Chapter 251: The Reactions of Various Clans
"I hope that after Brother Ce returns, you won't go looking for him. As I just said, Brother Ce has already sacrificed so much for us and the Xiao Clan. Others might not understand or appreciate his efforts, but we, as the people closest to him, should be the ones who understand."
Tianwaitian, Xiao Chun's Residence.
Listening to Xiao Tianming's words, a trace of relief flashed in Xiao Chun's eyes. He was comforted to see that his son had truly matured. Despite being presented with an opportunity to become a Dou Di, he chose to prioritize family over personal gain, sticking to his principles.
However, his relief was accompanied by worry. Xiao Chun knew very well that no matter how strong his son became, he would inevitably find a way to follow Xiao Tiance to the Great Thousand World. And the unknown was always dangerous. Xiao Tiance had once told him that even he could only barely protect himself in the Great Thousand World. If something were to happen, what could Xiao Chun do?
With a sigh, Xiao Chun said, "Son, this is a rare chance for you to advance to the rank of Dou Di. The stronger you are, the more reassured I will feel as your father."
Hearing this, Xiao Tianming choked up slightly. He knew he had always known. No matter how much of a disappointment he was, no matter how aimless his actions, this man in front of him had always silently supported him from behind.
Advancing to Dou Di was a rare opportunity. If his father were to plead with Brother Ce, there was at least an 80% chance of success. But Xiao Tianming couldn't allow it. He understood what Xiao Tiance had sacrificed for the Xiao Clan's strength and survival.
Xiao Tiance's relentless efforts had allowed the Xiao Clan to eliminate its greatest rival, the Soul Clan, and reach the pinnacle of the Dou Qi Continent. During those dark nights when the Xiao Clan was no match for the Soul Clan, Xiao Tiance had stayed up countless nights devising strategies to strengthen their clan. The Xiao Clan of today existed because of those sacrifices.
Xiao Tianming couldn't and wouldn't make things harder for him. The opportunities to advance to Dou Di had already been allocated before Xiao Tiance left to seek the Origin of the Dou Emperor.
There were seven spots in total: one for Xiao Qing, one for Tianluo, one for Xuanhuang, one for Muling, one for Huang Jiuji, and one for Xiao Tiance himself. That left only one spot, which would go to the owner of an Emperor grade pill. The Ancient Emperor's legacy, however, had yet to recognize anyone, leaving the possibility open.
But clearly, Xiao Chun couldn't plead with Xiao Tiance to secure a share of the Origin for him. Doing so would only strip another person of their rightful opportunity. It wasn't right, and Xiao Tianming understood this deeply.
With a heavy sigh, Xiao Tianming said, "Father, I understand your concerns, but let this matter rest here. Let's not trouble Brother Ce any further; he's already given enough."
"Ah, you foolish child. Do as you wish. If you're so determined, I won't play the villain." Xiao Chun sighed again.
Their conversation went unnoticed, but word of Xiao Tiance's breakthrough to Dou Di and the resulting increase in the Xiao Clan's bloodline and strength quickly spread from Tianwaitian. The Xiao Clan held a grand celebration. Although it was an internal event, the news inevitably leaked out, drawing attention far and wide.
Ancient Realm, Gu Yuan's Residence.
Gu Yuan no longer exuded his former scholarly elegance. Now, his aura was one of dominance. Once a peak nine star Dou Saint who had partially stepped into the Semi Emperor realm, Gu Yuan had fully entered the Semi Emperor stage after returning from attending the Xiao Clan's Clan Leader Succession Ceremony in Tianwaitian.
Seated in the main hall, Gu Yuan looked at the Three Immortals of the Gu Clan and Gu Lie. His calm expression carried hints of both surprise and anger as he said, "Xiao Tiance... He has finally succeeded. Now that he's become a Dou Di, the Xiao Clan's power has grown even more. What should we do next?"
The Three Immortals of the Gu Clan remained silent, their eyes filled with reluctance but also helplessness. The Xiao Clan was already far too strong. Even without Xiao Tiance as a Dou Di, the Gu Clan couldn't hope to contend with them. Even if all the other forces on the Dou Qi Continent joined together, they would still fall short.
According to their intelligence, Xiao Tiance's breakthrough had directly resulted in the Xiao Clan gaining at least 50 new Dou Saints. The number of high tier Dou Saints alone surpassed the combined total of all the other major factions.
