The Gu Realm lay in the eastern reaches of the Central Plains, anchored by a city known as Gu Sacred City. Within this vast region, most factions existed as subordinates under the Gu Clan's shadow.
Yet, the supreme leader who reigned over the east remained a mystery even to many of these subordinate leaders. They only knew of an unfathomable existence whose strength was terrifying beyond imagination.
In such an incomparably vast land, having the Gu Clan above one's head was akin to holding an unrivaled protective card.
Since ancient times, the Gu Clan had stood as a mysterious and powerful lineage, blessed with talent that stirred envy in the hearts of all. What seemed an arduous and nearly impossible path of cultivation to ordinary folk appeared instead as a broad, ascending road to the heavens for the Gu Clan's members.
Even a sliver of training was enough for a Gu Clan's members to become an expert in the eyes of the common crowd, swiftly surpassing their peers who had struggled and bled for every step forward. Inevitably, countless dazzling lights of talent converged above them, shining brighter than those of the same generation.
Thus, in the eyes of the eastern region, the Gu Clan possessed a brilliance that bordered on divine. Even in far-off lands, there were those who revered them as gods. Such fanaticism seemed almost laughable to some, for all knew there were no true deities in this world…
The Moonlit Chaos Mansion, however, was far removed from the east. When Ming Cheng and the others first founded it, they intentionally built it away from the Gu Clan's reach. Yet now, with their current strength, there was little need to fear the Gu Clan's interference.
For within the western region, the Moonlit Chaos Mansion stood with equal weight. Though their history was short, their triumph over Hun Tiandi, the Hall of Souls, and the Hun Clan itself had long since cemented their authority.
A black flying boat tore through the void at a speed so astonishing it left space itself trembling in its wake.
"Judging by this pace, we'll reach Gu Sacred City within an hour. Even as I ride it, I still can't help but be shocked by the might of this vessel…"
On the deck stood a pair—one was a beauty capable of toppling nations, the other a young man whose refined bearing and natural elegance set him apart from the common crowd.
Xun Er's gaze swept the surroundings, her eyes shimmering with astonishment at the ship's speed. Even within her clan, she knew such a craft would be considered a high-grade treasure.
"Gu Sacred City, huh…"
Xiao Hua, arms crossed and chin lightly rubbed, showed no interest in the boat's marvels. His attention was fixed solely on their destination.
The reputation of Gu Sacred City within the eastern region eclipsed even the Pill Tower's Holy Pill City—for it was none other than the gateway to the Gu Realm itself!
"Gu Sacred City does not permit outsiders to enter. Numerous experts of the Gu Clan guard it closely. Without an invitation card or a direct escort from the clan, even a peak Dou Zun would find it impossible to force their way in."
Xun Er let out a soft, amused laugh. To her, such restrictions were meaningless—after all, with Xiao Hua's ability, even if a Dou Di's barrier sealed the city, he could still enter without hindrance.
"Even so, it is rather strange. No one came to guard you—merely dropping you off at Moonlit Chaos Mansion, and not even sending someone to pick you up…" Xiao Hua turned, a faint crease between his brows, confusion flickering in his eyes.
"With you by my side, who would dare cause trouble for me? Even the Hun Clan has fallen silent ever since your strength reached its current height. That is why the clan deemed it unnecessary to send anyone for us…"
Xun Er let out a faint, wry smile. She understood all too well—the clan entrusted her safety to Xiao Hua without hesitation. This silent gesture was their tacit acknowledgment of her relationship with him, as well as their unspoken approval of their future union.
Xiao Hua exhaled softly, shaking his head. Yet a solemn gleam flickered in his eyes as he spoke in a low, steady tone.
"The Hun Clan's silence… perhaps it is not restraint, but patience. They may simply be waiting, biding their time until the moment is ripe."
"If that is the case, then the true question lies in what they are planning…"
Xun Er's gaze sharpened, her eyes narrowing as she contemplated the matter. She knew well that the Xiao Clan's clan head, Xiao Zhan, had already fallen into their hands. She could not dismiss the possibility that Xiao Hua's words carried truth.
"Perhaps your father has sensed something. I will ask him when the chance arises…" Xiao Hua said, though an unshakable unease lingered within his chest.
The Hun Clan was simply too quiet. Even after being crushed beneath his hand, Xiao Hua did not believe for a moment that Hun Tiandi and his clan would resign themselves to silence.
