Gu Yuan and Hun Tiandi

That night, deep within the Ancient Saint Mountain Range.

An elegant bamboo house stands quietly in the valley, with moonlight filtering through the sparse bamboo leaves and casting dappled shadows.

Inside the building, the Moonlight Stone emitted a soft glow.

Zi Yan lay sprawled on the bamboo couch covered with soft animal hide, her little feet swinging back and forth without any regard for her image.

Holding a crimson fruit with a strange aroma in each hand, she mumbled, "Although these Ancient Clan people all look like they have coffin faces, the food they prepare is really good!"

These spiritual fruits are quite energizing, and they taste alright too!

Huo Yuhao sat on a bamboo chair by the window, gazing at the rolling mountains shrouded in night, and said, "Hmm. However, it seems that Senior Gu Yuan is not in the clan; he hasn't shown up all day."

Upon hearing this, Zhukun raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible seriousness. "The strength of this Ancient Clan is actually somewhat greater than I anticipated."

Huo Yuhao nodded solemnly, "Just today alone, there are at least five high-level Dou Sheng who came to welcome you, Uncle. Such a foundation is indeed unfathomable."

Zhukun scoffed and waved his hand, "Not counting their clan leader who hasn't shown up yet, there are really only these five people in this Ancient Clan who are truly worth considering."

"These dozens of Dou Sheng who came to greet us today represent all the valuable resources this Ancient Realm can offer."

"They're all here?" Zi Yan sat up in surprise. "Why are they being so polite to us?"

Zhukun chuckled, "After all, they can't see through my strength, so they're naturally afraid. Putting on our strongest front is both a courtesy and a deterrent."

He changed the subject, looking at Huo Yuhao, "Alright, let's not talk about these pointless things. Huo Yuhao, our previous lesson isn't over yet, so let's take this opportunity to explain it to you in more detail."

Before he finished speaking, Zhukun had already led Huo Yuhao to a small square outside the bamboo building.

A Soul Barrier was quietly erected, blocking countless probing eyes.

Meanwhile, in the Central Region of the Central Plains, there was an ordinary little town called "South Wind".

This city is located on the edge of the Central Region, where the Heaven and Earth Origin Qi is relatively thin and resources are scarce.

The cultivators active here are at most at the Dou Wang level, which is insignificant in the Central Plains, a place teeming with powerful individuals.

At this moment, inside a very ordinary teahouse in the city.

Unbeknownst to anyone, a meeting that could very well shake up the entire Battle Qi Continent was quietly taking place here.

"Brother Gu Yuan, with our combined strength, why can't we put aside our past grievances and join forces this time?"

A handsome man dressed in white, with a refined and scholarly air, was sincerely persuading the person opposite him.

"Wouldn't it be better if we combined the strength of the two of us and our two clans to reclaim all the Ancient Jade from each clan?"

The one speaking was none other than the patriarch of the Soul Clan, the Hun Tiandi.

Sitting opposite him, pouring himself a drink, was Gu Yuan!

The Hun Tiandi's voice was full of allure. "If we can truly obtain the opportunity to break through to the Dou Emperor, we can share it together, how about it?"

"Hmph! It's like trying to negotiate with a tiger for its skin." Gu Yuan's expression remained unchanged, and he scoffed at the Hun Tiandi's suggestion, his tone icy.

"Some time ago, you suddenly went to that remote place in the Northwestern Continent. I presume you've already obtained that Ancient Jade from the Xiao Clan? Brother Gu Yuan, you truly have impressive skills!"

The Hun Tiandi's expression remained unchanged, as if he hadn't heard Gu Yuan's sarcasm, and he continued to coax him gently, "Now, the opportunity to break through to the Dou Emperor is just around the corner. Brother Gu Yuan, are you really not tempted at all?"

"How could I possibly compare to you!" Gu Yuan sneered, about to retort.

Suddenly, a subtle spatial fluctuation emanated from within Gu Yuan's body.

Gu Yuan's expression changed slightly.

