Chapter 274: The Heavenly Tomb Trial (Part 4)
"No need. Ling'er, just keep studying the spirit arrays. These small troubles are nothing for now."
Outer Heavens, Tiance Manor, Ninth Level
Hearing Xiao Tiance's words, Ling'er tilted her head, thinking for a moment. However, her pure and innocent nature didn't allow her to fully grasp why Xiao Tiance felt this way.
Unable to figure it out, Ling'er simply stopped dwelling on it and quickly disappeared into Xiao Tiance's body, returning to her study of spirit arrays.
At Xiao Zhan's Residence
Xiao Yan had just returned and immediately headed to Xiao Zhan's courtyard. However, his expression seemed heavy, and even while recounting his experiences from the past few years, his brow remained furrowed.
Seeing this, Xiao Zhan spoke up, "Yan'er, I may not have the strength to help you, but as your father, I hope you can share what's troubling you.
Two heads are better than one. Perhaps I might be able to offer you some advice?"
It's often said that no one knows a child better than their parent. Although Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan hadn't spent much time together over the years, Xiao Zhan's understanding of his son ranked among the deepest.
Looking at the hope in Xiao Zhan's eyes, Xiao Yan sighed softly but eventually shook his head. "It's nothing, Father. Don't worry about it."
In the end, Xiao Yan chose to keep his troubles to himself. After all, what he was about to do might put him on a collision course with the Xiao Clan. He didn't want to affect Xiao Zhan or disrupt his peaceful life.
Xiao Zhan's Advice
"Alright," Xiao Zhan said with a nod. "If you don't wish to talk about it, I won't pry. But remember, you're part of the Xiao Clan.
"The Xiao Clan is now the most powerful force on the Dou Qi Continent. If you find yourself unable to handle something, don't hesitate to ask the clan for help.
"The First Elder holds you in high regard, and with your strength, you are among the most outstanding of your peers in the clan. If you need assistance, the clan will not turn its back on you."
Xiao Zhan smiled warmly as he spoke, confident in the clan's power and his son's abilities.
However, Xiao Yan's frown deepened at these words.
If it were any other matter, he wouldn't be concerned. The Xiao Clan's strength made it difficult for anything to pose a threat.
But what he was about to do was something that could not be exposed to the light of day. If the Xiao Clan found out, not only would his life be in danger, but it could also implicate Xiao Zhan and others.
The fewer people who knew about this, the better.
"I understand, Father. Don't worry, I have it under control," Xiao Yan said with a smile. "By the way, I haven't had the chance to pay my respects to Xiao Xian and Xiao De, the two Supreme Elders. I have some questions for them. Would you like to join me?"
"Visit the two elders?" Xiao Zhan thought for a moment before shaking his head. "You can go on your own. The two elders have been in seclusion for years. You may not even be able to meet them."
"In that case, Father, please wait here. Tonight, when my brothers come out of the Spirit Gathering Array, we'll all have a proper family reunion," Xiao Yan said with a smile. He bowed to Xiao Zhan and left.
Xiao Zhan's Reflection
Over the years, thanks to the resources provided by the Xiao Clan, Xiao Zhan's strength had significantly improved. However, limited by his talent, he had stopped progressing after reaching the five star Dou Zong level.
Still, that was more than enough. Living in the Outer Heavens the safest place on the Dou Qi Continent his strength hardly mattered.
Compared to his life in the original timeline, where he had spent years under the control of the Hun Clan and never progressed beyond Dou Wang, this was already a significant improvement.
"Ah, children grow up. They no longer share everything with their parents," Xiao Zhan murmured, watching Xiao Yan's departing figure.
Xiao Yan's Frustration
Xiao Yan soon arrived at the place where Xiao Xian and Xiao De, the two Supreme Elders, were in seclusion. However, just as Xiao Zhan had said, the elders did not meet him.
Instead, he was informed that due to Xiao Tiance's ascension to the Dou Di realm, the bloodline power within them had undergone a transformation. They needed time to stabilize the rebirth like energy coursing through their bodies.
