Chapter 508

"Mang Tianchi! This isn't the Lei Clan—get out of here!"

"Heh, your cultivation hasn't improved much, but your mouth has gotten a lot bigger." Mang Tianchi sneered; two Nine Star Peak Dou Zuns dared shout at him, a half-Sage.

Emerging under countless gazes, Mang Tianchi showed no mercy—he raised his arm, and two vast streams of lightning-charged Dou Qi shot straight down toward Gu Qian and Gu Xu.

"You—"

Seeing this figure act without warning, Gu Qian and Gu Xu both grew slightly angry, but did not shout back; instead, they hastily retreated with grim expressions.

*Shiiii—shiiii! * Two vast bolts of lightning streaked across the sky like meteors—but just before striking Gu Qian and Gu Xu, an invisible force suddenly spread from Space, perfectly intercepting both lightning streams.

"Gu Qian, Gu Xu, step back."

The void rippled faintly; a white-haired old man in black robes appeared mysteriously, then descended from the sky. He glanced first at Xiao Yan, who had already fled far away, then at Mang Tianchi, sighing helplessly: "Since you old man insist on stepping forward, I'll grant you this one favor."

With that, the white-haired old man flicked his sleeve and vanished. Arriving in the Ancient Realm, even if Xiao Yan didn't seek her, Xun Er would eventually come—this was merely a matter of sooner or later; even he couldn't stop Xun Er's resolve.

"Hmph, still playing cool," Mang Tianchi sneered as he watched the old man disappear, then turned his gaze toward where Xiao Yan had vanished, smiling: "Go on, kid—hope you can repeat Xiao Xuan's miracle. Don't disgrace Jia Nan Academy's name."

Xiao Yan knew that once he entered the core region of the Ancient Realm, he'd meet Xun Er—but when his Heavenly Realm Spiritual Soul sensed that familiar aura, he realized he was, in fact, an incredibly impatient man.

As if sensing Xiao Yan moving toward her, Xun Er stepped onto a divine peak, gazing far into the distance; her beautiful eyes held not only tension, but far more joy.

*Shii! * A bolt of lightning flashed from the horizon—in the next instant, Xiao Yan appeared atop the peak. They locked eyes, as if time and space had halted; in their gazes, time paused for them alone.

Xiao Yan looked at the beauty before him; in his heart, Xun Er's beauty was beyond description—she radiated a serene, tranquil grace, and no matter how noble her bloodline, it could not overshadow her peerless countenance.

One glance steals a city, a second steals a nation.

When they met, they felt no estrangement—instead, like aged wine, their love grew deeper and richer.

Xiao Yan had once rehearsed what he'd say upon meeting her—but in the end, it all dissolved into one phrase: "Xun Er, I've come."

"Brother Xiao Yan…" Seeing Xiao Yan, Xun Er could no longer hold back—she rushed forward with light steps and threw her arms tightly around the man in her heart, the embrace brimming with deep longing and love.

Feeling Xun Er rush toward him, Xiao Yan clasped her slender waist tightly, holding her close.

Xun Er hugged Xiao Yan fiercely, holding on for a long, long time— their years of longing erupted in this moment.

They clung tightly together; in this instant, they seemed to merge into one—each heard the other's heartbeat; beyond their two pounding hearts, the entire world faded from their awareness.

"Xun Er…"

"Brother Xiao Yan…"

Xiao Yan slowly lowered his head; Xun Er slowly closed her eyes—and they kissed deeply, without hesitation.

Neither knew how long the kiss lasted—for in their world, time stood still; their world held only each other—until they felt nearly suffocated, they slowly parted, a thin strand of saliva stretching between them, both breathing heavily.

Their faces flushed, they gazed at each other, sensing each other's breath, their eyes reflecting each other's faces.

They had waited too long, suppressed too long; when they met again, when Xiao Yan had gained enough strength to reach the Gu Clan, their emotions exploded like a nuclear bomb.

Xun Er's cheeks flushed with embarrassment; she looked up at Xiao Yan—only then did she realize dozens of Elders of the Gu Clan were watching.

