Chapter 267: This Is Gu Yuan
"Haha, in just twenty days, we'll see who's truly unlucky."
Yao Realm, Yao Dan's Residence.
Yao Dan laughed heartily, his expression filled with schadenfreude. While Yao Dan had no intention of betraying the Xiao Clan and hoped for the Yao Clan's continued development under their protection, the reality was that competition among imperial clans was inevitable.
In the past, when the Eight Great Imperial Clans coexisted, the Yao Clan ranked among the bottom three, alongside the Ling and Shi Clans. The Xiao Clan remained hidden, while the Gu and Hun Clans stood at the top, far ahead of the others.
The Lei and Yan Clans followed closely behind, their strength surpassing that of the Yao, Shi, and Ling Clans.
But everything changed with the Xiao Clan's reemergence.
First, the Shi and Ling Clans were annihilated. Then the Yan Clan was destroyed, leaving only a few remnants, hardly a threat.
Next, the Xiao Clan crippled the Hun Clan before completely wiping them out. (Though Yao Dan didn't know that Tian Luo had recently finished off the Hun Clan's remaining members.)
Now, only four of the Eight Great Imperial Clans remained: the Xiao Clan, the Gu Clan, the Lei Clan, and the Yao Clan.
"If this Heavenly Tomb Trial seriously injures the Gu or Lei Clans, won't the Yao Clan move up the rankings?"
"And if both the Gu and Lei Clans fall? That would be even better!
"In that case, the Yao Clan could naturally rise to become the second most powerful imperial clan, second only to the Xiao Clan."
The mere thought of this possibility made Yao Dan's excitement palpable.
Across from him, Ling Hua cast a glance at Yao Dan and immediately guessed what he was thinking. However, instead of disdaining him, Ling Hua felt admiration.
After all, the truth was evident.
Compared to the Ling Clan, the Yao Clan was far better off.
The Ling Clan had nearly been wiped out a few years ago, while the Yao Clan had not only survived but steadily improved under the Xiao Clan's protection.
Reflecting on the Ling Clan's near extinction, Ling Hua couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. If given another chance, he would have purged the Ling Clan of dissenters and ensured their loyalty to the Xiao Clan.
"Alas, it's too late for regrets. My indecision brought us to this point."
Ling Hua sighed inwardly before turning to Yao Dan with a smile.
"Yao Dan, you're right. Once the Heavenly Tomb Trial begins, we'll see who the unlucky ones are."
**"Haha, exactly! The strong dictate the rules, and the weak must bow their heads.
"Why struggle when it only invites disaster?"**
Yao Dan chuckled, his tone filled with self satisfaction.
Ling Hua nodded and poured himself a cup of tea. After drinking it in one gulp, he rose to his feet.
**"Since that's settled, Yao Dan, I should take my leave.
"The Heavenly Tomb Trial will require Tianji Pavilion members to maintain order, and that responsibility falls to me."**
"Of course, duty calls. Safe travels, Ling Hua. I'll see you before the trial begins."
Yao Dan clasped his hands respectfully and personally escorted Ling Hua out of the Yao Realm.
As Ling Hua left, Yao Dan's lips curled into a faint smile as he muttered to himself:
**"The greatest danger is failing to recognize one's own limitations.
"Some things are simply not meant to be. Forcing them will only lead to destruction.
"As long as the Yao Clan focuses on steady growth, let the Gu and Lei Clans continue their reckless ambitions. It'll only hasten their downfall."**
Gu Realm.
After receiving the Xiao Clan's invitation to the Heavenly Tomb Trial, Gu Yuan immediately convened a meeting of all Dou Sheng level elders in the clan.
Gu Clan's Meeting Hall.
**"Fellow elders, the Xiao Clan's invitation to the Heavenly Tomb Trial has arrived.
"As per our previous discussions, proceed with the preparations.
"This is likely our last, and perhaps only, chance.
