BTTH: I Am the Ancestor of the Xiao Clan

Jia Ma Empire, Yun Lan Sect

"You have another soul residing within you. It seems your method of ascension was incomplete," remarked Xiao He with a cold smile.

Medusa frowned and retorted icily, "And what does that have to do with you? My ascension method doesn't require your judgment."

Her arrogance was unmistakable, a mix of fearlessness and recklessness. Despite Xiao He and Wang Chao being far stronger than her, Medusa showed no respect. Her attitude was brash, bordering on sheer defiance.

Xiao Yan, standing beside her, was visibly anxious.

"Oh, great Queen! These are Tian Ji Tower elites. Why are you provoking them like this?!"

Xiao He sneered, his tone growing colder. "It seems someone needs to teach you the consequences of speaking carelessly."

Just as he prepared to act, Wang Chao stopped him.

"Tower Master, there's no need to take offense over mere words."

Xiao He paused, took a deep breath, and sat back down.

"Medusa Queen, rest assured, we mean no harm."

Tensions Ease

Medusa, sensing the shift, decided against escalating matters. Turning her gaze to Yun Shan, she asked coldly, "Do you still want to continue?"

Yun Shan hesitated. With so many powerful enemies present, especially with two Dou Zong level experts from the Tian Ji Tower watching, he knew picking a fight was unwise.

"No need. You may leave." Yun Shan waved dismissively, signaling an end to the conflict.

Xiao Yan took this opportunity to bow respectfully.

"Thank you, Sect Master Yun Shan. I bid you farewell."

Turning to his allies, he bowed deeply.

"Seniors, thank you for your help today. Without you, I wouldn't have escaped."

Hai Bodong and Ling Ying left first, followed by Medusa and Xiao Yan.

Lingering Doubts and New Determinations

Once the drama subsided, Yun Shan approached Xiao He.

"Lord Xiao He, may I ask, is there any connection between you and Xiao Yan?"

Xiao He smirked, amused by the question.

"None at all. It's merely a coincidence that we share a surname. We only came here to watch the infamous 'Three Year Agreement' play out. Nothing more."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xiao He and Wang Chao disappeared into a spatial rift, leaving Yun Shan and his sect in peace.

Nalan Yanran's Resolve

As Yun Shan left, Yun Yun turned to follow, but Nalan Yanran stopped her.

"What's wrong, Yanran?" Yun Yun asked gently.

With tears in her eyes, Yanran whispered,

"Teacher, I'm sorry. I've brought shame to you and the sect."

Yun Yun patted her head affectionately. "Nonsense. It's just one battle. Don't let it weigh on you."

Yanran's guilt only deepened. Determined, she said,

"Teacher, I want to enter the Life and Death Gate to train!"

Yun Yun's expression shifted, surprised by the request. The Life and Death Gate was notoriously dangerous, a place where countless sect geniuses had perished. However, those who emerged were greatly strengthened.

After a moment's hesitation, Yun Yun sighed.

"If that's your decision, prepare yourself well. Once you're ready, I'll grant your request."

"Thank you, Teacher. I won't fail again!" Yanran's eyes burned with determination as Yun Yun gave her an encouraging smile and walked toward the main hall.

Tian Ji Tower Observes

Meanwhile, Xiao Yan and Medusa made their way toward Wu Tan City. What they didn't know was that Xiao Tianming, Xiao He, and Wang Chao were observing them from a hidden vantage point.

"Tower Master Tianming, should we continue tracking them?" Xiao He asked.

Xiao Tianming shook his head. **"No need. With Medusa and Yao Chen's spirit accompanying him, Xiao Yan is safe within the Jia Ma Empire. Return to the Tower and monitor the Imperial Capital and Yun Lan Sect.

Keep an eye out for any activity from the Hall of Souls. If they resurface, don't act recklessly report to me immediately."**

"Understood, Tower Master!" Xiao He and Wang Chao bowed before vanishing. Xiao Tianming then turned toward Wu Tan City.

"I need to return to Wu Tan City and escort the Xiao family to safety before Xiao Yan arrives," he murmured.

Tian Wai Tian: Strategizing for the Future

In Tian Wai Tian, Xiao Tiance sat in his chambers, reviewing Xiao Tianming's report. After reading it, he summoned a golden flame to incinerate the scroll.

**"The Three Year Agreement has concluded. Xiao Yan has resolved his personal grudge with Nalan Yanran. However, this alone won't push him to grow further.

With the Hall of Souls lying low, the pressure to grow stronger has lessened. Without that driving force, Xiao Yan might stagnate. It seems I'll need to create some new challenges for him."**

A smirk spread across Xiao Tiance's face as he vanished into the shadows, his plans beginning to take shape.

