the difficulty for the Hun Clan or the Gu Clan to gather all the ancient jade pieces would increase exponentially.
Perhaps then, things might even return to the original scenario where the seven clans coexisted, the only difference being that it would change from seven clans to four.
If that happened, the Yao Clan wouldn't need to risk clan extermination by going to war with the Hun Clan.
Among the three-clan alliance, the Yao Clan was arguably the most reluctant to wage war against the Hun Clan. They were the weakest, and a confrontation with the Hun Clan would be a matter of life and death.
As long as no Dou Di emerged, the balance of power between the two sides would ensure at least a hundred years of peace.
"According to the time when they were sent in, they should emerge within these next few days," Gu Yuan said, his gaze calm, looking indifferently at the void ahead.
He had been very busy lately too. He had visited the great realms of the three extinguished clans to investigate, hoping to find any residual traces left by the Hun Clan and thereby deduce their approximate strength.
He wasn't surprised that the Hun Clan had silently annihilated the Ling Clan and the Shi Clan, as the Gu Clan also possessed such strength. However, the Yan Clan gave him reason for deep caution.
In the end, he naturally found nothing. The great realms of the three clans had become completely dead and desolate lands; their former prosperity gone, resembling ghost domains.
Hun Tiandi had not personally participated in the battle to destroy the Yan Clan. With Yan Jin's strength, it was impossible that not even a single sign of disturbance could have been transmitted.
Even with the Nine-Star Dou Sheng, Nihility Devouring Flame, that couldn't be done!
Gu Yuan speculated that the Hun Clan must be concealing some unknown power in the shadows. The forces that had come to the Gu Realm that day alone couldn't have accomplished this.
This conjecture made Gu Yuan's heart even heavier.
"Rip!"
Just at that moment, the space ahead suddenly split open, forming a black rift. Amid spatial fluctuations, two figures, a man and a woman, stepped through the void and slowly appeared under the watchful gazes of everyone in this region...
"Xiao Yan, Xun'er..." Looking at the two figures emerging hand in hand, many eyes paused on them for a moment before their gazes hardened, a flash of shock appearing in their eyes.
Everyone present was at least a five-star Dou Sheng expert. With their eyesight, they naturally discerned Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er's current strength at a single glance.
Gu Xun'er had advanced to peak Half-Saint, and Xiao Yan had genuinely broken through to Dou Sheng. Compared to their levels at the coming-of-age ceremony, when they were still nine-star Dou Zuns before entering the Heavenly Tomb, this improvement was like the difference between heaven and earth.
But, how was this possible?
Some elders exchanged glances, their faces showing unconcealable astonishment. They had naturally already figured out the uses of the Heavenly Tomb, but going directly from Dou Zun to Dou Sheng was simply a fool's dream.
Could it be because of Xiao Xuan?
"Uh... isn't this reception a bit too grand?"
When Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er emerged and saw the multitude of Gu Clan elders in the sky, and even Gu Yuan himself, their expressions immediately became rather interesting.
"How did you two do it?" Yao Dan licked his lips and couldn't help but ask.
"And this is?" Meeting Yao Dan for the first time, Xiao Yan didn't know who this white-haired, white-bearded old man was. He frowned and looked towards Gu Yuan.
"This is the Clan Head of the Yao Clan, Yao Dan," Gu Yuan explained softly to the two upon seeing this.
"Yao Clan...?" Hearing the Yao Clan's name, Xiao Yan's expression changed abruptly, instantly turning cold.
Yao Dan, noticing this change, stiffened slightly. He naturally knew the reason for Xiao Yan's sudden shift in demeanor and could only smile wryly and shake his head.
"This is the Clan Head of the Lei Clan, Lei Ying!" Gu Yuan didn't pause because of their change in expressions and immediately pointed to Lei Ying beside him, introducing him.
This time, an expression of surprise also appeared on Xiao Yan's face. He promptly turned and cupped his fist respectfully toward Lei Ying.
"Hahaha, what a fine young man of the Xiao Clan! None of the little brats in my Lei Clan can compare to you. The Xiao Clan is truly fortunate!" Lei Ying looked at Xiao Yan appreciatively and let out a thunderous laugh of praise.
"Clan Head Lei Ying, you flatter me!" Xiao Yan smiled modestly and shook his head, sighing, "If not for the help of Ancestor Xiao Xuan, how could Xiao Yan have achieved what he has today?"
