People fight and become emperors in advance

Chapter 324 The bright card
After the coming-of-age ceremony, Xun'er and a group of ancient clan prodigies were kept behind, seemingly for the opening of the Heavenly Tomb two days later.

Now that the Xiao Clan and the Ling Clan have been removed from the list, and the Shi Clan is suspected of being targeted by the Hun Clan and is unlikely to participate in this Heavenly Tomb event, the Gu Clan, along with their own, is able to control the quotas of the four clans, making a fortune.

The allocation of these slots naturally requires a set of rules.

Chen Xiao had no interest in these trivial matters. He immediately sent a message to Xun'er and then left the square with Qing Lin.

"Qinglin, you go back first. I'm going to meet with some important figures from the ancient clan. I want to take Xun'er away, but these people won't give in." Chen Xiao said to Qinglin after leaving the square.

The latter nodded slightly and did not insist on accompanying them.

Since emerging from the Tianbei Ruins, Chen Xiao's cultivation level has caught up with hers, and now he's even several minor cultivation levels ahead. If they were to encounter real danger, it would probably be Chen Xiao protecting her, not her protecting him.

Besides, although many elders of the ancient clan have an ambiguous attitude towards Chen Xiao, the possibility of them actually taking action against him is not high.

And so, with Qinglin watching him go, Chen Xiao flew directly towards the summit of the highest peak in the Ancient Sacred Mountain Range.

Perhaps because the ancient road had given prior notice, Chen Xiao sensed twenty-nine soul perceptions along the way, but was not hindered in any way.

"Twenty-nine Dou Sheng powerhouses? Add Gu Yuan, Black Annihilation King, and the three immortals of the Ancient Clan, and that makes thirty-four Dou Shengs. We don't even know if there are any in seclusion or others hiding their true strength..."

Sensing these soul perceptions, Chen Xiao's heart stirred, and he gained a general understanding of the overall strength of the ancient clan.

Unlike the Soul Clan, the Ancient Clan, judging from the development of the original trajectory, did not hide any high-level Battle Saints.

Therefore, what Chen Xiao sensed at this moment, if not all, was at least 70-80%.

"Young friend Chen Xiao, please forgive our intrusion. It is only because the young lady's matter is of great importance that we have no choice but to step in."

An aged voice suddenly rang out, pulling Chen Xiao back to reality.

Chen Xiao looked up and saw an old man with white hair and a youthful face, dressed in a blue robe, appear and bow slightly to him.

The old man's voice and appearance were completely disproportionate. Despite being an ancient monster who had lived for countless years, his face was exceptionally fair, and he wore a smile, giving him a somewhat otherworldly air.

"Senior, you flatter me. Even if you hadn't invited me today, I would still have wanted to meet you all before leaving the Ancient Realm." Chen Xiao returned the greeting with a slight fist and palm salute.

At least on the surface, there's nothing wrong with it.

Upon hearing this, Gu Dao chuckled, seemingly unconcerned about whether Chen Xiao was truly respectful, and remained as enthusiastic as ever.

“I like dealing with young people. They’re straightforward and don’t beat around the bush. Come on, I’ll take you to meet the other people. They’ve been curious about you for a long time too.”

As Gu Dao spoke, he stepped forward, grabbed Chen Xiao's arm, and led him toward a pavilion not far away.

Chen Xiao looked at the hand gripping his arm; it seemed a bit too enthusiastic.

However, he could also feel that Gu Dao's palm was exploring his bones with a very small movement.

In the Dou Qi Continent, is there such a thing as exploring bone age?
Chen Xiao chuckled inwardly, but didn't pay it any mind.

Even if his age from both lifetimes were added together, it wouldn't amount to a fraction of these old monsters' age, so he wasn't worried at all.

Soon, pulled along the ancient road, the two arrived outside the pavilion.

Inside the pavilion, four figures sat quietly.

Apart from Elder Deng, who was sitting on the east side and whom Chen Xiao had met once before, he did not recognize the other three.

