BTTH: I Am the Ancestor of the Xiao Clan

Chapter 113: Subduing the Black Smoke King (Part 2)

Tian Mu Mountain Range, Tian Wai Tian, Ninth Floor of Tiance Manor

As Xiao Tiance's words fell, Gu Lie abruptly stood, his eyes unwavering as he stared at Xiao Tiance and said coldly, **"Fine. Since Clan Leader Xiao has spoken so directly, then I won't hold back.

May I ask, does the Xiao Clan plan to ally with more clans in the future, or do you believe the Xiao Clan alone can unify the entire Dou Qi Continent? Furthermore, in your eyes, will the Gu Clan be a friend or a foe?"**

These words made Gu Dao leap to his feet, quickly bowing to Xiao Tiance in apology. "Please forgive him, Clan Leader Xiao. The Black Smoke King has had too much to drink and is not in his right mind. I beg your indulgence and ask you not to take his words to heart."

Unexpectedly, Xiao Tiance's face didn't show the slightest trace of anger. The smile on his face remained as he waved his hand and said, "There's no need to be tense, Gu Dao. It seems Gu Lie has some misunderstandings about me and the Xiao Clan."

Turning to Gu Lie, Xiao Tiance continued calmly, "I have never had the ambition to unify the Dou Qi Continent. Though vast, the continent holds no appeal for me to act as its so called ruler. As for whether the Gu Clan is a friend or foe, that's entirely up to you. Friend or enemy, the Xiao Clan is prepared for either."

Gu Lie snorted coldly, "Prepared? You say it's up to us, but is it really? Your actions suggest otherwise."

Suddenly, Xiao Tiance's smile faded, replaced by a frosty expression. His voice grew cold as he said, "So, Gu Lie, are you saying the Gu Clan has decided to stand as an enemy of the Xiao Clan? If that's the case, why don't I settle things right now and keep you both here?"

"You're welcome to try !"

Before Gu Lie could finish his retort, Xiao Tiance's figure vanished like a flash of lightning. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared before Gu Lie, his hand clamping down on Gu Lie's neck like an unyielding iron vice.

"Ack... ack...!"

Gu Lie choked violently, his hands clawing at Xiao Tiance's arm in an attempt to break free, but it was futile. No matter how much strength he mustered, he couldn't loosen Xiao Tiance's grip.

Gu Dao quickly stepped forward, bowing deeply in plea. "Please calm your anger, Clan Leader Xiao! Gu Lie drank too much and spoke out of turn. This is his fault. When we return, I will report this to the clan leader, and he will face severe punishment."

Xiao Tiance ignored Gu Dao's words, his icy gaze fixed on Gu Lie. "Tell me, Gu Lie, when did you gain the right to act so arrogantly in front of me? Do you think that being an Eight Star Dou Saint makes you immune to the consequences of disrespecting me?"

Gu Lie continued to thrash, but Xiao Tiance's grip remained unyielding, leaving Gu Lie entirely at his mercy.

Gu Dao's voice grew more desperate. "Clan Leader Xiao, please let him go! If Gu Lie dies here, it could spark enmity between our clans!"

Xiao Tiance let out a cold chuckle, his tone laden with menace. **"Enmity? Gu Dao, the Xiao Clan doesn't respond well to threats.

I told you earlier the choice to be friends or foes is yours. But since Gu Lie dared to be insolent before me, I must teach him a lesson, or the world may think the Xiao Clan is soft."**

With that, Xiao Tiance's grip tightened, causing Gu Lie's face to flush and his struggles to weaken.

Gu Dao, seeing no alternative, offered desperately, "Clan Leader Xiao, how about this? I'll send a message to Clan Leader Gu Yuan immediately. He will surely resolve this matter once he arrives."

Xiao Tiance scoffed, a trace of mockery in his eyes. "Using Gu Yuan to pressure me? He's not qualified. However, I am curious to see how Gu Yuan will handle this situation."

