Several days before the meeting, Li Mei had already departed for the Gu Clan to report what had transpired with the Ling Clan.
Furthermore, she also revealed that the Hun Clan, or more specifically Nihility Devouring Flame, had obtained the devouring ability of the Tunling Clan—allowing them to consume the bloodline strength of other ancient clans to delay the depletion of their own bloodline's power.
Naturally, such news stirred an uproar within the Gu Clan, prompting Gu Yuan to swiftly convene a meeting with the clan's elders.
"Is what Lady Li Mei said truly accurate? Forgive my bluntness—no offense is intended—but we must verify this matter carefully, for it bears grave implications," said one of the elders solemnly.
Seated upon the leader's chair, Gu Yuan's expression was equally grave. Even he could feel his heart trembling from the weight of the revelation.
"This has already been confirmed by the Clan Head of the Ling Clan before his untimely death," Li Mei replied calmly, unoffended by their doubt. "The one who personally delivered the information to us was the Mistress of the Ling Clan."
"How could this be possible? How can the Nihility Devouring Flame transform into the Tunling Clan?"
"Could it be that the Hun Clan is, in truth, the Tunling Clan in disguise?"
"That's impossible According to ancient records, the Hun Clan was once attacked by the Tunling Clan and even drove them away!"
Several elders exclaimed in disbelief after hearing Li Mei's words. The information she delivered had already been verified by the surviving members of the Ling Clan, who were now under the protection of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion.
The hall immediately descended into uproar as countless elders began voicing their own speculations. It was only when Gu Yuan raised his hand that silence gradually returned to the chamber.
Once the hall quieted, one of the three elders stepped forward—Gu Dao, one of the Three Gu Immortals.
"Clan Head," Gu Dao began solemnly, "do you still remember those ancient clans that declined or vanished one after another, ever since the Dou Qi Continent ceased producing elite Dou Dis? The circumstances surrounding their disappearance were strange... Now that I think of it, they resemble the fates of the Shi Clan and the Ling Clan."
Though the Ling Clan narrowly escaped destruction—at the cost of tremendous sacrifice—the truth remained: they had suffered the same fate as the Shi Clan. If not for Xiao Hua leaving behind a token containing the Fourth Strike of his Nine Supreme Chaos Strike, which opened a path to the outside world, the Ling Clan would have undoubtedly perished just like the Shi Clan.
Gu Yuan's eyes narrowed sharply as the meaning behind Gu Dao's words sank in.
"Over tens of thousands of years, countless ancient clans have risen and fallen, yet the Hun Clan alone has remained untouched. Their bloodline strength seems endless… I am certain I am not the only one who finds this strange. However, given the clan's depth and mystery, none have ever been able to investigate further. Now that Lady Li Mei has spoken of this matter, it is difficult not to suspect that the Hun Clan may possess an ability akin to that of the Tunling Clan…"
"If that is truly the case," Gu Dao said grimly, "then we ancient clans have long been nothing more than domesticated bloodline springs for the Hun Clan's nourishment…"
His voice echoed through the hall like a shadow, and a chill silently crept into everyone's hearts.
"There's no need to overstate their terror," Gu Yuan said, a faint smile curving his lips. "Even if they possess an ability similar to the Tunling Clan, they do not have the power to subjugate us completely. Otherwise, Hun Tiandi would not have suffered such grievous injuries from Xiao Xuan's all-out strike back then."
Hearing his calm words, many elders quietly exhaled, their tension easing slightly.
"However…" Gu Yuan's gaze deepened. "Since the Nihility Devouring Flame has resurfaced, it is likely that Hun Tiandi has fully recovered. And now, I finally understand how the Hun Clan managed to avoid our detection."
He extended a finger, tracing a faint circle in the air before closing his hand around it.
"It is because he swallowed an entire realm into his body."
Hiss…
Everyone in the hall drew in a sharp breath. Swallowing an entire realm—was such a feat even possible for a human being?
Only Li Mei remained unmoved. She had seen her sworn younger brother perform such a feat before—albeit merely as amusement, swallowing empty realms devoid of life. It was precisely because of this discovery that they had provided the Ling Clan with numerous protective measures, should the Nihility Devouring Flame ever attempt such an act in earnest.
