115: The journey to the Heavenly Tomb, the Soul Clan’s conspiracy!

Chapter 115: The Journey to the Heavenly Tomb, the Soul Clan's Scheme!

Chapter 115: The Journey to the Heavenly Tomb, the Soul Clan's Scheme!

"Now you know how terrifying Xun'er is, don't you?" The green-robed man on the towering tree said to the two men behind him.

The silver-robed man and the strong man exchanged glances, both seeing bitterness in each other's eyes. Although they had long suspected it, a Divine Grade Bloodline had not appeared in the Ancient Clan for a thousand years. Now that their suspicion had become reality, it was still somewhat unbelievable.

The golden light pillar shot straight into the sky, slowly dissipating after a long while and returning to Gu Xun Er's body. She opened her beautiful eyes, already expecting the silent environment around her. Her eyes calmly met the Elder's gaze.

"It truly is a Divine Grade Bloodline..." Elder Tong Xuan murmured to himself. After a moment, the joy he felt cooled down. His expression became solemn, and he bowed three times towards the void before taking out a dragon brush with seven-colored light flowing across its surface. As this brush appeared, everyone in the Ancient Clan showed reverence and respect.

Mang Tian Chi exhaled as he looked at the seven-colored dragon brush. The Seven-Colored Heavenly Emperor Brush had not been used by the Ancient Clan for a thousand years, and now it was finally going to be brought out!

"Xun'er..."

Elder Tong Xuan held the Seven-Colored Heavenly Emperor Brush in his hand. Gu Xun'er nodded slightly, then closed her beautiful eyes.

Seeing Gu Xun Er nod, Elder Tong Xuan dared not delay. An extremely terrifying aura erupted from within his body and was then infused into the Seven-Colored Heavenly Emperor Brush he held. His arm traced profound patterns. As the Heavenly Emperor Brush danced, an unformed Clan Emblem appeared on Gu Xun Er's forehead.

Ninth Grade and Divine Grade, seemingly only one grade apart, yet like the difference between heaven and earth.

As time passed, Elder Tong Xuan's expression became solemn, and fine beads of sweat trickled down his forehead.

This was because the consumption of the Seven-Colored Heavenly Emperor Brush was too great; even with his Dou Saint cultivation, he felt quite strained. If his strength were any lower, he would probably be sucked dry by this Ancient Clan treasure in an instant.

"No wonder the Seven-Colored Heavenly Emperor Brush hasn't been used for a thousand years."

Under everyone's gaze, the Heavenly Emperor Brush traced profound arcs on Gu Xun Er's smooth forehead.

"Phew, it's done."

Even with Elder Tong Xuan's strength, he wiped away a cold sweat. Gu Xun Er, on the other hand, suddenly opened her beautiful eyes.

Under the gaze of countless eyes, this nearly 10-minute process finally concluded.

The moment her beautiful eyes opened, the seven-colored Clan Emblem on Gu Xun Er's forehead once again burst forth with a seven-colored light.

"Thump!"

The Ancient Clan members knelt, looking at Gu Xun Er with fervent eyes. A sense of submission emerged from the depths of their souls, as if they were meeting their king.

"Hehe, the Seven-Colored Clan Emblem, after a thousand years, has finally reappeared in our Ancient Clan..."

A faint, fleeting voice echoed from the distant sky. Only those with astonishing hearing could detect it.

Elder Tong Xuan hadn't expected even that person to be alerted. He bowed towards a certain spot in the void.

Gu Xun'er retracted the glow into the seven-colored Clan Emblem on her forehead. Normally, the energy would not overflow unless actively summoned.

[Divine Grade Bloodline, this girl's talent is not bad, but she's still far behind me.]

Lu Chuan wrote in his diary, acknowledging Gu Xun Er's talent.

Gu Xun Er's talent was naturally far inferior to his. Even with the potential of a Nine-Star Dou Saint, Lu Chuan was already a Two-Star Dou Saint and could break through at any time if he wished.

He was also an Eighth-Grade Alchemist with Ninth Grade potential.

Compared to others in the Ancient Clan, Gu Xun Er's talent was exceptionally outstanding, second only to Lu Chuan. Even among the Eight Ancient Clans, she was an absolute prodigy!

...

"Let's go, there's nothing more to see!"

As the seven-colored light disappeared, on a towering tree in the distance, a green-robed man smiled slightly. He turned to leave.

Watching the mysterious green-robed man depart, Lu Chuan felt that the other party was even stronger than Gu Yao. The Ancient Clan truly had a multitude of powerful experts.

After the ceremony ended, Gu Xun'er informed Elder Tong Xuan and then, disregarding his reaction, ran towards Lu Chuan, meeting the gazes cast her way.

"Even with a Divine Grade Bloodline, it's not as good as this kid just picking up a Divine Grade Bloodline wife!" Seeing Gu Xun'er leave without hesitation, Elder Tong Xuan said with a wry smile.

