Chapter 272: The Heavenly Tomb Trial (Part 2)
"No… this can't be true…"
In the outer heavens, at Xiao Qing's residence.
Although Gu Yue had already thought of a certain possibility, she refused to believe that what she feared most could actually come true.
"Ma'am…" her maid whispered softly. But before she could finish her sentence, Gu Yue interrupted her harshly, saying, "Shut up! Get out!"
Seeing Gu Yue, who was now as fierce as a raging tigress, the maid dared not say another word. She quickly got up and ran out of the room.
Bang!
Just as the maid stepped out of the room, a very expensive item was thrown out, shattering as it hit the ground.
One piece, then another…
For about ten minutes, the sound of breaking valuables continued. The courtyard was now filled with shards of precious objects. It was clear just how furious Gu Yue was at this moment.
Meanwhile, at Xiao Qing's office.
Xiao Qing was conversing with Ya Fei when a man wearing the uniform of the Dragon Soaring Army walked in. The man leaned in and whispered something into Xiao Qing's ear with utmost respect.
After listening, Xiao Qing's expression remained unchanged. He said in a low voice, "Understood. Keep an eye on things."
"Yes, Clan Leader!" The man bowed and quickly left.
After he was gone, Xiao Qing turned back to Ya Fei with a slight smile and asked, "Where were we in our conversation?"
"Clan Leader, we were discussing why you assigned me to oversee the guest reception for the Heavenly Tomb Trial," Ya Fei replied respectfully, cupping her hands in a gesture of deference.
Hearing this, Xiao Qing nodded and fell silent for a moment. Then, he smiled bitterly and said, "Ya Fei, you're a smart woman. I'm sure you've already guessed why I want you to oversee this task, haven't you?"
After Xiao Qing finished speaking, Ya Fei didn't respond immediately. As a senior member of Tianji Pavilion, she had been entrusted with significant authority by Xiao Qing in recent years. In fact, whenever Xiao Qing was away, she essentially acted as the highest ranking leader of Tianji Pavilion.
Even the authority to use the Tianji Token had been granted to her at the highest level.
If Ya Fei claimed she was completely clueless, that would obviously not be true.
However, she still couldn't understand why it had to be her. She was just a woman from a small place like the Jia Ma Empire, with no influential background. Although she was competent, there were many others far more qualified than her for this position. Why did it have to be her?
Thinking of this, Ya Fei nodded and replied with a bitter smile, "Clan Leader, I have indeed considered some possibilities. However, I still don't understand why you would choose me.
"To my knowledge, there are countless others far more suitable than I am. Surely, it shouldn't have been my turn."
Upon hearing her response, Xiao Qing smiled faintly and shook his head. Instead of answering her question, he asked, "Why you? I'll explain later. For now, I need to know are you willing?
"My third uncle told me I must show you the utmost respect and ensure your consent. If you decline, I can always assign someone else to oversee the guest reception for the Heavenly Tomb Trial.
"And as for you, if you choose to decline, you'll still be the Deputy Leader of Tianji Pavilion. I would never penalize you for refusing."
Third uncle? Could he mean Lord Tiance?
Ya Fei was startled. To her knowledge, ever since Xiao Tiance stepped down as the Xiao Clan's leader, he hadn't been involved in any clan matters, leaving everything to Xiao Qing, the current Clan Leader.
She never expected him to personally weigh in on this matter and even insist on respecting her wishes.
"Clan Leader, was it Lord Tiance's decision?" Ya Fei asked, looking at Xiao Qing in surprise.
Xiao Qing shook his head and replied, "It was Lord Tian Luo who recommended you. But my third uncle approved as well.
"Because my third uncle personally intervened, I've invited you here to discuss this. After all, you know I never go against my third uncle's decisions."
Xiao Qing sighed bitterly before continuing, "What I just said will always hold true. Even if you refuse, you'll still remain the Deputy Leader of Tianji Pavilion.
"That said, I do hope you'll agree. Although we haven't interacted much, I have a very high opinion of you.
"Moreover, in my heart, you're the most suitable candidate for this role. I'll be honest about that.
