275: Gu Yuan invited

Above the desolate mountain range at the exit of the Heavenly Tomb.

The massive gray stone gate reappeared, runes flowing, slowly opening. Figures with powerful auras and restrained brilliance flew out from within, precisely the Prodigies from various clans who had entered the Heavenly Tomb for training this time.

Elder Gushan and others, who had been waiting there, immediately went to meet them, their gazes filled with scrutiny and anticipation.

However, when their senses fell upon the first few figures to emerge, even the well-informed Ancient Clan Elders couldn't help but reveal an undisguised look of shock on their faces.

Li Ao, who led the group, still wore his green robe, but his entire being seemed to have undergone a complete transformation. He merely stood there, not deliberately exuding pressure, yet the surrounding air subtly twisted, and the light around him dimmed, as if even space had to submit and collapse to him. As his profound eyes opened and closed, his left eye was like Chaos, seemingly capable of devouring stars, while his right eye was as pure as if it could purify all things. An occasional wisp of True Meaning of Annihilation that flowed through them made even a Half-Saint expert like Gushan feel a tremor in his Soul.

Two-Star Dou Sheng!

And it was definitely not as simple as merely entering the Two-Star Realm! The profoundness and density of his aura were like that of an old monster who had Cultivated for hundreds of years! What shocked Gushan even more was that Li Ao's Physical Body... actually exuded a flawless Perfection, an aura of invulnerability to all techniques—a characteristic rumored to only appear upon a Physical Body becoming a Saint!

"This... how is this possible?!" A monstrous wave surged in Gushan's Heart-Nature. Before entering the Heavenly Tomb, although Li Ao was strong, he was only a One-Star Dou Sheng Middle Stage, and his Physical Body, though powerful, had not reached the Saint Realm. In just three months, could such an earth-shattering change have occurred? What kind of Heaven-Defying Opportunity did he obtain in the Heavenly Tomb?

Gu Xun'er, who followed closely behind, had a harmonious aura around her, with a faint, unique Dou Sheng pressure appearing and disappearing. Her exquisite face was even more ethereal and majestic.

One-Star Dou Sheng! The Young Miss has also made a Breakthrough! Elder Gushan was both surprised and delighted.

Looking at Xiao Yan, this outsider youth who was only a Five-Star Dou Zun before entering and still needed to be tested, his aura was now vast and powerful, having reached the Peak Dou Zun Realm! Moreover, the faint fluctuations of multiple different flames Fusing within him were fiery and domineering, making one dare not underestimate him. Clearly, he also had enormous gains in the Heavenly Tomb.

Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian's auras also improved, though they did not achieve a major Realm Breakthrough, they were clearly more unfathomable.

In contrast, the Geniuses from other Ancient Clans and their affiliated sects, while also showing progress, undoubtedly paled in comparison to these five individuals, especially Li Ao. Gu Yao, in particular, was at the Peak of Nine-Revolving Dou Zun before entering the Heavenly Tomb and remained there now. Although he had made some progress, he failed to take that crucial step. He looked at Xiao Yan, whose aura had completely left him behind, and Li Ao, who was like a deity descended into the world, his face turning pale before settling into deep frustration and complexity.

"Congratulations, Hall Master Li Ao, and congratulations, Young Miss! Your great advancements in Cultivation are truly a blessing for our Ancient Clan!" Elder Gushan suppressed the shock in his Heart-Nature, stepped forward first, and congratulated them with a beaming smile. The stronger Li Ao's strength, the better it was for the Ancient Clan.

"Thank you for waiting, Elder Gushan." Li Ao nodded slightly, his tone calm, yet naturally carrying a captivating majesty.

"Hall Master Li Ao, you're too kind." Gushan's attitude became even more respectful. "The Clan Chief has commanded that if the Hall Master emerges, he is to be invited to the Ancient Hall for a discussion."

The Ancient Clan Chief, Gu Yuan? That Nine-Star Dou Sheng Late Stage expert who stood at the Peak of the continent?

Li Ao's eyes flickered, and he nodded: "Since Clan Chief Gu Yuan extends the invitation, I shall certainly pay a visit."

He wasn't surprised. The commotion he caused in the Heavenly Tomb this time, and his inability to completely conceal his Cultivation after coming out, would undoubtedly attract the attention of the Ancient Clan's highest echelons. Gu Yuan's personal invitation was both an acknowledgment of his strength and an indication that their cooperation could enter a deeper stage of discussion.