"Brother Xiao Yan… ugh!"

Feeling Xiao Yan's dominance and emotion, Xun Er closed her eyes again, surrendering to him.

One kiss? Not enough!

But while Xiao Yan and Xun Er felt one kiss wasn't enough, someone else thought even one was too much!

"Hmph!" *Boom! * Suddenly, a stream of Dou Qi erupted from Space!

At the instant they sensed the attack, Xiao Yan and Xun Er both opened their eyes—each simultaneously flashing a hint of killing intent.

They struck together—their Dou Qi merged into one, *Boom! *—shattering the incoming attack and even fracturing Space itself, revealing a man with a twisted, furious face staring at Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan and Xun Er knew they'd provoked too much hatred, and that this wasn't the place to express their feelings—they slowly pulled apart.

Coming to their senses, Xun Er's face burned crimson; she stepped back two paces, utterly flustered, her ears glowing red as she stared at her toes—but her thoughts were nowhere near them.

Xiao Yan gazed at Xun Er's utterly bashful expression—his heart swelled with tenderness; this scene was like a masterpiece of mortal beauty.

He'd even forgotten the man who attacked him.

Seeing himself ignored, the man with a strand of black-and-white hair fluttering at his forehead burned with rage—throughout the Gu Clan, everyone knew how deeply he adored Xun Er; his clan branch had long ago proposed marriage to Gu Yuan.

Only recently had Xun Er stormed into the Clan Elders' assembly to declare her marriage her own choice—because of this man's branch.

"Xiao Yan!"

Hearing someone call his name, Xiao Yan sighed and rubbed the back of his head, looking up at the man in white robes; even without introduction, he easily guessed this was Gu Yao, one of the four Demon Sovereign Commanders of the Black Smoke Army.

"Sigh, your Gu Clan's hygiene is terrible—flies are everywhere." Xiao Yan shrugged, waving his hand as if shooing away flies.

Gu Yao's cultivation had reached Eight Star Peak Dou Zun, and he possessed Dou Di Bloodline—he'd been nurtured with the Gu Clan's top-tier resources; his strength far surpassed the Eight Heavenly Lords, and even the Five, Six, or Seven Heavenly Lords might not be his match.

Gu Yao's face darkened instantly, his eyes flashing with cruelty: "Do you think your Xiao Clan is still what it once was? A worthless bloodline, a worthless Young Clan Leader—you have no right to be with her!"

Hearing Gu Yao's words, Xiao Yan didn't get angry—he remained calm, glanced at Gu Yao, and spoke slowly: "I'm willing. Xun Er's willing. Why should an outsider care?"

At this, Gu Yao was momentarily speechless.

To be honest, Xun Er had rejected him countless times—he'd merely been persistently pestering her.

"Besides, do you really think you're worthy?" Xiao Yan glanced at Gu Yao, calmly: "You're an idiot—if I were Xun Er, I wouldn't choose you. Your strength is negligible, yet you're full of delusions."

"Your worthless Xiao Clan bloodline! You're asking for death—I'll grant it, Demon Sovereign!" Gu Yao roared, his fury exploding.

Instantly, Gu Yao unleashed his Dou Qi—his Eight Star Peak Dou Zun cultivation warped Space and shook the earth, as terrifying Dou Qi whirlwinds swept outward.

"Gu Yao… if you dare act recklessly, I won't let you go! If you want to fight, don't blame me for intervening." Xun Er's Jade Hand clenched slightly, her beautiful eyes flashing with fury.

Hearing Xun Er's words, Gu Yao ground his teeth—he was furious, but mostly because he truly couldn't beat her!

"Xiao Yan! Are you only brave enough to hide behind a woman?!" Gu Yao glared at Xiao Yan, who still wore a smile.

As expected, Xiao Yan instantly put on a terrified expression—*Shii! *—he darted behind Xun Er, crying out: "This ugly monster looks so terrifying!"

"Ugly?!" Even as an Eight Star Peak Dou Zun, Gu Yao nearly spat blood from rage.

He was so handsome—where was he ugly?!

