Chapter 278: Xiao Tiance's Decision and Gu Yuan's Warning
"Likewise, I believe that a strong figure like Uncle Tiance wouldn't waste time playing games with me."
In Tiance Manor's ninth level, Xiao Tiance smiled at Xiao Xun'er's words.
As expected, this clever girl had made the right choice. Compared to Xiao Yan's betrayal and lack of loyalty, Xiao Xun'er's demeanor was much more agreeable to him.
Xiao Tiance's Real Intentions
In truth, keeping the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance in Tian Wai Tian (Outer Heaven) wasn't a sustainable solution.
Once Xiao Tiance left the Dou Qi Continent with the Xiao Clan's strongest warriors, the Xiao Clan though still formidable would no longer be capable of contending against all the continent's factions combined.
Even with their remaining strength, there was always a risk of failure.
Rather than leave behind a potential threat, Xiao Tiance decided the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance needed to be used.
And currently, there were only two individuals on the Dou Qi Continent capable of receiving its recognition: Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er.
However, since the moment Xiao Yan agreed to assist Gu Yuan in securing the inheritance, his standing in Xiao Tiance's eyes had plummeted.
This was why Xiao Tiance had presented Xiao Xun'er with the opportunity.
The Decision Is Made
"Hahaha! Good, good, good! You truly are a girl I admire," Xiao Tiance laughed heartily, clearly pleased with her.
"Compared to your father, you are far more aligned with my way of thinking.
"As you said, I, Xiao Tiance, a Dou Di, mean what I say. Since you've made your choice, I will give you the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance."
Xun'er's Shock
"Ah?"
Xiao Xun'er was stunned. She had trusted that Xiao Tiance wouldn't toy with her, but she hadn't expected the inheritance to be handed over so easily.
"Uncle Tiance… are there no conditions?" she asked nervously.
This was the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance, an artifact capable of making someone a Dou Di. Was it really being given to her without strings attached?
Xiao Tiance Sets Conditions
Noting her astonishment, Xiao Tiance smiled.
"Of course, there are conditions.
"You may have the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance, but once you gain its recognition, I expect the Gu Clan to fully submit to the Xiao Clan.
"Additionally, after you ascend to Dou Di, you must accompany me to the Great Thousand World and serve under my command for one thousand years.
"After a millennium, whether you choose to stay or leave will be up to you. I won't interfere with your decision."
Xun'er's Consideration
Xiao Xun'er fell silent, carefully weighing Xiao Tiance's conditions.
The first condition wasn't much of a burden. The Gu Clan had already submitted to the Xiao Clan, even if that submission was superficial and filled with prideful resistance. The Gu Clan's participation in the Heavenly Tomb Trial, for instance, revealed their reluctance to fully acknowledge Xiao Clan authority.
The second condition didn't trouble her either. Xun'er knew that upon becoming a Dou Di, she would face rejection from the Dou Qi Continent itself. Leaving for the Great Thousand World was inevitable, and following Xiao Tiance offered protection and guidance in a foreign realm.
"Uncle Tiance," she said respectfully, "I agree to both conditions."
Xiao Tiance's Approval
Watching her response, Xiao Tiance's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
"Very well. Once the Heavenly Tomb Trial begins, you can enter the tomb and secure the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance."
"Thank you, Uncle Tiance," Xun'er replied sincerely, bowing in gratitude.
Xiao Tiance waved her thanks away.
"No need for gratitude.
"As for Xiao Qing, I will instruct him not to act too harshly, but to resolve his resentment toward the Gu Clan, some casualties are unavoidable.
"When the Heavenly Tomb Trial begins, expect that some members of the Gu Clan will fall. Keep this in mind."
A Harsh Reality
Hearing these words, Xun'er lowered her head in silence, digesting the weight of his warning.
After a long pause, she nodded. "I understand."
Though she didn't know why Xiao Qing had turned against the Gu Clan so drastically, she understood that such changes must have been rooted in significant events.
At least it was Xiao Qing taking action. If it had been Xiao Tiance himself, the Gu Clan might already have followed in the footsteps of the Yan Clan, wiped from existence.
Parting Words
"Do not worry too much," Xiao Tiance said, his tone softening slightly.
"I will ensure Xiao Qing acts within reason. The Gu Clan's strength will not be irreparably harmed.
