Chapitre 8: Chapter 8: The Yin Pendant Defense, Gu Xiao Leaves

**Chapter 8: The Yin Pendant's Defense, Gu Xiao's Departure**

"Damn you!" Gu Yuan roared, his powerful aura surging as he launched a furious attack on Hun Tiandi.

Hun Tiandi, unfazed, met Gu Yuan's strike head-on.

...

"Well, well. A divine child with mysterious origins and secrets of the Dou Di, plus the Gu Clan's little princess… our Hun Clan will reap a generous reward this time," sneered "Gu Lan" as he extended his dry, clawed hand toward Gu Xiao and Gu Xun Er.

"Brother Gu Xiao!" Xun Er cried, clutching him tightly, her eyes closed and her face filled with fear.

Gu Xiao, holding Xun Er close with one arm, remained calm and composed.

Just as "Gu Lan's" hand was about to reach them, an intense wave of pure, icy energy erupted from Xun Er's body, forming a black Tai Chi shield around them. The shield encased both Gu Xiao and Xun Er, blocking "Gu Lan's" attack and deflecting his hand away.

"What?" "Gu Lan" exclaimed, his expression shifting to shock.

Inside the shield, Xun Er slowly opened her eyes, her face filled with surprise. She seemed bewildered that the menacing hand hadn't reached her.

"Silly girl, what were you expecting?" Gu Xiao tapped her nose gently, smiling.

"We're… we're okay?" Xun Er asked, still a bit dazed.

"Of course we're okay. Look!" Gu Xiao pointed to the black Tai Chi shield around them, his tone light.

"What is this?" Xun Er asked, her eyes wide with curiosity as she gazed at the black energy surrounding them.

"The Yin Pendant," Gu Xiao replied, pointing to the pendant she wore.

Xun Er took out the Yin Pendant, which was now glowing with a dark energy as it released streams of pure, protective energy around them.

"Yes, I told you the Yin Pendant has extraordinary defensive power. You've seen it now," Gu Xiao explained. "But remember, it only has three uses, and then its power will be completely spent. So, keep it safe, alright?"

Xun Er nodded obediently, clutching the Yin Pendant tightly. She was touched that Gu Xiao had entrusted her with such a precious treasure.

"What a pathetic trick," sneered "Gu Lan," his entire body flaring with energy. "Let's see how long it holds!"

He raised his hand and struck the shield with all his strength, using the full power of his Four-Star Dou Sheng level.

"Bang!"

The black Tai Chi shield rippled slightly but held firm, deflecting "Gu Lan's" attack and sending him skidding back over ten meters.

Gu Xiao remained composed. The Yin-Yang Mysterious Heart Pendant was a ninth-grade treasure, albeit a consumable one. In general, consumable items that reach the ninth grade possess exceptionally strong power, often surpassing other items of the same level. Although this pendant was "only" ninth-grade, its defensive power could rival even some ninth-grade Xuan weapons. It would be nearly impossible for anyone below the Five-Star Dou Sheng level to break through it.

The pendant was technically a beginner's gift, though Gu Xiao suspected it was the system's compensation for the immense trouble it had caused. This pendant provided him with reliable protection, and its power was nothing short of formidable.

"So, this is the fabled Yin Pendant. Gu Yuan, I didn't realize the Gu Clan had such treasures," Hun Tiandi muttered, his expression darkening. His plan had failed. The Yin Pendant's power would buy enough time for the Gu Clan's Dou Shengs to arrive.

"How could the Hun Clan begin to understand the depths of the Gu Clan?" Gu Yuan replied, his tone calm. Yet a hint of doubt flickered in his eyes. Yin Pendant? His clan had no such treasure. This was something that clearly belonged to Gu Xiao.

Before, Gu Yuan had thought nothing of Gu Xiao's reminder for Xun Er to keep the pendant safe, but he hadn't expected it to wield such powerful protection. This boy was full of secrets.

...

Gu Xiao was oblivious to the exchange between Gu Yuan and Hun Tiandi, nor was he interested. He knew that with the Yin Pendant activated, he had a perfect opportunity to make his escape.

"Xun Er," Gu Xiao called softly.

"What is it, Brother Gu Xiao?" Xun Er looked up, puzzled.

Gu Xiao smiled, releasing her and taking a few steps back.

"Brother Gu Xiao, what are you doing?" she asked, confusion in her eyes.

"I'm leaving, Xun Er. Take care of yourself," Gu Xiao said, a faint smile on his lips.

"Brother Gu Xiao, what did you say?" Xun Er stared at him, disbelief dawning in her eyes. Was he… leaving?

"It's time for me to go. I should have left long ago, but I didn't want to leave you. Today, though, it's finally time."

A hint of sorrow flickered across Gu Xiao's face, but it quickly turned to resolve. If he wanted to take control of his own fate, he had to leave the Gu Realm.

"The Yin Pendant's protection will last for a quarter of an hour, which should be enough to keep you safe. If you miss me, just look at the pendant."

"I'll miss you too, Xun Er. When I become strong enough, I'll return to the Gu Realm. Take care of yourself until then."

A vibrant, multi-colored light suddenly burst from Gu Xiao's body. Beneath him, a twelve-petal lotus in radiant hues appeared, lifting him off the ground.

High above, a colorful vortex opened, and the twelve-colored lotus carried Gu Xiao up toward it, passing through the Yin Pendant's shield.

"Don't even think about escaping!" "Gu Lan" shouted as he lunged for Gu Xiao, his hand stretching out to grab him.

But as his hand touched the twelve-colored lotus, an intense energy burst forth, repelling him instantly. "Gu Lan" was sent hurtling backward.

"Don't overestimate yourself," Gu Xiao murmured, his gaze calm as the lotus carried him into the vortex.

Just before disappearing into the vortex, Gu Xiao looked down at Xun Er with a playful grin.

"By the way, Xun Er, one last thing: be careful around others. Stay away from men with bad intentions. And if anyone bothers you… just beat them up."

With that, Gu Xiao vanished into the vortex, leaving only a faint ripple in his wake.

"Brother Gu Xiao!" Xun Er called softly, her tearful gaze following him. Her bright eyes brimmed with sadness, and two lines of tears traced down her cheeks.

*(End of this chapter)*