Chapter 231: The Future of the Gu Clan and the Shrewd Zhukun
"I shall await your presence at Tianwaitian, Gu Yuan!" Xiao Xuan laughed heartily as he placed the mask back on his face. With Mu Ling by his side, he departed the Gu Realm.
Gu Yuan personally escorted them to the realm's exit before returning to the clan's council hall.
The Dissent of the Gu Clan
"Clan Leader, are we truly submitting to the Xiao Clan like this?" Gu Lie asked, his face dark with displeasure.
The Xiao Clan's actions had been too domineering killing Yan Jin, the Gu Clan's ally, right on their territory. How could they show their faces after such humiliation?
Gu Lie was not alone in his discontent. Several elders and officials echoed his frustration.
Gu Yuan sat calmly in the main seat, observing the discontent etched across their faces. To him, their anger seemed hypocritical.
When the Xiao Clan was present, these same individuals had said nothing. They didn't step forward to help when the situation turned violent. Instead, they retreated for their own safety. But now that the Xiao Clan had left, they suddenly found their courage.
Ancient Dao, a senior elder of the Gu Clan, shared Gu Yuan's sentiment. As one of the few genuine contributors to the clan, he was growing increasingly frustrated with the selfishness of his peers.
Just then, Gu Yuan cleared his throat, silencing the hall.
The Xiao Clan's Leadership Transition
"Fellow elders and officials, three days from now, the Xiao Clan will host a ceremony for the succession of its clan leader. Xiao Tianchen will step down, passing the mantle to Xiao Qing."
The announcement stirred the room.
If Xiao Tianchen was seen as the Gu Clan's greatest threat, then Xiao Qing was far less intimidating. Xiao Qing was, after all, married to Gu Yue, making him the Gu Clan's son in law. His ascension to the position of Xiao Clan leader meant that their Gu Yue would become the clan leader's wife.
"Congratulations to Elder Gu Dao!" the elders said almost in unison, offering their praises to the senior Gu elder.
Gu Yuan frowned at their opportunism, though Gu Dao remained polite, returning their greetings with a courteous smile.
A Bold Proposal
When the commotion subsided, Gu Yuan continued, "The Xiao Clan has requested that all Gu Clan members of Half Saint level and above attend the ceremony, leaving only essential staff to guard our lands."
His words caused immediate uproar.
"What? Attend the ceremony? That sounds like a trap!"
"Absolutely not! What if they use this opportunity to ambush us? The Xiao Clan is like a dragon's den we won't escape alive if they target us!"
As the dissent grew louder, a calm and clear voice rang out from the entrance.
"What are you all afraid of? If the Xiao Clan truly intended to harm us, they wouldn't need such schemes."
The room turned to see Xiao Xun'er walking in, her figure adorned in a light green dress.
Xiao Xun'er's Insight
"Xun'er, why have you come?" Gu Yuan asked warmly.
"Father," she greeted with a polite bow. Turning to the elders and officials, she said, "Greetings to the elders, grand elders, and officials."
Despite her relatively low cultivation, Xiao Xun'er's position within the clan commanded respect. The room quieted as she approached Gu Yuan.
"Father, I believe we should attend the Xiao Clan's leadership ceremony," she said confidently.
"Oh? And why do you think so?" Gu Yuan asked, his tone gentle but curious.
Xiao Xun'er smiled. **"The Xiao Clan's leadership ceremony is more than just a power transition it's a crucial moment for us and the Dou Qi Continent.
This ceremony is their way of showcasing strength, a public demonstration to deter their enemies. They won't harm us during such a pivotal event.
Additionally, Xiao Qing is married to Gu Yue. Out of respect for her, the Xiao Clan won't act against us.
Finally, I've spent time with Uncle Tianchen. He is not a man who strikes without reason. If he truly wanted to destroy the Gu Clan, today's visitors wouldn't have stopped at Yan Jin.
The Xiao Clan is currently as powerful as it was during the reign of their Dou Di ancestors. If they wished to harm us, we wouldn't stand a chance.
Instead of hiding in fear, we should attend the ceremony to gauge their strength and take steps toward repairing our relationship."**
Reassurance for the Future
Xiao Xun'er's calm and rational analysis left the room in silence. Even Gu Yuan and the Gu Clan's Three Immortals, the highest ranking elders, exchanged glances of approval.
"What do you all think?" Gu Yuan asked, turning to the group.
Gu Dao spoke first. "The young lady is correct. The Xiao Clan's power is undeniable. If they wished to harm us, they wouldn't need tricks or traps. We should attend the ceremony and assess the situation for ourselves."
The other two senior elders nodded in agreement. Gu Lie also spoke up. "I agree with Xun'er. While the Xiao Clan has acted aggressively in the past, they haven't caused significant harm to us. Attending the ceremony could help mend our relationship."
Gu Yuan finally nodded, looking at Xiao Xun'er with pride.
"Very well," he said. "We shall prepare for the ceremony. All Half Saint level members and above will attend, as requested. Let's use this opportunity to rebuild ties with the Xiao Clan."
The elders agreed, and the hall gradually emptied.
Xiao Xun'er's Wisdom Recognized
As the last of the elders left, Gu Yuan turned to Xiao Xun'er. "Xun'er, your insights today were remarkable. You've proven yourself to be a true asset to the Gu Clan."
Gu Dao, standing nearby, added, "Indeed. Xun'er has displayed wisdom beyond her years. The Gu Clan is fortunate to have her."
Xiao Xun'er smiled humbly. "I only wish to serve the clan."
As preparations began for the Xiao Clan's ceremony, the Gu Clan's future seemed a little brighter, thanks to Xiao Xun'er's calm and collected counsel.
