Chapter 180: Gu Yuan's Candidness, Yan Jin's Schemes
When the Xiao Clan's war machine began to move, the entire Heaven Beyond Heaven felt a chilling sense of impending doom.
Heaven Beyond Heaven, Tiance Mansion, Ninth Floor
In the room, only Huang Jiuji and Xiao Tiance remained, sitting opposite each other. Xiao Tiance idly played with a teacup in his hand, smiling as he said:
"Elder Huang, there's no need to worry. They're just a bunch of petty clowns, incapable of causing any real trouble."
"Haha," Huang Jiuji chuckled, nodding. "With you leading the Xiao Clan, those people are indeed nothing more than clowns. I'm not worried. With the Xiao Clan's current strength, we could face all the other imperial clans simultaneously without concern.
"But sending out that message isn't there a risk of alerting the enemy prematurely?"
Huang Jiuji referred to the Xiao Clan's recently devised plan of sowing discord. Naturally, Xiao Tiance understood his concerns.
"Rather than calling it alerting the enemy, Elder Huang, think of it as knocking on the mountain to scare the tiger," Xiao Tiance said calmly. "Truth be told, if not for the favor we owe the Gu Clan, they would have been the ideal target.
"As for the Shi Clan and Ling Clan? They're nothing but rotting bones in a grave. Even if they hadn't betrayed us, I would've dealt with them in a few years. Now that they've taken the initiative to rebel, they've only saved me the effort of plotting against them."
Huang Jiuji froze for a moment at Xiao Tiance's blunt words. He had a vague idea why Xiao Tiance was taking such measures but lacked solid evidence to confirm it. After a moment of reflection, he nodded with a smile.
"Whatever the case, I trust you will handle everything perfectly. With you at the helm, there's nothing to worry about."
He then shifted the topic. "By the way, Clan Leader, Min'er and Ling Yun will recover in three to five days. They're eager to redeem themselves. Might I suggest giving them another opportunity? Both are quite talented, and the trouble they caused before was due to my own negligence.
"Young people need more opportunities to grow, after all. I hope you'll give them a chance."
Huang Jiuji's voice carried a tone of guilt. Over the past few days, every time he saw Huang Min and Ling Yun recovering from their injuries, he felt responsible for their predicament. His intention in telling Min'er about the past had been innocent after all, Zhu Kun had vanished thousands of years ago and was presumed dead.
Who would have guessed that less than twenty years later, Zhu Kun would reappear on the Dou Qi Continent, sparking the chain of events that followed?
Seeing the guilt on Huang Jiuji's face, Xiao Tiance sighed and smiled wryly.
"Elder Huang, Min'er and Ling Yun's situation is in the past. I won't hold it against them.
"They're like my own children I've watched them grow up. And just as with one's own children, a little forgiveness is necessary. When children make mistakes, a good scolding is enough. Holding a grudge? That's out of the question.
"Besides, the matter with Zhu Kun? That was partly my doing."
Huang Jiuji was stunned. "Your doing? Clan Leader, how so?"
He was deeply grateful to Xiao Tiance. If Xiao Tiance hadn't personally visited the ancient Void Dragon Clan's territory, Huang Min and Ling Yun might not have survived.
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly and began explaining.
"You know that I spent over two years in the Ancient Emperor's cave, correct?"
Huang Jiuji nodded. "Yes, I remember you mentioning that."
"During those two years, Zhu Kun and I were together. He had been trapped by the schemes of the Ancient Emperor and was forced to guard the cave as its sentinel.
"If not for me, he wouldn't have escaped so soon. Afterward, I had a chance to kill him but didn't. So, you see, this entire ordeal does have something to do with me."
Xiao Tiance recounted everything that had transpired between him and Zhu Kun. When he finished, Huang Jiuji sighed and said, "Clan Leader, you can't be blamed for this.
"Sometimes, fate has its own way of unfolding. Min'er and Ling Yun were destined to face this. But in a way, this setback may be a blessing. Without adversity, they would never grow into true powerhouses.
"And as for Zhu Kun you must have had your reasons for sparing him."
Xiao Tiance smiled wryly and nodded. "The first two times, I spared him because there was no need to kill him.