But the fact that they were able to sit here, and that each of them possessed unfathomable strength, made Chen Xiao realize that their identities were beyond question.

It must be the other two of the three immortals of the ancient clan, as well as the commander of the Black Annihilation Army, the Black Annihilation King!
"Greetings to the Ancient Clan Chief, Black Annihilation King, and the two seniors."

Stepping into the pavilion, Chen Xiao ignored the curious glances of the others and gave a slight bow.

The other two of the three ancient immortals, as well as the Black Annihilation King, nodded slightly in response. Gu Yuan, however, showed no emotion and said expressionlessly, "Chen Xiao, we meet again. Please sit down."

The pavilion is small and hexagonal in shape. It is empty except for the front and back sides, which are not fenced off. The other four sides are fenced off, and there is a bench-like seat that can easily accommodate six people.

Chen Xiao chose an empty seat, turned his gaze to Gu Yuan, and waited for the other party to speak first.

Since these people had invited him over, it certainly wasn't on a whim. Chen Xiao didn't bother to start a conversation and just dealt with their moves as they came.

Sure enough, the silence lasted only two breaths before Gu Yuan broke it.

"Chen Xiao, what do you think of my ancient clan?"

"I answered this question five years ago. In the current Dou Qi Continent, the Gu Clan can be called the strongest force on the surface."

Chen Xiao shook his head slightly, as if to say that the way you started the conversation was unoriginal.

Gu Yuan wasn't annoyed. He smiled insincerely and said, "Five years have really passed in the blink of an eye. It feels like just yesterday that I met you at the summit of Qifeng Mountain. I never imagined that in just five years, you would have gone from just advancing to the Dou Sheng realm to your current level. Even I couldn't match such a speed of improvement when I was young."

"In just five years, he has risen from a one-star Dou Sheng to the late stage of a four-star Dou Sheng? Clan leader, are you sure you're not mistaken?" the old man sitting on the left side of the ancient road asked in astonishment.

The others also looked surprised, as if they were truly learning about this for the first time.

Chen Xiao watched their performance quietly, too lazy to say a word.

Several breaths passed before the three immortals of the ancient clan and the Black Annihilation King gradually came to their senses, seeing that Gu Yuan had tacitly agreed.

"Such a speed of improvement is astonishing; it's truly unimaginable what kind of extraordinary opportunity could support such an advancement."

As soon as the old man finished speaking, all eyes turned to Chen Xiao, as if waiting for him to answer their questions.

Chen Xiao glanced at the man again and asked with a smile, "I've heard that the three immortals of the ancient clan are Senior Gu Dao, Senior Gu Heng, and Senior Gu Yao. May I ask which one you are?"

"I am Gu Heng," the old man who had spoken earlier replied.

“I am Gu Yao,” said another elderly man in white.

Chen Xiao nodded slightly: "So it's Senior Gu Heng. Although it took me a short time to advance from a one-star Dou Sheng to a four-star Dou Sheng, the process was quite tortuous and cannot be explained in just a few words. If you are interested, Senior Gu Heng, you might as well come back to Dragon Island with me when I leave with Xun'er some time later. We will have plenty of time to chat then."

Normally, any expert who can cultivate to the level of Dou Sheng has experienced a stroke of luck and has their own secrets.

Therefore, in daily interactions, unless the relationship is so deep that there is absolute trust, they generally won't ask about details; this is a tacit understanding between them.

It is a major taboo to speak too intimately with someone you don't know well!

Just like Gu Heng at this moment, how presumptuous!

"Hehe, young friend Chen Xiao, don't pay him any mind. That old guy never thinks before he speaks, and he's offended many people because of it in the past."

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, Gu Yao quickly smiled and spoke up to smooth things over.

Chen Xiao chuckled and decided to remain silent.

These people, some playing the good cop and some the bad cop, are actually all in cahoots. If you talk too much, you might lose your temper.