"Ensure that every qualified clan member from Dou Zong peak to high tier Dou Sheng participates.
"The more participants we send, the greater our chances of obtaining the Ancient Emperor's inheritance!"**
Gu Yuan sat at the head of the table, his expression filled with excitement.
"Yes, Clan Leader!"
The elders responded in unison.
Gu Yuan's instructions had already been agreed upon in previous meetings, so there was no need for further discussion.
Moreover, Gu Yuan had promised that anyone who secured the Ancient Emperor's inheritance would become the Gu Clan's next leader and receive ten times the usual cultivation resources.
Such an enticing offer left no elder willing to oppose the plan.
Once the meeting concluded, the elders departed to make preparations, leaving only Gu Yuan and Xiao Xun'er in the hall.
Looking at her father's eager expression, Xiao Xun'er sighed softly.
"Father, please reconsider this Heavenly Tomb Trial."
Hearing this, Gu Yuan's face darkened.
This wasn't the first time Xiao Xun'er had expressed such concerns, and Gu Yuan's patience was wearing thin.
**"Xun'er, enough! My decision is final.
"Instead of advising me to reconsider, focus on finding ways to increase our chances of obtaining the Ancient Emperor's inheritance.
"You are my daughter and one of the Gu Clan's chosen successors.
"If you truly care about the Gu Clan's future, this is where your efforts should lie."**
Gu Yuan waved his hand dismissively, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Xiao Xun'er sighed again, her voice tinged with sorrow.
"Father, is becoming a Dou Di truly that important to you?"
Gu Yuan's eyes gleamed with determination.
**"Of course, it's important!
"Without a Dou Di, the Gu Clan will never rise again, nor will we ever stand equal to the Xiao Clan.
"All my life, I've believed myself no less capable than anyone else.
"Now that Xiao Tiance has ascended to Dou Di, and even Xiao Xuan is on the verge of doing so, why shouldn't I have the same opportunity?
"A Dou Di! Once an unattainable dream, now within reach.
"Even if it costs us dearly, I will seize this chance."*
"Right now, our Gu Clan is in a precarious position. Whether we advance or retreat, the blade is already upon us. Instead of dragging out a half dead existence, we might as well take a gamble perhaps there's still a chance for survival," Gu Yuan said coldly.
"Father, please reconsider. This Heavenly Tomb Trial is clearly a trap. Can't you see it?" Xiao Xun'er pleaded helplessly.
To her, this so called trial was an obvious trap, most likely designed specifically to target the Gu Clan. The Xiao Clan was setting up a web in Tianwaitian, and yet her clan was walking right into it. She could only feel frustration at her father's decision.
"Hahaha! A trap? So what if it's a trap?" Gu Yuan suddenly burst into laughter.
After a moment, his laughter turned bitter, leaving Xiao Xun'er perplexed.
**"Do you think I can't see that it's a trap, Xun'er? Do you really believe I'm so blind? Do you think the other elders are unaware?
"The truth is, not only am I fully aware that this Heavenly Tomb Trial is a trap, but every elder in our clan knows it too.
"But we have no choice. We are forced to willingly step into the Xiao Clan's snare. This so called trial? It's nothing more than an open scheme, a strategy where the enemy doesn't bother hiding their intentions.
"The Xiao Clan knows we'll take the bait they've calculated it perfectly.
"As long as we crave that final spot to ascend to Dou Di, even if they blatantly tell us this trial is a trap for the Gu Clan, we'd still have no choice but to participate."**
As Gu Yuan's words settled, Xiao Xun'er's heart grew heavy. She understood her father's meaning, and worse, she realized it was true.
But why? Why must it come to this? Must the Gu and Xiao Clans fight until one was completely destroyed?
"Father, if that's the case "
Before she could finish, Gu Yuan raised his hand, cutting her off.
