Chapter 653

Xiao Chen was like a man abandoned by time; apart from seclusion, he spent his days in seclusion, and even the Xiao Clan's high-ups rarely saw him—he would not intervene unless the clan faced existential peril.

At this moment, Xiao Chen did not know how to face his cousin, but fortunately, Xiao Yan had lived up to expectations and rescued the Xiao Clan from the brink of decline.

And this time, Xiao Yan journeyed to the Ancient Realm to wed Xun Er, simultaneously declaring to the entire world that the Xiao Clan, once the dominant force on the Dou Qi Continent, had returned!

Of course, one person absolutely had to know this news: Xiao Xuan, who had waited alone in the Heavenly Tomb for six thousand years.

That Ancestor, who had chosen to remain alone in the Heavenly Tomb, sacrificing himself to preserve a glimmer of hope for the Xiao Clan's revival.

Remember, six days in the Heavenly Tomb equaled one day in the outside world; Xiao Xuan had waited six thousand years—such solitude would have driven an ordinary person mad. Yet Xiao Xuan endured this bitter wait, hoping for the day the Xiao Clan would rise again and be reborn!

Thus, when Xiao Yan decided to announce to the world that the Xiao Clan had returned, he intended to re-enter the Heavenly Tomb and deliver this news to the Ancestor who had waited six millennia.

Of course, Xiao Yan's journey to the Ancient Realm also involved serious discussions with the Gu Clan.

Naturally, the marriage between the Xiao and Gu Clans was a matter of global attention; both factions could be said to be among the very top powers on the Dou Qi Continent today.

Three days later, on the day of Xiao Yan's wedding.

Even Xiao Yan himself felt a flicker of unease.

"What, our Young Clan Leader, born under the Purple Star, is nervous too?" Xiao Yu leaned against the doorframe, watching Xiao Yan in his red wedding robes, and gave him an exasperated side-eye.

Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Yu's teasing and said, "Who wouldn't be nervous?"

"You're not doing this for the first time."

Xiao Yan coughed twice and replied, "Still, you can't get used to it."

Xiao Yan wasn't a novice—he had once held a small, private wedding with Cai Lin, known only to the Xiao Clan, when Xiao Xiao was born.

Watching Xiao Yan in his groom's attire, Xiao Yu felt something she couldn't name, but she was accustomed to it—she'd seen it twice now.

"Enough chatter—the auspicious hour is near. Stop dawdling and go!" Xiao Yu pushed Xiao Yan from behind, shoving him hard out of the bridal chamber and slamming the door shut with a thud.

Back against the door, Xiao Yan gazed at the crimson-decorated bridal chamber around him and sighed helplessly.

"Sigh."

Now, Xiao Yan and the Xiao Clan were no longer the impoverished clan of old; the entire Xiao Realm was bathed in crimson—not only for Xiao Yan's wedding, but also to bring good fortune and a fresh start to the Xiao Realm.

Likewise, the Gu Clan's territory was hung with red lanterns and decorations, and a Space Passage directly connected the Xiao Realm to Shen Cheng.

With the Gu Clan's daughter marrying out, Shen Cheng had transformed utterly from when Xiao Yan first arrived—every street glowed red, banners of joy adorned every wall, and the air rang with the crackle of firecrackers and laughter.

Naturally, some young men pounded their chests in despair, cursing they weren't Xiao Yan.

"Hey hey, open up! The Gu Clan's son-in-law is here!" Xiao Ning shouted loudly as he pounded on the gates of Shen Cheng.

While others knock on a bride's door, Xiao Yan knocks on a city gate!

"Hey hey hey, Young Clan Leader Xiao Yan, getting through this gate won't be that easy," Gu Xing, one of the four Commandants of the Black Smoke Army, laughed from atop the city wall.

"Exactly! Marrying our Gu Clan's daughter isn't that simple—you've got to show some sincerity!" a Gu Clan woman giggled.

Outside Shen Cheng's gate, the Xiao Clan's disciples carried one crate after another of treasures.

Standing beside Xiao Yan, the sycophant Xiao Ning stepped forward and bellowed, "Today, our Young Clan Leader Xiao Yan marries—no time for nonsense: one Eight Grade Pill that summoned Three-Colored Pill Lightning, and a hundred Seven-Grade Pills."

Xiao Ning opened a wooden box—the moment it opened, the Pill Fragrance flooded the air.

The Eight Grade Pill that summoned Three-Colored Pill Lightning was merely the door-knocker; it was clear how immensely wealthy Xiao Yan had become!

Upon smelling the Pill Fragrance, even Gu Xing, who had reached the early Semi-Sage realm, his eyes gleamed with greed.

