BTTH: I Am the Ancestor of the Xiao Clan

Chapter 125: Xiao Xun'er Confesses Her Feelings

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

Wu Tan City, Xiao Clan

To Xiao Xun'er, her Uncle Gu Lie held an extremely high status within the Gu Clan, second only to her father, Gu Yuan. Even the other esteemed elders of the Gu Clan had to show him respect.

The fact that someone of Gu Lie's stature would personally visit the Xiao Clan was something she found difficult to understand.

Gu Lie smiled warmly and nodded. **"Xun'er, this time, I've come to take you back to the Gu Clan. You probably don't know yet, but the Xiao Clan has emerged from seclusion. In one fell swoop, they forced the mighty Soul Clan into hiding. The Xiao Clan's power now reigns supreme across the entire Dou Qi Continent.

Given this, any hope of us obtaining the Xiao Clan's piece of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade is essentially nonexistent."**

He paused, noticing the conflicted emotions on Xiao Xun'er's face her reluctance mixed with sadness. He sighed and asked, "Xun'er, do you not wish to return to the clan?"

Xiao Xun'er was momentarily stunned but then nodded slightly. Her voice was soft as she said, "Uncle Lie, could I stay here a bit longer? There are still some things I need to take care of before I return to the clan."

While speaking, her mind drifted to thoughts of Xiao Yan. She didn't want to leave Wu Tan City or her beloved Xiao Yan.

Even though they hadn't formally expressed their feelings, Xiao Yan already held a unique and irreplaceable place in her heart. She was certain that Xiao Yan felt the same for her.

However, she wasn't confident that the elders of the Gu Clan would allow her to stay, let alone pursue her own desires.

Gu Lie scrutinized her carefully before sighing. **"It's been so many years, and I see our little Xun'er has grown into a fine young woman. While I'd like to allow you to stay here, I'm afraid the clan elders and even your father insist on your return.

Remaining here won't serve any further purpose. And with the Xiao Clan already stationing powerful guardians in the area, if anything were to happen to you, how could I face your father?"**

Then, as if struck by a thought, Gu Lie's expression grew serious. He looked deeply into Xiao Xun'er's eyes and asked, "Xun'er, is it because of someone in the Xiao Clan that you want to stay here?"

Hearing this, Xiao Xun'er's face instantly paled.

Xiao Yan was her everything, irreplaceable in her eyes. However, she knew that with his current strength, the Gu Clan elders wouldn't take him seriously.

Even if Xiao Yan could someday become a Dou Zun or even a Dou Sheng, such achievements might still be beneath the notice of the Gu Clan.

"Uncle Lie, I…" Xiao Xun'er hesitated, uncertain whether she should confide in him.

But Gu Lie had already caught the flicker of emotion in her expression and saw through her hesitance.

While his first instinct was to scold her, Gu Lie ultimately decided to take a softer approach. Smiling, he said, "Who is this boy? What is his talent like? If he's truly an extraordinary genius, it might not be impossible for the two of you to be together."

The Xiao Clan's current strength was widely acknowledged. In fact, the Gu Clan was in the process of selecting outstanding young women to form marriage alliances with the Xiao Clan. If both clans could exchange promising heirs, over a few hundred years, their ties would deepen to the point of unity.

Xiao Xun'er hesitated for a long moment before gathering her courage. "His name is Xiao Yan, and I've already decided that he's the one for me in this lifetime."

Gu Lie's brows furrowed deeply. He unleashed his soul power, scanning the entire Xiao Clan estate. Yet, despite his efforts, he found no trace of any remarkable genius.

**"Xun'er, you're still young. Don't rush into decisions like this. You must understand that as the eldest daughter of the Gu Clan, you're likely to become the next clan leader.

Your status, talent, and potential aren't something ordinary people can compare to. Unless this boy is a supreme genius, he will never be worthy of you. Do you understand?"** Gu Lie's tone turned stern as he attempted to reason with her.

Indeed, Xiao Xun'er's identity and position were far too exalted. Even within the Gu Clan, her future rights and power were unmatched. If her extraordinary talent translated into strength, she'd become one of the continent's most sought after individuals.

