In ancient times, among the Eight Primitive Clans, the Xiao Clan was the first to decline. Hence, the Gu Clan and the Hun Clan were the strongest races. Behind them stood the Yan Clan and Lei Clan, both possessing bloodline powers that had not shown any signs of fading for many generations. Therefore, they flourished with talents as well, though still not matching the might of the Gu and Hun Clans. Yet compared to the three weaker clans—the Yao, Shi, and Ling Clans—they held significant superiority. Perhaps it was exactly due to this reason that these two clans hadn’t been wiped out by the Hun Clan earlier on. As the saying goes, one always chooses the softest persimmons to squeeze first; obviously, the Yan and Lei Clans didn’t fall into that category. However, once those softer persimmons had exploded, eventually their turn would come too…
Today’s Gu Clan was extraordinarily bustling. The arrival of the leaders of the Yan and Lei Clans marked an event of substantial importance even for them. Thus, the reception ceremony held outside displayed a rather grand scene, bestowing enough honor upon the two clan leaders.
When Xiao Yan and Xuner reached the palace’s outer gate, the place already swarmed with guests’ silhouettes and vibrant chatter filled the air.
“That top-left seat belongs to Yan Jin, the leader of the Yan Clan,” whispered Xuner softly while guiding Xiao Yan through the crowd into the secluded corner within the hall. She pointed subtly toward a middle-aged man seated at the upper left end.
Xiao Yan’s gaze followed Xuner’s direction. There sat a tall middle-aged man dressed in deep crimson robes. He appeared about forty years old, rugged in facial features, sporting two fiery eyebrows resembling flickering flames constantly burning. Most astonishingly, his eyes gleamed fully red like twin gemstones forged from living fire—each sweeping glance raised ambient temperature perceptibly around him.
“This fellow’s energy flows smoothly concealed beneath his surface. Sensing him feels akin to facing a gently smoldering flame, truly quite impressive. Still, something feels off when I sense him,” observed Xiao Yan gravely. According to his soul perception abilities, he felt this man as merely an average fire ember—one not even particularly blazing but instead serene, and this calm nature stirred Xiao Yan deeply. More curiously, amidst the man’s aura emanated a strangely familiar scent that tickled Xiao Yan’s mind.
“Don’t be fooled by his youthful appearance—you’re dealing with another aged demon unaware of how many centuries he has actually survived,” laughed Xuner playfully before whispering, “Brother Xiao Yan, Yan Jin possesses such absolute mastery over flames that Father mentioned he contains dual heteroflames: Number Seventeen Volcanic Stone Flame, plus Number Seven Jiu You Golden Ancestor Flame on the Unique Flame Chart.”
“Oh? So even the Jiu You Golden Ancestor Flame now belongs to the Yan Clan,” mused Xiao Yan arching his eyebrow intrigued. “Could you mean then he fused multiple heteroflames?”
“Yes,” replied Xuner smiling, “A newly-formed flame forged by fusing Jiu You Golden Ancestor Flame with Volcanic Stone Flame together. Its might may slightly fall short against your Lotus Demonic Flame yet rivals my Golden Emperor Scorching Heaven Blaze equally, making them evenly matched.” Then she added, “You possess your unmatched fire fusion technique enabling you so masterfully combining diverse unique flames—but Yan Jin achieves similar success entirely through unparalleled expertise over pure flame manipulation itself, forcefully uniting two different heteroflames without external help—an effort undeniably formidable.”
Slightly taken aback, Xiao Yan realized it indeed marked his first encounter with someone managing heteroflame-fusion without relying upon incantations. Fully aware of such feats’ sheer difficulty, he reckoned even with all of his present prowess, attempting direct heteroflame unification solely through self-endeavor might still prove exceedingly demanding. Due to the overwhelming aggressive essence shared mutually between various heteroflames themselves.
“Fitting for no other than the revered chief of the Yan Clan,” Xiao Yan sighed faintly admiring yet envying the skill, although noting that Yan Jin likely peaked having unified merely two types of heteroflame alone. Attempting further additions before reaching Battle King class might ignite disaster rather than dominance. Much less aspiring toward Xiao Yan’s feat involving six distinct heteroflame harmonizations!
“As for the Lei Clan chief holding the high rightmost chair,” gestured Xuner again aside, indicating another bulky figure imposing upright seated nearby, skin dark-tanned and muscles pulsating visible beneath—as if mighty dragons writhed just below surface flesh, radiating immense strength waves that made approaching figures visibly tremble apprehensively. “He bears name Lei Ying—an approximate equal standing with Yan Jin both as Eight Star Dou Sheng sovereigns, representing unquestionably the most dominant individual currently across entire Lei Clan!”
“Apparently he once dared challenge Grand Elder Xiao Xuan long ago…yet got crushed decisively back then,” added Xuner giggling amused.
“Hmm?” Xiao Yan’s eyes lit up mildly surprised. Such obscure legends eluded all knowledge to him directly; yet recalling Elder Ancestor Xiao Xuan practically being Earth-heaven’s ultimate warrior back then, Lei Ying challenging head-on validated his famously war-thirsty personality vividly real.
As Xiao Yan and Xuner exchanged hushed talks secretly tucked behind pillars inside the vast assembly room suddenly emerged ghostlike a familiar silhouette sneaking hastily toward them, urgently calling, “Xuner!”
Twisting heads round in mild startlement, both instantly recognized this clandestine intruder—Gu Hua second commander from Black Annihilation Army who’d ventured alongside Xiao Yan into Heaven’s Grave long back.
