Chapter 93: Lacking Initiative but Skilled at Preservation
Gu Realm, Gu Yuan's Residence
Hearing Gu Yuan's sigh, Xiao Tiance smiled and said, "What's done is done, Gu Yuan. There's no need to dwell on the past.
"I wonder if my proposal interests you. This is the best time to eliminate the Soul Clan once and for all. If the Gu Clan is willing to lend a hand to the Xiao Clan, I can guarantee that 30% of the spoils from the Soul Realm will go to you."
Gu Yuan remained silent for a moment before shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Tiance. Before your visit, I had already discussed this matter with the elders upon hearing of the Xiao Clan's return and the brewing conflict with the Soul Clan.
"Unfortunately, most of our elders have grown detached and cautious. They oppose the Gu Clan becoming involved in a war between your two clans. While I hold the title of clan leader, I must consider the opinions of the clan as a whole."
Xiao Tiance wasn't surprised by this outright refusal. Before arriving, he had anticipated this response.
Instead of leaving, he smiled and asked, "So, does this mean you doubt the Xiao Clan's chances?"
"Not at all," Gu Yuan replied. "With your current strength, on par with mine, I am confident that the Xiao Clan has grown immensely over the past thousand years.
"However, Hun Tiandi was already a peak Nine Star Dou Saint a thousand years ago. I believe you can defeat him, but capturing or killing him is a far greater challenge. If he escapes, such a threat lingering in the shadows would be unwise for the Gu Clan to provoke.
"For this reason, I cannot agree to join forces against the Soul Clan."
Hearing Gu Yuan's rationale, Xiao Tiance nodded, his expression calm. "In that case, I won't press the matter. I only hope that the Gu Clan does not regret today's decision."
With that, Xiao Tiance waved his hand, creating a ripple in the space before him. He stepped into it and vanished instantly.
Once Xiao Tiance left, Gu Yuan let out a heavy sigh. "As expected of one of the three great talents of the Xiao Clan. If he truly leads the Xiao Clan, their future will be unstoppable.
"I only hope that Xun'er has found the location of the Tou She Ancient God Jade. If the Xiao Clan regains their footing, taking the jade from them will become nearly impossible."
As Gu Yuan finished his thoughts, the figures of the Gu Clan's three elders known as the Gu Clan's Three Immortals appeared in a flash.
"Clan leader!" they greeted in unison.
"Elders, no need for formality," Gu Yuan replied, waving them off.
"Clan leader, was that Xiao Tiance?" Gu Dao asked.
"Yes, it was him. His strength is likely no weaker than mine now. With the Xiao Clan's secret technique, the Three Mysterious Manifestations of the Heavenly Flame, I'm not confident I could defeat him.
"What a genius. Even without relying on the Dou Di bloodline, he has reached such heights. He may surpass even Xiao Xuan in terms of talent."
Hearing this, the Three Immortals fell silent. Like many, they had assumed the Xiao Clan's long isolation meant a decline in strength. Clearly, they were mistaken.
Gu Dao broke the silence, asking, "Should we reconsider, Clan Leader? If Xiao Tiance's strength rivals your own, combining the power of the Gu and Xiao Clans could give us a significant advantage against the Soul Clan.
"Besides, Tiance has always been the strategic mind among the three Xiao Clan prodigies. If he believes victory is possible, he likely has a sound plan."
Another elder added, "Gu Dao is right. Xiao Tiance has always been enigmatic. Even a thousand years ago, we underestimated him. If not for his role in holding back Hun Tiandi, we might have dismissed him entirely."
Gu Yuan sighed again and shook his head. "Even if the Xiao Clan has a solid chance of victory, their success will likely come at great cost.
"It's better to wait and see who prevails. A rash decision would not serve the Gu Clan's current interests.
"Besides, do you think Xiao Tiance is naïve? If we were to join the war, he would undoubtedly expect our elite forces to bear the brunt of the fighting.
"And while I dislike admitting it, I've never been able to see through Xiao Tiance. Whether a thousand years ago or today, he remains an enigma."
"True," Gu Dao admitted. "However, the Xiao Clan owes us for aiding Xiao Xuan a millennium ago. Even if they win, their friendship with the Gu Clan will ensure they won't turn on us."
"I hope so," Gu Yuan muttered. "Unlike Xiao Xuan, Xiao Tiance isn't domineering. He's unlikely to threaten us unnecessarily.
"Let's monitor the situation. If the Xiao Clan falters, we can step in to help."
"Very well. I'll have the Dark Smoke King personally oversee the war," Gu Dao suggested.
"Agreed. I'll send him instructions myself."
Xiao Tiance's Perspective
Leaving the Gu Realm, Xiao Tiance wore a faint smirk. "Gu Yuan," he muttered, "you're as indecisive as ever.
"Even after witnessing my strength, you're too afraid of Hun Tiandi's possible escape to act. It's no wonder the Gu Clan has stagnated over the centuries.
"No wonder Xiao Yan had to step up in the original timeline. Without him, the Gu Clan might have ended up like the declining Shi and Ling Clans.
"For all his strength, Gu Yuan lacks ambition. He can preserve power but not expand it."
Tianji Tower Headquarters, Zhongzhou
When Xiao Tiance returned, both Xiao Qing and Tian Luo noticed his arrival.
After a brief exchange of formalities, Tian Luo chuckled. "It seems my prediction was correct your visit to the Gu Clan didn't secure their support."
Xiao Qing sighed. "Third Uncle, did the Gu Clan refuse as expected?"
"They did," Xiao Tiance confirmed. "Gu Yuan is the same as ever. Even when given a reasonable chance at victory, he lacks the courage to seize it.
"No wonder the Gu Clan has barely advanced over the past thousand years. In that time, they've added only a few new Dou Shengs.
"Gu Yuan excels at preservation but lacks the ambition to achieve greatness."
"Exactly," Tian Luo added. "The Gu Clan has focused on stability, refusing to provoke the Soul Clan. Their skirmishes amount to little more than posturing, leaving them at a disadvantage each time."
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Enough about the Gu Clan. With or without them, this is a war between the Xiao Clan and the Soul Clan."
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