In a certain Plaza, a black-robed man's eyes flickered with extreme coldness. He stared directly at Gu Xun'er's back. It seemed it was time to stop letting the Ancient Clan's prodigies continue to grow.

After all, a Divine Grade Bloodline meant potential far exceeding a Dou Saint. Gu Yuan, the Ancient Clan's Clan Leader, was the previous possessor of a Divine Grade Bloodline. Now, after a thousand years, he was already the Ancient Clan's Clan Leader, and his cultivation had reached the peak of Nine-Star Dou Saint, making him one of the top three strongest experts on the entire Dou Qi Continent.

It should be noted that the Eight Ancient Clans all possessed Dou Emperor bloodlines, and a Divine Grade Bloodline represented extremely high talent, equivalent to an Emperor's child. Even in ancient times, they would be highly sought after by various clans and recognized as the next generation's successor.

Not to mention this declining era where various clans were gradually fading, and Dou Emperors had not appeared for a long time.

Gu Xun'er's talent was enough to make the Hall of Souls wary. Once she matured, she would undoubtedly become another Gu Yuan, and he was a major threat to the Ancient Clan.

Looking across the entire Dou Qi Continent, no young prodigy possessed such a high concentration of bloodline as Gu Xun'er. This was true for the Eight Ancient Clans, and it was also true for their Hall of Souls.

"Find an opportunity. Perhaps in the Heavenly Tomb, we can make this prodigy fall," Hun Li said with icy, ruthless eyes.

"She's just a shooting star, fleeting in an instant. No matter how great the talent, if it doesn't mature, death just turns it into a handful of yellow earth!" Hun Ya's tone was sinister, his gaze like needles piercing Gu Xun'er's back.

The two looked like malevolent spirits!

"A month ago, I detected her tracks through the Soul Eye. Tomorrow will be a good time to act," Hun Ya instructed Hun Li. The two used a special communication method exclusive to the Hall of Souls, only mastered by high-ranking experts. Therefore, these words were only heard by the two of them.

...

"Young Master Lu Chuan, thank you for coming to watch my Ancient Clan's coming-of-age ceremony!"

Gu Xun'er's cheeks flushed with joy, her soft and delicate face tinged with a rosy glow. She seemed exceptionally happy.

In her opinion, her performance today was undoubtedly perfect, showcasing her graceful figure in front of the man she admired.

After all, a prodigy like her, with high talent, strong power, and beauty, was rare even among the Eight Ancient Clans. Looking across the entire Dou Qi Continent, with Gu Xun Er's current talent, she was highly sought after.

She believed it should be able to attract Lu Chuan's attention...

Gu Xun Er knew that Lu Chuan, despite appearing to be a playboy, had extremely high standards for those around him. Talent, cultivation, and appearance—these three were indispensable.

It could be said that those who accompanied Lu Chuan were all favored daughters of heaven, such as Nalan Yanran and Yun Yun. Both were Sect Masters, and even in the Gama Empire, they were among the top experts. At their age, they were renowned prodigies even in the Central Plains.

Even so, they still yearned for more...

Gu Xun'er felt a bit envious of Xiao Mei and Xiao Yu, the two girls who often accompanied Lu Chuan. She had also inquired about Huo Ling'er's identity; the other party was also the little princess of Burning Flame Valley.

And Burning Flame Valley was a prominent force even in the entire Northwest Continent.

"No need. Miss Gu should pay more attention. With your talent, entering the Heavenly Tomb, those of the Soul Clan will likely resort to foul play!" Lu Chuan reminded her.

In the original work, Hun Ya and Hun Li were indeed the ones who attacked Gu Xun'er in the Heavenly Tomb.

Under their combined efforts, even with Gu Xun'er's strength, she was nearly severely injured. However, this was understandable, as talent also needed time to be converted into strength.

Gu Xun'er, who had just awakened her Divine Grade Bloodline, still needed a truly long period to grow to her peak.

However, if she hadn't been protecting Xiao Yan at the time, she would have been able to retreat unscathed...

Now, facing Hun Ya and Hun Li alone, Gu Xun'er might not be able to severely injure them, but escaping would be possible.

Furthermore, having experienced the diary's rewards, Gu Xun'er might even be able to kill the Soul Clan members.

After all, a Divine Grade Bloodline's talent was not just powerful; it was easy to fight above one's level and achieve breakthroughs in battle.

It was like a small protagonist's halo...

The next day was the day the Heavenly Tomb opened.

The Heavenly Tomb was extremely mysterious, containing numerous energy imprints of ancient powerhouses.

Moreover, these imprints, through the passage of time, had transformed into their former appearances. By defeating them, one could obtain and absorb their energy imprints, thereby increasing one's strength.

Of course, most importantly, time flowed much slower inside the Heavenly Tomb than outside. Five days in the Heavenly Tomb was equivalent to only one day in the outside world.

"Thank you for the reminder, Young Master Lu!"