"Senior Brother..." Xiao Yan looked at Li Ao.

"You all should return with Elder Gushan to rest first." Li Ao said to Xiao Yan, Medusa, and the others, "I'll be back shortly."

Medusa's cold eyes glanced at him, and she nodded slightly. Xiao Yi Xian also meekly agreed.

Gu Xun'er, however, bowed gracefully to Li Ao: "Hall Master Li, please follow Xun'er."

Clearly, she was personally leading the way.

Deep within the Ancient World, a plain yet infinitely ancient and majestic azure hall stood silently atop the sea of clouds. This was Gu Yuan Hall, the residence and meeting place of the Ancient Clan Chief, Gu Yuan.

The hall was spacious, with only a few people inside. At the head seat sat a middle-aged man dressed in simple hemp clothes with an ordinary face. He had no aura, like a Mortal without any Cultivation, but when he raised his gaze to look at Li Ao entering the hall, the depths of his calm eyes seemed to contain the infinite mysteries of the Universe's creation and destruction, and the rotation of galaxies.

Merely being observed by that gaze, Li Ao felt an invisible pressure envelop him. It wasn't intentional pressure, but a natural sensation caused by the immense gap in life levels and Cultivation Realms. This was the terror of a Nine-Star Dou Sheng Late Stage expert; even though he had achieved a Physical Body becoming a Saint and stepped into the Two-Star Realm, in front of such an existence, he could still clearly perceive his own insignificance.

However, Li Ao's Heart-Nature was exceptionally firm. The Guixu Great Dao operated on its own, subtly dissolving that invisible pressure into nothingness. He walked steadily, neither humble nor arrogant, to the center of the hall, cupped his hands, and saluted: "Junior Li Ao greets Clan Chief Gu Yuan."

A trace of imperceptible surprise flashed in Gu Yuan's eyes. Although he hadn't deliberately exerted pressure, given his Realm, it was already difficult for an ordinary low-star Dou Sheng to remain standing before him, let alone be so composed. This young man's firm Heart-Nature and profound Foundation were indeed extraordinary.

"Young friend Li Ao, there's no need for such formality." Gu Yuan's voice was gentle, yet carried a power that directly touched one's Heart-Nature. "Please sit."

Li Ao sat on a cushion nearby. Gu Xun'er stood obediently a little behind Gu Yuan.

"Young friend's journey to the Heavenly Tomb this time has brought extraordinary Opportunities." Gu Yuan went straight to the point, his gaze seemingly able to see through Li Ao. "In three months, you've crossed several ranks, achieved a Physical Body becoming a Saint, moreover, you wield the Purification Lotus Demon Flame, and Cultivate the Great Dao... Such achievements are rare even in our Ancient Clan's ten-thousand-year records, like a Phoenix feather or a Qilin horn."

"Clan Chief overpraises me, it was merely luck." Li Ao humbly replied.

"Luck alone cannot lead to this point." Gu Yuan shook his head, his tone turning solemn. "Xun'er has told me everything about you, and your entanglement with the Hall of Souls and the Hun Clan. You established the Ruins Hall, openly confronting the Hall of Souls, and not long ago, you annihilated five of their Saints in one fell swoop. Such courage and strength are truly admirable."

Li Ao listened quietly, knowing that the main point was coming.

"The Hall of Souls is merely the Hun Clan's public pawns." Gu Yuan's voice deepened slightly. "The Hun Clan has grand ambitions, and their goal is far from merely dominating the Central Plains. In recent years, their clandestine activities have become increasingly frequent. The matters of the Ling Clan and the Shi Clan are likely related to them. The ten-thousand-year balance maintained by the Ancient Eight Clans is being broken."

He looked at Li Ao, his gaze like a torch: "Young friend is already at odds with the Hun Clan. What are your thoughts on the current situation on the continent?"

Li Ao pondered for a moment, then slowly said: "The Hun Clan is powerful and acts with cunning and ruthlessness. Relying on a single force alone may be difficult to contend with. Junior established the Ruins Hall precisely because I deeply understand this principle, wishing to unite all forces that can be united. The Ancient Eight Clans, with their profound heritage, are the mainstays in resisting the Hun Clan. Especially the Ancient Clan, with its long Legacy, and the Clan Chief being a Peak expert of this era, if you can lead the Alliance of various clans to jointly resist the Hun Clan, that would be the Righteous Path."

His words not only stated his position but also highlighted the Ancient Clan's status and responsibility, while implicitly expressing his desire for the Ancient Clan to step forward and lead the Alliance.