For Gu Lie, only individuals like Xiao Tiance or Xiao Qing could be considered worthy of her.

But Xiao Xun'er's resolve was unshakable. "I understand, Uncle Lie, but my mind is made up. I truly believe that Xiao Yan is the one for me. He's the only person in this world who has captured my heart."

Gu Lie clenched his fists in frustration but managed to suppress his anger. After a long exhale, he softened his tone. "Very well, Xun'er. In that case, why don't you let me meet this Xiao Yan? Let me see if he truly lives up to your devotion."

"You want to meet Xiao Yan?" Xiao Xun'er was startled.

"Of course. You hold him in such high regard how could I not want to meet the boy who has captured your heart?" Gu Lie said with a faint smile, though his intentions were clear.

If Xiao Yan's abilities fell short, he would have no choice but to bring Xiao Xun'er back to the Gu Clan, regardless of her feelings.

"Alright, Uncle Lie. Please wait here. I'll go speak to Xiao Yan and see if he's willing to meet you."

"Go ahead."

With that, Xiao Xun'er quickly left, heading straight to the mountains where Xiao Yan was training.

The Mountains

When Gu Lie had scanned the Xiao Clan earlier, Yao Chen, who had been guiding Xiao Yan, had felt the overwhelming spiritual force and immediately concealed himself.

No matter how much Xiao Yan called out to him, Yao Chen remained silent.

Eventually, Yao Chen sent Xiao Yan a cautious message. "Xiao Yan, a powerful expert has arrived at your home. I cannot show myself for now. If I'm discovered, it could spell trouble."

"Teacher, who is it?" Xiao Yan asked anxiously.

But no matter how much he prodded, Yao Chen gave no further response.

After some time, Xiao Xun'er arrived like a lively butterfly, bouncing toward Xiao Yan.

The moment she approached him, she unexpectedly threw herself into his arms.

"Xiao Yan gege."

Sensing that Xiao Xun'er's emotions were off, Xiao Yan immediately embraced her and gently asked, "What's wrong, Xun'er? Did something happen?"

Xiao Xun'er didn't reply right away. Instead, she tightened her grip on Xiao Yan's arm, holding him closer.

The two stayed in that embrace for more than ten minutes before Xiao Xun'er finally spoke in a soft voice, "Xiao Yan gege, Xun'er likes you. Do you like Xun'er too?"

Xiao Yan's mind went blank upon hearing her words. He froze for a long moment before earnestly meeting her gaze, taking in her beautiful face. Finally, he nodded firmly. "I've always liked you, Xun'er. Always."

Hearing this, Xiao Xun'er broke into a radiant smile, as if the very breeze had turned sweet.

"Xun'er is so happy. Xiao Yan gege, in my heart, you are unique and irreplaceable."

As she leaned into his embrace, she made no attempt to hide her feelings, letting her love pour out unreservedly.

A Sudden Change

Seeing her behave like this, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. In his eyes, Xiao Xun'er had always been a composed, gentle, and adorable girl, but she had never expressed her affection so openly.

"What's wrong, Xun'er? Did something happen?" he asked again, his uneasiness mounting.

Releasing him gently, Xiao Xun'er's smile slowly faded. She let out a long sigh before saying, "Xiao Yan gege, I might have to leave soon. My family has sent someone to take me back."

"Your family?"

Xiao Yan was stunned. Xiao Xun'er had never mentioned her family before. And now, right after they confessed their feelings for each other, such a thing was happening.

"Isn't there a way for you to stay?" Xiao Yan asked, trying to sound calm.

Facing Xiao Yan's hopeful gaze, Xiao Xun'er shook her head gently and sighed. "I don't want to leave either, but I have no choice. The clan has already decided. I can't defy them."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan recalled Yao Chen's earlier warning about a powerful individual arriving at the Xiao Clan. Could it be the person sent to take Xun'er away?

As these thoughts ran through his mind, Xiao Xun'er seemed to sense what he might be thinking. Worried that Xiao Yan might act impulsively, she quickly added, **"Don't worry, Xiao Yan gege. Even though I'll be leaving, we'll see each other again.

