Chapter 122: The Proposal of Void Swallow Flame, The Elders' Surprise
Tianwaitian, Tiance Pavilion Ninth Floor.
Following Xiao Tiance's words, Gu Yuan froze briefly in surprise.
Xiao Qing a Nine Star Dou Saint of the Xiao Clan and the sole candidate to inherit the position of clan leader. His status was unparalleled, not just within the Xiao Clan but across the entire Dou Qi Continent. If a marriage alliance between Xiao Qing and one of the Gu Clan's outstanding juniors could be arranged, it would mean that the Gu Clan could gain significant influence in the future Xiao Clan.
"Tiance, are you serious about this?" Gu Yuan asked with a serious tone.
Noticing the excitement in Gu Yuan's eyes, Xiao Tiance nodded with certainty.
**"Of course. Qing'er has reached the age to settle down and start a family. If Gu Yuan has a suitable candidate, feel free to bring her here so they can get to know each other.
"And surely, you understand the position she would hold if she becomes Xiao Qing's wife. Being the spouse of the next clan leader will guarantee her unparalleled status in the future."
He added with a faint smile, "Take your time to choose carefully once you return."
Gu Yuan pondered briefly before responding decisively, "Very well. Rest assured, Tiance, I will personally handle this matter. In half a month, or at most a month, I will bring the most outstanding women from the Gu Clan to discuss this union."
He didn't hesitate to accept. As the leader of the Gu Clan, Gu Yuan prioritized the clan's future above all else. Xiao Qing, with his unmatched talent, strength, and competence, was a perfect match in every regard. Moreover, Gu Yuan knew that much of the Xiao Clan's current strength was due to Xiao Qing's efforts. Xiao Tiance might hold the title of clan leader, but it was Xiao Qing who handled most of the clan's affairs, ensuring its development and prosperity.
Seeing Gu Yuan's eagerness, Xiao Tiance raised his teacup in a toast.
"Here's to a stronger and more harmonious alliance between our clans!"
"Haha, naturally," Gu Yuan replied with a laugh.
The next day, Gu Yuan left Tianwaitian with his entourage. Before departing, he assured Xiao Tiance that he would promptly begin arrangements regarding the trade of the Gu Clan's Tou She Ancient Emperor's Jade for a Grade Nine Spirit Gathering Formation.
After the Gu Clan's departure, Xiao Tiance tasked Xiao Chun with informing Xiao Qing about the upcoming marriage alliance and asking him to settle his affairs at the Tianji Pavilion and return to Tianwaitian within half a month.
Central Plains, Tianji Pavilion Headquarters.
Upon receiving Xiao Chun's message, Xiao Qing's expression remained calm. He respected his third uncle, Xiao Tiance, more than anyone else, believing in his wisdom and intentions. If this was Xiao Tiance's decision, Xiao Qing was confident it would benefit both him and the clan.
Furthermore, Xiao Qing fully understood the strategic importance of such an alliance. With the Soul Clan in hiding, the Xiao Clan and Gu Clan were now the two most powerful forces in the Central Plains. A marriage alliance would not only solidify their partnership but also ensure the Gu Clan's support if the Soul Clan made a comeback.
As the sole heir to the Xiao Clan's leadership, Xiao Qing was deeply aware of his responsibilities.
Without delay, he began wrapping up his duties at the Tianji Pavilion, working tirelessly to ensure everything was in order before his return. He also sent a message to Xiao Tiance, assuring him that he would be back in half a month as requested.
Northeastern Central Plains, Within Chaotic Void Currents.
This location served as the hidden refuge of the Soul Clan, known as the Soul Realm.
Inside the Soul Realm, within Hun Tiandi's private cultivation chamber...
"Pfft!"
Hun Tiandi coughed up a mouthful of blood, his face pale, as chaotic Dou Qi coursed wildly through his body.
The aftermath of his previous battle with Xiao Tiance and the repeated use of the Soul Clan's forbidden techniques had severely damaged his core. Even now, his injuries showed no signs of healing.
