Chapter 829: Gu Xun'er

Gu Xun’er and the other two’s appearance immediately drew countless gazes from all around.

One line of sight after another swept over them in secret, followed by murmurs of quiet discussion. Anyone who could show up here—whether individuals or factions—were by no means ordinary.

Naturally, they all knew that although the Gu Clan kept a low profile and stayed hidden from the world, in truth they were a colossal, giant-tier powerhouse.

“Hmph, so the Gu Clan really came as well.” The Vice Hall Master of Hall of Souls frowned slightly and spoke in a low voice.

With Falling Star Pavilion and the Gu Clan gathered together, their lineup became downright terrifying. Even their Hun Clan couldn’t help but feel the pressure.

“The Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame isn’t an ordinary Heavenly Flame. Even my Hun Clan covets it deeply. Naturally, the Gu Clan does as well.”

Hun Miesheng swept his gaze across the group on the opposite side, feeling a tremendous pressure in his heart. His sight finally paused on the blue-robed elder.

A trace of surprise flashed across his eyes as he said lightly, “Gu Nanhai. Didn’t expect the Gu Clan to actually send him.”

The Hun Clan Young Clan Leader raised his eyes slightly and said, “There’s an agreement among us ancient imperial clans. Any expert who reaches above Five-Star Dou Sheng cannot strike casually.”

“Hall Master, you are right at that threshold. Gu Nanhai is the same. That Wei Yang as well—he’s precisely stuck at that line.”

“Then what should we do?” the Vice Hall Master asked. He was already regretting getting involved. Every single person on the opposite side could casually beat him into dust.

“Don’t panic. Those big figures haven’t revealed themselves, but they’re definitely watching.” Hun Miesheng smiled faintly, lifting his head to gaze into the depths of the void. It was as though someone was silently sitting there in the empty space.

“Big Brother Xiao Yan, you finally became a Dou Sheng.”

“Xun’er, you too.”

At that, the little couple immediately started acting all intimate, and as emotions surged, they even pulled into each other’s arms.

“Big Brother Xiao Yan, I really missed you. From now on, Xun’er is free. I’ll always stay by your side.”

Wei Yang and the others secretly rolled their eyes. This sudden dog food was way too unexpected. While the two whispered to each other…

“Hey, you two, can you not treat us like we’re invisible?” Gu Qingyang said helplessly.

“Gaga, how can you be so clueless? These two little lovebirds finally managed to overcome hardship and reunite. Can’t you let them enjoy being close for a moment?” Ah Da cackled strangely.

Hearing that, Gu Xun’er’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly composed herself and lightly pulled away from Xiao Yan’s embrace.

She shot a glare at Ah Da and Gu Qingyang, then turned her beautiful eyes toward Yao Lao and Wei Yang. She bowed respectfully, “Xun’er greets Senior Yao Chen, and Brother Wei.”

Wei Yang smiled and nodded, calmly accepting the respect—officially acknowledging her as his future sister-in-law.

“Hehe, little girl, we’ve actually known each other for a long time. We just never properly met face-to-face.” Yao Lao stroked his beard with a smile.

Long ago, back in Wu Tan City, Gu Xun’er was the one who discovered Yao Lao’s presence hidden within Xiao Yan. Since she couldn’t determine his intentions back then, she even secretly warned him. But officially speaking, this was indeed their first proper meeting.

“The past was Xun’er’s offense. I hope Senior won’t hold it against me.” Gu Xun’er said apologetically. At the time, she suspected Yao Lao had ill intentions toward Xiao Yan, so her words weren’t exactly polite.

“Hehe, it’s a small matter. I’m Xiao Yan’s master. If I don’t even have the magnanimity to forgive my disciple’s wife, wouldn’t that make me too petty?” Yao Lao laughed heartily as he stroked his beard.

He felt quite pleased. Having such a daughter-in-law was definitely something one could brag about. Thinking further—his other three daughters-in-law, Medusa, Xian’er, and Qing Lin—none of them were ordinary either.

In that sense, these two disciples of his really had excellent taste. Every woman they married was extraordinary. Naturally, the children born in the future would all be monster-level prodigies as well.

Surely in the coming eras, they would stand at the center of the world’s stage as its rulers. Afterward, the groups exchanged introductions and compliments.

