Word Count: 3,041 Words
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Xiao Yan's declaration of his identity naturally sparked a wave of whispered discussion.
"The Xiao Clan? Is this some hidden clan? I've never heard of them."
"The Xiao Clan... ah, that's a Dou God Clan."
"What?! A Dou God Clan?!"
The revelation sent a shockwave through the crowd, causing an uproar. Countless voices rose in animated discussion as everyone registered their astonishment.
A Dou God Clan! Those three words represented supreme authority across the entire Dou Qi Continent. The Gu Clan standing before them was proof enough. Weren't they one of the Dou God Clans?!
No one knew precisely when the Dou God Clans had begun their retreat into seclusion. Except for special ceremonies or the emergence of extraordinary heavenly treasures, they confined themselves to their own realms, rarely involving themselves in continental affairs.
Yet no faction dared dismiss their existence.
They merely chose to ignore worldly matters. That didn't mean they had ceased to exist. When they acted, devastation followed!
And this Xiao Yan claimed to be the Little Clan Leader of a Dou God Clan?!! Such status commanded staggering reverence!
Some found the situation puzzling, however. Logically, with such an identity, Ling Quan should have been prostrating himself before Xiao Yan, not daring to show the slightest offense.
"Strange... aren't there only seven Dou God Clans—the Gu, Hun, Lei, Yan, Yao, Shi, and Ling? There's no Xiao Clan among them."
"Ah, they were once a Dou God Clan. A thousand years ago, the Xiao Clan fell into decline. Even their Xiao Realm plummeted from the void."
"Declined?"
"Some say the Hun Clan wiped them out after a great battle. Others claim several Dou God Clans allied to destroy them. There are even theories that their Dou God Bloodline withered naturally, leading to their downfall. Opinions vary, but one fact remains certain—the Xiao Realm has crashed down and lies in ruins. The Xiao Clan no longer stands among the Dou God Clans."
The explanation came from a white-haired elder, a powerful 9-star Dou Venerate.
The younger generation nodded in sudden understanding. So he was the Little Clan Leader of a fallen Dou God Clan.
Once they realized Xiao Yan represented merely a decayed shadow of former glory, mockery flickered across numerous faces.
"Tch, and here I thought he was a real Dou God Clan Little Clan Leader. Turns out it's just a has-been clan."
"No wonder a mere commander looked down on him."
Xiao Yan paid no heed to the jeers and ridicule. They spoke the truth, after all. The Xiao Clan had indeed fallen and was no longer the Dou God Clan of old.
The current Xiao Clan existed as merely one faction within the Yan Alliance.
Yet Xiao Yan's declaration served a purpose. Others might dismiss the Xiao Clan as fallen, but the Gu Clan could not.
From his conversations with Xun Er, it was clear the alliance between the Gu and Xiao Clans remained valid. The Xiao Clan still held quotas for the Heavenly Tomb. In other words, the Gu Clan recognized the title of Xiao Clan Little Clan Leader. Otherwise, their public claim of jointly managing the Heavenly Tomb with the Xiao Clan would collapse.
And this Fifth Commander clearly understood this point as well.
In ancient times, the Xiao and Gu Clans had been allies. If he refused to acknowledge Xiao Yan's identity here, wouldn't that brand the Gu Clan as treacherous backstabbers who kicked their allies when they were down?!
Even if the Xiao Clan existed in name only, certain things couldn't be treated as dead!
This was Xiao Yan's open strategy, forcing their acknowledgment before countless witnesses.
"I am Zhuang Pei, Fifth Commander of the Black Submerged Army. I was unaware the Xiao Clan's Little Clan Leader had arrived. Please forgive my failure to welcome you properly." Zhuang Pei clasped his hands, his face wreathed in smiles. No matter what, he couldn't let the Gu Clan bear the infamy of abandoning an ally!
Even if this Xiao Clan had completely fallen and wasn't worth mentioning, they had once been allied with the Gu Clan.
Xiao Yan smiled, having anticipated this outcome perfectly. He glanced at Ling Quan sprawled on the ground. "This Commander Ling Quan..."
"Someone come! Ling Quan has abused his authority and attacked a guest. Take him to the elders for judgment!" Zhuang Pei waved his hand, and two Black Submerged Army soldiers immediately hauled Ling Quan away.
