Chapter 121: Gu Yao's Defeat and the Proposal for an Alliance
Tianwaitian, Martial Arena.
As Xiao Wu's words fell, the crowd watched as Xiao Xing He seized an opening. With a decisive kick, he struck Gu Yao squarely in the chest.
"Boom!"
The powerful strike sent Gu Yao flying like a broken kite. He crashed heavily against the protective barrier of the martial arena, leaving visible cracks on its surface.
"Cough, cough!"
Gu Yao coughed up blood, a thin trickle running down the corner of his mouth. However, his aura remained largely intact. While injured, the damage wasn't severe enough to hinder his fighting capability.
"Do you want to continue?"
Standing confidently in the center of the arena, Xiao Xing He smirked, gesturing with his hand for Gu Yao to come at him again.
Gu Yao's face turned red with rage. Slamming his palm against the ground, he leapt to his feet with an angry roar.
"Continue? Of course! Do you think I'm scared of you?"
With a furious yell, Gu Yao charged toward Xiao Xing He with ghost like speed. His hand formed an energy palm, which glowed a bloody red as it shot toward his opponent.
The power behind the palm strike was immense so overwhelming that most Dou Ling (Battle Spirit) fighters would avoid taking it head on. But Xiao Xing He didn't flinch. Instead, he clenched his fist, gathering his fiery Dou Qi into a blazing strike, and met the palm head on.
"Bang!"
The clash sent shockwaves through the arena. Xiao Wu, observing the fight, shook his head with a sigh.
"This boy is too reckless. One day, his impulsiveness will cost him."
His tone implied that this wasn't one of those days.
Xiao Tiance and Gu Yuan, both seasoned powerhouses, could also see that Gu Yao's strikes, while formidable, lacked the edge to truly harm Xiao Xing He.
"A direct clash between strong wills this is how true warriors fight. Isn't it exhilarating?" Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
Gu Yuan could only sigh in envy. "The Xiao Clan has so many outstanding talents. It's hard not to feel admiration... and a twinge of jealousy."
Back in the arena, Xiao Xing He shattered Gu Yao's bloody energy palm with a powerful punch. But Gu Yao wasn't ready to give in. Launching another ferocious palm strike, he aimed directly for Xiao Xing He's chest.
Xiao Xing He dodged gracefully with an iron bridge maneuver, bending backward to evade the attack. Using his hands to spring off the ground, he launched a counterattack a powerful kick.
"Bang!"
Their limbs collided. Gu Yao staggered back, forced to block with both hands, while Xiao Xing He smoothly landed on his feet.
Without hesitation, Xiao Xing He propelled himself forward like a cannonball. His fists rained down on Gu Yao with relentless ferocity. The two exchanged blows so rapidly that even some experienced spectators found it difficult to follow.
"Tch, Gu Yao is all bark and no bite," Xiao Xing Yao, watching from the stands, remarked with a smirk. "He's being completely overwhelmed by Xing He."
Hearing this, Xiao Xing Zhu and Xiao Xing Mei exchanged glances before cautioning him.
"Don't underestimate him," Xiao Xing Zhu said solemnly.
"Right," Xiao Xing Mei added. "Gu Yao is from the Gu Clan, and they're known for their secret techniques. If he hasn't used any yet, it means he's holding back."
Xiao Xing Yao scoffed. "So what? He's arrogant and overestimates himself. If I were in the ring, I'd finish him off in three moves."
Before he could continue boasting, Xiao Xing Mei smacked him on the head.
"Enough! You're just as arrogant as he is!" she scolded.
"But, Mei jie...!" Xiao Xing Yao whined, rubbing his head.
Xiao Xing Zhu couldn't help but laugh. "Serves you right. Big sister's got a point."
Meanwhile, in the arena, Gu Yao was reaching his limit. His body bore numerous bruises, and it was clear he couldn't endure much more.
Determined to turn the tide, Gu Yao took advantage of one of Xiao Xing He's punches to retreat ten meters. As he steadied himself, his aura surged, and a newfound power began to emanate from his body.
"I refuse to lose here. If I can't hold my ground in the Xiao Clan, how can I face my clan back home?" Gu Yao thought, his expression grim.
In mere moments, he activated one of the Gu Clan's secret techniques. His aura swelled dramatically, rivaling Xiao Xing He's.
Xiao Xing He didn't flinch as he watched Gu Yao power up. Instead, he smirked. So, you've finally decided to get serious?
From the stands, Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Gu Yao has talent. To fully activate such a secret technique at his age shows the Gu Clan values him greatly."
Gu Yuan sighed. "Such techniques are mere tricks. Your Xing He still hasn't shown any signs of exertion. I suspect he's holding back far more than Gu Yao."
Xiao Tiance nodded and turned to Xiao Wu. "Your grandson is promising, but his approach is too careless. He's letting Gu Yao power up instead of finishing the fight. That kind of arrogance can be dangerous."
Xiao Wu felt embarrassed. "You're absolutely right, Clan Leader. After this, I'll personally drill him in proper combat discipline."
Satisfied, Xiao Tiance turned his attention back to the fight. Although Gu Yao's strength had increased, Xiao Xing He's skill and poise remained unshaken.
"Let's see how it unfolds," Xiao Tiance mused.
Tianwaitian, Martial Arena.
As Xiao Tiance finished speaking, Gu Yao's secret technique reached its climax. His strength now surged to the peak of Dou Ling, with faint traces of Dou Wang level power.
On the other side, Xiao Xing He grinned. His fighting spirit burned as he activated the Dou Qi coursing through his body.
In a moment, a sharp tearing sound echoed across the arena as Xiao Xing He's clothes ripped apart, revealing a robust physique that belied his youthful appearance.
