Chapter 283: The Five Emperors
"Xiao Yan, you're quite impressive, aren't you? You seem to know so much about this vice commander."
At the lakeside within Tianwaitian, Xiao Huai En's gaze carried a hint of surprise. While he was well known in Tianwaitian, Xiao Yan hadn't spent much time there, yet he was remarkably well informed about Huai En.
Xiao Yan, maintaining a calm expression, stared at Xiao Huai En and asked, "Vice Commander Xiao, shouldn't you explain why you attacked me the moment we met? We've never even crossed paths before."
Xiao Yan wasn't in the mood for pleasantries. The earlier attack, though seemingly restrained, would have injured anyone weaker than himself. He hadn't offended Xiao Huai En, so this unprovoked aggression felt like blatant bullying.
Beside him, Xiao Xun'er also looked puzzled and curious about Huai En's intentions. Judging from his swift arrival and immediate attack, he seemed to have come directly for Xiao Yan.
Huai En glanced at Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er before smiling faintly. **"There's nothing much to explain. I've heard my teacher speak highly of you, calling you a cultivation genius. He even said your alchemy skills are unparalleled among the younger generation.
I thought that if someone could earn my teacher's admiration, I ought to meet them.
It just so happened that during your previous visits to Tianwaitian, I was in seclusion. Now that I'm free, I decided to see for myself. If I didn't come to meet the person my teacher holds in such high regard, wouldn't that be a great loss?"**
"So, attacking me out of nowhere is your idea of saying hello?" Xiao Yan's face darkened.
**"Haha, don't be so petty. If you couldn't withstand just 30% of my strength, wouldn't that mean you'd let my teacher down?
And if you really couldn't handle it, it'd be better to finish you off now to save my teacher from future disappointment.
Come on, Xiao Yan, you're fine, aren't you? No harm done. Why dwell on such a small matter? Besides, with such a beautiful lady by your side, having a broader mind will win you her favor. You could even say I'm doing you a favor."** Huai En laughed nonchalantly, as if his actions were perfectly reasonable.
From Huai En's perspective, anyone capable of earning his teacher Xiao Tiance's favor especially receiving the Three Thousand Burning Flame must have extraordinary potential.
Huai En had also heard from Xiao Qing that even the Void Swallowing Flame, ranked second on the Heavenly Flame List, was meant for Xiao Yan. Yet, despite Xiao Yan's presence in Tianwaitian for so many days, his teacher hadn't made any mention of it.
After completing a recent task, Huai En decided to seek out Xiao Yan and test him briefly. However, he found Xiao Yan's strength somewhat underwhelming.
"Haha, Vice Commander Xiao certainly has a… unique way of greeting people." Xiao Yan sheathed his Heavy Xuan Ruler, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Huai En, unfazed, smiled and said, **"Come now, a real man doesn't hold grudges over such trivial matters.
Oh, by the way, I'll be participating in the Tomb of the Ancient Emperor trial tomorrow. Think of this as a chance to get to know one of your competitors in advance."**
With that, Huai En turned to bow slightly to Xiao Xun'er before departing swiftly.
As Xiao Huai En disappeared into the distance, Xiao Yan's expression soured. Were it not for the fact that they were in Tianwaitian, he would've made Huai En taste his wrath. "Arrogant fool," Xiao Yan muttered, annoyed at Huai En's audacity to attack and leave without giving him a chance to retaliate.
A Warning About Xiao Huai En
Xiao Xun'er gently took Xiao Yan's hand, her tone cautious yet soft. **"Brother Xiao Yan, if possible, try to avoid him in the trial tomorrow.
He's a disciple Uncle Tiance took in over ten years ago. Though his time in the sect has been short, he's an undeniable genius.
I've never met him personally, but my father has mentioned him often over the years. Not only is his talent extraordinary, but he also hails from a mysterious clan even more enigmatic than the Emperor Clans.
My father once considered using his identity for leverage, but ultimately abandoned the idea due to Uncle Tiance's influence.
I still remember my father's evaluation of him: given enough time, he could become another powerhouse capable of standing at the pinnacle of the continent."**
Hearing this, Xiao Yan frowned deeply. He knew Gu Yuan was outwardly kind but inwardly proud, and for him to give such high praise to someone spoke volumes about Xiao Huai En's talent.
