Chapter 162: A Proposal for Alliance
Ancient Realm, Gu Yuan's Residence
Xiao Tiance smiled as he observed Gu Yuan's irritation. Waving his hand nonchalantly, he said, "Gu Yuan, no need to get worked up. If you're unwilling to discuss your daughter, then I'll drop the matter."
Gu Yuan snorted coldly, "You'd better not. Otherwise, I might have to show you the door." Despite his sharp tone, Gu Yuan grudgingly refilled Xiao Tiance's cup of tea, albeit with an air of reluctance.
The Xiao Clan might be powerful, but the Gu Clan wasn't inferior. If Xiao Tiance insisted on pressing the issue, Gu Yuan had no qualms about showing his displeasure.
Xiao Tiance, however, wasn't offended. Smiling faintly, he toyed with his teacup, appearing lost in thought.
Gu Yuan's Vision for Xun'er
After a long silence, Gu Yuan finally broke the tension. **"Let's set aside the matter of my daughter's marriage. She's still young, and the clan already has other plans for her.
To be frank, Tiance, I have high hopes for Xun'er. If things go as I envision, she will be the next leader of the Gu Clan."**
Xiao Tiance nodded in agreement. In the original story, among the younger generation of the Gu Clan, Xun'er's God grade bloodline made her the most outstanding. As Gu Yuan's only daughter, it was natural for him to entrust her with the clan's future.
Still, Xiao Tiance couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. "This man is such a doting father." He recalled how, in the original storyline, Gu Yuan didn't intervene with Xun'er's affection for Xiao Yan, likely out of consideration for his daughter's feelings. Otherwise, with the Gu Clan's immense power, Xiao Yan wouldn't have stood a chance.
Xiao Yan's Potential
Xiao Tiance took a sip of tea before replying, **"Very well, Gu Yuan. I won't mention the matter again. However, I've been observing Xiao Yan for quite some time.
While his talent may not match the prodigies of the Xiao Clan, it's far from mediocre. Without access to the clan's resources, he advanced from the third stage of Dou Qi to a four star Dou Fighter in just three years. That kind of progress is remarkable.
If he had access to the Xiao Clan's resources, his growth would be even more astonishing. Don't you think he's more deserving of your daughter than you give him credit for?"**
Hearing this, Gu Yuan narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. He hadn't been aware of Xiao Yan's recent progress. If what Xiao Tiance said was true, then perhaps the young man his daughter favored wasn't entirely unworthy.
But Gu Yuan's suspicion flared. "Could this be Xiao Tiance's true motive? Xiao Yan alone wouldn't warrant such attention. Could there be something else he's after?"
Despite his internal doubts, Gu Yuan maintained his composure. He glanced at Xiao Tiance's smiling face, finding no hints of ulterior motives, and fell into a moment of contemplation.
Xiao Tiance's Connection to Xiao Yan
Breaking the silence, Xiao Tiance chuckled. "Gu Yuan, what are you pondering?"
Gu Yuan shook his head. **"I'm simply curious. With your status and position, would you really go out of your way for someone like Xiao Yan?
Even if his talent is noteworthy, he's still far from being someone worthy of your attention. What's your true reason for coming here?"**
Xiao Tiance sighed softly, then smiled. **"There's no hidden agenda. For people like us, with lifetimes as long as ours, we need something to occupy ourselves with. Otherwise, life would be unbearably dull.
Besides, Xiao Yan is special to me. The Xiao family branch in Wu Tan City is descended from my elder brother, Xiao Xuan. Among his descendants, Xiao Yan is the only one with potential."**
Pausing, Xiao Tiance's expression darkened slightly as he continued, **"My elder brother Xiao Xuan's soul is trapped in the Heavenly Tomb. I've always felt regret when I think of him. If I could've stopped him from attempting to break through to the Dou Di realm, he wouldn't have met such a tragic fate.
So, I feel a responsibility to look out for his descendants. My interest in Xiao Yan stems from this sense of duty."**
Gu Yuan's Perspective
Hearing Xiao Tiance's reasoning, Gu Yuan nodded in understanding. **"Xiao Xuan... Truly a pity. He was a peerless genius who once dominated an entire era.
But fate is often cruel. I tried to dissuade him back then, but his obsession with becoming a Dou Di was unshakable.
Still, you've done well to carry the Xiao Clan forward. The clan's current strength surpasses even that of the enigmatic Hun Clan. If Xiao Xuan were still here, I'm sure he'd feel gratified."**
Xiao Tiance smiled faintly. "Time passes, and the past fades like smoke. Now, I only wish to nurture Xiao Yan's potential. If he can grow into a great figure, it will at least be some solace for my regrets regarding Xiao Xuan."
A Proposal for Alliance
Gu Yuan set down his teacup and looked at Xiao Tiance. "Enough of the past. You wouldn't have come all this way just to reminisce. Surely, there's something else you wish to discuss."
Xiao Tiance nodded. "As expected, I can't hide anything from you, Gu Yuan. I came here to propose an alliance."
Gu Yuan raised an eyebrow. "An alliance? You're referring to the Hun Clan, aren't you?"
Xiao Tiance smiled knowingly. **"Indeed. The Hun Clan has gone into hiding, but they remain a lurking threat. Now that I'm free to act, it's time to settle accounts with them.
I've already dealt them two significant blows in the past. Even one of their Dead Gate formations a key component of their clan's defenses is now in my possession.
If you're willing to join forces, we can locate their stronghold and bring an end to the Hun Clan once and for all."**
Gu Yuan's Considerations
Gu Yuan fell silent, carefully weighing the proposal. An alliance to destroy the Hun Clan would benefit the Xiao Clan immensely. But such a move could also leave the Gu Clan vulnerable to future conflicts with an empowered Xiao Clan.
The balance of power among the ancient clans was delicate. If one clan rose too far above the others, it could destabilize the entire structure.
Still, Gu Yuan couldn't deny the threat the Hun Clan posed. Even if they weren't openly active, their schemes had always been a source of turmoil.
As Gu Yuan deliberated, a sudden thought struck him. "Could Xiao Tiance's true goal be... the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade?"
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