Within the vast hall, numerous Gu Clan elders sat in silence, their expressions taut with solemnity. The news of Xiao Hua's arrival had already shaken the Gu Realm. The entire clan's experts had been stirred by this commotion.
Chi—!
A sharp sound cut through the air as something pierced the winds and came to a halt at the entrance. All eyes turned toward the doors, where Gu Dao stepped in with a grave expression.
Yet, the gazes of the gathered elders quickly shifted past him—falling upon the young man walking behind. He was the true reason for this gathering, the focal point of every thought within the hall.
At the sight of him, their expressions grew even more solemn.
This was the youth who had nearly slain Hun Tiandi, subdued the Nihility Devouring Flame, and massacred countless experts of the Hun Clan. To escape his grasp, Hun Tiandi and several top experts had been forced to burn their blood essence, while the Nihility Devouring Flame had even ignited part of its own soul essence.
Though such sacrifices seemed small, the price was devastating—their strength would be crippled for centuries, perhaps longer, before they could return to their peak.
Thus, before them stood not just Xiao Hua of the Xiao Clan, but the calamity who had inflicted an unprecedented wound upon the Hun Clan. It was no wonder the elders of the Gu Clan regarded him with a gravity and respect even greater than that once shown to Xiao Xuan, the revered ancestor of the Xiao Clan.
And yet, no oppressive aura emanated from him. He stood there as though utterly ordinary, giving off not the slightest fluctuation. But those with sharper senses, their cultivation profound, could faintly discern the boundless force concealed within his body—an inexhaustible power of searing flames and thunderous lightning, a boundless calamity that would shake the heavens if ever ignited.
There was no longer any doubt. This young man had already stepped onto the same level as their Clan Leader. He was a true peak expert of the current Dou Qi Continent!
Xiao Hua's gaze slowly swept across the hall. His eyes were calm, yet within that calmness, the elders could feel it—a vast and overwhelming power hidden behind those unassuming pupils.
Xiao Hua's gaze finally stopped upon the figure seated at the head of the hall—the man who occupied the Clan Leader's seat.
The man wore a serene smile, his expression unfathomably deep as he regarded Xiao Hua with eyes filled with quiet curiosity. He appeared to be around forty years old, an ordinary middle-aged man at first glance, dressed in simple linen robes that bore no ornament or grandeur.
"Xiao Hua greets Clan Head Gu Yuan."
Xiao Hua cupped his hands respectfully. He dared not show the slightest hint of disrespect.
Though they stood as equals in cultivation, the difference in age between them was as vast as heaven and earth. Gu Yuan was a senior who had lived during the same era as Xiao Xuan, Xiao Hua's ancestor. Moreover, this man was destined to become his father-in-law. To offer him respect was only natural.
"Ha ha… who would have thought the Xiao Clan—after its bloodline had withered—could still produce such an extraordinary youth? One who has surpassed even Hun Tiandi… and me."
Gu Yuan's smile deepened as his calm voice echoed through the hall. "It seems I must accept that Xiao Xuan's actions back then truly had their reasons…
"To achieve such power at such a young age, and with a foundation so solid—there is no doubt your accomplishments have already surpassed your ancestor. Perhaps, there is hope yet for the revival of the Xiao Clan. If Xiao Xuan were to know of this, he would surely be gratified."
His tone carried genuine praise, and his gaze lingered on the young man with rare admiration.
Around them, many of the Gu Clan Elders could only smile wryly. In all these years, not a single person within the Gu Clan had ever received such an evaluation from their Clan Head.
Yet none found it strange.
After all, this youth was a monstrous existence even among the young prodigies. To be praised by Gu Yuan felt only natural.
"Additionally, you should address me as uncle. Although my seniority surpasses yours by many lifetimes, she is, after all, my daughter."
A faint flush blossomed across Xun Er's delicate face at Gu Yuan's words. The younger generation of the Gu Clan below the hall were visibly shaken. With such a simple statement, Gu Yuan had openly acknowledged the bond between Xiao Hua and Xun Er…
"Thank you, Uncle Gu Yuan."