And that wasn't even counting figures like the resurrected Xiao Xuan, the Spirit of the Heavenly Tomb, Tianluo, Huang Jiuji, and Xiao Qing all nine star Dou Saints.
The Gu Clan felt utterly hopeless. There was no chance to turn the tables.
"Clan Leader, we know the Xiao Clan's strength is overwhelming. But the reports mention that aside from the Ancient Emperor's legacy, which can grant Dou Di power, there's also the Emperor grade pill we once tried to seize but failed to obtain. Additionally, Xiao Tiance mentioned that the seal left by Tuoshe Ancient Emperor contained five portions of the Origin of the Dou Emperor. Even if Xiao Tiance used one, there should still be four remaining."
"Regardless of the method, acquiring any of these resources could significantly increase the Gu Clan's strength. Even if we can't surpass the Xiao Clan, we could at least prevent them from acting recklessly," Gu Lie analyzed, bowing respectfully.
"But the six remaining advancement opportunities... From the reports, the Ancient Emperor's legacy has yet to recognize anyone. Meanwhile, the Emperor grade pill is in the possession of Xiao Xuan. If the Clan Leader wishes to advance to Dou Di, I believe our only option is to focus on Xiao Xuan. Otherwise, pursuing the Ancient Emperor's legacy would be futile. Even the Xiao Clan hasn't been able to obtain it."
Another elder added, "Indeed. Attempting to take the Origin of the Dou Emperor from Xiao Tiance is out of the question. He's already a Dou Di. Trying to seize anything from him would be suicide. Similarly, stealing the Ancient Emperor's legacy is impossible. The Heavenly Tomb is now under the Xiao Clan's control, heavily guarded with arrays set by Xiao Tiance himself. Any attempt to infiltrate would end in disaster."
"The only realistic option is Xiao Xuan's Emperor grade pill. With your ties to Xiao Xuan, you might be able to lure him out of Tianwaitian. Once isolated, our combined strength might give us a chance."
"Yes, Clan Leader. Xiao Xuan is our best breakthrough point."
The Gu Clan's Dilemma
After Gu Lie finished speaking, the Three Immortals of the Gu Clan all nodded in agreement.
Hearing their suggestions, Gu Yuan furrowed his brows slightly.
When it came to eliminating anyone else in the Xiao Clan, Gu Yuan wouldn't hesitate. But Xiao Xuan was different.
Not only had Gu Yuan and Xiao Xuan been close friends, but it was precisely because of their relationship that Gu Yuan had initially submitted to the Xiao Clan when Xiao Xuan revealed his true identity.
This relationship made it particularly difficult for Gu Yuan to consider taking action against Xiao Xuan.
Moreover, Xiao Xuan's presence acted as a stabilizing force. As long as Xiao Xuan was there, even if the Xiao Clan harbored animosity toward the Gu Clan, they would likely hold back out of respect for him.
Attacking Xiao Xuan would irrevocably shatter the last thread of trust between the two clans. Whether the attack succeeded or failed, it would result in a situation where the Xiao and Gu Clans would be locked in a fight to the death.
"We need to consider other options. Attacking Xiao Xuan is not feasible," Gu Yuan said, shaking his head. "If we make a move against him, it will destroy the last vestiges of trust between our clans.
Even if we manage to seize the Emperor grade pill and I successfully advance to Dou Di, we still have to contend with Xiao Tiance. That man is unfathomable. If he returns, what can we do then?
Furthermore, as descendants of the Emperor Clans, we all know what it means to become a Dou Di. Once someone attains that level, they possess unimaginable power. Xiao Tiance could find us and annihilate us at any time if he wished. The risk is simply too great."
Gu Yuan's resolute rejection of the proposal to target Xiao Xuan silenced everyone in the room.
The Three Immortals of the Gu Clan and Black Smoke King Gu Lie knew that Xiao Xuan was their most accessible target. The other options the Ancient Emperor's legacy or the Origins of the Dou Emperor were far beyond reach, like grasping at the heavens.
After a long pause, Gu Yuan sighed and asked, "Where is Xun'er now?"
Hearing this, Gu Lie respectfully bowed and said, "Clan Leader, Xun'er went with that Xiao Clan boy, Xiao Yan, to the Nether Lotus Demon Saint's fallen territory the Demonfire Space. According to reports from the Black Smoke Army, Xun'er is assisting Xiao Yan in subduing the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame."
