Chapter 281: Xiao Yan, Do You Think You're That Important?
"Lord Tiance, this Heavenly Tomb Trial is clearly being conducted to target the Gu Clan. How could you not know about it?"
In the ninth level of Tiance Manor, Xiao Yan's words hung in the air. His heart sank as he realized what he had just said.
He wasn't a fool. He could detect the cold indifference in Xiao Tiance's tone and, more alarmingly, the unmistakable sense of disdain emanating from him.
Yes, disdain.
Though Xiao Tiance hadn't openly expressed it, Xiao Yan's instincts screamed the truth. The man who once treated him with appreciation now harbored a deep dislike for him.
From his seat, Xiao Tiance remained calm, his expression unreadable. Xiao Yan's reluctance to meet his gaze was all the confirmation he needed.
But did it matter?
To Xiao Tiance, whether Xiao Yan understood his feelings or not was irrelevant. The young man had already lost his favor the moment he put his own priorities above the interests of the Xiao Clan.
If Xiao Tiance had been a mere bystander, perhaps none of this would have mattered. But as the former patriarch and the First Supreme Elder of the Xiao Clan, the protector of its legacy for over a millennium, it was his duty to prioritize the clan above all else.
Xiao Yan's brilliance was undeniable he was a late stage Five Star Dou Saint, a prodigy even in the talent laden Xiao Clan. His alchemical skills were unparalleled, having reached the level of a Grandmaster Alchemist.
But what was the point of such brilliance if it came at the cost of loyalty?
Xiao Tiance's voice was steady but carried an unmistakable edge. "Xiao Yan, I said I don't know, and I mean it."
A Plea, a Cold Reception
Xiao Yan felt the coldness in those words seep into his bones. Still, he bowed deeply and spoke with as much humility as he could muster.
"Lord Tiance, please allow me a few moments to explain. I only ask for the chance to speak my case."
His tone was respectful, almost pleading. Xiao Yan knew he was overstepping his bounds. Despite his own strength, he was acutely aware of the vast gulf between him and Xiao Tiance.
The Xiao Clan's strongest figure was not just a Dou Emperor he was a figure surrounded by an aura of absolute invincibility, someone who could command the heavens and earth. Even Xiao Yan's myriad trump cards would be utterly insignificant in front of such a titan.
Xiao Tiance gestured dismissively, his tone cold yet composed. "Xiao Yan, I am no longer the patriarch of the Xiao Clan. If you have grievances, take them to Xiao Qing. He is the clan's leader now, and this trial was organized under his command. Your complaints are misdirected."
Xiao Yan's heart sank further. It wasn't anger or punishment that frightened him it was Xiao Tiance's apathy.
A Question That Cuts Deep
Just as Xiao Yan tried to think of another way to plead his case, Xiao Tiance spoke again.
"Xiao Yan, there's something I don't understand. Perhaps you can help enlighten me."
Xiao Yan immediately straightened, bowing again. "Please, Lord Tiance, ask whatever you wish. I will answer truthfully."
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly, though the warmth in that smile was nonexistent. "It's a simple question. Tell me, Xiao Yan, are you a member of the Xiao Clan, or are you part of the Gu Clan?"
The room fell silent.
Xiao Yan's face turned pale, and cold sweat began to form on his forehead. His back grew stiff under the weight of the question. Though Xiao Tiance still smiled, Xiao Yan could sense the hidden fury behind those words.
But before Xiao Yan could respond, Xiao Tiance continued, his tone sharp yet controlled:
**"After the dust of the continental conflicts settled, I ventured into the Void Turbulence to seek the Emperor's Essence. Before leaving, I summoned the Gu Clan's young lady and the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan's princess to stay in Tiance Manor as hostages.
The purpose was simple: to ensure those clans would hesitate before making any reckless moves.
"And yet, not long after I left, you, Xiao Yan, under the Gu Clan's manipulation, took it upon yourself to escort the Gu Clan's young lady Gu Yuan's daughter out of Tiance Manor."**
Xiao Yan felt his body stiffen further as the words hammered into him.
