Chapter 268: The Passive Stance of the Lei Clan and Yao Chen's Surprise
Lei Realm, Lei Clan Meeting Hall
Like the Gu Clan, the Lei Clan also received the invitation for the Heavenly Tomb Trial sent by the Xiao Clan. However, their reaction was entirely different.
Unlike the Gu Clan's ambition to seize the Ancient Emperor's inheritance, the Lei Clan's members except for Mang Tianchi wore grim expressions.
**"Elders, the Xiao Clan has sent this invitation for the Heavenly Tomb Trial, even going so far as to offer the Ancient Emperor's inheritance as a reward. This is extraordinary and quite suspicious.
"I want to hear your thoughts what do you make of it?"**
As the Lei Clan's leader, Lei Ying neither ruled with the authoritarian grip of Xiao Tiance nor allowed himself to be manipulated like Gu Yuan. Instead, he sought a balanced approach.
After his words fell, the Lei Clan's Grand Elder stood, cupping his hands respectfully.
**"Clan leader, I believe this trial is a mere pretense.
"It seems the Xiao Clan wants to use the prestige of Tiance's recent ascension to Dou Di to demonstrate their unparalleled strength to the Dou Qi Continent.
"In my opinion, we should participate quietly, keep a low profile, and avoid drawing the Xiao Clan's ire."**
Another elder, Lei Huo, quickly echoed this sentiment.
"The Grand Elder is right. As long as we don't vie for the inheritance, participating will suffice. The Xiao Clan shouldn't target us."
With these two leading the discussion, the other elders chimed in with similar thoughts.
No matter their phrasing, their consensus boiled down to one point: don't fight for the inheritance. Stay invisible, avoid attracting attention, and survive this trial without making waves.
After listening to everyone, Lei Ying nodded, then turned his gaze to Mang Tianchi, who was leisurely sipping tea
"Tianchi, what are your thoughts?"
Mang Tianchi set down his teacup and stood, bowing respectfully.
**"Clan leader, my thoughts align with those of the elders.
"This Heavenly Tomb Trial may indeed have ulterior motives. But since our Lei Clan has faithfully served the Xiao Clan and has done nothing to betray them, we are unlikely to be their target.
"However, I share your view that this trial likely serves a purpose beyond its surface. Otherwise, the Xiao Clan wouldn't risk offering the Ancient Emperor's inheritance so openly, giving every participant a chance at recognition. That's simply illogical."**
Lei Ying nodded in approval.
**"Exactly. The reward is far too tempting.
"Even if the Xiao Clan wanted to showcase their strength or offer an enticing prize, they wouldn't need to put the Ancient Emperor's inheritance at stake.
"The only explanation is that they are baiting someone.
"Furthermore, the so called 'first and second tier forces' in Central Plains are insignificant to the Xiao Clan. If they wanted to crush them, they wouldn't need a trial. A handful of their elites could accomplish that.
"This deviation from their usual behavior publicly offering the Ancient Emperor's inheritance indicates a calculated strategy.
"And if we're speculating about their true target, it's almost certainly the Gu Clan."**
Lei Ying's eyes darkened with fear and worry.
When he first received the Xiao Clan's invitation, he'd been tempted. After all, obtaining the Ancient Emperor's inheritance would mean producing another Dou Di a dream come true for any clan.
But upon further reflection, Lei Ying realized the Xiao Clan's true intent and decided against pursuing the inheritance.
For the Lei Clan, even gaining one Dou Di wouldn't close the massive gap between their power and the Xiao Clan's.
The Xiao Clan already had one Dou Di and was poised to produce four more. The Lei Clan's struggles would be futile.
Accepting this harsh reality, Lei Ying chose passivity. Why strive when the disparity is insurmountable?
Mang Tianchi spoke again:
**"Clan leader, your analysis is sound. This trial likely targets the Gu Clan.
"But if that's the case, doesn't it mean the Xiao Clan's matron who hails from the Gu Clan will soon be replaced?
