Chapter 276: Xiao Xun'er Seeks an Audience with Xiao Tiance
"Clan Leader Xiao, we too are very curious about what the Dou Di Essence looks like!"
In the Outer Heavens' Martial Arena, on the main platform, Zhukun's words caused a flicker of hope to appear in Gu Yuan's eyes.
If only Gu Yuan had asked alone, Xiao Qing might have refused outright. But with Zhukun adding his voice, Xiao Qing was now in a tight spot.
However, Gu Yuan's hopes were dashed. Xiao Qing had no intention of showing the Dou Di Essence or taking it out under such circumstances.
Xiao Qing Stands Firm
"Ha! Clan Leader Gu, Dragon Emperor, I'm sorry. While I'd like to fulfill your curiosity, the Dou Di Essence is far too important to casually display." Xiao Qing chuckled, utterly unaffected by the pressure from both Gu Yuan and Zhukun.
After all, they were in the Outer Heavens, the Xiao Clan's stronghold.
It wasn't just about Xiao Qing's own strength though he was confident in facing either Gu Yuan or Zhukun in a one on one fight, especially with his Semi Emperor level cultivation.
Even without that advantage, the Xiao Clan's overwhelming presence in the Outer Heavens meant he had no reason to worry.
Gu Yuan's Counter
Gu Yuan exchanged a glance with Zhukun and then said with a smirk, "In that case, Clan Leader Xiao, does that mean the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance said to be the reward for the Heavenly Tomb Trial is also just a pretense?
"Surely, if you can't even show the Dou Di Essence, there's no guarantee the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance is truly in the tomb. Wouldn't this all just be an elaborate ruse?"
Zhukun chimed in, "Clan Leader Gu has a point.
"Both the Dou Di Essence and the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance are said to enable one to break through to the Dou Di realm.
"If the Xiao Clan refuses to show the Dou Di Essence, then claiming the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance is within the tomb could just as easily be false.
"How can we, or our clansmen, seek something we've never seen before, with no guarantee it even exists?"
Xiao Qing's Retort
Xiao Qing's brows furrowed briefly before he sneered, "It seems you misunderstand.
"First, participation in the Heavenly Tomb Trial is not mandatory. If you believe the Xiao Clan is deceiving you, feel free to withdraw.
"The Outer Heavens' entrance remains open until the trial concludes. You are free to leave anytime.
"Second, both the Dou Di Essence and the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance belong to the Xiao Clan. We decide who sees them.
"Do you believe your strength entitles you to demand otherwise? Or do you think the Xiao Clan has grown weak?"
Shock Among the Crowd
Xiao Qing's words were loud enough for many near the platform to hear, leaving them in stunned silence.
He had cut straight to the heart of the matter. Gu Yuan and Zhukun clearly wanted confirmation that the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance was truly in the tomb, fearing they were being deceived.
But Xiao Qing's defiance left them no room to push further.
Gu Yuan Backs Down
After a moment of tense silence, Gu Yuan and Zhukun exchanged a glance and sighed inwardly.
"Clan Leader Xiao misunderstands us. We simply sought confirmation," Gu Yuan said with a forced smile.
Xiao Qing snorted, his gaze cold. "The Ancient Emperor's Inheritance is in the Heavenly Tomb. Whoever earns its recognition may take it.
"The Xiao Clan has always kept its word."
Gu Yuan and Zhukun offered awkward smiles and said no more, choosing to drop the topic.
Xiao Xun'er's Unease
Nearby, Xiao Xun'er observed the exchange with a deeply furrowed brow.
If she had clung to a sliver of hope before, Xiao Qing's words crushed it completely.
She also noticed that, since the Pill Gathering began, numerous powerful auras had appeared around the Martial Arena.
Though no hostility was openly displayed, it was clear that any disturbance would instantly escalate into chaos.
Her gaze flicked to Xiao Yan, who was entirely focused on refining his pill, before she turned and left abruptly.
Xiao Xun'er Seeks Xiao Tiance
Ya Fei watched Xun'er leave, noting her direction toward Tiance Manor, but said nothing.
This was the Xiao Clan's territory, with Xiao Tiance a Dou Di present. Ya Fei doubted Xun'er could accomplish anything meaningful.
Xun'er at Tiance Manor
Ten minutes later, Xiao Xun'er stood at the gates of Tiance Manor and bowed respectfully.
"Junior of the Gu Clan, Xiao Xun'er, requests an audience with Uncle Tiance." Her voice was clear and reverent.
"Silence!"
Before her voice fully faded, Xiao Bieli appeared and reprimanded her sharply.
Xun'er quickly bowed again. "Greetings, Elder Xiao Bieli.
"I humbly request an audience with Uncle Tiance. May I trouble you to pass on my request?"
Xiao Bieli scrutinized Xun'er, sensing her cultivation surpassed his own. His demeanor softened slightly, but he maintained a firm tone.
"The First Elder has decreed that Lord Tiance will not meet guests during the Heavenly Tomb Trial. Please return."
Xun'er's Persistence
Though disappointed, Xun'er did not leave immediately.
She bowed again, her voice resolute. "Elder Xiao, the matter I wish to discuss is urgent. Please, I implore you to relay my message to Uncle Tiance."
Xiao Bieli's expression didn't change. "Miss Xun'er, rules are rules. Lord Tiance has made his decision.
"Return to the arena. If Lord Tiance wishes to see you, he will summon you himself."
With that, Xiao Bieli stepped aside, indicating that further discussion was futile.
A Tense Atmosphere
Defeated, Xiao Xun'er hesitated briefly before bowing once more and turning to leave.
As she walked away, her mind raced. The Xiao Clan's unwavering position and the increased tension in the Outer Heavens made her unease grow.
