BTTH: I Am the Ancestor of the Xiao Clan

Chapter 128: Gu Yuan's Analysis and a Bold Plan

Tianwaitian, Tiance Mansion, Ninth Floor.

The enticing aroma of hotpot filled the room, even causing Xiao Tiance, who rarely craved food, to feel a pang of hunger. Thankfully, Huang Lingyun didn't keep them waiting for long. In just over ten minutes, he returned with a large platter of beef perfectly marbled with both fat and lean portions.

"You're too slow!" Huang Min snatched the platter from his hands, giving him a playful glare before setting it on the table.

Lingyun offered a sheepish smile and defended himself, "I came as fast as I could after preparing it."

"Hmph!" Huang Min huffed, ignoring his explanation and diving into the hotpot, happily cooking slices of beef.

Seeing her enthusiasm, Xiao Tiance and Lingyun joined in. Before long, the trio was happily eating, the room filled with laughter. They even sent a message to Xiao Bieli, asking for wine to complement the meal. The massive platter of beef was devoured in no time, leaving Huang Min looking wistfully at the empty pot.

To her delight, Lingyun pulled out another platter of beef from his storage ring. Impressed, Huang Min shot him a look that seemed to say, "Now you're finally catching on." Xiao Tiance couldn't help but laugh heartily at their antics.

Lingering Thoughts

After finishing the meal, Huang Min and Lingyun lingered for a while before leaving, satisfied. Watching their retreating figures, Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. His thoughts turned to Huai En, the talented young man he had left behind in the imperial capital of the Jia Ma Empire.

Although Xiao Feng was looking after Huai En, Xiao Tiance decided it was time to bring him back to Tianwaitian. He sent a message to Xiao Feng, instructing him to bring Huai En over, and soon received a reply confirming the plan. With that settled, he set the matter aside.

Gu Lie's Report

Back in the Gu Clan's domain, Gu Lie and the Black Smoke Army had returned. Gu Lie gave a detailed account of the events in Wu Tan City but deliberately omitted any mention of Xiao Tiance's presence.

The failure to retrieve Xiao Xun'er or locate the Xiao Clan's fragment of the Tou She Ancient Emperor Jade left many Gu Clan elders displeased. Even Gu Yuan, the clan leader, couldn't help but feel irked, especially after learning that his daughter had taken a liking to what he saw as a weakling from the Xiao family.

He clenched his fists, barely suppressing the urge to vent his anger.

"Let it go for now," Gu Yuan sighed. "The matter with Xun'er can wait. Our priority must be finalizing the marriage alliance with the Xiao Clan. This is of utmost importance to the clan, and we cannot afford any missteps."

Hearing this, the gathered elders reluctantly nodded in agreement before dispersing.

A Private Confession

Once only Gu Yuan and Gu Lie remained, Gu Lie finally confessed, "Clan Leader, Xiao Tiance appeared in Wu Tan City."

Gu Yuan's brows furrowed in surprise. "A man of his strength, personally intervening in such a minor matter? That doesn't make sense."

Gu Lie presented the corpse of the Black Smoke Army member Xiao Tiance had killed. Gu Yuan examined it carefully and quickly recognized the faint trace of energy lingering on the body.

"It's Xiao Tiance's doing, without a doubt. His Dou Qi is domineering and unmistakable. Explain everything that happened," Gu Yuan ordered.

Gu Lie recounted his experience in Wu Tan City, leaving nothing out.

When he finished, Gu Yuan sank into thought before commenting, "It's fortunate you didn't act recklessly. Otherwise, your return might not have been possible."

Gu Lie nodded, a trace of lingering fear in his voice. "From the moment I arrived in Wu Tan City, I felt as though my every move was under his watch. Xiao Tiance is unfathomable both in strength and strategy. Few on the Dou Qi Continent can match him. If given a choice, I would rather face Xiao Xuan or even Hun Tiandi than him."