Secretly, he had placed a mark upon Xiao Yan, keeping track of his condition at all times. Through it, he knew his brother remained safe, and the Hua Alliance untouched. Yet this calm was unnatural—an oppressive silence that made his instincts stir with unease.
'Are they slowly setting their plan into motion? Does their silence mean they have already replenished their losses… or was their hidden strength so deep that they have managed to deceive even the other eight ancient clans?'
Xiao Hua sank into thought, his expression grave. After a long moment, he shook his head and pushed the matter aside. Though he had seen fragments of their scheme, the tides of war had shifted. The true problem lay in what had changed…
"Regardless, we cannot allow them peace. I have already sent word to Brother Ming Cheng and Sister Li Mei—strike at any branch of the Hall of Souls without giving them the slightest chance to breathe." His voice was cold, eyes narrowing as a sharp killing intent surged forth.
Since the enemy had chosen to strike first, there was no reason to remain silent. Until now, they had endured only to mend their wounds and solidify their foundation. But that period of patience had passed. With their forces now brimming with numerous Dou Zongs, Dou Zuns, and even Ban Shengs, there was no longer any need to hold back.
Slaughter them. Take the soul essence they had hoarded over countless years, and ensure it could never be used to fuel the Nihility Flame's growth!
Only by cutting off this source could they truly prevent the Hall of Souls and the Hun Clan from running rampant as they pleased.
…
An incomparably vast plain stretched endlessly, the sight of lush green grass filling the horizon, exuding a boundless vitality.
At its heart stood a towering stone square, majestic and ancient. Spanning nearly a thousand feet, it was supported by countless colossal pillars, each carved as though to uphold the heavens themselves. From afar, it looked like a titanic monument standing proudly between heaven and earth, leaving all who gazed upon it in awe.
A distorted ripple of color shimmered above the vast stone square. From time to time, silver light flickered, and numerous figures emerged from the void, descending gently onto the platform below. The enormous square was already packed with people, their gathered voices rumbling upward like thunder, shaking the skies.
Chi!
The space above warped once more. A pair stepped out from the distortion—Xiao Hua and Xun Er. With a wave of his hand, Xiao Hua stored away the black flying boat before the two of them landed steadily upon the colossal stone platform. As their gazes swept across the scene, a trace of surprise flickered across their faces.
"Xun'er… did you tell anyone about our departure?" Xiao Hua asked, astonishment slipping into his voice.
"I don't think so…" Xun Er replied, disbelief flickering in her expression.
"If that's the case… then why are three commanders and a general of the Black Submerged Army standing right in front of us?"
Xiao Hua's lips twitched as his sharp gaze fell upon the countless figures clad in black armor arrayed in front of them. Yet to his astonishment, each one bore an expression not of hostility or envy, but of deep respect.
He could understand such reverence toward Xun Er, but toward him? For a moment, even he felt startled—there was no trace of hostility or envy in their eyes.
"I would be far more surprised if they actually felt envious of you…" Xun Er said softly, a sigh slipping from her lips.
"Oh… did I say that out loud?" Xiao Hua asked, faintly embarrassed.
"No. Your expression already betrayed your thoughts." Xun Er raised a delicate hand to her lips, her melodious laughter ringing softly, elegant and clear.
Xiao Hua could only shake his head, a helpless smile tugging at his lips at her teasing. Xun Er's laughter rang even clearer, like the melodious chime of a bell, as she took delight in his expression.
"What our Young Miss says is true. We would only make a mockery of ourselves if we refused to acknowledge the bond between Brother Xiao Hua and our Young Miss."
A man in green robes stepped forward from among the armored figures. His smile was warm and amicable, his tone respectful as he cupped his hands. "I am Gu Qing Yang, First General of the Black Submerged Army."
Though his words were proper, Xiao Hua's sharp perception caught a fleeting glint in the man's eyes. He could not immediately discern its meaning but chose to set the thought aside for now.
With a courteous smile, Xiao Hua returned the greeting, his hands clasped in response. "Xiao Hua, Supreme Elder of the Xiao Clan and Mansion Master of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion."
"Hehe, I doubt there is anyone within the Gu Clan—or even among the Eight Ancient Clans—who has not heard of Brother Xiao Hua." Gu Qing Yang laughed lightly.
