Chapter 505

Upon hearing Xiao Yan reveal his identity, a chorus of hushed whispers arose.

"Xiao Clan? Is that some reclusive clan? I've never heard of it."

"Xiao Clan… ah, that clan is a Dou Emperor Family."

"What?! A Dou Emperor Family?!"

With this revelation, many in the crowd erupted in shock, and instantly, countless voices buzzed with discussion—everyone was visibly moved.

Dou Emperor Family! Those four characters represented the authority of the entire Dou Qi Continent—look at the Gu Clan before you, isn't that one of the Dou Emperor Families too?

No one knew exactly when it began, but suddenly, the Dou Emperor Families started vanishing from sight; except during special ceremonies or when terrifying heavenly treasures emerged, they mostly remained within their own worlds cultivating, rarely interfering in Dou Qi Continent affairs.

Yet no faction dared ignore their existence.

They merely ignore worldly matters—they're not dead, and when they strike, it's annihilation!

And this Xiao Yan? He's the Young Clan Leader of a Dou Emperor Family?! Such a status is terrifyingly noble!

But some found it strange: logically, with Xiao Yan's status, Ling Quan should have knelt instantly—how could he possibly dare offend him?

"Strange—aren't the Dou Emperor Families only the Gu, Soul Sovereign, Thunder, Yan, Yao, Shi, and Ling clans? There's no Xiao Clan."

"Ah, it was once a Dou Emperor Family. A thousand years ago, the Xiao Clan fell into decline, and even their Xiao Realm had plunged from Space."

"Declined?"

"Some say they were wiped out after a battle with the Soul Sovereign; others claim several Dou Emperor Families joined forces to destroy them; still others say their Dou Di Bloodline dried up and caused their decline—rumors abound. But one thing is certain: the Xiao Clan's Xiao Realm has fallen from the Nine Heavens into ruins, and there is no longer a Xiao Clan among the Dou Emperor Families."

An elder with white hair, at the Nine-Star Dou Zun level, revealed the truth.

Instantly, many of the young generation understood—they were the Young Clan Leader of a fallen Dou Emperor Family.

Upon learning Xiao Yan was merely the Young Clan Leader of a fallen clan, many eyes flickered with mockery.

"Pfft, I thought he was really a Dou Emperor Family's Young Clan Leader—turns out he's just from a fallen clan."

"No wonder even a Commander looked down on him."

Facing the mockery and sneers, Xiao Yan paid no mind—after all, what they said was true: the Xiao Clan had indeed declined, no longer the once-great Dou Emperor Family.

Now, the Xiao Clan was merely a family within the Yan Alliance.

But Xiao Yan's declaration wasn't without intent: others could look down on the Xiao Clan, believing it fallen—but the Gu Clan could not.

From Xun Er's words, it was clear the alliance between the Gu Clan and the Xiao Clan still stood—the Xiao Clan still held its share of Heavenly Tomb slots. In other words, within the Gu Clan, the title of Xiao Clan Young Clan Leader was still recognized; otherwise, their public claim of jointly governing the Heavenly Tomb with the Xiao Clan would collapse.

And clearly, this Fifth Commander understood that.

In ancient times, the Xiao Clan and Gu Clan were allies—if he denied Xiao Yan's status here, wouldn't that mean the Gu Clan had broken its oath and kicked a man when he was down?!

Even if the Xiao Clan existed only in name, you couldn't truly treat it as dead!

This was Xiao Yan's open strategy—forcing him to acknowledge it before all eyes.

"I am Zhuang Pei, Fifth Commander of the Black Smoke Army. Unaware that the Xiao Clan's Young Clan Leader had arrived, I apologize for the tardy welcome." Zhuang Pei bowed, smiling—no matter what, he could never let the Gu Clan bear the slander of betraying an ally!

Even if the Xiao Clan had completely fallen, forgotten, it had once been allied with the Gu Clan.

Xiao Yan smiled—he had anticipated this outcome. Then he glanced at the fallen Ling Quan and said: "This Commander Ling Quan…"

"Someone, take Ling Quan—he abused his power, assaulted a guest. Take him to the Elders for judgment!" Zhuang Pei waved his hand, and two Black Smoke Army soldiers dragged Ling Quan away.

