Chapter 273: The Heavenly Tomb Trial (Part 3)
Outer Heavens – Xiao Qing's Residence
As Xiao Qing and Ya Fei were preparing to leave the ninth level of Tiance Manor, Gu Yue had already learned about Xiao Qing personally taking Ya Fei to meet Xiao Tiance.
At this moment, Gu Yue's hair was a disheveled mess, cascading over her shoulders, and her face was pale. She knew all too well what was coming.
A powerful sense of regret crept into her heart regret for her past decisions.
Yes, regret.
If only she hadn't listened to her grandfather Gu Dao's insistence that the Gu Clan needed her support. If only she hadn't believed his claims that, despite her prestigious status as the Xiao Clan's matriarch, her position would be unstable without the backing of the Gu Clan.
If only she hadn't sent the vast resources enough to nurture a dozen Dou Sheng powerhouses to the Gu Clan.
If only she had addressed the dissatisfaction of the Xiao Clan's members after learning of their discontent instead of ignoring them, thinking her status as the matriarch exempted her from accountability.
Would things be different now?
Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs" in life.
Perhaps if she had considered the Xiao Clan's interests when Gu Dao asked her to help the Gu Clan infiltrate the Heavenly Tomb to seize the Ancient Emperor's inheritance, Xiao Qing might not have given up on her, even if Xiao Tiance disapproved of her.
But now, Gu Yue had no choice but to face the consequences of her actions. As the saying goes: You reap what you sow.
The seeds Gu Yue had planted had finally borne fruit. Yet, instead of a garden of flowers, she was left with a field of weeds.
At Tiance Manor
When Xiao Qing and Ya Fei descended from the ninth level of Tiance Manor, they were met by Gu Yue, who had been waiting outside for quite some time.
"Brother Qing!"
Seeing Xiao Qing and Ya Fei walking side by side, Gu Yue's eyes flickered with hatred. However, she only cast a cold glance at Ya Fei before sweetly addressing Xiao Qing.
Xiao Qing was momentarily surprised to see Gu Yue. After all, he had just returned from Tiance Manor and was unaware of the recent developments.
"Yue'er, what are you doing here?" Xiao Qing asked, nodding slightly.
Although he had already decided to strip Gu Yue of her position as the Xiao Clan's matriarch, he still harbored lingering feelings for her. After all, they had shared many years as husband and wife. Even now, his tone toward her was as calm and cordial as ever.
Gu Yue didn't immediately answer. Instead, she carefully sized up Ya Fei before stepping forward to take Ya Fei's hand. She smiled warmly and said, "Brother Qing, this must be Ya Fei."
"Ya Fei greets the matriarch," Ya Fei said respectfully, bowing. Despite knowing she was set to replace Gu Yue, she understood her position and maintained her composure and decorum.
Xiao Qing, observing Ya Fei's respectful behavior, felt quite satisfied. Unlike Xiao Tiance, who valued adaptability and boldness, Xiao Qing placed great importance on rules and propriety.
Had anyone else dared to transfer the Xiao Clan's resources to the Gu Clan as Gu Yue had done, they would have been executed long ago. Xiao Qing had tolerated her actions, hoping she might realize her mistakes.
Unfortunately, after Gu Dao persuaded Gu Yue to help smuggle Gu Clan members into the Heavenly Tomb, Xiao Qing had abandoned all hope for her.
Tensions Rise
"Yes, Yue'er, this is Ya Fei," Xiao Qing said with a smile. "She's been handling many responsibilities at Tianji Pavilion for me over the past few years. She's quite remarkable."
Hearing this, Gu Yue felt a pang of bitterness. She looked at Ya Fei, her gaze tinged with resentment and unease.
In terms of beauty, Ya Fei not only equaled her but might even surpass her.
And as the Xiao Clan's matriarch, Gu Yue was well aware of Tianji Pavilion's importance as the Xiao Clan's only external force on the Dou Qi Continent. Naturally, she had heard of Ya Fei's reputation.
However, Ya Fei rarely came to the Outer Heavens, and Gu Yue had never had the opportunity to meet her.
Now, seeing her in person, Gu Yue's sense of crisis could no longer be contained.
Taking a deep breath to suppress her inner turmoil, Gu Yue forced a smile and said, "I've heard so much about Deputy Leader Ya Fei's grace and competence over the years. Seeing you today, I must say, you live up to your reputation. Your beauty, figure, and talent are truly exceptional. It's an honor to meet you."
Xiao Qing frowned slightly. He detected the sarcasm in Gu Yue's words not directed at Ya Fei, but at himself, implying that he was captivated by Ya Fei's looks.
Before Xiao Qing could respond, Ya Fei smiled modestly and said, "You flatter me, Matriarch. I am unworthy of such praise."
"No, you deserve it," Gu Yue said, her tone softening. "Even though this is our first meeting, I feel a connection with you."
Turning to Xiao Qing, she continued, "Brother Qing, I'd like to have a private chat with Ya Fei. Could I borrow her for a moment?"
Hearing this, Xiao Qing's frown deepened. While he still believed Gu Yue to be kind hearted, he knew better than to leave her alone with Ya Fei at such a critical time.
Moreover, judging by Gu Yue's earlier sarcasm, it was clear she had begun to suspect something.
Shaking his head, Xiao Qing replied, "Yue'er, let's leave it for another day. Ya Fei just arrived from Tianji Pavilion's headquarters and must be exhausted. Besides, she has important tasks to handle tomorrow. Once the Heavenly Tomb Trial is over, you'll have plenty of time to talk."