Hearing Gu Lie's candid admission of fear, Gu Yuan sighed. "Xiao Tiance is indeed a terrifying individual, but he isn't one to provoke conflicts lightly. His actions were likely a warning, ensuring you didn't overstep your bounds in Wu Tan City. Your decision to leave immediately was the right one. Still, his presence there is puzzling unless..."

Gu Yuan's eyes narrowed. "Unless there's something in Wu Tan City he values deeply something or someone."

A Shared Suspicion

Gu Yuan and Gu Lie fell into deep thought. After a moment, both spoke simultaneously: "The Tou She Ancient Emperor Jade."

Their shared conclusion brought clarity.

"That must be it," Gu Yuan said. **"The Xiao family in Wu Tan City has no one of significance left; otherwise, they wouldn't have fallen to their current state. The only explanation is that the fragment of the Tou She Ancient Emperor Jade is there.

"When I asked Xiao Xuan about it all those years ago, he never answered directly. But our investigations suggest that their family's jade fragment didn't end up with Xiao Tiance. Instead, it seems likely that Xiao Xuan entrusted it to his descendants in Wu Tan City.

"Xiao Tiance's involvement fits perfectly. While he wouldn't take it from them by force, he would ensure its protection from others. Assigning Xiao Clan experts to guard them aligns with this theory."**

Gu Lie nodded, agreeing with the analysis. "Your reasoning makes sense, Clan Leader. But if this is true, obtaining the Xiao Clan's jade fragment will be even more difficult."

A Risky Plan

Gu Yuan's eyes gleamed with contemplation. "It won't be easy, but I do have an idea. If it works, we could get our hands on the jade. However, it's a risky move. If it fails, the Xiao Clan might sever ties with us completely."

Gu Lie leaned forward, intrigued. "What's the plan, Clan Leader? Perhaps it's worth attempting."

Gu Yuan hesitated for a moment, his expression serious. "This plan hinges on finding the right moment and approach. Let me think it over carefully before I decide."

Gu Lie nodded, trusting his leader's judgment. "Understood. Whatever you decide, I'll support it fully."

"The Tou She Ancient Emperor Jade is indeed crucial," Gu Yuan thought to himself. "Otherwise, Xiao Tiance wouldn't have actively proposed trading the Ninth Level Spirit Gathering Array for the Gu Clan's fragment."

Now that there was an opportunity to seize the Xiao Clan's fragment, Gu Yuan was determined to try, no matter how difficult it might be.

**"During the marriage alliance, we can send people disguised as members of the Soul Clan to search the Xiao family in the Jia Ma Empire. You also mentioned that your Black Smoke Army was searching Xiao Zhan's room during your last mission. If my guess is correct, the Xiao Clan's Tou She Ancient Emperor Jade is likely on Xiao Zhan himself.

"Otherwise, Xiao Tiance wouldn't have acted personally and issued you such a clear warning. Based on what we know of him, he isn't someone who wastes effort or takes unnecessary actions,"** Gu Yuan said with conviction.

Hearing this analysis, Gu Lie thought for a moment before responding, "If that's the case, it simplifies matters. I can return to Wu Tan City, move quickly, and bring Xiao Zhan back to the clan. That way, we can retrieve the Xiao Clan's fragment of the Tou She Ancient Emperor Jade."

Gu Yuan, however, frowned and shook his head. **"Too risky. If you act and leave even the slightest trace, Xiao Tiance will know. And even without hard evidence, on the Dou Qi Continent, strength dictates justice.

"The Xiao Clan is far stronger than our Gu Clan Xiao Tiance alone surpasses any individual in our ranks. If we provoke him, he may retaliate as he did against Shi Zhongtian."**

A Risky Gamble

Gu Lie hesitated but argued back. "If I move fast enough, leaving no evidence behind, what can Xiao Tiance do? Surely he wouldn't dare personally demand justice from us in the Gu Clan?"

Gu Yuan interrupted sharply, **"You underestimate him. Xiao Tiance doesn't need evidence. Strength governs the Dou Qi Continent. Even if we refuse to admit fault, he could easily turn against us if provoked.

