Chapter 658: Forming an Alliance, Support for Xiao Yan
As the spatial rift in the sky slowly closed, the mountain range fell into an eerie silence. Many powerful members of the Ancient Clan, including Gu Yuan, wore dark expressions.
Although the Ancient Clan had not been defeated as severely as the Spirit Clan and other tribes by the Soul Clan, they had still lost the Tuo She Ancient Emperor's Jade. From a certain perspective, this confrontation with the Soul Clan had been a significant loss for the Ancient Clan.
Watching the fading remnants of the battle, Xiao Yan clenched his fists as he recalled the words of Hun Tiandi before he left. The Soul Clan planned to use Xiao Zhan's life to exchange for the Ancient Jade.
Noticing Xiao Yan's change in expression, Mo Yu sighed and shook his head. He knew that, given Xiao Yan's deeply emotional nature, he would definitely agree to this trade.
After all, when Xiao Yan fell from being a teenage genius to a powerless waste due to Yao Lao's incident, it was Xiao Zhan who stood by him, protecting him like a towering tree, shielding him from the criticism of the outside world.
It was also Xiao Zhan who unwaveringly supported Xiao Yan when he broke off his engagement with Nalan Yanran and agreed to the Three-Year Duel, giving Xiao Yan the strength and confidence to move forward.
Xiao Zhan's importance to Xiao Yan was undeniable—he was one of the most important people in Xiao Yan's life and someone he could never abandon.
Patting Xiao Yan's shoulder, Mo Yu reassured him, "Since Hun Tiandi wants to trade the Xiao Clan's jade for Uncle Xiao Zhan, it means your father is safe for now. That's good news. As for the Ancient Jade, if we lose it, so be it. Your father's life is what matters most. In half a month, we'll go to the Burial Heavens Mountain Range together."
"You're right, cousin. I will definitely save my father," Xiao Yan said firmly, his lips pressed tightly together, his eyes filled with icy determination.
At the same time, nearby, Lei Ying and Yan Jin received a sudden surge of spiritual information through the rings on their fingers. When the message entered their minds, both of their expressions turned grim.
"The Thunder Clan's Ancient Jade has been stolen."
"The Flame Clan's too."
Hearing their words, Gu Yuan's face twitched, and a look of shock flashed in his eyes. Hun Tiandi hadn't lied—while attacking the Ancient Clan, the Soul Clan had also targeted the Thunder and Flame Clans.
"The Ancient Jade of both clans was kept in the most heavily guarded places. How could the Soul Clan have the strength to send someone to steal it while they were launching a major assault on the Ancient Clan?" an elder of the Ancient Clan questioned in disbelief.
"According to the report, an elder from the clan betrayed us, stole the jade, and was ultimately taken away by a Soul Clan expert," Lei Ying responded, his face dark and filled with fury.
He recalled how Mo Yu had warned him to be cautious about the jade's security, fearing a traitor might steal it. At the time, Lei Ying had dismissed the idea, never expecting it to become a reality.
"We underestimated the Soul Clan," Yan Jin said slowly, the weight of the situation sinking in as the Soul Clan's strength became more evident.
"Mo Yu, I should have listened to you. My mistake caused this disaster," Lei Ying admitted, his tone filled with deep regret as he looked toward Mo Yu.
Hearing this, everyone turned to Mo Yu in astonishment. Could it be that Mo Yu had foreseen the Soul Clan's actions?
Mo Yu shook his head at Lei Ying's remorseful expression and said, "It's not your fault, uncle. The Soul Clan is far too cunning. Who could have guessed they had planted spies within the major clans for so long, waiting for the perfect moment?"
Lei Ying felt slightly better hearing this, but one of the Three Immortals of the Ancient Clan frowned and spoke up, clearly displeased.
"Since you had some idea of the Soul Clan's plans, why didn't you warn the Ancient Clan? If you had, we wouldn't have suffered such a loss, and Gu Yang wouldn't have stolen the Ancient Jade!"
Mo Yu frowned slightly. He wasn't a member of the Ancient Clan, and even if the three Immortals of the Ancient Clan joined forces, they wouldn't necessarily be able to defeat him. Yet this elder was speaking to him so disrespectfully because of his seniority. Although Mo Yu was slightly irritated, out of respect for Xun'er and Gu Yuan, he explained calmly.
"Elder, my thoughts on the Soul Clan's plans were only guesses without concrete proof. Even if I had suspected Gu Yang was a spy, if I had warned your clan that he wasn't to be trusted, what would you have done?"
The elder hesitated, realizing the point Mo Yu was making. Even Lei Ying hadn't believed his son-in-law, so why would the Ancient Clan believe a guess about one of their own high-ranking five-star Dou Saint elders, especially from an outsider? Even Xun'er wouldn't have had the standing to challenge that.
"Enough, Gu Guai. Your temper hasn't changed after all these years. Apologize to Mo Yu," Gu Yuan sighed, breaking the silence.
The elder's face flushed with embarrassment, realizing the flaw in his thinking. Since Gu Yuan had spoken, and given his generally reasonable nature, he sighed and bowed his head.
"Young friend, I was too hasty. The loss of the jade has made me act out of anger. I hope you can forgive me."
Seeing the elder apologize, Mo Yu's expression softened. He waved his hand and said, "No need for apologies, Elder Gu Guai. I didn't take it to heart. Let's work together to fight the Soul Clan."
"Agreed," the elder nodded.
"Alright," Gu Yuan said, his tone calming. "What's done is done. Let's gather in the hall to discuss our next steps. The Soul Clan clearly won't leave us any room to survive."
