Chapter 229: The Hesitant Gu Yuan and the Cunning Mu Ling
"With that look of yours, I can tell you wish to tear us to pieces. But sadly, you're too weak to make that dream a reality," Mu Ling taunted coldly.
An Enraged Yan Jin
In the Ancient Realm, Mu Ling's words made Yan Jin's face contort with rage. He roared furiously, his voice echoing across the battlefield.
"You executioners! I'll kill you all!"
With a thunderous stomp, Yan Jin launched himself forward like a human missile. Muscles bulged along his arms as he prepared to strike.
"Boom!"
The air rippled from the sheer force of his punch its power rivaled that of a ballistic missile.
Yet, in the face of Yan Jin's seemingly unstoppable attack, both Mu Ling and Xiao Xuan looked on with cold disdain.
Yan Jin's decision to forgo combat techniques in favor of raw strength was a clear sign of desperation. Against weaker opponents, such a strike might have proven devastating. But facing two Nine Star Dou Saint level experts, including Xiao Xuan, who stood at the pinnacle of the rank, it was nothing short of reckless.
A Foolish Attack
As Yan Jin charged, Xiao Xuan began to move, but Mu Ling stepped forward, gesturing for Xiao Xuan to hold back.
"This one's mine," Mu Ling said with a smirk.
Yan Jin's fist closed in, and with mere inches separating it from Mu Ling's face, Yan Jin roared, pouring all his strength into the blow.
"Die, you scum!"
"Pathetic. Without any techniques, you're just a brute," Mu Ling sneered.
A surge of Dou Qi erupted from Mu Ling's body, and the very air seemed to warp. Yan Jin's movements slowed, as if caught in an invisible web.
"Ding!"
Their fists collided, creating a shockwave that shook the skies.
"Whoosh!"
Yan Jin's body shot backward like a broken kite, a streak of blood spraying from his lips. Before he could recover, Mu Ling's figure blurred and appeared behind him in an instant.
"Take this!"
Without hesitation, Mu Ling unleashed a mid tier Heaven Class Dou Technique, striking Yan Jin square in the back.
"Pfft!"
Blood spurted from Yan Jin's mouth as his body was torn apart. His right side was obliterated, leaving his organs exposed.
"Bang!"
Yan Jin crashed to the ground unconscious, his body barely intact.
A Shocking Display
The Ancient Clan members were stunned into silence, horrified by the brutality of Mu Ling's attack.
"Yan Jin!"
Unable to contain himself, Gu Yuan rushed forward, intercepting Mu Ling before he could deliver a finishing blow. Gu Yuan caught Yan Jin's mangled body and retreated.
"Hmph!"
Mu Ling sneered at Gu Yuan's interference and prepared to fight him as well. However, Xiao Xuan raised a hand, stopping him.
"Let it be, Mu Ling. We have all the time in the world to deal with them," Xiao Xuan said calmly.
Mu Ling grunted but complied, stepping back reluctantly.
Gu Yuan's Dilemma
Holding Yan Jin's battered body, Gu Yuan's expression darkened.
"Yan Jin, are you alright?" he asked.
Yan Jin coughed weakly, blood trickling from his lips. "I... underestimated them..."
Seeing Yan Jin's pitiful state, Gu Yuan's heart sank further. Looking up at the two floating figures, his eyes blazed with fury.
"You dare attack in my territory? Do you think so little of the Ancient Clan?" he demanded.
Xiao Xuan chuckled coldly.
"Does this mean you intend to oppose the Xiao Clan, Gu Yuan?"
The crowd fell silent. The Ancient Clan members held their breath, realizing the gravity of the situation.
The Xiao Clan's strength was undeniable. Their Nine Star Dou Saint powerhouses alone outmatched nearly all of the other major clans combined. Gu Yuan now bore the weight of deciding his clan's fate.
The Pressure on Gu Yuan
As the Ancient Clan members looked to him for guidance, Gu Yuan's mind raced. He knew that opposing the Xiao Clan would likely spell disaster.
The Xiao Clan had already wiped out the Yan Clan in a single decisive strike. Their forces, led by Xiao Tiance, were far stronger than any other clan's. Adding two more Nine Star Dou Saints to their ranks only further cemented their dominance.
If this pair was newly cultivated, then the Xiao Clan's ability to produce such powerhouses was truly terrifying.
Taking a deep breath, Gu Yuan stepped forward, his gaze steady.
"The Ancient Clan has always sought to maintain harmony. Our previous actions were out of necessity, not malice," he said calmly.
The Ancient Clan Submits
Gu Yuan's words carried an undertone of helplessness. The Ancient Clan, despite its long history and prestige, was in no position to fight.
The Ancient Clan members remained silent. While it stung their pride, none could argue with Gu Yuan's reasoning.
Xiao Xuan smiled faintly.
"Wise words, Gu Yuan. It seems you still know how to weigh your options. Let's hope your actions align with them."
The tense atmosphere lingered as Gu Yuan's declaration signaled the Ancient Clan's tacit submission to the Xiao Clan's dominance.
"If that's the case, Gu Yuan, why not show us some sincerity?" Xiao Xuan's tone turned cold as he stared at Gu Yuan.
"Sincerity? What kind of sincerity does the Xiao Clan expect from us?" Gu Yuan asked, frowning.
Xiao Xuan's gaze shifted to Yan Jin, and his voice grew even colder.
