Chapter 282: Xiao Yan Encounters Huai En (Youth of the Devouring Spirit Tribe)
**"Brother Xuan, there's no need to feel sorry for him. Everyone has their own path to walk.
Besides, isn't he planning to help the Gu Clan? Let Gu Yuan teach him the true meaning of treachery."**
In the Tianwaitian, on the ninth level of the Tiance Pavilion, Xiao Tiance spoke calmly.
Hearing this, Xiao Xuan could only smile bitterly. After so many years of knowing Xiao Tiance, how could he not understand his intentions?
"Don't you think you're being too harsh? Xiao Yan, despite his flaws, has an honest and passionate heart. He loves deeply and hates fiercely. I must admit, I admire that about him." Xiao Xuan said with a soft smile.
But Xiao Tiance shook his head in disagreement.
"Too harsh? I don't think so. Consider this a lesson for him. Don't worry, we'll ensure his life is not in danger."
Hearing this, Xiao Xuan stopped trying to persuade him. In terms of wisdom, he knew he was no match for Xiao Tiance. Moreover, his only focus now was to quickly break through to the Dou Di realm.
"Alright, if that's your decision, I won't argue. However, Tiance, no matter what you think of Xiao Yan, he is still a member of the Xiao Clan. Even if he doesn't see himself as one, it doesn't change the fact that he is part of our family." Xiao Xuan sighed.
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Don't worry, Brother Xuan."
Xiao Yan's Struggle
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan left the Tiance Pavilion in a daze. As he descended, he noticed a tall, stunning woman standing nearby, her eyes fixed on him.
It was Xiao Xun'er.
Seeing her, Xiao Yan quickly composed himself, hiding his dejection. He ran to her side with a gentle smile.
"Xun'er, why are you here? Are you planning to meet Lord Tiance?"
Xiao Xun'er shook her head softly, reaching out to hold Xiao Yan's hand.
"Brother Xiao Yan, you looked upset just now. Did something happen?"
Xiao Xun'er was confused. Xiao Yan had gone to receive his reward as one of the top three in the Dan Competition. What could have gone wrong? After all, with Lord Tiance personally involved, the rewards would undoubtedly be extraordinary treasures coveted by all.
Feeling her concern, Xiao Yan suddenly felt a surge of grievance. Without saying a word, he pulled Xiao Xun'er into his arms, holding her tightly.
Surprised by his sudden action, Xiao Xun'er gently patted his back. Her soft voice filled with concern as she whispered:
"Brother Xiao Yan, what's wrong? What happened?"
Xiao Yan sighed, reluctant to speak here. "Xun'er, this isn't the place. Let's go somewhere more private."
A Conversation by the Lake
A short while later, the two arrived at a peaceful lakeside. The serene scenery seemed to ease Xiao Yan's troubled heart.
Turning to face Xiao Xun'er, Xiao Yan took a deep breath before speaking earnestly.
**"Xun'er, I'm sorry. I know this upcoming Tomb Trial is specifically designed to target your Gu Clan.
I just went to see Lord Tiance and begged him to spare the Gu Clan, but he refused.
So, Xun'er, if possible, could you try to persuade your father? Ask him not to send too many people into the Tomb Trial. This is Xiao Clan territory, and I've learned from Lord Tiance that the one orchestrating this trap is none other than our Xiao Clan's patriarch, Lord Xiao Qing.
If Lord Xiao Qing decides to act against the Gu Clan and Lord Tiance doesn't intervene, I fear the Gu Clan will suffer catastrophic losses."**
After finishing, Xiao Yan sighed deeply.
He truly didn't want the Gu Clan to be dragged into this. If Xiao Qing had set his sights on the Gu Clan, none of those who entered the Tomb Trial would escape.
Although Xiao Tiance's earlier words had left Xiao Yan feeling dejected confirming that he had lost his chance to become a Dou Di he couldn't stand idly by and watch the Gu Clan walk into a trap. He had to do something.
Xiao Xun'er's Guilt
Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Xiao Xun'er's heart filled with guilt.
She hadn't told Xiao Yan the truth: after meeting Xiao Tiance, she had relayed their conversation to Gu Yuan. Upon learning that she had received the jade token from Xiao Tiance a key to gaining the recognition of the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance Gu Yuan had taken immediate action.
