Bab 143: Chapter 142: Leaving Jia Ma!
Jiang Yun!
The peerless genius, praised even by his master, exuded an air of calm and control over everything.
Xiao Yan nodded, lifted the teacup in front of him, and respectfully toasted the other person from a distance.
Seeing Xiao Yan's response, Gu Zhen smiled and softly asked, "Do you know why the clan is so opposed to the matter between the young miss and you?"
"Is it because of the Dou Di bloodline?" Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned by the question but quickly grasped the meaning behind it and speculated.
Through Yun Yi today, he had already unveiled the mysterious veil of Xun Er's family—the legendary descendants of Dou Di. Xiao Yan had no real concept of how powerful a Dou Di was, but seeing those Dou Zun warriors as Xun Er's guards gave him a rough idea.
The thought itself was suffocating!
"Indeed, it's the Dou Di bloodline," Gu Zhen affirmed, looking approvingly at Xiao Yan.
"The Gu clan lives within the ancient realm, hosting an extensive population of descendants. These descendants form the foundation of the Gu clan, though their Dou Di bloodline is often so diluted it's negligible. Occasionally, a mutation occurs, providing fresh, vital blood."
"However, due to the diluted nature of the bloodline, it is easily overshadowed by external bloodlines. Hence, the Gu clan never intermingles with outsiders!"
At this point, Gu Zhen paused and looked at Xiao Yan, saying, "This rule applies to ordinary people of the Gu clan as well as core members. It's written in the clan's code that intermarrying with outsiders is forbidden."
"Miss Xun Er is the purest bloodline the clan has seen in a thousand years, with hopes of achieving the highest divine bloodline. If she grows to her potential, she could sustain the Gu clan's glory for another thousand years. Now you should understand why the clan is so reactive about the matter between her and you."
Xiao Yan asked somewhat gloomily, "Is the Dou Di bloodline really that formidable?"
Gu Zhen was taken aback by the question but then smiled and said, "Of course, as time passes, only the imperial clans overlook the world. That's the best proof."
Xiao Yan smiled, noncommittal, "But there are also geniuses in the world who can defy conventions, rise against the tide, and stand atop the continent. Yun Yi and Jiang Yun are the best examples, aren't they?"
Gu Zhen raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised that Xiao Yan would use the two men to rebut him. Remembering their performance today, he was momentarily at a loss, shaking his head helplessly, "Those two are indeed rare geniuses, but how many such geniuses can there be in an era?"
"Besides, one is backed by the Soul Clan, and the other by the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, both of which are powers that rival the Gu clan. It's fundamentally different from your situation."
Xiao Yan nodded; he indeed could not compare with those two. A sense of discouragement rose in his heart as he curiously asked, "To what level must one reach for the Gu clan to overlook the bloodline issue?"
"Dou Sheng!" Gu Zhen replied earnestly, his eyebrows twitching, "A true Dou Sheng!"
"Hiss—" The term Dou Sheng landed like a mountain, overwhelming Xiao Yan momentarily, causing the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame within him to flicker slightly.
Clenching his fist, Xiao Yan regained his composure, recalling past trials—facing the annulment of Nalan Yanran three years ago and the pressure from the Yun Lan Sect. That felt like a mountain too, one he overcame in three years.
The Gu clan now was akin to the Yun Lan Sect back then—another test, another grindstone.
As long as he stepped forward one step at a time, he would one day reach that level!
"I believe I will achieve that level!" Xiao Yan regained his fighting spirit, his eyes shining as he looked at Gu Zhen and said.
Gu Zhen observed Xiao Yan's inexplicable confidence; the youthful bravado left him unsure of what to feel. Perhaps he didn't realize how difficult it was to become a Dou Sheng. Yet, driven by sheer determination, he sought to prove himself to those who looked down on him, to show he could do it!
At this moment, Gu Zhen was slightly curious about Xiao Yan's eventual outcome, though he still advised, "Confidence is good, but if you find it too challenging to advance your strength, I hope you can leave the young miss. It would be better for both of you."
"Thanks for the reminder," Xiao Yan nodded seriously, having a good impression of Gu Zhen. The other was worthy of being the commander-in-chief of the Black Abyss Army. It was said that above him, there were four grand commanders, and he wondered what they were like.
