Chapter 193: Gu Lie's Proposal and Xiao Xun Er's Concern
"Something's wrong with the Heavenly Tomb!"
The alarmed cry reverberated across the Gu Realm. Moments later, every Dou Saint elder rushed toward the entrance to the small world where the Heavenly Tomb resided.
However, by the time they arrived, the area was eerily empty. The Heavenly Tomb had vanished without a trace, as though it had never existed.
Gu Yuan's Frustration
Standing before the void where the Heavenly Tomb once was, Gu Yuan narrowed his eyes, his gaze smoldering with anger.
To remove the Heavenly Tomb a complete small world in such a short time was no easy feat. Only a handful of people on the Dou Qi Continent had the ability to pull off such a feat.
From the moment the elder guarding the tomb's barrier raised the alarm to Gu Yuan's arrival, no more than 30 seconds had passed.
Whoever had done this had not only stolen the tomb but had also vanished without leaving any trace. It wasn't hard for Gu Yuan to guess who the culprit was.
"Patriarch…"
The three Gu Clan Elders, known as the "Three Immortals," hesitated before speaking up. However, Gu Yuan silenced them with a wave of his hand.
"Enough. Everyone, return to your posts."
"But, Patriarch, that was the Heavenly Tomb "
"I know what it was. Just go back," Gu Yuan snapped impatiently.
He had already deduced the truth. Who else could it be but Xiao Tiance?
Even if he wanted to retrieve the tomb, what grounds did he have to demand its return?
The Heavenly Tomb had always been a joint creation of the Gu and Xiao Clans, guarded in alternating centuries by each clan. However, after the Xiao Clan went into hiding for a millennium, the tomb had remained under the Gu Clan's sole custody, giving many the false impression that it belonged exclusively to them.
Gu Yuan's Dilemma
Gu Yuan knew better. As much as he hated Xiao Tiance's audacity, he couldn't deny the Xiao Clan's claim to the tomb. Moreover, Xiao Tiance was not someone to act rashly his every move was calculated.
"Damn him," Gu Yuan muttered under his breath as he left the scene.
Planning a Response
Back at Gu Yuan's residence, Gu Lie and the Three Immortals gathered to discuss the matter.
"Patriarch, are we really going to let this go?" Gu Lie asked, his voice tinged with frustration.
Gu Yuan's expression darkened. "And what would you have me do? The tomb was always shared between the Xiao and Gu Clans. Xiao Tiance merely took back what was rightfully theirs. On what grounds could we demand its return? Should I march into the Xiao Clan and humiliate myself for nothing?"
The room fell silent. Gu Lie and the others were visibly agitated, but Gu Yuan's words left them with no viable options.
Gu Lie's Proposal
After a moment of tense silence, Gu Lie spoke up again. **"Patriarch, we can't just sit back and let Xiao Tiance trample over us. If we don't push back, the Gu Clan's reputation will be in shambles. Worse, if the Yan Clan sees no hope in our alliance and sides with the Xiao Clan, we'll be left completely isolated.
"We must act. Even if we can't defeat the Xiao Clan outright, we need to deter them from further provocation."**
Gu Yuan frowned, pondering Gu Lie's words.
An Alliance with the Hun Clan
Gu Lie continued. **"I propose we seek out the Hun Clan and form an alliance. Though the Hun Clan is not as strong as the Xiao Clan, their methods are mysterious and formidable. It's been years since the Xiao Clan crippled them, and I suspect Hun Tiandi has recovered from his injuries by now.
"If we can convince the Hun Clan to ally with us and the Yan Clan, the combined strength of our three clans will be enough to stand against the Xiao Clan. Xiao Tiance may be cunning, but even he won't dare risk fighting three clans at once."**
Gu Yuan's gaze sharpened. He hated the idea of working with the Hun Clan, but Gu Lie's logic was sound. If the Gu Clan lost the Yan Clan's support, they would be at the Xiao Clan's mercy.