When Xiao Tiance reappeared, he was already in the Ancient Realm at Gu Yuan's residence.

The moment Xiao Tiance arrived, Gu Yuan sensed his presence. He looked up, initially tense, but upon recognizing Xiao Tiance, he relaxed and laughed heartily.

"Ah, it's you, Tiance! I see your strength has improved yet again. I couldn't even detect your presence until you arrived!"

Xiao Tiance smiled, then with a flash, appeared directly in front of Gu Yuan.

"Gu Yuan, it's been years, but you haven't changed at all."

Gu Yuan chuckled. "I may not have changed, but you certainly have. What brings you here this time, Tiance? Surely, you're not just here to drink tea and reminisce?"

Xiao Tiance laughed. "Can't I visit you just for tea and conversation?"

Gu Yuan shook his head knowingly. "You're not the type to drop by without a reason, Tiance. Speak your mind what's on your agenda this time?"

Getting to the Point

After the two sat down and shared tea, Gu Yuan broke the silence.

"The ties between the Xiao and Gu clans have grown stronger than ever. If there's something you need, just say it. If it's within my power, I'll help."

Xiao Tiance laughed heartily. "You're as direct as ever, Gu Yuan. Fine, I won't beat around the bush. That little girl sent to Wu Tan City's Xiao clan Xun'er is your daughter, isn't she?"

Gu Yuan smiled faintly. "You've known all along. Why bother asking? Yes, she's my only daughter."

Xiao Tiance chuckled. "I thought as much. I've observed Xun'er her talent for cultivation is outstanding. She's young, but it's clear she'll grow into a stunning beauty, a true gem of the world."

Hearing this, Gu Yuan's expression darkened. "What are you implying, Tiance? Don't tell me you've set your eyes on my daughter!"

The thought made Gu Yuan's aura stir dangerously. His Dou Qi began to ripple, showing his readiness to act. If Xiao Tiance dared confirm his suspicions, Gu Yuan wouldn't hesitate to strike.

Xiao Tiance was momentarily stunned. Then, realizing what Gu Yuan was thinking, his expression became awkward.

"Gu Yuan, don't be ridiculous! Do you think I want to marry into your family? I'd refuse even if you begged me!"

Gu Yuan studied his face and, seeing no signs of deceit, relaxed slightly. Still, he asked cautiously, "Then why bring up Xun'er? Speak plainly so long as you don't have designs on my daughter, we can discuss anything."

Xiao Tiance sighed, then smirked. "Oh, Gu Yuan, so that's really what you were thinking? You're completely off track! While this does involve your daughter, it's more about Xiao Yan."

Hearing the name "Xiao Yan," Gu Yuan frowned in thought. "Xiao Yan... That name sounds familiar. He's from the Xiao clan branch in the northwest, isn't he?"

Xiao Tiance nodded. "That's right. He's also the one your daughter fancies. I'm sure Gu Lie mentioned him to you after returning from Wu Tan City."

At the mention of Xiao Yan, Gu Yuan's expression grew cold. **"Hmph. A toad lusting after a swan. Even if Xiao Yan is a member of your Xiao clan, he's not worthy of my Xun'er. Were it not for the agreement between our clans, I would've crushed him long ago!

Do you know that brat once snuck into Xun'er's room at night? If he hadn't been a child back then, I'd have torn him to pieces on the spot!"**

Gu Yuan's words were laced with anger. Despite Xiao Yan's age at the time, Gu Yuan couldn't tolerate such behavior toward his precious daughter.

Seeing Gu Yuan's fury, Xiao Tiance burst into laughter.

"Oh, Gu Yuan, I understand your frustration. If I were in your shoes, I'd have obliterated the brat the very next day!"

The Proposal

After calming down, Xiao Tiance raised his hand to stop Gu Yuan's complaints.

"Alright, Gu Yuan, venting won't solve anything. I came here to discuss your daughter's future marriage."

Gu Yuan scowled. "Marriage? What does this have to do with Xun'er? Do you think Xiao Yan is worthy of her? Or do you believe there's someone else in the Xiao clan who is?"

He was clearly unhappy with the topic. To Gu Yuan, there were only two individuals in the Xiao clan who could match his daughter's status:

Xiao Tiance, the current Xiao clan leader, whose strength and position were unparalleled. Yet the age gap between him and Xun'er was far too great, making it an impossibility.

Xiao Qing, the next clan leader, who had the strength and charisma to match Xun'er. Unfortunately, Xiao Qing was already married to Gu Dao's granddaughter, Gu Yue, ruling him out.

Xiao Tiance saw Gu Yuan's anger rising again and quickly diffused the situation.

"Relax, Gu Yuan. You'll understand my proposal in time."

He leaned back, his smile remaining enigmatic, as Gu Yuan reluctantly nodded for him to continue.

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