Chapter 185: Seeds of Doubt and the Result of Overthinking
A Slap's Message
Hovering outside the flying magical beast, Gu Bai wiped the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. His face bore the unmistakable imprint of Xiao Tiance's slap. Humiliated in front of the Gu Clan members, he glared at Xiao Tiance, his voice laced with frustration and indignation.
"Clan Leader Xiao, what is the meaning of this?"
Xiao Tiance, unaffected by Gu Bai's anger, cast a casual glance at him and replied with a faint smile:
"This was a small punishment. A mere Dou Sheng dares to lay a hand on a young member of my Xiao Clan? Since you claimed your actions were a 'minor lesson,' consider this my minor lesson to you.
"Of course, if you're unhappy with this, feel free to explain yourself. I'm a reasonable person always willing to discuss things amicably."
His tone was light, but the underlying threat was clear.
Gu Bai's Submission
Gu Bai's expression grew darker. He wasn't foolish enough to believe Xiao Tiance was truly open to "amicable discussion." If he dared to argue, he might earn another slap or worse.
Lowering his head in defeat, he bowed and said, "Clan Leader Xiao, I was wrong. I accept my punishment."
Xiao Tiance smiled approvingly. "Admitting one's mistakes is admirable. I'll let this slide."
He then turned his gaze to Gu Xun'er, who had been observing him intently. "What's the matter, little girl? Do you think I was wrong to act? After all, this Gu Bai dared to attack your Xiao Yan. As the Xiao Clan Leader, it's only right for me to stand up for one of my own."
His playful tone left Gu Xun'er both flustered and unsure how to respond.
Gu Xun'er's Questions
Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Gu Xun'er bowed respectfully and said, "Uncle Tiance, since you were in the rear mountains of Jia Nan Academy earlier, why didn't you reveal yourself?
"And now that you've appeared here, I doubt it's simply to chat with me. Given your status, I can't imagine you'd take an interest in someone as insignificant as me. Why not be direct about your purpose?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Clever girl. You're right; I won't hide anything from you. I'm here to invite you and your companions to the Xiao Clan as my guests. Nothing more."
Xun'er's Wariness
Gu Xun'er's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she quickly calmed herself. She was no fool and could sense there was more to his invitation.
"Uncle Tiance, surely you don't mean to use me to pressure my father? Someone of your stature wouldn't resort to such tactics, would you?"
Her suspicion deepened when she noticed that everyone else had frozen in place. Xiao Tiance's methods were so subtle that she hadn't even realized when he acted.
Such terrifying strength, she thought, a hint of unease flashing in her eyes.
Xiao Tiance's Intentions
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly, his tone carrying a mix of humor and authority.
"Little girl, your father left me no choice. I invited him to join forces against the Hun Clan, yet he refused and instead allied with the Yan Clan.
"Not only that, but he also swayed the Stone and Spirit Clans two former vassals of my Xiao Clan to betray me.
"If your father dares to make the first move, why shouldn't I retaliate? But don't worry, I have no intention of harming you. I simply need you to play a role in a little performance. Once it's over, you're free to go."
Xun'er's Perspective
Hearing his explanation, Gu Xun'er remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"Uncle Tiance, my father must have had his reasons for acting as he did. While your offer to unite against the Hun Clan was well intentioned, he had his own concerns."
"And what concerns might those be?" Xiao Tiance asked, feigning ignorance, though he already knew the answer.
Xun'er's Insight
Gu Xun'er smiled faintly. "Uncle Tiance, there's no need to test me. My father has always praised your wisdom, calling you the most powerful and intelligent person on the Dou Qi Continent. He's never been so wary of anyone else.
"Surely someone like you already knows my father's concerns, don't you?"
Xiao Tiance's eyes glinted with mild surprise, though he maintained his calm demeanor. "How could I know his thoughts? I'm not your father."
Realizing he wanted her to voice her thoughts, Gu Xun'er spoke candidly.
"My father fears that once the Hun Clan is destroyed, the Xiao Clan will stand unopposed. With no one left to balance your power, he worries that the Gu Clan might become your next target.
"That's why he sought an alliance with the Yan Clan to ensure our survival in case the Xiao Clan's dominance becomes a threat. As for the Stone and Spirit Clans, their betrayal was a mistake, and I apologize on his behalf."
Her words were calm and measured, her demeanor poised despite the tension. Xiao Tiance couldn't help but admire her composure.
A Bold Proposition
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Impressive. You're far more capable than your father. How about this? I'll arrange for you and Xiao Yan to marry today.
"With that, you'll officially become part of the Xiao Clan. Later, when Xiao Qing steps down, you can assist Xiao Yan in becoming the next Clan Leader. How does that sound?"
Gu Xun'er's cheeks flushed red at his teasing suggestion. She stammered, "Uncle Tiance, please don't joke about such matters.
"While I do wish to be with Xiao Yan for the rest of my life, that can only happen if the Xiao and Gu Clans stand united as allies."
A Serious Question
Before Gu Xun'er could finish speaking, Xiao Tiance waved his hand to interrupt her.
"So, according to you, if the Xiao Clan and the Gu Clan go to war, does that mean there's no chance for you and Xiao Yan?"
"Of course not, Uncle Tiance!" Gu Xun'er exclaimed, shaking her head vigorously.
The thought of losing her beloved Xiao Yan was inconceivable. However, if the two clans were to clash, could they truly remain together? This question left her feeling torn.