"The third time, I left him alive as a test for Min'er and Ling Yun. Those two have grown up under our protection, and their progress has been slow. By keeping Zhu Kun alive, I've given them a target to strive for.
"Besides, with war looming between the imperial clans, the fewer enemies we create now, the better. The Void Dragon Clan is powerful perhaps even more so than some imperial clans. Eliminating Zhu Kun at this moment would be unwise."
After considering this, Huang Jiuji nodded. "You're right. Giving them a clear goal to work toward will inspire them to train harder.
"Ling Yun is fine, but Min'er despite her exceptional talent lacks the motivation to cultivate. It's a shame. Hopefully, after this recovery, both of them will become more diligent."
The Ancient Realm
Following the alliance between the Gu Clan and Yan Clan, the atmosphere in the Ancient Realm grew increasingly lively. No one wanted to remain under the Xiao Clan's shadow.
Previously, the Xiao Clan's strength far exceeded that of the Gu Clan. But now, with the Yan Clan's support, their position had improved significantly.
What delighted Gu Yuan and Yan Jin most was the unexpected arrival of the Shi Clan and Ling Clan, seeking to form alliances after the Gu Yan partnership was announced. Initially, Gu Yuan and Yan Jin were wary, suspecting a Xiao Clan scheme. However, after further discussions, their suspicions turned to delight.
With the Shi and Ling Clans joining, the Xiao Clan's influence was severely undermined, while their own faction grew even stronger.
Although the Shi and Ling Clans weren't the mightiest, they were still imperial clans with deep foundations and powerful members. This shift dramatically altered the balance of power.
In Gu Yuan's residence, Yan Jin laughed heartily.
"Haha, Brother Gu, who would have thought that our alliance would attract both the Shi and Ling Clans?
"Of the eight great imperial clans, our alliance now controls four: Gu, Yan, Ling, and Shi. Add in the Hun Clan as a distraction, and the Xiao Clan stands alone.
"Even without the Hun Clan, the four of us are more than enough to match the Xiao Clan. If the Xiao Clan dares attack the Hun Clan, we'll make our move, and they'll have no choice but to retreat.
"Haha! With the Hun Clan holding their attention, we'll profit handsomely from the chaos. The thought alone makes this old man happy!"
The one speaking was none other than Yan Jin, the current clan leader of the Yan Clan.
A powerful Eight Star Dou Sheng at the peak of his level, Yan Jin could, with the aid of his secret techniques and unique flames, hold his own against a Nine Star Dou Sheng for a limited time.
When the Gu Clan decided to hinder the Xiao Clan's progress, they immediately reached out to the Yan Clan and Lei Clan to form an alliance. Unfortunately, the Lei Clan neither refused nor agreed, dragging the matter out without any response.
Fortunately, persistence paid off. When Gu Yuan explained his intentions to Yan Jin, the Yan Clan leader immediately clapped his hands together and agreed without hesitation.
With the Yan Clan's alliance secured, Gu Yuan felt a heavy burden lifted. Later, the Shi Clan and Ling Clan came forward voluntarily, requesting to join the Gu Yan alliance. With these additions, their coalition became even more formidable.
In the Gu Clan's Meeting Hall
"Hahaha! If not for Brother Yan's agreement to join the alliance, I doubt the Ling Clan and Shi Clan would have dared to step forward. Though they've long suffered under the Xiao Clan's oppression, they wouldn't have taken any rash actions without the backing of a force capable of countering the Xiao Clan.
"Now that the Shi Clan and Ling Clan have joined us, our confidence in dealing with the Xiao Clan has increased significantly. But, Brother Yan, there's something I must say in advance."
Gu Yuan smiled broadly, his approval clear, but his expression soon turned serious.
"Speak freely, Brother Gu. In this alliance, you are our leader. And if a fight with the Xiao Clan does break out, only you can contend with Xiao Tiance. This alliance depends on you, so whatever you need to say, don't hold back," Yan Jin replied, his tone bold and straightforward.
The Xiao Clan's strength was undeniable. The Yan Clan alone couldn't stand against them. If it were otherwise, Yan Jin would have acted long ago, especially after the humiliation his clan suffered when their younger members lost face in Heaven Beyond Heaven.
Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long. Gu Yuan approached him with the offer of an alliance, and Yan Jin, already discontented with the Xiao Clan, readily agreed.
Though Yan Jin appeared impulsive and reckless, he was far from brainless. He knew Xiao Tiance's strength was beyond him and that only Gu Yuan had a chance of countering him. Thus, he had no problem allowing Gu Yuan to take the lead. In fact, he preferred it.
If their alliance failed against the Xiao Clan, Yan Jin had a contingency: stab Gu Yuan in the back, claim coercion by the Gu Clan, and offer reparations to placate the Xiao Clan's wrath.
Of course, Gu Yuan was oblivious to Yan Jin's true intentions. Though Gu Yuan was renowned for his strength and intelligence, he wasn't a mind reader. Human nature is often hidden, and Yan Jin's thoughts were buried deep.
Seeing Yan Jin's bold response, Gu Yuan nodded solemnly.
"Brother Yan, while our alliance has grown stronger, neither Xiao Tiance nor the Xiao Clan is to be underestimated. We must tread carefully.
"The Xiao Clan is undoubtedly the most powerful among the imperial clans. They currently have four Nine Star Dou Shengs: Xiao Tiance, Xiao Qing, Tian Luo, and the Heavenly Demon Puppet controlled by Xiao Qing.
"In addition, they have several Eight Star Dou Shengs and hundreds of Dou Sheng level experts. As long as they don't fully engage in war with the Hun Clan, we must avoid openly opposing them. Even a hint of hostility could provoke them, and under Xiao Tiance's leadership, we might suffer catastrophic losses or worse, be unable to defend ourselves."
Gu Yuan paused to sip his tea, his words sinking in. Yan Jin's astonished expression prompted Gu Yuan to continue.
"Brother Yan, our true aim isn't to oppose the Xiao Clan outright but to ensure the survival of the Hun Clan. Their existence is the only thing keeping the Xiao Clan in check.
"If the Xiao Clan succeeds in annihilating the Hun Clan, the other imperial clans will live in constant fear, unsure of who will be next. We must preserve the balance to protect ourselves."
Hearing Gu Yuan's earnest explanation, Yan Jin nodded thoughtfully.
"Well said, Brother Gu. Your foresight is admirable.
"Were it not for the Xiao Clan's overwhelming dominance over the Dou Qi Continent, my Yan Clan would never dare to oppose them. No single imperial clan can match the Xiao Clan's power.
"But since we're now allies and you're leading this effort, rest assured that I, Yan Jin, will follow your guidance."
Yan Jin's words were sincere on the surface almost moving but Gu Yuan, ever cautious, didn't let his guard down.
In truth, Gu Yuan had no intention of making the Xiao Clan his enemy unless absolutely necessary. His primary concern was the Xiao Clan's determination to destroy the Hun Clan, which could destabilize the future of the Gu Clan.
In a world like the Dou Qi Continent, where strength dictated survival, having power equal to one's adversaries was the only way to ensure meaningful dialogue and negotiation.
Gu Yuan sighed and responded earnestly:
"Brother Yan, you flatter me. We are equals, and as imperial clans, our status is the same.
"However, no alliance can function without a leader, so I've merely stepped up to fulfill that role.
"To be honest, if I weren't afraid that the Gu Clan might one day become the next target of the Xiao Clan, I'd never consider opposing them. Our current relationship with the Xiao Clan has always been amicable, and I'd rather not make them our enemy."
Gu Yuan's honesty seemed genuine, but Yan Jin's narrowed eyes betrayed his inner contempt. Do you really think the Xiao Clan would spare you after this? Yan Jin thought.
Given the Xiao Clan's strong handed methods and Xiao Tiance's calculative nature, Yan Jin doubted the Xiao Clan would ever let bygones be bygones once provoked.
Yan Jin recalled his own encounter with Xiao Tiance centuries ago during a trial. Even back then, Xiao Tiance's vengeful nature was evident. Though a millennium had passed, Yan Jin doubted such a deeply ingrained trait had changed.
But outwardly, Yan Jin smiled warmly.
"Brother Gu, you're too modest. Rest assured, I, Yan Jin, will follow your lead without hesitation!"
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