During the days of the Dan Competition, Gu Yuan had personally approached Xiao Qing, presenting two significant gestures of goodwill:
Approval of Xiao Qing's New Clan Mistress – The Gu Clan promised not to oppose Xiao Qing's marriage arrangement, ensuring no dissent from within the Gu Clan.
Sacrificing Gu Dao – Knowing Xiao Qing's animosity toward Gu Dao, one of the Gu Clan's three elders, Gu Yuan decided to secretly execute Gu Dao upon his return and deliver his body to Xiao Qing as a gesture of submission.
Privately, Gu Yuan even decided to send all members of Gu Dao's faction into the Tomb Trial as a further appeasement. However, he did not share this plan with Xiao Qing.
Additionally, Gu Yuan promised that once Xiao Xun'er successfully obtained the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance, the Gu Clan would genuinely submit to the Xiao Clan.
Lastly, upon learning of Xiao Tiance's disdain for Xiao Yan, Gu Yuan even suggested marrying Xiao Xun'er to another member of the Xiao Clan to strengthen ties. However, Xiao Qing declined, stating that the Xiao Clan no longer needed alliances through marriage to solidify its power.
Now, hearing Xiao Yan's heartfelt plea, Xiao Xun'er couldn't bring herself to reveal the full truth. Instead, she leaned into his embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around him.
"Brother Xiao Yan," she whispered, her voice tinged with sadness, "if one day you discover that I've deceived you, please don't hate me. Promise me that, alright?"
Xiao Yan's Naivety
Xiao Yan was startled by her words but quickly responded, his voice filled with affection:
"What are you saying, Xun'er? No matter what happens, I will never hate you. That's a promise."
Hearing his reassurance, Xiao Xun'er felt a momentary sense of relief. Yet deep down, she couldn't shake the weight of her guilt.
She knew that Xiao Yan's promise might not hold once he learned the full truth. But for now, she cherished his unwavering support.
At the same time, her guilt only deepened, knowing that she had become part of the intricate schemes threatening to tear Xiao Yan apart.
Xiao Xun'er held the jade token in her hand, torn between her desire to give it to Xiao Yan, the man she loved, and the obligations she couldn't ignore.
She had already promised Xiao Tiance that once she became a Dou Di, she would follow him to the Great Thousand World and serve by his side for a millennium.
Moreover, the Gu Clan had been pushed into a corner. Many matters were no longer within her control. If she failed to obtain the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance, the Gu Clan would face certain ruin.
Most importantly, even if she ignored everything and handed the token to Xiao Yan, what if Xiao Tiance acted against him because of her disobedience?
Whether emotionally or rationally, Xiao Xun'er knew that she could only stall for time for now, she had to secure the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance before explaining everything to Xiao Yan.
**"I believe in you, Brother Xiao Yan. But you don't have to worry too much. My father brought so many people here because he's made arrangements.
Our Gu Clan may not be as strong as the Xiao Clan, but we're still an Emperor Clan. And since our two clans haven't openly fallen out, there's still room for negotiation."**
Xiao Xun'er let go of Xiao Yan, gently brushing his face. She smiled brightly and continued:
**"I don't know why Brother Xiao Yan seemed so down just now, but in my heart, it doesn't matter who you are.
Whether you're the 'failure' others mocked, the boy who couldn't cultivate for three years, or the brilliant alchemist who just dazzled everyone at the Dan Competition.
None of that matters to me. What matters is that you're the Brother Xiao Yan I've always admired, the most exceptional, incredible person in my eyes.
So no matter what happens, don't be afraid or anxious. As long as I'm here, I'll always stand by your side. I'll always be with you."**
Hearing these heartfelt words and seeing the unwavering love in her eyes, Xiao Yan suddenly felt as though nothing else mattered.
His journey of constant struggle began as a quest to prove himself. At first, it was about silencing the mockery and proving he wasn't a failure. Then it was about redeeming his family's honor after Nalan Yanran publicly annulled their engagement.
Later, he grew stronger to protect himself against the Cloud Mist Sect's oppression.
But most importantly, he pushed himself to match Xiao Xun'er to stand tall beside the brilliant girl born into an Emperor Clan.