Though they had suffered devastating losses, the Ling Clan narrowly escaped complete annihilation unlike the Shi Clan—an outcome that could only be considered a small blessing amid tragedy.
"He is no longer human…" Gu Yuan said calmly, yet a chilling glint flashed within his eyes. "It has been many years since I last crossed blows with him. It seems his mastery over devouring power has advanced greatly. Back then, even he struggled to accomplish such a feat."
"As for the Nihility Devouring Flame transforming into the Tunling Clan members, as Lady Li Mei described… perhaps that is the true reason the Hun Clan has endured for so long."
Gu Yuan's gaze slowly sharpened as his tone sank. "I recall that the last Clan Head of the Tunling Clan was said to have been slain by the Hun Clan…"
"Clan Head, you mean—the Nihility Devouring Flame devoured the last Tunling Clan Head? And through that, obtained their unique ability?" asked a white-haired elder beside Gu Dao, his voice rough and uncertain.
"This should indeed be the case," Gu Yuan replied with a slow nod. His eyes lowered slightly, and a cold, murderous intent flickered within them. "Otherwise, I cannot fathom how the Hun Clan could have acquired the Tunling Clan's power. This Nihility Devouring Flame is a grave threat to all ancient clans… it must be eliminated."
The hall fell silent at his words. Not a single elder spoke. None of them had imagined that the Hun Clan was concealing such a terrifying truth. What unsettled them most was not the Hun Clan itself—but the existence of that accursed flame.
"The Hun Clan's attacks on the Ling and Shi Clans likely served two purposes," Gu Yuan continued. "One—to harvest bloodline strength. And the other…" His voice deepened, "…to seize the Tou She Ancient God Jade. It seems Hun Tiandi can no longer restrain himself."
Gu Yuan lifted his head, his gaze piercing the empty air as though seeing far beyond the confines of the hall, into the depths of his thoughts.
"And the reason for his growing impatience," he added, his tone softening as he glanced toward Li Mei, "is none other than the rise of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion."
The elders of the Gu Clan exchanged looks of agreement. They too had to admit—despite being a newly formed power in the Central Plains, the Moonlit Chaos Mansion's strength had exceeded all expectations.
With Ming Cheng, Li Mei, Mei Ling, and Wei Jie having all advanced to the Nine-Star Dou Sheng realm and attained the Di State Soul—placing them at the Half-Step Dou Di level—the Moonlit Chaos Mansion had undoubtedly become the most formidable force in the Central Plains.
Thus, they fully understood Hun Tiandi's growing restlessness. As long as the Moonlit Chaos Mansion existed and continued to hunt the Hun Clan, his death is definitely nearing if he simply stood still.
Li Mei merely nodded in response to Gu Yuan's words. However, she did not linger on the topic and instead said, "There is something I must request Clan Head Gu to permit."
She paused, her gaze deep and unreadable as she looked at Gu Yuan.
Gu Yuan raised his brows slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes. He did not interrupt her and simply gestured for her to continue.
Seeing that Gu Yuan was willing to listen, Li Mei began to explain everything—Hun Tiandi's schemes, his hidden motives, and even the demands he had made.
"Hmph! Hun Tiandi's audacity and greed truly know no bounds!" one of the elders snapped coldly, his voice laced with fury.
His anger resonated throughout the hall, and many elders voiced their agreement. Hun Tiandi's demands were simply outrageous—each word fueling their indignation and dissatisfaction.
Then, one of the elders, his gaze sharp as a blade, stared intently at Li Mei and said in a deep voice, "Lady Li Mei, are you suggesting that we hand over the fragment of the Tou She Ancient God Jade held by our Gu Clan?"
At those words, the atmosphere in the hall turned heavy. All eyes shifted toward Li Mei—hostile, fiery, and filled with restrained rage.
Yet Li Mei remained calm beneath their burning gazes. Her expression did not waver; her eyes stayed fixed on Gu Yuan as she sighed softly.
"It is not I who will persuade you," she said evenly. "It will be my little brother."
As she finished speaking, she retrieved a token and flicked it into the air behind her.
Buzz!
The token trembled, releasing a burst of brilliant light that lasted for half a breath before shattering into countless fragments. The glowing motes gathered in the air and intertwined, forming a radiant screen—revealing a meeting taking place within the Moonlit Chaos Mansion.