"Whoosh!"
At that moment, there was a light sound of wind swirling. The two turned their heads to see a girl in a golden dress lazily watching from the edge of a nearby pavilion. Her autumn-water-like eyes fixed on Xiao Yan with endless tenderness.
"Heh—" Seeing this, Gu Zhen smiled bitterly, looking at Xiao Yan with a complex expression, and sighed, "I hope you remember what I said; don't cross the line too often. Also..."
"Gu Zhen."
Suddenly, a light and agile voice echoed in the small world, tinged with faint discontent.
"Yes!" Gu Zhen nodded and left, leaving Xiao Yan in confusion. It was clear that Gu Zhen had more to say, but Xun Er had interrupted for some reason.
"Brother Xiao Yan!" The sweet voice snapped Xiao Yan back to reality. Looking at the girl before him, he smiled gently.
"Xun Er."
"Tsk tsk tsk, it seems your young miss has set her heart on that Xiao Yan from the Xiao family. Pity... among the younger generation of the Gu clan, you two are the most suited!"
In a distant pavilion, two figures stood, watching the scene. A young man in black attire sighed, looking at the gentleman in azure beside him.
"Xun Er is free to like whomever she chooses. Qing Yang sees Xun Er as a sister. But I'm curious, Master Jiang Yun, why did you come to this small place called the Jia Ma Empire?" Gu Qing Yang retracted his gaze from Xiao Yan and Xun Er and asked Jiang Yun curiously.
"Just exploring. If not, I wouldn't have encountered Xiao Yi Xian or Qing Lin. It's a stroke of luck!" Jiang Yun replied candidly, a hint of softness in his eyes.
Gu Qing Yang's heart moved as he recalled the three beautiful figures beside Jiang Yun during the day, feeling a hint of envy.
There were never shortages of vases with empty beauty, even in his Gu family. He had numerous beautiful maids, but...
Women who combined talent and beauty were rare, and the three women beside Jiang Yun had terrifying talent, at least equal to Gu Qing Yang's.
The Taixu Ancient Dragon among them was especially frightening. The bloodline's purity and terrifying pressure were unparalleled among magical beasts he had seen.
"Master Jiang Yun, you are lucky!" Gu Qing Yang sighed, contemplating that Jiang Yun likely wasn't after the Xiao family's ancient jade. Even if he knew whether the Xiao family had it, the ancient dragon wouldn't dilly-dally if she wanted it, and they certainly wouldn't waste time here.
"What do you think of Yun Yi?" Gu Qing Yang asked seriously, steering the topic away from envy.
Gu Qing Yang's eye twitched, recalling that it was Jiang Yun and Yun Yi who initially fought, and even through the spatial channel, he could feel the aftermath of their battle.
Feigning ignorance to such an extent? Truly chilling!
Noticing Gu Qing Yang's gaze, Jiang Yun nonchalantly said, "There's no helping it; alchemists like me are fragile, so we need a strong backer. Ziyan is my backer!"
"Whoo—" Taking a deep breath, Gu Qing Yang said gloomily, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Master Jiang Yun. We shall meet again in Central Plains!" Seeing he couldn't get more information, Gu Qing Yang cupped his hands to Jiang Yun and gradually vanished from Jiang Yun's sight.
Watching Gu Qing Yang leave, Jiang Yun chuckled, his figure fading away as the pavilion returned to its nighttime serenity.
"Big brother Qing Yang!" Gu Zhen shifted his gaze from Xun Er and Xiao Yan to the returning Gu Qing Yang, seeking answers.
Gu Qing Yang shook his head, saying, "He's not after the ancient jade."
Nodding, Gu Zhen asked no further. As long as the Taixu Ancient Dragon wasn't interested in the ancient jade, nothing else mattered.
"The ancient jade?" Gu Zhen said instinctively.
This time, they were here to investigate the Xiao family's ancient jade. The clan remained skeptical that it was still with the Xiao family, so they sent Gu Qing Yang and Gu Zhen to investigate.
"Received a message from the clan. We must depart immediately and return to the ancient realm," Gu Qing Yang answered with another matter.
"Why the rush?" Gu Zhen asked, puzzled.