"Also, you must be aware that if you were to become the Xiao Clan's matriarch, the kind of power and status you'd gain would be unparalleled. Few people could refuse such an opportunity.
"But you're different. I'm unsure of your feelings toward me, and considering my third uncle's advice, I wanted to discuss this with you in advance."
Hearing this, Ya Fei's heart began to race. She was well aware of the kind of power and influence she would gain if she became the matriarch of the Xiao Clan.
It would make her one of the most prestigious women on the Dou Qi Continent.
She looked up at Xiao Qing's handsome face and the natural aura of authority he exuded as the Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan. Taking a deep breath, Ya Fei finally said, "Clan Leader, may I have some time to think it over? This is all too sudden, and I don't think I'm ready to decide just yet."
Xiao Qing wasn't surprised by her response. He nodded with a smile and said, "Of course. The important guests won't arrive in the Outer Heavens until tomorrow. You can take your time until then."
"Thank you, Clan Leader. I have one more request, if I may," Ya Fei said, bowing respectfully before continuing.
"Please, go ahead," Xiao Qing replied with a smile.
"I'd like to meet Lord Tiance. He is the first Dou Di since Tuoshe Ancient Emperor, and I would be honored to see him," Ya Fei said with a smile.
"You want to meet my third uncle?" Xiao Qing hesitated for a moment.
He clapped his hands, and a beam of light shot into the room, transforming into a figure that bowed respectfully before Xiao Qing.
"Clan Leader."
"Go to Tiance Manor and ask Xiao Bieli to see if the First Elder is available to meet with Ya Fei," Xiao Qing instructed.
"Yes, Clan Leader." The man disappeared as quickly as he had come.
After the man left, Xiao Qing explained with a smile, "Ever since my third uncle ascended to the Dou Di realm, he has lived in seclusion. Even for the Clan's elders and supreme elders, meeting him requires prior approval."
"I understand. Thank you, Clan Leader," Ya Fei said with a nod.
She truly understood. Xiao Tiance's position in the Xiao Clan was unparalleled. Even before reaching the Dou Di realm, he was an unrivaled authority within the clan.
Now that he had ascended, everything in the Xiao Clan revolved around his wishes. Even Xiao Qing, as the Clan Leader, would never impose upon him.
Moments Later
The messenger returned, bowing respectfully and saying, "Clan Leader, the First Elder has agreed to meet Ya Fei."
Hearing this, Xiao Qing waved his hand, signaling the messenger to leave. Then he stood up and looked at Ya Fei. "Let's go. I'll accompany you to meet my third uncle."
"Yes," Ya Fei replied.
The two of them began heading toward Tiance Manor. Meanwhile, back at Xiao Qing's residence, Gu Yue's body grew cold as she learned that Xiao Qing was taking Ya Fei to meet Xiao Tiance.
The reason was simple: since Xiao Tiance ascended to the Dou Di realm, Gu Yue had only seen him once. Even though she visited daily to pay her respects, Xiao Tiance always had Xiao Bieli send her back, claiming he was meditating on spirit arrays.
Yet, now, Ya Fei a mere Deputy Leader of Tianji Pavilion had been granted the rare honor of meeting Xiao Tiance. How could Gu Yue not feel anxious about this?
Ninth Level of Tiance Manor
"Greetings, Third Uncle," Xiao Qing and Ya Fei said in unison, bowing respectfully.
"Rise, no need for formalities. Take a seat wherever you like," Xiao Tiance said with a smile, waving his hand. He personally poured two cups of tea and, with a flick of his spirit power, sent the cups to the two of them.
At that moment, Ya Fei, despite being physically close to Xiao Tiance, felt as though he were a distant and unreachable presence.
"Hehe, Ya Fei, little girl, don't casually use your spiritual power to probe me. If I hadn't restrained myself earlier, your soul might already be injured," Xiao Tiance said with a light laugh.
Startled by his words, Ya Fei immediately snapped back to her senses and was about to apologize when Xiao Tiance used his soul power to stop her from bowing.
"No need for that. You're not the first to probe me with spiritual power, and I doubt you'll be the last," Xiao Tiance said with a smile. "Now, tell me, why did you want to see me?"
