"If you hadn't reminded , Third Uncle, I would have forgotten to ntion it," Xiao Qing began, sitting in the ninth layer of Tiance Mansion in Tianwaitian.
Xiao Tiance nodded, gesturing for him to continue.
After organizing his thoughts, Xiao Qing said, **"Third Uncle, the Ling Clan is currently in complete chaos. Before Ling Hua returned, the elders were already fighting fiercely among themselves, each vying for dominance. It was so bad that their internal conflicts nearly turned deadly.
"Especially Ling Jingshan and Ling Chen those two practically went to war over the position of clan leader. Their respective factions clashed constantly, and several Dou Zun experts died in the process.
"But as soon as Ling Hua returned, everything changed. Instead of fighting amongst themselves, the elders united against him, presenting a unified front to oust him from the clan."**
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance chuckled. "How interesting. The Ling Clan seems to understand the principle of uniting against external threats before dealing with internal strife. They've put aside their differences to deal with Ling Hua first."
Xiao Qing nodded with a grin. **"Exactly. Ling Hua might have stepped down as clan leader, but he never officially announced it to the entire Ling Clan. Since he never acknowledged it, the elders couldn't fully displace him.
"As long as Ling Hua remains a threat to their ambitions, they won't stop targeting him. They all know that the path to becoming the Ling Clan leader runs through Ling Hua."**
Ling Hua's Dilemma
Xiao Tiance smirked. "It's no wonder they initially decided to keep Ling Hua away from the Ling Clan. What they didn't anticipate was him turning to us for support."
"Exactly, Uncle," Xiao Qing said, nodding. "The elders likely considered the possibility of him seeking our help, but they didn't expect him to succeed in gaining our support."
Xiao Tiance's expression turned insightful. "That's because the elders underestimated Ling Hua's cunning. He played his cards well by aligning with us. Now, tell , what's the current situation in the Ling Clan?"
Xiao Qing's tone turned serious. **"Third Uncle, with our backing, Ling Hua has managed to hold his ground. But the combined power of the other elders is no small matter. Each of them wields significant influence within the clan, and together, they're strong enough to challenge Ling Hua.
"Before I returned, Ling Hua sent a request for additional experts from our clan. He believes it would tip the scales in his favor."**
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance shook his head with a smile. "No need to entertain his request. Ling Hua knows as well as I do that sending more experts won't solve his problem. Unless we outright eliminate the elders, the effect would be negligible."
Xiao Qing looked puzzled. "Then why would Ling Hua send such a request, knowing this? Surely he understands the reality."
"It's about signaling allegiance," Xiao Tiance explained, his smile unwavering.
Xiao Qing furrowed his brows. "Signaling allegiance? I don't quite understand. The Ling Clan's internal affairs don't seem to involve us directly. Why would Ling Hua need to show loyalty?"
Xiao Tiance sighed lightly. **"You're still too focused on the surface of things, Qing'er. Ling Hua knows that the Ling Clan's chaos can't be resolved without external support. By appealing to us, he's signaling his unwavering loyalty to the Xiao Clan.
"If we were to send more experts, it would reinforce his authority and put psychological pressure on the other elders, potentially forcing them to surrender.
"However, the real purpose of his ssage was to gauge my stance. He knows I won't intervene directly, but by asking, he's reaffirming his loyalty and demonstrating his commitnt to our alliance."**
Analyzing Ling Hua's Position
Xiao Qing nodded in understanding. "I see now. Ling Hua is in a tough spot managing the Ling Clan's turmoil while also working to maintain good relations with us."
Xiao Tiance leaned back and mused, **"It's the only option he has. Ling Hua's strength has reached its peak, and he lacks the potential for further breakthroughs. Without outside help, he'll never be able to dominate the Ling Clan outright.
"If he were stronger, this wouldn't be an issue. But as things stand, he must rely on external forces like us. If we were more malicious, we could easily exploit this situation to weaken the Ling Clan further."**
Xiao Qing shuddered at the thought. "If soone were to support both Ling Hua and the elders simultaneously, it could lead to the Ling Clan's downfall entirely."
