Chapter 186: Gu Xun'er's Wit and Xiao Tiance's Contingency Plan
"Little girl, you're mistaken," Xiao Tiance said, his voice calm yet firm. "I don't waste time explaining myself. Besides, isn't the choice in the hands of the Gu Clan?"
As his words sank in, a flicker of understanding crossed Gu Xun'er's face.
She realized that as long as the Xiao Clan remained strong, the Gu Clan would always worry about becoming the next target after the Hun Clan was annihilated. But had the Xiao Clan done anything wrong?
The feud between the Xiao and Hun Clans was an age old grudge, exacerbated by the Hun Clan's ambush of Xiao Xuan, the previous Xiao Clan patriarch, during his failed attempt to ascend to Dou Di. Was it wrong for the Xiao Clan to seek revenge?
From one perspective, no side was truly at fault. The Xiao Clan had its reasons, the Hun Clan had its ambitions, and the Gu Clan simply wanted self preservation.
The issue wasn't morality it was power.
In a world where strength dictated everything, being weak was the ultimate crime.
A Plea from Xun'er
Having pieced everything together, Gu Xun'er bowed respectfully and said, **"Uncle Tiance, please show mercy to the Gu Clan for the sake of the bond our clans have shared for generations.
"If you agree, I am willing to pay any price."**
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly at her determination and shook his head.
**"Little girl, as I said, the choice lies with the Gu Clan. How they decide their fate is entirely up to them.
"As for your request? It's laughable.
"Whether the Gu Clan stands or falls is of no consequence to me. As long as the Xiao Clan remains strong, I couldn't care less if the Gu Clan opposes us or not.
"But let me be clear this isn't the time for debate. Don't worry; I won't harm you. I just need to borrow you for a little... performance."**
Borrowing a Pawn
"Performance?" Gu Xun'er asked, puzzled.
Before she could make sense of his words, Xiao Tiance raised his hand, and a powerful force gripped Gu Bai, the Dou Saint accompanying their group.
Gu Bai's skin turned crimson under the pressure as his body contorted painfully. Blood began to seep from his eyes, ears, and mouth, and it was clear he was on the brink of being crushed to death.
"Uncle Tiance, please show mercy!" Gu Xun'er exclaimed.
"Oh? You want me to spare him?" Xiao Tiance asked coldly.
**"Yes, please, Uncle Tiance. You said that the choice lies with the Gu Clan. If you kill a Dou Saint of the Gu Clan now, how can the Gu Clan still hold the power to choose?
"Uncle Tiance, you are a peerless figure at the pinnacle of the Dou Qi Continent. Surely you wouldn't go back on your word or tarnish your reputation over a single Dou Saint?"**
Though she trembled under Xiao Tiance's icy gaze, Gu Xun'er managed to muster her courage and continued speaking.
Winning Favor
After a moment of tense silence, Xiao Tiance released his grip, and Gu Bai collapsed, gasping for air.
The Dou Saint's skin was still flushed, but his life was no longer in immediate danger.
"Little girl," Xiao Tiance said, his tone now more amused than cold, **"you've convinced me.
"But what a pity you're Gu Yuan's daughter. If only you were mine."**
"Thank you, Uncle Tiance," Gu Xun'er replied, flashing a relieved smile. "But I guess I don't have the good fortune to be part of the Xiao Clan."
"Hmph. No need to flatter me," Xiao Tiance said. "Fine, I won't kill anyone for now. But there are other ways to send a message. Let's go I have a better place in mind to continue this conversation."
A Demonstration of Power
With a wave of his hand, Xiao Tiance immobilized everyone from the Gu Clan, including Gu Xun'er.
Another wave, and the two massive flying magical beasts pulling their transport exploded into blood mist, their remains vanishing without a trace.
"Such terrifying methods..." Gu Bai thought, shivering at the ease with which Xiao Tiance had turned living creatures into nothingness. His gratitude toward Gu Xun'er grew; her intervention had likely saved them all from a similar fate.
Xiao Tiance created a spatial vortex and transported the group into the chaotic Void Realm.
Through the Void Realm
The chaotic energies of the Void Realm terrified the Gu Clan members. The sharp, invisible wind blades were known to tear even Dou Saints apart, yet here they were, moving through it unscathed under Xiao Tiance's protection.
As they traveled, Xiao Tiance suddenly paused, glancing at a glowing rune on his palm.
"Hmm? So soon?" he murmured. "It seems Xiao Yan has already triggered the Fallen Heart Flame within the Skyburning Qi Refining Tower."
This rune was part of a contingency plan Xiao Tiance had set long ago.
Back when he left the ancient Tou She Ancestral Emperor's realm, he had placed a hidden seal on the Fallen Heart Flame.
He also had Xiao Yan unknowingly carry an enchanted Tou She Ancient Emperor jade that would interact with the flame. Once Xiao Yan entered the tower, the seals would activate, allowing the flame to detect the jade and draw him into its core.
The best part? The process was silent and unnoticed by others.
A Clever Trap
But this wasn't the most crucial detail.
The seal's design ensured that if Xiao Yan retained possession of the jade, it would weaken the Fallen Heart Flame's core energy.
"Everything is proceeding as planned," Xiao Tiance thought. **"Soon, Xiao Yan will refine the Fallen Heart Flame, and its weakened state will ensure his success.
"Once that's done, his strength will leap forward, bringing him closer to being worthy of the Tou She Ancestral Emperor's inheritance."**
Xiao Tiance smirked. "Xiao Yan, prove yourself. If you can't, then even fate won't save you."