What exactly was the Xiao Clan planning?
Amid Xiao Xun'er's hesitation, a calm and commanding voice suddenly reached her ears and Xiao Bieli's.
"Let her come up."
"Thank you, Uncle Tiance."
"Yes, First Supreme Elder." Xiao Bieli acknowledged respectfully.
Moments later, as Xiao Xun'er ascended to the ninth level of Tiance Manor, her mood was vastly different from when she had first arrived.
A Humble Greeting
"Greetings, Uncle Tiance," Xiao Xun'er said respectfully, bowing deeply when she saw Xiao Tiance.
Before her, Xiao Tiance looked like an ordinary man, as if devoid of any cultivation. Yet, at the same time, his presence seemed to permeate everything.
"So this is the strength of a Dou Di?" she thought in awe. "Omniscient, omnipresent…"
Her heart filled with a mix of reverence and anxiety as she adjusted her posture.
Xiao Tiance's Calm Invitation
"Ha, there's no need for such formality. Come, child, sit down," Xiao Tiance said with a gentle smile.
With a flick of his wrist, a teacup appeared. He personally poured her a cup of tea. With another motion, the teacup flew to her, landing perfectly before her, not a single drop spilled despite its incredible speed.
"Thank you, Uncle Tiance," Xiao Xun'er said, bowing again before taking her seat.
Xiao Tiance studied her with a faint smile before asking, "Why aren't you at the Martial Arena, watching your Xiao Yan refine pills? Instead, you've run all the way here to see me."
His words stunned Xiao Xun'er. She knew he hadn't left the ninth level, yet he spoke with perfect clarity about the events happening at the arena.
"Is this what it means to be a Dou Di? To see and know all without moving?"
A Daughter's Plea
Xiao Xun'er took a deep breath, suppressing her astonishment, and looked earnestly at Xiao Tiance.
"Uncle Tiance, I believe you already know why I've come, don't you?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled lightly and feigned ignorance. "I'm not you, child. How could I possibly know your purpose?"
Xiao Xun'er, sensing his teasing tone, did not hesitate. She slid from her seat to kneel, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Uncle Tiance, I beg you please spare the Gu Clan."
Before her knees could touch the ground, an invisible force gently but firmly held her in place.
Looking up, she saw Xiao Tiance smiling warmly, yet he said nothing.
Realizing that her strength was far too insignificant to resist his will, Xiao Xun'er bit her lip and straightened herself.
The Weight of Responsibility
Xiao Tiance met her gaze, his expression serene. "Child, do you remember what I told you before?"
"Xun'er has not forgotten," she replied, bowing her head.
"Then you must understand. The situation today did not arise because the Xiao Clan forced the Gu Clan into anything.
"Every individual and every group must take responsibility for their actions. I must do so, the Xiao Clan must do so, and so must your father and the Gu Clan.
"Your father and the Gu Clan elders know full well what they're plotting and what the true purpose of the Heavenly Tomb Trial is.
"But have you ever thought about why, despite understanding everything, your father has brought nearly every eligible Gu Clan member to this trial? Why would he take such a gamble?"
Xiao Tiance sipped his tea leisurely before continuing, his voice calm yet firm.
"Child, everything in this world operates on cause and effect. Every choice is made by someone.
"No one forced your father or the Gu Clan into this. The decision has always been theirs to make. Isn't that clear?"
Xun'er's Desperation
Xiao Xun'er's heart sank further with every word. Of course, she knew all of this.
But she couldn't stand by and watch her father or her clan walk toward destruction. As the Gu Clan's eldest daughter, she had to try to save them.
She looked at Xiao Tiance, her voice trembling.
"Uncle Tiance, is there truly no other way?"
Her tears began to flow, streaking her delicate face.
Xiao Tiance sighed deeply, his tone softening.
"Child, instead of asking me to find a solution, you should persuade your father to stop.
"If he insists on opposing the Xiao Clan, there will be no mercy. Just like when we faced the Soul Clan we didn't hesitate to destroy them completely, even at great cost.
"That's why I told you before: the choice has always been in the Gu Clan's hands."
The Unyielding Nature of Obsession
"Uncle Tiance, I've tried to persuade him," Xiao Xun'er explained, her voice choked with emotion.
"But my father won't listen. His obsession with becoming a Dou Di has consumed him. Nothing else matters to him not even me.
"Still, I can't just watch them fall like this. I beg you, Uncle Tiance, please help me!"
Her tears continued to fall as she bent low, her forehead nearly touching the floor.
Xiao Tiance could see her tears dripping onto the polished wood, forming tiny pools.
The Truth About Gu Yuan
Xiao Tiance sighed again and spoke in a gentle tone.
"Since you've come all this way, I won't hide the truth from you.
"Your father, Gu Yuan, is in the same position as Xiao Xuan, the Xiao Clan's patriarch a thousand years ago.
"Both were consumed by their obsession with becoming Dou Dis. But here's the reality:
"Even if the Dou Di Essence were placed before your father right now, he still wouldn't succeed."
Xun'er's Shock
"What?" Xiao Xun'er looked up, her face full of disbelief.
"Even with the true Dou Di Essence, my father couldn't become a Dou Di?"
She stared at Xiao Tiance, hoping to find some hint that he might be exaggerating or jesting. But his serene expression betrayed no falsehoods.
Xiao Tiance nodded. "That's right.
"As long as your father's obsession with breaking through remains so intense, he will never advance further.
"You could tell him this directly, but he wouldn't listen.
"A thousand years ago, I told Xiao Xuan the same thing. Without the Dou Di Essence, his efforts would end in failure.
"But obsession doesn't yield to reason. That's why it's called obsession."
(End of Chapter)
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