154: Secrets of the Buddhist Canon, the First Union of Flames and Thunder

Clan Chief Gu Yuan's words were like thunder, exploding in Li Ao's heart. The Hun Clan was going to target the Xiao Family's last Bloodline, with their objective being the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade in Xiao Yan's possession! This was a crucial part of the Hun Clan's plan, and they would never allow any accidents to happen.

"Is the news reliable? Where is Xiao Yan now?" Li Ao immediately asked, his tone grave.

Elder Tong Xuan said in a deep voice, "The news comes from a hidden piece we planted on the Hun Clan's periphery. It was sent out at a great cost, so its credibility is extremely high. Young Friend Xiao Yan should be in Starfall Pavilion now, protected by Wind Venerable. He should be fine for the short term. However, the Hun Clan's methods are mysterious and unpredictable, impossible to guard against. We must make plans early."

Gu Yuan sat at the head, his gaze profound: "Since the Hun Clan has set its target, they will not give up easily. Starfall Pavilion alone may find it difficult to resist the Hun Clan's elites. Our Gu Clan cannot directly interfere in the continent's power struggles, lest we alert the enemy and trigger a full-scale war. But providing covert support and ensuring Xiao Yan's safety is our bounden duty."

He looked at Li Ao: "Young Friend Li, you have a past connection with Xiao Yan, and you are both core members of our Alliance. This matter may require you to step forward to coordinate. On one hand, remind Xiao Yan to strengthen his defenses. On the other hand, you can also use this opportunity to try and contact other potential allies."

Li Ao instantly understood Gu Yuan's meaning. This was asking him to intervene in a personal capacity, to more closely bind Starfall Pavilion and its associated forces to the chariot of resisting the Hun Clan. At the same time, this was also an excellent opportunity to contact other Ancient Eight Clans.

"Junior understands," Li Ao said solemnly, "I will depart immediately for Starfall Pavilion. However, before leaving, Junior seems to have discovered some interesting things in your clan's Scripture Pavilion, which might be helpful for uniting other clans."

"Oh?" A hint of interest flashed in Gu Yuan's eyes, "What have you discovered?"

Li Ao organized his thoughts and slowly said, "While Junior was reviewing some Incomplete Manuals about ancient wars and the strange fire ranking list, I discovered a subtle mention that the Yan Clan seems to have been secretly searching for the 'Eight Desolations Destruction Flame,' ranked sixth on the strange fire ranking list. This flame is closely related to a secret technique passed down within their clan. If found, it could greatly increase their strength."

He paused, then continued, "And the Lei Clan seems to highly value a lost Legacy land left by their ancestor, 'Thunder Emperor,' called 'Nine Profound Golden Thunder Valley,' and has been exploring its entrance. Junior... happens to have some vague senses regarding the clues to these two locations."

These words were half-truths. His deductions about the Yan Clan's and Lei Clan's needs were based on his memories from the original novel combined with some clues he saw in the Gu Clan's Scripture Pavilion. As for the so-called "vague senses," that was naturally his "prescient" advantage as a Transmigration.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yuan and Elder Tong Xuan's eyes both burst forth with brilliant light! The Yan Clan and the Lei Clan, both among the Ancient Eight Clans, possessed immense power. If they could be drawn into the Alliance, the chances of defeating the Hun Clan would greatly increase! And the two pieces of information Li Ao provided were undoubtedly powerful stepping stones!

"Eight Desolations Destruction Flame... Nine Profound Golden Thunder Valley..." Gu Yuan murmured to himself, his gaze at Li Ao growing even more profound, "Young Friend Li, the surprises you bring are truly endless."

He pondered for a moment, then decisively said, "Good! In that case, I will leave this matter entirely in your hands. Tong Xuan, take my command token, allocate a batch of resources, and select a few astute clansmen to secretly cooperate with Young Friend Li's actions. You must ensure Young Friend Li's safety, and at the same time, do your best to facilitate the Alliance with the Yan and Lei Clans!"

"Yes, Clan Chief!" Elder Tong Xuan bowed in acknowledgment.

With the Gu Clan's clear support and resource cooperation, Li Ao felt much more at ease. He no longer delayed. After a brief explanation to Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian, he, accompanied by two elite Disciples of the Gu Clan arranged by Elder Tong Xuan (one named Gu Zhen, a Seven-Star Dou Zong; the other named Gu Hua, an Eight-Star Dou Zong), quietly left the Ancient World and sped towards Starfall Pavilion.

This journey was not only to warn Xiao Yan but also to leverage this opportunity to bring the Yan Clan and the Lei Clan, these two powerful forces, into the camp against the Hun Clan!

A few days later, Starfall Pavilion.

Currently, Starfall Pavilion's prestige had greatly increased after Xiao Yan's return and his subjugation of the Three Thousand Burning Flame. It had clearly become a formidable force in the Central Plains that could not be ignored. The Disciples within the pavilion were full of vigor, presenting a magnificent sight.