"If this assumption holds, it could present an opportunity for our Lei Clan."**
The hall buzzed with murmurs as this idea took root.
For years, the Gu Clan's matron's influence had funneled significant Xiao Clan resources to her kin.
The Lei Clan, in contrast, had been left watching from the sidelines, unable to secure the same privileges.
Replacing her with a Lei Clan member would greatly benefit their standing and resources.
Lei Ying cleared his throat, silencing the room.
**"Tianchi, your suggestion merits consideration.
"If the Xiao Clan truly intends to target the Gu Clan, their matron's position could indeed become vacant."**
The Lei Clan's meeting concluded with a unified strategy: avoid the limelight during the trial, avoid competition for the inheritance, and explore opportunities to strengthen ties with the Xiao Clan.
Meanwhile, at Starfall Pavilion...
Yao Chen furrowed his brow as he read the Xiao Clan's invitation.
"This... This isn't just a trial. It's a carefully orchestrated scheme."
Handing the invitation to Xiao Yan, he spoke gravely:
**"Xiao Yan, this trial is more dangerous than I initially thought.
"The Xiao Clan is offering the Ancient Emperor's inheritance as bait a reward so tempting it could drive even the most cautious into reckless action.
"And the Gu Clan won't sit idly by. They'll fight tooth and nail, putting everything on the line.
"While I can't confirm their exact motives, I suspect the Xiao Clan plans to deal a heavy blow to the Gu Clan or worse."**
Xiao Yan clenched his fists, his expression resolute.
**"Teacher, no matter the danger, I must participate.
"The Ancient Emperor's inheritance represents the final chance to become a Dou Di, and I can't let that opportunity slip away.
"Besides, my instincts tell me the Xiao Clan has more at stake than meets the eye."**
Yao Chen sighed, placing a reassuring hand on Xiao Yan's shoulder.
**"I understand your determination. Just promise me you'll be careful.
"This trial will be a bloodbath. Those who enter will stop at nothing to claim the inheritance."**
**"In this case," Lei Ying said after a moment of contemplation, his voice steady, "regardless of the Xiao Clan's true intentions or whether they intend to target the Gu Clan, we must prepare for two possible outcomes.
"However, remember this: none of the Lei Clan participants heading to the Heavenly Tomb Trial are to interact excessively with the Gu Clan.
"And if it becomes clear that the Xiao Clan and Gu Clan are in direct opposition, the Lei Clan is to unconditionally support the Xiao Clan against the Gu Clan. Is that understood?"**
The assembled elders and members immediately responded in unison:
"Understood, Clan Leader!"
With the matter settled, Lei Ying began assigning tasks for the preparations to journey to Tianwaitian.
Tianji Tower Headquarters, Central Plains
In her private quarters, Ya Fei sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the special invitation sent from Tianwaitian several days earlier.
Her eyes glimmered with a hint of surprise.
**"Why was I asked to oversee guest reception?
"The Xiao Clan has so many powerful experts in Tianwaitian. I'm just a four star Dou Zun. What qualifies me for such an important task?"**
She frowned, murmuring to herself.
Over the years, as a senior figure in Tianji Tower, Ya Fei had been entrusted with managing both internal and external affairs, granting her significant authority.
However, Tianji Tower ultimately served as a subordinate force under the Xiao Clan. This invitation left her puzzled.
"Why involve me in such a critical event?"
Her thoughts spiraled in search of an explanation, but no clear answer surfaced.
Her musings were interrupted when her eyes fell upon a recently delivered scroll.
As she scanned its contents, a particular detail caught her attention, causing her expression to shift.
**"Something's off.
"The Gu Clan is sending nearly all their elites those at Dou Zong peak to high level Dou Sheng into this trial.
"Could it be that this Heavenly Tomb Trial is specifically designed to target the Gu Clan?"**
A sense of unease crept into her heart, her brows knitting tightly.
Unlike the Gu Clan, other clans and forces whether from Central Plains or first and second tier factions had sent participants in normal numbers.
But the Gu Clan's full scale mobilization felt far from ordinary.