In truth, Xiao Qing's decision wasn't just about protecting Ya Fei; it was also a way of sparing Gu Yue from embarrassing herself further.
He Doesn't Worry About Gu Yue Hurting Ya Fei
Xiao Qing wasn't concerned that Gu Yue could truly harm Ya Fei. Before they left, Xiao Tiance not only gave Ya Fei a pill to boost her strength but also gifted her a jade pendant.
The pendant was engraved with a grandmaster level Spirit Gathering Array. Until the energy within it was exhausted, even a Semi Emperor like Xiao Qing wouldn't be able to harm Ya Fei, let alone Gu Yue.
Still, no matter how unlikely, Xiao Qing couldn't ignore the possibility. If Gu Yue actually attacked Ya Fei, Xiao Qing wouldn't be able to tolerate it, no matter how much he cared for her.
Ya Fei's Refusal
Beside him, Ya Fei sighed softly. After years of experience at Tianji Pavilion's headquarters, she was no longer the naive girl who once relied on her beauty at the Mittel Auction House.
When Xiao Qing spoke, Ya Fei immediately understood that he still harbored feelings for Gu Yue.
Thus, Ya Fei politely refused. "I'm sorry, Matriarch. I'm truly exhausted today. Another day, I would be happy to visit you and learn from your wisdom."
Ya Fei's gentle and considerate nature was evident. However, her rejection stripped away Gu Yue's mask. Coldly, Gu Yue said, "What? Am I no longer capable of summoning you?"
Xiao Qing's Fury
"Impudent!"
Xiao Qing's voice boomed, filled with anger. The sudden outburst nearly startled Gu Yue out of her wits.
She turned to Xiao Qing in disbelief, her expression complicated as she searched his face for any trace of affection.
But Xiao Qing was furious. His goodwill toward Gu Yue had been repeatedly squandered. Memories of Gu Dao's manipulative schemes flashed through his mind, and Xiao Qing's aura erupted uncontrollably.
Had Gu Dao appeared before him now, Xiao Qing wouldn't hesitate to kill him.
Gu Yue Forced to Submit
"Hu..." Gu Yue exhaled heavily and released Ya Fei's hand. Though she had reached the two star Dou Sheng level with Xiao Qing's help, she couldn't withstand the pressure of his unleashed aura.
It was clear to her now: the outcome was set. Nothing she did could change it.
She glanced toward Tiance Manor and caught sight of Xiao Tiance standing by a window.
In that moment, Gu Yue understood.
As long as Xiao Tiance remained in the Xiao Clan, he was its true ruler.
Even though Xiao Qing was the official Clan Leader and Xiao Tiance had stepped back from clan affairs, a single word from him would sway everyone in the clan even those Gu Yue had worked to win over.
Why?
Because a thousand years ago, when Xiao Tiance took the mantle of leadership, he brought the Xiao Clan to its current height of power. His prestige, strength, and wisdom had won everyone over completely.
After ascending to the Dou Di realm, Xiao Tiance became a god like figure in the hearts of the Xiao Clan. As long as he lived, any attempt to disrupt the Xiao Clan or sow discord was futile.
Gu Yue Apologizes
"Apologies. I was out of line," Gu Yue said, forcing down the turmoil in her heart. She bowed slightly to Ya Fei in apology.
Xiao Qing's expression softened. He nodded and said, "Go back and rest, Yue'er."
With that, he turned to Ya Fei and spoke gently, "Let's go, Ya Fei. I'll take you to rest and explain some important matters along the way."
"Yes, Clan Leader," Ya Fei replied respectfully. She bowed to Gu Yue before leaving with Xiao Qing.
Watching them walk away, Gu Yue clenched her teeth so hard she almost cracked them. Yet when she glanced back at Xiao Tiance standing by the window, she dared not act on her anger.
Xiao Tiance's Reflection
As the group dispersed, Xiao Tiance sighed softly. A moment later, Ling'er leaped onto his shoulder, mimicking his posture as she gazed down below.
"Why have you come out?" Xiao Tiance asked with a smile, though his eyes remained fixed on the distant horizon.
"You seem uneasy, little sir," Ling'er said with a grin.
"Indeed, I am," Xiao Tiance admitted.
The events to come weighed heavily on his mind. The Dou Qi Continent could be stabilized, but what about the Great Thousand World?
In the grand story, Xiao Yan played a critical role in the Great Ruler's narrative.
Moreover, the upcoming Heavenly Tomb Trial was bound to be a bloodbath, potentially wiping out the entire Gu Clan.
If that happened, how would Xiao Xuan feel?
The Gu Clan had submitted to the Xiao Clan in the past, but it was out of respect for Xiao Xuan. If Xiao Xuan emerged from seclusion to find the Gu Clan annihilated, would he feel sorrow? Guilt?
These were the questions Xiao Tiance had to consider.
Ling'er's Comfort
Ling'er pondered for a moment before softly suggesting, "Little sir, all troubles stem from insufficient strength. If you became even stronger, wouldn't these worries disappear?"
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance chuckled. Shaking his head, he replied, "Strength can solve many problems, but not everything.
"In the human world, emotions are the most complicated thing. No matter how strong one becomes, there will always be worries and concerns."
"What can Ling'er do to help you, then?" Ling'er asked, her bright eyes blinking with curiosity.
Xiao Tiance laughed again. He admired Ling'er's innocence. Despite existing for hundreds of thousands of years, she remained pure hearted, untainted by the complexities of the world.
"Nothing for now, Ling'er. Continue studying spirit arrays. These troubles are trivial," Xiao Tiance said with a gentle smile.
(End of Chapter)
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