Not far away, Void Swallow Flame observed him silently, his eyes a mixture of disappointment and cold calculation.
Unlike Hun Tiandi, Void Swallow Flame's injuries were less severe. Though hurt during the same battle, his core strength remained intact. Given time, he would recover fully.
"Cough, cough."
Hun Tiandi noticed Void Swallow Flame's gaze and spoke with a resolute voice despite his weakened state.
"My injuries may be severe, but the Xiao Clan is growing stronger by the day. They have at least three Nine Star Dou Saints. If I don't recover soon, the morale of our clan will crumble, jeopardizing our plans."
Void Swallow Flame remained silent for a moment before sighing. "I have a method to speed up your recovery, but it carries significant risks. It could expose our location to the Xiao Clan."
"Tell me," Hun Tiandi demanded.
Void Swallow Flame nodded. **"You know I devoured the last leader of the Swallowing Spirit Clan, gaining their unique ability to absorb the bloodline power of others.
"Your injuries stem from excessive depletion of your bloodline power. If we can capture an Ancient Imperial Clan and harvest their collective bloodline power, it should be enough to restore you to your peak condition."**
He paused before adding grimly, "However, such an operation would be impossible to conceal. The commotion would undoubtedly attract the Xiao Clan's attention. If that happens, they'll launch a full scale assault, and we'll face dire consequences."
Hun Tiandi's eyes gleamed with interest at the suggestion but quickly darkened with concern.
In his current state, he couldn't defeat even a high level Dou Saint, let alone fend off the Xiao Clan. Although the Soul Clan's Four Demon Saints had recovered, they lacked the Gate of Eternal Death, preventing them from erecting the Domain of Death Formation.
"It's too risky. We need a different plan," Hun Tiandi said, his tone laced with frustration. "Our current strength isn't enough to challenge even the Lei Clan or Yan Clan, let alone the Xiao Clan."
He continued grimly, "The Xiao Clan's dominance will inevitably alarm the other Imperial Clans. Xiao Tiance is no fool he's likely already forging alliances with them. Our every move must be calculated."
Void Swallow Flame sighed in agreement but didn't conceal his disdain. "If the direct approach is off the table, we're left with fewer options. But know this continued inaction will only breed dissent within the clan."
Hun Tiandi understood the implication. Void Swallow Flame was suggesting harvesting the Soul Clan's own bloodline power to aid his recovery
In the dim confines of the Soul Realm, Hun Tiandi's gaze gleamed coldly as he contemplated Void Swallow Flame's suggestion.
The bloodline power needed for his recovery would be immense potentially costing the lives of hundreds of thousands of clan members.
After a long silence, Hun Tiandi's eyes flashed with a chilling resolve. **"One must be ruthless to achieve greatness. Void, consult with the Four Grand Elders and arrange to extract the necessary bloodline power.
"Once I recover, no matter how strong the Xiao Clan is, I will find the perfect moment to strike and deliver a fatal blow."**
Void Swallow Flame nodded slightly, his expression inscrutable. "Ruthlessness it is. Give me a few days to make the arrangements."
With that, Void Swallow Flame resumed his recovery, while Hun Tiandi gave him an inscrutable glance before lapsing into silence once more.
Back in the Ancient Realm, the Gu Clan.
Upon returning from Tianwaitian, Gu Yuan immediately convened a meeting of the clan elders.
In the vast meeting hall, the Gu Clan's elders listened intently as Gu Yuan detailed his interactions with the Xiao Clan. When they heard that Xiao Qing, the heir to the Xiao Clan and a Nine Star Dou Saint, would be selecting a wife from among the Gu Clan's daughters, their eyes lit up.
Each elder began calculating the possibilities. Though they were all part of the Gu Clan, individual families and their private ambitions remained strong. If their daughters could secure a marriage with Xiao Qing, it would elevate their status within the clan and, more importantly, grant the Gu Clan significant influence over the future leadership of the Xiao Clan.
For these elders, whose paths of cultivation had largely plateaued, the pursuit of power and influence had replaced their earlier thirst for strength. This marriage was an opportunity they could not afford to miss.
