Tianji Tower Headquarters, Top Floor
Xiao Qing's perception of Ling Hua shifted after hearing Xiao Tiance's evaluation.
"Third Uncle, based on what you said, should we be more cautious of Ling Hua in the future?" Xiao Qing asked quietly.
Xiao Tiance chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. **"No need. Ling Hua may have so clever tricks, but his strength is too lacking to stir up any real trouble.
People like him ambitious but without the power to back it up are the easiest to control. As long as we ensure he doesn't gain enough strength to act on his ambitions, he'll remain cooperative.
As for internal affairs within the Ling Clan, don't interfere. The more divided they are, the easier it is for us to keep them under control."**
Xiao Qing nodded thoughtfully. "I understand, Third Uncle. In that case, let them continue their internal struggles. Judging by their visit to offer reparations and forge an alliance, it seems everyone in the Ling Clan has their own agendas. For us, this is a good thing."
"Exactly. Handle it as you see fit. Go on," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
"Yes, Third Uncle."
anwhile in the Gu Realm
Ten days after the Ling and Stone Clans submitted to the Xiao Clan, the Gu Clan received word of these developnts.
In the Gu Clan's eting hall, Gu Yuan addressed a group of elders, including the Black Smoke King Gu Lie and the three Gu Clan Saints.
**"The Xiao Clan has resurfaced with a vengeance. In re days, they've subjugated both the Ling and Stone Clans.
Moreover, the fragnts of the Tuo She Ancient Emperor's Jade guarded by those clans are now in Xiao Tiance's possession.
Everyone, we must reconsider our plans carefully."**
Gu Lie frowned as he processed the news. After a mont of silence, he said, "Xun'er has been in the Xiao family's Wutan City branch for years now. Has she found any trace of their piece of the jade? Could it be that their jade wasn't taken by that branch of the Xiao family after all?"
Gu Yuan sighed and shook his head. "There's been no news yet. Whether the Xiao family's jade remains with their main clan or was sent to Wutan City, we can't say for sure."
Gu Lie hesitated before suggesting, **"If that's the case, perhaps it's ti to bring Xun'er back. The Xiao Clan is now powerful and domineering.
If they were to discover Xun'er in Wutan City, they might use her as leverage against us. Should that happen, we would lose the upper hand in any confrontation."**
Gu Yuan's Concerns
However, Gu Yuan disagreed. He had sent his daughter to the Xiao family's Wutan City branch for two reasons:
To locate and retrieve their jade fragnt.
To give Xun'er a peaceful childhood away from the political struggles of the Gu Clan.
Although the jade fragnt was still unaccounted for, every letter from Xun'er spoke of her happiness there. Gu Yuan was reluctant to disrupt her life prematurely.
**"Let's wait a while longer. As far as we know, the Xiao Clan hasn't discovered Xun'er's presence. Even if they do, given our clans' long standing relationship, I doubt they would harm her.
For now, our bigger concern is the Hun Clan. Knowing Hun Tian Di's vengeful nature, he won't stay hidden for long.
Once he recovers, he'll undoubtedly seek revenge against the Xiao Clan. When that happens, the Xiao Clan will have bigger problems than us,"** Gu Yuan said calmly.
One of the Gu Saints, Gu Dao, nodded in agreent. "The Clan Leader is correct. The Xiao Clan has always maintained amicable relations with us for over 10,000 years. I see no reason to view them as a threat now."
Gu Lie, however, wasn't convinced. **"Nonsense! In the Dou Qi Continent, strength is the only truth. Xiao Tiance's recent actions injuring Hun Tian Di and forcing the Ling and Stone Clans into submission make his ambitions clear.
The Xiao Clan is destined to beco a major threat to us. We cannot afford to let our guard down."**
As the forr commander of the Black Smoke Army and an Eight Star Dou Saint, Gu Lie's aggressive stance was well known. His suspicion of the Xiao Clan didn't surprise the others.
A Strategy of Engagent
Gu Yuan raised his hand to silence the room.
**"There's no need to be overly alard. First, we have no conflict with the Xiao Clan. Second, we once did them a great favor 1,000 years ago.
From my interactions with Xiao Tiance, I believe he is not a ruthless tyrant."**
Gu Dao, one of the Saints, spoke up. **"If I may, Clan Leader, I have a suggestion.
While the Xiao Clan appears friendly, their actions over the past millennium have been unpredictable. I propose we organize a cultural exchange, sending so of our younger generation to visit the Xiao Clan.
This will allow us to gauge their intentions while strengthening our ties. It's a subtle way to gather information without provoking them."**
After a mont of deliberation, Gu Yuan nodded. "A wise suggestion. Gu Lie, Gu Dao, I entrust you with organizing this exchange. Select our finest young talents for the mission."
"Understood, Clan Leader," the two elders replied in unison.
Xiao Tiance's Calculations
Back at Tianwaitian, in the Tiance Pavilion, Xiao Tiance had returned after resolving the Ling and Stone Clan matters.
The ongoing threat of the Hun Clan's retribution kept him from leaving Zhongzhou, as the safety of Tianwaitian required his presence.
To ensure stability in the northwest, he had dispatched several Dou Zuns to oversee the area. anwhile, he wasn't too concerned about Xiao Yan, trusting the young man to follow the original trajectory of his destiny.
News from the Beast Domain
As Xiao Tiance pondered his next move, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
"It seems the Clan Leader has truly risen to the peak of the Dou Qi Continent," remarked Huang Jiuji's spirit as it floated into the room.
Xiao Tiance smiled. "Huang Lao, what brings you here?"
Huang Jiuji grinned. **"I just received news from Ling Yun and Min'er. They've successfully subdued the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan.
Using their new territory as a base, they're steadily taking control of the Beast Domain. Here, they sent this letter for you."**
Xiao Tiance opened the letter and read it with a smile. "I underestimated those two. I thought it'd take them at least six months to conquer the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan."
Huang Jiuji chuckled. **"They had so help. Once Min'er ntioned that the man who defeated Hun Tian Di was their master, those stubborn old phoenixes fell in line instantly.
That girl certainly knows how to use her connections."**
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