As she deliberated, a voice called from outside.
"Lady Ya Fei, Young Master Xiao Yan is here to see you."
Her somber expression softened instantly as her lips curled into a smile.
"Invite him in."
"Yes, Lady Ya Fei."
Soon, a Tianji Tower guard a nine star Dou Zun led Xiao Yan and Yao Chen into the room.
"Sister Ya Fei, it's been a while. You look more radiant than ever!" Xiao Yan greeted with a warm smile.
Beside him, Yao Chen cupped his hands respectfully.
"I hope we're not disturbing you."
Ya Fei smiled warmly, nodding to Xiao Yan and returning Yao Chen's gesture.
**"Xiao Yan, what brings you here? "And Yao Chen, it's an honor. I didn't expect you to come as well."** Once seated, Xiao Yan grinned.
**"Sister Ya Fei, you're as sharp as ever. Surely you've guessed we're here to participate in the Heavenly Tomb Trial. "And knowing Tianji Tower has a direct teleportation array to Tianwaitian, we thought we'd save some time by coming here."**
Ya Fei chuckled, teasing:
"Oh, I thought you came just to see me." Xiao Yan laughed awkwardly, scratching his head.
"I wish I could visit more often, Sister Ya Fei, but you know how life is always on the move." Her eyes sparkled as she playfully echoed his words. **"Always on the move, huh? Well said, Xiao Yan.
"I've been following your journey these past few years.
"You've won the championship at the Alchemy Gathering, become one of the future leaders of the Small Pill Tower, and taken up the mantle of Deputy Leader at Starfall Pavilion.
"And now, you're a Dou Sheng.
"Congratulations, Xiao Yan.
"You're no longer the so called 'waste' mocked back in Wu Tan City."**
Xiao Yan shook his head, a bittersweet smile gracing his lips.
**"The path to this point wasn't easy.
"Every step felt like a brush with death. Only I know the struggles I endured."**
Ya Fei nodded knowingly, her gaze softening.
**"To rise above others, one must endure hardships they cannot imagine.
"But I'm genuinely happy for you, Xiao Yan.
"By the way, you mentioned borrowing Tianji Tower's teleportation array to reach Tianwaitian?"**
Xiao Yan nodded.
"Yes, Sister Ya Fei. May we?"
Her lips curved into a gentle smile.
**"Of course.
"I'll be heading to Tianwaitian tomorrow myself to oversee guest reception.
"How about we travel together?"**
Xiao Yan remained oblivious to the significance of her words, but Yao Chen's eyes flashed with a trace of surprise.
Ya Fei, ever observant, caught his reaction immediately.
**"Master Yao Chen, I noticed your surprise.
"Would you mind sharing what's on your mind?"**
Xiao Yan turned to his teacher curiously.
"Teacher, what's going on?"
Yao Chen hesitated briefly before shaking his head.
**"It's nothing.
"I'm just speculating, and I'm not sure my thoughts are correct.
"Let's leave it for now."**
Ya Fei chose not to press further, though her curiosity lingered.
**"Very well, Master Yao Chen.
"Xiao Yan, why don't you and Master Yao Chen rest for now?
"I'll have someone notify you when we're ready to leave tomorrow.
"By the way, your cousin Xiao Yu and younger cousin Xiao Mei were recently transferred to Tianji Tower Headquarters.
"I'll ask them to come see you."**
Hearing that Xiao Yu and Xiao Mei were nearby, Xiao Yan's face lit up with joy.
**"They're here?
"Then their cultivation must have improved significantly. To work at Tianji Tower Headquarters, they must at least be Dou Huang level."**
The thought left him marveling at Tianji Tower's influence. Even gatekeepers were Dou Huang level, a rank that would make them legends back in Wu Tan City.
"It seems I'm not the only one who has grown stronger these past years." Xiao Yan said with a sigh.
Ya Fei giggled.
**"Of course not.
"You're not the only one striving to improve.
"Come, I'll show you to your quarters and let Xiao Yu and Xiao Mei know you're here."**
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