"Gu Yuan, why feign ignorance? Yan Jin isn't part of the Gu Clan he's our enemy. If you kill him now, we might still have grounds for negotiation. In his current state, even if he survives, he'll never recover his former strength. Of course, if you're unwilling to do it yourself, we're happy to handle it for you. Once Yan Jin is dealt with, you and I can sit down and discuss terms in peace."
The Ancient Clan's Uproar
Xiao Xuan's words caused an immediate uproar among the members of the Ancient Clan.
If all it took to reach a peace agreement with the Xiao Clan was eliminating Yan Jin, many Ancient Clan members were tempted.
Although Yan Jin was nominally their ally, the Flame Clan was already on the brink of extinction, with only a handful of members left. Their value as allies had all but evaporated.
"Clan Leader!"
Elder Gu Lie called out, his expression complicated.
Gu Yuan's brow furrowed deeply as he processed the situation. He could feel the wavering hearts of his people.
For the Ancient Clan, Yan Jin's survival no longer seemed worth the potential consequences. However, Gu Yuan hesitated. If they killed Yan Jin now, what would stop the Xiao Clan from demanding more in the future?
Mu Ling's Ruthless Taunt
Seeing Gu Yuan hesitate, Mu Ling sneered.
**"It seems the Ancient Clan lacks the resolve to negotiate. If that's the case, why waste time? Let's settle this now. Once we wipe out the Ancient Clan, it'll be no different from our assault on the Flame Clan.
After all, when we went to the Flame Realm last time, I barely had the chance to stretch my legs only killed a dozen Dou Saints and a few Dou Zuns. I could use a proper warm up by slaughtering a few Ancient Clan elites."**
As he spoke, Mu Ling extended his tongue to lick his lips, his killing intent spreading like a chilling wind.
Gu Yuan's Struggle
Mu Ling's threats and Xiao Xuan's demands pushed Gu Yuan to the edge.
Killing Yan Jin would secure peace, but doing so would betray the Ancient Clan's integrity and break their alliance with the Flame Clan. However, failing to comply might bring devastation to his people.
Ancient Clan members watched anxiously, aware of the perilous situation.
Gu Yuan sighed heavily, then transmitted his voice to Yan Jin:
"Yan Jin, I can't protect you anymore. I will stall them with Gu Lie and the others, giving you a chance to escape. Live to fight another day. If you survive, the Flame Clan may yet rise again. I'm sorry, my friend I've failed you."
Yan Jin's Sacrifice
Hearing Gu Yuan's words, Yan Jin felt a wave of gratitude. Despite the dire situation, Gu Yuan was still willing to risk his clan to help him escape.
However, Yan Jin's injuries ran too deep. His internal organs were irreparably damaged, and even if he survived, his potential for further progress was gone.
Yan Jin transmitted his reply:
**"Gu Yuan, thank you. But I won't run. My body can't take it, and even if I lived, I'd only become a burden. Instead, kill me yourself and take my belongings my spatial ring and the two types of Heavenly Flames within me.
But I have one last request: in Anran City within your Ancient Clan's territory, there are ten surviving members of my Flame Clan. They're guarded by two Dou Saints. If the Xiao Clan discovers them, I beg you to save them. Take them into the Ancient Clan and protect them, please."**
Gu Yuan didn't hesitate to agree.
"Yan Jin, I promise. As long as the Ancient Clan stands, the survivors of your Flame Clan will be safe. I'll publicly announce that they're distant members of our clan and bring them under our protection."
Yan Jin sighed in relief.
"Thank you, Gu Yuan. This favor, I'll repay in my next life."
Yan Jin Faces Death
Yan Jin broke away from Gu Yuan's grasp and forced himself to stand. Blood dripped from his lips as he stared at Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling, his voice trembling with rage.
"The Xiao Clan's tactics are truly despicable! If you want my life, come and take it yourselves! Why force the Ancient Clan into this?"
His eyes burned with defiance.
"From the start, I knew the Xiao Clan was nothing but wolves in sheep's clothing. You've revealed your true nature now! Fine, I'll await your strike come!"
Gu Yuan felt a pang of guilt, but also a measure of relief. Yan Jin's brave display shielded the Ancient Clan from direct responsibility.
Mu Ling's Cunning Ploy
Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling exchanged glances, their sharp instincts immediately recognizing the silent exchange that had passed between Gu Yuan and Yan Jin.
Xiao Xuan transmitted his thoughts to Mu Ling:
"Be careful. Yan Jin may be planning a final, desperate attack. He's still the Flame Clan's leader his full strength might surprise us."
Mu Ling smirked.
"Relax, Xiao Xuan. Let me handle this. I've already come up with a better plan."
Mu Ling's expression turned icy as he addressed Gu Yuan directly.
"It seems the Ancient Clan has truly chosen to oppose the Xiao Clan. If you won't deal with Yan Jin, it's clear you have no intention of negotiating. Fine, I'll send word to my clan. Once the Xiao Clan's army arrives, the Ancient Clan can join the Flame Clan in annihilation!"
A Clever Maneuver
Xiao Xuan inwardly sighed, shaking his head at Mu Ling's brazen ploy.
"That cunning bastard," Xiao Xuan thought. "By making it seem like the Ancient Clan could have avoided war, he's ensuring the burden of guilt falls entirely on them. Gu Yuan will have no choice but to act now."
(End of Chapter)
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