BTTH: I Am the Ancestor of the Xiao Clan

Chapter 124: Gu Lie Departs, Xiao Tiance Returns to the Jia Ma Empire

Tianwaitian, Courtyard of Tiance Pavilion.

After securing an alliance with the Gold Swallowing Rat Clan, Xiao Tiance did not keep them for long. He instructed Xiao Chun to oversee the logistics of their agreement and guide them through the integration process.

As they departed, Huang Jiuji chuckled and commented, "Congratulations, Clan Leader. While the Gold Swallowing Rat Clan isn't particularly strong individually, their numbers reaching into the hundreds of thousands spread across the Tianmu Mountain Range can form a natural defensive barrier around our outer perimeter."

Xiao Tiance nodded slightly, a small smile on his face. The unexpected alliance pleased him, as it also granted him control over the Tianmu Blood Pool, a crucial resource for Xiao Yan's eventual rise to Dou Zong. This would ensure favorable conditions for his arrival in Zhongzhou and future growth.

"Indeed, it's an unexpected boon. Ah, Huang Lao, here are the two Heavenly Flames you requested. You can pass them on to Min'er and Lingyun tomorrow."

Xiao Tiance waved his hand, summoning a ripple in the surrounding space. Two blazing flames emerged, encased within protective seals, and floated toward Huang Jiuji.

Accepting them with a grateful smile, Huang Jiuji bowed. "Thank you, Clan Leader."

"There's no need for formalities. Even if you hadn't asked, I'd intended to seek out high ranking Heavenly Flames for them. The ones delivered by the Spirit Clan and Stone Clan this time are of lower rank, so they were easier to part with," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.

The Spirit Clan had offered five Heavenly Flames, and the Stone Clan, likely out of fear of Xiao Qing reneging on their agreement, had sent three more. Though Xiao Tiance initially planned to distribute all eight flames among the Xiao Clan's high ranking alchemists, he retained two lower ranked flames at Huang Jiuji's request.

As a result, the clan's alchemists experienced a significant boost in productivity over the past month, further enhancing the Xiao Clan's influence.

Huang Jiuji nodded. "These flames are more than sufficient. Higher ranked ones wouldn't suit them as well at their current level."

After exchanging a few more words, Huang Jiuji returned to Tianhuang Palace with the flames in hand.

Gu Realm.

Following lengthy deliberations and with the support of Gu Yuan and the Gu Clan's three elders, the clan finally decided to exchange the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade for Xiao Clan's Ninth Rank Spirit Gathering Formation.

The elders were also tasked with selecting outstanding young women from the clan to participate in the arranged marriage, and the esteemed elder Gu Lie departed with a team of Black Mist soldiers to retrieve Gu Xun'er from the Jia Ma Empire.

Not long after their departure, Xiao Tiance received word of the mission. Without hesitation, he vanished from Tianwaitian in a flash and reappeared in the skies above the Xiao family compound in Wu Tan City.

"Brother Ce, why have you come in person?"

The voice belonged to Xiao Tian Ming, who nearly jumped upon seeing Xiao Tiance materialize.

Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. "The Gu Clan has sent Gu Lie to retrieve their little girl. If I didn't oversee this personally, any misstep could undo our millennia of careful planning."

Xiao Tian Ming nodded in understanding. "So Gu Lie himself is coming? That likely means his mission isn't just to retrieve the girl but to probe for any trace of our Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade."

"Quite likely." Xiao Tiance's expression grew sharper. "If the Gu Clan dares make a move to seize it, we must ensure none of them return alive."

Xiao Tian Ming chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming with a cold light. "Let them try. It'll be their funeral."

Xiao Tiance shook his head slightly, a calm smile returning to his face. "Let's leave the decision to them. Whether it's war or peace doesn't concern me. Gu Yuan is shrewd enough to avoid reckless actions. But tell me, what do you think of Xiao Yan?"

