Chapter 10: Seeking Cooperation
"We're both old foxes there's no need to play dumb."
Ancient Realm, Gu Yuan's Residence
Hearing Gu Yuan's candid words, Xiao Xuan let out a frustrated snort. "Hmph, you sound awfully smug about it."
"Enough of that. Why are you here? Someone like you wouldn't show up without a reason," Gu Yuan replied, cutting straight to the point as he glanced at Xiao Xuan.
"Fair enough. I'll get straight to it I want to propose a collaboration," Xiao Xuan said with a broad smile, skipping the pleasantries.
"Collaboration? What kind of collaboration?" Gu Yuan's interest was piqued. The Xiao and Gu Clans had maintained amicable relations for centuries, with no significant conflicts. Their close ties, including intermarriages, had made trust between the two clans a given.
Furthermore, the Heavenly Tomb, a shared territory of the Xiao and Gu Clans, was a sacred place capable of housing the souls of fallen Dou Sheng experts. Only after the decline of the Xiao Clan did the Gu Clan take sole control of the tomb, sending each generation's young talents to seek their fortunes there.
"You know I'm preparing to break through to the Dou Di realm. If I succeed, all will be well. But if I fail, Hun Tiandi will undoubtedly exploit the opportunity to attack my Xiao Clan.
If he manages to hold me off, my clansmen depleted of their bloodline power won't stand a chance against the Soul Clan. My Xiao Clan would suffer catastrophic losses," Xiao Xuan said gravely, his face clouded with concern.
Although Xiao Xuan exuded confidence, he couldn't ignore the risks. As the Xiao Clan's leader, he had to prioritize the safety of his people, which was why he sought Gu Yuan's cooperation.
Gu Yuan frowned, deep in thought. "That doesn't quite add up. Among the eight imperial clans, the Xiao Clan is the strongest. Even without the Dou Di bloodline, you should still rival the Soul Clan. Why are you so worried?"
Xiao Xuan shook his head. "You don't know the full story. Do you remember when I attacked the Soul Clan alone a century ago?"
"Of course. You might have a questionable personality, but your strength is undeniable. You single handedly suppressed the Soul Clan and even gravely injured Hun Tiandi. But I've always wondered why did you attack them in the first place?"
"Because Hun Tiandi ambushed my cousin, Xiao Tiance," Xiao Xuan said coldly.
"Xiao Tiance? One of the Three Talents of the Xiao Clan? That explains why there's been no news about him all these years," Gu Yuan said, realization dawning.
The Xiao Clan's Three Talents were renowned across the imperial clans. Their unparalleled strength had suppressed all rivals, earning admiration and resentment alike. Among them, Xiao Tiance's intellect and tactical acumen made him particularly feared.
"If Xiao Tiance hadn't been ambushed, the Xiao Clan would likely have had two Nine Star Dou Shengs by now," Gu Yuan said with a sigh.
"Indeed. With Tiance's talent, he wouldn't lag far behind me. He was already an Eight Rank Alchemist a century ago," Xiao Xuan confirmed.
"Xiao Tiance is undoubtedly exceptional. But does this have anything to do with your current concerns?" Gu Yuan asked, his curiosity piqued.
"It does. You should know how much Tiance loved exploring ruins and hunting for treasures," Xiao Xuan said.
This was common knowledge among the imperial clans, and Gu Yuan's eyes suddenly narrowed as a realization struck him.
"Are you saying Xiao Tiance found something valuable, and Hun Tiandi ambushed him to steal it?" Gu Yuan asked, alarmed.
"Correct. He took the Void Swallowing Flame, ranked second on the Heavenly Flame List. That flame now serves the Soul Clan and has likely reached the peak of Eight Star Dou Sheng," Xiao Xuan said grimly.
"If Hun Tiandi engages me in battle, I can hold him off. But if the Void Swallowing Flame joins him, my clansmen deprived of their bloodline power will be defenseless against the Soul Clan. That's why I'm proposing this collaboration," Xiao Xuan explained.
Gu Yuan's expression turned serious. The Void Swallowing Flame's strength was no trivial matter. It had a terrifying ability to devour all, earning its title as a creature that could "devour heaven and earth."
"An Eight Star Dou Sheng peak, you say?" Gu Yuan muttered, his tone heavy.
"Yes. When Tiance captured it, the Void Swallowing Flame was weakened from breaking its seal. With a century of recovery using the Soul Clan's resources, it's likely at its peak if not stronger.
Its abilities are insidious and difficult to counter. A single misstep could be catastrophic.
If you agree to help, we can take on the entire Soul Clan together. If we win, and we capture the Void Swallowing Flame, I'm willing to exchange it for your Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame. I assure you, this deal will be worth your while," Xiao Xuan said earnestly.
Gu Yuan fell silent, contemplating the offer. The Void Swallowing Flame was a treasure of unparalleled value. Although the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame was also a top tier Heavenly Flame, the difference in their rankings was immense.
If the Gu Clan could secure the Void Swallowing Flame, their strength would undoubtedly reach new heights. Moreover, with Xiao Xuan's assistance, they had a good chance of defeating the Soul Clan.
After a moment, Gu Yuan looked at Xiao Xuan with sharp eyes. "So you're not entirely confident about breaking through to Dou Di, are you?"
Xiao Xuan nodded solemnly. "We're talking about the Dou Di realm. If I claimed to be 100% certain, you wouldn't believe me."
"Fair enough. Since the disappearance of the last Dou Di, Tuoshe Ancient Emperor, it seems this world no longer permits Dou Dis to exist. But I must admit, your boldness in gathering your clan's bloodline power to attempt the breakthrough is admirable," Gu Yuan said, his voice tinged with respect.
"Hahaha! This is the first time you've openly admitted to admiring me, Gu Yuan. Rare indeed! So, will you cooperate with me?" Xiao Xuan asked with a laugh.
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