Xun Er covered her mouth, stifling a laugh; she knew well—when Xiao Yan acted this carefree, it meant he was utterly confident of victory. He didn't care about Gu Yao's taunts—he didn't even regard him as a threat.

Xun Er smiled faintly: "Brother Xiao Yan, will you walk with me?"

"Hah! Since Xun Er has such refined tastes, let me see what makes your Gu Clan so extraordinary!" Xiao Yan understood Xun Er's predicament and didn't want her embarrassed—he took her jade hand in front of everyone and walked down the mountain.

Seeing the two holding hands, Gu Yao's rage nearly burst his lungs—but with Xun Er protecting him, he had no recourse.

After Xiao Yan and Xun Er left, three figures emerged from Space—naturally, the remaining three Commandants of the Black Smoke Army.

Commandant Gu Xing, seeing Gu Yao's humiliation, couldn't help smirking. "Looks like you've got no chance."

Second Commandant Gu Hua shook his head and said gravely, "Gu Yao, Xun Er and he have deep feelings. Are you still unwilling to give up?"

"He's not of the Gu Clan, so he cannot be with Xun Er. I'll personally warn him at the Adult Ceremony!" Gu Yao suppressed his Battle Qi, but the killing intent in his eyes grew even denser.

The Senior Commandant Gu Qingyang, standing at the very edge in a silver robe, frowned, staring at the direction Xiao Yan had left. He turned to Gu Yao, as if to say something—but finally just shook his head and sighed.

He knew nothing he said would matter, but Gu Qingyang had a feeling: Gu Yao might not be able to defeat Xiao Yan.

Originally, Xiao Yan was just a discarded Dou Di Bloodline—within the same level, he could never overcome Gu Yao's Eight Grade Dou Di Bloodline. This wasn't like Ling Quan or Lin Xiu's Six-Star Dou Di Bloodline; Eight Grade Dou Di Bloodline was a qualitative transformation, its power terrifyingly immense.

Normally, this seemed impossible—but he still had this feeling: Gu Yao would lose.

Under Xun Er's guidance, Xiao Yan began wandering with her, eventually stopping before a bamboo hut deep in the Shan Mai. Before the hut stood an aged figure, smiling warmly as Xiao Yan and the others descended.

"Ling Lao?"

Seeing the familiar figure before the bamboo hut, Xiao Yan froze, then smiled and bowed.

"Heh, in less than ten years, Young Master Xiao Yan has reached such heights—it truly humbles this old man." Ling Ying sighed with a smile. Back then, when he was ordered to secretly protect Xiao Yan, the latter had been nothing but a naive fool—now he was a renowned powerhouse on Zhong Zhou.

His Cultivation Realm had even surpassed many of the Gu Clan's Young Generation.

"Come, let's go inside. This is my quiet cultivation place—few ever come here. I think you wouldn't like visiting other places, Brother Xiao Yan," Xun Er smiled gently.

Xiao Yan nodded. The environment here was serene, perfectly suited to his taste.

Entering the bamboo hut, Xiao Yan looked at the humble little dwelling, smiled, and fixed his dark eyes on Xun Er's exquisite, breathtaking face. He reached out and gently took her jade hand. "So this is where you live, little miss?"

Feeling the warmth from his hand, Xun Er's cheeks flushed faintly pink. Hearing his concern, her heart felt a quiet comfort.

Childhood emotions, long buried in memory, had slowly fermented over the years, growing richer and more moving.

"Brother Xiao Yan, tomorrow marks the start of the Gu Clan's Adult Ceremony. Normally, it has nothing to do with guests like you—but because you're from the Xiao Clan and because of me, your presence in this ceremony is inevitable." Xun Er frowned slightly. "By tradition, every clan member participating in the Adult Ceremony may freely challenge others to combat. Such an open opportunity—some people won't easily let it slip."

Xiao Yan merely smiled lightly, gripping Xun Er's jade hand tightly. Since he had come to the Ancient Realm, he wouldn't abandon his path because of difficulties.