Gu Yuan heard this and showed a satisfied expression. This young man was not only exceptionally talented and strong, but also very insightful, knowing how to assess the situation, and, even more remarkably, possessed a broader perspective.

"Uniting the various clans, how can it be easy?" Gu Yuan sighed softly. "Each clan has its own schemes, with ten thousand years of Legacy and intertwined grievances. It's no easy feat to make them set aside their prejudices and join forces. Moreover, the Hun Clan is deeply hidden, and their true strength remains shrouded in mystery."

He changed the subject, looking at Li Ao: "However, young friend's appearance might be an Opportunity. You are not one of the Eight Clans, have no old grudges with them, and your strength is enough to earn respect. What's more, you have a close relationship with the Medicine Clan, have had contact with the Yan Clan, and now have connections with our Ancient Clan."

Li Ao understood. Gu Yuan was hinting that he hoped Li Ao could become a bridge, or a key node to connect various forces.

"If the Clan Chief has any instructions, Junior will do everything within his power without hesitation." Li Ao stated his position. Resisting the Hun Clan was one of his goals, and cooperating with the Ancient Clan had only benefits and no drawbacks.

"Good!" Gu Yuan clapped his hands and smiled. "With young friend's words, I am relieved. Resisting the Hun Clan is not a task for a single day; we need to plan carefully. For now, there is one matter that might require young friend's assistance."

"Clan Chief, please speak."

"The Heavenly Tomb journey has concluded. According to custom, our Ancient Clan will host a grand exchange event for the younger generation. Not only will the clan's elites participate, but we will also invite some closely related affiliated forces and even other Geniuses from the Central Plains." Gu Yuan said, "This grand event is of extraordinary significance. It serves not only as a platform for the younger generation to spar and hone their skills but also to show the outside world that our Ancient Clan has successors, thereby deterring minor troublemakers. The Hun Clan has been restless lately, and they might secretly spy on, or even... disrupt this event."

He looked at Li Ao meaningfully: "Young friend's strength is extraordinary, and you are not of our Ancient Clan. If you can appropriately display your prowess at the event, it can both inspire the younger generation within the clan and make certain lurking observers think twice."

Li Ao instantly understood Gu Yuan's meaning. This was to have him act as a "touchstone," or even a "banner," at this Ancient Clan event, both to test the quality of the Ancient Clan's younger generation and to demonstrate the existence of powerful external allies who are on good terms with the Ancient Clan, thereby stabilizing morale and deterring potential enemies (especially the Hun Clan).

Within this, there might also be an intention to use him to further temper, or even discipline, some arrogant young people within the clan, such as Gu Yao.

"Junior understands." Li Ao nodded in agreement. "At that time, Junior will certainly do his best."

"Excellent." Gu Yuan's smile grew wider, appreciating Li Ao's perceptiveness and sense of responsibility. "The grand event will be held in half a month. During this time, young friend can rest well in our Ancient World. If you have any needs, feel free to speak. Xun'er, you must represent your teacher and properly entertain young friend Li Ao."

"Yes, Father." Gu Xun'er softly replied, her beautiful eyes looking at Li Ao, her gaze flowing.

After conversing with Gu Yuan for a while longer, learning some details about the event and the Ancient Clan's understanding of the Hun Clan's recent movements, Li Ao stood up to take his leave.

Walking out of Gu Yuan Hall, Gu Xun'er accompanied him.

"Hall Master Li, I hope you don't mind Father's words." Gu Xun'er said softly, "At this grand event, some people might deliberately challenge you, especially... Brother Gu Yao's side."

Li Ao smiled calmly: "It's fine. Sparring and exchange are good things in themselves."

He could take this Opportunity to see the true standard of the Ancient Clan's younger generation and also test Xiao Yan's current combat strength.

Gu Xun'er looked at Li Ao's calm and confident profile, sighing slightly in her Heart-Nature. She knew that the grand event in half a month would likely cause unprecedented waves due to his arrival.

What Li Ao was thinking, however, was far more profound. Gu Yuan's attitude today had clearly signaled the Ancient Clan's willingness to cooperate deeply with him. Next, it would be about how to use this grand event to further solidify his relationship with the Ancient Clan, and at the same time, begin to plan how to gradually draw the Medicine Clan, the Yan Clan, and even other potential forces into the Alliance against the Hun Clan.

The Hun Clan... he probably didn't have much time left.