Looking at Xiao Yan’s dumbfounded expression, the middle-aged man couldn’t help but chuckle. “Are you surprised?” Hearing this, Xiao Yan gradually returned from his shock, surreptitiously eyeing the middle-aged man before him. He let out a dry laugh, somewhat at a loss for words in front of such a terrifying figure of supreme might, feeling as if any thought in his mind would be discovered by the other.
“Haha, my name is Gu Yuan. To be honest, we met when you were born, it’s just that no one knew my identity then,” the middle-aged man said with a faint smile.
Xiao Yan was taken aback, clearly not expecting that he had met this powerful patriarch of the ancient Gu Clan when he came into the world.
“Does Patriarch Gu Yuan have any important business with me, a junior?” Xiao Yan hesitated before respectfully inquiring.
“Naturally, I came because of your relationship with Xun’er,” Gu Yuan said with a smile.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan felt a chill in his heart and couldn’t help but frown. “Patriarch Gu Yuan doesn’t wish for Xun’er and me to be together?”
“That’s not my intention. As long as Xun’er is willing, I, as her father, won’t force her. Moreover, given her divine bloodline, even I, as the patriarch, can’t force her to do anything,” Gu Yuan said with a smile. “As for you, while you still have some distance from the peak of the younger generation of our Gu Clan, you are qualified.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, then a hint of joy appeared in his eyes. During his time in the Ancient Realm, most of the people from the Gu Clan he encountered had some hostility towards him, but Gu Yuan, right in front of him, exceeded his expectations.
“Thank you, Patriarch Gu Yuan,” Xiao Yan said with a delighted bow.
“Don’t rejoice too soon. Although I don’t oppose your relationship, some elders and even older entities in the Gu Clan still harbor some resentment. After all, Xun’er is the first to possess a divine bloodline in nearly a thousand years, and they naturally don’t want this bloodline to be tainted by anything else. So, you will face some formidable obstacles, and as the patriarch, I can’t offer you much assistance. The patriarch must prioritize the clan above all,” Gu Yuan said calmly.
Xiao Yan remained silent, nodding slightly.
“Of course, excluding my role as the patriarch, I am Xun’er’s father. Whatever she likes, I will like as well,” Gu Yuan said with a gentle smile. “I have no significant dissatisfaction with you. Although your bloodline is defunct, you have achieved accomplishments on par with those with a strong bloodline through your own efforts, which commands admiration.”
“But to be honest, if I had known how things would turn out, I wouldn’t have sent Xun’er to the Xiao Family back then. Sigh… never expected to lose a daughter without gaining what I wanted. This deal is a big loss,” Gu Yuan said ruefully.
To this, Xiao Yan could only force a laugh, not daring to say anything.
“I won’t interfere in your affairs, but I need you to promise me something,” Gu Yuan said, causing Xiao Yan’s heart to throb. He asked carefully, “What is it?”
“Nothing difficult. I only hope that, until Xun’er reaches the level of Dou Sheng, she remains pure,” Gu Yuan said hesitantly.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s face instantly became awkward. He never expected Gu Yuan to make such a bizarre request. Did he look that lecherous?
“Haha, as a young man, it’s natural to feel impulses, and the two of you aren’t often together. Cough…” Gu Yuan dryly coughed, then continued, “Xun’er’s bloodline is unstable, and you’re not from the Gu Clan. Acting rashly in intimate matters could harm her bloodline. If such a thing happens, the elders would intervene forcefully, so you should know the consequences.”
Xiao Yan smiled bitterly, nodding. Was this esteemed figure here just to discuss such a ridiculous matter?
“This is just a reminder. My main reason for appearing is the Jade of the Ancient Emperor Tu She you have,” Gu Yuan said, pausing and then looking at Xiao Yan.
At the mention of the Jade, Xiao Yan’s expression subtly changed. He knew that it was the most valuable item in the Xiao Family, and the reason the Hall of Souls captured his father was for this mysterious jade. But only a few knew that the jade was in his possession.
“Tu She was the last Dou Emperor on the continent of fighting spirit. No one has reached the legendary Dou Emperor realm since,” Gu Yuan explained, indifferent to Xiao Yan’s changing expression. “It is said that when Tu She passed away, he left behind an inheritance with the secrets to becoming a Dou Sheng. For this undiscovered legacy, the eight ancient clans and superpowers in the Central Plains clashed centuries ago, obtaining only the key to the inheritance—the Jade of the Ancient Emperor Tu She. Originally, it was in three pieces, but after many fierce battles, it was split into eight, each piece held by the eight ancient clans. The piece in your possession is one-eighth of it.”
Xiao Yan nodded silently, vaguely aware of these details, though he had always thought there were only three pieces, not eight.
“The Hall of Souls captured your father to get the Jade of the Xiao Clan.” Mentioning the Hall of Souls, Gu Yuan’s brow furrowed slightly. “The Spirit Clan has always been the most mysterious and enigmatic among the eight ancient clans. In the past, the Gu Clan and Xiao Clan fought them together, but neither side managed to inflict severe damage on the Spirit Clan. When Xiao Xuan became the patriarch of the Xiao Clan, he had the chance to strike a heavy blow, but the Spirit Clan ambushed him with many strong warriors, leading to his downfall and the Xiao Clan’s decline.”
“Lacking the support of the Xiao Clan, the Gu Clan couldn’t declare war on the Spirit Clan alone, as both sides would suffer greatly, giving other factions an opportunity. Thus, the situation has persisted to this day.”
“However, based on recent actions of the Spirit Clan, they seem to be preparing to act again. Therefore, the Jade is their likely target. If they gather all pieces, the Spirit Clan’s power will surge, breaking the balance.”
Gu Yuan looked at Xiao Yan with a serious expression. “You now see how important the Jade of the Ancient Emperor Tu She is, right?”
Xiao Yan nodded, but a sudden vision of subterranean lava flashed through his mind. It was the world of lava beneath the Jia Nan Academy where something had once reacted to the Jade in his hand.
“Could the end of that world of lava be the hidden location of the emperor’s inheritance?” Xiao Yan pondered, sensing the utmost importance of whatever lay at the end of that lava world.
“Patriarch Gu Yuan, what do you suggest?” Xiao Yan asked, returning to the moment.
Gu Yuan stared at Xiao Yan and, after a while, shook his head helplessly. “According to the elders, they want you to entrust the jade to the Gu Clan, but I think you won’t be willing to do that.”
Xiao Yan nodded. “The jade carries a fragment of my father’s soul. I need it to determine his fate, so I must keep it myself.”
For the Spirit Clan, the Jade was the key to not harming his father. Handing it over would mean the Spirit Clan would commit atrocities. Gu Yuan seemed to have anticipated this response, simply nodding in resignation. “I guessed as much.”
“I apologize, Patriarch Gu Yuan,” Xiao Yan said apologetically.
“This proposal wasn’t mine, but the elders won’t be pleased with you carrying something so vital within the Spirit Clan’s reach,” Gu Yuan said, shaking his head. “But let’s leave that aside. In two days, the Tomb of Heaven will open. We’ll discuss the jade after you return.”
Xiao Yan nodded, about to speak when a gust of wind caught his attention. He turned to see a graceful figure flying towards them—Xun’er.
“A sigh, indeed, once a girl grows up, she becomes restless. Seeing her hurry, she must be worried about what I did to you,” Gu Yuan sighed, then said to Xiao Yan, “Our conversation ends here. Remember your promise, and protect the jade well.”
As Gu Yuan’s form dissipated, Xiao Yan let out a relieved breath, turning to see Xun’er, her face tense with worry. He couldn’t help but smile.
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