"It's about Yun Yi; the clan fears the Soul Clan might target Miss Xun Er." Gu Qing Yang's expression was grave, understanding the seriousness of the situation if true.
"They wouldn't dare..." Gu Zhen instinctively replied, recalling the ruthless methods of the Blood River Heavenly Venerate, and solemnly said, "We should inform Miss Xun Er right away."
At this point, the ancient jade was no longer of importance; Xun Er's safety was paramount.
"Understood!" Gu Qing Yang glanced at Xun Er and Xiao Yan chatting and nodded.
"You go!"
"..." Gu Zhen's face stiffened, feeling his scalp tingle. Although it was the clan's order, if Xun Er bore a grudge, he'd suffer for it.
Watching Gu Qing Yang walk away, Gu Zhen braced himself and approached the conversing pair, sighing internally.
After all, he had to bear the burden!
One thing Gu Qing Yang didn't mention—even if the ancient jade existed, with Xun Er around, they could never retrieve it.
After all, it was just one of eight pieces. Nobody could gather all of them. If it was lost, so be it!
The sky was clear and blue, with not a cloud in sight. The sky resembled a vast blue mirror.
Suddenly, the silent sky was pierced by the sound of fierce winds, as a colossal shadow shot through the distant sky, creating a whirlwind as it sped forward.
It was a terrifying giant beast, about ten zhang long, with eight giant wings whipping up strong winds as it charged ahead.
On its broad back sat several figures, one of whom was a young man lazily resting on the lap of a maiden in a green dress. A purple-clad figure leaned against the young man, while a tranquil girl in white watched them gently.
"Brother Jiang Yun, are we heading to the snake tribe to pick up Sister Medusa?" Qing Lin's soft voice resonated as she enjoyed the lap pillow.
Since the Gu Clan left Jia Ma Empire overnight, the next day, the four rejected Hai Bodong's offer to stay and set out. Xiao Yan's next destination might align with the original work—Jia Nan Academy—Jiang Yun wasn't sure.
The Xiao family hadn't been annihilated as in the original; both the Gu Clan and Soul Clan restrained themselves, wary of each other. The ancient jade was simultaneously easy and difficult to obtain.
The Soul Clan didn't want to alert the other side, while the Gu Clan didn't want to become a target. With Xun Er's interference, it was still uncertain if the Xiao family still had the ancient jade.
However, the next meeting might prove his suspicions right!
"Medusa, being the Snake Tribe Queen, probably won't leave with us, right?" Xiao Yi Xian asked curiously.
Their next destination was clear—Central Plains, the heart of the continent and its most prosperous area!
"We're keeping a promise. I once vowed to set up a protective array for the snake tribe. As for whether she'll come with us, that's up to fate," Jiang Yun explained, detailing his promise made in the relic.
After listening, Ziyan exclaimed indignantly, "That woman's crafty! Once Xiao Yun sets up the array, she'll have no worries and could stick with Xiao Yun. So sneaky!"
Seeing Ziyan's interpretation, Qing Lin and Xiao Yi Xian exchanged amused glances, stifling their laughter.
Jiang Yun also smiled at Ziyan and said, "Then we won't invite her."
"No way!" Ziyan immediately retorted. Seeing the puzzled looks, she quickly explained, "I can't bear to be apart from Xiao Jiu. That cunning woman is cheating by kidnapping Xiao Jiu!"
"Hahaha."
Seeing Ziyan's blushing face, Jiang Yun laughed heartily, joined by Qing Lin and Xiao Yi Xian's soft chuckles.
Playfully, they soon reached the Snake Tribe territory.
The Snake Tribe was primarily composed of numerous tribes, the core being the Eight Great Tribes and the central shrine. The Eight Great Tribes' leaders ranked just below Queen Medusa, each possessing at least Dou Wang-level strength. The central shrine served as the royal capital, heavily fortified.
The shrine was the Snake Tribe's ruling center, surrounded by the Eight Great Tribes, positioned like satellite cities. Numerous medium and small tribes dotted the areas beyond, collectively forming a vast Snake Kingdom.
Despite being a warrior nation, with many patrols, no one noticed the colossal beast flying overhead towards their royal city.
Soon, a grand city loomed on the horizon, a miracle in the vast desert.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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