"Do you think Shi Zhongtian's status as the leader of the Shi Clan saved him? Xiao Tiance crushed him effortlessly, leaving not even a wisp of his soul. If we foolishly provoke the Xiao Clan, we'll face a similar fate."**

Gu Yuan's tone grew heavier. "The Soul Clan serves as a stark warning. Their current downfall is a fate we must avoid. Unless we're prepared to go into hiding, like the Soul Clan in their void rift, open conflict with the Xiao Clan is unthinkable. A single war would destroy us."

Gu Lie finally sighed, nodding reluctantly. "You're right, Clan Leader. We'll need a more calculated approach."

Changing the subject, Gu Yuan smiled faintly and asked, "How is Xun'er? I haven't seen her in years she must have grown into a fine young lady by now."

Gu Lie chuckled. "Indeed, Clan Leader. Xun'er has blossomed into a stunning beauty, with the grace and charm of someone who could bring down kingdoms. Although her Dou Di bloodline hasn't fully awakened yet, I sensed her latent power during my recent visit. Even my Nine Grade Bloodline felt suppressed in her presence."

A Precious Bloodline

Gu Yuan's eyes lit up with excitement. "Are you certain?"

Gu Lie nodded firmly. "Absolutely. Her bloodline pressure can only be explained by a Divine Grade Bloodline. If fully awakened, her potential would be unparalleled."

Gu Yuan was overjoyed. "That's remarkable! With a Divine Grade Bloodline, Xun'er is destined for greatness. It only confirms that the Xiao boy she's taken a liking to is unworthy of her."

Gu Lie agreed but sighed. "Unfortunately, Xun'er is stubborn. I would've brought her back on my last visit if not for her strong resistance."

Gu Yuan laughed lightly. "Patience, Gu Lie. Xun'er is resolute once she sets her mind to something. If we give her time, she'll see reason. A mere weakling from the Xiao family cannot hold her heart forever."

Despite his lingering worries, Gu Lie nodded in agreement, trusting Gu Yuan's judgment.

Tianwaitian: A Reunion

Meanwhile, back in Tianwaitian, Xiao Qing had just returned and went directly to meet Xiao Tiance in the Tiance Mansion.

"Third Uncle, I've returned."

Xiao Tiance gestured for him to sit, pouring him a cup of tea. "Welcome back, Qing'er. Tell me, what are your thoughts on the marriage alliance with the Gu Clan? Although you mentioned your stance in your earlier message, I want to hear it directly from you."

Xiao Qing felt deeply moved by his uncle's care and devotion. Over the years, Xiao Tiance had treated him with exceptional kindness, granting him powerful resources, including an Eight Star Dou Saint Heavenly Puppet and the very cultivation techniques he used himself.

Bowing respectfully, Xiao Qing said, **"Uncle, I have no objections to marriage. Whether it's with someone from the Gu Clan or another Imperial Clan, it makes no difference to me.

"Thanks to your guidance, I've come to understand my responsibilities as the next leader of the Xiao Clan. Marriage and producing heirs are inevitable parts of that role."**

Hearing this, Xiao Tiance nodded in approval. "Good. I've always believed that life is better shared. Having someone by your side can ease the burdens of leadership. Rest assured, the Gu Clan won't send anyone unworthy whomever they choose will be among their finest."

Xiao Qing smiled. "Uncle is right. The Gu Clan wouldn't squander such an opportunity. They'll send their best, hoping to influence our clan's future leadership through the marriage."

Seeing Xiao Qing's confident and composed demeanor, Xiao Tiance felt reassured. "Good. When the Gu Clan sends their candidates, take your time to choose. If you like one, keep her. If you like all of them, keep them all," he said teasingly, making them both laugh.

Shifting topics, Xiao Tiance asked, "How is Ling Hua doing? Has she secured control over the Ling Clan yet?"

Hearing this, Xiao Qing's smile widened. "Ah, Uncle, I almost forgot to update you!"

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