When Nalan Yanran heard these words, Xiao Yan’s face grew increasingly serious. Just as the Pharmacist Elder had said, the matter of the Ta She Ancient Emperor Jade was far too significant. The title of Battle King, the highest in this world, made anything related to it skyrocket in value! This fact could be seen with the ancient Gu clan. Within their veins flowed the blood of a Battle King, which had granted them their current status on the Dou Qi Continent. Though they couldn’t claim to be completely unrivaled, they were undoubtedly among the best!
“Thus, before gaining absolute strength, Xiao Yan Ge-Ge’s Ta She Ancient Emperor Jade must not be revealed!” At this point, Xuner’s expression was solemn. The Xiao family had declined, and even though there was an old agreement between the Gu clan and the Xiao family, divisions within the Gu clan because of this issue were profound. If this were to be exposed, some Gu clan experts might act on their own, putting Xiao Yan in grave danger.
Looking at Xuner’s severe face, Xiao Yan nodded slowly, whispering, “The Soul Temple caught my father because of this, right?”
Xuner nodded slightly, saying, “The Xiao family was once a first-rate power on the Dou Qi Continent. Back then, even the Ice River Valley found them hard to match.”
Hearing this, surprise flickered in Xiao Yan’s eyes—he hadn’t realized the Xiao family once held such glory.
“Unfortunately, as time passed, the Xiao family declined. Some of their ancestors eventually left the Central Plains and finally settled in the Jia Ma Empire…” Xuner continued softly, “With the decline over the years, apart from a few in the Xiao family, the younger generation barely knows about these past events…”
Xiao Yan nodded slightly. To bring the Xiao family to such heights, that ancestor must have been a formidable figure.
“Haha, that ancestor of the Xiao family was indeed a brilliant and remarkable person. In just a few hundred years, he reached the pinnacle of the continent. At that time, there were only four others who could match him on the entire continent…”
Seeing Xiao Yan’s contemplative look, Xuner seemed to read his thoughts and smiled. Hearing this, despite being somewhat prepared, Xiao Yan felt a shock. To match such a vast continent, with only four others, was truly astounding.
“Never thought that ancestor achieved such a feat…”
Just the thought of it made Xiao Yan feel a surge of exhilaration.
“The talents of that ancestor, even the Gu clan admired. At that time, under his leadership, the relationship between the Xiao family and the Gu clan was very good, and that alliance was formed back then…”
“Alliance?”
“That ancestor of the Xiao family once favored the Gu clan. Before he perished, he asked the Gu clan to take care of the Xiao family and preserve the Xiao bloodline in critical moments. This pact worked well shortly after his death, but as time passed and the Xiao family faded from the continent, the alliance gradually lost its effect…”
Xuner looked at Xiao Yan, “When I went to the Xiao family, it was partly because my father wanted me to have a peaceful childhood, and partly because some in the clan hoped I would retrieve the Ta She Ancient Emperor Jade from the Xiao family…”
Xiao Yan chuckled, his smile both sly and triumphant, “Hehe, but they didn’t expect that not only would they fail to get the Ta She Ancient Emperor Jade, they would lose something even more precious…”
“What do you mean?”
Puzzled, Xuner blushed when she saw Xiao Yan’s sly smile.
“Right, what was the name of that ancestor of the Xiao family?”
Watching Xuner’s bashful face, Xiao Yan felt a surge of desire but quickly suppressed it, not wanting to scare away this girl who was so different around him.
Xuner brushed a strand of her hair off her forehead, covering her mouth and smiling, “What? Want to take that ancestor as your idol?”
“He is my ancestor, and if I don’t know his name, what kind of descendant am I?” Xiao Yan retorted, rolling his eyes.
Xuner smiled, then whispered, “That ancestor of the Xiao family is called Xiao Xuan…”
“Xiao Xuan?”
Xiao Yan muttered, then laughed, “Fitting for the Xiao family’s ancestor—his name sounds mighty…”
Xuner rolled her eyes at Xiao Yan, and her coquettish smile made him stare. This girl had grown more alluring, her every smile and frown filled with natural allure.
“Xiao Xuan’s ancient tomb is in the Gu realm, but there’s a strange force preventing the Gu clan from entering. Although some powerful Gu clan members can force their way in, since Xiao Xuan did us a favor, they dare not. Thus, no one has entered that tomb for many years…”
As she spoke, Xuner’s gaze turned thoughtful, “If I’m not mistaken, only the Xiao family can enter that tomb. If you ever go to the Gu realm, perhaps you can visit there and may find something valuable…”
Xiao Yan’s expression grew serious, “I must visit the ancestor’s tomb. If I gain enough strength, I’ll move the tomb to the Xiao family, and future generations will venerate it day and night!”
“If Ancestor Xiao Xuan could hear this, he would surely be gratified…”
Xuner smiled, then remembered something, “And, try not to let it be known that you are Xiao Xuan’s descendant. Although the Xiao family was once prominent, they also offended some powerful forces. Some of those forces still exist, and if they find out, they might cause you trouble.”
“Are these forces stronger than the current Ice River Valley?”
“You can’t fully summarize the powers in the Central Plains with the usual list—one temple, one tower, two sects, three valleys, and four chambers. The Central Plains are vast, and many hidden forces exist. For instance, my Gu clan isn’t listed, yet no one dares to call us weak. Even seemingly low-key forces in the Central Plains have immense hidden strength, including some ancient monsters who rarely come out. And the Ice River Valley is not as simple as it seems…”
Xiao Yan scratched his head, impressed by the Central Plains’ deep and rich history.
“Xiao Yan Ge-Ge, I can’t stay for long. Otherwise, it will cause you more trouble. After I leave, you must rely on yourself. So, be careful…”
Xiao Yan’s arms tightened around Xuner’s slim waist, and he asked, “When can I see you in the Gu realm?”
Xuner’s lips curled into a sweet smile, “Whenever you feel confident, come to me. No matter what, remember Yaphira will always stand by your side.”
Xiao Yan nodded, embracing Xuner tightly, “Don’t worry, I know the challenges in the Gu realm. I won’t be reckless—I want them to know your judgment is the best!”
Inspired by the Xiao family’s ancestor, who once commanded respect from the entire Gu clan, Xiao Yan believed he would someday reach that level too. Then, no one in the Gu clan could stop him from being with Xuner.
Xuner nodded, smiling, and gently touched her chin. She wasn’t concerned about Xiao Yan, but worried he might face discrimination and scorn in the Gu realm due to his lack of strength…
Xiao Yan gazed at Xuner’s charming smile, feeling it was perfect and captivating, only for him. His eyes heated, and his hand, now touching her waist, caressed her smooth, cool skin beneath her clothes…
Feeling Xiao Yan’s touch, Xuner’s cheeks flushed, and her eyes watered. Xiao Yan’s heartbeat quickened, and the desire flared up, making his eyes glow with passion…
Noticing the change, Xuner’s face turned even more bashful and red. As Xiao Yan’s hand moved along her waist, she let out a soft, breathy moan…
Her moan, like a magical sound, made Xiao Yan’s heart race. He couldn’t resist pulling her into a passionate embrace, kissing her soft, enticing lips, their bodies suddenly aflame…
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