Chapter 420: What Gu Clan Leader? That's Clearly My Uncle!
The lush green peak was shrouded in a soft mist, like a realm of immortals.
Xiao Yuan swept his gaze around, face calm.
Just moments ago, he'd been out for a casual walk. Then, with a sudden blur of vision, he found himself here.
Not far ahead, a figure stood with hands clasped behind his back. Although he exuded no tangible pressure, Xiao Yuan didn't dare underestimate him. He was sure—this man before him was the most terrifying person he'd ever encountered in his life.
"Heh, I didn't expect that after the fall of the Dou Emperor bloodline, the Xiao Clan could still produce a youth who awakened it. Strange though, you've only reached six-star Dou Zun despite awakening such a power. But judging from your presence that day, you could likely defeat ordinary peak Dou Zuns. Did Xiao Xuan leave you something else?"
The voice was curious and calm.
"And senior is…?"
Although Xiao Yuan had acted cocky throughout his time in the Gu Clan, he had a feeling this man was none other than Xun'er's father—Gu Yuan, the Gu Clan leader and a terrifying peak nine-star Dou Sheng. He immediately became more cautious.
The figure slowly turned around.
He appeared to be a plain middle-aged man in his forties, dressed in simple hemp robes. His gentle smile radiated calm reassurance.
"I'm Xun'er's father."
"Then shouldn't you be looking for Xiao Yan instead?"
Xiao Yuan promptly sold out his younger brother.
"Heh. One at a time. I've heard that you plan to storm the Gu Clan and propose on Xiao Yan's behalf. What, getting cold feet now?"
Gu Yuan chuckled.
"How could I raise a hand against you? You're Xun'er's father—it'd be inappropriate!"
Xiao Yuan shook his head righteously.
He had no beef with Gu Yuan—plus, he couldn't win anyway.
"My name is Gu Yuan. You know, we met once when you were born. But no one knew who I was."
The middle-aged man smiled.
Xiao Yuan blinked. He had no memory of that… but honestly, it didn't matter.
"Greetings, Uncle!"
He immediately bowed like a junior.
"You're quite the charmer," Gu Yuan said with amusement.
"Well, you said you're Xun'er's father, not the Gu Clan Leader. As your nephew, I know how to play my role."
Xiao Yuan grinned broadly.
"Xun'er's always said she sees you like an older brother. She's my only daughter. If she chooses you, and she's happy, then I'll support it. You Xiao boys are quite the surprise. Among our Gu Clan's younger generation, only three might match you in strength, and none could guarantee a win. Reminds me of when the Xiao Clan stood at its peak."
Clearly, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan had earned Gu Yuan's approval.
"But to be honest… if I'd known things would turn out like this, I wouldn't have sent Xun'er to the Xiao Clan. We didn't gain what we hoped—and I lost a daughter. That trade was a huge loss."
Gu Yuan sighed.
"You're talking about the Tou She Ancient Emperor's Jade, aren't you?"
Xiao Yuan's brow lifted. Finally, they were getting to the real reason.
*"The Tou She Ancient Emperor was the last Dou Di of the continent. No one has reached that level since. Rumor has it that before his death, he left behind a Dou Di relic. Within it lies the secret to breaking through to Dou Sheng. Years ago, the Eight Ancient Clans and Central Plains superpowers waged a bloody war just for the key—what you now hold: the Ancient Emperor's Jade.
Originally it was three pieces, but after the wars, it shattered into eight. Each Ancient Clan got one. Yours is one-eighth of the key."*
Xiao Yuan kept a calm face. He knew his piece was actually one-sixteenth. He responded:
"I've looked into it as well, Uncle. I know this might sound like I'm stoking fears, but we really can't underestimate the Soul Clan."
Over the past few days, Xiao Yuan had heard that the Ling Clan hadn't shown up among the Eight Clans—clear signs that the Soul Clan was plotting something.
Gu Yuan fell into thought, then nodded.
*"The Soul Clan is the most secretive and strange of the Eight Clans. Years ago, the Gu and Xiao Clans joined forces to fight them. Both sides suffered losses, but the Soul Clan wasn't greatly harmed. Later, Xiao Xuan became the Xiao Clan leader. He had a real chance to cripple them—but they banded together and ambushed him. He fell, and the Xiao Clan declined.
Without the Xiao Clan's support, we couldn't afford another war. The cost would've opened us up to other threats. And so we've been at a stalemate ever since.
But judging by their recent movements, they're restless again. They'll definitely target the Emperor Jade. If they gather all eight, their power could tip the balance."*
Gu Yuan's face grew serious.
"Now do you understand how important the Jade is?"
"So what's your proposal, Uncle?"
