Chapter 269: A Terrifying Speculation
Central Plains, Tianji Tower Headquarters
After meeting with Xiao Yu and Xiao Mei, Xiao Yan returned to his quarters with Yao Chen.
Xiao Yan turned to his teacher and asked:
**"Teacher, earlier, when you heard that Sister Ya Fei was going to host the guest reception at Tianwaitian, I noticed a flicker of surprise in your eyes.
"You didn't want to explain at the time, but now that we're alone, can you tell me why?"**
Yao Chen chuckled inwardly:
"This boy is sharp; he noticed even that."
After a brief pause, Yao Chen nodded.
**"Indeed, I was surprised.
"Do you know who usually handles guest receptions for events of this scale?"**
Xiao Yan tilted his head, confused.
"Who handles it? Can't anyone qualified enough take care of it? As long as they can properly host the guests attending the Heavenly Tomb Trial, why does it matter who does it?"
Yao Chen sighed and took a sip of tea.
**"Ah, I forgot you grew up in Wu Tan City.
"Xiao Yan, receptions for events held by empire level clans like the Xiao Clan are fundamentally different from those hosted by ordinary sects or organizations.
"In other situations, yes, anyone capable can step up.
"But when it comes to empire clans, especially when hosting other empire clans, the host is not chosen arbitrarily.
"The person managing such an event must be a direct member of the hosting clan."**
Seeing Xiao Yan's puzzled expression, Yao Chen elaborated:
**"Allow me to explain further.
"For a grand event like the Heavenly Tomb Trial, particularly with participation from other empire clans, the reception must be managed by someone of sufficient standing within the hosting empire clan.
"This typically means a clan elder, a grand elder, or even the clan leader's wife.
"Their presence isn't just for practical purposes; it's symbolic.
"It demonstrates the host clan's respect for their guests and underscores the host's status.
"Ya Fei, while a trusted high ranking member of Tianji Tower, isn't technically a member of the Xiao Clan.
"No matter how capable she is, under normal circumstances, she would not be given such a role.
"The fact that she has been chosen suggests one of two things:
"First, Ya Fei may be about to officially become part of the Xiao Clan.
"Second, and more intriguingly, Ya Fei may soon occupy a position of critical importance within the Xiao Clan."**
Yao Chen set his teacup down and leaned closer.
**"But, Xiao Yan, you know as well as I do that the Xiao Clan's leader, Xiao Qing, is already married.
"His wife, Gu Yue, should be perfectly capable of managing this reception if no elders or grand elders are available.
"So why was Ya Fei chosen instead?
"Do you think the Xiao Clan's leadership overlooked this detail?
"Impossible.
"This is an unspoken rule among the empire clans, a tradition that has stood for millennia.
"If Gu Yue were still securely in her position, she not Ya Fei would be handling this.
"The only explanation is that something serious has occurred between the Xiao Clan and the Gu Clan.
"It's even possible that Gu Yue's position as the Xiao Clan's matriarch is in jeopardy."**
Yao Chen's words left Xiao Yan stunned.
"That's impossible, Teacher. Xiao Qing and his wife are deeply in love!" Xiao Yan exclaimed.
**"Everyone in the Xiao Clan knows how harmonious their relationship is. Why would he even consider replacing her?
"Unless Xiao Qing's position as clan leader is unstable and it isn't there's no reason to depose her!"**
Yao Chen shook his head, unconcerned by Xiao Yan's skepticism.
**"Whether you believe it or not is irrelevant.
"I'm not concerned about Gu Yue or Xiao Qing. My concern is for you.
"Xiao Yan, I'm worried about your safety."**
Xiao Yan blinked in confusion.
**"Why worry about me, Teacher?
"This trial is being held in Tianwaitian, the heart of the Xiao Clan's territory.
"With so many powerful Xiao Clan members present not to mention Old Ancestor Xiao Tian who would dare harm me?"**
Yao Chen sighed deeply.
**"That was true until you made that deal with Gu Yuan to help the Gu Clan seize the Ancient Emperor's inheritance.
"Have you truly thought about why the Xiao Clan is holding the Heavenly Tomb Trial now?
