Chapter 723 Interview with Gu Yuan

The peaks are verdant, covered with lush forests, and wisps of mist swirl around them like a light veil, making the entire mountain resemble a fairyland. Even the wind flowing through the mountains carries a refreshing coolness.

Xiao Ling walked slowly along the mountain path towards the summit of Qingfeng Peak. His clothes brushed against the grass and trees along the roadside covered with morning dew, and his fingertips occasionally brushed against the thin mist that surrounded him. His expression carried a sense of knowing composure.

When they left the Bloodline Awakening Plaza earlier, Xun'er leaned close to him and whispered that someone wanted to meet him.

Although the girl did not explicitly reveal the identity of the inviter, Xiao Ling had already made a vague guess in his heart. It seemed that there was no one else besides Gu Yuan, the clan leader who had been living behind the scenes for a long time, who could make Xun'er tell him so solemnly.

Xiao Ling walked slowly through the green peaks and forests, letting the Burning Technique within his body circulate on its own.

It must be said that the energy of heaven and earth in the core area of ​​this ancient realm is several times purer than that of the outside world. Strands of energy seeped into his body through his pores, like a clear spring, nourishing his limbs and bones, making every inch of his muscles and bones feel relaxed, leaving him feeling refreshed and invigorated.

But just as he was immersed in this comfortable state of breathing, his steps suddenly stopped.

His slightly closed eyes suddenly snapped open, his relaxed expression instantly vanishing, replaced by a serious look. He looked up at the end of the mountain path, where a figure stood with his hands behind his back, his robes fluttering gently in the mountain breeze, seemingly blending into the surrounding clouds and mist.

Looking at that seemingly ordinary figure from behind, a look of surprise suddenly appeared in Xiao Ling's eyes.

It should be noted that since he stepped into this green peak, he had released his powerful soul perception, covering the surrounding area for several miles. However, even now that he could see the figure clearly, he could not detect the slightest trace of aura in his perception.

The person, along with the space he occupied, seemed to have "hidden" from the world, with only his visible outline proving his existence.

This stark contradiction between perception and vision creates an eerie sense of oppression in the air.

The surprise in Xiao Ling's eyes vanished in an instant, his composure honed over many years allowing him to quickly regain his composure.

He gazed at the figure blending into the clouds at the end of the mountain path, slowly raised his hands in a fist salute, his movements respectful yet upright, his voice deep and powerful.

"Junior Xiao Ling greets Senior. Xun'er mentioned earlier that a senior wished to meet with me, so it must be Senior in person."

As the words fell, the figure who had been standing with his hands behind his back finally turned slowly. His plain robe fluttered gently in the mountain breeze. Gu Yuan's face was expressionless, except for a deep, unfathomable clarity in his eyes. His tone was as gentle as a mountain spring, devoid of any of the imposing authority befitting a clan leader.
"Hehe, it is indeed me. I heard that Xun'er often mentions you, so I thought I would wait for you here and say a few words to you."

He raised his hand to gesture for Xiao Ling to come closer, his fingertips brushing against the swirling mist around him, his voice more casual: "No need to be reserved, there are only the two of us on this green peak, so come with me for a few steps."

After saying that, Gu Yuan took the lead and started walking towards the top of the mountain. His steps were not fast, but each step seemed to blend in with the rocks and vegetation. Even the surrounding clouds and mist seemed to flow gently with his steps.

Seeing this, Xiao Ling stopped being so polite and followed closely behind Gu Yuan. The trees on both sides of the mountain path became even more lush, and the sound of the morning dew dripping mingled with the sound of their footsteps, creating a more tranquil atmosphere than the hustle and bustle below the mountain.

The two followed the mountain path for a while longer, and then the terrain suddenly opened up, and they had reached the summit of Qingfeng.

The swirling mist is even denser here, wrapping around you like cotton or gauze. You can feel a slight damp coolness when you touch it with your fingertips, and even your breath seems to be infused with the fresh scent of grass and trees. A fairyland-like ethereal feeling washes over you.

Occasionally, a mountain breeze would blow by, dispersing the thin mist around us, and the outline of the ancient tribe's buildings below would be revealed. The pavilions with their upturned eaves supported by vermilion pillars stood tall, and the buildings covered with blue tiles were built layer upon layer against the mountain. At the eaves, there were occasional glimmers of light, and one could vaguely see children in tribal costumes moving through the streets and alleys.

Even though what we see now is just the tip of the iceberg of the ancient world, the prosperous atmosphere and orderly system belonging to the ancient clans have already clearly come into view.

A mountain breeze swept across the mountaintop with a thin mist, and Gu Yuan finally stopped beside a moss-covered blue stone and slowly turned around.