Seated at the head of the room, Gu Yuan observed the reactions of the elders closely. After centuries as clan leader, he knew their personalities and motivations all too well.
Finally, Gu Yuan spoke in a commanding voice. **"The marriage alliance with the Xiao Clan is imperative and the most crucial matter for our clan at present. I expect all of you to treat it with the utmost seriousness.
"Xiao Qing is not only extraordinarily talented, but he also wields a Nine Star Dou Saint level Heavenly Demon Puppet gifted to him by Xiao Tiance. Together, their combat strength rivals that of a late stage Nine Star Dou Saint.
"Moreover, Xiao Qing is the sole heir to the Xiao Clan's leadership. Xiao Tiance personally mentored him and has high hopes for his future. If this marriage is successful, the position of the Xiao Clan's matriarch will undoubtedly belong to the Gu Clan.
"After this meeting, I want each of you to carefully select the most outstanding young women from your branches those with pure bloodlines, exceptional talents, and remarkable beauty. In half a month, we will journey to the Xiao Clan together."**
The elders rose in unison and replied, "We will obey the clan leader's command and give this matter our utmost attention."
Gu Yuan smiled with satisfaction. He was confident that none of the elders would sabotage this opportunity. After all, their own status within the Gu Clan, and the influence they could exert on the Xiao Clan in the future, depended on the success of this union.
Soon, the hall was abuzz with excited murmurs. Elders began boasting about their descendants' talents, with some already engaging in spirited debates over whose child was most suitable for the match.
Gu Yuan raised a hand, signaling for silence. Once the hall quieted, he turned to Gu Dao, one of the three Grand Elders of the Gu Clan.
Gu Dao nodded, then released his aura, which instantly filled the hall. The power of a Seven Star Dou Saint at its peak rippled outward, stunning everyone present.
"Impossible! Grand Elder Gu Dao's strength has increased!"
"A peak Seven Star Dou Saint? There's no mistake!"
Murmurs erupted among the elders, particularly from the other two members of the Gu Clan's Three Immortals, who could not hide their astonishment. The three of them had always been of equal strength, but now Gu Dao had surged ahead.
"Clan leader, how did Grand Elder Gu Dao achieve this breakthrough?" one elder asked.
Instead of answering, Gu Yuan smiled and gestured for Gu Dao to explain.
Gu Dao nodded respectfully. **"Elders, my recent breakthrough is thanks to our visit to the Xiao Clan.
"As many of you know, I was stuck at the late stage of Seven Star Dou Saint for over a millennium. I believed I would never advance further in this lifetime."**
The elders nodded in agreement; Gu Dao's stagnation was common knowledge.
Gu Dao continued with a smile. **"While at the Xiao Clan, under Xiao Tiance's invitation, I, the clan leader, and Elder Gu Lie entered a place known as the White Jade Capital or as it's also called, the Nine Grade Spirit Gathering Formation.
"This formation is a sacred cultivation ground, filled with liquefied Dou Qi so pure and gentle that it can be directly absorbed into one's body. In less than an hour within this formation, my strength advanced to its current level."**
Gasps of astonishment filled the hall. Gu Dao took a sip of tea, savoring the stunned expressions on the elders' faces before continuing.
**"This Nine Grade Spirit Gathering Formation is one of the Xiao Clan's most prized treasures. After much persuasion, Xiao Tiance has agreed to personally visit the Ancient Realm and help us establish such a formation here.
"If this deal succeeds, all our Dou Saint level experts will experience significant advancements in a short period of time."**
The hall erupted in praise.
"Incredible! The Xiao Clan's generosity knows no bounds!"
"This is the mark of a true ally. The Xiao Clan is indeed worthy of our respect."
Gu Yuan raised his hand again, quieting the room. With a solemn expression, he said, **"Alas, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Xiao Tiance has requested our Tou She Ancient Emperor's Jade in exchange for this formation.
"While I am keenly aware of the immense benefits the formation would bring, the jade's importance cannot be overstated. I find myself at an impasse and wish to hear your counsel on this matter."**
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