"Hall Master Liu, has there been any lapse in our hospitality?"
Liu Bai smiled and cupped his hands.
"Patriarch Gu Yuan, you are too courteous. I came this time because there is something I wish to discuss with you."
A trace of surprise flashed through Gu Yuan's eyes. He raised a hand, gesturing for Liu Bai to take a seat.
"Please sit, Hall Master Liu. Speak freely; what is the matter?"
The two took their respective seats as host and guest, and the maidservants served fragrant tea. Liu Bai lifted his cup and took a light sip before slowly speaking.
"Patriarch Gu Yuan, I wish to enter the Heavenly Tomb."
Gu Yuan's hand holding the teacup paused slightly, and surprise flashed through his eyes.
"You wish to enter the Heavenly Tomb?"
Liu Bai nodded.
"That's right."
Gu Yuan set down his teacup, fell silent for a moment, then slowly said,
"Hall Master Liu, you should know that only members of the Eight Ancient Clans have ever been permitted to enter the Heavenly Tomb. This is a rule handed down from ancient times. Even our Ancient Clan cannot violate it at will."
He paused and looked at Liu Bai.
"Though Hall Master Liu is indeed formidable, you are ultimately not a member of the Eight Ancient Clans. This matter..."
Liu Bai smiled faintly and spoke without haste.
"Of course I know this rule."
He set down his teacup and looked at Gu Yuan.
"However, I also know that ever since the Xiao Clan left the Central Plains, the Ancient Clan has held the Xiao Clan's Heavenly Tomb quota. One clan possesses two quotas, making four in total."
Gu Yuan's brow rose slightly, but he did not respond.
Liu Bai continued.
"Furthermore, as far as I know, the Ling Clan did not