BTTH: I Am the Ancestor of the Xiao Clan

"Xiao Yan, is what Elder Yun Leng said true?"

At Yun Lan Sect's square, Yun Yun's soft yet clear voice resonated, drawing the attention of the audience.

As the only female Dou Huang in the Jia Ma Empire, Yun Yun possessed not only extraordinary strength but also unmatched beauty. Her gentle and approachable demeanor made her a figure of admiration for many.

Xiao Yan's Dilemma

Xiao Yan furrowed his brow slightly at Yun Yun's question. He did not want to deceive her. Despite their prior use of aliases, their shared experiences had been genuine.

He sighed deeply, looking directly at Yun Yun.

"Sect Master Yun, if I admit to killing Mo Cheng, what would you do?"

Yun Yun froze. Yes, what could she do?

Would she draw her sword against Xiao Yan? Even before the blade reached him, her heart would waver.

Yun Leng's Interruption

Watching Yun Yun's hesitation, Yun Leng's expression darkened. His voice boomed:

"If Mo Cheng was indeed killed by you, Xiao Yan, the Yun Lan Sect cannot turn a blind eye. Otherwise, what face would our sect have left?"

After a pause, he softened his tone slightly and continued, "Xiao Yan, do you admit that you killed Mo Cheng?"

"And if I did?" Xiao Yan replied impatiently, his gaze fixed on Yun Yun rather than Yun Leng.

He had already discerned Yun Leng's hostility and murderous intent. However, his concern was solely Yun Yun's response.

If Yun Yun wanted to kill him, he would allow her to strike. If the first blow didn't kill him, he would walk away from everything. But if it did, he would accept it as his fate without resentment.

Yun Yun's Conflict

Yun Yun's body trembled slightly as Xiao Yan confirmed the accusation.

She had hoped he would deny it how much simpler things would have been.

But now that he had admitted to killing Mo Cheng, how could she, as the sect leader, face the Yun Lan Sect if she did nothing?

Just as Yun Yun was about to respond, Yun Leng stepped forward, his voice dripping with venom:

"Arrogant brat! You not only killed an Elder of the Yun Lan Sect but now stand here without a shred of remorse. Whether you were emboldened by ignorance or sheer audacity, today you will not leave this place unscathed!"

Yun Yun Takes Control

Yun Yun shot Yun Leng a sharp look. She understood his true intentions completely disregarding her authority as sect master.

"Elder Yun Leng, since when do you have the right to speak on behalf of this sect leader?" Yun Yun's cold reprimand silenced the crowd.

The audience was stunned. The gentle and kind Yun Yun had reprimanded Yun Leng in such a stern tone?

Yun Leng quickly bowed his head in apology but didn't miss the chance to pressure her further.

"Forgive me, Sect Master, but Mo Cheng was a member of the Yun Lan Sect. If we let this go unpunished, how will we answer to the previous sect master?"

Yun Yun sneered inwardly at Yun Leng's tactics. He even dared to invoke her master, Yun Shan, to trap her into a corner.

A Chance for Xiao Yan

Taking a deep breath, Yun Yun suppressed her frustration. Turning to Xiao Yan, she spoke, her voice tinged with sorrow:

**"Xiao Yan, today's duel was meant to settle the matter between you and my disciple, Nalan Yanran. You have proven your strength, and this sect leader did not expect such an outcome.

However, since you've admitted to killing Mo Cheng, a member of my Yun Lan Sect, I must ask for an explanation."**

Xiao Yan gazed at Yun Yun, a bitter smile forming on his lips.

"What explanation would Sect Master Yun like? My life in exchange for his? Or is there another resolution? Please, speak clearly."

Yun Yun's heart sank. Couldn't this stubborn boy say something softer or more conciliatory? How was she supposed to handle this situation?

The Truth About Mo Cheng

Before Yun Yun could respond, Xiao Yan began his explanation:

**"In my heart, the Yun Lan Sect has always been a symbol of righteousness. Your sect has contributed much to the peace and stability of the Jia Ma Empire.

But I didn't expect that someone like Mo Cheng, a mere outer sect elder, would so blatantly disregard human life. He practiced dark techniques, abducted my friend, and attempted to use her special constitution for his twisted experiments.

I had no choice but to kill him to rescue her. Yes, I killed him, and I won't deny it. But it's shocking that such a man belonged to your sect."**

A Lifeline from Yun Yun

Hearing Xiao Yan's account, Yun Yun's eyes lit up with relief.

Pretending to be stern, she scolded: "Impossible! The disciples of the Yun Lan Sect have always adhered to righteous principles. Xiao Yan, if you cannot provide evidence, don't expect to walk out of here unscathed."

She discreetly gave Xiao Yan a look, urging him to elaborate.

Understanding her intention, Xiao Yan continued:

**"Mo Cheng practiced a forbidden technique that involved grafting the flesh of magical beasts onto his body to enhance his strength. My friend, though not a magical beast, possesses a unique constitution.

Mo Cheng captured her, intending to exploit her abilities. If I hadn't intervened, she would have died at his hands. In the process of saving her, I killed him. While I regret that it came to that, I don't regret the decision itself."**

Resolution

Yun Yun seized the opportunity:

**"If that's the case, it's indeed a grievous matter. My Yun Lan Sect has always denounced such dark practices.

However, Mo Cheng's death is an undeniable fact, and as a sect member, he should have been judged internally. Xiao Yan, while I understand your reasons, I still need an explanation on behalf of the sect."**

Yun Yun's tone softened as she continued, **"That said, what's done is done. Our sect will not make things difficult for you over the actions of a man who strayed from our teachings.