He had always been the lowest of the Eight Commanders, his strength not even reaching Dou Zun—many had long resented his position and coveted it. Now, targeted by Xiao Yan like this, he'd surely lose his command after the Adult Ceremony, ending his life in mediocrity.

"Young Master Xiao, this way! Please stay in Shen Cheng for a few days; someone will come to escort you to the Ancient Realm."

Xiao Yan didn't care whether Ling Quan lived or died—he strode boldly toward Shen Cheng.

While some of the young generation might not understand, the elders all knew: the Gu Clan clearly didn't want to bear the slander of betraying an ally over a mere Ling Quan.

Of course, some read a different message.

"Judging by this, the Xiao Clan's Young Clan Leader came for the Heavenly Tomb."

"The Heavenly Tomb slots have always been fixed, and for a thousand years, the Xiao Clan's four slots were held by the Gu Clan—long ago divided among the Gu Clan's Four Commandants. Now suddenly, there's an extra person…"

"Heh, this Adult Ceremony will be quite interesting."

Watching Xiao Yan's leisurely figure, Zhuang Pei shook his head and sighed: "No wonder the Lady took notice of him—he truly possesses wisdom, and even I can't fathom his true cultivation realm."

"But… I wonder if you can handle that Gu Yao fellow."

Though Xiao Yan wore no Soul Robe, he had masked his power with Soul Force—let alone a mere Three-Star Dou Zun, even a Semi-Sage couldn't see through his true cultivation.

Passing through the city walls, Xiao Yan entered the ancient city, steeped in age-old aura.

Shen Cheng was currently quite lively; crowds could often be seen on the streets. Though not as densely packed as other cities, everyone walking here was a powerful cultivator.

"The weakest are just young Dou Wangs accompanying the elders."

After hearing this through Soul Perception, Xiao Yan knew the Ancient Realm would open in three days—those who arrived early could stay in any inn in Shen Cheng and wait.

But Xiao Yan wasn't in a hurry—he wandered leisurely through Shen Cheng, savoring its unique atmosphere.

"I wonder if Xun Er ever wandered around Shen Cheng after leaving Jia Nan Academy."

Xiao Yan had originally planned to buy jewelry for Xun Er—in Wutan City, he and Xun Er often shopped together in the market.

Though the items made in Wutan City were crude, each had been carefully chosen by both of them—the memories were priceless.

But sadly, he never found anything suitable—mainly because nothing here measured up.

Xiao Yan walked slowly, stopping now and then, and after an hour reached the center of Shen Cheng, where a vast estate of pavilions towered. At its gate, people came and went constantly, their powerful auras drawing Xiao Yan's slight attention.

With the Ancient Jade Token, Xiao Yan entered easily, and under the guidance of a graceful maid, was granted use of a courtyard.

Within the Ancient Realm, atop mist-wreathed peaks, a woman in a delicate gown sat cross-legged amid thick clouds, her exquisite beauty making her seem like a celestial fairy—only to be admired from afar.

This was naturally Gu Xun Er, the Gu Clan's daughter.

"Miss, Young Master Xiao Yan has arrived in Shen Cheng." A withered figure appeared suddenly on the peak, bowing respectfully.

No sooner had the elder spoken than the space before him rippled faintly, the mist swirling—revealing how agitated Xun Er's heart truly was, even as she struggled to conceal it; at the sound of Xiao Yan's name, her Dou Qi had involuntarily surged.

When she looked up, Ling Ying saw Xun Er standing silently before him, her usually cold, beautiful face bearing a rare, faint smile.

That joyful, subtly feminine blush made the surrounding beauty pale instantly—who else in this world could make her smile like that, except Xiao Yan?

"Ling Lao, is Brother Xiao Yan well?" The girl's soft voice carried a peculiar magic, causing the clouds and mist in this space to ripple.

"Hehe, Miss, you're putting me in a difficult position. The current Young Master Xiao Yan is no longer something this old man can fathom. But I've heard he silenced Ling Quan with just one finger—his strength is surely at least Four Star Dou Zun, if not higher."

