Chapter 188: Conflicting Thoughts, Gu Yuan Learns of Xun'er's Disappearance
Tianji Tower Headquarters, Central Plains.
Hearing Xiao Qing's lament, Tian Luo smirked faintly.
**"It's only natural. For every wise person, there's a foolish one.
"The Stone and Spirit Tribes' leaders aside from Ling Hua, who is somewhat cunning aren't necessarily dull witted, but they're far from intelligent.
"I can understand their actions, though.
"They've been living as 'Emperor Tribes' for tens of thousands of years, basking in privilege. Such luxury has made them forget the fundamental truth of the Dou Qi Continent: the strong reign supreme."**
Pausing to sip his tea, Tian Luo continued:
"But why waste effort discussing them? They're as good as dead. Better to focus on things worth our time."
After finishing his tea, Tian Luo rose and gazed out at the scenery beyond the tower. Xiao Qing, realizing Tian Luo had no further interest in the topic, simply closed his eyes to rest.
In the Void Turbulence
Meanwhile, within the chaotic void, Gu Xun'er's expression was complicated as she stole glances at Xiao Tianzuo.
"This man is terrifying. The Gu Clan's choice to provoke such an enemy will surely cost us dearly," she thought.
As if sensing her gaze, Xiao Tianzuo turned and smiled.
**"Little girl, this is the reality of the Dou Qi Continent. Here, only the strongest have the right to speak.
"You're Gu Yuan's daughter; you should understand me.
"But don't worry too much. For now, the Gu Clan is safe."**
Hearing this, Gu Xun'er bowed respectfully and sighed.
"Uncle Tianzuo, if I could take control of the Gu Clan and swear never to oppose the Xiao Clan, would you spare the Gu Clan?"
Xiao Tianzuo raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Go on."
A Bold Proposal
Gu Xun'er took a deep breath and explained:
**"Uncle Tianzuo, I only wish for peace between the Xiao and Gu Clans.
"Although I've lived with the Xiao family for years and feel little attachment to my clan, the blood of the Gu Clan runs through my veins. I can't bear to see innocent lives lost."**
Xiao Tianzuo tilted his head, curious.
"So, you're asking me to help you become the Gu Clan leader and take control of your clan?"
**"Exactly. I believe in my talent, Uncle Tianzuo. Given time, I can surpass my father and lead the Gu Clan.
"If you assist me, I'll ensure the Gu Clan renews its alliance with the Xiao Clan."**
Though her words were bold, Gu Xun'er's true intention was to delay Xiao Tianzuo's plans and buy time for the Gu Clan.
However, her suggestion failed to sway Xiao Tianzuo.
He shook his head slightly and said:
**"Your idea has merit, but I lack the patience for such games.
"The truth is…"**
Mid sentence, Xiao Tianzuo stopped, observing the curiosity on Gu Xun'er's face. He rephrased:
"With the strength of the Xiao Clan, we could easily annihilate all the Emperor Tribes combined. The only reason we haven't acted is to minimize the bloodshed among our people."
Seeing Gu Xun'er about to ask more questions, Xiao Tianzuo raised a hand to silence her.
**"Enough, little girl. You're too young and weak to understand some things.
"Even if I helped you ascend as leader of the Gu Clan, could you guarantee you'd surpass your father? That remains uncertain.
"Even if you did, would you have the resolve to eliminate dissenting elders and clansmen? Without that, your rule would be a dream.
"And even if you succeeded, it would take too much time. I could accomplish the same goals myself in less time and with greater efficiency.
"So, be at ease. Once the Gu and Yan Clans help us eliminate the Stone and Spirit Tribes, I'll personally escort you back to the Gu Clan."**
Gu Xun'er's Frustration
Hearing this, Gu Xun'er felt a pang of helplessness. She wanted to aid her clan but realized her current strength was far too insignificant.
After a long silence, she sighed and asked:
"Uncle Tianzuo, where are we headed now?"