Xiao Hua naturally understood the intent hidden within Gu Yuan's words. It was a clear sign that he had accepted their relationship. Yet he also knew this acknowledgment was not born solely from affection, but from necessity. His current strength had already reached the pinnacle among the experts of the Dou Qi Continent, and he now stood as the Mansion Master of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion.
With such power and status, the Gu Clan could only accept this matter to avoid sowing enmity between them. Otherwise, it would never have been handled so easily—for how could the Gu Clan entrust Xun Er, their clan's most treasured pearl, to anyone mediocre?
Moreover, Xiao Hua and Xun Er truly love each other and decided to back away from this matter completely. Unless there will be a sudden eruption of enmity, the chances of them become an enemy is non-existent.
"You should already be aware of this, but I will reiterate it clearly," Gu Yuan said with a nod, his voice calm yet carrying a faint weight. "I will forcibly tear open a rift leading into the Heavenly Tomb, granting you passage for a time. However, you must not remain inside for more than a year. Beyond that, the Heavenly Tomb itself will reject you."
Xiao Hua nodded silently. He had already heard the matter from Gu Qing Yang, yet Gu Yuan's personal warning made it clear this was no trivial risk. Not that he intended to linger there for long—his goal was simply to see if there existed any method to bring his ancestor back to life.
"I can tell you the general direction of Xiao Xuan's tomb," Gu Yuan continued, "but do you require anyone to accompany you?"
"There's no need, Uncle Gu Yuan." Xiao Hua shook his head lightly, his tone calm yet unwavering. "I doubt anyone within the Heavenly Tomb can truly threaten me. I only wish to uncover the history of my clan, nothing more."
Gu Yuan stared him for a moment, then nodded. "Each of the Eight Ancient Clans holds two quotas to enter the Heavenly Tomb. Though the Xiao Clan has long since fallen, their quotas were entrusted to the Gu Clan before their decline. Today, I shall return those quotas to the Xiao Clan."
"In a few years, the Heavenly Tomb will open naturally as a training ground for the younger generation. If you wish to send two members of your clan then, inform us in advance, and we will make the arrangements."
"Many thanks, Uncle Gu Yuan. I already have two candidates in mind. I shall notify you ahead of time." Xiao Hua cupped his hands and offered a faint smile.
He could clearly discern Gu Yuan's intention: this return of the quotas was not out of sentiment, but because of his current strength and to foster goodwill. Were it not for that, the Gu Clan's elders would never have agreed to such a thing—unless forced.
Naturally, Gu Yuan caught this trace of thought from Xiao Hua and could only smile helplessly. And so, the two of them simply exchanged a quiet smile, yet that subtle gesture alone caused the atmosphere in the hall to tighten—because the elders understood well that this silent accord existed solely due to them and their obstinate adherence to tradition before Xiao Hua reached his current strength, status and achievements.
After some further discussion, Gu Yuan eventually adjourned the meeting, though he requested to speak privately with Xiao Hua and Xun Er. Thus, the three made their way toward Xun Er's residence, where their conversation quietly continued.
Much of the talk revolved around Xun Er herself—warnings from Gu Yuan that they must not cross certain lines too early, lest it hinder her future cultivation or even affect her future children. This naturally drew an embarrassed flush and a spark of anger from Xun Er.
Gu Yuan also mentioned that he had already punished the elders who broke the promise once made between the Gu Clan and Xiao Xuan to not invade each other clan. Though the punishment was not heavy—out of consideration for their merits and positions—it was still enough to be a considerable loss to them.
The atmosphere gradually shifted into something that resembled a warm family gathering, which Xiao Hua did not mind. Their discussion lingered on like this until an entire day quietly passed.
When dawn rose, Xiao Hua and Gu Yuan departed together, soaring deep into the Gu Sacred Mountain Range. Within its depths lay the entrance to the Heavenly Tomb—a forbidden ground of the Gu Clan that none were allowed to enter except when the Tomb naturally opened. Yet, for today, an exception had been made.
With their speed, the two soon arrived before a cluster of steep, desolate mountains. They halted midair as Gu Yuan turned toward him.
