Fighting: Practice makes it real, start with a poisonous body.

Chapter 214 The Ancient Clan's Coming-of-Age Ceremony is Approaching

"Descendants of the Xiao clan!"

Lei Ying was somewhat alarmed: "The Xiao family, the last branch of the Xiao clan, is located in the Northwest Continent. These people... were they captured from the Northwest Continent?"

"Ah."

Gu Dao nodded slightly, his tone devoid of any remorse.

"These remnants of the Xiao clan are hiding in the northwest continent, surviving by concealing their identities, which has indeed taken us a lot of effort to find."

Fortunately, their cultivation levels were low, and they had little power to resist. It took some time, but they were eventually all captured.

“Remnants of the Xiao clan…”

Lei Ying repeated those four words in a low voice, his hands clenching slightly inside his sleeves, his heart sinking even further.

When the Xiao clan was destroyed, Gu Yuan promised Xiao Xuan that he would protect the remaining bloodline of the Xiao clan so that they could continue. This was known to all the clans.

But what about now? The ancient clan not only failed to provide a safe haven for the descendants of the Xiao clan, but also took the initiative to send people to the Northwest Continent to capture these people, and kept calling them remnants of the Xiao clan.

Indeed, given the Sword Emperor's inheritance on Xiao Jibai's body, it was inevitable that things would come to this point, and Lei Ying was mentally prepared for it.

But he didn't expect that the ancient clan would be the first to accomplish this...

A chill crept up from the bottom of his heart, making even Lei Ying, a peak eight-star Dou Sheng expert, feel a bit cold.

He glanced at Gu Yuan without making a sound, only to see the latter rebuking Gu Dao in a deep voice, his face full of regret.

He looked as if he was completely unaware of the capture of the Xiao clan, and was full of surprise and dissatisfaction.

But is it really possible to be completely unaware...?

No matter how much Gu Yuan indulged his subordinates, he was still the only nine-star Dou Sheng of the Gu clan, a figure whose word was law.

No order or personnel movement of the ancient tribe could bypass him.

Upon realizing this, Lei Ying felt a chill. Perhaps the way the various races had been befriending the ancient races and ostracizing the Soul Race for thousands of years was wrong from the very beginning.

The ancient race may seem gentle and easy to talk to, but they are just as ruthless in their pursuit of profit, and are even more hypocritical than the Soul race.

But things have come to this point, and relations between the various races and the Soul Clan have deteriorated drastically; there is no turning back.

Lei Ying took a deep breath, suppressing the complex emotions in his heart, and his gaze returned to the hall. However, deep in his eyes, there was now a hint of wariness and aloofness.

"I am also heartbroken that things have come to this."

Gu Yuan's face was filled with grief: "If Ji Bai had been willing to offer up the Sword Emperor's inheritance, why would Gu Dao have resorted to such a desperate measure..."

It's just a pity that this child is too stubborn and lacks common sense. As an elder, I really don't know what to do.

Upon hearing this, Hun Xuzi felt a churning in his stomach, so he simply closed his eyes and refused to look any further.

Gu Dao, however, was unwilling to let him go, and said coldly, "Hun Xuzi."

Hun Xuzi slowly opened his eyes, a familiar sinister smile immediately appearing on his lips, his tone carrying a deliberate respect: "I wonder what guidance the Ancient Clan's Supreme Elder has?"

"The Soul Clan is also holding Xiao Yan's teacher, Yao Chen, and Xiao Zhan, the current patriarch of the Xiao family, hostage, right?"

Gu Dao looked directly at him and said bluntly, "Bring these two out as well, along with the remnants of the Xiao clan, as bargaining chips."

If we can truly seize the Sword Emperor's inheritance from Xiao Jibai, we can share a portion with the Soul Clan.

So, that's where you were waiting for me...

Hun Xuzi's heart stirred; he had something to do with this matter.

But what worried him was that today's meeting had progressed too strangely and smoothly.

From the five Lei clans' hasty discussion out of fear of the Dragon-Phoenix Son, to Gu Dao's opportune proposal to capture the Xiao clan's descendants and force Xiao Jibai to appear.