Hearing this, everyone present was taken aback before shaking their heads with wry smiles, their admiration for that legendary figure deepening to the extreme in their hearts.
Truly worthy of being the former strongest expert on the Dou Qi Continent. Even after being dead for so many years, he still possessed such terrifying ability.
Ignoring the thoughts of the crowd, Xiao Yan looked at Gu Yuan and asked solemnly, "Uncle Gu Yuan, has something happened?"
Upon learning the identities of Lei Ying and Yao Dan, Xiao Yan immediately realized that something must have gone wrong—something major. Otherwise, why would the heads of great clans be so idle as to come to the Gu Clan and even greet him together upon his exit from seclusion?
If he lacked even this much sharp perception, he would have long since perished during the life-and-death crises he'd faced over the years.
"The Ling Clan, Shi Clan, and Yan Clan... have disappeared," Gu Yuan nodded slowly and said to Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er in a deep voice.
"What..." Upon hearing the news of the three clans' disappearance, Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er's pupils constricted violently as they cried out in alarm.
Before they could recover from the shock, Gu Yuan continued, "The ancient jades of the Gu Clan, Lei Clan, and Yao Clan have also already been obtained by the Hun Clan. All that remains is..."
"It's just the Xiao Clan's ancient jade in my possession, isn't it?" Before Gu Yuan could finish, Xiao Yan's face was heavy as he murmured in a low voice.
Then, as if suddenly jolted awake, he looked at Gu Yuan anxiously and asked, "Uncle, the Xiao family..."
"That's right. Hun Tiandi has captured your father and is using him as a bargaining chip to exchange for the ancient jade in your hands." Without waiting for Xiao Yan to finish, Gu Yuan nodded, delivering news that left Xiao Yan momentarily stunned.
"Father..." Hearing this, Xiao Yan seemed to deflate. He pursed his lips, coldness flickering in his eyes, his fists clenched tightly.
Just as he had expected, Hun Tiandi intended to use his father to exchange for the ancient jade...
"Xiao Yan ge-ge..." Seeing Xiao Yan silent, his fists clenched tight, Gu Xun'er worriedly held his hand.
The sudden news upon his emergence rendered Xiao Yan speechless. The joy of inheriting the Xiao Clan's final bloodline power from Xiao Xuan and breaking through to Dou Sheng vanished completely.
From great joy to great sorrow—if not for the many trials Xiao Yan had endured over the years, he likely would have been utterly lost and at a complete loss right now.
"Xiao Yan, what are your thoughts?" Gu Yuan looked at the silent Xiao Yan and asked in a calm tone.
At this moment, everyone's gazes suddenly turned to Xiao Yan. This ancient jade was their final bargaining chip. Some did not wish to see Hun Tiandi easily gather all the jades, as that would remove many variables from the situation.
With different considerations in their hearts, everyone silently watched Xiao Yan, waiting for his decision.
Facing those numerous gazes, Xiao Yan frowned slightly, then spoke in a deep voice, "I must save my father!" His voice wasn't loud, but the determination within it was as unshakable as a boulder.
"If you let Hun Tiandi open Tuo She Ancient Emperor's mansion, you should understand the consequences." Yao Dan's expression was solemn, his tone unavoidably tinged with urgency.
Xiao Yan was silent, then shook his head again. If one asked who he cared about most in this world, it was undoubtedly Xiao Zhan. He would absolutely never abandon his father.
"Clan Head Yao Dan, the ancient jade belongs to the Xiao Clan, to Xiao Yan ge-ge. He has the right to decide." Seemingly perceiving the shift in Yao Dan's tone, Gu Xun'er frowned slightly and stood beside Xiao Yan, her voice carrying unprecedented seriousness.
Yao Dan's body trembled at her words. Even though Xiao Yan had broken through to Dou Sheng, he still viewed him with condescension. But Gu Xun'er was different; in a certain sense, she could represent the will of the Gu Clan.
Having no other choice, he could only turn his gaze toward Gu Yuan beside him.
Gu Yuan's eyes fixed on Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er, who stood resolutely by his side. After a moment, he could only sigh with a 'wry smile,' "For the current plan, I ask everyone to quickly muster your forces. The armies shall unite, and when the time comes, we must seize back some of the ancient jades from the Hun Clan!"
Upon hearing this, everyone trembled. The day of all-out war with the Hun Clan was not far off.
