rise of Gu xiao

The city of Wu Tan was abuzz with rumors. Gu Xiao, a direct descendant of the legendary Gu Clan, had been sent to the Xiao Clan at the behest of his family. It was rare for someone of his status to be sent to a small clan in a minor city, but those who knew of Gu Xiao's situation whispered that he had fallen from grace within the prestigious Gu Clan.

Standing alone atop a mountain overlooking the Xiao Clan's training grounds, Gu Xiao clenched his fists. His Dou Qi, once vibrant and powerful, had stagnated. For three years, his cultivation had regressed, falling from Dou Shi to a mere Dou Zhe. It was a fate worse than death for someone of his lineage.

"I will reclaim what I've lost," Gu Xiao muttered under his breath, his eyes dark and resolute. The Gu Clan's expectations weighed heavily on him, but it was his personal shame that burned hotter.

A soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "Gu Xiao."

He turned to see Xiao Xun'er, a girl of unparalleled beauty who had grown up within the Xiao Clan. Unknown to many, she was also a member of the ancient Gu Clan. While others viewed her as a silent, mysterious presence, Gu Xiao saw her as a reminder of everything he had lost.

"Xun'er," Gu Xiao greeted, his voice neutral. She was one of the few who knew the truth about his past, and he appreciated her silence on the matter.

Xun'er's golden eyes, filled with concern, met his. "You still haven't recovered your Dou Qi?"

"No," he said flatly, turning away. "But I will."

Xun'er remained quiet for a moment, watching him. "The Gu Clan still believes in you. You don't need to carry this burden alone."

Gu Xiao shook his head, frustration seeping into his voice. "This is my fight. I'll handle it."

---

That night, Gu Xiao sat cross-legged in his room, his breathing steady as he tried to cultivate. The energy around him remained dormant, refusing to move as it should. His mind raced, replaying every mistake, every failure, until the door to his room creaked open.

An elderly figure stepped inside—Yao Lao.

The mysterious old man, who had been lurking around the Xiao Clan for some time, gave Gu Xiao a critical look. "Your flame is flickering, boy. But it hasn't been snuffed out yet."

Gu Xiao opened his eyes, meeting Yao Lao's piercing gaze. "Who are you?"

"I am someone who knows the weight of losing everything," Yao Lao said, sitting down with a casual grace. "And I'm here to help you regain what's yours."

Skeptical but intrigued, Gu Xiao raised an eyebrow. "Why would you help me?"

"Because you remind me of someone," Yao Lao said cryptically. "And because I sense great potential within you. But potential means nothing without the proper guidance."

The room fell silent for a moment as Gu Xiao considered Yao Lao's words. His pride told him to refuse, to handle things on his own, but deep down, he knew that without help, he would continue to stagnate.

"What do you want in return?" Gu Xiao asked, his voice cautious.

Yao Lao smiled, a gleam in his eye. "Nothing more than to see you rise to your rightful place. And perhaps, along the way, you can help me recover something I lost."

---

Under Yao Lao's tutelage, Gu Xiao's cultivation slowly began to improve. The mysterious Dou Technique Yao Lao taught him allowed him to tap into the latent energy within his body, reigniting the flame of his Dou Qi. Day after day, Gu Xiao trained with a renewed sense of purpose, his strength growing with each passing moment.

But it wasn't long before trouble found him.

On the day of the annual clan competition, Gu Xiao stood at the edge of the arena, watching as the younger members of the Xiao Clan prepared to demonstrate their abilities. His eyes were cold, distant. He had no interest in petty competitions, but Yao Lao's voice echoed in his mind.

"Show them what you're capable of. Let the world know that Gu Xiao is not to be underestimated."

When Gu Xiao's name was called, murmurs rippled through the crowd. He was an outsider, an enigma, and many doubted his ability to compete after hearing rumors of his stagnation.

Stepping into the ring, Gu Xiao faced Xiao Yan, the rising star of the Xiao Clan. The younger boy had grown in leaps and bounds, and his reputation as a prodigy was well-earned.

"You've been training hard," Xiao Yan said, his voice respectful but determined.

"I have no intention of losing," Gu Xiao replied, his voice calm yet filled with an undercurrent of intensity.

The match began in a flash. Xiao Yan moved with incredible speed, his Dou Qi swirling around him like a storm. But Gu Xiao was no longer the weakened cultivator he had been. With a wave of his hand, he unleashed a technique Yao Lao had taught him—the Shadow Flame Palm.

Black flames erupted from his palm, clashing with Xiao Yan's Dou Qi. The two forces collided with a thunderous explosion, sending shockwaves through the arena. The crowd watched in awe as the two fighters exchanged blows, their skills evenly matched.

But Gu Xiao was not finished.

As Xiao Yan prepared to launch another attack, Gu Xiao's eyes narrowed. His Dou Qi surged, and in an instant, he activated a technique unique to the Gu Clan—the Void Step. His body blurred, disappearing from sight, only to reappear behind Xiao Yan.

Before Xiao Yan could react, Gu Xiao's hand struck, his palm glowing with black flames. The impact sent Xiao Yan flying, crashing into the arena floor.

Silence fell over the crowd.

Gu Xiao stood tall, his Dou Qi flickering around him like a flame reborn. He had proven his strength, not just to the Xiao Clan, but to himself.

---

Later that night, Gu Xiao sat in quiet meditation, the weight of the day's events settling over him. He had reclaimed a part of his honor, but he knew this was only the beginning. With Yao Lao's guidance and the strength of his Gu Clan heritage, he would continue to rise, overcoming the challenges that lay ahead.

And one day, the world would know the name Gu Xiao.

End

---