He abruptly stood up, a sharp glint flashing in his previously calm eyes, directly interrupting the Hun Tiandi: "There's nothing between us."

After saying that, Gu Yuan didn't look at the Hun Tiandi again.

With a flick of his sleeve, he tore open a Spatial Passage, stepped into it, and vanished instantly.

As soon as Gu Yuan left, the sincere and persuasive expression on Hun Tiandi's face vanished instantly, replaced by complete indifference.

"Damn it! Gu Yuan, that bastard!"

The next second, a ball of black flame appeared silently in the private room, condensing into the Nihility Devouring Flame.

His breathing was noticeably weaker, but his voice was filled with immense anger. "This is the second time he's hurt me!"

The Hun Tiandi glanced at him indifferently, his tone completely calm.

"Nihility, do you know why Gu Yuan suddenly appeared at the entrance to the Spirit Realm?"

Upon hearing this, Nihility Devouring Flame became even more furious. "I think he's just bored out of his mind! Lately, he's been acting like he's completely lost his mind, not staying in the Ancient Realm at all, just running around all over the continent!"

A cold, sharp glint flashed in the Hun Tiandi's eyes as he slowly shook his head. "You're mistaken, Nihility. Gu Yuan— "

They must have the same thoughts as me.

Nihility Devouring Flame was taken aback. "You mean... Gu Yuan also plans to seize the Ancient Jade from the Spirit Clan?"

"That's right," the Hun Tiandi affirmed, tapping his fingertips lightly on the table.

"His frequent departures from the Ancient Realm and his travels to various parts of the Central Plains are likely part of some covert arrangements. However—"

The Hun Tiandi's lips curled into a mocking smile, "His plan is still too crude and hasty."

As he spoke, the Hun Tiandi suddenly chuckled, his laughter carrying a hint of excitement at his impending success.

"Ha! Too bad, Gu Yuan, you were two steps too slow!"

He slowly raised his right hand, and three jade pieces lay quietly in his hand, shimmering with a faint glow.

The next day, early morning.

Outside the bamboo house where Huo Yuhao and his companions were temporarily residing, Elder Tong Xuan appeared precisely on time. He straightened his robes and respectfully addressed the bamboo house, saying, "Your His Majesty the Dragon Emperor! The Clan Chief has returned and is currently in our clan's Holy Temple, awaiting Your Majesty's arrival!"

The door of the bamboo house creaked open.

"Finally back? Quite the airs." Zhukun, the leader, swaggered out first, looking down on everyone.

Huo Yuhao and Zi Yan followed closely behind.

"Lead the way!" Zhukun said casually, as if he were just visiting a neighbor.

The Ancient Clan Temple, located atop the core peak of the Ancient Saint Mountain Range, is a symbol of the highest power of the Ancient Clan.

Normally, only Gu Yuan and the other Dou Sheng elders could discuss important clan matters here.

At this moment, Gu Yuan, who had rushed back overnight, sat upright in the main seat.

To his right were several core members of the Ancient Clan, led by Black Annihilation King Gu Lie and the Three Immortals of the Gu Clan. They had already met with Zhukun yesterday, and their expressions were solemn at this moment.

The empty space on the left was naturally reserved for Huo Yuhao and his two companions.

As Zhukun and his two companions stepped into the solemn and majestic hall, all eyes instantly turned to them.

Gu Yuan's gaze swept calmly over the three of them, finally settling on Zhukun, who walked with the stride of a dragon and the aura of a tiger, a very subtle fluctuation flashing deep in his eyes.

It was just a clone? --- However, this aura was undoubtedly that of Peak Dou Sheng!

After Huo Yuhao and the other two sat down, Gu Yuan composed himself and spoke first.

"May I ask what brings His Majesty the Dragon Emperor here?"

This peaceful yet authoritative voice echoed throughout the spacious hall.

"No need to be nervous. I'm just accompanying Huo Yuhao."

Zhukun casually picked up the still steaming spirit tea from the table next to him and drank it all in one gulp, ignoring the temperature.

"You two can talk, you don't need to pay attention to me!"