Disappointed but undeterred, Xiao Yan turned his thoughts to Xiao Xuan.
Unlike the other two elders, Xiao Xuan was someone he had to meet.
After all, the Gu Clan's upcoming actions could lead to their total annihilation in the Outer Heavens. And if anyone could persuade Xiao Tiance to intervene, it would be Xiao Xuan.
However, Xiao Yan's hopes were dashed again.
Xiao Xuan, wholly focused on achieving his lifelong dream of becoming a Dou Di, had no interest in distractions. He didn't even leave Xiao Yan a message, simply sending someone to dismiss him.
Visiting Yao Chen
Frustrated, Xiao Yan wandered for a while before heading to Yao Chen's residence.
"Teacher!" Xiao Yan greeted, bowing respectfully.
Yao Chen poured him a cup of tea and asked, "Something troubling you?"
Xiao Yan shook his head but sighed. "Not trouble, exactly. I just couldn't meet the three elders.
"Teacher, what should we do now? The Heavenly Tomb Trial begins tomorrow, and the Gu Clan will undoubtedly arrive. If I can't meet the elders before entering the tomb, we'll lose control of the situation."
He sighed deeply before continuing with a worried expression.
"Teacher, we both know how critical the Ancient Emperor's inheritance is. The clan is clearly using it as bait for some hidden purpose.
"Even so, there's no way the Xiao Clan would allow the Ancient Emperor's inheritance to fall into another imperial clan's hands. Xiao Tiance has led the Xiao Clan to its current heights. He wouldn't overlook the consequences of such a loss.
"The Gu Clan doesn't stand a chance."
Yao Chen's Response
Seeing Xiao Yan's frustration, Yao Chen sighed and said in a calm tone, "Xiao Yan, you need to calm down.
"You're right that the Ancient Emperor's inheritance is crucial, and the Xiao Clan wouldn't risk losing it.
"But you should also understand that the Gu Clan won't sit idly by. With the Imperial Source and Imperial Pills already claimed, the Ancient Emperor's inheritance is the last chance to ascend to the Dou Di realm. The Gu Clan won't give up this opportunity."
Even if they knew it was a trap, they wouldn't give up
Seeing Xiao Yan's tea cup empty, Yao Chen poured him another cup before continuing:
"Given the current situation, if you don't want yourself or your little girlfriend to get into trouble, the best solution is to talk to her directly after the Gu Clan arrives in the Outer Heavens tomorrow.
"That girl is incredibly intelligent and level headed. With her vision, she must realize that this Heavenly Tomb Trial is a trap.
"Be honest with her. Maybe, for your sake, she'll make a different choice from the rest of the Gu Clan."
Xiao Yan's Unease
Hearing this, memories of his time with Xiao Xun'er flashed through Xiao Yan's mind. After several minutes of thought, he nodded.
"Teacher, you're right. Perhaps Xun'er will make a different decision.
"But, Teacher, ever since I entered the Outer Heavens, I've had this unsettling feeling, like my heart is racing for no reason. It feels like something big is going to change for me starting tomorrow.
"I can't explain it, but it feels incredibly real."
Yao Chen's Concern
Yao Chen was taken aback. Like Xiao Yan, he too had experienced a similar feeling since entering the Outer Heavens.
At first, he dismissed it as overthinking. Now, hearing Xiao Yan's words, his expression turned serious.
"Xiao Yan, I feel the same.
"In my entire life, I've only felt this way three times. The first was when I was exiled from the Yao Clan. The second was when that traitor Han Feng conspired with the Hall of Souls against me.
"And the third is now ever since we entered the Outer Heavens.
"This feeling is ominous. I can't shake the sense that something bad is about to happen."
A Student's Plea
"Teacher…" Xiao Yan hesitated before continuing, "Maybe you should leave the Outer Heavens.
"The events that follow may be beyond your ability to influence. If something happens to you because of me, I'd never forgive myself."
Xiao Yan's words were sincere. He truly didn't want Yao Chen to take unnecessary risks.
