Chapter 275: Gu Yuan Can't Contain His Excitement
"Eh? They actually joined the Flower Sect!"
At the entrance to the Outer Heavens, Xiao Yan, mid conversation with Yao Chen, turned his head toward the Flower Sect and was momentarily stunned.
The reason was simple: while the Flower Sect was known for its beautiful female disciples, Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran still stood out as exceptional among them.
Especially Yun Yun, whose elegance far surpassed the rest. Anyone who saw her couldn't help but fix their gaze on her.
Gentle and captivating, she was as serene as a blossoming begonia swaying quietly in the wind. Even amidst a sea of competing flowers, she remained the most radiant and unique.
Beside him, Yao Chen also noticed and said with surprise, "It really is those two girls. Xiao Yan, aren't you going to greet them?"
Xiao Yan hesitated. Yun Yun still held a special place in his heart, after all.
Just as he was considering this, the sound of fireworks once again broke through the air, their vibrant display disrupting his thoughts.
Arrival of the Imperial Clans
"The Imperial Clans are here!"
As Yao Chen spoke, four magnificent spatial ships entered the Outer Heavens. Their speed rivaled that of a Dou Sheng at full strength.
"The Gu Clan has arrived!"
"The Lei Clan has arrived!"
"The Yao Clan has arrived!"
"The Ancient Void Dragon Clan has arrived!"
With their arrival, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch.
These four clans, alongside the Xiao Clan, were indisputably the most powerful forces in existence.
Awe and Respect
"Incredible. The aura of an Imperial Clan is overwhelming."
"That's Gu Yuan, the leader of the Gu Clan!"
"And that's Lord Lei Ying of the Lei Clan!"
The murmurs of the crowd grew louder as knowledgeable individuals identified the distinguished figures.
However, when Xiao Qing led the Xiao Clan's high ranking members to greet the arriving guests, the whispers quickly faded into silence.
"Welcome, welcome. Thank you all for coming to participate in our Xiao Clan's Heavenly Tomb Trial," Xiao Qing said with a polite smile and cupped hands.
"Greetings, Clan Leader Xiao!"
Gu Yuan, Lei Ying, and the Void Dragon Clan's Dragon Emperor, Zhukun, all returned the gesture without any pretense.
Although they didn't consider themselves weaker than Xiao Qing, this was the Xiao Clan's territory.
Moreover, standing behind Xiao Qing were numerous high level Dou Shengs, including Xiao Teng, Xiao Wu, Xiao Fei, and the renowned Supreme Elders of the Xiao Clan.
If a battle broke out, with the entrance to the Outer Heavens sealed, no one would escape.
Hidden Intentions
"Thank you for your courtesy. Once again, welcome to the Heavenly Tomb Trial," Xiao Qing said with a smile.
"We'll begin with the Pill Gathering competition. Afterward, the Heavenly Tomb will be opened. Anyone meeting the conditions may enter to seek their fortune."
While he spoke, Xiao Qing's gaze swept over the Gu Clan's sizable entourage, and a subtle smirk appeared on his face.
At first, he had worried that the Gu Clan might not send many participants. But judging by their numbers, it seemed they had come in full force.
Once the Heavenly Tomb Trial began, all these people would be buried within the tomb. Xiao Qing couldn't help but imagine Gu Yuan's reaction when that happened, and his smile grew even more pronounced.
Seating Arrangements
After brief pleasantries, the guests were led to their respective seats by the Xiao Clan's Dragon Soaring Army.
In the Outer Heavens' Martial Arena, Xiao Qing sat at the main seat on the high platform.
To his left were Gu Yuan and Lei Ying, while Zhukun and Yao Dan occupied the seats to his right.
Further along were representatives from first tier forces such as the Pill Tower, Flower Sect, Burning Flame Valley, and Falling Star Pavilion.
Second tier forces, including the Heavenly Nether Sect, Frozen River Valley, Sound Valley, Sword Pavilion, Yellow Spring Pavilion, and Wind and Thunder Pavilion, were seated slightly farther away.
Among the attendees were also several renowned experts who had disappeared from public view in recent decades.
The most notable was the Shennong Elder, who possessed the Fifth Ranked Flame on the Heavenly Flame List, Spirit Flame of Life. A Six Star Dou Sheng, Shennong Elder was a kind hearted lone alchemist whose generosity had earned him widespread respect.
