Chapter 230: The Fall of Yan Jin and the Submission of the Gu Clan
"That Mu Ling really knows how to shift blame. He's left the Gu Clan to deal with this mess," Xiao Xuan thought to himself.
The Gu Realm.
As Mu Ling's words echoed in the air, Gu Yuan's face darkened. He had planned to stall Mu Ling and Xiao Xuan long enough for Yan Jin to escape, but Mu Ling's sharp maneuver now forced the Gu Clan into an impossible dilemma.
Gu Yuan clenched his fists. "Yan Jin can die, but not by the hands of the Gu Clan or its members. If that happens, the Gu Clan's reputation will be in ruins. Who would ever trust or ally with us again?"
His gaze hardened as he addressed Mu Ling:
**"Yan Jin is an ally of the Gu Clan a friend to our people for generations. He has never betrayed or wronged us. Do you think I would betray him just because you demand it?
Yes, the Xiao Clan is powerful enough to destroy the Flame Clan, and perhaps even the Gu Clan. But if I agree to your terms and kill Yan Jin, what assurance do I have that the Gu Clan won't be your next target? Perhaps this demand is merely an excuse to annihilate us as well!"**
Gu Yuan's defiant words caused murmurs to ripple among the gathered members of the Gu Clan.
Xiao Xuan's Response
Xiao Xuan remained calm, though Mu Ling sneered. Xiao Xuan raised his hand, signaling for silence.
**"Gu Yuan, if we truly intended to destroy the Gu Clan, we wouldn't be here alone. Let me be honest with you two more nine star Dou Saints have already been sent to deal with the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, and the Xiao Clan has at least three more nine star Dou Saints within its ranks.
If we wanted to crush the Gu Clan, we wouldn't waste time negotiating. But Yan Jin is different. He's the Flame Clan's leader, and the Flame Clan has already been wiped out by us. Surely you understand that leaving him alive would be akin to letting weeds regrow.
Even in his current state, Yan Jin is still an eight star Dou Saint. If he recovers, how many Xiao Clan members would fall to his hand?
This isn't about bullying the Gu Clan. It's about ensuring the safety of our clan. Yan Jin must die, here and now. If you truly wish to maintain the alliance between the Gu Clan and the Xiao Clan, then killing Yan Jin is the best proof of your loyalty. Do this, and I can promise you that the Xiao Clan will return to being your strongest ally, just as we were in the past."**
Gu Yuan's Struggle
Gu Yuan's face twisted with conflicting emotions. Xiao Xuan's words were clear and logical. The Gu Clan and Xiao Clan had been allies for generations before the rift caused by the Four Clan Alliance. Restoring that relationship would strengthen the Gu Clan immensely.
But killing Yan Jin would irreparably stain the Gu Clan's honor. Even if they justified it as a decision made under duress, the betrayal would tarnish their reputation forever.
Tension thickened in the air. The members of the Gu Clan watched Gu Yuan anxiously, awaiting his decision.
Finally, Gu Yuan sighed deeply and addressed Xiao Xuan:
"Yan Jin is our ally. I cannot kill him. Even if the Xiao Clan's leader, Xiao Tianchen himself, were here, my answer would be the same."
Xiao Xuan's True Identity Revealed
Hearing this, Xiao Xuan transmitted a private message to Gu Yuan:
"Gu Yuan, it's me Xiao Xuan. Surely you believe me?"
Gu Yuan froze, as if struck by lightning. His eyes widened in shock as he stared at Xiao Xuan.
"Xiao Xuan? How is that possible? You died a thousand years ago. Your soul entered the Heavenly Tomb how can you be standing here now?"
"I was revived by Xiao Tianchen," Xiao Xuan explained. **"Due to certain circumstances, I cannot reveal my identity to the world yet. But I'm here because of the bond between the Xiao Clan and the Gu Clan.
Tianchen wanted to wipe out the Gu Clan, but I persuaded him otherwise. If it weren't for me, the Xiao Clan's full force would already be marching toward your gates. Please, Gu Yuan, listen to me. I came here today to preserve our alliance, not to destroy it."**
Gu Yuan struggled to process this revelation.
"If this is true, why demand Yan Jin's life? Surely you understand the shame it would bring upon the Gu Clan to betray him."
**"I understand. But the reality is that Yan Jin cannot live. If he does, it will bring disaster to the Xiao Clan and to you.
Let us handle it, then. We will kill him, sparing your hands from the stain of betrayal. This way, the Gu Clan can retain its honor while still securing peace."**
The Death of Yan Jin
After a moment, Xiao Xuan's voice turned cold:
"Mu Ling, it's time. Let's move."
Without waiting for a response, Xiao Xuan charged toward Gu Yuan, engaging him in battle to keep him occupied. Mu Ling, meanwhile, flew straight toward the wounded Yan Jin.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Explosions echoed through the Gu Realm as the battles erupted.
Yan Jin, despite his severe injuries, roared defiantly. Flames surged around him as he prepared a final, desperate attack.
Mu Ling sneered. "You're already half dead. What can you possibly do?"
With a flick of his wrist, Mu Ling unleashed a powerful Dou Skill that pierced through Yan Jin's defenses.
"Ah !"
Yan Jin let out a blood curdling scream as Mu Ling's attack struck him. His body was engulfed in flames, burning away into ash.
The Aftermath
As Yan Jin fell, Gu Yuan clenched his fists, his heart filled with guilt and anger. He knew that he could do nothing to stop this outcome.
Mu Ling smirked, brushing off his hands. "There. It's done. Gu Yuan, I trust this resolves the matter between the Xiao Clan and the Gu Clan?"
Xiao Xuan released Gu Yuan and added, "With Yan Jin's death, we can finally move forward. Gu Yuan, I hope you make the right decision for your people."