After assigning the Three Immortals to clean up the battlefield, Gu Yuan turned and flew toward the main hall. As he entered, he called back, "Mo Yu, Xiao Yan, join me."
Mo Yu and Xiao Yan exchanged glances before quickly following. Behind them, Xun'er and Lei Fei hesitated briefly before following as well.
As the group moved inside, the air was heavy with the understanding that the days of peace were quickly slipping away.
Inside the hall, everyone took their seats, but the earlier events had left the atmosphere tense and somber.
"Everyone," Gu Yuan began, "there's no need for pleasantries. The Soul Clan's strength is obvious to us all. I've never underestimated them, yet I've never been able to gauge their full power, which makes them all the more dangerous."
Sighing deeply, Gu Yuan continued, "Hun Tiandi may have been right. When the Xiao Clan fell, if I had been more decisive, things might have turned out differently."
Mo Yu and Xiao Yan remained silent. They hadn't been there for those events and didn't know the full story, so they couldn't say much. Still, Xiao Yan felt conflicted hearing about the fall of the Xiao Clan.
"The Soul Clan's current strength is beyond what we can handle. No single force on the Dou Qi Continent can face them alone—not even the Ancient Clan. Still, even if we fall, the Soul Clan will pay dearly for it!" Gu Yuan said, his expression serious.
"The Void Swallowing Flame devoured a member of the Devouring Spirit Clan, gaining their abilities. To the Soul Clan, we ancient tribes are nothing more than sources of powerful bloodlines to feed on. We have only one choice: destroy the Soul Clan!"
A fierce killing intent filled the hall, sending chills down everyone's spine.
"Are you suggesting we form an alliance to oppose the Soul Clan?" Lei Ying asked.
"There is no other way. What we saw today was likely not even the full extent of the Soul Clan's power. Their true strength remains hidden, making them all the more terrifying," Gu Yuan said.
Lei Ying and Yan Jin remained silent, understanding the gravity of the situation. Neither wanted their clans to become nothing more than a source of bloodlines for the Soul Clan.
"An alliance is a sound strategy," Yan Jin said. "With the Soul Clan possessing seven of the eight jade pieces, if they acquire the final one, they'll unlock the Tuo She Ancient Emperor's tomb and the secret to becoming a Dou Emperor. If Hun Tiandi reaches that level, as he claims he will, the continent will fall under his control."
The room fell silent, the weight of Yan Jin's words settling over everyone. If Hun Tiandi became a Dou Emperor, they would all be powerless to resist. Even the ancient tribes would be wiped out with ease.
"Xiao Yan, you have the last jade, don't you?" All eyes turned to Xiao Yan. They had all heard what Hun Tiandi had said before leaving.
Xiao Yan frowned slightly but answered in a firm, low voice. "I must save my father."
Though his voice wasn't loud, the determination in it was as solid as stone.
"If Hun Tiandi opens the tomb, you know the consequences," Yan Jin said, his fiery red eyebrows twitching.
Xiao Yan fell silent, then slowly shook his head.
Mo Yu understood Xiao Yan's position. The last jade, which was in Xiao Yan's possession, was the key to keeping his father alive. If it weren't for that jade, Xiao Zhan would likely have already been killed by the Soul Clan.
"Even if the Soul Clan gets the last jade, all is not lost," Mo Yu interjected. "Becoming a Dou Emperor isn't that simple. Hun Tiandi won't become the ruler of the continent overnight. But if Xiao Zhan dies, that can't be undone. I fully support Xiao Yan. We must stop the Soul Clan, but Xiao Zhan must be saved first."
Hearing Mo Yu's words, Xiao Yan's gaze filled with gratitude. He knew that if the Ancient Clan, Thunder Clan, and Flame Clan had all demanded he hand over the jade, he would have been powerless to stop them. But with Mo Yu's support, things were different. Not only was Mo Yu backed by the Thunder Clan, but his strength alone commanded Gu Yuan's respect.
Sure enough, after hearing Mo Yu's words, Gu Yuan's gaze shifted between him and Xiao Yan before he sighed and smiled bitterly.
Mo Yu and Xiao Yan were no longer just individuals. They had both grown strong enough to command attention and respect, and behind them stood powerful forces like the Yuan Palace and the Heavenly Mansion Alliance, which would be crucial allies in the fight against the Soul Clan.
Forcing Xiao Yan to hand over the jade would be foolish. The only ones who would benefit would be the Soul Clan, waiting to exploit any division among their enemies.
"For now, gather your forces," Gu Yuan said, exhaling deeply. "In half a month, we will launch a united assault on the Soul Clan and do everything we can to reclaim the lost jade."
Lei Ying and Yan Jin both nodded in agreement.
Xiao Yan clenched his fists, and after a moment, he suddenly asked, "Uncle Gu, is there any way to bring my ancestor, Xiao Xuan, back from the Heavenly Tomb?"
At the mention of Xiao Xuan, Gu Yuan, Lei Ying, and Yan Jin all stiffened. The name Xiao Xuan still carried immense weight, even thousands of years later. He was the only one who had ever come close to defeating Hun Tiandi.
Gu Yuan sighed and shook his head. "The Xiao Xuan in the Heavenly Tomb is but a remnant soul, a fragment of his former self. Because of the unique nature of the tomb, he can still wield some power. But fully resurrecting him… that would be nearly impossible."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan's eyes filled with disappointment. After a long pause, he spoke again.
"I would like to enter the Heavenly Tomb once more. Is that possible?"
Gu Yuan hesitated briefly before nodding.
"If that's what you want, I can send you in. Perhaps Xiao Xuan will know of a way to bring himself back." (End of Chapter)
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