Word Count: 3,259 Words
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"Mang Tian Chi! This isn't the Lei Clan. Get out of our way!"
"Heh. Your cultivation hasn't improved much, but your mouth has certainly gotten bigger." Mang Tian Chi replied with a cold sneer. Mere peak 9-star Dou Venerates daring to shout at him, a Half-Saint?
Under countless watchful gazes, Mang Tian Chi raised his arm without the slightest politeness. Two vast torrents of Dou Qi, crackling with lightning, roared forth and shot straight toward Gu Qian and Gu Xu below.
"You—"
Gu Qian and Gu Xu's faces twisted with anger at the abrupt assault, but they bit back their curses and hastily retreated with darkening expressions.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The twin beams of lightning streaked across the sky like meteors. Yet just as they were about to slam into the two men, an invisible force rippled from the void, intercepting both attacks with perfect precision.
"Gu Qian, Gu Xu, stand down."
The air shimmered. A white-haired elder in black robes stepped eerily out from the void and descended slowly. He glanced first at the distant Xiao Yan, then turned to Mang Tian Chi with a helpless sigh. "Since you old fox insist on meddling, I'll give you face this time."
With a sweep of his sleeve, the white-haired elder vanished. Now that Xiao Yan had entered the Gu Realm, even if he didn't seek her out, Xun Er would inevitably find him. Their reunion was only a matter of sooner or later, a current even he could not divert.
"Tch. Still trying to act cool in front of this old man…" Mang Tian Chi curled his lip, then turned toward the direction Xiao Yan had disappeared. A faint smile touched his lips. "Give it your all, kid. Recreate Xiao Xuan's miracle, and don't disgrace Jia Nan Academy's name."
…
Xiao Yan knew perfectly well that once he reached the core region of the Gu Realm, he would see Xun Er. Yet the instant his Heavenly State soul sensed that familiar aura, he finally realized just how impatient a person he truly was.
As if sensing him as well, Xun Er stepped lightly onto the summit of a towering, mist-shrouded peak. Her beautiful eyes scanned the horizon. Nervousness and joyful anticipation shimmered within them like starlight on water.
Whoosh!
A streak of lightning flashed from the sky's edge, and in the next instant, Xiao Yan stood atop the peak. Their gazes locked immediately. Time seemed to pause; the world shrank down until only the two of them remained.
Xiao Yan looked at the woman before him. Words had long since become inadequate for capturing Xun Er's beauty. A quiet, ethereal grace seemed to emanate from her very soul. Her noble bloodline only enhanced, rather than overshadowed, that natural charm. Her figure had fully blossomed; every curve was perfect, every line exquisite, as if heaven itself had sculpted her to embody the ideal of feminine beauty.
One glance could topple a city; a second would bring down a nation.
Their reunion carried no trace of awkwardness or hesitation. Like a jar of fine wine left to age, their love had only grown richer and more intoxicating with the passing years.
All the elaborate speeches Xiao Yan had once rehearsed dissolved into nothing. In the end, only one simple phrase remained. "Xun Er, I'm here."
"Xiao Yan ge-ge…" Xun Er could hold back no longer. Lotus steps flashing, she rushed into his arms, wrapping him in an embrace that carried years of longing and love.
Her soft curves pressed against his chest, warm and yielding. Xiao Yan tightened his arms around her slender waist. They clung to each other desperately; the scent of her hair mingled with the mountain breeze as years of suppressed emotion broke free like a dam giving way.
In that moment, they seemed to merge into one. The world fell away, leaving only the rhythm of their synchronized heartbeats and the warmth they shared.
"Xun Er…"
"Xiao Yan ge-ge…"
Xiao Yan slowly lowered his head as Xun Er's eyes drifted shut. Her fingers tangled in his hair while his hand cradled the back of her head, and their lips met in a deep, unrestrained kiss.
They didn't know how long it lasted. In their shared world, time had stopped. Only when the burning need for air became undeniable did they finally part. Xun Er's eyes were now misty and enchanting. Her breath came in soft, rapid pants that made her chest rise and fall enticingly.
Their faces remained flushed as they gazed at one another, breathing in each other's essence. In their eyes, there was room for no one else.
They had waited too long, suppressed too much. Now that Xiao Yan had the strength to stand tall in the Gu Clan, all that repressed emotion exploded with the force of a supernova.
Xun Er's cheeks burned even brighter as reality crashed back in. This was still the Gu Clan's territory. Quite a few Elders were undoubtedly watching this very peak!