"As we discussed, I will open the way so you can search for Xiao Xuan's tomb," Gu Yuan said, clasping his hands behind his back as his eyes shifted toward the empty space ahead, his tone carrying faint weight.
"Remember this well—do not remain inside for more than a year. Beyond that, the Heavenly Tomb will no longer reject you… it will seek to expel and eradicate you as an intruder."
"I shall trouble Uncle Gu, then." Xiao Hua's voice was calm, as tranquil as a lake unruffled by wind.
Time flowed differently within the Heavenly Tomb—three years inside equaled roughly half a year outside, meaning a year within was about two months in the outside world.
Xiao Hua briefly wondered how this temporal difference might affect Flame and Thunder, who were still searching through the depths of his soul for traces of his reincarnation…
As that thought passed through Xiao Hua's mind, Gu Yuan finally made his move. With a wave of his hand, the surrounding natural energy stirred violently, whistling as it swept past like a rushing gale. A faint keening sound echoed through the air before the empty space ahead suddenly rippled and warped.
Rip—!
A pitch-black crack was forcibly torn open, exuding an ancient and desolate aura that seemed to originate from an era long buried.
"Xiao Hua, return swiftly."
Gu Yuan's voice rang out low and steady as he stared at the spatial rift he had created, his eyes carrying a rare hint of solemnity.
"Aye."
Xiao Hua gave a light nod and stepped forward. Yet, just as he was about to cross the threshold, the Heavenly Tomb suddenly stirred.
Rumble!
A vast and oppressive aura erupted from within, shaking the void and causing one's heart to quiver.
Bang!
A terrifying repulsive force surged out from the crack, slamming into Xiao Hua and hurling him back with overwhelming rejection—firmly denying him entry.
"This…"
Gu Yuan staggered back several meters, his body trembling slightly. Even he was momentarily shaken. In all his years, he had never witnessed such a violent reaction from the Heavenly Tomb. Granted, he had forcefully opened its entrance, but that alone had never provoked this level of backlash before.
Xiao Hua, too, was puzzled. This was unlike anything he had read or known of the Heavenly Tomb.
Just as his thoughts sank into deep contemplation, a serene and ancient voice echoed within his mind, gently interrupting his musings—Lady Azure had spoken.
"Child, I can sense it… this powerful rejection is coming from the soul of the Heavenly Tomb itself."
"Heavenly Tomb's soul…?" Xiao Hua's brows furrowed, his gaze flickering with confusion at her words.
"I can feel that the Heavenly Tomb has birthed a spirituality," Lady Azure explained softly, her tone is solemn. "However, its soul was not born naturally. It was forged from the countless fragments of souls that have gathered here ever since the Heavenly Tomb's creation. Strictly speaking… it is not truly the Heavenly Tomb's soul."
Xiao Hua already knew of its existence. The so-called soul governed this realm from the shadows, like a silent overseer. Though it could be considered the Heavenly Tomb's guardian, the term 'prison warden' was perhaps more fitting.
Moreover, it was this false soul that imbued the energy bodies here with their instinctive urge to devour. No one other than those energy bodies themselves could sense its existence—not even Gu Yuan or the other ancient experts of the Gu Clan.
But that was not what troubled him.
What unsettled him was the rejection. Why would the Heavenly Tomb deny him entry, when it had once allowed Xiao Yan to step inside for a second time in the novel of his previous life?
Though Xiao Yan's strength had been far weaker than his current self, that alone could not explain why the Heavenly Tomb would now deny him so fiercely…
"Have you forgotten, child? You carry the Nine Lightning Beasts within you, and each of them has been ceaselessly devouring lightning essence to strengthen their bodies," said Xue Yue, her voice cool and composed.
"Though they dwell within that special space they created, the soul of this Heavenly Tomb can still sense them—albeit instinctively," added Lady Azure. "Its soul was formed in an irregular manner, a flawed existence. Because of this, it is exceedingly sensitive to anything capable of shattering or devouring souls. Their presences terrify it."
"That's why it is doing everything it can to reject my entry…" Xiao Hua muttered, rubbing his chin with a helpless smile.
"What will you do now? Abandon your attempt to meet your ancestor, or force your way in?" Lady Azure asked, her tone indifferent—as though it mattered little to her which path he chose.
