Uninvited guest: Soul Emperor

Gu Yuan extended his hand, gently catching Gu Xun'er, and affectionately tousled her hair. His eyes were brimming with boundless affection. Gu Xun'er was his only daughter, and his love for her knew no bounds.

Furthermore, Gu Xun'er had already been acknowledged by the Golden Emperor Burning Tianyan. She had fused with the ancient race's fire and possessed an exceptionally rich and pure Emperor Dou bloodline, granting her limitless potential. Naturally, Gu Yuan held his daughter in the highest regard.

In addition to his fatherly love, Gu Yuan also had another layer of concern. He knew that Gu Xiao, bearing earth-shattering secrets, had developed a particularly close relationship with Gu Xun'er among the members of the ancient tribe. This had divided his focus and deepened his concern for Gu Xun'er.

While Gu Xiao had a mature disposition and an extraordinary origin, surpassing that of ordinary children, his only true attachment was to Gu Xun'er. Gu Yuan had astutely observed this.

In a way, Gu Xun'er played a vital role in maintaining Gu Xiao's connection to the ancient people and his sense of belonging.

Gu Yuan tenderly stroked Gu Xun'er's long hair with one hand, his gaze then shifted slightly towards Gu Xiao.

His gaze, though serene, seemed to penetrate through all pretenses, making Gu Xiao feel as if he were stripped bare in the sunlight.

However, this sensation was far from pleasant.

"Have you attained the Four Stages of Fighting Spirit?" Gu Yuan asked with a smile.

"Yes, Uncle Gu," Gu Xiao responded calmly, his voice steady and serene.

"While your cultivation speed is commendable, remember that the Fighting Spirit Realm is a foundational stage. Don't rush it; take it step by step to establish a solid foundation. This will allow you to progress further in the future," Gu Yuan advised calmly.

"I understand, Uncle Gu. Gu Lin also mentioned this," Gu Xiao replied softly. He was well aware of this truth and had his own plans.

"Father, don't worry. Brother Gu Xiao's foundation is solid, and his fighting spirit is focused and substantial, without any superficiality," Gu Xun'er chimed in, emerging from Gu Yuan's embrace.

"Oh? Xun'er, are you well-informed again?" Gu Yuan asked with a smile.

"Of course, Xun'er knows. She often practices combat skills with Brother Gu Xiao," Gu Xun'er said with a sweet smile, her voice as melodious as a songbird's.

Hearing this, Gu Xiao smiled faintly. Indeed, he practiced combat skills with Gu Xun'er. Although the ancient clan had expectations of him, which somewhat limited his freedom and prevented him from leaving the ancient world, such constraints did not apply here.

Gu Xiao had been taken in by Gu Yuan as a baby, and most people in the ancient clan believed that he had no memory of his own identity. Therefore, he considered himself a genuine member of the ancient clan.

As a result, there were no restrictions on practicing combat skills, as Dou Qi techniques were accessible to every member of the ancient clan. While there might be some restrictions if insisted upon, such constraints could easily spark Gu Xiao's dissatisfaction and resentment towards the ancient world. The ancient clan desperately wanted to keep Gu Xiao within their realm indefinitely.

However, unbeknownst to them, Gu Xiao was a reincarnation with memories from a previous life. He saw through the ancient people's attempts and covert actions against him time and time again.

Gu Xiao was not as indifferent as the ancient people assumed. On the contrary, he had a mild temperament and was genuinely close to Gu Xun'er out of kindness.

"The so-called indifference was merely a façade. When facing a group of people who spend their days attempting to uncover your secrets and force you to remain within the ancient world, it's hard to be enthusiastic," he thought.

And the other reason was even simpler. What kind of advanced combat skills could a newcomer at the Four Stages of Fighting Spirit master? The Ancient Clan was wealthy, and to them, advanced-level techniques were nothing. They wouldn't consider restricting Gu Xiao from practicing.

"Is that so? Well done, Xiao'er," Gu Yuan praised with a hint of admiration. His eyes gleamed with approval as he spoke, acknowledging Gu Xiao's considerable talent.

"Thank you for the compliment, Uncle Gu. I still have a long way to go," Gu Xiao modestly replied.

In reality, he had only glanced through that set of "Pavilion Fist." As a martial arts prodigy with innate talent, he had been concealing his true capabilities for a while.

"Modesty is admirable, but don't be overly humble. Learning an advanced Xuan Chao Fist in an afternoon is an achievement to be proud of," Gu Yuan complimented, his praise for Gu Xiao's talent sincere.

Gu Xiao was about to respond when he noticed Gu Yuan's expression suddenly grow serious, his gaze fixated on a distant point with a grave intensity.

Seeing this, Gu Xiao's heart jolted, his thoughts racing. There weren't many things or individuals capable of prompting such a reaction from Gu Yuan.

Apart from the Taixu Ancient Dragon Emperor Zhukun, who was trapped in the Ancient Emperor Cave, and Emperor Dan, who remained imprisoned, there was only one figure on this continent who could warrant such a grave reaction from Gu Yuan...

"Soul Heaven Emperor, why retreat when you've already arrived? That doesn't seem like your style," Gu Yuan spoke, his tone composed as he gazed into the distance.

"Haha, Gu Yuan, it's been years, but your perceptiveness remains as sharp as ever!" a gentle laughter sounded. Within the void, a spatial door materialized, and a figure draped in white emerged from it. Over a dozen figures followed, each exuding an immensely powerful and daunting aura.

In the depths of the dark space portal, the Soul Race army could be faintly discerned, an expansive and ominous force.

"The four Demon Saints of the Soul Clan, along with a dozen or so Fighting Saints. Soul Heaven Emperor, bringing so many individuals here to annihilate my ancient clan seems woefully inadequate," Gu Yuan stated, pushing Gu Xun'er and Gu Xiao behind him. His voice remained level, and with a casual wave of his hand, a dozen powerful auras surged from the ancient clan members, revealing the formidable might of the Seven-Star Fighting Saints.

Three white-haired elders appeared beside him, each possessing the strength of Seven-Star Fighting Saints. These were the prominent figures of the ancient clan, on par with the four Demon Saints of the Soul Clan.

More than ten other auras emerged, signifying the presence of several strong Fighting Saints.

In the distance, numerous powerful auras swept over, belonging to the Black Smoky Army, the most elite force of the ancient clan. Leading them was Gu Lie, the current Black Smoky King, accompanied by many formidable fighters.

The situation had taken a grave turn, as a confrontation between two formidable forces seemed inevitable.