Hearing this, Xiao Tian Ming hesitated for a moment before replying thoughtfully. **"Xiao Yan's talent is decent. Compared to those twelve or thirteen year old prodigies in our Longteng Army, he falls short. However, for someone raised in a remote place like Wu Tan City, he's done remarkably well. His temperament is what stands out most tempered by three years of hardship, he's shed his arrogance without losing his pride.

"He's matured into a reserved, grounded young man, which I find much more appealing than some of our more egotistical prodigies."**

Xiao Tiance nodded approvingly. "Good. Xiao Yan's resilience will serve him well. And what of Yao Chen?"

"Yao Chen is a fine individual. If not for being ambushed, he might have reached the Dou Sheng level by now. His alchemy skills, in particular, are unparalleled," Xiao Tian Ming replied. "He's an excellent mentor for Xiao Yan, providing both guidance and opportunity."

Xiao Tiance's smile deepened. "Exactly. Yao Chen's alchemical prowess is his true value. He's the perfect guide for Xiao Yan at this stage of his journey."

After a moment, Xiao Tiance's tone shifted. "And what of his disciple, Han Feng?"

Xiao Tian Ming's expression darkened. "Han Feng? That snake? If not for your orders, Brother Ce, I'd have crushed him already."

Intrigued, Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Oh? What has he done to earn your ire?"

Xiao Tian Ming gritted his teeth. **"About a month ago, Han Feng felt threatened by the growing strength of the Baxian Gate, especially after Xiao Lei secured a high ranking alchemist from the clan to host several successful pill auctions.

"To protect his 'Pill Emperor' reputation, Han Feng assembled a group of Black Corner Region rogues to cause trouble. Xiao Lei, however, crushed their leader a Dou Huang forcing Han Feng to retreat.

"But he didn't stop there. Instead, he resorted to underhanded tactics, causing significant losses for Baxian Gate. Xiao Lei sought my permission to retaliate, but remembering your earlier directive, I simply had Han Feng compensate us with six tier pills as reparation."**

Hearing this, Xiao Tiance shook his head, amused. "Han Feng's antics are as tiresome as ever. Let him be for now."

"Understood, Brother Ce. But don't expect me to be lenient if he crosses the line again," Xiao Tian Ming growled.

"Hehe, there's no need to get angry. Han Feng is nothing more than a petty clown," Xiao Tiance said with a chuckle, his tone calm and dismissive. "Xiao Lei once reported seeing traces of Soul Hall envoys in the Black Corner Region, likely indicating that Han Feng maintains some contact with them. If we wish to use Han Feng to trace Soul Hall's whereabouts, we can't act against him for now."

He continued with a faint smile. "Moreover, Xiao Yan's current strength is far too weak. He needs time to grow. Han Feng is perfectly suited to serve as a stepping stone for him. For now, just enjoy the show."

Whether it was Han Feng or Soul Hall, they were nothing more than insignificant nuisances to Xiao Tiance, who could easily crush them if he so desired. After failing to eliminate Hun Tiandi during their encounter at Tianji Tower, Xiao Tiance decided to allow Soul Hall some leeway, as long as they didn't provoke him further.

However, if Tianluo discovered the location of the Soul Clan's Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade, it would be a different matter entirely.

At that moment, both Xiao Tiance and Xiao Tian Ming simultaneously turned their gazes toward the distant sky.

"Heh, they're faster than expected," Xiao Tian Ming remarked as a group of flying magical beasts emerged from a spatial rift, carrying several figures. Among them were Gu Lie, a formidable Dou Sheng, and a small escort of Black Mist soldiers.

"Black Mist King, that's Wu Tan City ahead. Should we fly directly to the Xiao family estate?" one of the soldiers respectfully asked Gu Lie.

"No rush. Set up camp outside the city. Make sure you remain unseen," Gu Lie instructed indifferently.