In that instant, Xiao Hua understood the faint gleam in his eyes. It was not reluctance, but disbelief—not in his relationship with Xun Er, but in his strength and youth.
Xiao Hua shook his head helplessly, a faint smile tugging at his lips, before speaking. "Will Brother Gu Qing Yang be guiding us?"
"Hehe, that is indeed my task. The Elders sent me here for this very reason." Gu Qing Yang nodded before turning to lead the way.
Xiao Hua and Xun Er exchanged glances, both letting out dry smiles. They could not help but feel a mixture of helplessness and quiet amazement at how swiftly the Elder Council had acted. Those old fogies had clearly moved with deliberate haste, eager to show Xiao Hua both their acceptance towards their relationship and their willingness to welcome him into the clan.
Without further words, they followed Gu Qing Yang toward the spatial tunnel that had been opened in anticipation of their arrival.
Just before stepping inside, Gu Qing Yang turned back to Xiao Hua and said, "Brother Xiao Hua, once we enter the Gu Realm, we will head directly to the Gu Sacred Mountain Range. However, I must trouble you with one request. Within the realm reside many of the Gu Clan's descendant citizens—I hope Brother Xiao Hua will refrain from disturbing them."
The Gu Clan's descendant citizens formed the lowest tier within the clan, yet they were also its most crucial foundation. Having multiplied over countless generations, their numbers within the Gu Realm had grown vast.
Each of them carried the bloodline of the Dou Di within their veins, though most bore only the faintest trace, insignificant and weak. Yet, on occasion, anomalies arose—accidents or variations that caused the dormant bloodline to awaken with greater strength.
Once such individuals were discovered, their status would soar overnight. From mere descendant citizens, they would be elevated to true members of the Gu Clan, enjoying honor and privileges beyond compare.
It was precisely this system that ensured the Gu Clan never declined, even after thousands of years. With such a massive pool of descendant citizens to draw from, it was no wonder that endless waves of young geniuses emerged. From hundreds of thousands, even millions, the most dazzling were chosen—ultimate prodigies who bore the weight of the clan's future.
"Is there a reason for me to disturb them?" Xiao Hua raised a brow, curiosity flickering in his tone.
In truth, he had never seen the point. His way was simple—if others left him alone, he would not trouble them; but if they dared provoke him, he would kill without hesitation.
Unfortunately, Hun Tiandi and the Hun Clan had managed to escape before he could strike them down. Since then, they had remained elusive, hidden from his eyes and senses.
It was no surprise. With their vast foundation, if they chose to conceal themselves, even those at the highest levels would find it difficult to track them. Despite searching for months, Xiao Hua had found no trace of them.
For this reason, he intended to question Gu Yuan directly regarding their location—so that he could set forth and begin his slaughter.
Whether it was to avenge the assaults on Moonlit Chaos Mansion, the Hua Alliance, and the Xiao Clan… or to fulfill the System's cryptic mission of "completing the world"… he had to find Hun Tiandi, no matter the cost. Only by eradicating this calamity at its very roots could peace truly be secured.
"Hehe, it is tradition for us to remind anyone who enters the Gu Realm for the first time." Gu Qing Yang laughed softly.
…
After stepping into the Gu Realm, a massive flying battleship—known as the Space Shuttle Boat—arrived to receive Gu Qing Yang, Xiao Hua, and Xun Er. In the next moment, it surged forward, tearing through space at astonishing speed.
The vessel's swiftness was extraordinary, reaching a level where even peak Dou Zun experts would be left far behind. Yet in Xiao Hua's eyes, it failed to stir even the slightest impression.
To him, such ships was nothing noteworthy. The Cloud-Void Steering Ship he possessed was already of similar caliber. What did surprise him, however, was the news Gu Qing Yang delivered afterward.
"Heavenly Tomb? Brother Qing Yang, are you saying those old fellows have truly permitted me to enter the Heavenly Tomb?"
Gu Qing Yang was not surprised that Xiao Hua had heard of the Heavenly Tomb, even though it had been ages since the Xiao Clan last visited the Gu Clan. He simply assumed that Xun Er must have told him beforehand.
In truth, while Xun Er had indeed mentioned it, Xiao Hua's knowledge came from elsewhere—his past life on Earth, where he had once read of this Heavenly Tomb in the novel Battle Through the Heavens.