"To the Tianji Tower Headquarters. We'll wait for the Gu and Yan Clans to launch their attack on the Stone and Spirit Tribes," Xiao Tianzuo replied with a smile.
Speculations and Questions
Gu Xun'er's sharp mind connected the dots.
**"So, I was right. The reason Xiao Yan safely left the Yunlan Sect was because of Tianji Tower or rather, Uncle Tianzuo's intervention.
"Otherwise, with his strength, he couldn't have obtained the Tianji Token."**
She pressed on, eager to learn more.
"Uncle Tianzuo, did you arrange for Xiao Zhan and the others to disappear too? Is it connected to the Xiao Clan?"
Xiao Tianzuo chuckled and nodded.
**"You're correct. Now, little girl, don't you think you're asking too many questions?
"Even your father wouldn't dare to question me like this. Are you not afraid?"**
Despite Xiao Tianzuo's stern tone, Gu Xun'er showed no fear. She grinned playfully.
"I'm not afraid, Uncle Tianzuo. And now that I know Xiao Zhan is safe, I can reassure Xiao Yan when I see him again."
Xiao Tianzuo smiled in return, secretly admiring her boldness.
Gu Clan Headquarters
In the Gu Clan's council hall, Gu Yuan, Yan Jin, and several elders were gathered.
After hearing the report from the surviving scouts, their expressions were grim.
Yan Jin, his face darkened, spoke first:
**"From this, it seems the Stone and Spirit Tribes haven't betrayed the Xiao Clan. Instead, they're acting as spies to infiltrate our ranks and report back.
"This is intolerable! Gu Yuan, what do you suggest we do?"**
Several elders voiced their agreement.
"The Stone and Spirit Tribes must pay for this insult!"
"Indeed! If we let this slide, where is the dignity of our two clans?"
As the voices grew louder, Gu Yuan sat deep in thought.
The heated discussion among the clan elders filled the hall with tension as all eyes turned toward Gu Yuan.
Deep in thought, Gu Yuan furrowed his brows. He couldn't shake the feeling that everything was far too coincidental.
Why would the Stone and Spirit Tribes, after expressing interest in forming an alliance with the Gu and Yan Clans, suddenly turn around and attack their people?
It didn't make sense it was as redundant as "taking off your pants to fart."
Yet the evidence presented was undeniable. Two scouts had returned with reports confirming that Stone and Spirit Tribe members had ambushed their people. According to the survivors, they had narrowly escaped death by noticing something suspicious and fleeing in time.
Gu Yuan glanced at the two kneeling scouts. Their strength was not insignificant one of them was an Eight Star Dou Venerate. If they had fled early, it was plausible they could have escaped.
Gu Yuan's Analysis
Seeing Gu Yuan remain silent, Yan Jin broke the quiet.
"Gu Brother, you've been silent this whole time. Are you thinking there might be more to this?"
Gu Yuan nodded.
**"That's right. Perhaps everyone here is too agitated to think clearly.
"First, if the Stone and Spirit Tribes hadn't betrayed the Xiao Clan, they could have outright refused our overtures when we approached them for an alliance. They could have then informed the Xiao Clan instead.
"But they didn't. And from what our spies have reported, the Xiao Clan hasn't made any significant moves. This suggests the Stone and Spirit Tribes haven't relayed any information to the Xiao Clan.
"Otherwise, knowing the Xiao Clan's domineering nature, they would've already acted against us. With their strength, they have no reason to hesitate they could easily crush us."**
Gu Yuan's words gave everyone pause. Several nodded in agreement, finding his reasoning sound.
Yan Jin, however, quickly raised a counterpoint.
"If that's the case, Gu Brother, then why would the Stone and Spirit Tribes attack our people? How do you explain that?"
Gu Yuan acknowledged the question with a nod and frowned.