A Calculated Risk
Reluctantly, Gu Yuan nodded. "Fine. You have my permission. Gu Lie, you will personally search for the Hun Clan's whereabouts and establish contact."
Gu Lie's face lit up with determination. "Yes, Patriarch. Leave it to me!"
A Potential Ally
Before Gu Lie could leave, one of the Three Immortals, Gu Dao, stepped forward. "Patriarch, aside from the major clans, there's another potential ally we should consider."
Gu Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
Gu Dao hesitated for a moment before replying, "The Pill Tower."
"The Pill Tower?"
"Yes. Though they've always maintained neutrality, they wield considerable influence and resources. If we can secure their support, it would be a significant blow to the Xiao Clan. Their connection to the Alchemist Association alone makes them a valuable ally."
Weighing the Options
Gu Yuan considered the suggestion. Though the Pill Tower's involvement would undoubtedly strengthen their position, convincing them to abandon neutrality would be no easy task.
After a moment, he spoke. "We'll discuss the Pill Tower later. For now, focus on finding the Hun Clan. If Hun Tiandi is willing to ally with us, it will shift the balance in our favor."
Xiao Xun Er's Concerns
Meanwhile, Xiao Xun Er sat alone in her quarters, her brows furrowed in deep thought.
Since her return to the Gu Realm, she had been plagued by worry. The Gu Clan's growing animosity toward the Xiao Clan was evident, and she feared what might happen if conflict erupted.
"Brother Xiao Yan… Uncle Tiance… Why must things come to this?"
Her heart ached at the thought of her clan being caught in a war with the Xiao Clan, especially since she knew how terrifying Xiao Tiance's power was.
"If only Father would listen…" she muttered, staring out the window, her thoughts filled with uncertainty.
"A powerful ally?" Gu Yuan asked, puzzled.
Gu Dao smirked faintly and handed him a scroll.
Taking it, Gu Yuan's expression quickly turned to one of excitement. "Is this information accurate?"
"Absolutely. The world has long suffered under the Xiao Clan's dominance. I only came across this information by chance," Gu Dao replied with a smile.
The Proposal of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Tribe
Gu Yuan's eyes gleamed with anticipation. **"If this is true, I'll leave this matter to you. The Dragon Emperor Zhu Kun of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Tribe is a top tier powerhouse. Even in his prime, Xiao Xuan didn't dare claim he could defeat him one on one.
"If the Taixu Ancient Dragon Tribe is willing to ally with us, combined with the Hun Clan, we'll have absolute confidence in defeating the Xiao Clan. Not only can we avenge Xiao Tiance's mockery, but we'll also retrieve the Heavenly Tomb."**
"Understood, Clan Leader. I won't fail you." Gu Dao bowed respectfully.
Xiao Xun Er's Concern
Not long after the meeting, with the others dismissed, Gu Yuan turned toward his daughter, Xiao Xun Er, who stood nearby with a worried expression. "Xun Er, I assume you overheard our discussion?"
"Yes, Father," Xiao Xun Er replied with a nod.
"You seem worried. Do you not agree with the decisions we've made?" Gu Yuan asked, studying her closely.
Xiao Xun Er sighed deeply, gazing at her father's faintly pleased expression. **"Father, I can't say whether this is the right or wrong path. But I believe that Uncle Tiance... Xiao Tiance is not someone who can be dealt with so easily.
"He's a man of great wisdom. If we've thought of this plan, do you think he hasn't considered such possibilities?
"Furthermore, the Xiao Clan and the Gu Clan needn't fight to the death. I understand your concerns, but having spent time with Uncle Tiance, I know he has no ill will toward the Gu Clan. He told me personally that the tension between our clans exists only because of unnecessary worries and mistrust."**
Xiao Xun Er then relayed the story Xiao Tiance had shared with her.
Gu Yuan's Stance
After listening, Gu Yuan sighed and said, **"Call it needless worry or prudent preparation placing the Gu Clan's fate in the hands of another is not something I can accept as the clan leader.