Xiao Yan understood the difficulty of cultivating to his own level. Despite having the Flame Mantra and devouring countless Heavenly Flames, his journey had been fraught with life and death struggles. Yet Xiao Huai En had reached the peak of a six star Dou Sheng in just over a decade. Such rapid progress was nothing short of monstrous.
Moreover, Xiao Yan had noticed during their brief clash that Xiao Huai En's Dou Qi was steady and powerful, not the least bit hollow. This made him even warier of his rival.
Still, Xiao Yan forced a calm demeanor. "It's fine. He may be strong, but I'm not without my own trump cards. Come on, Xun'er. Let's head to my place and talk more there."
Xiao Xun'er nodded obediently, her gaze filled with admiration and pride.
Xiao Tiance's Plans
That night, within the ninth floor of the Tiance Pavilion, Xiao Qing relayed Gu Yuan's propositions to Xiao Tiance in detail before waiting respectfully for his instructions.
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. "Qing'er, aren't you curious why I chose to give the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance to that Gu Clan girl?"
Xiao Qing shook his head and replied, **"Uncle, since you made this decision, there must be a reason.
Besides, it's clear that Xiao Yan is unsuitable for the inheritance. From the surveillance reports gathered by the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, it's evident that while Xiao Yan is a member of the Xiao Clan and has received preferential treatment, he has repeatedly chosen his own interests over the clan's.
Were it not for the fact that his father and relatives remain in Tianwaitian, I doubt he would even remember that he's part of the Xiao Clan."**
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance chuckled. **"That's true.
Still, let's leave him be for now. I've already made my stance clear to him today. As long as he doesn't oppose the Xiao Clan in the future, we'll tolerate him. But if he ever becomes a threat… he'll have to live with the consequences."**
**"Additionally, regarding Gu Yuan's proposal, I have no objections. Qing'er, you've handled it very well. While we can't eliminate all of the people Gu Yuan brought this time, the results will suffice.
This way, we can intimidate the other Emperor Clans without completely turning the Gu Clan into an enemy of the Xiao Clan. It's a satisfactory outcome.
As for Gu Dao, although he is one of the Three Sages of the Gu Clan and holds a high status within their ranks, compared to the potential rise of a Dou Di in their clan, his sacrifice is something everyone will support."**
Xiao Tiance sighed as he spoke, then looked at Xiao Qing. "Qing'er, it hasn't been easy for you. While I've given you great honor, I've also placed immense responsibility on your shoulders, leaving you unable to live freely like your Uncle Tian Ming. Do you ever feel resentment toward me in your heart?"
Xiao Qing immediately shook his head and said earnestly, **"Qing'er could never resent Third Uncle. Without you raising me and teaching me since I was young, I wouldn't be who I am today.
After my parents passed away, you became like a father to me. Your guidance over the years has left me deeply grateful.
Besides, I've always remembered what you taught me: 'If you wish to wear the crown, you must bear its weight.'
As the current Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan, I understand that the clan's interests must always come first. Yue'er may be the woman I love, but her actions indeed disqualify her from being the wife of the Xiao Clan's leader."**
Hearing Xiao Qing's heartfelt words, Xiao Tiance sighed again. **"Living freely is something everyone desires, but when you're in the martial world, you often have no choice.
Forget it. Since Gu Yuan has already reached an agreement with you, stop using the Essence of the Emperor as bait.
As for that girl Gu Yue, Ya Fei isn't someone with a narrow mind. She can tolerate Gu Yue's presence. However, if you want Ya Fei to truly warm up to you, you'll need to put in more effort. With her by your side, things should be much easier for you.
As for the Tomb of the Ancient Emperor trial, it no longer holds much significance. With your abilities, you can manage everything on your own. I have no reason to worry.
Soon, I'll begin my closed door cultivation. A year from now, I'll emerge to assist your Uncle Xiao Xuan in his breakthrough to the Dou Di realm. Unless something critical arises, handle everything yourself."**
Xiao Qing bowed respectfully. "Understood, Third Uncle. Rest assured, I will ensure the Xiao Clan remains at the pinnacle of the continent."