"For now, you may leave. Whether or not you share the details of this conversation with your father is up to you."
With that, Xiao Tiance took out a jade token from his storage ring. Using his soul power, he levitated it before Xun'er.
"The Ancient Emperor's Inheritance has been sealed by Xiao Qing using a spiritual array. Without this jade token, neither you nor Xiao Yan will be able to interact with the inheritance.
"When you reach the tomb, crush this token. The inheritance will then recognize you.
"Good luck, child."
Xun'er accepted the jade token with both hands, bowing deeply.
"Thank you again, Uncle Tiance."
"Go now," Xiao Tiance said with a dismissive wave.
A New Arrival
As Xun'er left, a spatial vortex appeared in the room, and Xiao Xuan stepped out.
"Tiance," Xiao Xuan said.
"Come, Xuan ge, have a seat," Xiao Tiance replied with a smile, gesturing for Xiao Xuan to sit.
In truth, Xiao Xuan had been present earlier. Xiao Tiance had asked him to step away to allow a private conversation with Xun'er.
After pouring Xiao Xuan a cup of tea, Xiao Tiance broke the silence.
"Xuan ge, you overheard my conversation with the Gu Clan girl.
"Do you disagree with my decision?"
Xiao Xuan's Concerns
Xiao Xuan took a sip of tea before shaking his head.
"It's not that I disagree. I just didn't expect this outcome.
"As you said, there are only two people on the Dou Qi Continent who can inherit the Ancient Emperor's legacy Xiao Yan and this girl from the Gu Clan.
"But Xiao Yan is one of us. To give the inheritance to someone outside the clan… isn't that a bit..."
Xiao Tiance interrupted with a small chuckle.
"Xuan ge, I understand your concern.
"But I have no interest in raising an ingrate."
"From the very beginning, the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance was meant for Xiao Yan. Even the Nihility Devouring Flame that I brought back from the Ancient Emperor's Mansion was intended for him. But in the end, he still let me down."
In the ninth level of Tiance Manor, Xiao Tiance spoke with a tinge of disappointment in his tone.
Hearing this, Xiao Xuan sighed deeply.
To Xiao Xuan, even if Xiao Yan were no longer deserving of the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance, it might have been worth keeping within the Xiao Clan for a future prodigy. However, upon reflection, both the inheritance and the Imperial Source belonged to Xiao Tiance, so the decision wasn't his to question.
Xiao Xuan's Request
"Forget it. Since you've already made up your mind, I won't argue further," Xiao Xuan said.
"By the way," he continued after a brief pause, "Xiao Yan came to see me earlier, but I didn't meet him.
"Also, there's another matter I haven't finished discussing with you. Today, after completing my seclusion, I had a strong premonition about a year from now, I will be ready to break through to the Dou Di realm. When the time comes, I may need your help as my protector."
As he spoke, Xiao Xuan's tone carried a mix of hope and resignation.
Xiao Tiance's Surprise
"A year?" Xiao Tiance was momentarily taken aback.
Based on his calculations, Xiao Xuan should have needed at least another three years to prepare for such a breakthrough.
Curious, he extended his senses to gauge Xiao Xuan's condition and was astonished by the sheer fullness of the Dou Qi within his body.
"Alright," Xiao Tiance nodded. "No problem. I'll protect you during your breakthrough."
After all, he didn't have any pressing matters within the next decade. Serving as Xiao Xuan's guardian during this pivotal moment would also help him pass the time.
The Excitement at the Alchemy Competition
Meanwhile, back in the Heavenly Tomb Trial's alchemy competition, the scene at the Martial Arena was a grand spectacle.
The event was akin to the tale of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea each participant showcased their unique talents and techniques.
Occasionally, a furnace would explode, sending bursts of flames and materials flying, but the central participants, including Xiao Yan, remained unaffected as they continued their work.
A Father Daughter Conversation
On the main viewing platform, Gu Yuan noticed his daughter, Gu Xun'er, had returned with a troubled expression. He whispered a few words to Xiao Qing before leading her to a private courtyard designated for the Gu Clan.
Inside the room, Gu Yuan activated his Dou Qi to seal the space, ensuring their conversation wouldn't be overheard.