Hearing Chen Xiao's somewhat disdainful sneer, Gu Heng and Gu Yao both showed some anger on their faces.

They were different from Gu Ruike, whom Chen Xiao had met a few months ago; each of them was a pillar of strength for the ancient clan.

In their eyes, no matter how much potential Chen Xiao has in the future, at least for now, eliminating Chen Xiao would be a piece of cake.

Chen Xiao, however, seemed unable to grasp this point.

They disliked Chen Xiao's attitude. Seeing that the atmosphere was trending towards deterioration, Gu Yuan sighed inwardly and had no choice but to interrupt again.

"Chen Xiao, you just said you wanted to take Xun'er away this time?"

Chen Xiao nodded slightly: "That's naturally what I think, and I hope that Patriarch Gu will agree."

Gu Yuan did not immediately express his opinion, but smiled and said, "Xun'er's bloodline has been completely confirmed today. You were present throughout the process. Xun'er, with her divine bloodline, already has a very high say in the Gu Clan. Even I, the clan leader, cannot force her to do anything."

In other words, theoretically, as long as Xun'er is willing, no one can stop her from leaving!

Having understood Gu Yuan's meaning, the three immortals of the ancient clan and the Black Annihilation King had different expressions.

Gu Heng and Gu Yao, in particular, looked like they wanted to say something but hesitated.

Gu Yuanchao and the others raised their hands and continued, "But in order for the divine bloodline to grow up safely, the elders of the clan are probably not so comfortable letting Xun'er leave with you. As Xun'er's father, I also need a more convincing reason to nod."

It's rare to see Gu Yuan speak so frankly today.

At the very least, it shouldn't be annoying.

"You treat me with respect, I'll repay you tenfold." Chen Xiao clasped his hands slightly, his expression becoming much more serious.

“I understand what you’ve said, Uncle. In the end, the elders are most concerned about two issues.”

First, Xun'er's safety.

"I can guarantee that. I would never let Xun'er go into danger if I didn't have absolute confidence in protecting her. Not only does the ancient clan want Xun'er to grow up, but I do too. We are of the same mind on this point."

“I believe you, but words alone are not enough.” Gu Yuan nodded.

Chen Xiao looked up and noticed that the three ancient immortals and the Black Annihilation King all had a hint of anticipation on their faces.

Immediately, Chen Xiao shook his head with a smile: "Clan Chief Gu is indeed shrewd and calculating, but I have no interest in using my trump card to prove it."

We're of one mind, but you're playing mind games with me; only a fool would continue.

Whether it's the newly returned Grand Elder of Donglong Island, the old Dragon Emperor of the Ancient Emperor's Cave, or even Chen Xiao's pre-emptive opportunity, none of these can be easily exposed. Only in this way can they unleash their greatest destructive power when they truly use their trump cards.

"Let's move on to the second point."

"The second question is Xun'er's strength."

“Many elders may worry that Xun’er’s strength will improve slowly after leaving the ancient clan. After all, there are not many places on the entire continent with such rich energy as the Ancient Realm.”

"But what I want to say is that taking Xun'er away will only allow Xun'er to advance to the Dou Sheng realm faster!"

"You all probably know the people around me. None of them have a background that can compare to Xun'er, and none of them have the bloodline of a Dou Di. But now, except for Cao Ying, whose situation is special, all of them have reached the Dou Sheng level!"

Upon hearing Chen Xiao's words, Gu Yuan and the others realized that when he said "everyone," he could actually add the word "woman" to make it more accurate.

Putting aside these minor details, Chen Xiao was actually right.

Zi Yan, early stage of Six-Star Dou Sheng!
Cai Lin, late-stage four-star Dou Sheng!
Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin, both early-stage One-Star Dou Sheng!
Even Cao Ying had already advanced to the Dou Zun level during the Dan Hui (Alchemy Gathering).