Xiao Tiance nodded. **"Exactly. Ling Hua's intellect is comndable, but his limited strength leaves him vulnerable. Either way, the Ling Clan's chaos doesn't affect us much.
"How is the Shi Clan doing, by the way?"**
Shi Clan's Stabilization
Xiao Qing's expression lightened. **"The Shi Clan is stabilizing. After Shi Zhongtian's death, the Three Supres of the Shi Clan took charge. They've always held significant sway, and their unity has ensured that no one dares challenge their authority.
"They've appointed a new clan leader a Six Star Dou Saint nad Shi Huntian. He's well regarded within the Shi Clan and has been instruntal in restoring order."**
Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow. "Shi Huntian? I don't recall hearing of him."
"That's not surprising, Uncle," Xiao Qing replied. **"He's a rising star in the Shi Clan. In less than twenty years, he went from a peak Dou Huang to a Dou Saint. The Shi Clan believes he has the potential to beco a Nine Star Dou Saint in the future.
"However, Teng Uncle attended his inauguration and ntioned sothing peculiar about him. He couldn't pinpoint it but felt that sothing about Shi Huntian was… off."**
Xiao Tiance's expression remained calm. **"Interesting. Keep an eye on the Shi Clan, but don't interfere unless necessary.
"As for the Yao Clan, focus more attention there. Their mastery of alchemy is unmatched on the Dou Qi Continent. Encourage our clan's alchemists to interact and exchange knowledge with them."**
Xiao Qing nodded. "Understood, Uncle. Once the marriage alliance with the Gu Clan is settled, I'll arrange for Fei Uncle to lead a delegation to the Yao Clan."
"Additionally, Qing'er, I need you to arrange for people to investigate sothing. I've always felt that your Uncle Xiao Chen couldn't have just died like that. Before leaving the clan all those years ago, he ntioned seeking a secret realm. It's possible that he's rely trapped within it," Xiao Tiance instructed, nodding thoughtfully.
"Uncle Xiao Chen?" Xiao Qing replied with a solemn expression. "I understand, Third Uncle. I'll imdiately arrange for our people to monitor for any undiscovered secret realms."
After wrapping up their serious discussion, the conversation between the two lightened.
In the Gu Realm
Gu Yuan sat in his study, reviewing a list of nas submitted by the clan elders. The list comprised the most outstanding won in the Gu Clan, each excelling in talent, beauty, or both.
After carefully inspecting the roster, his eyes fell on a young woman nad Gu Yue.
She was a peak Dou Zong, with a seven grade bloodline, and if everything went smoothly, she had the potential to reach the Dou Zun level. Her future was incredibly promising.
Moreover, her appearance was extraordinary a true beauty of the mortal world.
"Hmm, she's the granddaughter of the elder Gu Dao. Very well. Let's send her along with the others. We'll see if Xiao Qing takes a liking to her," Gu Yuan said with a faint smile as he set the list aside.
The eting
Ti flew by, and the appointed day for the marriage alliance between the Xiao and Gu Clans arrived.
At the edge of the Tianmu Mountain Range, Gu Yuan personally led a group of talented won and several accompanying elders from the Gu Clan.
Shortly after their arrival, a spatial portal opened, and Xiao Chun appeared with several Xiao Clan elders and stewards.
"Hahaha, welco, welco! Clan Leader Gu, please follow ," Xiao Chun said, laughing warmly and bowing to welco the group.
The other elders and stewards of the Xiao Clan also greeted the Gu Clan respectfully.
"Hahaha, thank you, seniors, for coming to et us," Gu Yuan replied with equal courtesy.
As the two groups converged, beams of light suddenly enveloped the Gu Clan group.
"What's this?"
The young won from the Gu Clan who had never been to Tianwaitian exclaid in surprise.