"Uncle, the Hun Clan is powerful. We should unite all the forces on the continent that can be allied with to jointly crusade against the Hun Clan. Among them, the Pill Tower would be a strong ally," Xiao Yan said at this moment, looking at Gu Yuan seriously.
"The Pill Tower..." Upon hearing this, Gu Yuan mused, "The Pill Tower is indeed a good ally, but I wonder if they would be willing?"
"I have a good relationship with them. During this period, I can go to the Pill Tower and contact them," Xiao Yan continued. In the current three-clan alliance, he was all alone. Although he was considered half a member of the Gu Clan, that hadn't been formalized yet.
He also needed to secure a significant voice for himself within this alliance.
"Good, make it quick. The news of your emergence from seclusion absolutely cannot be kept from the Hun Clan. We don't have much time left," Gu Yuan nodded, essentially approving Xiao Yan's idea.
The Pill Tower Ancestor was a six-star Dou Sheng, a rare expert even among the various clans. If there was a chance to increase their odds of victory, why not take it?
A short while later, the crowd dispersed, each returning to muster their forces and prepare for a decisive battle against the Hun Clan.
Gu Yuan stood atop the Ancient Sacred Mountain, watching the departing figures of the group, a strange divine light flashing in his eyes.
He could have forcibly taken Xiao Yan's ancient jade. That way, Hun Tiandi would certainly not be able to easily open the Ancient Emperor's Mansion. But he hadn't done so.
Although Hun Tiandi gathering all eight ancient jades put them in great danger, it was also an opportunity. He had been at the peak of the nine-star Dou Sheng level for a thousand years.
For a thousand years, the ancient jade had been divided into eight pieces, and no one had the chance to gather them, explore the Ancient Emperor's Mansion, and seek the opportunity to become an emperor. But now... Hun Tiandi was on the verge of achieving this step.
This might well be his opportunity too. Both at the peak of nine-star Dou Sheng, he did not believe he was weaker than Hun Tiandi. When the time came to explore the Ancient Emperor's Mansion and contend for the Emperor-grade Prototype Pill, their chances would be equal.
For this sliver of hope to become a Dou Di, Gu Yuan decided to take this risk.
This was a somewhat gloomy space, black mist pervading the sky, the force of cold Yin permeating every corner of this realm.
Deep within this space, above a cluster of pitch-black palaces, a figure sat cross-legged in the void. From within his body, pitch-black flames continuously seeped out. Seen from afar, he looked like a black hole, endlessly devouring everything between heaven and earth.
Around him, seven different Heavenly Flames bobbed up and down: the Eight Desolations Destruction Flame, the Red Lotus Karmic Flame, the Nine Serene Golden Ancestor Flame, the Turtle Spirit Earth Flame, the Fury Dragon Flame, the Yin-Yang Dual Flames, and the Volcanic Stone Flame. All these were treasures of the three clans, and now, Yun Yi had benefited from them all.
"Whoosh!"
Suddenly, the sound of a fierce wind came from within Yun Yi's body. Immediately afterward, overwhelming black flames surged out. Amidst the churning suction force, they actually directly pulled the numerous Heavenly Flames up and into them.
Upon being devoured, the instinct of the Heavenly Flames made them resist fiercely. However, the moment those flames touched the black flame, it was as if they met their natural nemesis, and they were directly swallowed.
Within the pitch-black flames, strands of Heavenly Flame origin were extracted, devoured completely, and transformed into pure energy that surged into his body.
As the energy flowed in, Yun Yi's aura also quietly began to rise.
With the increase of energy within his body, a considerable amount began to flow into every cell. The extremely pure Dou Qi further strengthened Yun Yi's body, causing his already formidable physique to undergo a slow, steady reinforcement.
And what this reinforcement brought was also the expansion of his internal meridians.
This also meant that his bottleneck was disappearing. His strength was about to undergo another massive increase. And this was just the beginning. One could be certain that by the time it ended, his strength would absolutely reach a considerable level.
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I started a new translation, it's a crossover based on Mondaiji (Problem Children Are Coming from Another World, Aren't They?), and the story also intersects with No Game No Life, Honkai: Star Rail, and Demon Slayer. I've only just started reading this story and can't say much about it yet, but so far it's pretty interesting, so I recommend checking it out via the link or finding the translation on my profile. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I do!
Mondaiji: Am I A Dragon Species? https://www.webnovel.com/book/36661423108025005