"Xun'er, what's on your mind?" Gu Yuan asked, his tone laced with concern.
"Father, I just visited Uncle Tiance," Xun'er replied with a nod.
Gu Yuan's Surprise
"You met him? I didn't expect Xiao Tiance to see you," Gu Yuan said in surprise.
He knew even esteemed figures like himself and Zhu Kun had been blocked by Xiao Qing from meeting Xiao Tiance under the pretext that the Dou Di refused to see outsiders.
To think his daughter managed to gain an audience was beyond his expectations.
"I only went to try my luck," Xun'er explained. "But as soon as I reached Tiance Manor, Uncle Tiance allowed me to meet him."
Before she could finish, Gu Yuan interjected. "Since you met him, did you notice anything different about him?"
Xun'er's Observations
"Different?" Xun'er mulled over the question, recalling the meeting.
"Uncle Tiance has indeed changed.
"In the past, whenever I faced him, I felt like I was standing before an insurmountable mountain a force of nature that demanded respect.
"But this time, while he was clearly right in front of me, I also felt like he was everywhere, almost omnipresent.
"It's hard to describe... sometimes, it felt like I was speaking to an ordinary person."
Gu Yuan's expression grew solemn at her words.
"Returning to simplicity and truth... it seems he truly has become a Dou Di."
After a brief moment of silence, he asked, "What did you two talk about? Can you tell me?"
Xun'er Shares Everything
"Of course," Xun'er replied earnestly.
She then recounted her conversation with Xiao Tiance in detail. She spoke of his comments about Gu Yuan's unbreakable obsession preventing him from becoming a Dou Di, the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance being handed to her, and the two conditions Xiao Tiance had set.
Gu Yuan's Heartbreak
Hearing everything, Gu Yuan remained silent for a long time. His mind was a storm of emotions grief, disbelief, and resignation.
Learning that he would never be able to ascend to the Dou Di realm due to his own fixation on that very goal was a crushing blow.
Gu Yuan had two lifelong ambitions: to become a Dou Di himself and to restore the Gu Clan to its former glory.
Now, with the first goal shattered and irreparable, he felt utterly defeated.
A Glimmer of Hope
After some time, Gu Yuan sighed deeply and looked at his daughter with a newfound calmness.
Despite his shattered dreams, he found solace in knowing that his daughter might achieve what he could not.
"To think Xiao Tiance would entrust the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance to you it's beyond what I ever imagined."
"I still find it hard to believe," Xun'er admitted with a small smile.
Gu Yuan let out a hearty laugh, his spirits lifted slightly. **"Regardless, this is a cause for celebration.
"For a thousand years, I've failed to fully understand Xiao Tiance. Even now, I can't predict his motives.
"But one thing is clear if he's willing to give you the inheritance, it means he sees immense potential in you."**
Gu Yuan's Warning
After a pause, Gu Yuan's expression turned serious.
"Xun'er, you cannot tell anyone about the jade token Uncle Tiance gave you especially not Xiao Yan."
Xun'er blinked in confusion. "Why not?"
"Because," Gu Yuan explained, "by choosing you, Xiao Tiance has made it clear that he will not allow Xiao Yan to ascend to Dou Di.
"And while he mentioned that both you and Xiao Yan are capable of earning the Ancient Emperor's recognition, if you were to give the jade token to Xiao Yan out of kindness, it would only place his life in jeopardy."
At this point, Gu Yuan's eyes softened with a trace of guilt.
"Xiao Yan's current predicament stems from my insistence on pursuing this inheritance.
"For that, I owe him a great debt. Moving forward, I won't oppose your relationship with him neither will the Gu Clan. Consider this my way of compensating him.
"However, you must promise me one thing: do not let anyone know about your conversation with Xiao Tiance. Otherwise, it may ruin everything between you and Xiao Yan."
Xun'er's Inner Conflict
Hearing her father's plea, Xun'er felt a heavy weight settle on her heart.
Upon leaving Tiance Manor, her first instinct had been to tell Xiao Yan everything. But as she neared the Martial Arena, doubt and hesitation began to creep in.
Now, her father's words confirmed her fears.
In the end, Xun'er nodded solemnly.
"I understand, Father. Once all of this is over, I'll find the right time to explain everything to Xiao Yan."
(End of Chapter)
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