Xiao Yuan asked, smiling.
Gu Yuan studied him for a moment, then sighed.
"The elders think you should hand it over to the Gu Clan for safekeeping… but I doubt you'll agree."
"Uncle knows me well."
Xiao Yuan nodded with a bright smile.
Gu Yuan wasn't surprised.
"That answer was expected. I didn't bring up the idea—it was the elders. But they probably won't feel comfortable letting you run around with such a treasure under the Soul Clan's nose. Anyway, let's deal with it later. In two days, the Heavenly Tomb opens. Once you return from that, we can discuss the Jade again."
Xiao Yuan nodded. Just as he was about to speak, a gust of wind swept up from the foot of the mountain. He looked up to see a slender figure flying toward them—Xun'er.
"Hah… daughters really do leave their fathers behind. Look how worried she is. Probably afraid I'd do something to you boys."
Gu Yuan sighed. Then, with a final reminder:
"That's enough talk for today. Remember—guard the Ancient Jade well."
With that, Gu Yuan's body faded from sight.
At the same time, Xiao Yan's figure slowly appeared beside Xiao Yuan.
"Brother?"
"Xiao Yan?"
The two brothers blinked in confusion.
"No wonder he's the Gu Clan Leader. That was something else."
Xiao Yuan couldn't help but admire the display.
Xiao Yan sighed with relief and turned toward the rapidly approaching figure—the worried girl with eyes full of concern.
"This girl…"
In a flash, Xun'er appeared before them, worry etched on her perfect face.
"Xiao Yan-ge, Brother Yuan, are you alright? Just now—"
"No worries. That was your father, the Clan Leader."
Xiao Yan smiled.
"I knew it!"
Xun'er frowned, clearly a bit angry. First the elders, now even her father had to intervene.
"Don't be mad. Uncle Gu's very reasonable. I bet he told Xiao Yan the same things he told me. You two talk—I'll head back and rest."
Xiao Yuan smiled and walked off, not wanting to third-wheel.
"Hehe, it's true. He didn't oppose us at all—just talked about the Xiao Clan."
Xiao Yan reassured her.
"Really? He said nothing about us?"
Xun'er was surprised.
Xiao Yan leaned close and whispered in her ear.
Her face turned scarlet, and she gave him a shy but playful glare.
Still, a bit of relief flickered in her eyes. Had her father opposed their relationship, it would have put her in a painful position. That was what she had feared most.
"Let's go back, Xiao Yan-ge. You and Brother Yuan already secured a spot in the Heavenly Tomb. Just two more days, and we can enter."
She smiled sweetly, holding his hand.
Xiao Yan's heart lifted. He'd been worried that the clan elders would find a reason to block him. But apparently, that issue was already resolved.
"Thank you, Xun'er."
He gently squeezed her hand—soft and warm like jade.
Xun'er smiled and leaned against him, her fair cheek resting on his shoulder as she closed her eyes, breathing in his comforting scent.
Holding her like that, Xiao Yan felt all his weariness melt away. He buried his face in her silky hair, the faint fragrance soothing his soul.
High above, in the void, Gu Yuan reappeared. Watching the couple atop the peak, he sighed softly before fading once more.
"Xiao Xuan… it seems your move was the wisest of all."
Two peaceful days passed swiftly.
No one from the Gu Clan came to disturb them. When the third morning dawned, an unusual energy swept through the mountains—Xiao Yuan and the others were caught within its pull.
"Today, the Heavenly Tomb opens," Xun'er said cheerfully from atop a snowy-white unicorn.
"The entrance is deep within the Gu Sacred Mountains. It's usually a forbidden zone, only opened when the tomb awakens."
The breeze blew her hair like a ribbon. She explained to Xiao Yuan and the others:
*"The tomb is dangerous. It holds countless ancient experts. Though their souls are gone, the tomb's magic reanimates their battle energy into living forms. These energy beings are strong and retain their combat techniques—very difficult to deal with.
The tomb has three layers. The first holds Dou Zuns below three stars, usually aimless. The second, those between three and eight stars—much harder to fight. The third layer… holds the strongest. Peak Dou Zuns, and even former Dou Shengs. Few dare go that deep."*
"So… our ancestor Xiao Xuan's tomb is in the third layer?"
Xiao Yan asked.
"Apparently in its deepest part. Even our own Gu Clan rarely dares enter."
Xun'er tilted her head helplessly.
"No worries. With us two escorting you, it'll be a breeze. Ancestor will be thrilled to see you."
Xiao Yuan teased with a grin.
Xun'er blushed as she understood his hint.
Xiao Yan just scratched his head with a sheepish grin.
(END CHAPTER)
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