Chapter 541: The Vision of Controlling the Continent

In the face of Gu Dao's suggestion, Xiao Ming smiled and then left with him.

After their departure, the area quickly became the scene of intense discussion.

...

When the news of the sudden change in the Three Clan Alliance reached the Gu Realm, it caused a huge commotion. All the formidable experts of the Gu Clan were alarmed.

The news of the Yao Clan's silent annihilation by the Hun Clan and the theft of the Lei and Yan Clan's ancient jade pieces involved methods that surpassed the Gu Clan's abilities. It was hard for the Gu Clan not to panic about it.

This was also the initial reason why the Gu Clan, once the "number one clan," had extended an olive branch to the Heavenly Court.

Now, with Xiao Ming's arrival, a renewed sense of confidence surged through the Gu Clan.

In a grand and solemn hall, numerous Gu Clan elders had gathered. Among them was Gu Yuan, who had a heavy expression on his face. At first glance, he looked just like an ordinary person.

However, with Xiao Ming's current strength, he could easily sense the tremendous power concealed within that seemingly ordinary body. This person was a genuine peak powerhouse in the entire Dou Qi continent!

To Gu Yuan's left, three elderly men with white beards sat, with Gu Dao among them. From the other two men, Xiao Ming could sense an imposing aura no weaker than Gu Dao's.

It was very likely that they were the other two members of the Three Gu Immortals. They held an exceptionally high status within the clan.

Among the numerous elders present, Xiao Ming recognized some familiar faces. However, the gazes of these familiar faces looking at him were mixed with complex emotions.

Back when Xiao Ming was in the North-Western Region, he had defeated Gu Qingyang, the second genius of the Gu Clan, whose Dou God bloodline had yet to be fully awakened. Although he was quite strong, it was difficult for the Gu Clan to value him highly.

However, in just a few years, the genius from that remote area had risen to become a Dou Saint existence. Moreover, he was a true high-star Dou Saint. His strength had become unfathomable. The Heavenly Court he had founded now stood on equal footing with their Gu Clan.

On the right side of Gu Yuan sat some of the younger generations of the Gu Clan. An elegant and beautiful figure sat at the front. This beauty was, of course, Xun'er. Below her was Gu Qingyang. These two were the Gu Clan members Xiao Ming was familiar with.

While Xiao Ming's eyes wandered over the others, Gu Yuan also quietly sensed Xiao Ming's aura.

Then, just like Gu Dao, he was astonished to discover that he couldn't seem to sense Xiao Ming's cultivation realm.

'This Xiao Ming does have a handsome and refined appearance. His cultivation realm seems shrouded in mist, making it difficult to discern. Could he have some kind of treasure to hide his cultivation realm? But what kind of treasure could shield him from my perception?'

Gu Yuan furrowed his brows momentarily but didn't delve deeper into the thought. This wasn't the appropriate time to investigate this matter.

They should first entertain Xiao Ming as their guest. Otherwise, if Xiao Ming were to develop a more negative feeling towards the Gu Clan, it would be an embarrassing situation.

Looking at his daughter beside him, Gu Yuan figured out how to start the conversation. A smile appeared on his face as he looked at the young and tall figure in the hall.

"Hehe, Alliance Leader Xiao and my daughter grew up together in the Xiao family. This meeting can be considered a reunion with an old friend in a foreign land. It is something to be happy about."

"Moreover, Alliance Leader Xiao has helped my daughter several times. It reminds me of the past when the Gu Clan and the Xiao Clan formed an alliance. Your ancestor Xiao Xuan and I were good friends. We once had a treaty of mutual protection and assistance. My daughter's visit to the Xiao family also had this layer of meaning in it."

"Now that a figure like you has emerged from the Xiao Clan, there is hope for the revival of the Xiao Clan. If Xiao Xuan were to know, he might be extremely pleased." Gu Yuan said, his voice filled with profound admiration.

Many elders couldn't help smiling bitterly on the inside. There had never been anyone in all these years who had received such praise from the Clan Head.

However, when they thought that this person was Xiao Ming, many of them were relieved. They simply didn't have the qualifications to compare with him.

Sitting in the chair, Xiao Ming merely raised an eyebrow at Gu Yuan's words, silently labeling him as a cunning fox.

