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Gu World.

Within the Gu Clan Council Hall, the Gu Clan's elders had gathered to discuss the destruction of the Xiao Clan.

"In my view, the Hun Clan was responsible for this!" the Great Elder was the first to speak.

"Not necessarily. Judging by the information Miss sent back, I'm more inclined to believe that Huo Xuan was behind the destruction of the Xiao Clan," the Second Elder beside the Great Elder said as well.

The Third Elder also spoke. "Not necessarily. Perhaps one of the other clans did it. Thunder, Medicine, Stone, and Spirit—all four clans are suspects."

The Gu Clan elders argued back and forth, and the atmosphere immediately became tense.

"Enough. Great Elder, send more people to investigate the Xiao Clan matter. We must find that piece of Tou She Ancient God Jade," Gu Yuan, who had remained silent on the high seat, said.

"Also, the Ancient Jade's whereabouts are currently unknown. There's no point in Xun Er remaining on the Northwest Continent any longer. Have her return."

"Understood, Clan Leader!"

After watching the elders leave, Gu Yuan fell into deep thought once more. Who exactly had done this...?

Judging from the current situation, setting aside the possibility that it had fallen into outsiders' hands, the Hun Clan had long harbored such intentions and was highly suspicious. The Flame Clan was also highly suspicious, while Thunder, Medicine, Stone, and Spirit were each suspects to varying degrees...

Just as Gu Yuan was troubled by the destruction of the Xiao Clan and the disappearance of the Tou She Ancient God Jade, the culprit had already returned to the Central Plains.

The Ancient Eight Clans were generally structured in much the same way. The Gu Clan had Gu Sacred City beyond its borders, while the Flame Clan had Yan City. After more than a month of travel, Huo Xuan had arrived Outside Yan City.

"Flame Clan, I'm back!"

When Huo Xuan and his group arrived at the city gate, he swept his gaze around and saw nearly a hundred figures clad in Scarlet Red armor standing straight on either side of the entrance. Their sharp, icy gazes continuously swept the surroundings, while powerful auras radiated from their bodies.

Yan City was not a city one could enter freely. Other than members of the other clans, ordinary people were generally forbidden from entering unless invited by the Flame Clan, and even then, they had to go through cumbersome procedures. But Huo Xuan was the Young Clan Leader. Upon seeing him return, the guards immediately made way for him.

Upon returning to Yan World, Huo Xuan headed for Huo Zhi's residence at once. He wondered whether that girl had been doing well lately.

Within a quiet little courtyard, Huo Zhi was currently lying sprawled across a stone table.

Huo Zhi looked troubled. Yan Jin had specifically demanded that Huo Xuan return for the Eight Clans Young Generation Exchange Meeting he had decided to hold. This had delighted Huo Zhi greatly, but then she thought—what if Huo Xuan did not want to return?

"Ah... Huo Xuan, Brother, are you really coming back or not?"

"Miss, don't you know it's rather improper to lie there like that?"

Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded from behind her. Hearing it, Huo Zhi abruptly raised her head and looked toward its source.

In the courtyard, which had been empty save for herself, Huo Xuan's tall, straight figure had suddenly appeared.

Huo Zhi immediately threw herself into Huo Xuan's embrace. Huo Xuan opened his arms at once and held her securely against him.

With tears glimmering in her eyes, Huo Zhi said, "Huo Xuan, Brother, you finally came back. I thought you weren't coming back!"

Huo Xuan reached out and stroked her silky black hair, smiling. "All right, didn't Huo Xuan, Brother, come back?"

"Then will Huo Xuan, Brother, leave again after coming back this time?"

Hearing this, Huo Xuan slowly replied, "Huo Xuan, Brother, came back this time to handle some matters and to see you. After a while, I'll have to leave the clan again."

"Then take me with you the next time you leave the clan."

"This..." Huo Xuan hesitated. His future actions might very well bring him into conflict with the Hun Clan. Taking Huo Zhi with him would be far too dangerous; keeping her in Yan World was the safest choice.

Seeing Huo Xuan remain silent, Huo Zhi asked, "Does Huo Xuan, Brother, think I'm a burden?"

"Of course not."

"Then Huo Xuan, Brother, must have other women outside and is afraid I'll find out."

Hearing that, Huo Xuan was instantly speechless. Why was this girl always thinking about such nonsense?

"Girl, Huo Xuan, Brother, doesn't have any other women outside. I'm doing this for your safety."

"I don't care. From now on, I'm going to stick by your side. Don't even think about driving me away," Huo Zhi said firmly.

In the end, Huo Xuan could not persuade Huo Zhi otherwise and had no choice but to agree.

Afterward, Huo Xuan told Huo Zhi everything he had experienced during his time away from the clan, including how he had taken the Medusa Queen of the Snake-People Tribe as a subordinate, taken Qing Lin as a Maid, obtained the Flame Mantra, and come to possess two kinds of Strange Fire. Naturally, he did not mention a single word about how he had plotted the slaughter of the entire Xiao Clan for the Tou She Ancient God Jade.

Huo Zhi was somewhat surprised when she heard that Huo Xuan possessed two kinds of Strange Fire. But when she heard about the other girls Huo Xuan had met, her face immediately darkened somewhat. Huo Xuan knew that the girl was surely jealous.

Huo Xuan then told Huo Zhi about his plans going forward. After all, Huo Zhi was no outsider, so there was no need to hide these matters from her.