Looking at her earnestly, Gu Yuan said, **"Xun'er, if we fail this time, follow Xiao Yan. No matter what, he is a member of the Xiao Clan. That boy has great talent and is valued by Xiao Tiance.
"If our Gu Clan's actions end in failure, stay with him. With Xiao Yan around, the Xiao Clan won't make things difficult for you.
"And if we do fail, the Gu Clan will undoubtedly suffer a tremendous blow. I want you to promise me don't seek revenge on the Xiao Clan, and don't try to avenge us.
"Your mother passed away giving birth to you, and you've been without a mother's love since you were born. When you were three years old, because of my wrong decisions, I sent you to the Xiao family in Wutan City.
"All these years, I've failed you as a father. If there is a next life, I hope I can make up for everything."**
Xiao Xun'er was stunned by the weight of her father's words. She never expected Gu Yuan to make such a firm decision, one that clearly showed he was willing to stake even his life.
"Father, I don't want anything to happen to you. I just want you to live, safe and well!"
Tears streamed down Xiao Xun'er's face as grief and heartache overwhelmed her.
Despite the short time she had spent with Gu Yuan, she could feel his genuine fatherly love.
Gu Yuan's figure flickered, and in the next moment, he appeared beside Xiao Xun'er. Gently wiping her tears, he spoke softly, his tone filled with affection:
**"Xun'er, don't cry.
"You should be proud of the decision I've made.
"Do you know? A thousand years ago, Xiao Xuan of the Xiao Clan attempted to break through to Dou Di without any source of imperial essence, relying only on his strength as a half emperor.
"Even though he failed, I greatly admired his courage.
"Similarly, the Hun Clan's Hun Tiandi, while not as extreme as Xiao Xuan, also spent millennia striving to ascend to Dou Di.
"If not for the Xiao Clan producing Xiao Tiance, Hun Tiandi might have been the first Dou Di since Tuoshe Ancient Emperor.
"I've always been cautious, planning every move carefully, and that has held me back.
"Compared to Xiao Xuan and Hun Tiandi, my cautious nature made me fall short.
"Though I stood among the peak experts of the Dou Qi Continent, neither Xiao Xuan nor Hun Tiandi ever truly saw me as their equal."**
A glint of resolve shone in Gu Yuan's eyes as he continued:
**"But I refuse to lag behind them.
"I've never lacked ambition, and ascending to Dou Di is a goal I must pursue.
"For the chance to become a Dou Di, I would gladly face death, pay any price, even be shattered to pieces."**
Hearing her father's words, Xiao Xun'er felt a complicated mix of emotions.
On the one hand, she was proud of his courage and determination.
On the other, she was deeply worried.
The Xiao and Gu Clans' strength was clear. Even if Xiao Tiance didn't intervene, the Gu Clan had almost no chance of wresting the Ancient Emperor's inheritance from the Xiao Clan.
With a heavy heart, Xiao Xun'er embraced Gu Yuan and said softly:
"Father, I truly don't want you to take such risks."
Gu Yuan patted her back gently, a look of relief in his eyes.
**"Don't worry about me, Xun'er.
"If I didn't have some confidence, I wouldn't have made this decision.
"But if we do fail, remember my words. Don't seek revenge, and don't hate anyone not even Xiao Tiance.
"He has already shown great restraint towards the Gu Clan. Regardless of his motives, the fact that our clan has survived with minimal losses is proof of his leniency.
"If possible, ask Xiao Yan to help you stay by Xiao Tiance's side.
"That man's strength, vision, and wisdom are unmatched.
"In all the people I've known many of whom were truly exceptional he is the only one I could never fully understand, even when his strength wasn't as overwhelming as it is now."**
Hearing her father speak as if he were giving his final instructions, Xiao Xun'er felt suffocated by grief. She simply nodded and whispered:
**"Father, I understand. Don't worry about me.
"Even without Brother Xiao Yan, I'll take care of myself."**
(End of Chapter)
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