While the player is in Battle Through the Heavens, the system is in The Great Ruler.

Chapter 277 Gu Yuan's Guidance, Xun'er's Unbelievable Insight

Deep within the ancient sacred mountains, clouds and mist swirl.

Gu Yuan and Lu Yu walked slowly along the bluestone path. Neither of them used their cultivation, and they strolled through the mountains like ordinary people.

After passing through a lush bamboo forest, an elegant bamboo house came into view. The bamboo house was built by the stream, surrounded by greenery and the babbling water, making it exceptionally tranquil.

"sit."

Gu Yuan casually sat down on the stone bench in front of the bamboo house, and with a flick of his sleeve, a tea set appeared on the stone table. He brewed the tea himself, his movements fluid and graceful, carrying a sense of returning to simplicity.

Lu Yu sat down opposite him and accepted the teacup Gu Yuan offered. The tea had a clear, refreshing aroma and a sweet aftertaste, clearly not an ordinary tea.

"Do you know how to play chess?" Gu Yuan asked casually, taking out a chessboard.

"I know a little bit about it." Lu Yu took the black pieces and went first.

The game of chess proceeded in silence, with only the crisp sound of pieces hitting the board. After about half a game, Gu Yuan suddenly spoke up: "Xun'er has been mentioning you quite often lately."

Lu Yu paused slightly in holding the child's hand.

Gu Yuan didn't look at him, his gaze still fixed on the chessboard: "As her father, this is the first time I've ever seen her care for someone so much."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu glanced at Gu Yuan and, seeing that the other party's expression remained unchanged, calmly placed the black piece in his hand onto the chessboard.

"This girl's mother died young..."

Gu Yuan sighed softly, his gaze still fixed on the chessboard, his tone carrying a rare warmth, "She was born with a divine bloodline, I sensed it from the moment she was born... It was a perfect bloodline that the ancient clans had not seen in a thousand years, but it also became a shackle for her mother."

Gu Yuan's voice lowered slightly: "The birth of a divine bloodline is no easy feat, and her mother passed away because of it. And so, for her better growth, and to protect her..."

He lightly tapped a white chess piece on the board with his fingertip, "When she was six years old, I sent her to the Xiao family."

"Those years, I watched her grow up under an assumed name, as an ordinary woman..."

Gu Yuan's tone carried a hint of barely perceptible guilt, "As his father, I can only watch from the shadows."

He twirled the white chess piece between his fingers, his voice deepening, "In this respect, I am not a qualified father..."

On the chessboard, black and white pieces intertwined. Gu Yuan placed another piece and continued, "But as the patriarch of the ancient clan, I must do this. Divine bloodlines are too precious. If the news leaks out, who knows how many people will covet them."

His gaze pierced through the gaps in the bamboo leaves, looking towards the distant sea of ​​clouds: "Over the years, every time I heard news of her in the Xiao family, I felt both gratified and heartbroken. I was gratified that she grew up safely, but heartbroken that she couldn't show her true face to the world."

"It wasn't until later, when I used the Golden Emperor's Burning Heaven Flame to stabilize her bloodline, that I was finally able to bring her back to the clan."

Gu Yuan's voice carried a hint of relief, and then he looked at Lu Yu, his tone unusually trembling.

"Unfortunately, it's all too late..."

He shook his head slightly, a helpless bitter smile appearing on his lips: "This girl's heart was stolen long ago by some kid who appeared out of nowhere."

Gu Yuan's gaze fell on Lu Yu, with a hint of scrutiny and a hint of resigned relief: "You kid... you're quite capable."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu couldn't help but show a hint of embarrassment on his face. He coughed lightly, his fingers holding the chess piece tightening slightly, and for a moment he didn't know how to respond.

Seeing his expression, Gu Yuan's helplessness turned into a faint smile. He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and softened his tone: "Well, since this is Xun'er's own choice, I won't interfere..."

"This girl has been more sensible than others since she was little, but she is also exceptionally stubborn."

