Xiao Xuan
After the Ancient Devouring Worm stopped their frantic and pointless actions, the group parted ways.
Even though the Ancient Race had explored the Heavenly Tomb many times, everyone was completely clueless about the third level— the Crystal Wall constructed by the Ancient Devouring Worm hindered every exploration by the Ancient Race.
Xiao Yan's target was naturally the location of Xiao Xuan deep inside, which was extremely dangerous, and the other Ancient Race had no interest in getting involved.
As for the four great traitors of the Gu Clan, they had no choice but to reluctantly escort Xiao Yan to the deepest part of the place, as Elder Tong Xuan had entrusted them with protecting Gu Xun'er.
As the group ventured deeper, the full view of the third level gradually came into view.
Eight-star Dou Zun energy body are everywhere, and there are even instances of dozens of Energy Body appearing in groups; there are also quite a few Nine-star Dou Zun energy bodies, who often recall everything from their previous lives and possess rich combat experience and all sorts of strange ancient Dou Technique.
However, with Xiao Yan's formidable strength as Second-Transformation Nine-star Dou Zun, none of them were harmed.
However, Xiao Yan's strength was not enough to crush everything. The third level contained the Dou Sheng energy body, and after reaching the depths, the group finally stopped their advance.
There are three paths ahead. The south and west paths show signs of activity from numerous Energy Body, and there is also a powerful pressure that makes Xiao Yan feel somewhat apprehensive. Both of these paths are occupied by entities with the abilities of Dou Sheng.
There was also a powerful pressure in the northwest direction, surpassing that of an ordinary Nine-star Dou Zun, but still some distance from a true Dou Sheng, and should be Half-Saint energy body.
Compared to other options, the group naturally chose the northwest direction, attempting to slip past the Half-Saint energy body right under its nose.
This Half-Saint energy body being sat cross-legged atop a giant rocky mountain, with a dark red Ghost Head Saber placed in front of him.
A strong stench of blood permeated the area around the mountain peak. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the source of this stench was none other than the ferocious Ghost Head Saber.
The group tried to go around the foot of the mountain, but the seated figure suddenly stood up, releasing a strong stench of blood, and flashed to block their way.
The figure wielding the Ghost Head Saber was dressed in a dark red robe, with a cold expression and several horizontal scars on his face. He exuded an extremely powerful and ferocious aura.
"It's been so many years since I've tasted human blood; I've almost forgotten what it tastes like." The figure gently twisted its neck, then seemed to be talking to itself:
"Perhaps I should introduce myself before we make a move? My name is, I think, Blood Saber Saint? Have you heard of me?"
"My name is Xiao Yan, the Xiao from Xiao Xuan," Xiao Yan replied calmly.
"..." The Blood Saber Saint's grip on the Ghost Head Saber tightened suddenly, and his emotions became somewhat disjointed.
Although Xiao Xuan was imprisoned in the deepest part because he was too powerful, he could still come out and "stroll around" on the third level every now and then. With his level of perception, nothing that happened here could be kept secret.
But having already uttered those harsh words, Blood Saber Saint would lose face if he didn't take action.
"This is your territory, senior. Since we need to pass through, we naturally have to pay a toll." Xiao Yan smiled, took out a scroll-like object from his Storage Ring, and continued:
"Given your strength, you probably wouldn't care about ordinary things. However, these books record anecdotes from the Dou Qi Continent, which are excellent for passing the time."
"Heh." The Blood Saber Saint chuckled coldly, raised his hand and grabbed all the books, then flashed back to the mountaintop, closed his eyes and sat cross-legged, no longer paying attention to the others.
The five people, who were originally on high alert and ready to unleash the Great Annihilation Finger Clan Mark at any moment, were stunned. They never expected things to turn out this way.
Let's go!
Xiao Yan gave a shout and then took a detour from the foot of the mountain.
"Brother Xiao Yan, did you prepare all those books in advance?" Gu Xun'er asked softly, her eyes sparkling with longing.
"Yes, Energy Body that reach a certain level of strength can regain their consciousness and memories, and their lifespan is almost infinite, but they have no possibility of advancing further. Some classic texts are also good for passing the time," Xiao Yan said with a smile.
After bypassing the mountain where the Blood Saber Saint was located, the road ahead was flat, and there were no other Energy Body present.
After all, this place is too close to Xiao Xuan's location. Although Xiao Xuan's movements are restricted, even if he only uses a portion of his power to create a projection, he can still annihilate the other Energy Body.
After traveling deeper into the Heavenly Tomb for some time, Xiao Yan and his companions gradually came to a stop.
The surroundings were pitch black, and an ancient stone tablet stood in front of them. In this void-like scene, one could feel a sense of loneliness and desolation.
Even after countless years, the stone tablet still exuded an indescribable aura, causing the souls of the group to tremble.
Just then, a young man dressed in a blue robe quietly appeared in front of them.
"After a thousand years, has the Xiao Clan finally produced another genius...?"
The young man's gaze was fixed on Xiao Yan, as if he wanted to see through him completely. The flame in his heart was already amazing enough, but the Mysterious Seal in his mind was even more impressive.
"Xiao Yan of the Xiao Clan greets his ancestor!"
"Hehe, Xiao Yan... that's a good name. I sensed you the moment you entered the Heavenly Tomb, and your performance along the way has been nothing short of amazing." Xiao Xuan found Xiao Yan pleasing to the eye no matter what.
"Junior Gu Xun'er greets Ancestor!"
"Junior Gu Qingyang greets Senior Xiao Xuan!"
The five members of the Gu Clan also bowed to Xiao Xuan, but Xiao Xuan's attention was only drawn to Gu Xun'er.
After examining Gu Xun'er, Xiao Xuan revealed a kind smile, "Your bloodline aura is somewhat similar to Gu Yuan's."
"Gu Yuan is my father, but I will naturally address him as my ancestor, just like Brother Xiao Yan," Gu Xun'er said neither humbly nor arrogantly.
"So she's that guy's daughter. No wonder she possesses Divine Bloodline; truly, the student surpasses the master." Xiao Xuan nodded, his gaze suddenly sweeping over Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er before he smiled.
"Since that's the case, I won't take advantage of Gu Yuan. I'll take Xiao Yan as my disciple. That way, you two will be of equal seniority. What do you say?"
"Teacher!" Xiao Yan immediately changed his address.
With a smile, Xiao Xuan responded and then glanced at the other four members of the Gu Clan.
There's no doubt that the Gu Clan has never kept its promise to its allies over the years— Gu Clan ally is the Xiao Clan, who can rival the Soul Clan, not the remnants of the Xiao Clan's bloodline that were barely managed to escape.
However, given Xiao Xuan's status and strength, it's unlikely he would target just a few juniors.
Therefore, Xiao Xuan simply said, "This is the place with the most abundant World Energy. You shall cultivate here from now on! Even Dou Sheng energy body would not dare to set foot here."