Already ranking last among the eight commanders and still stuck at the Dou Ancestor realm, Ling Quan had long been a source of dissatisfaction. Many coveted his position. Now that Xiao Yan had targeted him so publicly, he would likely lose his command after the coming-of-age ceremony and be condemned to a lifetime of mediocrity.
"Little Clan Leader Xiao, this way please! Rest in Gu Sacred City for a few days. When the time comes, someone will escort you to the Gu Realm."
Xiao Yan naturally did not care whether a jumping clown like Ling Quan lived or died and swaggered into Gu Sacred City.
While some of the younger generation might not have understood this outcome, the older generation knew perfectly well that the Gu Clan was unwilling to bear the infamy of betrayal for the sake of a mere Ling Quan.
Of course, some read different implications into the exchange.
"From the looks of it, that Xiao Clan Little Clan Leader came for the Heavenly Tomb."
"The Heavenly Tomb quotas have always been fixed, and for a thousand years the Xiao Clan's quotas have been in the Gu Clan's hands. The four slots were divided among the Gu Clan's four Great Generals long ago. Now, suddenly there's one more person..."
"Hehe, this coming-of-age ceremony should prove quite interesting."
Zhuang Pei shook his head and sighed as he watched Xiao Yan's leisurely departure. 'Truly worthy of being the man the young lady chose. He possesses both wisdom and a strength that even I cannot fathom.'
'However... I wonder if he can handle that fellow Gu Yao...'
Though Xiao Yan wasn't wearing a Soul Robe, he had concealed his strength with Spiritual Strength. Not even a Half-Saint could pierce his veil, let alone a mere 3-star Dou Venerate.
He passed through the city walls and entered the ancient city, where history breathed from every stone.
Gu Sacred City buzzed with unusual activity. Crowds filled the main streets, and though the foot traffic could not compare to other major cities, those who walked these streets all possessed considerable strength.
'The weakest are Dou King juniors accompanying their elders...'
Through his spiritual perception, Xiao Yan learned the Gu Realm would open in three days. Early arrivals could lodge at any inn in Gu Sacred City while they waited.
Feeling no rush, he strolled alone through Gu Sacred City, savoring its unique atmosphere.
'I wonder if that girl Xun Er ever wandered through Gu Sacred City after leaving Jia Nan Academy.'
He had initially hoped to purchase some jewelry for Xun Er. Back in Wu Tan City, they had often explored the markets together, carefully selecting items.
Though Wu Tan City's craftsmanship had been crude, each piece they chose together held precious memories.
Unfortunately, Xiao Yan ultimately found nothing suitable. The quality here simply didn't meet his standards.
After an hour of walking, he reached the center of Gu Sacred City. Here, an extremely vast manor stood tall. An endless stream of people came and went through the manor's entrance, their powerful auras causing even Xiao Yan to take notice.
With the Gu Clan's ancient jade token, he easily gained entry. A pretty maid then guided him to a private courtyard for his use.
…
Meanwhile, within the Gu Realm, a young lady in elegant robes sat cross-legged atop a cloud-shrouded peak. Her stunning beauty gave her an ethereal quality, like an immortal fairy who could only be admired from afar.
This was, of course, the treasured daughter of the Gu Clan, Gu Xun Er.
"Young Miss, Young Master Xiao Yan has arrived at Gu Sacred City." An elderly figure suddenly appeared on the peak and spoke respectfully.
The moment those words fell, he sensed the space before him ripple slightly as the clouds churned. It was clear how agitated Xun Er's heart had become. Though she tried desperately to conceal it, hearing Xiao Yan's name made the Dou Qi within her surge uncontrollably.
When Ling Ying raised his head, Xun Er had silently appeared before him. On that beautiful face, usually cold and indifferent to everything, there was a rare trace of a smile.
This smile, blending joy with a maiden's shyness, dimmed the surrounding scenery by comparison. In this world, who else but Xiao Yan could evoke such an expression from her?
"Elder Ling, is Xiao Yan ge-ge well?" The young lady's gentle voice seemed to possess a special magic. Even the clouds in this space rippled in response.
"Hehe, Young Miss, you're putting this old man in quite a predicament. The current Young Master Xiao Yan has grown beyond what this old man can perceive. However, I heard he suppressed Ling Quan with a single finger. His strength must be at least 4-star Dou Venerate or above."