Gu Yuan gently shook his head, his eyes filled with the tenderness of a father, "Over the years, once she's made up her mind, she's never easily changed it, and I've always let her have her way..."

He changed the subject, looking at Lu Yu meaningfully: "Originally, I thought that if you were of mediocre talent, it wouldn't be a problem for my ancient clan to keep a layabout. However..."

Gu Yuan's gaze lingered on Lu Yu for a moment, as if trying to see through the young man's background: "You have given me quite a surprise. The cultivation of a four-star Dou Sheng and the skill of a ninth-grade Xuan Dan alchemist, such talent is extremely rare even in the history of the ancient clans."

He picked up his teacup and took a small sip, his tone suddenly becoming deep: "But none of that matters. If Xun'er hadn't made up her mind about you, I would still feel somewhat resentful..."

Gu Yuan finally raised his eyelids and calmly looked at Lu Yu: "You should understand what I mean."

Lu Yu remained silent for a moment, then gently placed the chess piece back into the chess box and met the other person's gaze with composure: "Senior, rest assured, Xun'er treats me with sincerity, and I will not let her down."

His voice was calm as still water, yet carried an undeniable firmness: "This junior naturally knows the weight of divine bloodlines within the ancient clans. But in my heart, she is first and foremost Xun'er, whom I have known, and only secondly the young master of the ancient clan."

Gu Yuan snorted and said, "You're smart enough to know what's good for you. You should know that not everyone in the Gu clan is happy about this marriage."

"Of course I know." Lu Yu smiled calmly. "Since Xun'er has chosen me, I will prove to everyone with my strength that her choice was not wrong."

Gu Yuan gazed at the composed young man before him and finally revealed a genuine smile: "Alright, since you have this intention, then I will give you this opportunity."

He slowly rose, and with a flick of his sleeve, the white pieces that had been surrounded on the chessboard were rearranged. "Three days from now, it will be the selection ceremony for the Black Annihilation Army of my ancient clan. All the clan elders will be present. If you can pass their test in front of everyone, no one will dare to object to this marriage."

Lu Yu smiled calmly upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes: "Senior, rest assured, since I am going to marry Xun'er, I am naturally prepared to face all doubts."

Gu Yuan took a sip of tea and nodded slightly: "Yes, this is a list of elders in the clan who might have objections to this marriage. Take a look and be prepared. This is all I can do to help you..."

As he spoke, he pushed an ancient scroll in front of Lu Yu.

Lu Yu took the scroll and slowly unfurled it, his gaze calmly sweeping over the names that held significant importance within the ancient clans:
Gu Dao, a late-stage Seven Star Dou Sheng, is a Supreme Elder and one of the Three Immortals of the Ancient Clan.

Gu Yang, a late-stage Five-Star Dou Sheng, is the Second Elder of the Ancestral Hall.

Gu Yun, a Five-Star Dou Sheng in his early stages, was the Master of the Punishment Hall.

Gu Chen, a late-stage four-star Dou Sheng, is an elder who transmits his skills...

Below that are some low-level Battle Saints with one or two stars.

His gaze lingered briefly on the name "Gu Dao". This Supreme Elder's strength was indeed not to be underestimated; his cultivation at the late stage of the Seven-Star Dou Sheng realm was top-tier even in the entire Dou Qi Continent. However, when his gaze fell upon the name "Gu Yang", a cold glint flashed deep within Lu Yu's eyes.

As for the rest of the list, he merely glanced at it and then paid no further attention. These low-level Dou Sheng were not worth his too much concern.

"It seems we're facing considerable resistance this time."

Lu Yu gently closed the scroll, his tone still calm, "But this is fine too, it's a good opportunity to help the ancient clan clean house."

He lightly touched the name "Gu Yang" with his fingertip, already having made up his mind.

The fact that this traitor, replaced by the Soul Clan, was also on the list of those opposing the marriage alliance was an unexpected discovery, but upon closer examination, it made perfect sense. As the ancient clan's long-time adversary, the Soul Clan naturally didn't want to see the ancient clan marry a promising young Battle Saint. If they could use this opportunity to sabotage the marriage, it would be ideal for the Soul Clan.

