. Gu Xun'er's conversation with the clan elders proceeded gently in the hall. The elders praised her cultivation, which, despite her young age, had already reached the Dou Huang realm.
"Xun'er, your talent is truly extraordinary. The Gu clan is expected to reach even greater heights under your leadership. Perhaps, Xun'er, you will be able to restore the glory of our ancestors," one elder said graciously.
"Indeed, your achievement is not only a personal honor, but also the pride of our Gu clan," another elder added.
At this moment, Elder Guyang, who had been silent until then, slowly spoke, his voice carrying a barely perceptible depth.
"Xun'er, your progress is gratifying. Regarding the Xiao family's Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade, I'd like to know if you've successfully obtained it?"
Gu Xun'er nodded slightly, her response concise yet powerful, "Elder Guyang, I have successfully obtained the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade. However, I didn't take it by force or theft. Instead, I reached a mutually beneficial transaction with the Xiao family through an equal exchange."
Elder Guyang smiled faintly, a smile that seemed to conceal a deeper meaning.
"Excellent, you've done well. I needn't elaborate on the importance of this treasure to the Gu Clan. Your wisdom and methods are truly extraordinary."
His words were plain, but the other elders sensed something amiss.
Elder Guyang was usually a man of few words, but each one seemed to carry a purpose, making it difficult to decipher.
"Elder Guyang is always so thoughtful," one elder said tentatively. "His concern is always just right."
Another elder nodded gently, pondering to himself: While Guyang's actions were impeccable, something felt off.
Gu Xun'er also noticed the subtlety in Elder Guyang's words. This elder seemed more than he appeared.
However, she didn't dwell on it, continuing to discuss his affairs with the elders.
The Gu Clan elders didn't delve into Guyang's concern, perhaps because he had long been in charge of matters related to the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade, and their concern seemed natural.
In their minds, Elder Guyang's focus on this important task was simply a manifestation of his duty. After
all, in a clan founded on loyalty and honor, no one would easily doubt the identity and loyalty of an elder.
As a core member of the Gu Clan, Guyang's status and credibility seemed unquestionable.
Beneath this calm surface, no one anticipated the unfathomable undercurrents that might lie beneath the surface.
As the elders of the Ancient Clan heatedly discussed the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade, Gu Xun'er's eyes involuntarily drifted toward her father, Gu Yuan. The eagerness in that gaze was something only Gu Yuan could accurately interpret.
Feeling his daughter's gaze, Gu Yuan's heart stirred, and he immediately understood her implication.
"Xun'er, your cultivation has advanced, and I am deeply pleased." Gu Yuan's voice echoed among the crowd, interrupting the elders' praise. "But as you pursue higher realms, don't neglect the family heritage."
"Father, I will remember your teachings," Gu Xun'er replied respectfully.
Gu Yuan nodded slightly, then turned around, his face calm and composed. He spoke to the elders present in a gentle voice, "Elders, we can continue our discussion of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade another day. Today, I have reunited with my daughter, and I would like to have a private chat with her, so we will take our leave."
The elders looked at each other in surprise and were about to raise questions, but Gu Yuan did not give them the chance. He continued decisively, "Please leave first. Xun'er and I have some personal matters that we need to discuss in a quiet environment."
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Before he finished speaking, Gu Yuan grabbed Gu Xun'er's wrist, his fighting spirit surging through him, causing space to warp slightly beneath their feet.
Under the gaze of the crowd, Gu Yuan and Gu Xun'er transformed into a stream of light, instantly shattering space and disappearing into the hall.
Elder Gu Yang watched the two depart, his brow furrowed. Though filled with doubt, he knew Gu Yuan's extraordinary strength was beyond his comprehension.
Considering his status and the circumstances, he remained silent, pausing briefly before retreating.
...
In a secluded courtyard of the Gu clan, a light, fairy-like mist filled the air. Exquisite flowers and plants bloomed, exuding alluring fragrance.
Exquisite pavilions and towers were arranged in a staggered pattern, and a gurgling stream flowed through them, its clear, melodious sound echoing through the air. The entire courtyard resembled a paradise on earth, brimming with an otherworldly aura.
The space trembled slightly, as if torn apart by an invisible force, and a crack quietly appeared.
Within this crevice, the figures of Gu Yuan and Gu Xun'er gradually became clear, like immortals stepping through the void.
Their presence, devoid of any worldly air, was imbued with a breathtaking majesty.
Gu Yuan's demeanor was as steady as a mountain, each step seeming to contain the ultimate truths of heaven and earth.
Gu Xun'er, like a fairy beneath the moon, ethereal and otherworldly, her every breath blending with the ethereal atmosphere of the courtyard.
As the spatial rift healed, Gu Yuan cast a gentle gaze at Gu Xun'er, his voice filled with curiosity as he asked, "Xun'er, what on earth is it that makes you so eager to speak with me alone?"
Gu Xun'er didn't answer immediately. Instead, she slowly pulled the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade from her bosom and handed it to Gu Yuan, saying softly,
"Father, this Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade was obtained in an exchange with the Xiao family. Their terms were the remains of a Dou Sheng and the blood essence of a ninth-level demon beast. After some consideration, I agreed to their request."
Gu Yuan extended his hand, and the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade fell effortlessly into his palm.
He tightened his grip slightly, but the jade pendant was incredibly sturdy, leaving no marks and remaining intact.
After this test, Gu Yuan was convinced that the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade was not a fake.
After a long pause, Gu Yuan finally spoke slowly, "Your choice is correct. The value of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade in our possession far exceeds these resources. Now that we have reached an agreement with the Xiao family, we must uphold our promise."
Gu Xun'er smiled in relief at Gu Yuan's words. She had worried that the family elders would object to the deal, which was why she had approached her father to discuss it.
Before Gu Xun'er could speak, Gu Yuan sighed softly, his tone heavy as he continued, "However, you must understand that the remains of a Dou Sheng and the essence of a ninth-level demon beast are extremely rare treasures.
The Xiao clan is no longer as valuable as it once was and no longer qualified to trade on equal terms with the Gu clan. If word of this reaches the other elders, they might object due to the preciousness of the resources and their views on the Xiao family."
(End of Chapter)