The old man sighed, his tone unable to hide his amazement. When he had been ordered to protect Xiao Yan years ago, the young man had shown great talent but possessed only the strength of a Dou Practitioner. Now, in just over a decade, Xiao Yan had far surpassed him.
"Young Miss, your judgment is indeed excellent."
Xun Er smiled slightly at Ling Ying's amazement. When it came to Xiao Yan, her faith had always been absolute.
"Whether Xiao Yan ge-ge is a genius or trash, I like him. No one can change that." Xun Er stood atop the mountain peak, gazing into the distance, waiting for the one in her heart to arrive.
…
During his two days in Gu Sacred City, Xiao Yan cultivated cross-legged, not bothering to inquire about the Gu Clan. He paid no attention to the Black Submerged Army, the clan's attitude toward him, or even the Heavenly Tomb.
Of course, though Xiao Yan had no intention of stirring up trouble, trouble stirred because of him.
The entire Gu Sacred City, and even the Gu Realm itself, had been thrown into chaos by his arrival.
Some argued endlessly about the Heavenly Tomb quotas, others debated ceaselessly about the ancient alliance between the Xiao and Gu Clans, and naturally, many quarreled loudly about Xun Er and Xiao Yan's relationship.
None of this touched Xiao Yan in the slightest.
Slowly opening his eyes, Xiao Yan exhaled and rose to leave the courtyard. After all, he was human and needed to eat!
In a luxurious restaurant, Xiao Yan enjoyed a delicious meal alone.
'Truly worthy of the food the Gu Clan carefully prepared for their guests. Not bad at all.' Xiao Yan sipped the clear wine. A spicy sensation flowed down his throat, instantly releasing a burst of fragrance that brought an entirely new experience.
His excellent spiritual perception naturally detected the numerous unfriendly gazes locked onto him, but he simply didn't care.
"So he's that Xiao Yan?" A handsome young man in green robes glanced at Xiao Yan's back, his unusually slender hands tapping gently on the railing as he spoke with indifference.
"Third Brother, he's the Xiao Yan the Young Miss mentioned. His reputation in the Central Plains is considerable now. But since coming to our Gu Clan, his arrogance hasn't diminished one bit. He doesn't put us in his eyes at all." A cold laugh came from beside him. It was actually Ling Quan.
After two days of recuperation, Ling Quan had recovered; Xiao Yan had not struck a heavy blow, after all.
"Hehe, though we may not be worthy of the Young Miss, neither is a young master from a fallen clan!" The green-robed man smiled slightly, a chill threading through his expression.
"Moreover, many elders in the clan do not wish for his appearance..."
Clang!
Just as he finished speaking, the duel on a sparring platform below concluded. The two fighters withdrew, and a loud voice immediately drew everyone's attention as a lean figure leaped onto the stage.
"Next match: Black Submerged Army Third Commander, Yang Hao, versus... the Little Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan!"
Instantly, all noise in the previously bustling restaurant ceased abruptly. Everyone's gaze turned to the green-robed man and to Xiao Yan sitting in the corner, minding his own business and enjoying his meal.
Even those unfamiliar with Xiao Yan would have found it difficult not to recognize him after these past few days.
However, faced with such petty schemes, Xiao Yan acted as if he hadn't heard a thing, completely ignoring the challenge and continuing his meal.
He had learned how to find his own peace amid the noise and chaos of the world.
If he had to respond every time some clown jumped out barking for attention, wouldn't he be utterly exhausted?
"Yang Hao, don't act rashly," Fifth Commander Zhuang Pei warned with a frown. "Xiao Yan is still the Xiao Clan's Little Clan Leader. Even if the Xiao Clan exists in name only, some elders in the clan were once friendly with them or even received their favor."
"Hehe, Zhuang Pei, we're just sparring. Besides, our Gu Clan values martial prowess. What's wrong with meeting friends through combat?" Yang Hao smiled faintly and transmitted secretly, "You should understand that Xiao Yan's appearance means one or even two fewer Heavenly Tomb quotas. Even without the matter of the Young Miss, many elders do not want him at the coming-of-age ceremony."
"The only good Xiao Clan is one that doesn't appear."