Gu Dao smiled and motioned for calm. "This is a special protective asure of the Xiao Clan. Without these beams of light, anyone entering Tianwaitian without authorization would trigger the clan's defensive arrays."
"Grandfather, why don't the Xiao Clan elders have these beams around them?" Gu Yue asked softly, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Gu Dao patiently explained, "Do you see those glowing tokens hanging from their waists? Those are entrance passes to Tianwaitian. Anyone entering or leaving must carry one."
Gu Yue nodded in understanding, her expression briefly revealing her amazent before quickly concealing it.
Monts later, the group's surroundings shifted. They soon found themselves standing before a grand, majestic white jade gate. At its peak, three bold characters spelled out "Tianwaitian."
"Clan Leader Gu, please follow . We've prepared accommodations and a banquet. The clan leader is already waiting," Xiao Chun said with a courteous smile.
Hearing this, so Gu Clan elders couldn't help but feel displeased. They believed that with Gu Yuan personally arriving, the Xiao Clan's leader, Xiao Tiance, should have been there to greet them in person. Sending a re elder felt disrespectful.
Noticing the dissatisfaction, Gu Dao transmitted a ssage to the others. "Elder Xiao Chun is the second uncle of Xiao Tiance and holds significant power within the Xiao Clan. This isn't a matter of disrespect."
Relieved by the explanation, the elders refrained from voicing their grievances.
The Xiao Clan's Hospitality
Under Xiao Chun's guidance, the Gu Clan group arrived at a picturesque courtyard nad Accumulated Virtue Pavilion. The place was breathtaking, with blooming flowers, flowing streams, exquisite rock formations, and elegant pavilions that resembled a celestial paradise.
After marveling at the scenery, they approached an imposing building. In front of it stood Xiao Tiance, accompanied by several Xiao Clan elders, ready to greet the Gu Clan.
"Hahaha, Brother Gu, apologies for not welcoming you sooner," Xiao Tiance said warmly, clasping his hands in greeting.
"Not at all, Brother Xiao. Your clan's arrangents have been impeccable," Gu Yuan replied, returning the gesture with a smile.
The group entered the grand reception hall, which was both lavish and tastefully decorated. Once everyone was seated, Xiao Tiance turned to Gu Yuan with a grin.
"Today marks a joyous occasion for both our clans. On behalf of the Xiao Clan, I welco all of you."
The Gu Clan mbers returned the gesture of goodwill, and Gu Yuan said with a chuckle, "Tiance, our clans have always been close. There's no need for excessive formalities."
Xiao Tiance laughed. "In that case, let's relax and enjoy ourselves. We'll proceed with the formalities after everyone has had their fill."
He raised his cup, and everyone joined in a round of celebratory toasts.
The Performance
After three rounds of drinks, Xiao Tiance clapped his hands. A group of elegantly dressed won entered the hall, each holding a sword. As music began to play, they perford a srizing sword dance, instantly lifting the atmosphere to a festive high.
From his seat, Gu Yuan raised his cup with a smile. "Tiance, this performance is truly unique. Your Xiao Clan knows how to surprise."
Xiao Tiance chuckled. "This wasn't my arrangent. Qing'er is handling today's reception. I'm just here to drink with you. I have no idea what he has planned."
Hearing this, Gu Yuan's curiosity was piqued. He knew that Xiao Qing had long been confird as Xiao Tiance's successor. Over the years, Xiao Qing had taken charge of most clan affairs.
Though he hadn't seen Xiao Qing yet, Gu Yuan looked forward to seeing which Gu Clan maiden Xiao Qing would choose. He wasn't worried about rejection, as Xiao Tiance had assured him that Xiao Qing was open to the idea of marrying a Gu Clan mber.
As the group enjoyed their drinks, a figure in black entered the hall. Xiao Qing's tall and striking form imdiately drew attention as he led a few Xiao Clan elders into the room. Bowing respectfully, he announced, "Clan Leader, the martial arena is ready."
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