From the moment the Soul Clan was brought into the game, the entire meeting unfolded in a way that was both bizarre and too smooth, as if someone had meticulously planned everything from the very beginning.

"There's a reason why that old fellow Gu Dao can hold the position of the head of the three immortals of the ancient clan. He's truly cunning and shrewd."

Hun Xuzi pondered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "I need to return to my clan to consult on this matter." "Very well, there's no rush."

Gu Dao did not insist, and turned to look at the clan leaders present: "In that case, the matter is settled."

Six months from now will be the coming-of-age ceremony of my ancient clan, which is the perfect time.

At that time, our clan will announce that we have invited members of the Xiao family to 'observe the ceremony,' and Xiao Jibai and Xiao Yan will certainly understand what this means."

Lei Ying asked, "What if Xiao Jibai doesn't come?"

Gu Dao's expression was icy: "Not coming? Ha... then this so-called successor of the Sword Emperor is nothing but a hypocrite with a sanctimonious facade."

Silence fell instantly in the hall. Using morality against those who truly believe in justice may be despicable, but it is often the most effective method.

If Xiao Jibai refuses to show himself, the infamy of disregarding the safety of his clansmen will forever be etched on his name.

Perhaps it doesn't matter to an ambitious person, but as long as Xiao Jibai is truly pure of heart, he will definitely come...

"What a kind person! Since you're so good, let us make good use of you."

Gu Dao said calmly, "There's no need to worry too much. The Heavenly Tomb will open during the coming-of-age ceremony. Wasn't Xiao Jibai sitting in the Sword Emperor's Ruins for a thousand years, with time frozen in place?"
Based on his bone age, he should also qualify to enter the Heavenly Tomb. This is a small benefit for him, and can also be considered bait.

Xiao Xuan's soul is also in the Heavenly Tomb. Even if it's just to see the former clan leader, Xiao Jibai still has to come.

With multiple safeguards in place, there's no fear that he won't comply.

Even if only Xiao Yan comes in the end... that's enough!

…………

The ancient clan quickly spread the information, and six months later, at the clan's coming-of-age ceremony, they "hosted" the descendants of the Xiao clan from years past, and even invited Xiao Jibai and Xiao Yan to join them.

Danta.

The Fire Cloud Ancestor roared in fury: "Damn it, what is the Ancient Clan trying to do!"
With the Dragon and Phoenix Princes facing a formidable enemy, they're still fixated on Xiao Jibai! Do they really think they can escape unscathed?!

Xuan Kongzi sighed, "This move by the ancient clan is truly vicious."

Xuan Yi said worriedly, "I'm afraid that the child and Xiao Jibai can't help themselves."

"If he could endure it, he wouldn't be himself."

The old man Shennong frowned: "A swordsman must forge ahead without hesitation; the heart of the sword must never be tarnished."

Although I have never met the successor of that Sword Emperor, all sword cultivators are like this: even if they face a hopeless situation with no chance of survival, they will still use their swords to carve out a path to life.

To compromise and temporarily avoid the limelight? That's not the way of a swordsman.

"Take it easy and look on the bright side."

The old ancestor of Danta said in a childish voice, "The actions of the ancient clans have at least given us a chance to make contact with Xiao Jibai."

Shennong the Elder suddenly turned his head: "Old man, have you gone mad?"
"You dare wade into the muddy waters of the imperial family?"

"The sword's spine is as unyielding as a pine tree, and its plain scabbard shines in all directions... But for the past thousand years, the Pill Tower has been the backbone of the human race."

Even if that child has an extraordinary status, he is still just a child now. Perhaps in the future, he will surpass our reach, but for now, it's time for Danta to protect him.

The old patriarch of Danta had his hair tied up in two sideburns, yet he looked old and decrepit.

The old man Shennong looked at the tiny child and a smile appeared on his lips.

"Fine, old man, if you weren't crazy, I wouldn't have joined the Pill Tower!"

…………

The mountains stretch endlessly, their peaks as dark as ink.
The biting mountain wind howled through the valley, carrying withered leaves, and when it brushed against Xiao Yan's cheek, it was even more piercing than the usual cold wind.

He stood atop a craggy black rock, his fists clenched tightly, a fierce killing intent surging in his eyes.

"Ancient race!"

(End of this chapter)