Initially, he agreed to let Yao Chen accompany him to the Outer Heavens because he thought their connection to Gu Yuan was secret and wouldn't draw attention.
But as time passed, Xiao Yan's unease grew stronger. Something felt off. The atmosphere in the Outer Heavens carried a subtle but pervasive tension. Though the Xiao Clan seemed calm on the surface, Xiao Yan's instincts, honed through years of life and death experiences, told him otherwise.
Yao Chen's Resolve
Opposite him, Yao Chen shook his head and looked at Xiao Yan with a firm expression.
"Xiao Yan, leaving isn't an option. Even if it weren't for you, I must participate in this Heavenly Tomb Trial."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan immediately understood.
Of course. The Heavenly Tomb Trial wasn't just about seeking opportunities within the tomb. It also included the Pill Gathering, a critical event for alchemists.
The Yao Clan would undoubtedly play a central role in the Pill Gathering. For Yao Chen, who had been exiled from the Yao Clan, this was his chance to prove his alchemical prowess and reclaim his honor.
More importantly, it was an opportunity to return his parents' tokens to the Yao Clan.
Xiao Yan's Determination
"Teacher, I understand.
"But I hope you only participate in the Pill Gathering. After that, please leave the Outer Heavens.
"As for me, I've thought about it. Once inside the Heavenly Tomb, unless Xun'er obtains the Ancient Emperor's inheritance, I'll claim it for myself.
"If I can become a Dou Di in the future, the Gu Clan won't oppose my relationship with Xun'er.
"After all, the Dou Qi Continent respects strength above all else. Just like Xiao Tiance, whose unmatched power ensures the Gu Clan wouldn't dare provoke him."
Yao Chen thought about Xiao Yan's words before nodding. "Very well. I support your decision to personally seek the Ancient Emperor's inheritance.
"If you succeed, no one will stand in your way.
"After all, you're part of the Xiao Clan. The Xiao Clan won't allow the inheritance to fall into another's hands. But if it ends up with you, it'll still belong to the clan."
A Shared Hope
The two chatted for a long time, their conversation filled with plans and hopes. Eventually, Xiao Yan invited Yao Chen to join him at Xiao Zhan's for a family gathering.
The First Day of the Heavenly Tomb Trial
As dawn broke, the Outer Heavens became lively. Today marked the first day of the Heavenly Tomb Trial.
Major imperial clans and prominent forces from the Central Plains arrived in droves.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Fireworks erupted in the sky as spatial ships began entering the Outer Heavens.
"The Frozen River Valley of the Central Plains has arrived."
At the announcement, four experts clad in Frozen River Valley robes disembarked from their ship. Leading them was a Six Star Dou Zun, the newly appointed Valley Master and Frozen River Sovereign. Behind him were three One Star Dou Zuns, likely elders who had recently joined the valley after earning their reputations in the Central Plains.
Led by the Dragon Soaring Army, the Frozen River Valley group was escorted to their seating area.
Arrival of Major Forces
Soon, another spatial ship docked.
"The Flower Sect of the Central Plains has arrived."
"The Pill Tower of the Central Plains has arrived."
"The Falling Star Pavilion of the Central Plains has arrived."
"The Burning Flame Valley of the Central Plains has arrived."
"The Sound Valley of the Central Plains has arrived."
"The Heavenly Nether Sect of the Central Plains has arrived."
The announcements continued as prominent first and second tier forces entered.
Among them, only the Flower Sect drew significant attention. The reason was simple all of its participants were stunningly beautiful women. Wherever beautiful women appeared, they naturally became the center of attention.
Yao Chen and Xiao Yan Observe
"Teacher, President Xuan Kong Zi and the others have arrived," Xiao Yan said with a smile.
"Don't rush. They're currently completing formalities with Ya Fei. Once they're seated, we'll go greet them," Yao Chen replied, smiling.
Though excited to see old friends, Yao Chen felt a tinge of guilt upon noticing Xuan Yi's presence.
"Hmm? They joined the Flower Sect?" Yao Chen muttered, his interest piqued as he observed the group from a distance.
(End of Chapter)
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