A few drops of morning dew still clung to the hem of his plain-colored long robe. He looked at Xiao Ling, his tone lacking the imposing authority of a clan leader, instead carrying the gentle and open manner of an elder towards a junior.

“You are always very meticulous. You have probably already guessed most of my identity. I am Gu Yuan, the current patriarch of the Gu Clan and Xun’er’s father.”

Having said that, he raised his hand to brush away a wisp of mist that had drifted onto his shoulder, his gaze falling on the distant horizon where the sea of ​​clouds surged. A touch of melancholy crept into his voice, and he chuckled softly.

"Speaking of which, this is the first time I've met someone like you among the younger generation of the Xiao clan. Back then, when the Xiao clan's Dou Di bloodline was cut off, many people thought that the Xiao clan would never rise again. But now that I've met you, I have to reconsider. Perhaps Xiao Xuan's somewhat reckless decision back then was never in vain..."

Upon hearing Gu Yuan reveal his identity, Xiao Ling did not show much shock on his face. He simply nodded slightly, his expression remaining calm.

When Xun'er first told him about this, he already had a pretty good idea of ​​who the inviter was. Now that he had confirmed it with his own ears, it was just a confirmation of what he had thought, so it was hard for him to be upset.

He raised his hands and clasped his hands again, his tone respectful yet neither humble nor arrogant: "So it is the patriarch of the ancient clan in person. Although I had guessed before, it is still an honor to meet you today. I just don't know what the patriarch of the ancient clan intends to discuss with me today."

"I've come to see you today, naturally, because of your relationship with Xun'er." Gu Yuan looked at Xiao Ling, a gentle smile playing on his lips. His eyes lacked the majesty of a clan leader, instead displaying the warmth of an ordinary father.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ling's heart stirred slightly, and his fingertips unconsciously tightened a little, but he quickly relaxed them again.

He looked up at Gu Yuan and saw that the other party had a kind expression and showed no intention of making things difficult. His heart eased slightly, and his tone became sincere and firm.
"Clan Chief Gu Yuan, I have known Xun'er since we were young, and we have supported each other all the way. Our affection is deeply ingrained in our hearts. I dare not say that I can give her the best of everything in the world, but I will protect her with my life and never let her suffer any injustice, nor will I betray her heart." "Hehe, you don't need to be so solemn." Gu Yuan waved his hand, his laughter carrying a hint of relief. "I have never had any ill will towards you. I came to see you today not to interfere with your relationship. Xun'er is a stubborn girl who has had her own ideas since she was a child. Now that she has awakened her divine bloodline, even I, as her father, cannot force her to make her choice."

He changed the subject slightly, his gaze falling on Xiao Ling, his tone now tinged with admiration.

"Moreover, your talent is among the best in the Dou Qi Continent over the past thousand years, in no way inferior to those legendary ancient masters. Even Xun'er's current divine bloodline, in terms of her current cultivation, is temporarily slightly inferior to yours. For both reason and emotion, I have no reason to ruin your relationship; on the contrary, I would be happy for you."

Upon hearing these words, Xiao Ling was taken aback at first, but the surprise in his eyes was quickly replaced by intense joy, and even the aura he had been deliberately suppressing loosened slightly.

During his time in the Ancient Realm, among the ancient clans he encountered, there were kind people like Elder Tongxuan, but most were either indifferent or harbored some hostility due to his relationship with Xun'er. Although he did not show it, he was aware of this situation.

Now that even the clan chief and Xun'er's father have personally acknowledged and expressed their goodwill towards him, the opinions and thoughts of others seem insignificant.

Xiao Ling immediately raised his hands in a fist salute, bowing deeply as he spoke with great joy and solemnity: "Thank you for your kindness, Clan Chief Gu Yuan! In that case, I, your son-in-law, shall pay my respects to my father-in-law!"

The moment Xiao Ling uttered the words "son-in-law," Gu Yuan's composed and aloof demeanor crumbled instantly.

Her usually calm and composed face stiffened for a moment, her eyes twitched slightly, and then she showed obvious surprise. In Xiao Ling's eyes, her expression even seemed somewhat unexpected.

Having served as the patriarch of an ancient clan for thousands of years, and accustomed to the respect of the clan's elders and the awe of the powerful from various clans, this was the first time Gu Yuan had been subjected to such an "unreasonable" attempt to establish a connection with someone, and a strange, choked feeling rose in his throat.

"You little rascal, you know how to jump on the bandwagon. Your marriage isn't even settled yet, and you dare to make such a fuss? Don't try to establish a connection with me here."