"Xiao Yan, you're a Ji Pin Dan Yao Grandmaster—why not show us at least one Ji Pin Dan Yao?" Gu Qingyang, whom Xiao Yan had defeated, smirked slyly at him.

He couldn't beat Xiao Yan in battle, but this was his only chance to "get revenge."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan gave him a flat, disbelieving look. A Ji Pin Dan Yao? You dare even imagine it? Even if Xiao Yan could forge one, it would take considerable time—and gathering the Medicinal Materials would take even longer.

Xiao Li strode forward with a booming laugh: "No Ji Pin Dan Yao—but we'll add two more Eight Grade Pills that summoned Four-Colored Pill Lightning."

Watching the Dou Zun and Semi-Sages outside the gate chatter like vendors haggling in a market, the Gu Clan Elders smiled with quiet amusement.

Gu Nanhai, an Elder who had allied with Xiao Yan, chuckled: "Hehe, the Gu Clan hasn't been this lively in ages."

"Since the Stone Clan incident, the clan's atmosphere has been gloomy—some good fortune won't hurt," nodded Gu Yang, an Elder at the Fifth-Star Dou Sage level.

"Sigh, I was blind back then," sighed Tong Xuan, shaking his head. "Thankfully, I didn't cause irreparable damage." His power now paled beside Xiao Yan's.

"Xiao Yan's arrival here now isn't just to wed Xun Er," Gu Nanhai murmured, eyes narrowing as he watched Xiao Yan in his red ceremonial robes.

The Medicinal Canon would open in less than a month, and Xiao Yan was an invited participant. Add to that the Stone Clan and Ling Clan incidents—every soul on the Dou Qi Continent was on edge.

Soon, under Xiao Yan's barrage of Pills, even Gu Qingyang raised his hands in surrender and opened the gates, welcoming the "enemy" inside.

Instantly, the entire avenue filled with Gu Clan descendants, lining both sides to welcome them; red petals and paper flowers rained into the air.

The gates swung open, and Xiao Yan led his party into the city, ready to "steal the bride."

As Xiao Yan and his entourage entered Shen Cheng, Gu Hua, the Second Commandant of the Black Smoke Army, stepped forward with a sly smile.

Xiao Yan eyed Gu Hua's smug grin and asked, "What, the Pills weren't enough?"

"Hehe, not at all. Pills can easily settle the common folk—but some people? They're not so easily appeased." No sooner had Gu Hua spoken than Gu Qingyang and others who knew what was coming wore expressions of eager anticipation.

Xiao Yan and his group froze, staring at Gu Hua in confusion.

Gu Hua pointed ahead and said, "Some rivals for Xun Er's heart still need to be dealt with… by you."

As Xiao Yan looked ahead, he saw a massive arena ahead, and atop it stood Gu Yao, gripping a long spear, his posture resolute as if facing death.

Gu Qingyang whispered: "Cough, don't go too hard on him—Gu Yao's a poor kid."

Seeing Gu Yao's expression, Xiao Yan shrugged helplessly—he truly was a poor kid, likely seeing Xiao Yan as his Heart Demon.

Xiao Yan was now half-Gu Clan himself; helping a clan disciple overcome his Heart Demon was only natural—though the method would probably involve beating him senseless again.

"Xiao Yan! Fight me again!"

Long ago, when Xiao Yan was still a Dou Huang, Ling Ying had warned him: Gu Yao was the most obsessed in the clan—watch out for him.

"Today is my wedding day—I shouldn't resort to violence. But some things must be settled. Letting certain people give up hope is my duty." Xiao Yan, still in his groom's robes, stepped forward in a blink and appeared atop the arena.

Facing Gu Yao, who had barely entered the Semi-Sage realm, Xiao Yan felt zero pressure—the gap between them wasn't merely vast—it was an abyss.

"Attack. If we miss the auspicious hour, it'll be bad." Xiao Yan gazed coolly at Gu Yao.

The result needed no explanation: even after suppressing his cultivation realm and refraining from using Soul Force, Xiao Yan's physical strength and control over flames were enough—just a flick of his finger sent a strange flame flying out, effortlessly defeating Gu Yao and sending him flying off the arena.

"Hahaha, I'm nowhere near your level; only with you can Xun Er be happy. Thank you for the lesson." Now that he'd been defeated despite suppressing his cultivation, Gu Yao finally felt released—he let out a deep breath and completely gave up, knowing he was utterly unworthy of Xun Er.

If the gap were slight, he'd feel envy; if it were great, he'd feel admiration; if it were immeasurable, all that remained was respect.