A glint flashed in Gu Yuan's eyes as soon as he heard this. In a firm tone, he instructed, "Gu Lie, go personally. When Xiao Yan and Xun'er emerge from the Demonfire Space, bring them back to the Gu Clan. I need to speak with them."
"Yes!"
Everyone present was a seasoned strategist with lifetimes of experience. The moment Gu Yuan inquired about Xiao Yan and Xun'er, the flicker in his eyes revealed his intentions.
"Dismissed. Treat this matter as if you know nothing. Unless the Xiao Clan formally invites us, no one is permitted to go to Tianwaitian on their own," Gu Yuan ordered.
"Yes, Clan Leader!"
The Ancient Void Dragon Clan's Perspective
Meanwhile, the situation in the Ancient Void Dragon Clan was not much different.
Zhukun, upon hearing about Xiao Tiance's ascension to Dou Di, did not appear overly surprised.
Looking at Zhulu and Zhuku, Zhukun sighed, "That boy, Xiao Tiance, has finally become the first Dou Di since Tuoshe Ancient Emperor."
"Your Majesty, what should we do? According to reports from Tianwaitian, Xiao Tiance has placed Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's legacy in the Heavenly Tomb.
As for the Emperor grade pill he succeeded with years ago, it is in the custody of his guard, Xuanhuang. Furthermore, if Xiao Tiance returns, there are still four portions of the Origin of the Dou Emperor left. These could help you ascend to Dou Di," Zhuku said, bowing respectfully.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. This is a rare opportunity. If we miss this, the Ancient Void Dragon Clan may never have another chance at greatness," Zhulu added, bowing deeply.
Zhukun looked at them, and although he deeply desired the chance to become a Dou Di, his face remained calm, without a trace of greed. After a long silence, he shook his head and said, "This matter ends here. Reaching this point only proves that our Ancient Void Dragon Clan lacks the fate to produce a Dou Di.
All things in the world are subject to destiny. Forcing it will lead to nothing."
Zhukun turned to Zhuku and instructed, "Zhuku, I need you to go to the Xiao Clan's Tianwaitian next. Use the excuse of delivering resources to Ziyan and bring back North Dragon King Zhuguang to Dragon Island.
Once there, stay close to Ziyan and protect her. If Xiao Tiance returns to Tianwaitian, see if you can persuade Ziyan to take him as her teacher. If Ziyan establishes a connection with Xiao Tiance, that would be the greatest success for the Ancient Void Dragon Clan."
"What? You want Princess Ziyan to become Xiao Tiance's disciple? But Xiao Tiance has only ever accepted three disciples! The chances of this happening are slim.
Even if he agrees, won't the Tianhuang Clan interfere?" Zhulu exclaimed before Zhuku could respond.
Zhukun sighed. "Relax. If Xiao Tiance accepts Ziyan as his disciple, those two from the Tianhuang Clan won't oppose it.
Besides, the suggestion came from Huang Min herself after I fought her years ago.
From the reports we've received, Ziyan is constantly following Huang Min around. They seem to get along very well. Otherwise, during our last fight, Huang Min wouldn't have refrained from using her most powerful Tianhuang secret technique."
"What? Huang Min suggested it?" Zhuku and Zhulu were both shocked.
"Yes. My eyes are not deceiving me. Huang Min genuinely cares for Ziyan and has no ulterior motives.
The Xiao Clan's power has grown significantly due to Xiao Tiance's ascension to Dou Di. They've awakened the Dou Di bloodline once more, and their strength has soared.
No one dares provoke them now, despite any opportunities that may arise.
Direct confrontation is impossible. We must take a different approach.
Now, go and prepare." Zhukun waved his hand dismissively.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Zhuku and Zhulu bowed respectfully before leaving.
The Thunder Clan Reacts
In the Thunder Realm, the Thunder Clan also received news of Xiao Tiance's ascension.
Due to intermarriage between the Thunder Clan and the Xiao Clan in recent years, word of the Xiao Clan's Dou Di bloodline awakening reached Leiying not long after.
"Tsk tsk, remarkable. The first Dou Di since Tuoshe Ancient Emperor... Lord Tiance truly is extraordinary," Leiying said, shaking his head in awe.
(Chapter End)
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