"Xiao Yan ge-ge… mmph!"
Just as she started to speak, Xun Er sensed the overwhelming passion in his gaze and surrendered once more, closing her eyes as his lips claimed hers again.
Once? How could once ever be enough?!
While Xiao Yan and Xun Er felt that even a single kiss was far from sufficient, there was someone else who thought even one was far too many!
"Hmph!"
BOOM!
A torrent of Dou Qi suddenly blasted from the void, howling straight toward them.
The instant they sensed the attack, Xiao Yan and Xun Er's eyes snapped open. Killing intent flashed through both their gazes. They struck out together, their Dou Qi merging seamlessly into a single, devastating torrent.
BOOM!
Their combined might not only obliterated the incoming attack but tore the surrounding void as well. Shattered space peeled away to reveal a man glaring at Xiao Yan with a face contorted by jealousy and rage.
Knowing they had already drawn far too much attention, and that this was not the place to be so wantonly affectionate, they reluctantly pulled apart.
Xun Er's face was now as red as the evening glow, mortified down to the roots of her ears. She lowered her head to look at her toes, but a generous swell blocked her view halfway.
The sight made tenderness surge through Xiao Yan's heart. This mix of shyness and sensuality rendered her all the more captivating, like a peerless painting come to life.
He had completely forgotten about the attacker.
The man with a lock of black-and-white hair dancing across his forehead burned with rage at being so thoroughly ignored. Everyone in the Gu Clan knew how infatuated he was with Xun Er. His family branch had long ago formally proposed marriage to Gu Yuan.
The reason Xun Er had stormed into the Elder Council to declare that she would decide her own marriage had been precisely because of this man's faction.
"Xiao Yan!"
Xiao Yan scratched the back of his head helplessly and looked up at the white-robed man. Even without an introduction, it was easy enough to guess his identity.
This was Gu Yao, the Devil General, one of the Four Great Generals of the Black Submerged Army.
"Sigh, your Gu Clan's hygiene really is terrible. Why are there flies everywhere?" Xiao Yan shrugged and waved his hand lazily, as if swatting away an annoying insect.
Gu Yao had reached peak 8-star Dou Venerate and possessed a Dou God Bloodline. Raised with the Gu Clan's finest resources, his true combat strength far exceeded that of the Eighth Tianzun. Even the Seventh, Sixth, and Fifth Tianzuns might not be his match.
Gu Yao's face instantly darkened. Viciousness flashed through his eyes. "Do you still think your Xiao Clan is what it once was? A waste with a worthless bloodline calling himself Little Clan Leader. You don't deserve to be with her!"
Xiao Yan remained perfectly calm. He studied Gu Yao leisurely before replying, "I'm willing. Xun Er's willing. Why is an outsider like you the one who's so unwilling?"
Gu Yao found himself speechless.
In truth, Xun Er had already rejected him countless times. He had just been shamelessly pestering her all this time.
"Besides, with your level of ability, do you really think you're worthy?" Xiao Yan shot him a dismissive glance. "An idiot like you? If I were Xun Er, I wouldn't choose you either. Your strength isn't much to speak of, but your delusions are certainly limitless."
"You Xiao Clan trash! You're courting death, and this General will grant your wish!" Gu Yao roared, his fury exploding.
Dou Qi surged from his body. The power of a peak 8-star Dou Venerate warped the surrounding space and made the earth tremble as terrifying cyclones of energy swept out in every direction.
"Gu Yao." Xun Er's jade-like hand clenched. Anger slid through her beautiful eyes. "If you dare act recklessly, I won't let you off. You want a fight? Don't blame me for intervening."
Gu Yao ground his teeth so hard his jaw creaked. The most infuriating part was that he truly couldn't defeat Xun Er!
"Xiao Yan! Can you only hide behind a woman?!" Gu Yao glared furiously at the still-smiling Xiao Yan.
Right on cue, Xiao Yan adopted a terrified expression and ducked behind Xun Er with a theatrical swish. "This ugly brute looks so fierce! How scary!"
"Ugly?!" Even as a peak 8-star Dou Venerate, Gu Yao nearly coughed up blood from sheer rage.
He was exceptionally handsome; how was he ugly?!
Xun Er covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. She knew that when Xiao Yan acted this playful, it meant he held absolute confidence in victory. He didn't take Gu Yao's provocations seriously because he didn't see him as a threat at all.
She smiled softly. "Xiao Yan ge-ge, want to walk with Xun Er?"