Xiao Tiance's gaze grew sharper. "Tell me, Xiao Yan. Were you simply too naive to understand the reasoning behind my actions? Or, in your heart, has the Xiao Clan always been secondary just a convenient tool to serve your ambitions?"
Xiao Tiance paused briefly before continuing, his voice taking on an even icier edge.
**"Perhaps, deep down, you've never truly considered yourself a member of the Xiao Clan. Is that why you ignored my arrangements and even sought Xiao Xuan's assistance to undo them?
"If it's ignorance, then I'd say you've been unbelievably lucky to survive this long. Without the Xiao Clan's support, you would have perished long ago.
"But if it's disloyalty... Tell me, Xiao Yan. How can you have the audacity to come here and plead for the Gu Clan's sake?"**
The Final Blow
Xiao Tiance's words left Xiao Yan speechless. His entire back was drenched in sweat, his mind blank with shock.
Xiao Tiance's voice remained calm, but the weight behind his words was suffocating.
"You came to me with this request, Xiao Yan. Tell me, do you believe I owe you something? Or do you think so highly of yourself that you assumed I'd agree to your plea? Xiao Yan, ask yourself this do you really think you're that important?"
The words struck like a hammer. Xiao Yan's mind raced, trying to find a response, but none came. He couldn't deny the truth in Xiao Tiance's accusations.
Yes, he had acted rashly. Yes, he had failed to consider the broader implications of his actions. And yes, he had put his personal feelings above the Xiao Clan's interests.
Xiao Tiance's questions cut deep, forcing Xiao Yan to confront the uncomfortable truth.
Xiao Yan's Realization
In his silence, Xiao Yan finally understood the depth of his missteps.
When he had taken Gu Xun'er (Xiao Xun'er) from Tiance Manor, he had not considered the precarious state of the Xiao Clan's alliances. He had acted impulsively, driven by love rather than logic.
And now, the consequences of those actions loomed over him.
Xiao Tiance's gaze bore into him, as if reading every thought in his mind. Finally, the elder took a sip of tea, his expression unchanging.
"If you have nothing more to say, then leave. The Xiao Clan has no need for a disciple who cannot distinguish between loyalty and selfishness."
Xiao Yan knelt there, frozen. The weight of Xiao Tiance's words crushed him, but he couldn't bring himself to respond.
Yes, the Xiao Clan is strong. The number of Nine Star Dou Saint peak level experts alone exceeds the total of all other Dou Saint level experts combined in the outside world.
However, no matter how strong a power is, there are always risks. History is full of examples of the weak triumphing over the strong, often because of overconfidence. A ship can capsize in calm waters, and those who drown are often skilled swimmers.
Back then, Xiao Yan only thought about taking Xiao Xun'er out of Tianwaitian. Fearing Xiao Qing would object, he even went to seek Xiao Xuan's help. Xiao Xuan, though reluctant, didn't refuse him he only sighed deeply in front of Xiao Yan before granting his request.
Now, looking back, Xiao Yan understood that moment: he had exhausted the goodwill and favor Xiao Xuan once had for him.
Xiao Yan was aware that he was neither the Xiao Clan's patriarch nor an elder, despite his current strength qualifying him for such a position. Even so, the Xiao Clan had never considered inviting him to take on such a role.
Instead, his external titles were more prominent: the next in line to become one of the Three Grand Elders of the Pill Tower and the future leader of Starfall Pavilion.
At this moment, Xiao Yan's face was filled with shame. He recognized the truth in Xiao Tiance's words. Resolving to take responsibility for his mistakes, he respectfully bowed and said:
"Lord Tiance, Xiao Yan has indeed erred. I await your punishment."
Xiao Tiance's Cold Response
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly at Xiao Yan's words, but his tone remained indifferent.
"Xiao Yan, whether you were wrong or not is of no concern to me."
His calm gaze bore into Xiao Yan as he continued:
**"Let me be clear. The reason I extended protection to the Xiao Clan in Wutan City, and why I took special care of you, was not out of sentimentality. It was simply because they were descendants of the Xiao Clan a branch family, even if declining, still shared the bloodline.