She knew well why Xiao Hua sought to meet his ancestor: to revive him. Yet there was no need to do so now. From the fragments of truth she had gathered, she could surmise that Xiao Xuan had asked the Gu Clan to return his soul to the Heavenly Tomb, hoping that one day, a descendant of the Xiao Clan strong enough to inherit the remnants of their bloodline would come.
However, that bloodline was meaningless to Xiao Hua. There was no need for him to remain fixated on it—nor to ruin the Xiao Clan's Dou Di bloodline inheritance for something he did not need.
As she expected, Xiao Hua merely shrugged off the matter and walked toward Gu Yuan, who still stood bewildered by what had transpired. Xiao Hua offered no explanation, only telling him that they should leave and let the matter rest.
He mentioned as well that he would not force his way into the Heavenly Tomb, lest it suffer harm. Instead, he would entrust this task to Xiao Yan, as it was meant to be his path in the original flow of fate.
After returning to Xun Er's residence, Xiao Hua remained in the Gu Realm for several days to familiarize himself with the Gu Clan. Since their love had been acknowledged, he was now considered half a member of the clan.
Though the Gu Clan had once caused trouble for the Xiao Clan, he did not see it as a grave matter. They had merely broken an old promise, and the elders responsible had already been punished.
During this time, Xiao Hua also stayed close to Xun Er, letting her take the lead as they wandered through the Gu Realm together. It was, in essence, a quiet series of dates—moments spent in gentle affection, basking in the warmth of each other's company.
At times, several younger members of the Gu Clan sought guidance from him. Through these encounters, he gradually became closer to them as well. Some even began calling him 'Elder Brother', which made his expression twitch in mild exasperation—while Xun Er, beside him, could not hold back a soft, amused giggle.
…
When their date finally came to an end, night had fallen, and the vast sky above the Gu Realm shimmered with countless stars.
As always, it was Xun Er who gently brought their day to a close. With a graceful, joyful smile, she took Xiao Hua's hand and led him to the quiet courtyard at the back. Her tone was cheerful as she spoke:
"Let's return for now, Brother Xiao Hua. Tomorrow, we must head back to the mansion, and we should rest while we can. I've completed my inheritance from this journey… if I focus on my cultivation, I can reach the realm of Dou Sheng within a few months."
Xiao Hua's heart trembled with quiet joy, a ripple of warmth spreading through his chest. Then, as though something tender stirred within him, a soft heat rose in his gaze. His fingers brushed against Xun Er's warm, jade-like hand, lingering there as if reluctant to part. His other arm gently circled her slender waist, drawing her close, and a rosy blush bloomed on her snow-pale cheeks like the first petals of spring.
Leaning near, his voice dipped into a playful whisper.
"Then… I can't wait to have my little Xun Er."
Xun Er's eyes widened slightly as her blush deepened to a radiant crimson. She cast him a sidelong glare, shy yet flustered, silently scolding this man who thought of such things instead of offering her his congratulations.
Xiao Hua only chuckled, the corners of his lips curled in amusement, clearly unbothered by her reproachful gaze.
Xun Er's lips curved into a faint, helpless smile. She gave a gentle twist of her slender waist in protest, yet her body soon relaxed, melting into his arms as though she belonged there. Her face glowed with warmth as she nestled against his shoulder, eyes fluttering shut as she drew in his familiar scent—each breath soothing the faint tremors in her heart.
A quiet contentment stirred within Xiao Hua as he gazed at the woman resting in his embrace. His hand lightly held her waist while his chin brushed her silken black hair. A soft fragrance lingered there, subtle yet sweet, and as he breathed it in, it seemed to dissolve the weariness that had clung to him for so long.
High above them, Gu Yuan's figure slowly emerged within the night sky. His gaze fell upon the pair standing together atop the mountain, and he could not help but let out a faint sigh.
He knew Xiao Hua had sensed him long ago, yet chose to ignore him—devoting his entire world in that moment to the woman in his arms.
A moment later, Gu Yuan's figure silently faded, his voice drifting faintly upon the wind—
"…Xiao Xuan, your descendant truly is a frightening one…"
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