“What troubles thee?” Xuner arched questioning eyebrows puzzled.
“Hahh…” Grinning wry embarrassment first at himself, he shifted uncomfortably stating bluntly, “Actually seeking rescuers…It started trouble instigated by certain arrogant Lei Clan guys since arriving Gu Territory—they provocatively challenged several promising martial talents within our Black Annihilation troop. Unfortunately, some hotheads among ours engaged despite provocation—only ended up suffering crushing defeats dreadfully humiliating.”
Rubbing palms together awkwardly, Gu Hua continued ruefully, “While knowing perfectly well the temperament typical for those hot-headed Lei fellows still stung bad allowing subordinates beaten unchecked. We seniors owed duties lifting team spirits thus intervened dispersing troublemakers accordingly.”
Xiao Yan smirked unable suppressing inner amusement observing familiar chaos patterns resurface predictably.
“Well wasn’t chasing those rowdy fellows off sufficient punishment already? Afterall they’re technically esteemed visitors—you couldn’t seriously expect us to hunt relentlessly beat more next!” retorted Xuner annoyed rolling eyes adding sarcastically. “Didn’t you reckon senior generation overseers here—Father or even Clan Chief Lei himself remain oblivious about juniors’ silly brawls only pretending indifference?!”
“That should’ve sufficed indeed—except they refused conceding easily after losing, returning stronger reinforcements whom defeated both myself alongside Commander Gu Xing & Commander Gu Yao!” admitted sourly Gu Hua face drooping sheepishly—being defeated near doorstep inevitably dented pride considering position as top quartet elite commander under Black Annihilation Command structure.
“Why not request Elder Qingyang intervene?! Being supreme commander above whole Black Annihilation Armies surely he’d handle properly!” suggested logically Xuner puzzled.
“Elder Qingyang got beaten too—that’s precisely why I’m now coming crawling here begging aid,” finally blurted out bitterly hesitant Gu Hua.
“Really!?” Now finally showing interest awakened, both Xiao Yan and Xuner turned full attention hearing such surprising report given current Elder Qingyang held status solidly at Two Star Dou Sheng stage—within Lei Clan still retaining capable young prodigy bold enough prevailing him remained utterly extraordinary!
“Must’ve been Him…” frowned Xuner darkened expression forming instantly comprehension dawning across.
“Mm…” nodded reluctantly Gu confirming solemnly while sighing inwardly troubled, “Never imagined him rising this strong so fast nowadays…”
“Now who might That Man exactly be!?” questioned Xiao Yan curiosity piqued.
“Lei Dong!” explained solemnly Xuner. “Arguably brightest genius arising Lei Clan in last few hundred years—a record five continuous dwelling years previously endured torturous Tempest Lightning pools inside ancestral Thunderlands—surpassing even past young achievements established during elder Lei Ying era needing additional one annum. Although undoubtedly owing much nurturing investment pouring forth from entire clan’s resources combined—he still earned undeniable recognition purely based talent merit itself! Rumor strongly circulates intentions raising future heir presumptive designate towards forthcoming succession leadership of entire clan itself.”
Nodding quietly appreciative comprehension dawning, Xiao Yan impressed genuinely hadn’t anticipated discovering another exceptionally promising youth hidden within Lei Clan ranks proving their foundational strength impressively resilient still.
“Moreover,” added Xuner with slight helpless shrug, “there existed previous engagement proposals initiated by Lei Clan elders aiming marriage arrangement connecting Gu Clan. Though initial support surfaced temporarily amongst higher council circles back then—the matters paused indefinitely afterward due unfinished business remaining unresolved pending conclusion. Meanwhile originally betrothed parties consisted simply enough—myself versus none other than Lei Dong…”
“Uh…” Xiao Yan blinked startled realizing unexpected prior claims attempted claiming his bride unofficially.
“Bride thief nearly successful huh? But regardless motivations attributed warmongering disposition—if permitted retreat humiliated failure today guarantees endless ridicule future interactions ensuing,” Gu Hua grinned sly nudging hopeful persuasion toward resolution.
“Enough meaningless posturing over trivial rivalry—hardly worth acknowledging,” dismissed coldly Xuner.
Grinning broadly unfazed, Gu Hua shifted strategy proposing suggestively, “How ’bout instead let Brother-in-law Xiao Yan deliver decisive punch salvaging Black Annihilation morale prestige!? Knowing well respected approval bestowed upon couple upcoming nuptials, rest assured brethren here enthusiastically ensure wedding celebration dazzling spectacularly unforgettable!”
Turning heated beseeching gaze fully upon Xiao Yan himself meanwhile enthused brightly pressing plea:
“What do you think Brother Xiao Yan? Ready test combat mettle measuring Lei Clan fresh-blood talents firsthand!? Rest assure Elder Qingyang currently distracting them buying prime opening moment right now awaiting!”
Glowingly enthusiastic stare fixating intently onto Xiao Yan briefly caught latter chuckling lightheartedly somewhat stirring internal reflection sensations awakening dormant emotions obscured prolonged dealings amongst venerable ancient experts causing him forgetfulness concerning his true chronological youthfulness—reminding forcibly reminding himself naturally belonged belonging age cohort bursting vitality and vigor akin contemporaries surrounding like Gu Hua etc., reveling glory days bursting brilliance and audacious confidence exuberance surging unrestrainedly forward!
“Agreed. Lead ahead,” replied composed Xiao Yan finally decisive agreement sealed firm. “Let me witness myself capability possessed by rival who once sought claim unwon bride unlawfully—see whether he truly merits bragging rights claimed thus far?”
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