"Let's reflect on this those truly deemed enemies by the Xiao Clan, like the Shi Clan, Ling Clan, and Yan Clan, have either been completely annihilated or reduced to mere remnants of their former selves. Their losses have been catastrophic.
But what about us, the Gu Clan? Despite being the initiators of the Four Clan Alliance and even considering standing against the Xiao Clan, we've suffered no deaths beyond Elder Gu Bai, who went to retrieve Xun'er. This alone proves the Xiao Clan doesn't view us as enemies."
Below, the Gu Clan members listened in silence. The authoritative voices of the senior figures had set the tone, alleviating much of their lingering fears.
"We shall follow the clan leader's decision," they said in unison, bowing deeply.
Gu Yuan nodded, a smile gracing his face. **"Very well, then. We'll attend the Xiao Clan's leadership succession ceremony. It promises to be the grandest event the Dou Qi Continent has seen in centuries, and witnessing it will benefit us all.
Grand Elder Gu Dao, I'll leave the preparations for a congratulatory gift to you. After all, Yue'er is your granddaughter, and our clan may need her support in the future."**
Gu Dao didn't decline. Bowing respectfully, he replied, "Understood, Clan Leader."
Gu Yuan waved a hand to dismiss the gathering. "We'll depart tomorrow evening to arrive at Tianwaitian on the third day. You are all dismissed."
A Father Daughter Conversation
After the others had left, Gu Yuan and Xiao Xun'er remained in the hall.
Gu Yuan sighed heavily. "Though we've emerged relatively unscathed this time, the Xiao Clan's rapid rise has left many in our clan utterly demoralized. You saw the reactions earlier, Xun'er our clan's future is troubling. What should we do?"
Hearing her father's concerns, Xiao Xun'er felt a pang of sorrow. She softened her tone and said, **"Father, there's no need to worry so much. A thousand years ago, the Xiao Clan's situation was far worse than ours. Under Uncle Tianchen's leadership, they've now become the most powerful force on the Dou Qi Continent.
Father, you're a brilliant leader, and your strength is unmatched, but your indecision and the elders' interference have hindered meaningful reform in our clan.
I believe you should use this opportunity at Tianwaitian to inspire our people. Let them feel their shame and work harder to rebuild. If our clan commits to focused cultivation, I'm certain we can one day stand on equal footing with the Xiao Clan."**
Gu Yuan fell silent, contemplating her words. After a moment, he asked gently, "Xun'er, it seems you greatly admire Xiao Tianchen?"
Xun'er nodded. **"Yes, Father. Uncle Tianchen is the most remarkable person I've ever met. He's not only the Xiao Clan's reviver but also a leader who commands both respect and fear.
Even compared to the legendary Xiao Xuan, who dominated his era, I believe Uncle Tianchen surpasses him in both vision and leadership. During my time away from the Gu Clan, I had the chance to observe him closely. His composure, strategic thinking, and ability to plan thoroughly give the impression that everything is under his control.
Most impressive to me is his insight into the essence of things his views are always sharp, penetrating, and profoundly accurate."**
Gu Yuan's Inner Conflict
As Xiao Xun'er continued to praise Xiao Tianchen, Gu Yuan felt a twinge of jealousy but couldn't deny the truth in her words.
Throughout the Dou Qi Continent, there were only two people Gu Yuan found inscrutable: Hun Tiandi of the Soul Clan and Xiao Tianchen. The latter, in particular, embodied both immense wisdom and extraordinary strength. If not for Hun Tiandi's treacherous attack that left Xiao Tianchen severely injured and in a coma for over a century, the Xiao Clan's resurgence would have been even swifter.
"Sigh... Xun'er, the Gu Clan's future will rest on your shoulders. You're the most exceptional talent among our younger generation, and I have high hopes for you," Gu Yuan said with a heavy sigh.
"Father..." Xun'er began, but Gu Yuan raised a hand to stop her.
"Don't worry about me, nor about the Gu Clan's safety. As long as that person remains, our clan won't face any grave danger."
Xun'er tilted her head, confused. "That person?"
"Xiao Xuan."
"Xiao Xuan? But Father, didn't Senior Xiao Xuan perish a thousand years ago?" Xun'er asked, astonished.
**"So I thought. But Xiao Tianchen has truly performed miracles. Not only did he extract the Heavenly Tomb from its confines, but he also brought Xiao Xuan back to life.
One of the two individuals who came to the Gu Realm today was none other than Xiao Xuan. Without him, I wouldn't have agreed to submit to the Xiao Clan, and the Gu Clan's fate would have likely mirrored that of the Yan Clan."**
Tension at the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan
Meanwhile, in the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan's domain, things were playing out quite differently.
When Huang Jiuji and Tianluo arrived at the Eastern Dragon Island, Zhukun, the Dragon Emperor, greeted them warmly. Not only did he host a grand banquet in their honor, but his face was also beaming with an unusual amount of joy.
Tianluo furrowed his brow. "Dragon Emperor, you seem unusually cheerful. Is there good news you'd like to share?"
Zhukun laughed heartily. "Haha! Since you two are here, I assume Xiao Tianchen has already dealt with Hun Tiandi and devoured Void Swallowing Flame, correct?"
Huang Jiuji frowned. **"Hun Tiandi is indeed dead, and Void Swallowing Flame has been reduced to a soulless flame, now under Xiao Tianchen's control.
But I don't understand why are you so relaxed? The Soul Clan is destroyed, the Yan Clan has been annihilated, and as part of the same alliance, shouldn't you be worried?"**
Zhukun's eyes twinkled with cunning as he smiled. "I'm not concerned in the slightest. If Xiao Tianchen truly intended to destroy us, he wouldn't have sent just the two of you. The fact that you're here instead of an army means there's still room for negotiation, doesn't it?"
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