When Li Ao and his two companions met Xiao Yan through a special channel, he was discussing matters with Wind Venerable and Yao Lao (whose Soul body had become even more solidified). Seeing Li Ao's sudden visit, Xiao Yan was both surprised and delighted.

"Brother Li! How did you come?" Xiao Yan stepped forward to greet him, sensing the profound aura on Li Ao, which had already reached the Dou Zun level and was as deep as the sea. A trace of shock and admiration flashed in his eyes, "Congratulations, Brother Li, on advancing to Dou Zun!"

Wind Venerable and Yao Lao also looked at Li Ao, their eyes filled with astonishment. They could sense that Li Ao had not only achieved a Breakthrough to Dou Zun, but his true strength and foundation were far more terrifying than that of an ordinary One-Star Dou Zun.

"Brother Xiao, Wind Venerable, Senior Yao Lao." Li Ao cupped his hands in greeting, but his expression showed no hint of polite small talk. He immediately cut to the chase, "I have come this time for an urgent matter. The Hun Clan has set its sights on the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade in your possession, and they will likely take action soon!"

"What?!" Xiao Yan's Face instantly changed. Wind Venerable and Yao Lao also looked grim. Although they had long been prepared, hearing that the Hun Clan was so explicitly targeting the ancient jade still made them feel immense pressure.

Li Ao meticulously recounted the intelligence obtained by the Gu Clan and his own analysis.

"As expected, it still came..." Yao Lao's ethereal Face was filled with solemnity, "The Hun Clan is determined to get the ancient jade. This time, their move will certainly be swift and decisive."

A sharp glint flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes: "If they want the ancient jade, we'll see if they have the ability to take it!"

Li Ao said in a deep voice, "Brother Xiao must not be careless. The Hun Clan has profound foundations and mysterious methods. Starfall Pavilion alone cannot contend against them. I came this time, firstly, to warn you, and secondly, to represent the Gu Clan, and myself personally, in hopes of establishing a closer Alliance with Starfall Pavilion to jointly Face the Hun Clan's calamity."

He paused, then revealed his true objective: "Furthermore, I would like to ask Brother Xiao for assistance in trying to contact the Yan Clan and the Lei Clan."

"The Yan Clan? The Lei Clan?" Xiao Yan was startled, "Does Brother Li have a way?"

Li Ao nodded, selectively informing Xiao Yan and Yao Lao about the clues regarding the Eight Desolations Destruction Flame and the Nine Profound Golden Thunder Valley. Of course, he still attributed it to his special "Soul perception."

Upon hearing that Li Ao actually possessed key information that the Yan Clan and Lei Clan yearned for, Xiao Yan and Yao Lao were once again shocked. They discovered that the secrets and energy within this young man were simply unfathomable!

Yao Lao pondered, "If we can indeed provide these two clues as bargaining chips, coupled with the Gu Clan's Face, it might not be impossible to persuade the Yan Clan and Lei Clan to form an Alliance. I had a few encounters with Yan Clan Chief Huo Yao and Lei Clan Chief Lei Ying during my travels on the continent back then, so I could try to contact them."

With Yao Lao's connection, things became much easier.

Without further delay, everyone immediately took action. Yao Lao sent secret letters to the Yan Clan and Lei Clan through special channels. The letters subtly mentioned the clues about the Eight Desolations Destruction Flame and the Nine Profound Golden Thunder Valley, and expressed the Gu Clan's and Starfall Pavilion's desire to form an Alliance to jointly resist the Hun Clan.

After the letters were sent, there was a long wait. Starfall Pavilion also entered a state of highest-level alert.

Li Ao temporarily remained in Starfall Pavilion. On one hand, he exchanged Cultivate insights with Xiao Yan, mutually verifying and refining their strengths; on the other hand, he also assisted Xiao Yan in setting up defenses to cope with possible upcoming attacks.

During this period, Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian also arrived at Starfall Pavilion through the Gu Clan's channels to meet with Li Ao. The gathering of the three beautiful women in Starfall Pavilion became a beautiful sight within the pavilion, attracting countless Disciples' secret admiration and curiosity.

Days passed. The Central Plains continent appeared calm on the surface, but beneath, undercurrents surged due to the Hun Clan's movements.

About half a month later, two distinct yet equally vast and powerful auras descended upon Starfall Pavilion almost simultaneously!

One was scorching like fire, as if it could incinerate the Eight Desolations!

The other was violent like thunder, as if it could tear apart the firmament!

The envoys from the Yan Clan and the Lei Clan had arrived!

Li Ao and Xiao Yan exchanged glances, both seeing solemnity and a hint of anticipation in each other's eyes.

Whether they could persuade these two great Ancient Eight Clans would directly determine the strength and confidence of the future Alliance against the Hun Clan!

A negotiation concerning the fate of the continent was about to unfold within this small Starfall Pavilion.