When that time comes, we can be together. But for that to happen, Xiao Yan gege will have to work hard and grow much stronger."**

Hearing her words, Xiao Yan felt a surge of frustration. He understood the underlying meaning in her statement simply reaching the level of Dou Huang or Dou Zong wouldn't be enough.

Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan declared firmly, "I'll train hard, step by step. If Dou Huang isn't enough, I'll reach Dou Zong. If Dou Zong isn't enough, I'll aim for Dou Zun, Dou Sheng, and even Dou Di. No matter what it takes, I'll be with you."

Moved by his determination, Xiao Xun'er smiled brightly and nodded. "I believe in you, Xiao Yan gege. Oh, by the way, the elder who came to take me back wants to meet you. Would you be willing to see him?"

"Meet me?" Xiao Yan asked, puzzled. With his current strength barely qualifying as a Dou Zhe he didn't feel worthy.

"Mm hmm. It's my fault, really. When I was talking with Uncle Lie earlier, I told him that you're the person I've chosen for this lifetime. So now he insists on meeting you." Xiao Xun'er looked apologetic.

Feeling guilt wash over her, she couldn't help but worry that Gu Lie might harm Xiao Yan. If that happened, she would live with regret for the rest of her life.

After a moment, an idea occurred to her. She looked at Xiao Yan and hesitated briefly before asking, "Xiao Yan gege, have you heard of the Xiao Clan?"

"The Xiao Clan? Do you mean the family our Xiao family originated from?"

Xiao Yan had heard of the Xiao family but had no knowledge of a larger Xiao Clan.

"Yes, it's the same. The current Xiao family descended from the Xiao Clan, which moved away from the clan a thousand years ago."

Before she could say more, a voice suddenly echoed in Xiao Xun'er's mind.

"Young Gu Clan girl, don't tell Xiao Yan about these things. Knowing them won't benefit him in any way."

Xiao Xun'er's expression shifted as she scanned her surroundings, but there was no one in sight.

"What's wrong, Xun'er? What are you looking at?" Xiao Yan asked, noticing her unusual behavior.

Before she could answer, the voice came again. "If you truly wish to stay with Xiao Yan, it's best not to tell him about the Xiao Clan. Otherwise, your future together may be in jeopardy."

Shaken by the warning, Xiao Xun'er quickly regained her composure. Smiling as if nothing had happened, she replied, **"It's nothing. Xiao Yan gege, my family and the Xiao Clan have some ties, which is why I was sent here when I was younger.

If you don't want to meet the elder from my clan, that's okay too."**

"If your clan elder wants to see me, then I should go. No matter the reason, it's only proper."

With that, Xiao Yan took Xiao Xun'er's hand, and the two began descending the mountain together.

Above the Xiao Family Compound

In the void above the Xiao family estate, Xiao Tianming looked at Xiao Tiance with confusion. "Brother Ce, why did you stop that Gu Clan girl from telling Xiao Yan about the Xiao Clan? Wouldn't knowing that the Xiao Clan is protecting the Xiao family strengthen his sense of belonging to the clan?"

Xiao Tiance chuckled. "There's no need for that. It's better for Xiao Yan not to know about the Xiao Clan's existence until he becomes a Dou Di."

His earlier warning to Xiao Xun'er had been intentional and done openly, not bothering to conceal it from Xiao Tianming.

"Why? If you're so confident that Xiao Yan has the potential to become a Dou Di, shouldn't we be building a relationship with him early on?" Xiao Tianming was perplexed.

Xiao Tiance shook his head with a slight smile and explained, **"Xiao Yan is too weak right now. If he learns about the Xiao Clan, it could affect his growth negatively.

Even if he knows, there's nothing he can do with that knowledge, and it might even demoralize him. Otherwise, when Nalan Yanran came to annul their engagement, wouldn't it have been simpler for me to step in and back him up?"**

Turning to Xiao Tianming, Xiao Tiance added with a knowing smile, "Tianming, you must understand: 'A sharp blade is forged through grinding, and the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from bitter cold.' This is all part of the trial I've set for Xiao Yan."

Xiao Tianming paused before nodding. "I still don't fully understand, but since you've made your decision, Brother Ce, I won't oppose it."

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