The old man sighed, his tone brimming with unmistakable awe. When he had been ordered to protect Xiao Yan back then, though Xiao Yan had already shown tremendous talent, his cultivation was merely at the Dou Zhe level. Now, after barely more than a decade, he had far surpassed him.

"Miss, your discernment is truly exceptional."

Hearing Ling Ying's awe, Xun Er smiled faintly. For Xiao Yan, she had always trusted him blindly.

"Whether Brother Xiao Yan is a genius or a waste, I love him—and no one can change that." Xun Er stood atop the mountain peak, gazing far into the distance, waiting for the one in her heart to arrive.

During these two days in Shen Cheng, Xiao Yan had sat in meditation, making no effort to inquire about the Gu Clan, the Black Smoke Army, or even the Heavenly Tomb.

Of course, Xiao Yan had no intention of stirring up trouble—but trouble stirred because of him.

Now, throughout Shen Cheng and even the entire Ancient Realm, chaos had erupted due to Xiao Yan's arrival.

Some quarreled over the Heavenly Tomb's slots; others bickered over the ancient alliance between the Xiao Clan and the Gu Clan; naturally, there were those who loudly debated Xun Er's relationship with Xiao Yan.

But none of it had anything to do with Xiao Yan.

Slowly opening his eyes, Xiao Yan exhaled and rose from his seat, leaving the Courtyard. After all, he was still a man—he needed to eat.

In a luxurious tavern, Xiao Yan sat alone, savoring exquisite delicacies.

"No wonder the Gu Clan prepares such fine food for guests—it truly is excellent." Xiao Yan took a small sip of clear wine; a spicy warmth flowed down his throat, instantly releasing a rich fragrance that brought a wholly new sensation.

Xiao Yan's exceptional Soul Perception naturally knew many hostile gazes had locked onto him—but he simply didn't care.

"Is that Xiao Yan?" A young man in green robes, with a handsome face, glanced at Xiao Yan's back, his unusually long fingers lightly tapping the railing as he spoke softly.

"Third Brother, he's the Xiao Yan the Miss speaks of. These days, his name is well-known across Zhong Zhou. Now that he's come to our Gu Clan, his arrogance hasn't dimmed one bit—he doesn't even regard us." A cold voice beside him replied—it was Ling Quan.

After two days of rest, Ling Quan had recovered. After all, Xiao Yan hadn't gone too far.

"Hehe, though we're unworthy of the Miss, we're certainly not worthy of being matched with a scion of a fallen family!" The green-robed man smiled faintly, a chill lurking beneath his smile.

"Besides, many Elders in our Clan wish he hadn't appeared."

CLANG! As his words ended, two figures on the fighting platform below separated, each retreating. Then, a loud voice rang out, drawing every gaze: a lean figure leapt onto the platform and bellowed.

"Next combatants: Third Commander Yang Hao of the Black Smoke Army, and Young Clan Leader Xiao Yan of the Xiao Clan!"

Instantly, the previously noisy tavern fell silent. All eyes turned to the green-robed man and to Xiao Yan, who sat in the corner, calmly savoring his meal.

Even those who didn't know Xiao Yan had found it nearly impossible to avoid hearing of him these past few days.

Yet, facing this petty scheme, Xiao Yan acted as if he hadn't heard a word, ignoring it entirely and continuing to eat.

He had learned how to find his own quiet corner in this noisy, chaotic world.

If he had to respond to every clown who jumped up to shout, wouldn't he be far too busy?

"Yang Hao, don't go too far. Xiao Yan is still the Young Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan. Even if the Xiao Clan is now hollow, there are still some Elders who once befriended them—or even owe them favors." Commander Zhuang Pei frowned, warning him.

"Hehe, Zhuang Pei, we're merely sparring. And isn't our Gu Clan martial by nature? Isn't this exactly how we make friends through combat?" Yang Hao smiled faintly, whispering secretly: "You know as well as I do—Xiao Yan's appearance means one or even two Heavenly Tomb slots will be lost. Even without the Miss's involvement, many Elders don't want him present at the Adult Ceremony."

"The best Xiao Clan is the one that doesn't appear."