Additionally, I've heard that you were the champion of the recent Jia Ma Empire Alchemist Conference and, at such a young age, have already reached the rank of a fourth tier alchemist. Such talent is truly rare in the empire."**

**"Let's do it this way," Yun Yun began, her voice calm yet firm. "The Yun Lan Sect is not unreasonable. Since you are an alchemist, you can compensate us by refining ten Tier 4 pills for the sect.

Once the pills are completed, if you're willing, you may join the Yun Lan Sect as an Elder of Alchemy. If not, then we will consider the matter with Mo Cheng settled. What do you say?"**

Her words carried a sense of leniency, as though lifting the stick high but setting it down gently.

A Calculated Offer

The audience on the surrounding platforms exchanged approving glances.

Yun Yun's approach was both tactful and generous. Xiao Yan's talent was undeniable, and his calm demeanor while surrounded by several Yun Lan Sect Dou Wang elders suggested he had more than a few tricks up his sleeve.

If Xiao Yan accepted the offer and became an alchemy elder, the Yun Lan Sect would gain a rare and powerful asset. Even if he chose not to join, resolving the conflict without further escalation would benefit everyone.

From Jia Ma Empire's imperial family, Jia Xing Tian and Hai Bodong, to the three major family leaders and Fa Ma, many silently praised Yun Yun's decision.

Xiao Yan's Decision

"Ten Tier 4 pills?" Xiao Yan echoed thoughtfully.

Seeing Yun Yun's expectant gaze, he hesitated briefly before nodding, prepared to agree.

But before he could respond, Yun Leng suddenly launched himself forward, his figure blurring with speed.

Yun Leng Attacks

In an instant, Yun Leng's fist shot toward Xiao Yan's chest.

"Xiao Yan, ten pills cannot compensate for the life of our Outer Sect Elder!" Yun Leng roared mid flight.

"If you are truly remorseful, why not stay in the Yun Lan Sect for ten years? After a decade, we'll grant you your freedom!"

His voice boomed as his punch neared Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan's Counterattack

Prepared for potential treachery, Xiao Yan had remained on guard. The moment Yun Leng made his move, Yao Chen (Yao Lao) immediately alerted him.

Eyes narrowing in anger, Xiao Yan swiftly drew his Heavy Xuan Ruler from his back. Without hesitation, he unleashed the Flame Splitting Tsunami Ruler, a low tier Earth level Dou Technique.

"Boom!"

The collision between the Heavy Xuan Ruler and Yun Leng's fist created a deafening explosion, sending shockwaves across the square.

Yun Leng is Injured

Yun Leng underestimated Xiao Yan's power, especially the potency of his Earth level technique. The resulting impact sent Yun Leng flying backward. Blood spurted from his mouth as his figure tumbled through the air.

The Heavy Xuan Ruler also left a deep gash on Yun Leng's forehead, leaving him bloodied and disfigured.

Yun Yun's efforts to defuse the situation instantly fell apart.

Clouds of Dust and Anger

Covered in dust and bleeding, Yun Leng staggered to his feet. Fury burned in his eyes as he growled through gritted teeth:

**"You insolent boy! To think I intended to spare your life and merely detain you for ten years, yet you've injured me while I was unprepared.

Yun Lan Sect disciples, hear my command!"**

A Dangerous Order

In unison, the Yun Lan Sect disciples responded: "At your command, Elder Yun Leng!"

Yun Leng pointed at Xiao Yan and roared, "Capture Xiao Yan immediately! If he resists, kill him on the spot!"

Weapons were drawn as disciples of the Yun Lan Sect, including several Dou Ling level individuals, prepared to rush forward. Many harbored ambitions of catching Xiao Yan to gain favor with the sect's higher ups.

Yun Yun Intervenes

"Enough!" Yun Yun's voice, filled with authority and anger, rang out.

A powerful aura erupted from her, and she spread her Dou Qi wings, appearing like a celestial being descending from the heavens.

The sight of her would have left everyone in awe if not for the current tension.

"Stand Down!"

Under Yun Yun's command, the Yun Lan Sect disciples hesitated and lowered their weapons.

But Yun Leng, unwilling to let the matter rest, sneered and declared, "If no one else will act, then I will handle this myself!"

With Dou Qi wings unfurling behind him, Yun Leng shot toward Xiao Yan once more, his aura even more menacing than before.

Xiao Yan Evades

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Xiao Yan's expression turned serious. Yun Leng's increased strength posed a real threat, and even a single hit could incapacitate him.

"Escape now, counter later," he thought, activating the Purple Cloud Wings on his back.

With a powerful flap, he soared into the sky just as Yun Leng's attack struck the ground, leaving a deep crater.

A Close Call

Dodging in mid air, Xiao Yan sighed in relief. "That was close."

In his mind, Yao Lao's voice echoed: "You handled that well, but this place is crawling with Dou Huang level experts. I can't protect you for long. Stall for time and look for an opening to escape."

Understanding the situation, Xiao Yan nodded.

Aerial Pursuit

Xiao Yan and Yun Leng began a high speed chase in the skies above the Yun Lan Sect. Although the Purple Cloud Wings granted him considerable speed, they were no match for Yun Leng's advanced Dou Qi wings.

Explosions rang out repeatedly as Yun Leng's attacks narrowly missed their mark. Each dodge left Xiao Yan more determined to survive.

Yun Leng's Frustration

Despite his relentless pursuit, Yun Leng couldn't land a decisive blow. His frustration mounted with every missed strike.

"Damn it! I will kill you, boy!"

As the situation grew more perilous, Xiao Yan's mind raced for a way out, knowing he had only moments to act before being overtaken.

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