A cold glint flashed in Lu Yu's eyes. This Gu Yang had certainly played his cards right. Unfortunately for him, he'd misjudged the person, and now he'd actually shown up himself…

Then you can't blame yourself...

……

the other side,
The ancient tribe's welcoming place.

Elder Tongxuan settled Yao Lao, Xiao Yan, and the others in a quiet and elegant courtyard before leaving.

The pavilions and towers here are scattered in a well-organized manner, with a babbling spring in the courtyard and exotic flowers and plants dotting the landscape. The rich energy of heaven and earth almost condenses into a thin mist, making it an excellent place for the ancient clan to entertain distinguished guests.

Just as everyone was seated, a series of steady footsteps sounded outside the courtyard. An elderly man in a gray robe, with a calm demeanor, walked steadily in.

If Lu Yu were here, he would surely recognize that this person was none other than Ling Ying, the guard who had always served Xun'er.

"Who is the old gentleman?"

Xiao Yan turned to look at the old man who had suddenly appeared, his face showing confusion. Although Ling Ying had secretly glanced at him a few times back in the Jia Ma Empire many years ago, Xiao Yan had never truly recognized this guard who had always protected Xun'er.

Ling Ying smiled slightly and humbly returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "I am but an old servant by Miss's side, and I am not worthy of being addressed as 'sir'."

His tone was gentle and his demeanor humble, yet his piercing eyes revealed to everyone present that this old man was no ordinary servant.

"The lady you're talking about is..."

Before Xiao Yan could finish speaking, Ling Ying replied with a smile:

"In the ancient clan, the only one whom I would respectfully address as Miss Xun'er is Miss Xun'er."

Ling Ying's gentle gaze swept over everyone present, finally settling on Little Fairy Doctor. She bowed slightly and said, "Little Fairy Doctor, Miss has specifically requested that you come for a chat, saying that there is something to discuss."

Upon hearing this, Little Fairy Doctor nodded slightly and was about to get up to respond when Zi Yan beside her grabbed her sleeve first, her tone slightly coquettish: "Little Fairy Doctor, I also want to meet this Sister Xun'er."

Seeing this, Ling Ying turned his gaze to Zi Yan, his face showing difficulty. He pondered for a moment, then explained tactfully, "Please forgive me, young lady, but Miss only instructed that Little Fairy Doctor be invited. The matter they are discussing is probably not suitable for outsiders to be present."

Zi Yan persisted, tugging at Xiao Yi Xian's sleeve and gently shaking it: "I promise to be quiet and wait quietly on the side. I will not disturb your conversation."

Seeing this, Little Fairy Doctor turned to Ling Ying and gently advised, "Mr. Ling Ying, Zi Yan is my close friend. Although she is a bit lively, she is not a bad person at heart. Why don't you let her come with me? I will take good care of her."

Looking at Little Fairy Doctor's earnest eyes and seeing Zi Yan's expectant face, Ling Ying pondered for a moment before finally relenting: "Since that's the case... then please come with me, ladies. But I hope that Miss Zi Yan will be careful with her words and actions later, so as not to make things difficult for this old man."

Zi Yan immediately smiled and affectionately took Little Fairy Doctor's arm.

Ling Ying led the way, thinking to herself: This little fairy doctor is gentle and has an otherworldly temperament. No wonder the young lady specially invited her for a chat.

The origins of this woman in purple are unknown; judging from her aura, she does not seem to be human, but rather possesses some resemblance to the ancient Void Dragon race.
After passing through several corridors and around a lush bamboo grove, a graceful bamboo house soon appeared before the three of them.

An elegant figure had been waiting quietly in front of the bamboo house for a long time.

The woman wore a light blue long dress, her cascading black hair loosely tied up, with a few strands falling beside her ears, adding to her gentle and graceful temperament. A gentle breeze blew, causing her dress to flutter, further highlighting her slender figure and unparalleled beauty.