Zhuang Pei frowned at these words. He naturally understood the current situation within the clan. The Xiao Clan's two Heavenly Tomb quotas had always belonged to the Gu Clan. Though they claimed to be temporarily managing them, now that Xiao Yan had returned to claim them, disputes would naturally arise. No one wanted to give them up.
Yang Hao's figure flashed, and he appeared on the sparring platform. His smiling gaze turned toward Xiao Yan. "Little Clan Leader Xiao Yan, I've long heard of your great name. Would you honor me with some pointers today?"
Everyone fell silent, their eyes fixed on the solitary Xiao Yan. Among them were not only Gu Clan members but also representatives from other Dou God Clans, all seated at different tables, waiting for the show to begin.
Yet the main character of this scene seemed not to have heard. Just then, a small insect happened to land on his table. He waved a hand dismissively. "Where did this fly come from, buzzing around and disturbing people?"
His words left many in the restaurant exchanging bewildered glances. This Xiao Yan was too arrogant! Did he still think the Xiao Clan retained its former glory?!
Could he not see the vast gulf between the current Xiao Clan and the Gu Clan?!
If the Xiao Clan were still its former self, everyone here would be falling over themselves to curry favor with its Little Clan Leader!
Yang Hao's face darkened at Xiao Yan's comment. "Good, what a fine Little Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan. I'd like to see just how much of Xiao Xuan's skill you've inherited!"
"Sky Evil Qi Shattering Claw!"
Dou Qi erupted violently. Yang Hao laughed darkly as his slender hand clenched, sharp wind forming in his palm. He stomped the ground, and his figure appeared before Xiao Yan like a bolt of lightning. A fierce claw wind swept forward like an inescapable net, its sharp energy tearing black rifts through space.
"A peak 5-star Dou Venerate!"
"This Yang Hao truly deserves his position as the Black Submerged Army's Third Commander. His strength is formidable indeed, and his Dou Technique is exceptionally refined!"
Xiao Yan remained seated, sensing the attack from the side. He retrieved a fresh pair of chopsticks from the holder with his left hand. His chopsticks, wreathed in the Fallen Heart Flame, moved like lightning, shooting out and clamping down on the incoming claw.
!!?
No matter how hard Yang Hao exerted himself, he couldn't break free. It felt as if a great mountain had pinned him in place.
"That's a Heavenly Flame!"
"It's the Fallen Heart Flame, ranked fourteenth."
At a nearby table, four people—three men and one woman—immediately recognized the flame on Xiao Yan's chopsticks. They were from the Yan Clan, another of the Dou God Clans.
"Sigh. If you wanted to eat, you should have ordered your own. Has your Gu Clan emptied its larders? Reaching out directly like this is quite rude," Xiao Yan said indifferently. He suddenly twisted his hand with force. A sharp crack sounded as he broke Yang Hao's fingers. The chopsticks flicked upward, and the Fallen Heart Flame exploded, blasting him back several meters.
Gasps of shock rippled through the restaurant.
"Hiss! What exactly is Xiao Yan's strength?!"
"It's unknown. He's concealed himself with Spiritual Strength."
"But he's definitely no weaker than a 5-star Dou Venerate!"
Zhuang Pei frowned beside them and said in a deep voice, "His Spiritual Strength is extremely powerful. He instantly identified the weakness in that Dou Technique... Yang Hao is no match for him."
Staring at his broken fingers, Yang Hao's expression turned terrifyingly dark. With a hum, a golden Clan Mark appeared on his forehead!
"Has Yang Hao gone mad? He's even using his Clan Mark!"
"Heh, his pride is wounded. Still, this shows the foundation of the Dou God Clans. Without a Dou God Bloodline, there will always be a gap."
"I'll fight you to the death!!"
Yang Hao's cultivation surged dramatically, rocketing from peak 5-star Dou Venerate straight to peak 6-star!
At the Dou Venerate realm, even the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change empowered by a Heavenly Flame could not grant such a boost. This increase in cultivation alone rivaled many quasi-Tian Class Secret Techniques.
And the true power of the Gu Clan's Clan Mark went even further!
Yang Hao roared furiously as his hands instantly formed a series of seals that Xiao Yan recognized immediately. It was the God Seal Technique!
"Overturning Land Seal!!!"