"Haha. Since Xun Er is in such a mood, let me see what's so remarkable about this Gu Clan where you live." Xiao Yan understood her predicament and didn't want to put her in a difficult position. In full view of everyone, he laced his fingers through her jade-like hand and led her down the mountain.
Gu Yao felt his lungs might explode as he watched them walk away hand-in-hand. Yet with Xun Er protecting Xiao Yan, he was utterly helpless!
After they left, three figures stepped out from the void. They were the remaining three Great Generals of the Black Submerged Army.
Third General Gu Xing couldn't suppress a snicker as he took in Gu Yao's frustration. "Looks like you don't have much hope left."
Second General Gu Hua shook his head gravely. "Gu Yao, Xun Er and he clearly share deep feelings. You still won't give up?"
"He's not from the Gu Clan, so he cannot be with Xun Er. I'll personally remind him at tomorrow's coming-of-age ceremony!" Though Gu Yao reined in his Dou Qi, the killing intent in his eyes only grew stronger.
Standing slightly apart in his silver robes, First General Gu Qing Yang frowned as he watched Xiao Yan's diminishing figure. He glanced toward Gu Yao, wanting to say something, but in the end only sighed and shook his head.
He knew his words would be useless. Even so, a strong feeling had taken root in his heart.
Gu Yao would lose to Xiao Yan.
Logically, it seemed impossible. Someone with Xiao Yan's 'waste' bloodline shouldn't stand a chance against Gu Yao's Grade 8 Dou God Bloodline at the same cultivation level. This wasn't like the Grade 6 bloodlines of Ling Quan or Lin Xiu. A Grade 8 bloodline represented a terrifying qualitative transformation.
By all reason, Gu Yao should be unbeatable. Yet that feeling persisted. He believed Gu Yao would be defeated.
…
Following Xun Er's lead, Xiao Yan strolled through the mountains until they stopped before a bamboo cottage nestled deep within the range. An elderly figure stood before the dwelling, watching their descent with a warm smile.
"Elder Ling?"
Xiao Yan blinked in surprise, then smiled and clasped his hands in greeting.
"Hehe. In less than ten years, Young Master Xiao Yan has reached such heights. This old man is truly ashamed." Ling Ying sighed with a smile. When he had been ordered to secretly protect Xiao Yan, the latter had still been just a hot-headed boy. Now he stood as a famed powerhouse across the Central Plains, his cultivation already surpassing that of many young Gu Clan elites.
"Come, let's go inside." Xun Er smiled gently. "This is my private cultivation retreat. Few people ever come here. I imagine Xiao Yan ge-ge wouldn't enjoy the other, more crowded places."
Xiao Yan nodded. The quiet environment suited his temperament perfectly.
Once inside the simple bamboo house, he let his dark eyes rest on that devastatingly beautiful face. Reaching out, he gently took her jade-like hand in his and smiled. "So this is where my girl has been living?"
A faint blush colored Xun Er's cheeks at the warmth of his touch. His simple concern filled her heart with a gentle sweetness.
Their childhood affection had always been buried deep in memory. As the years passed, it slowly fermented like fine wine.
"Xiao Yan ge-ge, tomorrow marks the beginning of the Gu Clan's coming-of-age ceremony." Xun Er's delicate brows drew together slightly. "Normally, it wouldn't concern invited guests like you. But because you're from the Xiao Clan—and because of me—you'll inevitably be drawn in. According to the rules, any participating clan member can openly challenge anyone to a duel. Certain people won't pass up such an opportunity."
Xiao Yan only smiled and tightened his grip on her hands. Having come to the Gu Realm, he had no intention of retreating, no matter what difficulties lay ahead.
"Gu Yao is exceptionally gifted. When his bloodline was tested years ago, it had already reached Grade 8." Xun Er gave a bitter little smile. "Given his temperament, he'll definitely challenge you in tomorrow's ceremony. He knows that if he can defeat you in that setting, the neutral factions in the clan will inevitably lean toward him."
Xiao Yan's large hand gently brushed her silken hair, then cupped her exquisite face. His familiar, confident smile surfaced once more. "What, does Xun Er not believe I can defeat him?"
Feeling the warmth of his palm on her cheek, Xun Er shook her head and nuzzled lightly against his hand. "Of course I believe in Xiao Yan ge-ge."
After a brief hesitation, something shifted in Xiao Yan's expression. The easy confidence faded, replaced by a flicker of vulnerability that she rarely saw. He took a quiet breath, his fingers trembling just slightly as he brushed a strand of hair from her face.