These words were undoubtedly an attempt to appeal to his emotions, making him more inclined to assist the Gu Clan in their upcoming battle against the Hun Clan. It also served as an explanation for Gu Xun'er's visit to the Xiao family.

However, from Xiao Ming's perspective, who knew the true situation, this reason was simply laughable.

What kind of crappy alliance was this? Xiao Xuan had entrusted Gu Yuan with the task of taking care of the Xiao family, and the result was that the strongest member of the Xiao family had become a Dou Grandmaster.

After such "care," he still sent his own daughter, claiming it was for some kind of protection and assistance. Did he not feel ashamed of himself?

Gu Yuan didn't even dare to face Xiao Xuan himself, yet he mentioned Xiao Xuan's name in front of him. It was rather disgusting.

Of course, from Xiao Ming's perspective, Gu Yuan might have feelings for Xiao Xuan. After all, it was Gu Yuan who had wrested Xiao Xuan's soul from the clutches of the Hun Clan and placed it into the Heavenly Tomb.

However, Gu Yuan's character was easily influenced by his role as Clan Head, which often clouded his judgment. There were certain decisions that he had to make for the development of the Gu Clan.

So while Xiao Ming could understand his reasoning, he couldn't necessarily agree with it. Gu Yuan's thoughts were too wavering and lacked a convincing personality.

Among the peak nine-star Dou Saints known to Xiao Ming, he ranked Gu Yuan at the bottom.

Of course, while he had these thoughts, he couldn't just slap them in the face when others approached him with a friendly smile.

Therefore, Xiao Ming gave a perfunctory smile.

"Clan Head Gu flatters me. I've heard of Clan Head Gu's reputation long ago. However, now is not the time for such discussions. Let's focus on how to deal with the Hun Clan."

After a few more exchanges, hearty laughter from outside suddenly reached their ears. Then, two groups of people walked in.

"Ha ha, what an outstanding young talent from the Xiao Clan! The young ones from our Three Clans are far inferior to you. Even the old me can't see through you. It made the old me a bit itchy to test your skills."

'Clan Head of the Lei Clan?'

'This old fellow, he really doesn't care about the occasion...'

Xiao Ming turned his gaze to the source of the voice and found that it was coming from the man on the left who resembled a metal tower.

Given that the man's strength was at the eight-star Dou Saint stage, he would only need a move or two at his current level.

Just as he was about to decline, the Yan Clan's head, Yan Jin, who stood next to Lei Ying with fiery red eyebrows, spoke up on his behalf.

"Let's first talk about the situation with the Hun Clan and our battle strategy. Then it won't be too late to discuss sparring once the discussion is over."

"Ha ha, fair enough." Lei Ying laughed.

Xiao Ming nodded without changing his expression, but in his heart, he muttered to himself.

'It seems that these old folks from the Ancient Clans want to probe my exact strength.'

It made sense; when facing the Hun Clan together, it would be impractical not to know the exact strength of one's teammates. However, Xiao Ming had no intention of being the one to lead the charge in battles. He simply wanted to be the fisherman.

He had long been dissatisfied with the chaotic state of the Dou Qi continent. During his time in charge of the Heavenly Court, he had witnessed countless wicked and degenerate figures who had no regard for human life.

Some of these people were still living carefree and happy lives.

He had a vision in mind: to let the Heavenly Court completely control the Dou Qi continent, maintain order, and for those who caused trouble, send them on a reincarnating journey.

In fact, the Heavenly Court, which now spanned all five regions, had already begun to take shape with the outlines of this plan.

All that was needed was to (physically) persuade others who had not joined the Heavenly Court to accept its jurisdiction.

The Ancient Clans had been detached from worldly affairs for far too long, and if they joined, there might be too many hidden agendas. Therefore, it wouldn't hurt to weaken some of their strength.

Of course, Xiao Ming wasn't a malicious person either; he wouldn't let their clans be wiped out.

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//We are now approaching the final chapters of this volume, which will mark the culmination of the original BTTH storyline.

These final chapters are now all available on my P(a)treon! There, a so-called Tian Xuan Continent will soon be introduced...

Furthermore, now that I have finished the rewrites of these final chapters, I will finally be able to start work on the new fanfic project!

If you have enjoyed this journey and appreciated my work so far, consider subscribing to my P(a)treon. Nevertheless, any form of support is always deeply appreciated!