Upon seeing the three arrive, Xun'er's lips curved into a gentle smile. Her gaze lingered on Little Fairy Doctor for a moment, carrying a hint of familiar goodwill, before turning to Zi Yan with a touch of curiosity.

"And who is this young lady?" Xun'er asked softly, her tone gentle yet dignified.

"My name is Ziyan!" Ziyan replied cheerfully, her bright eyes curiously looking at Xun'er. "You must be Sister Xun'er... Just as Lu Yu said, you're beautiful!"

Seeing this, Little Fairy Doctor smiled and added, "Zi Yan is my good friend. When she heard that I was coming to see you, she also wanted to come and visit."

Xun'er smiled even more upon hearing this and said gently, "Since you are my sister's friends, you are naturally welcome. Please come inside and have a chat."

"Thank you for inviting me, Sister Xun'er."

With a calm expression, Little Fairy Doctor gently took Zi Yan's hand and followed Xun'er into the bamboo house. The interior was elegantly furnished, with a faint bamboo fragrance filling the air, creating a particularly serene atmosphere.

After the three of them were seated at the tea table, Xun'er nodded slightly to Ling Ying, who was standing outside the door: "Elder Ling, you may leave now."

Ling Ying understood and respectfully bowed, saying, "This old servant takes his leave." After saying that, he quietly retreated to the outside of the courtyard and gently closed the bamboo door behind him.

Xun'er then turned her gaze to Little Fairy Doctor, her eyes filled with a sincere smile: "Sister, it's been many years since we last met, and your cultivation has actually reached the level of a half-saint. This is truly a cause for celebration."

Her tone was gentle, but her aura subtly shifted, revealing that she was also at the level of a half-saint.

The two women sat facing each other, both concealing their auras, but the space inside the bamboo house rippled slightly due to the pressure from these two semi-saints.

Little Fairy Doctor remained calm and said softly, "It's all thanks to my Lu Yu's dual cultivation."

Her tone was calm, as if she were talking about something perfectly ordinary, but her words made Xun'er, who was opposite her, pause slightly. The bamboo house fell silent instantly, with only the babbling of the stream outside the window.

Zi Yan sat between the two, blinking her big eyes as her gaze shifted back and forth between them. She tilted her head and thought for a moment, then suddenly her eyes lit up, and she asked innocently, "So Lu Yu is this amazing? When I encounter a bottleneck, can I also cultivate with Lu Yu?"

Both Little Fairy Doctor and Xun'er were stunned upon hearing this, and a look of astonishment appeared on their faces at the same time.

Xun'er was the first to come to her senses. Suppressing her laughter, she asked tactfully, "Sister Ziyan, what...what is your relationship with Lu Yu? What makes you think he would cultivate with you?"

Zi Yan puffed out her chest confidently and answered crisply, "We already did it! Back on Dragon Island, he helped me improve my cultivation in the same way!"

Upon hearing this, Xun'er's teacup trembled slightly, and an expression of disbelief appeared in her eyes. Little Fairy Doctor coughed lightly, lowered her head, and took a sip of tea to hide the unnaturalness on her face.

The atmosphere inside the bamboo house suddenly became very subtle.

Xun'er composed herself and tentatively asked, "Sister Ziyan, what exactly do you mean by 'accomplishing a good deed'...?"

“Dual cultivation!” Zi Yan said matter-of-factly. “Don’t you have it? Me and Lu Yu, Sister Little Fairy Doctor, and Sister Cai Lin, we all…”

"Zi Yan!" Little Fairy Doctor interrupted softly, her ear tips slightly red, "Some things don't need to be explained in such detail."

Xun'er was taken aback at first, then, as if realizing something, two blushes instantly rose to her fair cheeks. She bit her lower lip lightly, her knuckles gripping the teacup turning slightly white, her voice tinged with embarrassment and disbelief: "You mean... Lu Yu, he..."

She paused, seemingly finding it difficult to speak, but finally lowered her voice and said, "Have I already... had physical intimacy with all three of you?"

(End of this chapter)