“Damn it. They still managed to escape,” Lei Ying and others gritted their teeth with frustration, staring at the place where the spatial rift vanished. They had not expected that even with the combined force of three great clans and the Heaven League alliance, they ultimately failed to detain the Hun Clan.
“The strength the Hun Clan exhibited this time surpasses our previous comprehension,” Yan Jin looked solemn. In a certain aspect, the Hun Clan has already surpassed each individual major clan’s ability to oppose. Even the Gu Clan cannot withstand them. Precisely thus, an even greater feeling of crisis stirred within him—if the three major sects failed to unite in the earliest possible time, perhaps in not too long, the Hun Clan might wipe them all out, just like what had occurred with the three clans of Medicine, Shi, and Ling.
“In recent years, the Huns have hidden themselves quite deeply,” Gu Yuan, his long hair spilling over his shoulders, was equally grave-faced. They had long believed their Gu Clan would at least match the Huns in power if not surpass them entirely. Today’s grim truth, however, unveiled the reality—Gu Clan truly lacked strength before them.
“Sovereign Hun, as I recall, was absolutely correct when he said back when the Xiao Clan fell, none on this continent had stood a chance against them. It’s pitiful and regrettable—how I wish I knew this truth earlier,” Gu Yuan heaved a sigh. If only Xiao Clan still existed, they surely would’ve deterred Hun Clan from even conceiving the war, no matter how bold the Hun may have been. As he spoke, Lei Ying’s group shared bitter laughter in silent accord—what’s uttered now would change little.
“What should we do now?”, asked Xiao Yan after a short silence. All gazes swivelled to Gu Yuan. After contemplation, Gu Yuan stated, “Now that Huns obtained completely the God’s Jade pieces belonging to ancient Tuo She Imperial Realm, once they rest themselves they’ll attempt locating the Imperial Abode with those pieces. Hence, the one and only thing we may yet do ourselves is strictly spy on that Huns’ movements. At once we discern signs of the strong warriors amongst them setting into motion, we should then quietly trail them along, tracking their arrival at the ancestral domain of Tuo She Emperor.”
“What worries me is: they may manage to shake us off and stealthfully reach the God’s dwelling,” countered Lei Ying, brows furred for he was acutely acquainted with their skillfulness—when annihilating three minor clans, the Liṅga, Shing, Miao, none of our forces detected their initial moves. Quietly and seamlessly the Huns eliminated three entire races.
“On this mission, I will take surveillance upon myself personally,” resolved Gu Yuan, aware of the weightiness of the event. Should Hun Clan truly enter once more the ancient palace, deciphering its secrets may crown their power with ascension past the Dou Emperor threshold. If this occurred, then our final days are but sealed. No alliance, however powerful, could hope to defy an emperor—akin to dragonflies attempting to halt Mount Tai.
Hearing this, all present gave their nods for Gu Yuan and Emperor Hun stood currently as the mightiest of Dou Qi Continent. If under so watchful an eye none could simply vanish, then even Supreme Emperor Hun and Void Devouring Serpent might find themselves unable to slip his attention.
“A conclusive battle undoubtedly awaits near that Tuo She ancient sanctuary. Whatever is needed—be it a double mutual annihilation—we certainly may never permit again, victory to them in battle,” declared resolutely Gu Yuan. In agreement nodded assembly—fully apprised should they forfeit another battle, their outcome mirrors that of the triune eradicated peoples. To secure the preservation of race and kinfolk, whatever might the costs become—it must end decisively by war.
“Triumphant survival…or total obliteration.”
“The allied army will remain stationed in Heaven League for now; closely investigate all Hun Clan actions. Additionally, I believe this interval offers itself fittingly to eradicate wholly all outposts of Hun’s subjugation sect, the Hundi, spread across Central Zhou plains.”
Observing the conclusion drawn, spoke forth Xiao Yan. “Seems indeed imperative to purged thoroughly out this malignant tumor, ‘Hudi’ as it were,” remarked Lei Ying after a short brooding silence shared among comrades present. The Hundi for all these years, had been harvesting countless spirits—apparently even aiding revival of Hun elders such as Yun-Yuen the reemergent, who otherwise would long have passed on into oblivion.
“So hence it shall be; let us have forces remain under Heaven’s alliance.” Gu Yuan did not dissent. Remaining located central within Zhou facilitated easier surveillance of any maneuvering on Hun side. Xiao Yan gave slight nodding smile, directing next words towards medicine elder solemnly:
“Teacher, you oversee handling the bulk forces.”
“Oh ho—rest secure in that; though few may things match my alliance, room we’ve aplenty. Housing all these armies poses nary a problem,” laughed out medicine elder, stroking beard.