"The Heavenly Tomb opens once every twenty years," Gu Qing Yang explained softly.
"Ordinarily, we would need to wait for its natural cycle, which is only a few years away. However, the Clan Head has chosen to make an exception this time. He will forcefully tear open a crack, allowing Brother Xiao Hua to enter. After all, you must wish to meet the ancestor of the Xiao Clan—Elder Xiao Xuan—who resides within."
Xiao Hua raised a brow, his tone casual. "Because the Heavenly Tomb serves as a training ground for those of the lower realms?"
Gu Qing Yang let out a faint chuckle, tinged with bitterness, at the way Xiao Hua so easily dismissed what others viewed as a supreme opportunity. "If we were to let you enter during the proper cycle, many would surely complain, fearing that we, the younger generation, would be deprived of our chances and gains…"
Xiao Hua nodded in understanding. The decision to open the tomb early was clear to him now. Still, a trace of concern lingered in his heart—that forcing it open might disrupt the natural cycle in the years to come. Yet Gu Qing Yang reassured him with firm certainty that no such consequence would occur.
As the conversation drew to a close, Xiao Hua and Xun Er returned to their room. Gu Qing Yang watched them leave, a strange expression flickering across his face before he shook his head.
"It will take another half a day to reach the Gu Sacred Mountain Range. It seems I should take this time to rest as well…"
With a soft chuckle, Gu Qing Yang turned and headed toward his own quarters. Waiting for Xiao Hua and Xun Er's arrival had drained him more than he cared to admit.
"Even so… I once saw the Clan Leader during a meeting with the elders, yet Xiao Hua feels infinitely more terrifying. Though they share the same realm and reveal neither fluctuation nor pressure—appearing no different from mortals—my instinct vaguely tell me. His depth is unfathomable, far beyond comparison."
Gu Qing Yang glanced back, his eyes filled with awe and solemnity. It was difficult to believe that Xiao Hua was younger than himself.
He knew Xiao Hua cultivated a strange Qi Method, one that demanded the body be struck repeatedly by terrifying bolts of lightning—nine-colored Pill Lightning, Black Demon Lightning, and even worse—while still only at the Dou Zong level. Without enduring such ordeals, one would remain trapped in that realm forever.
Yet Xiao Hua had chosen to step forward without hesitation, embracing danger and death alike in order to temper his path. That level of determination and courage was something Gu Qing Yang could scarcely fathom.
"What a frightening person indeed… and to think he is younger than me…"
…
Dark clouds rolled across the heavens as the colossal battleship came to a gradual halt above an endless mountain range. Instantly, countless gazes turned skyward, locking onto the vessel.
The entire range stirred with curiosity. Everyone knew of their Young Miss, but now their eyes sought the man who had managed to seize the heart of their brilliant pearl.
The moment word spread of his arrival, attention converged on the battleship like a tide, anticipation thick in the air.
Chi—!
Just as they were about to advance, several figures shot forth from the depths of the mountain range, halting before the battleship. The ones who appeared were elderly figures, each wearing a respectful smile upon their faces.
Yet beneath those smiles, Xiao Hua could clearly detect a faint trace of fear. Their hearts were tense, their composure strained beneath the weight of his presence.
At the forefront stood a figure in long green robes. His hair was completely white, his fair face carrying a calm smile that lent him an immortal-like air. Compared to the others, he appeared less tense, yet a subtle stiffness lingered within his eyes.
"Greetings, Mansion Master Xiao. This old one is Gu Dao. I shall personally escort you to the hall where the Clan Leader awaits." The green-robed elder cupped his hands in a respectful salute.
"Haha, Elder Gu Dao is too courteous. I did not expect to trouble one of the three Immortals of the Gu Clan to personally receive me."
Xiao Hua returned the greeting with a smile, genuinely surprised. That they had not waited within the hall, but instead come out to welcome him, spoke volumes of the respect—and caution—with which they regarded him.
After hearing his words, Gu Dao merely nodded and turned, leading Xiao Hua and Xun Er toward the grand hall where the elders had already gathered, including the Clan Leader of the Gu Clan.
Xiao Hua exchanged a glance with Xun Er. Smiling faintly, the two clasped hands before following behind Gu Dao. Inwardly, Xiao Hua wondered—just what kind of meeting would it be with Gu Yuan, the Clan Leader of the Gu Clan?
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