With a flick of his hand, Xiao Tiance conjured a miniature spiritual array, which he infused into Gu Lie's body. Immediately, Gu Lie's aura plummeted. Within moments, his strength had fallen below the Dou Huang level.

"Take him and leave," Xiao Tiance said coldly, tossing Gu Lie to the ground as if discarding trash. "But don't let him leave Tian Wai Tian. If he steps out, the array within him will detonate instantly. I assure you, it will reduce him to ash in a blink."

Gu Dao exhaled heavily, his heart pounding with relief. Though Xiao Tiance's words carried an unmistakable threat, at least Gu Lie's life was spared. "Thank you, Clan Leader Xiao. We will take our leave at once."

Gu Dao quickly lifted Gu Lie and retreated.

Tiance Manor, Ninth Floor

Shortly after their departure, the soul body of Huang Jiuji appeared, a wry smile on his face.

"I sensed the surge of your Dou Qi and hurried over. I caught most of your exchange with Gu Dao. To be honest, I thought you'd kill Gu Lie outright. Didn't expect you to show mercy in the end."

Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Killing him? That was never my intention. He's just a nuisance that needed to be put in his place."

Huang Jiuji laughed heartily. "You've certainly grown more commanding. From the moment you confronted me in the Tianhuang Secret Realm, I knew you were destined to stand at the peak of the Dou Qi Continent. Time has proven me right."

After a pause, he added, "By the way, I noticed your use of the spiritual array just now. Am I correct in assuming it was to suppress Gu Lie's Dou Qi?"

Xiao Tiance nodded. "Precisely. While I haven't yet reached the level of a Spiritual Array Grandmaster, my current skills are sufficient. The array I used sealed Gu Lie's Dou Qi, causing his power to plummet."

Huang Jiuji nodded approvingly but voiced a concern. "But aren't you worried about making enemies of both the Hun Clan and the Gu Clan?"

Xiao Tiance smiled faintly, his tone calm and confident. **"There's nothing to worry about. Whether it's the Hun Clan or the Gu Clan, they may have strength, but with my mastery of spiritual arrays, their numbers mean little.

I've already prepared for every possible scenario."**

Tian Wai Tian, Ninth Floor of Tiance Manor

Xiao Tiance casually held the Tou She Ancient Emperor Jade in his hands, examining it with a calm demeanor. After a brief moment, he smiled and said, **"Clan Leader Yao, your sincerity is evident, and the Xiao Clan agrees to this 'alliance.'

However, in an alliance, there must be a leading party. The Xiao Clan has both the strength to protect its allies and the confidence to withstand any challenge. Therefore, I believe the Xiao Clan is naturally the most suitable leader. What does Clan Leader Yao think?"**

Without hesitation, Yao Dan nodded. The Xiao Clan's unparalleled strength spoke for itself, especially after defeating the Hun Clan. There was no doubt in his mind that the Xiao Clan deserved this leadership role.

"Of course, Clan Leader Xiao is correct. With the Xiao Clan's current dominance, it is only fitting for you to take the lead," Yao Dan replied respectfully.

Unbeknownst to him, Ling Hua's cunning plan was taking root. While Yao Dan believed this was a fair "alliance," the reality was that the Xiao Clan's leadership essentially meant subordination. From this moment onward, the Yao Clan's freedom would be at the mercy of the Xiao Clan.

Ling Hua chimed in with a congratulatory tone, "Congratulations, Clan Leader Xiao, and congratulations to Clan Leader Yao. With this alliance, our clans will grow stronger together, free from external threats."

Yao Dan laughed heartily. "Ling Hua, I must thank you. Without your introduction, this alliance wouldn't have been possible."

Ling Hua grinned, brushing off the praise. "It's only natural, given our friendship. I'm happy to see both clans benefit from this."

After Yao Dan left, Xiao Tiance turned to Ling Hua. His smile faded, replaced by a sharp gaze. His voice turned cold as he asked, "Clan Leader Ling, don't you think you owe me an explanation for your actions?"