"Until this matter is resolved, we must secure our strength."**
"I understand, Father," Xiao Xun Er replied with a respectful bow.
Despite her obedience, she couldn't shake her unease. She didn't know how things would unfold, but she was certain it wouldn't end without one side admitting defeat or being destroyed.
Xiao Tiance Returns
Meanwhile, Xiao Tiance, now in possession of the Heavenly Tomb, returned to the headquarters of Tianji Tower.
As he stepped onto the top floor, Tian Luo, Xiao Qing, Ling Hua, and other leaders greeted him respectfully. "Greetings, Clan Leader."
"No need for formalities. Sit," Xiao Tiance said with a smile, motioning for them to relax.
Taking the main seat, he turned to Xiao Qing, who rose and bowed. "Clan Leader, the task you assigned has been completed."
"Oh? So quickly?" Xiao Tiance's face lit up with surprise.
Xiao Qing smiled. "This was largely thanks to Ya Fei. Without her, it wouldn't have been completed so swiftly."
"Ya Fei? Where is she?" Xiao Tiance looked around, noticing her absence.
"She's downstairs handling other matters. Should I summon her?" Xiao Qing asked.
"No need. Make sure her contributions are noted. All of you have done well this time. Using the Gu and Yan Clans to eliminate the Stone and Spirit Clans was a significant accomplishment," Xiao Tiance said with satisfaction.
Acknowledging Ling Hua's Loyalty
As the group modestly accepted his praise, Xiao Tiance turned to Ling Hua, who appeared slightly uneasy.
"Ling Hua," he called.
"Clan Leader," Ling Hua quickly bowed.
Xiao Tiance's gaze softened slightly. **"Ling Hua, while I was disappointed in some of your past decisions, I'm glad you chose to stand firmly with the Xiao Clan.
"The Spirit Clan may be gone, but you and your family are still alive. The bloodline of the Spirit Clan remains unbroken, a small blessing in the midst of misfortune.
"From now on, you'll serve as Xiao Qing's deputy. Your capabilities and composure are valuable, and it would be a waste not to use them."**
Hearing this, Ling Hua's face lit up with excitement. Without hesitation, he dropped to one knee and said, "Thank you, Clan Leader, for your trust. I swear I won't let you down."
"Stand. I trust my people. Just do your part well," Xiao Tiance said reassuringly.
Revealing the Heavenly Tomb
Xiao Tiance then addressed the room, **"While I was at the Gu Clan, I accomplished two things.
"First, I've cleared the Xiao Clan's debt to the Gu Clan. From now on, if the Gu Clan stirs up trouble, we no longer owe them anything and can deal with them without hesitation.
"Second, I've brought back the Heavenly Tomb. The tomb's time flow is six to one compared to the outside world, making it a treasure for cultivation.
"I'll establish various grades of Spirit Gathering Arrays inside. Anyone who wishes to enter for secluded cultivation may do so. The results will be far greater than external training."**
This announcement left the group ecstatic.
The first point meant they no longer had to tread carefully around the Gu Clan.
But the second was the real treasure. With the time difference and Spirit Gathering Arrays, a year of cultivation in the tomb would equal more than a decade in the outside world. This ensured that the Xiao Clan would produce powerful elites at an unmatched pace.
"With the Heavenly Tomb, our clan's strength will soar!" the group exclaimed in joy.
Planning in Secret
After dismissing most of the group, Xiao Tiance had only Xiao Qing and Tian Luo remain.
Raising a Spirit Isolation Array, he turned to Tian Luo, who produced over twenty frozen corpses from his storage ring.
"Clan Leader, these are the intact corpses of Dou Saints. All of them are mid to high level. We didn't collect any low level Dou Saints."
Xiao Tiance inspected the bodies, recognizing some from the Stone and Spirit Clans, and even a few from the Gu and Yan Clans.
"Well done. Preserve these carefully. They'll be put to use soon enough," Xiao Tiance said with satisfaction.
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