"Gu Yao has extraordinary talent. When his Dou Di Bloodline was tested years ago, it was already Eight Grade Dou Di Bloodline." Xun Er sighed bitterly. "Knowing his nature, he'll definitely strike at you during tomorrow's Adult Ceremony. He knows that if he defeats you here, those in the clan who remain neutral will lean toward him."

Xiao Yan reached out his large hand, gently stroking Xun Er's hair, cradling her lovely face, and wore his usual confident smile. "What? Don't you believe I can defeat him?"

Feeling the warmth of Xiao Yan's hand on her cheek, Xun Er shook her head and nuzzled slightly. "Of course I believe in Brother Xiao Yan."

After a moment's hesitation, Xiao Yan's expression grew strained. He looked down at Xun Er. "Xun Er, I have something I want to tell you."

Xun Er slowly lifted her head, her eyes carrying a hint of pleading. Though Ling Ying had concealed some things, as the Gu Clan's noble daughter, Xun Er was naturally gifted with extraordinary insight—and she had sensed something.

What Xiao Yan wanted to say was about Xiao Xiao.

Though it hadn't been intentional, the outcome had stemmed from Xiao Yan's greed for the Lotus Earth Core Fire.

Xiao Yan recounted everything about Cai Lin and Xiao Xiao—truthfully, without hiding a single detail.

Xun Er threw herself into Xiao Yan's arms. She could tell his words were true—no concealment at all.

She had expected to feel heartache and anger—but now, she felt only pity. Just from his few words, she could hear how many times he had walked through life and death to reach this point.

Infiltrating the Snake People Empire, battling Medusa Queen for the Lotus Earth Core Fire—easy to say, but even Hai Bodong, a Battle Emperor, had nearly died at her hands. At that time, Xiao Yan was merely a lowly Battle Master.

One breath from her could have erased Xiao Yan.

Refining a Strange Fire kills people—most often than not. Xun Er knew well: countless times, while she was absent, Xiao Yan had faced death to arrive here in the Ancient Realm.

Xun Er slowly lifted her head, her eyes filled with hesitation. "Brother Xiao Yan… have you ever blamed me for not being able to stay by your side?"

Hearing her question, Xiao Yan suddenly felt a sharp pain in his heart. He gently stroked her hair and said softly, "Of course not. You were powerless to change it."

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Xun Er smiled, pressing her lovely face against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. "Then I won't blame Brother Xiao Yan either."

At that moment, Xiao Yan suddenly remembered something. He looked down at Xun Er. "By the way, Xun Er—have you broken through to Sage Emperor?"

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Xun Er's cheeks instantly burned red, her ears glowing like ripe apples.

She knew exactly what he meant. Because of her bloodline, she needed to reach Sage Emperor to complete its maturation and stability. In terms of bloodline alone, Xun Er was even stronger than Zi Yan—she needed to reach Sage Emperor!

And before her bloodline stabilized, Xun Er had to remain a virgin!

"Not yet," Xun Er looked up, saw the heat in Xiao Yan's eyes, and immediately raised her tiny pink fist, lightly pounding his chest. She feigned anger and huffed, "Hmph! Brother Xiao Yan, you have impure thoughts."

"Cough, cough." Xiao Yan rubbed his nose. "Where did you get that idea? I just wanted to ask your Cultivation Realm so I can spar with you, see how strong the Gu Clan's top warrior really is—to prepare for the coming challenges!"

"Clearly, it's you who thought of something improper."

Xun Er bit her red lips in frustration—how brazen this man was!

"So Brother Xiao Yan wants me to spar with him, huh?" Xun Er puffed out her cheeks, her eyes glinting with mischief. Instantly, she sealed Space—a terrifying aura erupted from her body.

That day, Xiao Yan screamed loudly—because he was beaten.

That day, Xun Er felt exhausted—because she had been the one beating him.

The next day, as morning light spilled from the horizon, the entire Gu Sacred Shan Mai erupted in noise within moments. Figures flashed across the Sky, and festive gongs and drums rang out above the mountains.

The Gu Clan's Adult Ceremony was about to begin!