Ya Fei's Announcement
On Xiao Qing's signal, Ya Fei leapt into the air and hovered gracefully above the arena. Her striking beauty and elegant figure immediately drew all eyes to her.
"First, I'd like to welcome everyone to the Heavenly Tomb Trial, hosted by the Xiao Clan.
"On behalf of myself and the entire Xiao Clan, we express our gratitude for your presence.
"Before the trial begins, we've prepared a special Pill Gathering competition to help everyone relax.
"Alchemy is a noble profession on the Dou Qi Continent. Witnessing such a competition is a reward in itself, even if one doesn't find fortune within the Heavenly Tomb."
She paused, her radiant smile charming many of the younger men present.
"Of course, not everyone can participate in the Pill Gathering. We've set a requirement: only alchemists of Seventh Tier or higher may compete.
"To encourage everyone to bring their best, the top three contestants will receive special, mysterious rewards prepared by the Xiao Clan."
Her warm smile and cheerful tone captivated the crowd, and the announcement sparked eager discussions.
The Pill Gathering Begins
"Since everyone seems excited, let's not delay. The stage is yours. Show us your finest alchemical skills!" Ya Fei said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
As she finished, vibrant fireworks shot into the sky. Though it was daylight, the display was no less dazzling.
After a moment of admiration, a middle aged man dressed in the attire of a Seventh Tier Advanced Alchemist stepped forward. His Dou Qi surged as he leapt onto the arena stage.
"Since everyone's being so modest, allow me to break the ice," he said with a smile.
Following his lead, notable figures like Yao Chen, Xiao Yan, the Pill Tower's three leaders, Shennong Elder, and Yao Dan of the Yao Clan joined the competition.
While no one knew what rewards the Xiao Clan had prepared, everyone expected them to be extraordinary, given the Xiao Clan's power and resources.
A Spectacle of Flames
As the participants placed their cauldrons on the stage, bursts of flame lit up the arena.
The sight was breathtaking, with over a dozen participants wielding Heavenly Flames.
Naturally, the most powerful flame among them belonged to Xiao Yan, whose unique combination of flames stood unrivaled.
"Eh? They actually joined the Flower Sect!"
At the Outer Heavens' entrance, Xiao Yan, in conversation with Yao Chen, turned toward the Flower Sect and was stunned.
The reason was simple. While all the female disciples of the Flower Sect were beautiful, Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran stood out even among them.
Especially Yun Yun, whose aura of elegance elevated her far above the rest. She seemed like a begonia quietly blooming in the wind subtle yet captivating. Even amidst a garden of dazzling flowers, she remained the most radiant.
Beside Xiao Yan, Yao Chen noticed his reaction and said, "It really is those two girls. Xiao Yan, aren't you going to greet them?"
Xiao Yan hesitated. Yun Yun still held a special place in his heart.
However, before he could act, another series of fireworks burst into the sky, interrupting his thoughts.
Arrival of the Imperial Clans
"The Imperial Clans have arrived!"
As Yao Chen spoke, four massive and luxurious spatial ships entered the Outer Heavens, traveling at a speed rivaling Dou Sheng experts.
"The Gu Clan has arrived!"
"The Lei Clan has arrived!"
"The Yao Clan has arrived!"
"The Ancient Void Dragon Clan has arrived!"
Their arrival brought the atmosphere to its peak.
These four clans, alongside the Xiao Clan, represented the pinnacle of power and influence.
The Pill Gathering Heats Up
While the arrival of the Imperial Clans sparked whispers of awe, all attention soon shifted back to the arena when Xiao Yan's Heavenly Flame Spirit appeared.
Even Yao Dan, the leader of the Yao Clan, and the Three Pill Tower Leaders had their spotlight stolen by Xiao Yan.
"Xiao Yan!"
From the stands, Xiao Xun'er gazed at Xiao Yan with admiration in her eyes.
Beside her, Ya Fei noticed her expression and found herself impressed. From both temperament and appearance, Xiao Xun'er was a match for her.
After her initial surprise, Ya Fei felt a tinge of pity. She already knew from Xiao Qing about the trap hidden within the Heavenly Tomb Trial, targeting the Gu Clan.
Despite this, the Gu Clan would likely walk into the trap willingly, even knowing the truth.
A Meeting Between Rivals
As Ya Fei sighed softly, Xiao Xun'er noticed and reached out with a smile. "It's been a while, Sister Ya Fei! Who would've thought that after so many years, you'd become the Deputy Leader of Tianji Pavilion!"