Ling Hua, however, remained composed. Bowing slightly, he said, "Clan Leader Xiao, I believe the results speak for themselves. The Yao Clan has now become one of your most loyal 'allies.' While I may have employed some unconventional methods, the outcome benefits everyone involved. Surely, you wouldn't hold that against me?"

Xiao Tiance chuckled, his tone tinged with amusement. "You've got nerve, Ling Hua. But what if Yao Dan discovers your deception? If he harbors resentment, it could lead to conflict between the Yao and Xiao Clans. Have you considered that?"

Ling Hua bowed deeper, his voice calm yet resolute. "I have indeed, Clan Leader Xiao. However, I am confident that Yao Dan, after some reflection, will understand the benefits of this arrangement. His ire will be directed at me, not the Xiao Clan. And should he resist, your strength ensures that no challenge he presents will matter."

Xiao Tiance's lips curled into a smirk. "You've thought this through, haven't you? I'll admit, your methods are effective. Very well, I'll let this slide for now."

Relieved, Ling Hua bowed again. "Thank you, Clan Leader Xiao. I shall ensure the Yao Clan remains a loyal ally to the Xiao Clan."

Xiao Tiance added with a chuckle, "Your efforts won't go unnoticed. Once the Seven Clans Exchange concludes, visit Xiao Qing. He'll provide the assistance you need to consolidate your control over the Ling Clan."

"Thank you, Clan Leader Xiao. The Ling Clan will always heed your commands."

Elsewhere in Tian Wai Tian

After returning to their quarters, Gu Dao immediately sent a secret transmission to Gu Yuan, detailing everything that had transpired. It wasn't long before Gu Yuan received the message.

Gathering two elders of the Gu Clan's "Three Sages," Gu Yuan presented them with the information and said gravely, "What are your thoughts on this matter? How should we proceed?"

The elders remained silent for a moment, each lost in thought. Gu Yuan broke the silence.

**"Xiao Tiance didn't kill Gu Lie. This suggests he doesn't wish to antagonize us. However, everything Xiao Tiance does is calculated. He wouldn't have spared Gu Lie without reason.

I suspect he has a deeper intention behind letting Gu Lie go and instructing Gu Dao to report back. He's too strategic for this to be a random act."**

One of the elders sighed. "We can't know his true intentions yet. Perhaps he simply wanted to teach Gu Lie a lesson for his insolence."

The second elder nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's also possible he acted out of anger. Gu Lie did provoke him, after all."

Gu Yuan shook his head, his expression serious. **"You're underestimating Xiao Tiance. I've only had brief dealings with him, but I once discussed him at length with Xiao Xuan. Xiao Xuan, of all people, believed Xiao Tiance was the most suitable leader for the Xiao Clan. That alone speaks volumes about Xiao Tiance's depth.

His strength is formidable, but it's his mind that worries me most. If he's already considering our Gu Clan as a potential adversary, we must tread carefully."**

Both elders frowned, their concern evident.

Gu Yuan continued, "Based on his recent actions, Xiao Tiance's primary goal seems to be the Tou She Ancient Emperor Jade. The jade was the first demand he made of the Shi and Ling Clans. It's likely he's eyeing our clan's fragment as well."

"Impossible!" The elders slammed their hands on the table in unison, their faces darkening.

Gu Yuan raised a hand, motioning for calm. "Consider this: Gu Lie and Gu Dao are still in Xiao Tiance's territory. If he uses them as leverage, will we have a choice but to comply?"

One elder hesitated before suggesting, "If Xiao Tiance does make such a demand, we could invoke the favor Xiao Xuan owed us. The Xiao Clan can't ignore that."

The other elder nodded. "Exactly. Xiao Xuan's debt to us should suffice to secure their release. Gu Lie may have provoked Xiao Tiance, but he didn't cause any real harm. One favor should be enough to settle this matter."

Gu Yuan's expression remained unreadable as he weighed their words.

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