"And more importantly, how did the Gu Clan learn about it before anyone else?
"Don't you find any of this suspicious?"**
Xiao Yan frowned, unease creeping into his heart. After a moment of thought, he spoke hesitantly.
**"Teacher, are you overthinking this?
"When I agreed to Gu Yuan's terms, no one else was present, so there's no risk of the deal being leaked.
"Besides, my goal is simply to ensure the Ancient Emperor's inheritance doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
"If the Gu Clan proves worthy and secures the inheritance, so be it. If not, I'll claim it myself.
"As for how the Gu Clan learned about the trial, perhaps someone within the Xiao Clan tipped them off?"**
As he spoke, Xiao Yan began to realize the flaws in his reasoning.
His face darkened.
"Teacher, are you suggesting this trial is actually a scheme a trap specifically designed to target the Gu Clan?"
Yao Chen nodded, his expression grave.
**"That's exactly what I fear.
"Xiao Yan, do you understand what the Ancient Emperor's inheritance represents?"**
**"Of course," Xiao Yan replied. "Becoming a Dou Di would elevate any clan to the status of an empire clan.
"That's why the Gu Clan is so desperate to secure it."**
Yao Chen nodded again.
**"Precisely. And if you understand that, don't you think the Xiao Clan understands it too?
"Even if no one in the Xiao Clan can currently claim the inheritance, they wouldn't simply offer it to someone else.
"Yet here they are, holding this trial mere weeks after Xiao Tian's return as the first Dou Di in millennia.
"Doesn't that seem suspicious to you?"**
Yao Chen's voice turned sharp.
**"If you haven't realized this yet, Xiao Yan, then I'm truly worried for you.
"If you continue to be so naïve, you might not even know how you died!"**
Yao Chen's words hit Xiao Yan like a hammer. For the first time, genuine fear flickered in his eyes.
"Teacher... if this is true, then I've walked straight into their trap."
The Xiao Clan's strength was something Yao Chen understood very clearly. It was unmatched across the Dou Qi Continent. Even if all other forces combined, as long as Xiao Tian (the Xiao Clan's Dou Di powerhouse) didn't intervene personally, the Xiao Clan could still dominate with overwhelming ease.
If Xiao Tian did decide to make a move, it would be nothing short of annihilation for any opposition no alternatives, no mercy.
A Dou Di powerhouse was simply that terrifying.
Previously, Xiao Yan had always been valued by Xiao Tian. Otherwise, why would a figure of Xiao Tian's caliber visit Wu Tan City in person to deliver the Tianji Token, a rare treasure that Xiao Yan had never even had the chance to use?
At the time, Xiao Tian and Xiao Yan had never met, and it clearly wasn't for Xiao Yan's safety. The only explanation was that Xiao Tian wanted Xiao Yan to have it as a safeguard either for himself or for Xiao Yan to use at a critical moment.
Yao Chen's thoughts raced.
Even back during the Yunlan Sect incident, though he hadn't noticed Tianji Tower operatives hiding in the shadows, it was highly likely that they were there.
Otherwise, how could one explain that every time Xiao Yan was in danger particularly before he obtained the Fallen Heart Flame Tianji Tower agents always appeared in time?
Additionally, even the Three Thousand Burning Flames acquired from Holy Pill City was generously gifted to Xiao Yan by Xiao Tian.
But now, with Xiao Tian's strength having reached the Dou Di level, if he discovered that Xiao Yan had secretly joined forces with the Gu Clan and was scheming to seize the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance, what would his reaction be?
The more Yao Chen thought about it, the more concerned he became. His eyes filled with worry.
Xiao Yan noticed this and said cautiously:
"Teacher, are you suggesting that this Heavenly Tomb Trial was specifically designed as a trap for the Gu Clan?"
Yao Chen nodded solemnly.
**"If not for the Gu Clan, why would the Xiao Clan need to hold such a trial now?
"Let me ask you this don't you know that when one person from a Dou Di bloodline ascends to Dou Di, it triggers the awakening of Dou Di bloodlines in others from the same clan?"**
Xiao Yan was stunned. Of course, he knew this.