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Trust is key. If I trust someone, I won't doubt them. I trust you. Go now, and unless it's urgent, don't disturb me."
"Yes, Third Uncle. Qing'er takes his leave."
After Xiao Qing left, Xiao Tiance used a spiritual formation to seal off the ninth floor of Tiance Pavilion, ensuring he wouldn't be disturbed.
The Trial of the Ancient Emperor
The following day, the trial began as scheduled. Thousands of qualified warriors swiftly entered the Ancient Emperor's Tomb.
The trial would last for a month in the outside world, equivalent to six months inside the tomb. Meanwhile, the Xiao Clan accommodated those who weren't participating, demonstrating their vast resources and influence.
Within the tomb, five months passed, during which Xiao Xun'er successfully used the jade token given to her by Xiao Tiance to gain the Ancient Emperor's inheritance.
At first, Xiao Xun'er hoped that Xiao Yan could reach her in time so she could "accidentally" pass the jade token to him, helping him fulfill his dream of becoming a Dou Di.
However, her wish didn't come true. From the moment they entered the tomb, the Xiao Clan's geniuses targeted Xiao Yan relentlessly. Other Emperor Clan elites joined the fray, ensuring near constant battles.
Xiao Yan managed to defeat one powerful opponent after another, but each victory was quickly followed by another challenge. Left with no choice, he fought to buy time, allowing Xiao Xun'er and the Gu Clan members to proceed to the third level.
By the time Xiao Yan, heavily injured, reached the third level, Xiao Xun'er had already obtained the inheritance. Upon realizing this, Xiao Yan was overcome with despair. Without waiting for Xiao Xun'er to emerge, he turned and left the tomb.
Once outside, he departed with Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin, who had been brought to Tianwaitian by Xiao Tiance.
The Rise of the Five Emperors
A year later, Xiao Tiance emerged from his closed door cultivation to assist Xiao Xuan in his breakthrough. After three months, Xiao Xuan successfully ascended to the Dou Di realm and was titled Xuan Emperor.
Two years later, Huang Min, under the protection of Huang Lingyun and Zi Yan in an ancient secret realm, also reached the Dou Di realm, earning the title Sky Phoenix Demon Emperor.
Five years later, Mu Ling became a Dou Di, albeit slightly weaker than Xiao Tiance, Xiao Xuan, and Huang Min. Nevertheless, as a Dou Di, his strength far surpassed his previous Dou Sheng peak. He earned the title Spirit Emperor.
That same year, Xiao Xun'er, having inherited the Ancient Emperor's legacy, broke through to the Dou Di realm. Amidst the Gu Clan's celebration, someone proposed the title Empress, which was unanimously adopted.
Thus, the Dou Qi Continent saw the rise of five Dou Dis:
Xiao Tiance – The undisputed leader.
Xuan Emperor Xiao Xuan.
Sky Phoenix Demon Emperor Huang Min.
Spirit Emperor Mu Ling.
Empress Gu Xun'er.
With Gu Xun'er's breakthrough, the Gu Clan declared her ascension to the world, solidifying her status as the "Empress of the Continent."
For a time, the Dou Qi Continent entered an unprecedented era of peace.
Xiao Yan's Melancholy
Far away, in the Jia Ma Empire's Qingshan Town, a young man sat atop a flying magical beast, holding two children by the hand. His gaze carried a deep sense of longing as he muttered to himself, "Xun'er, you've become someone truly beyond my reach now."
This man was none other than Xiao Yan, who had left Tianwaitian five years earlier.
Though his strength had reached the peak of an eight star Dou Sheng, his demeanor resembled that of an old man burdened by time.
"Father, are you thinking about Aunt Xun'er again?" a little girl asked, breaking his reverie.
A boy beside her reached out to smooth the furrow in his father's brow. "Father, Mommy Xiao Yi Xian says you shouldn't frown so much it makes you look ugly."
Xiao Yan chuckled, his heart lightened by his children's innocence. "You're right. Frowning does make me look ugly. Your mother was absolutely correct."
The children giggled at his response, and Xiao Yan pulled them into his arms. With a firm step, he leapt off the magical beast, disappearing into the horizon.
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