The Uninvited Guests Arrive

Gu Clan Holy Hall

Looking across the hall, quite a few people sat scattered about, each emanating an exceptionally powerful aura.

At the head of the hall, Gu Yuan occupied the foremost seat, with Xun'er standing obediently behind him. Several Elders were seated in order nearby.

Below them on the left sat senior members of the clan who held considerable influence and were no weaker in strength. Likewise, behind them stood many outstanding members of the Gu Clan's younger generation.

On the other side sat several figures shrouded in black robes, their auras equally formidable. In particular, the hunched old man's aura at the center was nearly on par with Gu Yuan's. These must have been the "guests" the Great Elder had mentioned.

The black-robed old man in the middle slowly raised his head, revealing a face covered in wrinkles. His cold gaze swept across the hall before finally settling on Xun'er behind Gu Yuan.

"Yun Xi, Yun Xi, why is he looking at me?..." Sensing the hostility in the old man's gaze, panic appeared on Xun'er's face as she hurriedly sought Yun Xi's help.

After refining the origin Heavenly Flame and successfully advancing to a Dou Zhe, Xun'er's spiritual power had increased tremendously. She could now communicate directly with Yun Xi within her body rather than standing blankly in place as she had before.

Hearing the trace of panic in Xun'er's voice, Yun Xi comforted her. "Don't be afraid. I'm here."

Noticing Xun'er's small movements, Gu Yuan sternly asked, "Hun Jiu, why have you suddenly come to visit my Gu Clan today?"

Sensing Gu Yuan's sharp gaze, the old man finally looked away from Xun'er.

"Cough." A hint of awkwardness appeared on Hun Jiu's face, but recalling his clan leader's words, he could only force himself to say, "Clan Leader Gu, our visit to the Gu Clan is not for any great matter. You know that among the ancient clans still in existence, there are only seven left. The Spirit Clan and Stone Clan have always hidden within their barriers, while the Thunder Clan is growing stronger by the day. Aside from our Soul Clan and your Gu Clan, the Yan Clan... has always stood at the head of the remaining ancient clans..."

"What exactly are you trying to say?" Gu Yuan gradually grew impatient as he listened to Hun Jiu.

"Our clan leader wishes to join forces with you and destroy the Yan Clan..." Hun Jiu finally stated his true purpose.

The entire hall fell into a terrifying silence. Everyone was deeply shaken by Hun Jiu's words, but only moments later, every person present stared at him in disbelief.

"Has the Soul Clan gone mad?"

"Good grief, how dare you?"

"Who doesn't know how powerful the Yan Clan is? Yan Jin and Yan Xiao are both among the world's foremost figures."

Without exception, the younger generation present scoffed at those words. Their gazes toward the three Soul Clan members held even more mockery and ridicule.

Xun'er behind Gu Yuan was equally stunned. "What? They want to join forces with the Gu Clan to destroy the Yan Clan???"

Though Yun Xi had only recently arrived in this new world, Xun'er had told him a little about the past and present situation of the Dou Qi Continent.

After the great war that shook heaven and earth, the Dou Qi Continent had been left in ruins. Following thousands of years of recovery, it had finally begun to return to normal. Yet of the hundreds of ancient clans, only the Gu Clan, Soul Clan, Yao Clan, Spirit Clan, Stone Clan, Yan Clan, Thunder Clan, and the declining Xiao Clan remained—the eight great clans.

Among them, the Yan Clan possessed the most talents and the greatest strength, and it was also allied with the Gu Clan. Thus, after hearing Hun Jiu's words, everyone in the Gu Clan was shocked.

"Hun Jiu! Do you know what you're saying?" Gu Yuan flew into a rage. Dou Qi covered his body, faintly forming the phantom of a dragon behind him. As his hand seals shifted, immense energy gathered in his hands.

Just as he was about to unleash a Dou Skill, Hun Jiu said calmly, "Clan Leader Gu, are you truly going to use the Emperor Seal Technique here?"

At those words, the surging Dou Qi gradually withdrew, and the hand seal he had already formed was drawn back into his body. Turning around and standing with his hands behind his back, Gu Yuan returned to his previous calm demeanor.

"Get out! The Gu Clan does not welcome you. Where is the Black Annihilation Army?! See them out!" With a wave of his hand, Gu Yuan issued the order to leave without even turning his head.

"Hmph! You don't know what's good for you!" Snorting coldly, Hun Jiu rose and gave a strange laugh. "Clan Leader Gu, don't regret today's decision in the future. Oh, and it seems Miss Xun'er has already refined the Golden Emperor Burning Flame. Hehe, you'd better be careful." With that, a mass of black clouds enveloped them, and the three vanished without a trace.

Bang!

The spot where the three had been standing was blasted into a deep pit. Gu Yuan's face was livid. How could he have failed to hear the threat in Hun Jiu's words?

"All Elders, remain. Everyone else, disperse." Gu Yuan said solemnly, "Xun'er, go back and cultivate as well. Your father and the Elders have matters to discuss."

Xun'er nodded slightly before turning and leaving.

Along the tree-lined path, Xun'er finally could not help asking, "Yun Xi... you heard what that Soul Clan man said just now, right... I'm a little scared..."

Even Xun'er, who was only seven years old, could hear the threat in Hun Jiu's tone. Though Gu Yuan and the Elders were there, she was still worried.

Hearing the concern in the girl's voice, Yun Xi declared boldly, "Don't worry at all. With me, Yun Xi, here, no one can hurt you in front of me."

"But when my father appeared, didn't you hide..."

Yun Xi's old face reddened as he said awkwardly, "I had only just been revived, and my physical body no longer exists, so my strength has inevitably declined somewhat."

Indeed, back on the Heavenly Profound Continent, Yun Xi's strength had been among the very best. With one man and one spear, he had slaughtered his way through countless sects. After being reborn, aside from his spiritual power, his own strength was only around one-third of what it had once been.

"But don't worry. Though I'm not as strong as before, I could take on eight of those so-called Dou Saints like your father at once. Back then, you see..."

Watching Yun Xi endlessly recount his glorious deeds, Xun'er held her forehead and sighed. "Annoying Yun Xi, he's starting again..."

Thus, a rather thought-provoking scene appeared on the Gu Clan Back Mountain.

A little girl and a Soul Body sat side by side on a protruding rock. The Soul Body tirelessly recounted his glorious exploits, while the little girl stared blankly at the mountain ravine bathed in the setting sun.

That evening, Xun'er returned home and rested her chin in her hands, gazing dazedly at the full moon in the night sky.

"Yun Xi, do you know? Ever since I was born, I've never seen my mother. Father said she went to a very distant place, and that I can only go find her after becoming a Dou Di." Gazing at the moon, Xun'er revealed what was in her heart.

Yun Xi appeared and looked at the somewhat lonely Xun'er by the window. He slowly approached from behind and embraced her.

"It'll be alright. I'm here. I'll accompany you as you become one of the strongest experts on the Dou Qi Continent step by step, then I'll take you to find your mother." Pressing against Xun'er's petite body, Yun Xi spoke softly.

"Okay~~ I'll definitely become stronger!"