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Chapter 486: Elder Gu Lan
🕑 Added 2024-12-16 21:23:47 +0000 UTCChapter 486: Elder Gu Lan
"May I ask what brings you here, Elder?" Xiao Ze respectfully asked the white-bearded elder at the bow of the ship.
"No need to be so formal. You've already reached the level of Dou Saint, so there's not much difference between us. Just call me Gu Lan," the elder replied with a hearty laugh.
After a moment of hesitation, Xiao Ze said, "Alright, Elder Gu Lan."
"Very well. You are the first member of the Xiao Clan to return to the Ancient Realm in many years," Gu Lan said, his tone carrying a hint of nostalgia.
Hearing this, Xiao Ze's thoughts stirred. While the younger generation of the Ancient Clan might not know his true identity, the elders, who likely experienced the great war a thousand years ago, were well aware of who he was. They knew why Xun'er had gone to the Xiao Clan, so they knew all about him.
"At your age, reaching the level of Dou Saint is quite remarkable. You're even more talented than your ancestor Xiao Xuan," Gu Lan remarked, trying to gauge Xiao Ze's reaction.
Xiao Ze remained composed, prompting Gu Lan to sigh and continue, "Your ancestor Xiao Xuan was extraordinary. You should be proud of your heritage."
"Elder Gu Lan, you're too kind. I was fortunate to reach Dou Saint. I can't compare to Ancestor Xiao Xuan. The path of Dou Saint only gets harder, and I might be stuck at this level for a long time," Xiao Ze replied humbly. "Please, Elder, speak plainly. I'm not so fragile as to be affected by mere words."
"Haha, very well. It seems I was overthinking things," Gu Lan chuckled, then got to the point. "I mean no harm. I just wanted to share the views of the elders in the Ancient Clan regarding the Xiao Clan and you."
"Please, go ahead," Xiao Ze encouraged.
"You know that Xiao Xuan was the leader of the Xiao Clan. Do you know much about the great war between the Xiao Clan and the Soul Clan?" Gu Lan asked.
Xiao Ze shook his head. The original story didn't detail the war much.
"Xiao Xuan realized that the Xiao Clan's Dou Emperor bloodline was weakening beyond recovery, so he decided to gather the clan's strength to break through to Dou Emperor, hoping to revive the bloodline. The place he chose for this was the Heavenly Tomb.
"The Heavenly Tomb was originally a shared boundary between the Ancient Realm and the Xiao Realm. Many in the Ancient Clan had opinions on this, but the clan leader at the time made an agreement with Xiao Xuan. Xiao Xuan would give the Ancient Clan the Tou She Ancient Emperor's Jade in exchange for the chance to break through in the Heavenly Tomb."
Hearing this, Xiao Ze's eyes narrowed. If Gu Lan was truthful, the Tou She Ancient Emperor's Jade currently with the Xiao Clan should belong to the Ancient Clan, as Xiao Xuan had promised to give it to them after the ceremony.
"So why does my clan still have the jade?" Xiao Ze asked.
"Ah, that's the crux of the issue," Gu Lan sighed before continuing, "Xiao Xuan agreed to give the jade after the ceremony, hoping that if he succeeded, the jade would be useless to the Xiao Clan. If he failed, the weakened clan would be better off without it, as it would only bring trouble. Despite some opposition, our clan leader, out of respect for Xiao Xuan, agreed.
"Unfortunately, Xiao Xuan failed to break through and was attacked by the Soul Emperor and many strong members of the Soul Clan. In his final moments, Xiao Xuan self-destructed, killing and injuring many Soul Clan members. He also opened a random teleportation channel for the surviving members of the Xiao Clan to escape, taking the jade with them."
"So, Elder Gu Lan, are you saying that some elders in the Ancient Clan want the jade back?" Xiao Ze's eyes narrowed further, feeling a growing disdain and hatred for the Soul Clan.
"Indeed, the Ancient Clan has been looking for the Xiao Clan's whereabouts for years. It wasn't until recently that we confirmed you were in the Jia Ma Empire, in Wutan City. The once-great Xiao Clan had fallen so low that even the clan leader was only a Dou Practitioner. Our clan leader didn't forcefully take the jade but sent Miss Xun'er to your clan."
Gu Lan glanced at Xiao Ze, expecting a reaction, but Xiao Ze remained calm, much to Gu Lan's surprise. He quickly realized that Xun'er must have already explained everything to Xiao Ze.
Xiao Ze hesitated before shaking his head. "The jade isn't with me, and I can't decide on such matters. The clan leader is still my father."
Gu Lan smiled, not expecting Xiao Ze to hand over the jade based on their conversation alone. "Don't worry. While there are voices in the Ancient Clan demanding the jade, Miss Xun'er and her supporters hold more sway. Until the clan leader gives an order, the Ancient Clan won't act against the Xiao Clan."
Xiao Ze felt relieved. The situation differed from the original story, causing him concern about the Ancient Clan's reaction. However, it seemed Xun'er's influence was significant, balancing the opposing voices.
"There's also the matter of your relationship with Miss Xun'er. With your current strength as a Dou Saint, most elders have no objections. However, some are still stubborn," Gu Lan added.
Xiao Ze's expression softened, understanding that his strength had alleviated much opposition. Unlike the original story, he faced less resistance, with most elders recognizing his potential. Only a few remained inflexible.
"I appreciate your honesty, Elder Gu Lan. I will remember your advice," Xiao Ze said respectfully. "If you ever need help with alchemy, feel free to ask."
"Haha, Xiao Ze, I'll hold you to that," Gu Lan replied happily. He had hoped to build a good relationship with Xiao Ze, and this was the perfect opportunity.
(End of Chapter)
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