Ke Xun'er is currently only a Nine-Star Dou Zun, and has not yet entered the Nine Revolutions to Sainthood stage!
Moreover, Chen Xiao was also aware that this was due to his intervention, such as the Dou Zun-level fire pill he obtained from the magma world, which accelerated Xun'er's improvement.

Otherwise, following the original growth trajectory, Xun'er wouldn't have reached nine stars by this point in time!

Despite Xun'er's exceptional talent and extraordinary status, and her presence in the ancient realm—a small world with extremely rich spiritual energy—why is her cultivation lagging behind?
Ultimately, it all comes down to lacking that great opportunity!

Hard work alone can never compare to having a cheat code!
If Xun'er continues to stay in the ancient clan, even if Chen Xiao can intervene, the impact will be limited.

If Xun'er were to leave with him, the situation would be different. Chen Xiao could use the foresight in his mind to pave the way for Xun'er to the greatest extent possible, thus enabling her to advance to the Dou Sheng realm more quickly.

Upon hearing Chen Xiao's words, Gu Yuan and the others fell silent.

They were unaware that Zi Yan had already reached the level of a six-star Dou Sheng, but there was no doubt that she possessed the strength of a Dou Sheng.

The same goes for Little Fairy Doctor, Rainbow Scale, and Green Scale. Even though they are somewhat special, Chen Xiao's ability to help them develop their potential so quickly is enough to prove something.

“If it can help Miss reach the Dou Sheng realm faster, I have no objection to it,” Black Annihilation King said in a low voice.

"I feel the same way," Gu Dao nodded in agreement.

Gu Heng and Gu Yao remained silent.

Gu Yuan pondered for a long time before speaking: "Let Xun'er decide for herself after the trip to the Heavenly Tomb."

These words marked the final decision.

After all, Xun'er has never hidden her thoughts.

Chen Xiao nodded in satisfaction, feeling that these old guys were much more pleasing to the eye now.

However, at that moment, Gu Yuan waved his hand and set up a barrier, completely locking the mountain peak, making it impossible for people outside to sense the inside, and impossible for people inside to sense the outside.

Chen Xiao glanced at it, his expression calm and unperturbed.

Having your cards up your sleeve gives you confidence.

Under Chen Xiao's gaze, Gu Yuan, Hei Yan Wang, and the others all became serious.

"Chen Xiao, we invited you up here today mainly for two matters, one of which is Xun'er's matter..."

"Besides that, we also want to know if the Xiao family's Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade has fallen into your hands?"

Five pairs of eyes were fixed on Chen Xiao, not missing a single subtle expression on his face.

At first, they had no doubts whatsoever, only that the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade must have been obtained by the Soul Clan when the Soul Palace destroyed the Xiao family.

However, as the years went by, especially after a detailed investigation into Chen Xiao, many past events were brought to light.

For example, when the Xiao family was robbed, they were not completely wiped out; a large number of their clansmen survived.

Even more, Xiao Zhan was kidnapped by the Soul Palace.

If the Soul Clan really obtained the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade, then why bother with all this trouble?
For example, the many secrets hidden within Chen Xiao.

Although Gu Yuan and the others were unaware of the specifics, Chen Xiao's ability to achieve his current success all by himself clearly indicated that he had something to rely on.

In particular, the ancient clan recently discovered that during Chen Xiao's time in the Black Corner Region, the Purple Cloud Pavilion had sold information, claiming that as long as you could afford the price, you would know everything!

If that's the case, is the news that the Xiao family possesses a piece of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade really a secret to Chen Xiao?

Perhaps he already knew about it and secretly got his hands on it!
One incident after another raised the suspicion against Chen Xiao to a new level!
Under the watchful eyes of five of the continent's top experts, few disguises could fool their discerning eyes.

With his soul perception at the Great Perfection of the Heavenly Realm, coupled with his fearlessness due to having hidden trump cards, Chen Xiao might be able to handle it.

However, after careful consideration, Chen Xiao gave up on concealing the truth and simply nodded frankly, revealing the answer the five people most wanted to know.

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)