"As for you, I initially believed that you might grow to aid the Xiao Clan significantly. I even thought you could play a critical role if the Xiao Clan were to face defeat in its conflict with the Soul Clan.
"At the time, as the Xiao Clan's patriarch, it was my duty to safeguard the survival of our clan. If our struggle against the Soul Clan had resulted in failure, I anticipated that your branch of the family might be the last remnants of our lineage. Whether or not you were aware of this did not matter."**
Xiao Tiance paused to take a sip of tea, watching as Xiao Yan's expression shifted to one of astonishment and guilt.
The Weight of Expectation
Xiao Tiance continued, his tone unrelenting yet steady.
**"You are not foolish, Xiao Yan. I'm sure you've had your doubts. With so many exceptional talents within Tianwaitian, why was it that I paid special attention to you?
"Well, now you have your answer. Knowing this, I trust you can see things clearly for what they are.
"But your actions speak volumes. Time and again, you've proven that you do not see yourself as part of the Xiao Clan, correct?"**
"Lord Tiance, I " Xiao Yan stammered, attempting to defend himself.
But Xiao Tiance raised a hand, silencing him. He had no interest in hearing excuses.
"A person's actions reflect their inner beliefs," Xiao Tiance said coldly. **"For instance, when you knew that the Xiao Clan was on the brink of war with the Soul Clan, you didn't step forward to lend your strength, no matter how small.
"Yes, your power at the time was insignificant. I did not hold it against you then because I already had the situation with the Soul Clan firmly under control.
"But after witnessing your decisions over time especially your compliance with Gu Yuan's demands in the Fallen Heart Flame space you've left me with nothing but disappointment."**
Xiao Tiance's words were sharp, but they carried no malice. Instead, they conveyed the weight of his disillusionment.
A Lesson in Accountability
"Xiao Yan," Xiao Tiance continued, **"you must have heard the saying: 'Judge actions, not intentions. No one is perfect, but every adult must take responsibility for their choices.'
"It applies to you just as it applies to me."**
Xiao Yan tried to interject. "Lord Tiance, you... you're also "
But before he could finish, he abruptly stopped himself. What was he going to say? That Xiao Tiance was also a transmigrator like him? What difference would that make?
From his seat, Xiao Tiance observed Xiao Yan's hesitation with mild amusement. He knew exactly what the young man was thinking but chose not to address it.
"Whether I am or am not from your world is irrelevant," Xiao Tiance said. **"Even if we shared a similar origin, it does not change the fact that you've disappointed me.
"In truth, I had high hopes for you. I intended for you to inherit the Void Swallowing Flame and the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance. But you have squandered every opportunity I gave you.
"Now, I leave you with one piece of advice: no matter where you go, no matter who you become, remember this those who wish to reap without sowing will never go far.
"That is all. You may leave. I am tired."**
A Disgraced Departure
Xiao Yan lowered his head, his voice filled with regret.
"Yes, Lord Tiance. Xiao Yan takes his leave."
He bowed deeply before turning to leave the room, his steps heavy with shame and regret.
As the door closed, Xiao Xuan stepped out from the void. Gazing at the retreating figure of Xiao Yan, he sighed deeply.
"What a waste... What a waste."
Xiao Tiance remained seated, his expression calm yet resolute. He understood Xiao Xuan's lament.
Among all the Xiao Clan members, Xiao Yan's Dou Emperor bloodline was the most potent, second only to Xiao Tiance himself. This made him one of the most likely candidates to break through to the Dou Emperor realm.
But Xiao Yan's choices his selfishness, his lack of loyalty to the Xiao Clan had cost him that potential.
"Xuan," Xiao Tiance said, his tone dismissive, **"there's no need to dwell on what's lost. Everyone must walk their own path.
"Besides, isn't Xiao Yan determined to help the Gu Clan? Let Gu Yuan teach him the true meaning of treachery and deception. Let him learn, the hard way, how ruthless the world can be."**
(End of Chapter)
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