Xiao Tiance noticed the conflict on her face and couldn't help but laugh softly. Little girl, so easily teased. A single joke had erased her earlier composure, leaving her flustered and uncertain.
A Candid Truth
"Alright, little girl, I won't tease you anymore," Xiao Tiance said, his tone gentler.
"Let me make something clear I have never harbored any ill will toward the Gu Clan. Perhaps your father doesn't believe that. Perhaps even you don't believe it. But I've never considered the Gu Clan my enemy.
"Unfortunately, your father made a poor decision. He chose to undermine the Xiao Clan by allying with the Yan Clan, thinking he could weaken us once we clashed with the Hun Clan.
"Worse still, he incited the Stone Clan and Spirit Clan two vassals of my Xiao Clan to betray us.
"If there's one thing I cannot tolerate, it's betrayal. Of all sins, betrayal is the most unforgivable."
Xiao Tiance sighed as he looked at Gu Xun'er, her flawless beauty tinged with worry. "What a shame," he said. "Truly a shame. If the Gu Clan had stood by us all along, how wonderful would it be?
"Once Xiao Yan grows stronger, I could have personally gone to the Gu Realm to propose marriage for him. Our clans would unite through marriage how perfect would that be?"
A Spark of Hope
Gu Xun'er was captivated by this vision. Such an alliance would indeed be wonderful. However, she was keenly aware of the complexities involved.
Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she straightened her posture and said, "Uncle Tiance, isn't there still room for reconciliation?
"If you trust me, I'm willing to speak to my father and convince him to ally with the Xiao Clan once again. Would you give me this chance?"
A Proposal
Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "You'd persuade Gu Yuan?"
"Yes, Uncle Tiance," she replied confidently. "My father's actions stem from fear fear that the Xiao Clan might one day treat the Gu Clan as it has treated the Hun Clan.
"But as you said, the Xiao Clan has never had ill intentions toward us.
"Our two clans have been close for generations. We even held large scale marriages between our clans not long ago. In truth, we're already one family. Why must we stand on opposing sides?
"If you're willing to release me, I'll speak to my father and help mend the rift between our clans. What do you think?"
Gu Xun'er's tone was sincere, her gaze full of hope.
A Knowing Smile
Seeing her earnest expression, Xiao Tiance couldn't help but laugh.
"Uncle Tiance, why are you laughing? Don't you believe I can convince my father?" she asked, confused by his reaction.
"I believe you can," Xiao Tiance said, shaking his head.
"Then why"
Before she could finish, Xiao Tiance interrupted again with a wave of his hand.
"Little girl, you misunderstand. Your father is your father, and the Gu Clan is the Gu Clan.
"Even though Gu Yuan is the clan leader and the most powerful person in the Gu Clan, his decisions don't represent the entirety of the Gu Clan.
"As things stand, neither your father nor the other members of the Gu Clan can back down. They've already chosen a path that puts them at odds with the Xiao Clan."
The Seed of Doubt
Gu Xun'er frowned, perplexed. "Why do you say that, Uncle Tiance?
"I believe that if the Gu Clan understood the consequences, they'd be willing to reconcile with the Xiao Clan."
Xiao Tiance shook his head and sighed.
"You're a bright girl, but there's something you don't yet understand.
"Once the seed of doubt is planted, it grows and festers. People amplify their fears and eventually convince themselves those fears are real.
"Your idea is good, but it's naïve. As long as the Xiao Clan remains strong enough to overwhelm the other ancient clans, any possible threat will always be a source of worry for them."
The Parable of the Paranoid Man
"How about I tell you a story, little girl? It's called The Man Who Feared the Sky Would Fall.
"There was once a man in the state of Qi who was constantly worried that the sky might fall, leaving him without a safe place to live. He became so anxious that he couldn't sleep or eat.
"One day, a friend tried to reassure him, saying, 'The sky is just a mass of air. Wherever you go, there is air. Why worry about it falling?'
"The man replied, 'If the sky is air, what about the sun, moon, and stars? Won't they fall too?'
"The friend explained, 'Those celestial bodies are just luminous parts of the air. Even if they fall, they won't harm you.'
"The man then asked, 'But what if the earth caves in?'
"The friend reassured him, saying, 'The earth is just a collection of soil. Wherever there is space, it fills in. You walk on it every day, so why worry about it collapsing?'
"Finally, the man let go of his fears and felt relieved.
"Now, think of the Gu Clan as this man. Once doubt takes root, their fears grow uncontrollably.
"And here's the twist the only ones who can reassure them are the very people they fear most: the Xiao Clan. Even if I promised them a thousand times that we'd never harm them, their paranoia about the 'sky falling' would never truly disappear."
Gu Xun'er's Realization
As Xiao Tiance finished his tale, Gu Xun'er fell silent. She now understood the depth of the Gu Clan's predicament.
It was a vicious cycle their fears made reconciliation impossible because their reassurances would have to come from the source of their fear.
A Difficult Question
"Uncle Tiance, isn't there any way to resolve this?
"If our clans go to war, the rivers will run red with blood. Do you really want to see such a tragedy?" Gu Xun'er asked, her tone pleading.
"You misunderstand, little girl," Xiao Tiance replied calmly.
"I've never liked unnecessary explanations.
"And besides, isn't the choice entirely in the hands of the Gu Clan?"
(End of Chapter)
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