Chapter 284: Searching for Xiao Yan
Gu Realm
The Gu Realm was bustling with activity. Although five years ago, during the Ancient Emperor's Tomb trial in Tianwaitian, the Gu Clan lost a significant number of their people, and even one of their Three Sages, Gu Dao, succumbed to a cultivation accident, the clan wasn't weighed down by sadness.
Why? Because the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance had been claimed by none other than their eldest daughter, now known as Empress Gu Xun'er.
For five years, the Gu Realm had been sealed off from the outside world to ensure no interruptions as Gu Xun'er worked toward her ascension to the Dou Di realm. Today, their patience paid off Gu Xun'er succeeded.
After so many years, the Gu Clan finally had another Dou Di. The joy was immeasurable, and celebrations filled the realm.
Empress' Palace
To honor Gu Xun'er, the Gu Clan, led by Gu Yuan, constructed a magnificent new palace, naming it the Empress' Palace after her coronation as Empress.
However, today, the atmosphere in the palace was unusually somber. Gu Xun'er's face was marked with worry and sorrow.
"Father, are you saying that Brother Xiao Yan left the tomb trial early five years ago and has been missing ever since?" Gu Xun'er asked, her brows tightly furrowed.
Gu Yuan nodded. **"That's correct. About a month before the trial ended, Xiao Yan left the tomb early.
According to eyewitness accounts, he took Xiao Yi Xian and the young girl Qing Lin with him. After that, even Tianji Tower's intelligence network couldn't track his whereabouts.
I suspect that upon learning you had claimed the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance, he felt disheartened and deliberately chose to avoid everyone."**
Hearing this, Gu Xun'er's eyes filled with sadness. She knew her father's speculation was likely true.
On the night before the trial began, Xiao Yan had confided in her, saying that if the Gu Clan failed to claim the inheritance, he would personally try to obtain its recognition. He had shared his dreams and ambitions with her that night.
But once the trial began, Xiao Yan was bombarded by challenges from Xiao Clan geniuses, forcing him into constant battles. To buy time for Gu Xun'er and the Gu Clan to reach the third level of the tomb, Xiao Yan stayed behind to hold off his opponents.
Based on the timing Gu Yuan mentioned, Gu Xun'er guessed that Xiao Yan must have realized she had already obtained the inheritance and left the tomb, feeling disheartened.
"Father, please send people to search for him again. No matter where Brother Xiao Yan is, I must find him. After all, what happened during the trial was our fault." Gu Xun'er pleaded, her expression resolute.
Gu Yuan, however, shook his head. **"Xun'er, it's not that I'm unwilling to search for Xiao Yan, but even with Tianji Tower's vast intelligence network spanning the entire Dou Qi Continent, we couldn't locate him.
Do you think we'll have better luck?
Five years ago, Xiao Yan had already reached the early stage of a six star Dou Sheng. Witnesses from the trial confirmed that he escaped from Xiao Tiance's disciple, Xiao Huai'en, because of his breakthrough.
Now, five years later, with his talent, it's possible his strength has reached a much higher level. Even if it hasn't, finding someone of his caliber in such a vast continent is nearly impossible. You must understand this."**
Gu Yuan's tone grew firmer.
Initially, during the tomb trial, Gu Yuan had felt guilty toward Xiao Yan. After all, had it not been for his actions in the Flame Core Space, Xiao Tiance might not have turned his back on Xiao Yan. The Ancient Emperor's Inheritance could very well have ended up with him.
However, upon learning that Xiao Yan had taken two women Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin when he left Tianwaitian, Gu Yuan's feelings toward him soured.
Though he had refrained from acting at the time out of respect for Tianwaitian and Xiao Tiance, the sight of Xiao Yan leaving with two women, while still entangled with his daughter, infuriated him.
Now, Gu Xun'er wanted to resume the search for Xiao Yan, but Gu Yuan had no interest in doing so.
Xun'er's Resolve
"Then I'll search for him myself. No matter how long it takes, I must apologize to Brother Xiao Yan in person. After all, it was the Gu Clan that wronged him."
With those words, Gu Xun'er disappeared in a flash. Even Gu Yuan, a semi Dou Di, couldn't detect where she went.
"Damn it!" Gu Yuan cursed under his breath, utterly helpless. His daughter had grown up, surpassed him in strength, and could no longer be restrained.
Seeking Xiao Tiance
After leaving the Gu Realm, Gu Xun'er headed straight for Tianwaitian.
Five years earlier, after her breakthrough to the Dou Di realm, Gu Yuan had rushed her out of the tomb before she could meet Xiao Tiance, fearing her unstable foundation might lead to complications.
Now that her strength had stabilized, it was time to pay a visit to the man who had given her the jade token the same man who commanded respect from every corner of the Dou Qi Continent.
Even now, as a Dou Di herself, Gu Xun'er understood just how terrifying Xiao Tiance was. She estimated that even with her current strength, she wouldn't last more than ten moves against him.
Arriving at the entrance to Tianwaitian, Gu Xun'er didn't charge in. Instead, she enveloped her voice with Dou Qi and called out: "Gu Xun'er of the Gu Clan requests an audience with Uncle Tiance."
Her voice carried into Tianwaitian, quickly catching the attention of the stationed Dragon Soaring Army. A small squad piloting a spatial ship emerged from within.
"Greetings, Empress," the squad greeted her respectfully.
"No need for formalities. I request an audience with Uncle Tiance."
