Chapter 163: Gu Dao's Second Visit to the Soul Clan
Gu Yuan realized with a sense of regret that Hun Tiandi's Emperor Realm soul was most likely achieved through a breakthrough within the Celestial Tomb.
It turned out that there were opportunities within the Celestial Tomb to reach the Emperor Realm with one's soul.
If Gu Yuan's guess was correct, these opportunities would likely involve the energy entities within the Celestial Tomb and the Spirit of the Celestial Tomb, evident from the seemingly empty tomb.
And all this time, the Celestial Tomb had been kept within the Gu Clan.
There was once a chance for his soul power to reach the Emperor Realm, but he missed it and gave that opportunity to Hun Tiandi. He couldn't help but feel regretful.
If his own soul power had reached the Emperor Realm, would it matter even if Hun Tiandi reached the Half Step-Dou Di level? He would have the power to fight as well.
But not now. Hun Tiandi's strength had not only reached the Half-Step Dou Di level, but more importantly, his soul power had reached the Emperor Realm.
The disparity between them had become increasingly evident. What could Gu Yuan use to compete with Hun Tiandi? He felt unworthy.
There was a time when he and Hun Tiandi stood on the same level, but now Hun Tiandi had left him far behind. In some time, Gu Yuan might no longer be able to catch a glimpse of Hun Tiandi's figure.
"What?"
After Gu Yuan's voice fell, Gu Ling, Gu Dao, and Gu Xiu couldn't help but be astonished. Combining Emperor Realm soul power with Half-Step Dou Di-level strength—Hun Tiandi's power was indeed formidable.
With the Soul Clan's heritage and possession of the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade, which was now in Hun Tiandi's hands, it was practically certain that Hun Tiandi would break through to the Dou Di level.
For the Gu Clan to choose to oppose the Soul Clan was clearly an unwise decision!
It must be said that Gu Yuan, as the clan leader, had a much broader perspective than they did. Their vision was too limited. They had no choice but to acknowledge it.
The three of them exchanged glances, and they could all see the astonishment and realization in each other's eyes. They finally understood.
…
Three days later, there was still no movement from the Soul Clan. It seemed they had no intention of sending Gu Xun'er back.
Following Gu Yuan's instructions, Gu Dao came to the Soul Clan to inquire about the intentions of Hun Tiandi. Could it be that he was going back on his word?
As soon as Gu Dao entered the Soul Clan, he sensed Gu Xun'er's bloodline. He had visited the Soul Clan several times before, but he had never sensed Gu Xun'er's bloodline.
But this time was different; he could feel it. He couldn't help but stop and sense the direction, wondering, "Why can I sense Gu Xun'er's bloodline this time? Could it be that Gu Xun'er is free within the Soul Clan?"
Hun Tu looked at Gu Dao, curious. "Gu Dao, why did you stop?"
The direction that Gu Dao was looking at was clear to Hun Tu. Gu Dao must have sensed the whereabouts of Gu Xun'er, the daughter of Gu Yuan.
But so what?
Gu Xun'er was within the Soul Clan. Even if Gu Dao came, or even if Gu Yuan himself came, they couldn't take Gu Xun'er away without the permission of the Clan Leader, Hun Tiandi.
"It's... nothing," Gu Dao replied, shaking his head with a smile.
In his eyes, as long as Gu Xun'er was still alive, that was all that mattered. And today, he came to the Soul Clan for Gu Xun'er's sake. After all, this matter was personally addressed by Hun Tiandi.
Hun Tu said, "Gu Dao, since there's nothing, let's go to the main hall! The Clan Leader is waiting."
"Okay," Gu Dao nodded slightly, his gaze once again shifting in a certain direction. Then, he followed Hun Tu towards the main hall of the Soul Clan.
...
In the main hall of the Soul Clan.
"Clan Leader Hun!" Gu Dao respectfully bowed.
The Soul Clan had undergone significant changes, and the current Hun Tiandi's strength had reached the Half-Step Dou Di level and the Emperor Realm in soul power. He also possessed the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade, the key to Dou Di.
It could be said that Hun Tiandi is very closer to becoming a Dou Di. Gu Dao had no reason to offend him.
Moreover, the entire Gu Clan had the intention to submit to the Soul Clan. There was no need for Gu Dao to act recklessly in front of Hun Tiandi.
"Gu Yuan sent you, didn't he?" Hun Tiandi looked at Gu Dao, having already guessed the reason for his arrival.
"Yes," Gu Dao nodded slightly and said, "Our clan leader asked me to inquire when the Soul Clan will allow our young miss to return. If the Soul Clan doesn't provide strong escorts, our clan can send someone to pick her up."
"Young miss?" It naturally referred to Gu Xun'er.
Hun Tiandi shook his head and said, "I did promise to release Gu Xun'er, but I didn't say when. Currently, she is too weak. Once she breaks through to the Dou Sheng level within the Soul Clan, I will let her go back."
By the time Gu Xun'er reached the Dou Sheng level, Hun Tiandi was confident that he could completely take her down.
He has no fear of Gu Xun'er seeking revenge. Once he had a firm grip on her, he could naturally allow her to return to the Gu Clan.
...
"This..." Gu Dao had speculated that Hun Tiandi might go back on his word, but he didn't expect him to actually do it, to break his promise.
When his speculation turned into reality, Gu Dao didn't feel any joy. What could he do now that Hun Tiandi had gone back on his word? There seemed to be no other option but to accept it.
With his current strength, it was impossible for Gu Dao to take Gu Xun'er away from the entire Soul Clan.
"Since it's the case, Clan Leader Hun, can you arrange for me to meet with the young miss?" Gu Dao asked.
"Since I can't take her away, at least allow me to see her."
"Of course, there's no problem with that. Gu Xun'er has always had freedom within the Soul Clan. If you want to see her, Hun Tu will take you to meet her," Hun Tiandi instructed Hun Tu.
"Yes!" Hun Tu nodded.
Gu Dao thanked Hun Tiandi and said, "Thank you, Clan Leader Hun. I appreciate Hun Tu's assistance."
Hun Tu replied, "Gu Dao, you're too polite. Please come this way."
"Thank you!"
...
In Gu Xun'er's courtyard-
Since her innocence was taken away, Gu Xun'er's treatment had improved by several levels. First, her courtyard was now as large as the entire Haotian Palace, and there were countless maidservants attending to her.
Even her Dou Di bloodline was no longer sealed, and any cultivation resources she desired could be brought to her with a simple request. This treatment both surprised and pleased Gu Xun'er.
Living in this dream-like state, she temporarily forgot about her identity as a prisoner and indulged in the luxury. The only regret was the absence of "Hun Xiu," the pervert beast.
Since taking away her innocence, he hadn't visited her, which left Gu Xun'er somewhat disappointed.
In the beginning, she was cautious and wary, but as the days went by without his arrival, she gradually let go of her worries and began to enjoy everything.
In her eyes, she deserved all of this. After all, the most precious things had been taken away from her, so why couldn't she indulge herself?
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