**"That's precisely what I don't understand.
"If they truly betrayed the Xiao Clan, they wouldn't dare provoke us."**
As he spoke, a sudden idea flashed through Gu Yuan's mind.
"What if… the attackers weren't from the Stone and Spirit Tribes at all?"
Yan Jin scoffed at the suggestion.
**"That makes even less sense! Other than the Xiao Clan, our only enemies are the Stone and Spirit Tribes.
"And with no evidence that information about our alliance has leaked, why would the Xiao Clan take such small scale actions against us?"**
Gu Yuan murmured under his breath, "No evidence of a leak…"
Suddenly, his eyes lit up as he clapped his hands and stood.
**"That's it the information was leaked!
"No matter how we look at it, the Stone and Spirit Tribes were once vassals of the Xiao Clan. If the Xiao Clan caught wind of our alliance efforts, they would have acted to warn or discipline their former vassals.
"I can confidently say the attackers must have been from the Xiao Clan!"**
Gu Yuan's certainty left the room in stunned silence.
Yan Jin's Objection
Breaking the quiet, Yan Jin raised an objection.
**"Even if what you say is true and the Xiao Clan learned of the leak, why haven't they come after us directly?
"And if they knew about the Stone and Spirit Tribes' betrayal, why haven't they acted against them either?
"With their usual domineering ways, they should've crushed those tribes by now. Yet the Stone and Spirit Tribes remain untouched. How do you explain that?"**
Gu Yuan's confidence faltered.
"This… is also hard to explain."
The room once again descended into confusion as everyone wrestled with the conflicting evidence.
After a long silence, Gu Yuan looked at Yan Jin and asked:
"Then, Yan Brother, what do you propose we do next?"
Yan Jin grinned and replied firmly:
**"I believe our priority should be determining the Stone and Spirit Tribes' true intentions.
"What if someone from the Xiao Clan has visited those tribes recently?
"To conceal their dealings with us, they may have felt compelled to act against us to feign loyalty to the Xiao Clan."**
Gu Yuan's eyes widened in realization.
**"That… makes sense.
"Let's not waste time speculating further. We should secretly send emissaries to the Stone and Spirit Tribes to understand their motives. Once we know the truth, we can decide how to proceed."**
Yan Jin nodded.
"Agreed. Let my clan handle the Spirit Tribe while the Stone Tribe falls under your purview, Gu Brother."
The decision made, the two clans quickly dispatched their teams.
Gu Yuan Learns of Xun'er's Disappearance
Later, in his private quarters, Gu Yuan massaged his temples, his mind burdened with the constant setbacks since opposing the Xiao Clan.
Suddenly, Gu Lie appeared from a spatial ripple, his face grim.
"Patriarch, the team sent to retrieve Xun'er has gone missing!"
Gu Yuan's hand crushed the teacup he held as he shot to his feet, his aura erupting with fury.
"What? What about Xun'er? What's her condition?"
Gu Lie hesitated before replying cautiously:
"Patriarch, please remain calm. Xun'er went missing after the team left the Jia Nan Academy. The entire group disappeared."
Gu Yuan's aura surged again as he grabbed Gu Lie by the collar, his voice cold and dangerous.
"Who is responsible? Any clues?"
Gu Lie shook his head with a sigh.
**"All we found was the site of their disappearance. The two flying magical beasts were crushed into bloody mist. I went to the scene myself, but apart from the scattered blood, there were no signs or clues.
"Additionally, the soul plates of everyone in the team remain intact no one has died."**
Hearing this, Gu Yuan exhaled deeply, releasing Gu Lie and sinking back into his chair.
Before he could say anything further, Gu Lie added softly:
**"Patriarch, whoever crushed those flying beasts must be immensely powerful.
"Even though Gu Bo is a Three Star Dou Saint at his peak, it seems he had no chance to resist.
"Only a high level Dou Saint or perhaps even someone beyond could achieve this.
"Do you think… it might have been the Xiao Clan?"**
(Chapter End)
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