His titles future leader of the Starfall Pavilion, one of the three upcoming leaders of the Pill Tower were roles he pursued to make himself worthy of her.
As for the Xiao Clan, he had always known it didn't belong to him. No one would acknowledge his authority unless he could rival someone like Xiao Tiance. But Xiao Tiance loomed like an unscalable mountain, an insurmountable force no one could hope to surpass.
Faced with such an overwhelming figure, Xiao Yan couldn't deny his feelings of frustration and despair.
However, after seeing the grandeur of the Central Plains and witnessing the soaring eagles, he refused to accept being a flightless chicken. Even if the Xiao Clan wasn't his to rule, he would use every means at his disposal to achieve his goals.
This mindset, as Xiao Tiance pointed out, revealed that Xiao Yan had never truly considered himself part of the Xiao Clan.
Reassurance and a Sudden Attack
Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Xun'er, his heart swelling with satisfaction. Determined, he said:
"Xun'er, don't worry about me. You know me I'm the kind of person who always rises stronger from adversity. What doesn't kill me only makes me more powerful."
Hearing this, Xiao Xun'er's eyes filled with admiration.
"That's right," she thought. "Brother Xiao Yan is incredibly resilient. Even if the Dou Qi Continent denies him the chance to become a Dou Di, I'll make sure to find him an opportunity in the Great Thousand World."
Smiling warmly, she nodded. "I've always believed in you, Brother Xiao Yan."
Seeing her radiant smile, Xiao Yan couldn't help but smile back. Taking her hand, he led her toward his residence within Tianwaitian.
Though Xiao Yan didn't visit often, the Xiao Clan had prepared a place for him.
Suddenly, both Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er turned toward a streak of light shooting toward them.
"Be careful, Brother Xiao Yan. The incoming person is strong," Xiao Xun'er warned.
"Whoosh!"
Without hesitation, Xiao Yan drew his Heavy Xuan Ruler.
"Clang!"
A sharp clash rang out as the attack struck. Using the force of the blow, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er retreated several dozen meters.
Xiao Yan's expression turned cold as he demanded:
"Who are you, and why are you attacking us?"
Xiao Xun'er's gaze fell on the assailant's attire, and recognition flashed in her eyes.
"He's a vice commander of the Dragon Ascension Army, but I don't know who he is."
The figure smirked, then bowed slightly toward Xiao Xun'er.
"Vice Commander of the Dragon Ascension Army, Xiao Huai En, greets Miss Xun'er."
A Young Devouring Spirit Warrior
The attacker was none other than Xiao Huai En, the orphaned beggar rescued by Xiao Tiance in Qingshan Town during the Jia Ma Empire days.
Born with the bloodline of the Devouring Spirit Tribe, Xiao Huai En had risen to prominence under Xiao Tiance's tutelage. Over the years, he had grown into a powerful six star Dou Sheng (Saint).
Remarkably, Xiao Huai En had achieved this without utilizing his innate Devouring Spirit Tribe abilities restrained by Xiao Tiance's orders. If he had been allowed to use them, he could have easily reached the eight star or even nine star Dou Sheng level.
Today, as a vice commander of the Dragon Ascension Army, Xiao Huai En held a status equal to Xiao Wu and Xiao Teng. He was even considered the top candidate to become the army's next commander.
"Vice Commander Xiao, we've never met before. Why did you attack me and Brother Xiao Yan just now?" Xiao Xun'er asked coldly.
Beside her, Xiao Yan's expression darkened. Unlike Xiao Xun'er, he knew Xiao Huai En's background.
He spoke without emotion: **"Xiao Huai En. The third disciple of Lord Tiance. Known for unparalleled talent in Tianwaitian. In just over a decade, he rose from a mere Dou Zhe to a six star Dou Sheng peak level.
He once fought a Xiao Clan Elder at the late seven star Dou Sheng level and defeated him in under fifteen moves.
No wonder Xiao Qing promoted him to vice commander of the Dragon Ascension Army. He's also the most likely candidate to become its next leader."**
Xiao Huai En clapped mockingly, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Well, well, Xiao Yan. I'm impressed. You seem to know quite a bit about me."
(End of Chapter)
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