“Also, prior commencement, this leader role for Heaven’s Covenant had already turned to yours grasp—being under your governance now suits better than did under mine,” he continued kindly to younger.
Xiao Yan faltered. Observing this old mentor’s sincere smile he yielded resignedly—yes; the League had grown strong needing firm martial governance; revered as Elder was and beloved, he lacked sufficient might, and thus replacing him ensured better equilibrium.
After one reaffirming farewell to old peers, suddenly turned Xiao Yan gaze toward his companions, motioning the two gently: “Come ye close with me”.
Following said declaration, immediately took flight across hills Xiao Yan with purpose, trailing shortly afterwards did Cai Lin and Xue Er realize the impending. Cheeks blanched into blush; daintily gripping fingers, though hearts usually undaunter amidst hordes, felt an unusual stirring uneasiness this time—their gazes locking—moment sharing silent encouragement ere setting jaws determined following along.
Descending upon a peak in the far distance stood our hero amidst ranks of Heaven Leaguers whose warriors arose respectfully as bowed low upon perceiving their approach—awe apparent across their assembled host faces:“O Leader!”
“Fare ye not troubled”, bade off reverent gestures lightly, striding onward to find amidst guardian ranks his father—Pausing, paying humble reverence respectfully bowing he softly addressed:
“Sire—are you safe?”
The aging gaze took measure of figure slightly lean but bearing a poise capable holding heavens’ very weights. Moist again grew elder Xiao’ s eyes; with heart brimming pride for sight he’d been privileged watching the climactic clash even afar—awed was spirit from might his youngest had demonstrated, terrifying Hun force that long held sway. Even a terror like them found itself wounded at a child his own hand? That was beyond any expectation.
“My son’s surely grown up now”, murmuring, hand large grasping with love Xiao’ Jian’ shoulders—a father once believing steadfast against world’s disbeliefs in times where all thought that fallen house would perish. Time’s passage turned once U-Ton slum urchin into realm of highest summit overlooking mankind’s rest.
The old face met by son caused stirring pain before masked joyfully shifting body revealing behind—a duo radiant forms so dazzling that dimmed even nature herself.
“Father—don’t tell you’d have long forgotten Xiaohan?” teased sweet voice; radiant girl stepping forth bending elegantly at waist to address the senior gentleman respectfully. Eyes blinked in sudden recognition did elder’s features hold—an exquisite figure hidden once in their family’s embrace. Years ago she’d been favorite intended for Xiao son—had not her exalted standing reminded him repeatedly dreams must remain distant. And so, in consequence, many reminders and rebukes were delivered firmly to son to maintain due distance…
“Hi, Father—in our lineage she indeed resides properly now”, beaming joyously son stepping closer chuckled as patting paternal back. The senior face at hearing this news brightened immensely, delivering thumping confirmation of approval to Xiao Yan’s shoulders.
Hearing them, the girl turned red with modest joy, her glow ever brighter.
“And then this esteemed companion here, hmm?” questioned father amidst joyous astonishment eyes turning now towards lingering Cailin aside—beautiful standing elegantly poised alongside though cold beauty had notably softened. The gesture even surprised Xiao Yan briefly.
“Erm…” the father hesitates.
“This is too your second worthy daughter-in-law: Lady Jie (Cailin)—”, stammer somewhat, cleared young lips anxiously.
“Eh?!”
Stroked elder cheek slightly startled, silently giving an acknowledging thumb gesture upwards to own son—a remarkable achievement managing not one, rather two such divine beauties into the family’s embrace.
“Perhaps…surely…she’s already quite renown? She bore another title—Her Highness, Milady Medeusa!”
“Her Royal Majesty Medeusa?”
A reflexive start upon catching such resoundingly familiar words—name whose fearful reverence across lands remained embedded deeply even amidst growing numbers of contemporary experts. Long standing reputation still caused shivers of past fears—within Gammar’s Empire, merely uttering the title was once considered peril in itself. Never could elder fathom how this same legendary empress, once ruling Gammar and nearby empires in both awe-inspiring authority and alluring charm…became simply another devoted wife to his blood.
“Father—she’s quite changed from before; now kindly refer simply to Cai Jie—“, smiled softly lady of the empress title, giving afterward a warning glance towards mischievous husband as caution to avoid past topic being mentioned lightly.
Receiving this look Xiao Yan found himself smiling—directed toward dear father, said joyously:
“Return now with us to Heaven’s Covenant. Moreover—awaiting anxiously at the League resides your grandchild…perhaps after reunifying older brethren too, our family finds blessed unity regained.”
“…My grandchild?”
Mouth twitched wide open—heart overwhelmed with complex reflections: how fast had things moved ahead indeed?!
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