As long as Yao Lao could protect Xiao Yan, the likelihood of him subduing the Fallen Heart Flame was as high as 80%.
Xiao Tiance glanced at the glowing rune on his hand, then crushed it. It was merely a notification mechanism, unnecessary at this point.
A Question from Xun'er
As the group sped through the chaotic Void Realm under Xiao Tiance's control, Gu Xun'er, though immobilized, found her voice unsealed.
"Uncle Tiance, where are you taking us?" she asked.
Her tone remained calm, and her conduct was measured. Even now, she refrained from using his name directly, demonstrating both respect and composure.
"To the Stone Clan," Xiao Tiance replied with a faint smile. "And then, to kill a few people. Does that sound acceptable to you?"
"The Stone Clan? To kill people?"
Xun'er's brows furrowed. As her mind raced, the truth began to emerge.
After a brief pause, she spoke hesitantly: "Uncle Tiance, are you planning to provoke a conflict between the Gu Clan and the Stone Clan, leading to mutual destruction?"
"Not quite," Xiao Tiance said with a chuckle, shaking his head. **"I intend to ignite a war among the Gu Clan, Flame Clan, Stone Clan, and Spirit Clan.
"The Stone and Spirit Clans aren't worth my direct involvement, but since they dared to betray the Xiao Clan, I can't just let that slide.
"Additionally, the Gu and Flame Clans have allied themselves, intending to take advantage of our battle with the Hun Clan to stab us in the back.
"They made the first move; I'll return the favor. I'll keep them busy.
"Don't worry, though given the Gu and Flame Clans' combined strength, exterminating the Stone and Spirit Clans will be no issue. Of course, the Xiao Clan will provide covert support to ensure their success."**
The Ruthless Truth
Initially, Gu Xun'er felt a sense of relief, but as Xiao Tiance's words sank in, her body stiffened.
For the first time, she was exposed to the cold, brutal reality of high level schemes. Xiao Tiance wasn't simply talking about punishing individuals; he was orchestrating the potential annihilation of two entire Emperor Clans.
Her unease deepened as she realized how serious he was. Xiao Tiance had no reason to deceive her, especially not when her fate was already in his hands.
A Lesson in Ruthlessness
After moments of silent contemplation, Xun'er gathered her courage and asked:
"Uncle Tiance, isn't this approach too extreme? The Stone and Spirit Clans may have betrayed you, but they haven't caused any actual harm to the Xiao Clan yet, have they?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled softly and replied, **"Little girl, you're far too naive. Betrayal is worse than any open enmity.
"If these clans had never pledged allegiance to the Xiao Clan, I could tolerate their actions. But once they swore loyalty and then turned their backs on us, they became the lowest of the low.
"For such traitors, there can be no mercy. I won't sully my hands by personally wiping them out, but I will use the Gu and Flame Clans to do it.
"This not only satisfies my anger but also weakens the Gu and Flame Clans in the process a perfect two for one deal. Why wouldn't I take it?"**
Xun'er's Chilling Realization
Xun'er felt a chill run down her spine as Xiao Tiance spoke.
For the first time, she understood why even her father, Gu Yuan, held Xiao Tiance in such dread.
His strength, cunning, and psychological insight were unparalleled, making him a formidable and terrifying adversary.
"Father," Xun'er thought to herself, "by provoking such a powerful enemy, can the Gu Clan truly escape unscathed?"
Xiao Tiance noticed her silence and smiled faintly, as if he could read her thoughts. He wasn't concerned about how revealing his plan might affect the outcome.
"Some things," he thought, "once set in motion, are beyond anyone's ability to stop."
At Jia Nan Academy: A Brewing Crisis
In the Skyburning Qi Refining Tower, Xiao Yan followed the overseeing elder into the first level.
As he entered, the Tou She Ancient Emperor's jade pendant around his neck began to float, emitting a faint purple glow.
"What's happening?" Xiao Yan exclaimed, confused.
He had heard from Xun'er that the jade was a precious Xiao Clan relic, but she had never mentioned it having such a strange reaction.
The overseeing elder was equally alarmed. "Xiao Yan, what's going on?" he asked, reaching out to grab him.
Before his hand could touch Xiao Yan, a thunderous roar echoed through the tower, and everything began to shake violently.
The Awakening Flame
Blinding purple light erupted from below.
"This is bad!" the elder shouted. "The beast is awakening! All disciples, evacuate the tower immediately! Alert all inner academy elders to reinforce the seal!"
As disciples fled in panic, Xiao Yan, still suspended in midair, called out to Yao Lao.
"Teacher, what's happening? Why is the pendant doing this? And why can't I move?"
Yao Lao was equally stunned. After a moment of observation, he muttered, "Could someone have tampered with the pendant?"
Suddenly, an immense heat surged from below, and a powerful force began pulling Xiao Yan downward.
"Brace yourself, Xiao Yan! Wrap yourself in Dou Qi, or you'll be burned to ashes!" Yao Lao warned.
Gritting his teeth, Xiao Yan enveloped himself in the combined flames of the Sea Heart Flame and Green Lotus Core Flame.
The Fire Serpent Emerges
Moments later, a massive fiery serpent, nearly 100 meters long, emerged from the molten depths, roaring ferociously at Xiao Yan.
"What is that?" Xiao Yan gasped, terror filling his voice as he continued to descend.
Yao Lao's voice trembled with excitement and urgency.
"It's the Fallen Heart Flame, Xiao Yan! You've found it!"
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