Gu Clan's Shock!
"The God Seal Technique… This is the complete version of the God Seal Technique!"
Startled by Gu Yuan's sudden outburst, all the people present froze for a moment before jumping out of their seats and gathered around the Clan Leader. When they read the scroll thoroughly and confirmed that it was indeed the complete version of the God Seal Technique, their expression changed into one of bewilderment and confusion.
The God Seal Technique was something unique to Gu Clan. Due to its terrifying power, countless disciples longed and yearned to learn this high-grade Earth-class Dou Technique. However, as the tradition dictated only the clan leader's descendants or those with extraordinary talent were allowed to practice it. Even the elders present did not have the privilege to train in it, which is why they felt so incredulous upon seeing the complete version of the God Seal Technique.
"Clan Leader, according to tradition, shouldn't the complete version of the God Seal Technique be in your possession? But this is…"
Gu Nanhai couldn't help but ask.
"I don't understand it either," Gu Yuan replied with a stern expression. "Why has the God Seal Technique appeared here... and why, when the Gu Clan only has one copy, did it turn up at the Heaven Ascending Pavilion auction?"
Instinctively, Gu Yuan turned his right hand, taking out the original God Seal Technique. Comparing the two, he found that the version auctioned at the Heaven Ascending Pavilion contained a hint of Dou God aura. If practiced, this Dou God aura could flow into the body, enhancing one's Dou Qi!
"A marvelous thing, truly marvelous!" Elder Gu Nanhai stroked his small beard in surprise, remarking that this was the first time they had encountered a technique infused with a trace of Dou God aura.
It was indeed enviable.
Gu Yuan squinted, carefully putting away the two identical God Seal Techniques, and shifted his gaze to his daughter nearby.
"Xun'er, tell me, is this truly an item auctioned from the Heaven Ascending Pavilion?"
"Yes, Father," Gu Xun'er replied, her tone obedient despite her general dislike for the old folks in the clan. She always remained dutiful in front of her father.
Gu Qing Yang also stepped forward, bowing respectfully. However, upon noticing his current cultivation level, Gu Yuan's face changed noticeably, and he immediately scolded, "Your cultivation dropped to a one-star Dou Saint? What happened?!"
One must know the immense cost of cultivating a Dou Saint-level fighter. It required not only a vast amount of resources but also meticulous efforts to refine their physique. To see such a regression in cultivation was something hard for anyone to accept.
Gu Qing Yang recounted everything that had happened to the clan leader, and upon hearing it, Gu Yuan found himself increasingly intrigued by the Heaven Ascending Pavilion. Who would have thought that such an auction house existed in this world?
Not only had they auctioned off the Gu Clan's treasured God Seal Technique, but they had also injured the commander of the Black Submerge Army, Gu Qing Yang, even causing his cultivation to regress!
"Okay, okay, who would have thought that there would be people in this world bold enough to challenge our Gu Clan? Truly, they have no idea how high the heavens are!"
Gu Yuan's eyes were bloodshot with rage. If this matter were to spread, how could he ever show his face again? With a wave of his hand, he immediately issued an order, "Black Submerge Army, heed my command! March out and annihilate the Heaven Ascending Pavilion!"
Gu Qing Yang was startled by the clan leader's decision and hurriedly knelt on the ground, loudly pleading, "Clan Leader, don't be rash! The Heaven Ascending Pavilion's strength is unfathomable. They have countless Dou Venerable powerhouses, and Dou Saint experts are as common as clouds. Not to mention, with Pavilion Master Li Xiao, who can effortlessly slay a Dou Saint, we stand no chance!"
Gu Yuan looked at Gu Qing Yang, who was kneeling and begging, and felt his anger flare up even more. This man, who had suffered a setback in his cultivation, didn't even seem enraged—he appeared utterly timid. Could it be that Gu Qing Yang was just going to let the destruction of his cultivation go?
The Gu Clan elders exchanged glances and, after careful consideration, decided to stop the clan leader from attacking the Heaven Ascending Pavilion.
Gu Nanhai spoke sternly, "Clan Leader, didn't they mention an annual auction? In that case, let me go to the Heaven Ascending Pavilion in a year and see for myself. If it is true, as Xun'er says, that Pavilion Master Li Xiao can kill a Dou Saint with ease, then we cannot afford to provoke them, lest we bring disaster upon ourselves!"
Hearing this, the enraged Gu Yuan nodded. Being a shrewd strategist, he naturally understood how to handle this situation. If the other party truly possessed peak Dou Saint power, it would be unwise to provoke them.
The Heaven Ascending Pavilion's true strength was currently unknown, and the Gu Clan, being rooted in the Central Plain with no way to relocate, could not afford to act rashly. Any hasty action could lead to severe losses, or worse, indirectly offend Pavilion Master Li Xiao, potentially leading to the Gu Clan's demise—an outcome far from wise.
Gu Yuan said, "Very well, then I will rely on you to investigate. I want to see just who this opponent is!"
With that, Gu Yuan stormed out of the Gu Clan's great hall, taking the strange flame with him, leaving behind a few murmuring elders.
Gu Xun'er bit her enticing red lips. She knew her father's temperament—his anger was likely due to Uncle Gu Qing Yang's regression in cultivation. Once his anger subsided, he would be able to calmly consider the matter of the Heaven Ascending Pavilion.
"Esteemed elders, I must return to Canaan Academy. Please convey my farewells to my father. I will return in the future."
With that, Gu Xun'er turned and flew off into the distance, not waiting for the elders' approval. Now that she had broken through to the Dou Wang realm, she could naturally form Dou Qi wings.
Her golden wings appeared especially vibrant and colorful.
Ling Ying, her loyal protector, naturally followed closely behind, ensuring her safety.
"Miss, I fear the Clan Leader will not let this matter with the Heaven Ascending Pavilion rest," Ling Ying said, flying beside Gu Xun'er. He had heard the clan leader's furious words earlier, and if they indeed clashed with the Heaven Ascending Pavilion, it could spell disaster for the Gu Clan.
Gu Xun'er bit her lower lip gently and replied, "Don't worry, Old Ling. My father won't act against the Heaven Ascending Pavilion. And besides, Brother Li Xiao... he wouldn't harm the elders of the Gu Clan either."
"Is it really?" Ling Ying glanced at Gu Qing Yang on the ground below. Gu Qing Yang was the best example—if he hadn't begged for mercy in time, he would likely have met his demise.
Gu Xun'er responded, "I trust Brother Li Xiao. Enough talk, let's head back to Canaan Academy. Instructor Ruolin is still waiting for me."
As he watched her figure recede into the distance, Ling Ying felt a twinge of emotion. In the past, Miss Xun'er would often mention Young Master Xiao Yan. But ever since leaving the Heaven Ascending Pavilion, Xiao Yan's name had seldom passed her lips.
Could it be that she had a change of heart?
The two figures streaked through the night, vanishing from the Gu Clan's territory…
As they departed, Gu Qing Yang sighed and approached the spot where the clan leader had stood. There, he sketched a portrait of Pavilion Master Li Xiao and relayed the news that the Xiao Clan's Tuo She Ancient God's Jade had gone missing.