Xiao Tiance had always appreciated Ya Fei, whom he personally selected to join Tianji Pavilion. Over the years, she had proven herself capable, never letting him down.
Back when Xiao Qing and Gu Yue were married, Xiao Tiance had considered letting Ya Fei replace Gu Yue as Xiao Qing's wife. However, at the time, Xiao Qing and Gu Yue were deeply in love, and Gu Yue hadn't yet shown the excessive favoritism toward the Gu Clan that she later displayed. So, Xiao Tiance let it slide.
Now, with Gu Yue's actions threatening the Xiao Clan's interests and potentially its unity Xiao Tiance had no choice but to step in and have Xiao Qing make a decision. After all, the role of the Xiao Clan's matriarch was sometimes more influential than all the elders combined. Entrusting it to the wrong person could lead to dire consequences.
It just so happened that Tian Luo proposed Ya Fei for the position, reminding Xiao Tiance of her suitability. After careful consideration, he found her to be the perfect choice.
Ya Fei's Response
"Yes, Lord Tiance. You are the only Dou Di on the Dou Qi Continent. I wanted to meet such an extraordinary figure. Secondly, I heard from the Clan Leader that you approved of me becoming the matriarch of the Xiao Clan?" Ya Fei asked cautiously.
Xiao Tiance nodded with a smile, took a sip of tea, and said, "You've now met me, though I suspect you're a bit disappointed. After ascending to Dou Di, I'm still the same as before not much has changed.
"As for your second question, yes, I did approve. Qing'er likely hasn't told you why, so I'll explain my reasoning."
He continued, "First, you have no imperial clan backing you. While this may seem like a disadvantage, it's also your greatest advantage.
"Second, you possess exceptional management skills. That's why I specifically recruited you from the Mittel Clan to join Tianji Pavilion and ensured you adapted quickly to its operations.
"Lastly, your beauty, intelligence, and contributions to Tianji Pavilion have all been remarkable. Everything I've observed confirms that you are the right choice."
Turning to Xiao Qing, Xiao Tiance added, "Of course, I've already told Qing'er to respect your decision. If you're unwilling, no one will force you."
Hearing this, Ya Fei felt more at ease. After a moment of thought, she bowed and said humbly, "Thank you, Lord Tiance, for your faith in me. If not for the pill you gave me back then, I'd still be a senior elder at the Mittel Auction House in the Jia Ma Empire. I'd never have had the chance to witness the wonders of Central Plains."
Xiao Tiance waved his hand dismissively. "There's no need to dwell on gratitude. This is your life. Make the decision you won't regret. Whether you accept or not, I hope you'll be at peace with your choice."
Ya Fei glanced shyly at Xiao Qing and, seeing no dissatisfaction in his expression, finally made up her mind. "Lord Tiance, I've made my decision. The Clan Leader is an outstanding man and one of the continent's strongest figures. I am willing."
"Hahaha! Wonderful! With you by Qing'er's side, the Xiao Clan can thrive for another ten thousand years!" Xiao Tiance laughed heartily.
Turning to Xiao Qing, he said, "Qing'er, you've heard Ya Fei's decision. You must treat her well."
"I understand, Third Uncle. I won't disappoint you," Xiao Qing replied respectfully.
Seeing the two sitting together, Xiao Tiance's mood brightened further. He noticed that Ya Fei's strength was only at the four star Dou Zun level. Taking a jade bottle from his storage ring, he used his soul power to float it to Ya Fei and said, "While you've made significant progress, your strength is still lacking for the role of the Xiao Clan's matriarch.
"This is a Nine Turn Bodhi Pill. It will elevate you to the Dou Sheng level without any side effects. Consider it a gift for my new niece in law."
Xiao Qing, startled by the pill's effects, quickly calmed himself. He knew his third uncle was a grandmaster alchemist, and now, as a Dou Di, such miraculous pills were hardly surprising.
"Thank you, Lord Tiance," Ya Fei said gratefully.
With the setup complete, the next chapter will hit its climax! And as a teaser: in about ten chapters, the story will transition to the Great Thousand World. Surprises await! Stay tuned!
(End of Chapter)
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