"Impressive, this little one's got some potential," Xiao Tiance commented, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes.
At that moment, Xiao Tiance understood why Xiao Xing He had confidently waited for Gu Yao to unleash his full strength. It wasn't arrogance Xiao Xing He had been preparing in secret, using a powerful body strengthening Dou Technique. Now, his every muscle seemed as tough as steel, exuding a deadly aura.
"Bang!"
Xiao Xing He clapped his fists together with a thunderous sound, launching himself like a missile toward Gu Yao.
Gu Yao, however, opted to dodge instead of clashing head on. With a quick sidestep, he evaded Xiao Xing He's charge and immediately formed a series of hand seals, channeling his energy into a high level Dou Technique.
"Mysterious High Grade Dou Technique Phantom Soul Mark!"
A black claw formed in his hand, its sharp talons glowing with a chilling light.
"Screech!"
The claw flew toward Xiao Xing He, aiming straight for his chest.
"Sizzle!"
The claw struck, sparks flying on impact. Yet, when the dust settled, the crowd saw that Xiao Xing He's chest bore no injuries. His defense remained intact, without a single scratch.
"Tsk, your strength may have increased, but it seems your attacks haven't improved much," Xiao Xing He mocked with a smirk.
Across from him, Gu Yao's expression faltered. He was stunned.
"How… How is that possible?"
The Phantom Soul Mark was a deadly move capable of bypassing Dou Qi defenses, and even piercing the armor of a Dou Wang. Yet, against Xiao Xing He, it had done nothing.
Realizing he needed a new strategy, Gu Yao began moving at high speed, circling Xiao Xing He and leaving behind afterimages as he searched for an opening.
In the center of the arena, Xiao Xing He calmly tracked his opponent. Gu Yao's speed had increased significantly with the help of the Gu Clan's secret technique. Without using his own advanced methods, Xiao Xing He knew he couldn't match Gu Yao's agility.
Suddenly, streaks of sparks flashed as Gu Yao's attacks grazed Xiao Xing He's body. Although his defense remained unbroken, white marks began appearing on his face and arms.
Frustrated by Gu Yao's precision strikes on his vital points, Xiao Xing He growled under his breath.
"Enough of this!"
With a sharp glare, he summoned a long sword from his storage ring.
"Swish!"
A flash of white light cut through the air as Xiao Xing He wielded the blade with practiced ease. Gu Yao's incoming attack was immediately deflected.
"Fast, but your strikes are too slow," Xiao Xing He said coldly, his voice laced with disdain.
Gu Yao scowled. Although his speed had increased, the trade off was a reduction in his attack power. It was a compromise he couldn't avoid.
After another failed strike, Gu Yao attempted to retreat. But it was too late. With a single powerful slash, Xiao Xing He shattered Gu Yao's attack and closed the distance between them.
Moments later, the two fighters stood frozen in place. Xiao Xing He remained poised, his sword lowered, while Gu Yao clutched his chest with wide eyes.
"Pfft!"
Blood spurted from a deep wound stretching across Gu Yao's chest.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Gu Yao collapsed, defeated.
"Xiao Xing He, victory!"
The declaration of victory came from the presiding Xiao Clan elder. Immediately, two stewards rushed to the arena to tend to Gu Yao's injuries.
On the viewing platform, Gu Yuan sighed heavily.
"This defeat will surely shake him. His spirit seems dimmed already," he remarked, noticing the blank look in Gu Yao's eyes.
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. "Sometimes, failure is the best teacher. It can temper his will and help him grow. Although Xing He's strike was a bit excessive, it should serve as a wake up call."
Hearing this, Xiao Wu silently promised to reward his grandson for his excellent performance.
In the arena, Xiao Xing He retracted his sword and dismissed the body strengthening technique, his aura gradually calming. After bowing respectfully to the presiding elder, he turned his attention to the prize box Gu Yao had discarded earlier.
The elder, noticing this, chuckled. "You'll get your prize, don't worry."
He tossed another box to Xiao Xing He, who accepted it with a wide grin before leaving the arena.
Turning back to Gu Yao, the elder handed the discarded box to a steward. "Take care of him. Losing isn't the end. If he works hard, there'll be plenty of chances for him to redeem himself in the future."
With that, the elder returned to the viewing platform and formally announced the end of the competition.
Tiance Pavilion, Ninth Floor.
Sitting across from Xiao Tiance, Gu Yuan sipped his tea before sighing.
"Tiance, the strength of your Xiao Clan is truly remarkable. I finally understand why, a thousand years ago, Xiao Xuan believed you were the ideal leader for the Xiao Clan."
Xiao Tiance smiled at the compliment but quickly noticed Gu Yuan's hesitation.
"Gu Yuan, there's no need for flattery. Speak your mind freely."
Gu Yuan nodded. After a brief pause, he said:
**"The Xiao Clan and the Gu Clan have been allies for generations, with a long history of intermarriage. Even during the Xiao Clan's time in seclusion, we sought alliances through marriage with other imperial clans. Unfortunately, such unions have failed to produce truly exceptional offspring, much to the disappointment of our elders.
Now that the Xiao Clan has re emerged, I wonder… would you be open to renewing our alliance through marriage?"**
"Marriage?" Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard.
Gu Yuan nodded. "Yes. We've brought several talented juniors on this visit. Perhaps they could spend some time here, get to know your younger generation, and… develop bonds naturally?"
Xiao Tiance pondered the proposal. After a moment, he replied with a smile:
**"If it's an alliance you seek, I won't oppose it. However, if we're to set an example, it would be fitting to arrange matches between individuals of significant standing from both clans.
For instance, my nephew Xiao Qing remains unwed. If you have an outstanding junior in mind, perhaps they could spend time together and see where it leads."**
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