Yao Chen continued:
**"As someone who has benefited from this awakening yourself, you should clearly understand how becoming a Dou Di transforms a clan.
"If I'm not mistaken, every move made by the Gu Clan is likely under the Xiao Clan's surveillance.
"That means your agreement with Gu Yuan may already be known to members of the Xiao Clan."**
Hearing this, Xiao Yan's expression darkened. He wasn't worried about himself but about Xiao Xun'er.
As a member of the Xiao Clan, and someone who had played a significant role in resurrecting several Nine Star Dou Sheng powerhouses for the clan, Xiao Yan was confident his life wouldn't be at risk.
But the Gu Clan was different.
If the Xiao Clan did decide to act against them, they wouldn't hold back.
And given the power disparity between the two clans, the Gu Clan wouldn't stand a chance even if Xiao Tian didn't personally intervene. A single move from the Xiao Clan would be enough to subjugate the Gu Clan entirely.
Xiao Yan clenched his fists and said:
**"Teacher, perhaps you should stay behind this time.
"If the situation is as dangerous as we suspect, I'll likely get caught up in the turmoil.
"And with the Yao Clan also participating in the trial, your unresolved enmity with them makes things even more dangerous.
"They might not have dared to act against you before because of your connection to me, and my status as a Xiao Clan member.
"But if I end up on the wrong side of the Xiao Clan, my protection will mean nothing.
"That could give the Yao Clan the perfect excuse to target you."**
Xiao Yan's tone was laced with genuine concern.
Over the years, his bond with Yao Chen had deepened. Although they hadn't faced as many hardships together as in the original timeline, their relationship was no less profound.
Yao Chen had even given him the Bone Chilling Flame, allowing Xiao Yan to rapidly improve his strength.
To Xiao Yan, Yao Chen was not just a teacher but family.
He couldn't bear the thought of something happening to him.
Yao Chen, touched by Xiao Yan's words, let out a long sigh of relief.
"You've grown well, Xiao Yan. At least I didn't misjudge you you're nothing like that ungrateful Han Feng."
Yao Chen smiled warmly and said:
**"Your concern for my safety is heartening.
"But knowing you may be in danger, how could I possibly leave you to face it alone?
"No, Xiao Yan. If trouble arises, we face it together."**
He paused briefly, then added:
"That said, there's something you should keep in mind."
Xiao Yan straightened up and asked respectfully:
"Please, Teacher, guide me."
Yao Chen chuckled.
**"It's not exactly guidance, but rather a word of caution.
"I know you and Ya Fei share a close bond practically confidants, I'd say.
"However, once we arrive at Tianwaitian, you must keep your distance from her."**
Xiao Yan's expression shifted slightly.
"Why, Teacher?"
Yao Chen explained:
**"The fact that Ya Fei has been chosen to oversee the guest reception for this trial is highly unusual.
"This indicates that someone in the Xiao Clan's leadership has taken a particular interest in her.
"If that's the case, staying too close to her could create unnecessary friction with Xiao Clan elites a conflict we can't afford right now.
"Whether for your safety or hers, you must avoid drawing attention to your relationship."
Yao Chen's tone was firm.
While he suspected Ya Fei might even be poised to become the next Lady of the Xiao Clan, this was still speculation. Even so, he couldn't allow Xiao Yan to risk offending powerful figures within the clan.
Xiao Yan frowned, clearly reluctant.
He couldn't deny that he had once been very close to Ya Fei. There had been a time when he was confident that, had he asked, she wouldn't have rejected him.
But her rise within Tianji Tower and the distance it created meant their relationship had gradually faded.
Now, memories of her stunning figure stirred emotions he'd long buried, igniting a fire in his heart that was hard to suppress.
After a deep breath, Xiao Yan nodded.
"I understand, Teacher. Once we arrive at Tianwaitian, I'll maintain my distance from Sister Ya Fei."
Yao Chen smiled approvingly.
**"Good. It's unfortunate, but circumstances demand it.
"Our priority is survival for you, me, and Ya Fei. That must come first."**
(End of Chapter)
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