Chapter 92: Tian Luo Guides Xiao Qing, Gu Yuan Meets Tiance
Tianji Tower Headquarters
Hearing Tian Luo's question, Xiao Qing hesitated briefly before nodding. He replied, "Aside from Third Uncle personally visiting the Gu Clan, the other five clans reacted with varying degrees of disinterest. The Yan Clan and Lei Clan, though surprised by our return, expressed neither fear of the Soul Clan nor willingness to join forces.
"The Yao, Shi, and Ling Clans were far less receptive. Initially cordial, they became dismissive the moment we mentioned joining forces against the Soul Clan. Fearing the repercussions of being involved, they sent our envoys away almost immediately."
Tian Luo chuckled at the explanation, though his expression turned slightly colder. "As expected," he said gravely. "Your Third Uncle likely foresaw this even before sending out the envoys.
"Of the eight ancient clans, the Xiao, Gu, and Soul Clans stand at the top. The Yan and Lei Clans follow, while the Yao, Shi, and Ling Clans have long since fallen from their former glory. They barely qualify as ancient clans anymore.
"The strongest among them are merely early stage Eight Star Dou Shengs, or in some cases, they lack an Eight Star Dou Sheng altogether. Naturally, they'd shy away from provoking the Soul Clan.
"Though the Soul Clan is oppressive, they are also careful when dealing with the ancient clans. They only strike when the odds are overwhelmingly in their favor. With the surface calm maintained, those clans would rather avoid unnecessary trouble."
Xiao Qing nodded, absorbing Tian Luo's analysis. "You're right, Tian Luo. Third Uncle said something similar. But I wonder what the Gu Clan's response will be."
Tian Luo chuckled again. "If I'm not mistaken, the Gu Clan is unlikely to join us either.
"In the past millennium, their confrontations with the Soul Clan have gained them little. Gu Yuan, as the clan leader, might view this as an opportunity for revenge, but he has always been indecisive.
"For major decisions, he consults the Gu Clan elders, most of whom advocate for maintaining the status quo. As long as the Soul Clan refrains from launching a full scale attack, they prefer to preserve peace, showing off their strength only to maintain appearances.
"Thus, I suspect your Third Uncle's visit to the Gu Clan may yield little result."
Xiao Qing frowned. "If that's the case, why would Third Uncle send us to visit the other clans and personally go to the Gu Clan? Wouldn't this amount to wasted effort?"
Tian Luo smiled knowingly. "Do you think your Third Uncle or I would waste time on trivial matters?"
Xiao Qing pondered for a moment before murmuring, "But if the Gu Clan also refuses, wouldn't these visits be futile?"
Tian Luo laughed. "You're too young, Xiao Qing. Never be deceived by appearances.
"The Xiao Clan has been hidden for over a millennium so long that many have forgotten it exists among the eight ancient clans. Your Third Uncle's decision to publicize our reemergence wasn't just for the sake of appearances.
"The Soul Clan is our enemy, and they rank above most of the other ancient clans. Once we defeat them, the remaining clans will view us with newfound awe.
"When the Xiao Clan emerges victorious, it will solidify our position as the dominant force among the ancient clans. And if we choose to unify the Dou Qi continent, who among the remaining clans would dare oppose us?"
Realization dawned on Xiao Qing's face, and he exclaimed, "Thank you for enlightening me, Tian Luo! So, Third Uncle's decision to deploy much of our strength and provide high ranking Dou Shengs with Nine Tier Spirit Arrays was a deliberate show of power? To crush potential resistance from the other clans while also defeating the Soul Clan?"
Tian Luo nodded approvingly. "You're starting to understand. But that's not all there's more to this strategy than meets the eye.
"Xiao Qing, your Third Uncle has high hopes for you. If nothing unexpected happens, the Xiao Clan's future leadership will fall to you. Learn as much as you can now. It will benefit you when the time comes to guide the Xiao Clan to even greater heights."
The gravity of Tian Luo's words left Xiao Qing momentarily stunned. He stared at him in disbelief before saying, "Thank you, Tian Luo. You and Third Uncle are so alike not just in your speech but in your foresight."
Tian Luo laughed heartily. "I should remind you, Xiao Qing: I am a fragment of your Third Uncle's soul, created to enhance the Heavenly Demon Puppet. While I am bound to this puppet's body and lack his ability to cultivate spirit arrays, in every other way, I am him.
"Treat me as his second self."
Xiao Qing bowed respectfully. "It's thanks to Third Uncle's ingenuity that we have you, Tian Luo. Without your guidance, establishing the Tianji Tower and Luo Net as superpowers might've taken many more years. With your support, our path has been far smoother."
Tian Luo grinned. "Don't get too comfortable. You'll need to take on more responsibility at the Tianji Tower someday."
The Gu Clan, Gu Yuan's Residence
Gu Yuan sat in deep thought, having just received news of the Xiao Clan's reemergence. Though surprised, he wasn't entirely unprepared.
"Ah, Tiance," he muttered, "you and Xiao Xuan certainly kept us in the dark. After Xiao Xuan's fall, I feared the worst for the Xiao Clan. Yet here you are alive and well.
"I hope you can shed light on the mysteries surrounding those events."
Gu Yuan gazed at the visitor before him with a bitter smile, clearly eager for answers.
However, Xiao Tiance simply sighed. "Gu Yuan, the past is the past. Dwelling on it serves no purpose.
"If Xiao Xuan had heeded my warnings, he wouldn't be trapped in the Heavenly Tomb. The Xiao Clan wouldn't have had to hide for a millennium. But what's done is done. As the saying goes, man proposes, and heaven disposes."
Gu Yuan sighed in agreement. "You're right. It's a shame, though Xiao Xuan's unparalleled talent led to such a tragic end.
"If not for his unrelenting obsession, you and he could have joined forces and eradicated the Soul Clan."
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