He quickly regained his composure, glared at Xiao Ling with a hint of exasperation in his voice, yet still maintained a degree of elder's demeanor.
"Don't be too happy yet. Although I won't stop you and Xun'er, many elders in the clan, and even the reclusive older generation, still have reservations about this matter. Xun'er is a divine bloodline that is rare in the ancient clan in nearly a thousand years. They are always afraid that this bloodline will 'lose its purity' because of the marriage. The obstacles you will face in the future will definitely not be easy."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the clouds and mist on the mountaintop, his voice tinged with the helplessness of a clan leader: "As the clan leader of my ancient clan, I can't offer you much help in this matter. After all, sitting in this position, I must prioritize the interests of the ancient clan in everything I do."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ling's smile faded slightly, but he could only nod awkwardly. Although his earlier use of "father-in-law" had seemed impulsive, it had allowed him to gauge Gu Yuan's attitude. This outcome had already exceeded his expectations, and he naturally understood that things wouldn't go smoothly from here on out.

Seeing his composed expression, Gu Yuan's solemnity softened, and a smile returned to his lips: "However, if we set aside my identity as the clan leader, I am just Xun'er's father. I will naturally try to accept the person she likes."

"Although the bloodline of the Xiao Clan's Dou Di within you has been severed, you have reached a level that is no less than, and even surpasses, that of bloodline inheritors through your own hard work. This mentality and strength are truly admirable. Given time, you may very well reach a level comparable to mine."

He had barely finished speaking when he suddenly changed the subject, his tone tinged with self-deprecating humor:

"To be honest, if I had known this would be the outcome, I would never have sent Xun'er to the Xiao family back then. I originally wanted her to find something, and although she did get the things in the end, I ended up 'losing' my daughter to you. This deal was a huge loss."

Hearing Gu Yuan's self-deprecating complaints, Xiao Ling, as a "beneficiary," could only awkwardly laugh and touch his nose, unable to utter a single word of rebuttal.

He had clearly abducted the "little cotton-padded jacket" that others cherished. Even if the father was a peak nine-star Dou Sheng, it was perfectly normal for him to complain to his face at this moment.

“I will no longer interfere in your affairs.” Gu Yuan’s tone changed, his expression shifting from playful to serious as a father. “However, I need you to promise me one thing.”

Before Xiao Ling could ask any questions, he went straight to the point, his gaze fixed on Xiao Ling, his tone full of unmistakable seriousness:

"You and Xun'er are deeply in love, and now that you are both adults, there is probably no barrier between you. But I have only one request: in the future, when you are with her, before Xun'er breaks through to the Dou Sheng realm, you must keep her a virgin."

He paused, then added, "She recently advanced to the Half-Saint realm, and it's only a matter of time before she becomes a Battle Saint. This process won't take long. I'm not trying to interfere with you, but those with divine bloodlines are most vulnerable to mental turmoil when breaking through to critical realms. As her father, I have to make extra plans for her cultivation."

Upon hearing Gu Yuan's words, Xiao Ling's smile vanished instantly, replaced by utter seriousness.

He immediately straightened his back, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, his posture respectful yet carrying an undeniable firmness.
"Patriarch Gu, rest assured, I know my limits. Even when I was very close to Xun'er, I never crossed any boundaries. I am not one to indulge in romantic feelings, and I am well aware of the preciousness of Xun'er's divine bloodline. Her path of cultivation is far more important than personal feelings. Before she breaks through to the Dou Sheng realm, I will never let my own selfish desires affect her breakthrough."

These words were sincere and earnest, without a trace of falsehood. Xiao Ling knew that this was not only Gu Yuan's entrustment as a father, but also the final test of his character, so he naturally dared not be the slightest bit negligent.

Looking into his eyes, Gu Yuan's tense expression slowly relaxed, and he nodded gently, his tone finally free of all his worries:
"I am relieved that you understand this. Xun'er may seem calm, but she is always more accommodating to those she cares about. With your words, I no longer need to worry that she will neglect her cultivation because of personal feelings."

He raised his hand and gently patted Xiao Ling's shoulder. He then looked away, his tone returning to its previous calmness: "Alright, that's all I wanted to tell you today. The opening of the Heavenly Tomb is just around the corner. You and Xun'er should start preparing now. I won't take up any more of your time."

As soon as he finished speaking, the clouds around Gu Yuan suddenly surged gently, and his figure in a plain white robe seemed to merge into the world, slowly becoming transparent.

In the blink of an eye, the figure vanished completely into the thin mist atop the green peak, leaving only the sound of the mountain breeze rustling through the grass and trees… (End of Chapter)