Hearing this, Zhuang Pei frowned. He knew the current situation in the Clan well. The two Heavenly Tomb slots had always belonged to the Gu Clan—officially, they were said to be held in temporary custody, but now that Xiao Yan had returned, if he demanded them back, conflict would erupt. No one wanted to give them up.

Yang Hao flashed forward, instantly appearing on the fighting platform, his smiling gaze fixed on Xiao Yan's direction. "Young Clan Leader Xiao Yan, I've long heard of your name. Might I have the honor of a sparring match today?"

Instantly, all eyes turned silently to Xiao Yan, alone at his table. Not only Gu Clan members watched—members of other Dou Emperor Families sat elsewhere, waiting for the spectacle.

Yet, as the male lead, Xiao Yan acted as if he hadn't heard. Just then, a small insect landed on his table. He waved his hand and said, "Where did this fly come from? Always buzzing around and disturbing me."

At these words, many in the tavern exchanged glances. Was Xiao Yan really that arrogant? Did he still think the Xiao Clan was what it once was?

Look at the gap between the current Xiao Clan and the Gu Clan!

If the Xiao Clan were still what it once was, everyone here would be groveling to him as Young Clan Leader!

At Xiao Yan's words, Yang Hao's face darkened. "Fine. Fine indeed, Young Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan. I'd like to see how much of Xiao Xuan's skill you've learned!"

"Heavenly Demon Shatter Qi Claw!"

Dou energy surged. Yang Hao let out a dark laugh, clenching his long hand. Sharp wind coalesced in his palm. He stomped the ground and shot forward like lightning, appearing before Xiao Yan. His clawing wind swept like a heavenly net, slashing toward Xiao Yan with lethal force, tearing black fissures through the air.

"Five-Star Peak Dou Zun!"

"Yang Hao is no joke as Third Commander of the Black Smoke Army—his strength is formidable, and his Dou Technique is extremely refined!"

Feeling Yang Hao's attack from the side, Xiao Yan remained seated. His left hand reached into the chopstick holder, plucked out a new pair, gripped them, and moved like lightning—his chopsticks, wrapped in Falling Heart Flame, pinched the greedy claw mid-strike.

!?!

No matter how hard Yang Hao strained, he couldn't break free—as if pinned beneath a mountain.

"That's a Strange Fire!"

"It's the Fourteenth-ranked Falling Heart Flame."

At a nearby table, four people—one woman and three men—immediately recognized the flame on Xiao Yan's chopsticks. They were members of the Yan Clan, a Dou Emperor Family.

"Sigh, if you want to eat, just order your own. The Gu Clan didn't empty their pantry and hand you a free hand, did they? Reaching out like that is impolite." Xiao Yan spoke calmly, then suddenly twisted his wrist with force—CRACK! —he snapped Yang Hao's finger. The chopsticks flicked upward, and the Falling Heart Flame exploded, hurling Yang Hao back several meters.

Instantly, a chorus of sharp intakes of breath echoed through the tavern.

"Whoa! What level is this Xiao Yan really at?!"

"Don't know—he's wrapped himself in Soul Force."

"But he's definitely no weaker than a Five-Star Dou Zun!"

Zhuang Pei frowned beside him, murmuring lowly: "His Soul Force is extremely strong—he instantly spotted the weakness in Yang Hao's technique. Yang Hao isn't his match."

Staring at his broken finger, Yang Hao's face turned terrifyingly dark. With a hum, a golden Clan Mark appeared on his forehead!

"Yang Hao's gone mad—he's even used his Clan Mark!"

"Hmph, wounded pride, that's all. But this is the foundation of a Dou Emperor Family—without the Dou Di Bloodline, you're always lacking something."

"I'll fight you to the death!!"

Yang Hao's cultivation surged violently, leaping from Five-Star Peak Dou Zun straight to Six-Star Peak!

To raise one's cultivation so drastically at the Dou Zun level—even with the Heavenly Flame's Three Mysteries Transformation—was nearly impossible. This sudden surge alone rivaled many Quasi Heavenly Rank Secret Techniques.

Moreover, the true power of the Gu Clan's Clan Mark extends beyond this!

Yang Hao let out a furious roar, instantly forming a hand seal — the seal was utterly familiar to Xiao Yan: it was the Emperor Seal Art!

"Earth-Covering Seal!!"