Chapter 181: The Gu Clan Council

At the edge of the Heavenly Star Mountain Range.

Rip!

A spatial rift tore open in the sky. From within surged a streak of black flame and two figures, tumbling out in disarray. Their robes were tattered, stained with blood, and their auras were wild and chaotic.

"Go."

The black flame instantly dove into the body of one of the figures. That figure raised his hands, and with a powerful tug, tore open the space before him, stabilizing it to reveal a spatial tunnel.

Without hesitation, he vanished into it. The second figure followed close behind, both disappearing without a trace.

Within the Star Realm.

"Lord Zi Jin, you're just letting them go like that?"

As the battle concluded, the Violet-Gold Lion King retracted his spreading divine radiance. Gao Yuan and the others flew over, concern etched on their faces. After a pause, Gao Yuan voiced the unspoken question.

A Nine-Star Dou Saint level enemy had just escaped. Was it really okay to let him go?

"It's fine. I wounded him heavily. He won't be recovering anytime soon."

The Violet-Gold Lion King shook his head. He had thought the opponent would be a delicious prize handed right to his door—but after tasting it, he realized it was utterly unappetizing. He had no desire to give chase.

Of course, that wasn't the only reason he chose not to pursue.

"He came alone and retreated swiftly. It might be a ploy to lure us away. We can't afford to be careless."

A shrewd light flickered in the lion's eyes. The mixture of strategic insight and deadpan nonsense somehow managed to sound oddly reasonable, even persuasive to Gao Yuan and the others.

"Lord Zi Jin is truly thoughtful!"

Indeed, with the Palace Master away, only Lord Zi Jin remained to guard the Star Realm. If he left as well, the defensive strength of the realm would drop drastically. Should an ambush follow, it could end disastrously.

"Mhm."

The Lion King nodded, pleased. He glanced approvingly at Gao Yuan. Not bad. The kid's got potential.

You all say I'm a brute, but I'm sharp as they come. I, the Violet-Gold Lion King, speak for myself!

"You may withdraw."

With a casual wave of his hand, the contented Lion King flickered away, soaring back to the ancient tree at the heart of the Star Realm. From atop its boughs, he resumed his silent vigil over the land.

Meanwhile, in the Gu Realm.

Chen Xiaoming arrived with Xiao Xun'er at the Gu Clan Grand Hall. The hall was now bustling, filled with numerous figures—lively and grand.

The moment he stepped inside, several gazes locked onto him.

"Brother Chen, you've finally come. Please, have a seat."

From the head of the council, Gu Yuan smiled in welcome and gestured to the seat beside him.

Chen Xiaoming glanced at him with a trace of curiosity but showed no hesitation, striding confidently forward.

Yet halfway there, a wave of oppressive force suddenly descended.

"Hmph. I've heard you're quite powerful. How about letting me test your strength?"

A low voice rumbled from the right side of the hall. The speaker was a man with dark bronze skin and a build like a mountain. Beneath his skin, it was as though dragons slithered through his veins—a terrifying aura of raw power emanated from him.

"Teacher, that's Lei Ying, Clan Leader of the Lei Clan. An Eight-Star Dou Saint," Xiao Xun'er whispered beside him, her tone calm and unbothered.

An Eight-Star Dou Saint was far from enough to threaten her teacher.

"Brother Lei, Brother Chen is my guest, and—"

"No need," Chen Xiaoming interrupted. "Among the strong, bonds are often forged through battle. A little sparring is fine."

Lei Ying's voice echoed like a thunderclap through the hall, excitement burning in his eyes. He was born to fight—how could he resist when faced with a strong opponent?

On the other side, a red-robed man watched with a sly smile, clearly enjoying the tension.

After all, both he and Lei Ying were Clan Leaders, yet a mere Palace Master of the Titled Palace was invited to sit above them? How could they not feel slighted?

"Come then—show me your strength!"

Lei Ying surged to his feet, his battle spirit blazing.

Chen Xiaoming, however, merely shook his head. Lei Ying's strength… was hardly worth his interest.

Perhaps once, they might've been matched. But now? Not even close.

Buzz...

A faint ripple of Dou Qi pulsed outward. In an instant, the oppressive force collapsed as Chen Xiaoming's power exploded forth—the peak of Nine-Star Dou Saint.

He took one step and was already seated.

"Nine-Star Dou Saint!"

The entire hall gasped. Members of the Lei and Yan Clans stared in shock.

Even Lei Ying and the red-robed Yan Jin were stunned—when had such a terrifying expert appeared on the continent?

Lei Ying, having leapt up moments ago, now silently sat back down, his pride swallowed along with his words.

As the overwhelming aura receded, Chen Xiaoming casually picked up a cup of tea, took a sip, savored the taste, and looked toward Gu Yuan.

"Brother Gu, you went to all this trouble to summon me. What's going on?"

There was no small talk. For Chen Xiaoming, little else held meaning these days—unless someone was about to break through to the Dou God realm, he simply couldn't be bothered.

"Brother Chen, I invited you today regarding the destruction of the Shi Clan, Ling Clan, and Yao Clan."

Gu Yuan's tone turned heavy, his expression grim as he explained.

The hall fell silent. The surviving leaders lowered their heads in contemplation. Three of the Eight Ancient Clans had been silently erased. The weight of that was crushing.

"I know. It was the Soul Clan."

Chen Xiaoming sipped his tea. Fragrance filled the air. His words dropped calmly but landed like thunder.

Gu Yuan and the others trembled. Countless gazes shot toward him.

"Brother Chen… You're saying the Soul Clan eliminated all three clans?"

It wasn't that Gu Yuan didn't believe him—it was just too shocking. The Soul Clan had wiped out three ancient clans without a whisper? Even if he'd suspected as much, hearing it aloud was another matter entirely.

"Of course. Why are you so surprised? Hun Tiandi wants to open the Tuo She Ancient God's tomb. The ancient god jades your clans hold… they're as good as his already."

Chen Xiaoming swept his gaze across the room. Since they were all here, he didn't mind laying it out plainly.

His words dropped, and even the previously skeptical Lei Ying and Yan Jin fell into solemn thought.

After a moment, Yan Jin's eyes widened with sudden realization.

"No! My clan's Ancient Emperor Jade—"

Before he could finish, a wave of soul force rippled from his ring. His face darkened instantly.

On the other side, Lei Ying, who had only just come to his senses, finally reacted—yet from the ring in his hand, a surge of soul power was also being transmitted outward.

Lei Ying's expression shifted dramatically, turning ashen. He clenched his teeth, struggling to contain the rising fury within him.

Seated at the head of the hall, Chen Xiaoming observed the changing expressions of the two men without the slightest hint of surprise.

If even the other ancient clans were infiltrated... then how could the Lei Clan or the Yan Clan remain untouched?

"It seems," he said calmly, "the Soul Clan has made their move."

-------

Want to read ahead of schedule? Head over to my Patreon ——— patreon(.)com/igotneonlight [remove the parenthesis ( )]