But to everyone's surprise, after defeating Gu Yao, Xiao Yan did not leave the arena. Instead, he turned toward a spot in the crowd and smiled faintly. "Friend from the Lei Clan, you didn't come here just to congratulate me, did you?"

The moment Xiao Yan spoke, Gu Qingyang and the others sharply turned toward the direction he was staring.

"You're Lei Dong!" Gu Zhen recognized the man hiding among the crowd and exclaimed in shock.

"Lei Dong? The Young Clan Leader of the Lei Clan?"

"Why is the Young Clan Leader of the Lei Clan here?"

Xiao Yan had keenly sensed Lei Dong's presence but didn't know his name. When he heard it, Xiao Yan's face twisted into a peculiar expression.

For Xiao Yan had heard that the Young Clan Leader of the Lei Clan had proposed marriage to the Gu Clan—just shortly before Xiao Yan arrived at the Gu Clan to enter the Heavenly Tomb. But because Xiao Yan had decisively defeated Gu Qingyang, the Gu Clan ultimately rejected the match.

And the Young Clan Leader of the Lei Clan was none other than Lei Dong—the very man hiding in the crowd, the only one with a hostile expression on his face.

Gu Qingyang whispered to Xiao Yan: "Lei Dong is the most brilliant genius the Lei Clan has produced in the past five hundred years. He once stayed in the Magic Thunder Pool of the Thunder Realm for five years—longer than Lei Ying, the current Clan Leader, did in his youth. Though the Lei Clan's full clan support undoubtedly helped, his ability and talent are unquestionable. It's said the Lei Clan is already preparing him to become the next Clan Leader."

"He's the strongest of the Young Generation among the Dou Emperor Families—though, of course, that doesn't include you and Xun Er."

"Strongest?" Xiao Yan glanced at Gu Qingyang.

Seeing Xiao Yan's strange look, Gu Qingyang smiled bitterly and nodded. "Yes, I can't beat him. His strength and talent surpass mine. He's a Nine-Star Dou Di Bloodline user—his bloodline is even higher than mine."

Xiao Yan was slightly startled. He remembered well how hard-fought his battle against Gu Qingyang had been. Though his own cultivation was lower than Gu Qingyang's, there was no denying Gu Qingyang's strength.

But without doubt, the man who could defeat Gu Qingyang and make Gu Qingyang admit defeat must be extraordinarily powerful.

"Lei Dong of the Lei Clan? Could this guy be here to steal the bride!"

Instantly, with Lei Dong's appearance, the entire street erupted into noise, a flood of murmurs rising everywhere.

After all, people never minded a good show—many sat munching sunflower seeds, hoping for a dramatic bride-snatching scene!

Xiao Yan smiled faintly. "Guests come from afar. Since Brother Lei Dong is eager to be beaten, come up. Don't worry—I'll hold back. I won't take your life."

Lei Dong's brows suddenly knitted. He licked his lips, and faint black lightning arcs flickered in his eyes. He had no intention of fighting—but with such provocation from Xiao Yan, he had no choice.

Xiao Ding glanced at the time and said, "Xiao Yan, the auspicious hour is nearly here."

"Brother, don't worry. One move won't take long."

Hearing Xiao Yan's arrogant words, the Black Smoke Army all wore expressions of astonishment. After all, Lei Dong's name was legendary among the Young Generation of the Dou Emperor Families—not only was his cultivation realm extremely strong, but his combat power was equally monstrous.

Lei Dong was nearly undefeated at his level, yet Xiao Yan claimed he'd defeat him in one move—clearly showing no regard for Lei Dong.

"Go, Groom!"

"Brother-in-law Xiao Yan, knock that Lei Dong out!"

"Brother-in-law Xiao Yan!!"

Hearing Xiao Yan say he'd defeat him in one move, Lei Dong let out a cold snort and appeared before Xiao Yan. Black lightning erupted violently from his body, crackling like electric serpents around him, unleashing an extraordinarily violent Spiritual Pressure that stirred many in the crowd.

"I wonder how Xiao Yan will handle that."

Gu Qingyang and the others stared intently at the black lightning swirling around Lei Dong. They had once been helpless against Black Demon Thunder—that's why they'd lost. The black lightning's offensive power was immense; upon contact, their defenses collapsed instantly.

"Black Demon Thunder…"

Gazing at the familiar black lightning on Lei Dong's body, Xiao Yan's eyes flickered with surprise—he hadn't expected Lei Dong to control Black Demon Thunder. His combat power must be formidable indeed, explaining how he'd defeated Gu Qingyang and the others. But to Xiao Yan, it held no real threat.

(End of Chapter)