He then turned to a Dou Wang at his side and said, "Your job is to locate the Xiao Clan's Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade. I'll provide cover if needed."

"Understood, my lord."

After giving his orders, Gu Lie had the Black Mist soldiers and the Dou Sheng rest outside the city while he personally threw the Dou Wang down near Wu Tan City's outskirts. Satisfied with the setup, Gu Lie teleported to the Xiao family estate.

"Boom!"

Gu Lie's sudden arrival at the Xiao family gate caused a minor commotion. Two guards approached cautiously but were quickly repelled by the pressure of his aura. The commotion drew the attention of other Xiao family members, who rushed to the gate.

In the void above, Xiao Tian Ming frowned coldly. "Brother Ce, it seems Gu Lie isn't here with good intentions. We should prepare for the worst."

Xiao Tiance chuckled softly, his expression unperturbed. "Relax. With us here, what could Gu Lie possibly achieve? Let's see what tricks this so called brute has up his sleeve."

Below, Xiao Zhan, along with three elders and several core family members, arrived at the gate. Seeing Gu Lie's imposing demeanor and ornate attire, Xiao Zhan bowed respectfully.

"May I ask what brings such a distinguished figure to the Xiao family?"

Hidden in the void above, Xiao Tian Ming bristled at the sight. "Brother Ce, has this branch of the Xiao family forgotten their pride? Bowing and scraping like this to someone whose identity they haven't even confirmed!"

He clenched his fists, his aura flickering as his anger surged. "Once Gu Lie takes that girl back to the Gu Clan, we should provide this branch with some resources. It pains me to see our Xiao family reduced to such humility."

Xiao Tiance patted Xiao Tian Ming's shoulder, his tone firm. "Calm down. You're too impulsive."

"Brother Ce, I…"

"Listen, Dou Qi Continent has always been a world where strength is respected. Gu Lie's strength commands respect, even on the broader stage. Xiao Zhan, though a member of our Xiao family, has lived independently of us for over a thousand years. With no true experts in their branch, lowering their stance is a pragmatic move. It's not wrong it's survival." Xiao Tiance smiled faintly.

Xiao Tian Ming sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Understood, Brother Ce."

"Good. Keep watching. Gu Lie likely won't leave immediately. He's undoubtedly plotting to uncover our Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade," Xiao Tiance mused, his gaze fixed on the scene below.

Back at the gate, Gu Lie's imposing aura remained, but he eventually broke the silence. "I come from the Gu Clan. You must be the leader of this Xiao branch?"

Xiao Zhan nodded respectfully. "I am Xiao Zhan, the clan head of this branch. Greetings, elder."

"There's no need for excessive courtesy. Prepare a room for me to bathe and change," Gu Lie said with a wave of his hand, his tone dismissive.

"Of course, elder. Please follow me." Xiao Zhan complied immediately, personally escorting Gu Lie and making arrangements for his stay. At the same time, he sent someone to summon Xiao Xun'er.

Half an hour later, freshly dressed and fed, Gu Lie was about to summon Xiao Zhan when the latter's voice came from outside.

"Elder, Xun'er has learned of your arrival and wishes to see you."

Gu Lie raised an eyebrow before responding, "Let her in."

Moments later, Xiao Xun'er entered alone. She paused briefly upon seeing Gu Lie before her eyes widened in surprise.

"Uncle Lie? You came personally?"

Gu Lie's stern demeanor softened into a hearty laugh. "Haha, little one, why wouldn't I come?" He reached out to ruffle her hair, his gaze warm yet probing.

He was surprised by how quickly Xiao Xun'er recognized him. Moreover, his brief assessment revealed that her Dou Qi foundation was exceptionally stable. The pressure emanating from her latent Dou Di bloodline even made him a bearer of a ninth tier bloodline feel a slight sense of suppression.

"Hehe, Uncle Lie, of course you can come. I'm just surprised, that's all!" Xiao Xun'er replied with a playful smile.

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