"Xun Er, there's something I need to tell you."
Xun Er slowly lifted her head. In her eyes he saw a trace of pleading. Even though Ling Ying had concealed certain details, she was still the Gu Clan's precious jewel and was born with a keen mind. A woman's intuition had long whispered that some great change had taken place during their years apart.
What Xiao Yan needed to speak of, naturally, was Cai Lin, and their daughters.
Though that incident had not been intentional, it had ultimately stemmed from his greed for the Green Lotus Core Flame. Complete honesty was his only path forward.
Xiao Yan recounted everything. How his pursuit of the Green Lotus Core Flame had led to that fateful encounter in the desert, the unintended consequences that followed, and finally, the two daughters who now called him father. He held nothing back.
Xun Er remained silent throughout, her face buried in his chest as he spoke. She could hear the raw sincerity in his voice, feel that there was not the slightest concealment.
When he finally finished, she lay there quietly for a long moment before lifting her head slightly. Hesitation flickered in her eyes. "Xiao Yan ge-ge, have you ever… blamed Xun Er for not being by your side?"
Her question sent a sharp pang through Xiao Yan's heart. He gently caressed her hair and spoke softly. "Of course not. You had no choice. You were only obeying the Gu Clan's arrangements."
A faint, beautiful smile curved Xun Er's lips. She pressed her cheek against his chest again, listening to that steady, reassuring heartbeat.
"Then Xun Er doesn't blame Xiao Yan ge-ge either."
She had thought she would feel hurt, perhaps even anger. Instead, all she felt was a deep ache for him. From those few words alone, she could already picture how many times he must have walked the line between life and death.
Infiltrating the Snake-People Tribe to contend with Queen Medusa for a Heavenly Flame… it sounded simple enough when spoken, but even a Dou Emperor like Hai Bodong had nearly perished at her hands. Back then, Xiao Yan had been just a small Dou Master.
A single breath from Medusa could have snuffed him out.
Refining a Heavenly Flame was an act that courted death; failure meant annihilation. Xun Er understood perfectly that while she was away, Xiao Yan had walked through countless deadly trials to finally stand before her here in the Gu Realm.
!!
A wave of relief washed through Xiao Yan like a cleansing tide. The guilt that had weighed on him for so long finally began to lift.
After a moment of comfortable silence, Xun Er spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. "Xiao Yan ge-ge… someday, I'd like to meet them. Your daughters with her."
The hidden longing in her tone didn't escape Xiao Yan's notice.
Understanding the source of that wistfulness, he suddenly remembered something crucial. He looked down at her and asked softly, "By the way, Xun Er… have you broken through to Dou Saint yet?"
!!!!!!!!!!!
Xun Er's face instantly turned scorching hot. Her ears reddened like ripe apples.
She understood his meaning perfectly. Due to the unique nature of her bloodline, it would only fully mature and stabilize once she reached the Dou Saint realm. In terms of pure bloodline potential, she likely surpassed even Zi Yan!
And before that bloodline stabilized, she needed to maintain… her virginity.
"Not yet," she mumbled. The unmistakable heat flaring in Xiao Yan's eyes made her ball her small fist and give his chest a light thump. "Hmph, Xiao Yan ge-ge has naughty thoughts!"
"Cough, cough." Xiao Yan rubbed his nose with feigned innocence. "What are you thinking? I just wanted to know your cultivation so we could spar. If I can test myself against the Gu Clan's strongest, I'll be better prepared for tomorrow's challenges."
Then he couldn't help adding with a crooked grin, "Clearly, Xun Er is the one with the dirty mind~"
Xun Er bit her lip in exasperation. This man's shamelessness truly knew no bounds!
"So Xiao Yan ge-ge wants Xun Er to spar with you?" Her cheeks puffed out adorably, but a sly glint sparkled in her eyes. Space instantly sealed around them as a terrifying aura erupted from her body.
Xiao Yan's eyes widened in shock.
That day, Xiao Yan's shouts were quite loud—because he was taking a beating.
That day, Xun Er felt truly exhausted—because beating someone properly took effort.
…
The next morning, as dawn's light spilled across the horizon, the Gu Sacred Mountain Range burst into life. Figures flitted through the sky one after another, streaking like shooting stars. Joyful gongs and drums thundered above the mountains.
The Gu Clan's coming-of-age ceremony was about to begin!