Everyone—whether from the Gu Clan's side or those attending the meeting in Moonlit Chaos Mansion—was startled by the sudden appearance of the light screen. Their eyes were drawn toward it, curiosity flickering across their faces as they tried to grasp the meaning behind the scene before them.
Li Mei, however, remained composed. Her calm voice echoed across both sides.
"Was I late?"
"No, you are right on time," Flame replied with a faint smile and a shake of his head. "I was just explaining to Elder Lin from the Pill Tower about the 'Key' that Hun Tiandi is demanding."
Li Mei took out the communication jade from her sleeve and transmitted a brief message:
"There is no one from Gu Clan's Ancestral Hall present in this meeting hall. You may speak freely."
After receiving the message, Thunder lifted his head, his gaze meeting Gu Yuan's eyes through the screen. His tone was calm yet respectful as he said, "Uncle Gu Yuan, my apologies for this sudden intrusion. I did not mean to cause alarm."
Gu Yuan chuckled lightly. "Haha, it is nothing. Although I am curious about this unexpected method of communication, I presume there is a more pressing matter you wish to discuss?"
"Indeed," Flame replied, his expression turning solemn. "Uncle Gu Yuan, do you know the reason why no new Dou Di has appeared in the Dou Qi Continent for so many years? With your cultivation and insight, you must have noticed that something... is missing, have you not?"
Gu Yuan's expression deepened. He slowly nodded, a thoughtful silence descending upon the hall. Even the elders, sensing the gravity of the question, fell silent—each waiting to hear what was to come next.
"Origin."
Flame gently uttered the word, his voice calm yet carrying an unfathomable depth.
"Origin?"
"During the ancient era," Flame explained, "some experts referred to it as Origin Qi. It is a mysterious energy born alongside the world itself. Only by absorbing this Origin Qi can one truly break through the barrier and step into the realm of the Dou Di."
He paused briefly, his eyes flickering with a distant light before continuing,
"Every plane possesses a certain amount of Origin Qi when it is first created. However, once consumed, it can never be replenished. In other words, every bit of Origin Qi exhausted brings the world one step closer to depletion."
Thunder then added in a deep tone, "An elite Dou Di is an existence that transcends the limits of the world. Yet, the birth of each Dou Di consumes an enormous amount of Origin Qi. Without renewal, this constant depletion eventually leads to emptiness. That is why the Dou Qi Continent can no longer produce any Dou Di—because this world no longer holds even a trace of Origin Qi."
Gu Yuan and the other elders were momentarily stunned before bitter smiles appeared on their faces. They now understood the meaning behind Flame and Thunder's words.
This was the truth of predecessors enjoying while descendants suffer. The so-called Origin Qi had long been exhausted by the ancients, leaving the burden of consequence to fall upon the generations that followed.
"Wait… every plane? Does that mean—" Gu Yuan's expression shifted slightly as a certain realization flashed through his mind.
"That's right," Flame replied with a calm nod. "Beyond the Dou Qi Continent lie countless other planes—each possessing its own unique energies and cultivation systems."
Everyone in the hall widened their eyes in shock. For generations, they had believed the Dou Qi Continent to be vast beyond measure. Yet now, they were told that their world was but a single plane among many—a revelation that overturned everything they knew.
"Hence," Thunder continued in a steady, unwavering voice, "the disappearance of the Dou Dis was not because they perished, but because they have left. Each of them eventually found a pathway leading to a higher realm. However… for reasons unknown, our ancestors later sealed that pathway, severing all connection between the Dou Qi Continent and the outer worlds."
There was no trace of exaggeration in his tone—only calm conviction and the weight of truth.
Inwardly, Thunder was certain. The seal that isolated the Dou Qi Continent was not a natural phenomenon—it was deliberately created.
As for the reason behind such a decision, Xiao Hua already knew—it was to conceal this plane from the eyes of the Fiend Clan. But this was not the time to reveal that truth. For now, it was enough to speak only of what concerned the Dou Qi Continent itself.
"How did you come by this knowledge?" Gu Yuan asked, his eyes narrowing slightly in intrigue. His tone carried no suspicion, only deep curiosity. Even within the ancient records of the Gu Clan, not a single trace of such information could be found.
Flame and Thunder exchanged a deep, meaningful glance before turning toward Gu Yuan.