"Please board the ship, Empress. We'll escort you to him," the squad leader replied courteously.
"Swoosh!"
In a flash, Gu Xun'er landed on the spatial ship, which quickly turned back toward Tianwaitian.
At Tiance Pavilion
Within the ninth level of Tiance Pavilion, Xiao Tiance sat quietly, fully aware of his impending visitor.
Xiao Tiance glanced at the people around him and said with a smile, "That girl is here. I suppose it's to ask about Xiao Yan's whereabouts. You all should leave first."
"Understood."
In an instant, Xiao Xuan, Mu Ling, Huang Min, and Huang Jiuji left the hall.
Not long after, Gu Xun'er appeared at the entrance to the ninth level of Tiance Pavilion. Sensing her arrival so quickly, Xiao Tiance couldn't help but laugh.
"Xun'er greets Uncle Tiance." Gu Xun'er bowed respectfully.
Although she was now a Dou Di, standing proudly above the entire Dou Qi Continent, she still felt a deep sense of caution and reverence toward the man before her.
"No need for formalities, Empress," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
**"Uncle Tiance, please call me Xun'er. In front of you, the title of Empress feels unworthy of me.
If not for your decision to grant me the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance back then, I wouldn't have achieved the strength I possess today."** Gu Xun'er's voice was sincere.
She spoke from the heart. Despite the conflicts between their clans in the past, she understood that without this man sparing the Gu Clan, their fate could have mirrored that of the Yan Clan, who had been wiped out in a single night.
**"Haha, there's no need to be so humble. Since becoming a Dou Di, you've already entered the realm of immortality, just like me.
While there may still be differences in strength, don't forget the agreement between us. In a few years, you'll accompany me to the Great Thousand World to serve by my side for a thousand years."** Xiao Tiance chuckled.
**"Uncle Tiance, rest assured. Xun'er has not forgotten.
I've come today for two reasons.
First, after my breakthrough to Dou Di, my father rushed me out of Tianwaitian, and I never got the chance to greet you properly. I've come to apologize for that.
Second, I wish to ask you about Brother Xiao Yan's whereabouts. I have many things to say to him. Please grant me this request."**
Gu Xun'er's voice carried a trace of urgency as her gaze locked on Xiao Tiance.
Xiao Tiance didn't answer immediately. Instead, he gestured for her to sit and personally poured her a cup of tea.
It wasn't until she had taken a sip that he spoke. "As far as I know, the Gu Clan has been searching for Xiao Yan all these years. Have they found nothing at all?"
Gu Xun'er sighed and shook her head. **"Uncle Tiance, if the Gu Clan had any leads on Brother Xiao Yan, why would I trouble you with this?
Neither my clan nor Tianji Tower has any information about his whereabouts.
But I believe that even if the entire Dou Qi Continent is clueless, you, Uncle Tiance, must know where Brother Xiao Yan is."**
Her unwavering gaze reflected both trust and hope.
Xiao Tiance chuckled, sipping his tea slowly before setting the cup down. He then asked, **"And if you find him, what then?
I assume you've already learned from your father that when Xiao Yan left Tianwaitian five years ago, he was accompanied by Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin.
Five years is neither long nor short. Who's to say Xiao Yan doesn't already have children with them by now?
With your current status, power, and title, would you really be willing to share a man who isn't even a Dou Di?"**
Gu Xun'er's face froze, but only for a moment. Soon after, her expression became resolute.
**"Uncle Tiance, please grant me this request.
No matter how Brother Xiao Yan has changed or who is by his side, as long as I still have a place in his heart, I am willing to stay with him for the rest of my life."**
Xiao Tiance burst into laughter. He rarely showed much emotion, but Gu Xun'er's unwavering sincerity seemed to amuse him.
"What's so funny, Uncle Tiance?" Gu Xun'er asked.
**"Oh, nothing. I just realized how capable Xiao Yan is.
To have someone like you a woman of such beauty and strength, unmatched even in the Great Thousand World devoted to him, willing to follow him despite the circumstances... I can't help but admire him.
Fine, fine. It's said that breaking up a marriage is worse than destroying ten temples. Since you're so determined, why not tell you?
Xiao Yan is currently in the Jia Ma Empire, in Qingshan Town on the outskirts of the Magic Beast Mountain Range.
But let me warn you he's now a father of two. Be prepared for what you might find."**
Gu Xun'er's eyes flickered with sadness for a moment but quickly regained their resolve.
She stood, bowed deeply, and said, "Thank you, Uncle Tiance. I will leave immediately. In a few days, I will return to pay my respects."
"Go ahead. That Xiao Yan truly has remarkable luck with women," Xiao Tiance remarked with a wave of his hand.
In the blink of an eye, Gu Xun'er disappeared, her figure speeding toward the Jia Ma Empire.
Back in Jia Ma Empire
In Qingshan Town, Xiao Yan had been living a quiet life for the past five years. Together with Xiao Yi Xian, he ran a small clinic, providing medical aid to the locals.
Suddenly, Xiao Yan looked toward the sky, his expression shifting. Before he could act, a stunning woman in white appeared before him, descending gracefully from the void.
For a moment, their gazes locked, and the world seemed to stand still.
"Xun'er… You still came," Xiao Yan murmured, his voice hoarse.
"Brother Xiao Yan, were you hoping I wouldn't?" Gu Xun'er's eyes glistened with unshed tears, reflecting both joy and a tinge of fear.
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