Ya Fei returned the smile and shook Xun'er's hand. "Miss Xun'er, it's been too long.
"When we first met in the Xiao Clan of Wu Tan City, I noticed your extraordinary aura and wondered what kind of force could nurture someone like you.
"To see now that you're the Gu Clan's eldest daughter is truly astonishing. Forgive me for my earlier ignorance."
Xiao Xun'er chuckled, "Sister Ya Fei, there's no need to be so formal. With your current status, surely you've met countless important figures."
Before Ya Fei could respond, Gu Yuan interrupted their conversation with a question for Xiao Qing:
"Clan Leader Xiao, who do you think has the best chance of winning this Pill Gathering?"
Xiao Qing's Observations
Xiao Qing smiled and replied, "Surely, Clan Leader Gu already has an answer in mind.
"While I'm not an alchemist, it's clear that a few stand out:
Yao Dan, leader of the Yao Clan. His skills are something I've witnessed firsthand.
Shennong Elder, the elusive alchemist wielding the Spirit Flame of Life. His techniques are unparalleled, and he's undoubtedly a contender for the top three.
The senior representative of the Pill Tower. With his mastery of the Nine Pill Transformation Technique, I suspect he's now capable of refining a Nine Rank Golden Pill.
Lastly, Xiao Yan and his teacher, Yao Chen. Xiao Yan's Heavenly Flame Spirit alone eliminates many obstacles for him, making him a strong candidate despite his lack of experience."
Xiao Qing then turned to Gu Yuan. "Does Clan Leader Gu have any other contenders in mind?"
Gu Yuan nodded, agreeing with Xiao Qing's assessment. "I concur. Those individuals have the greatest chances of winning.
"However, judging by the materials they've prepared, it seems most of them intend to refine Nine Rank Pills. With the current density of Dou Qi in the Outer Heavens, I fear some are destined to fail."
The Xiao Clan's Preparations
Xiao Qing chuckled and, perhaps intending to one up Gu Yuan, retrieved several jade pendants from his storage ring.
"Clan Leader Gu need not worry. The Xiao Clan has long anticipated this issue.
"The Outer Heavens has no shortage of Dou Qi. At critical moments, the energy from over a dozen Spirit Gathering Arrays can be directed here to aid the alchemists."
Gu Yuan paused briefly, then forced a smile. "The Xiao Clan's preparations are indeed impressive. With such measures, there should be no issues.
"By the way, I forgot to ask since Lord Xiao Tiance has ascended to the Dou Di realm, has he chosen an imperial title yet?
"It feels inappropriate to address him by name now that he's a Dou Di."
A Heated Exchange
Xiao Qing narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing that Gu Yuan's question wasn't casual.
"My third uncle cares little for such titles, so he hasn't chosen one.
"But if Clan Leader Gu were to ascend to Dou Di, what title might you choose?" Xiao Qing asked with a smile.
Gu Yuan smiled faintly, brushing off the veiled jab. "I haven't thought about it. After all, becoming a Dou Di requires either the Essence of the Dou Di or recognition from the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance.
"And this time, the trial restricts participants to those below high level Dou Sheng. Even if I aspired to such heights, I wouldn't have the opportunity."
Gu Yuan paused before continuing, "I've heard that Clan Leader Xiao has obtained a portion of the Dou Di's Essence. Have you thought about your own imperial title?"
Tensions Rise
Xiao Qing's smile deepened as he studied Gu Yuan, a glint of coldness in his eyes.
"Clan Leader Gu is well informed. It's true I have obtained a portion of the Dou Di's Essence.
"However, my third uncle believes I lack the destiny to become a Dou Di. Instead, he suggested I save it for a future Xiao Clan prodigy."
Hearing this, Gu Yuan's Dou Qi almost surged uncontrollably. Suppressing his excitement, he asked, "Clan Leader Xiao, might I have the honor of seeing the Dou Di's Essence? I've never encountered one in my lifetime."
As Gu Yuan spoke, both Lei Ying and Zhukun also turned their attention to Xiao Qing. Zhukun, in particular, struggled to contain the rising Dou Qi within him.
"Clan Leader Xiao, we're also curious to see what the Dou Di's Essence looks like," Zhukun added, his tone barely masking his eagerness.
(End of Chapter)
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