Understanding the silent message in Flame's eyes, Gu Yuan nodded slightly before addressing his people. "Everyone except the Three Gu Immortals will leave this hall, withdraw. Furthermore, any word spoken here must never be spread to those who are not present—even if their status surpasses yours."
The elders exchanged uncertain glances but quickly rose to their feet. With respectful bows and clasped hands, they departed from the meeting hall. Though curiosity burned in their hearts, none dared to defy the order. They knew this matter was far too grave to pry into.
The same order extended to the guests of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion. Aside from the Hall Masters, Pill Tower's Ancestor and First Elder, Ancestor Huo Yun, Fairy Qing, Fairy Hua, and Yao Chen, all others quietly took their leave. Soon, the grand hall fell into solemn silence, occupied only by the most trusted few.
Flame's lips curved into a faint, mysterious smile.
His eyes sweeping over the remaining figures, he said, "Aren't you curious how my sworn brothers, sisters, and even my future wives have advanced so swiftly—yet without the slightest harm to our foundations?"
Everyone present, whether from the Gu Clan's side or the Moonlit Chaos Mansion, was momentarily stunned by his words. Indeed, this was a question that had long lingered in their hearts.
After all, to see even one person reach the level of a nine-star Dou Sheng was already an exceedingly rare event. Yet now, within a single force, there were six such individuals—and eight if one included Xiao Hua's clones, Flame and Thunder.
Furthermore, each of them was remarkably young compared to most Dou Sheng elites—Xiao Hua himself was only a few years away from turning thirty. This fact alone left many puzzled and curious about the secret behind their rapid growth.
Flame nodded slightly before beginning the story he and Sister Yu Ru Meng had carefully devised—a half-truth meant to conceal the real circumstances. According to his account, a mysterious expert from beyond the Dou Qi Continent had somehow descended into this world and taken Xiao Hua as his disciple.
To support the tale, he even mentioned traces of this expert's arrival being discovered in the Black-Corner Region—the same place where Lady Azure had first descended, thus strengthening the plausibility of his explanation.
Though not the complete truth, it was close enough that no one could detect anything amiss.
Those unaware of the real story were visibly shaken by Flame's words. Meanwhile, Mei Ling and Wei Jie exchanged subtle glances, quietly impressed by their sworn younger brother's seamless delivery of a fabricated tale that strayed so little from reality.
As for Ming Cheng, Li Mei, and Xin Yu, they remained composed. Like Mei Ling and Wei Jie, they already knew the truth and chose to stay silent.
"Father, I have also met her before. Her strength far surpasses even yours," Xun Er interjected softly, lending weight to Flame's story.
"'Her'? So this expert is a woman…" Gu Yuan's eyes widened slightly, his tone filled with surprise.
Though female experts were not rare, it was still unusual for one to take in a young man as her disciple, no matter how young he was during the time she took him in.
"If that is truly the case," Gu Yuan continued after a moment's thought, "then it is not hard to believe that Xiao Hua and the others could reach such heights. I do not mean to say it would have been impossible for them otherwise, but it is still astonishing to see them attain such power at their age—especially without the vast resources or long-term guidance that others might rely upon."
"Furthermore, if that expert truly came from beyond this continent, it would explain why he possesses knowledge of Origin Qi—especially if such energy is abundant outside the Dou Qi Continent," Gu Dao said thoughtfully, stroking his beard.
"Even so," murmured the white-haired elder in astonishment, "just what kind of fortune does that boy possess? Mysterious encounters are one thing, but I have never heard of such a case before…"
"It is his fate, not ours," the last of the Three Gu Immortals said softly, his tone carrying a faint sigh.
"You miss the most important thing right now…" The Pill Tower's Ancestor interjected, his expression complicated as he drew everyone's attention.
He paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on Gu Yuan, before exhaling lightly. "Clan Head Gu," he said, his voice trembling faintly, "I believe you already know what I am referring to…"
Gu Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly, a deep glint flickering within them. Naturally, he understood what the Pill Tower's Ancestor meant.
After a long silence, he drew in a slow breath and spoke in a low, heavy tone, "The reason Xiao Hua has not appeared these past few years… could it be that he is attempting to break through—to the realm of the Dou Di?"
-------|
Want to read 20+ chapters ahead?
Support me on Patreon and get early access to the latest chapters:
http://patreon.com/GodYato