Hearing this, Gu Xun'er kept it in mind. She believed Lu Chuan's words to her; he would never harm her.

...

In the Ancient Clan's Main Hall, under a sky full of stars, it was still brightly lit. At the spacious conference table, white-haired figures sat, and the atmosphere was somewhat solemn and heavy...

"We are currently discussing matters of entering the Heavenly Tomb. As everyone knows, each of the Eight Ancient Clans holds two entry slots for the Heavenly Tomb. However, since the Spirit Clan has not sent anyone, their slots remain vacant. According to the rules, our Ancient Clan can obtain their slots, giving the Ancient Clan a total of four slots," Elder Tong Xuan said indifferently.

"But this time, our Ancient Clan needs to arrange for six people to enter the Heavenly Tomb. I think the Xiao Clan's slots should also be allocated to the Ancient Clan. After all, they have long since fallen into decline and lack the bloodline power to enter the Heavenly Tomb. They are no longer one of the Eight Ancient Clans," an Ancient Clan Elder said.

"The Xiao Clan has long declined. The slots in their hands are a waste. It's better to put them to good use and give them to our clan." Another Ancient Clan Elder nodded, as if a switch had been flipped. For a moment, a chorus of agreement resounded in the Ancient Clan's Main Hall.

"This matter is decided," Elder Tong Xuan said, looking around and making a final decision.

What they didn't know was that the Spirit Clan wasn't unwilling to send people; rather, they were currently preoccupied with other matters and couldn't spare anyone...

The next day, everyone waited early in the morning outside a mountain range.

Soon, the previously void space suddenly erupted with an earth-shattering roar.

Immediately, a spatial rift, a thousand zhang wide, spread directly across the sky. In the center of that spatial rift, a cluster of silver light gradually appeared, finally forming a hundred-zhang-wide spatial gate. The vast, ancient aura emanated from within it.

The rules for entering the Heavenly Tomb had always been this way: two slots for each Ancient Clan, a tradition that had continued to this day.

However, only the Ancient Clan, as the guardian of the Heavenly Tomb, received greater benefits. For instance, this time, because the Xiao Clan and Spirit Clan did not come, they had a total of six slots to enter the Heavenly Tomb. Such treatment made other clans somewhat envious.

The Xiao Clan didn't come because they had declined and no one possessed the bloodline power.

Many believed the Spirit Clan didn't come because they had given up this opportunity to enter the Heavenly Tomb, not caring much.

However, only Lu Chuan knew in advance that the Spirit Clan hadn't given up; they simply couldn't come.

At this moment, the Spirit Clan should be suffering a catastrophe of extermination, their entire clan besieged by the Soul Clan. Before long, all of them would be killed.

The entire Spirit Realm would be turned into nourishment and refined by the Soul Clan.

Soon, members of the various Ancient Clans entered the Heavenly Tomb.

Lu Chuan looked up and saw two prodigies from the Hall of Souls, completely shrouded in black robes, but with cold temperaments that immediately marked them as not good people.

Hun Ya cast a cold gaze at Gu Xun Er, like countless fine needles, venomous and ruthless.

Beside him, Hun Li stood indifferently. The two walked together, clearly having a pre-meditated plan, ready to seize an opportunity to kill Gu Xun Er when she was alone.

Thereby stifling the Ancient Clan's potential.

If it were other Ancient Clans, they might not stoop so low, but the Hall of Souls clearly had no scruples. They were already infamous on the Dou Qi Continent.

Even if they truly killed Gu Xun'er within the Ancient Realm, their Soul Clan would not fear the Ancient Clan.

However, Lu Chuan felt that the Soul Clan's chances of success this time were very small. With Gu Xun'er's strength, if she truly faced two Eight-Star Dou Venerates, it was hard to say who would win or lose.

"Interesting..." Looking at Lu Chuan, Hun Ya's eyes were exceptionally cold. Perhaps, when he came out, it would be time to deal with certain people.

The gaze of insects was truly annoying.

Inside the Heavenly Tomb, two black-robed figures arrived together, their toes lightly tapping the void. They landed not far from Gu Xun Er. The leader looked up, revealing a pale, fair face. It was none other than Hun Ya, the prodigy of the Soul Clan.

"Long time no see, Miss Xun'er."

His voice was full of malice, containing mockery, as if he had long anticipated Gu Xun'er's location.

"Soul Clan? Your audacity is truly great. Aren't you afraid of not being able to leave the Ancient Realm?" Gu Xun'er said coldly, her eyes icy.

"Hehe, what is there to fear about our Soul Clan from the Ancient Clan? If I kill you, the Clan Leader will naturally support me."

"I just wonder what kind of expression that old thing Gu Yuan will show when he learns his precious daughter died in this wilderness?" Hun Ya chuckled, his eyes sizing up Gu Xun'er with ill intent, his voice extremely sinister, like a venomous snake.

"You can try!" Gu Xun'er said faintly, golden flames flickering in her eyes.