Gu Yuan closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. When he opened them again, they were filled with determination.
"The Gu Clan… will submit to the Xiao Clan. But I will hold you to your promise of peace, Xiao Xuan."
Xiao Xuan smiled faintly. "Of course, old friend. The Xiao Clan does not break its word."
Thus, with Yan Jin's death, the Gu Clan officially submitted to the Xiao Clan's dominance.
A Tense Standoff Turns to Battle
The tension in the Gu Realm reached its breaking point as combat erupted. Xiao Xuan single handedly engaged Gu Yuan, the Three Immortals of the Gu Clan, and even Gu Lie, drawing all of them into the fray. Meanwhile, Yan Jin faced a one sided pummeling at the hands of Mu Ling.
Within five minutes, Yan Jin, despite his desperate efforts, fell to Mu Ling's overwhelming power.
As Yan Jin's lifeless body hit the ground, Gu Yuan, realizing he was outmatched, feigned defeat and surrendered to Xiao Xuan.
A Meeting of Old Allies
Ten minutes later, at Gu Yuan's residence, Xiao Xuan removed his mask, revealing his identity. Upon seeing Xiao Xuan's face, Gu Yuan finally believed the truth Xiao Xuan had indeed returned from the dead.
"Xiao Xuan, it's unbelievable! I never thought I'd see you again in this lifetime," Gu Yuan exclaimed, his voice filled with astonishment.
Xiao Xuan chuckled softly. "I never thought I'd be resurrected, either. This is all thanks to Tianchen. Without him, I'd still be trapped in the Heavenly Tomb."
Gu Yuan nodded, his gaze shifting to Mu Ling. "And this is…?"
"He is the Spirit of the Heavenly Tomb, also resurrected by Tianchen, just like me. He now goes by the name Mu Ling and serves as a Grand Elder of the Xiao Clan," Xiao Xuan explained.
Mu Ling removed his mask, smiling politely. "It's a pleasure, Clan Leader Gu. I hope my earlier actions haven't caused too much offense."
Gu Yuan returned the greeting. "It's truly extraordinary. A pleasure to meet you, Mu Ling."
Old Grievances and Reconciliation
As they sipped tea, Gu Yuan sighed. **"Xiao Xuan, if only you had returned sooner, things wouldn't have escalated to this point between our clans.
I never trusted Tianchen. No matter how tempting his promises were, I couldn't bring myself to believe him. But you're different I've known you for so long, and I trust your word."**
Xiao Xuan sighed as well. **"Gu Yuan, I understand your concerns. I've spoken to Tianchen, and I can assure you he never intended to become enemies with the Gu Clan.
He's not the kind of man to provoke others without reason. If the Gu Clan had not opposed the Xiao Clan, things would not have come to this.
That said, I understand your position. If I were in your place, I wouldn't have placed my clan's fate in someone else's hands, either.
But now that Yan Jin is gone, the past is the past. If you're willing, the Xiao and Gu Clans can rebuild our alliance. With me here, I won't let Tianchen harm the Gu Clan."**
Gu Yuan sighed in relief. "Thank you, Xiao Xuan. With you here, I can rest easy."
A New Xiao Clan Leader
Xiao Xuan smiled and continued, "In three days, Tianchen will step down as leader of the Xiao Clan, passing the mantle to Xiao Qing. Xiao Qing is, after all, the Gu Clan's son in law. Our clans will only grow closer under his leadership."
Gu Yuan's eyes widened in shock. "Tianchen is stepping down? I thought he was at the height of his power! Why would he relinquish his position now?"
Xiao Xuan chuckled. **"It may seem sudden, but it's quite logical. Tianchen took on the leadership role a millennium ago because the Xiao Clan needed a strong leader to guide it through difficult times.
Since then, he's groomed Xiao Qing to be the perfect successor. For centuries, Xiao Qing has handled most of the clan's affairs, with Tianchen only stepping in for major decisions.
Now that Xiao Qing is ready, it's only natural for Tianchen to step down."**
Xiao Xuan laughed heartily. "So, Gu Yuan, with your son in law as the Xiao Clan leader, you have no reason to worry, right?"
Gu Yuan nodded, a smile finally breaking across his face. **"Xiao Qing is indeed highly capable. His rise to leadership is well deserved.
However, my willingness to reconcile with the Xiao Clan isn't because of Xiao Qing. It's because of you, Xiao Xuan.
Without you, no matter what promises Tianchen made, I wouldn't have agreed.
Speaking of which, I assume the Xiao Clan already knows about the remaining Flame Clan survivors?"**
Xiao Xuan nodded. "Yes, the intelligence network of Tianji Tower is unmatched. There's little they don't know."
The Fate of the Flame Clan
Gu Yuan sighed. "If possible, I'd like to ask the Xiao Clan to spare them. The Flame Clan has already paid a heavy price."
Xiao Xuan smiled reassuringly. **"Don't worry. With Yan Jin dead, the Xiao Clan has no reason to pursue the remaining Flame Clan members.
If you wish, you could bring them into the Gu Clan for protection."**
Gu Yuan shook his head. "No, I'll help them in secret, but I won't bring them into the Gu Clan. I wouldn't want Tianchen to misunderstand."
Xiao Xuan nodded in understanding. **"That's reasonable. By the way, I hope you'll bring your available Dou Saint experts to the Xiao Clan in three days for Xiao Qing's inauguration.
Don't worry about traps. Knowing Tianchen, this is likely just a show of strength to deter future enemies."**
Gu Yuan thought for a moment before nodding. "With you here, Xiao Xuan, I can trust this. We'll prepare gifts and attend the ceremony."
Xiao Xuan laughed. "Then I'll see you in three days at Tianwaitian!"
(End of Chapter)
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