Gu Clan? Xiao Clan!

Over the next two days, Xiao Yan carefully studied the Golden Flame that Gu Yuan had sent him.

According to Old Yao, the primordial energy contained in this flame is extremely small, not even comparable to the Sub-flame of the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame, and can at most be called Subordinate Flame.

Lacking a source, the power of the Subordinate Flame is constantly being consumed and cannot be replenished. Whether used for alchemy or combat, it is always in a state of diminishing returns with each use.

Only when most of the energy contained within is lost and matches the tiny primordial energy there can a balance be maintained.

According to Old Yao's estimation, the original power within is roughly equivalent to the level of a three- or four- Dou Zun. However, because the Heavenly Flame Origin is exceptionally strong, this figure is likely somewhat inflated.

But Xiao Yan had nothing to complain about. With so much powerful and pure fire attribute energy, as long as the violent intent within it was neutralized, he could directly devour and absorb it, and any bottlenecks in the Dou Emperor or Dou Zong would be broken through with unstoppable force.

Two days later, when Gu Yuan arrived at Little Medicine Mountain with the Subordinate Flame of Life, he immediately noticed Xiao Yan, who was completely focused.

Xiao Yan spread his hands out, fingers spread apart, his eyes fixed intently on his palms. A wisp of Golden Flame, about the thickness of a thumb, was clumsily weaving between his fingers— Xiao Yan was practicing his control over the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame.

The more powerful the flame, the harder it is to control. Especially since Xiao Yan is only a Dou Wang now, without Gu Yuan's seal, even a wisp of light emitted by the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame Subordinate Flame could instantly burn him into nothingness without any contact.

With the seal in place, Xiao Yan only had the foundation to mobilize its power, but it did not mean that he could completely control it.

After glancing at it briefly, Gu Yuan lost interest, walked up to Xiao Yan, and asked, "How are the preparations going?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan shook his hands, and the wisp of Golden Flame transformed into a stream of light, which he swallowed.

A dazzling golden light illuminated Xiao Yan's meridians, and violent power surged through his body. However, the prepared Green Lotus Core Flame transformed into an all-encompassing net of fire, firmly binding the Golden Flame and gradually devouring and refining its power.

The terrifying heat gradually dissipated, but Xiao Yan didn't care at all and replied to Gu Yuan, "We can set off at any time."

Gu Yuan nodded, grabbed Xiao Yan's shoulder with one hand, and without any visible movement, the environment around them changed drastically in the next moment.

The picturesque Little Medicine Mountain has vanished, replaced by a misty sky and a gray earth. Looking around, there is no sign of life, only endless desolation, and an ancient stone tablet.

The energy between heaven and earth was incredibly dense. Xiao Yan could clearly sense that the World Energy in the air was even more condensed than the Dou Qi within his body.

The immense energy was incredibly pure; Xiao Yan felt his cultivation level improve simply by breathing it.

If Gu Yuan hadn't been standing next to him, Xiao Yan felt that he would have been burst apart by the surging World Energy in no time.

Gu Yuan carried Xiao Yan in one hand, looking at the lonely tombstone. A trace of reminiscence flashed in his eyes. He wanted to say something, but felt he had nothing to say. In the end, he just silently tossed Xiao Yan forward.

Of course, the Subordinate Flame of Life was also conveniently stuffed into Xiao Yan's body.

A vortex as tall as a person immediately appeared on the tombstone, sucking Xiao Yan into it.

After experiencing two spatial shifts in a short period of time, Xiao Yan felt dizzy and lightheaded, unable to stand.

After swaying for a while, Xiao Yan's eyes finally focused and barely returned to normal.

" At the Dou Ancestor realm, one can gain a basic grasp of Space Power. Early exposure to Space Power is also beneficial for breaking through to the Dou Zong."

The gentle voice seemed to have a soothing power, and Xiao Yan instantly felt a sense of peace.

"Senior!" Xiao Yan bowed first, then looked up at the source of the voice—a young man who looked to be in his early twenties.

Xiao Xuan nodded noncommittally, acknowledging Xiao Yan's form of address, and then asked, "I noticed that Gu Yuan referred to the Xiao Clan as the Xiao Family just now—I would like to know about the Xiao Family's situation in recent years."

Xiao Yan thought for a couple of seconds, then said tactfully, "If I were to return to the Xiao Family now, I should be able to inherit my father's position Patriarch."

"..." Xiao Xuan did not reply, nor did his expression change. He simply sighed softly.

Having gained a general understanding of the Xiao Family's current situation, and seeing that Xiao Yan seemed unwilling to elaborate and didn't want to discourage him, Xiao Xuan seized the opportunity to change the subject. "Gu Yuan seems to think highly of you?"

"Ah, well..." Xiao Yan felt inexplicably guilty and scratched his head.

Why do you look like you've hit on his daughter?

"..."

"?!"

For the first time, Xiao Xuan showed a different expression. The corners of his mouth subtly turned up, and his eyes shone brightly as he said, "Explain in detail!"

Xiao Yan touched his nose and began to tell the story between him and Xun'er.

Of course, Xiao Yan didn't tell the whole story. He only mentioned that he took good care of Xun'er when she first arrived at the Xiao Family, and that she continued to take good care of him after his Dou Qi Xun'er, leading to a mutual attraction. Later, Xiao Yan cultivated the Flame Mantra Technique and lived off Xun'er, following her to the Gu Clan where he received Gu Yuan's guidance.

Xiao Xuan listened intently with shining eyes the whole time, only calming down after Xiao Yan finished speaking.

After hearing such a long story, Xiao Xuan was also somewhat moved.

Gu Yuan sent Xun'er to the Xiao Family for nothing more than to obtain the Tou She Ancient Jade —otherwise, what else could it be but to give away his daughter?

Back then, Gu Yuan promised to help stop the Soul Clan and protect Xiao Xuan as he broke through to the Dou Emperor. Xiao Xuan's reward was the Tou She Ancient God Jade. However, Gu Yuan of the Soul Clan failed to stop him, and the Tou She Ancient God Jade ultimately did not fall into Gu Yuan's hands.

However, if a Dou Wang like Xiao Yan can become the Patriarch of the Xiao Family, Gu Yuan could easily obtain the Tou She Ancient God Jade from the Xiao Family by sending any Dou Zun.

Gu Yuan's awkward behavior was like that he was embarrassed to take the Tou She Ancient God Jade because he failed to stop the Soul Clan, but he still wanted it, so he was extremely conflicted and confused.

So much so that his daughter ended up with Xiao Yan.

This makes things complicated.

After Gu Yuan dies thousands of years later, won't the Gu Clan be in the hands of Xiao Yan and Xun'er?

If the two of them work hard and have more children, and let some of them take the surname Xiao, wouldn't that be reasonable?

With powerful parents, the status of a core member of the Gu Clan, and unparalleled talent, it's quite reasonable for a child with the surname Xiao to rise rapidly, right?

When these children with the surname Xiao grow up, they will eventually get married, start families, and have children. It would be perfectly reasonable for the Gu Clan to have an additional lineage with the surname Xiao.

A flurry of thoughts raced through Xiao Xuan's mind, but his expression remained calm as he said to Xiao Yan, "Back then, I spared no effort to preserve some of the Xiao Clan's Dou Di Bloodline..."