Wei Yang’s gaze shifted toward the Gu Clan elder, Gu Nanhai. Raising a brow with interest, he asked with a light smile, “Is your Gu Clan also interested in the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame?”

“Mr. Wei must be joking. Our clan isn’t particularly keen on the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame. That thing—there are probably very few in this world who can truly subdue it. As long as it doesn’t fall into the Hun Clan’s hands that is already the best outcome.”

The blue-robed elder, Gu Nanhai, answered politely while cupping his hands. His tone was like he was speaking to someone of the same generation, calm and polite.

This was normal. In terms of cultivation level alone, Wei Yang wasn’t weaker than him. In the cultivation world, strength determined everything. There was no such thing as relying on seniority to suppress others.

If someone was willing to give you face, they would call you “senior.” If they didn’t want to give you face—who were you, really?

“In the past, the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame has appeared before, but no one has ever managed to subdue it. The spatial seal here was created by the Purifying Demonic Lotus Saint. It’s extremely miraculous.”

“Even if the Demonic Flame uses the tides of heaven and earth to temporarily break it, once it slows down even a little, the seal will automatically absorb the world’s energy, repair itself, and continue to suppress the Demonic Flame.”

Gu Xun’er smiled lightly and continued, “The Hun Clan has eyed the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame greedily for years. Every time they come prepared. This time… who knows what they’re planning?”

“Senior Brother, why don’t we just chase them off first?” Xiao Yan shot an irritated glance at the three Hall of Souls members in the distance.

“No need.” Wei Yang shook his head. “There’s no point. Keeping the current surface peace is best for everyone. If we try to drive them away, it’d be too humiliating for them.”

“Mr. Wei is right. It’s best not to force them too much.” Gu Nanhai nodded. “After we enter the Demonic Flame Space, everyone can compete with their own abilities.”

“Among the Ancient Clans, we have an agreement. Any expert stronger than Five-Star Dou Sheng cannot make a move freely, so those we send out never exceed the Five-Star threshold.” Gu Xun’er explained softly.

“I get it now.” Xiao Yan finally understood, looking a bit thoughtful. He knew his earlier idea had been too naive.

This wasn’t a fight between individuals, but between factions. Between major powers, in order to avoid unnecessary massive conflicts, there were always unspoken rules and tacit understandings. Everyone followed them.

Otherwise, if the strong acted as they pleased, everything would descend into chaos. If every faction constantly sent out reinforcements like adding fuel to fire, it would inevitably trigger all-out war. Who could withstand that? How would anyone survive?

“Now that you’re a Dou Sheng, and the young pavilion master of Falling Star Pavilion—one of the major powers—you can’t look at problems with that old reckless lone-wolf mentality anymore. You must adopt the mindset of a high-ranking leader of a major force, a ruler of a region.”

Wei Yang reminded him through voice transmission.

“Mm, I understand.” Xiao Yan nodded lightly.

Yes, he was now a Dou Sheng, a giant in his own right. His mentality needed to change.

If he chased off Hun Miesheng and the others in front of all these eyes, wouldn’t that give the Hun Clan a perfect excuse to send even stronger experts?

At this critical moment of competing for the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame, that was something no one wanted to happen. It wasn’t really Xiao Yan’s fault. His rise had simply been too fast. The leap from Dou Zun to Dou Sheng had been instant, without a transition period.

His mindset was still stuck in the Dou Zun stage, unable to fully adjust yet.

“If no one above Five-Star can make a move, doesn’t that mean I can’t fight later either?” Zi Yan tossed a few pills into her mouth, chewing as she complained with a bitter face, “Wei Yang, why do the pills you refined this time have no sweetness at all?”

“You just stay outside and watch. Unless necessary, even I won’t be making a move casually. Someone in the shadows is watching this place.”

Wei Yang reached out and gently rubbed her head, smiling: “They’re sweet. You have to swallow them first—afterward, your throat will slowly feel the sweetness returning. Eat them slowly to taste it. Don’t just gulp everything down like always.”

“Mm mm, okay.” Zi Yan nodded repeatedly, her purple eyes curving like crescent moons, her whole face full of silly happiness.

After leaving Ancient Dragon Island half a year ago, she had completely reverted to her old carefree, gluttonous self. Perhaps, in her heart, she preferred this life far more than being the Dragon Emperor.