radicalducati 850. The Pressure of Choice
850. The Pressure of Choice
Seeing this, Xiao Yan smiled slightly: "You don't need to worry about that."
"In the future, there will absolutely be no such possibility."
Gu Qingyang nodded slightly, seemingly quite satisfied with Xiao Yan's current state: "Originally, according to the wishes of certain people in the clan, I wouldn't have told you these things, much less allowed you to get close to Xun'er again. You should know that the Gu clan elders' opinion on how to deal with you, especially after you killed Gu Yao, has always been... direct execution."
Xiao Yan made no attempt to hide his sarcasm, saying, "That's certainly the style of your ancient clans; they never beat around the bush."
The Xiao family's experience had already explained everything to Xiao Yan, and Xiao Yan had long since seen through the hypocrisy of the ancient clans.
Gu Qingyang remained calm, seemingly oblivious to the directness of Xiao Yan's tone: "But I saw your behavior outside the Heavenly Tomb. You didn't take your anger out on Xun'er because of your second brother Xiao Li's matter; you maintained basic rationality and didn't choose to completely sever ties with her... This is very important."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan felt an overwhelming sense of guilt towards Xun'er. When he first learned of his second brother's death, he had indeed felt doubt and disappointment, even a brief moment of resentment. Although he ultimately didn't choose to sever ties with Xun'er, he hadn't completely trusted her in the face of the Xiao family's deep-seated hatred, and instead chose to act out of spite.
That's why I'm willing to stand here and have this conversation with you.
"However, I still will not allow Xun'er to meet you."
"Xun'er's safety is the bottom line. You must prove to me that you have enough strength to survive in this Heavenly Tomb. The Soul Clan has their eyes on you, and they will definitely make their move against you in the Heavenly Tomb."
Gu Qingyang took a step forward, and an invisible pressure of battle aura quietly spread out.
"Solve them, Xiao Yan. If you can use your own strength to eliminate the Soul Clan's targeting in the Heavenly Tomb, proving that you are qualified and capable of standing by Xun'er's side and protecting her, then... I, Gu Qingyang, will do my best to bring you and Xun'er together within my power."
But then, Gu Qingyang changed the subject: "However, if you can't do it... you should know what the consequences will be..."
Gu Qingyang didn't continue, but the outcome was clear: if he couldn't defeat the Soul Clan, he would be defeated by them. The Gu Clan's divine-grade bloodline genius wouldn't be entrusted to Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan listened quietly; Gu Qingyang's conditions were very clear. Meeting Gu Qingyang's scrutinizing gaze, Xiao Yan met his eyes without fear.
"Gu Qingyang, I want to thank you. Thank you for your honesty; it was very important to me! You are indeed different from the elders of the ancient clan!"
"I, Xiao Yan, will remember this favor. If you ever need anything in the future, I will definitely repay it." This was Xiao Yan's promise, a promise as good as gold.
"But, regarding Xun'er..." Xiao Yan looked directly into Gu Qingyang's eyes and said, word by word, "This is a matter between the two of us. As her clansman and elder brother, it's understandable that you care about and protect her; I understand and respect that. However, everything I, Xiao Yan, have done—whether it's increasing my strength or fighting against the Soul Clan—has never been to prove anything to you, Gu Qingyang!"
"After my second brother and the rest of the clan died, my relationship with the ancient clan will only be that of enemies, not relatives."
"I will protect my beloved with dignity. I don't need your approval, especially not the approval of the ancient clans. The so-called ancient clans who are descendants of Dou Di, I, Xiao Yan, do not acknowledge you!"
Gu Qingyang and Xiao Yan's gazes clashed fiercely in the air, as if sparks were about to fly. Although Gu Qingyang's strength and realm were still above Xiao Yan's, and his Dou Sheng aura was as heavy as a mountain, Xiao Yan's eyes did not flinch in the slightest.
After a moment, the sharpness in Gu Qingyang's eyes faded, replaced by a look of relief.
That would be best.
"I've said my piece. Be careful. Xun'er... she probably doesn't want to hear the news of your demise a second time."
Without lingering, Gu Qingyang immediately left with Gu Hua. Gu Hua followed behind Gu Qingyang, turning back to glare fiercely at Xiao Yan, but dared not make any further provocative moves. He could only suppress his anger and follow Gu Qingyang away.
"Brother Qingyang, are we just... leaving like this?" As they left together, Gu Hua finally couldn't hold back any longer, his voice filled with frustration. He simply couldn't understand it. With Gu Qingyang's strength, plus his own, even if they had suffered a slight loss earlier, were they really afraid of Xiao Yan?
At first, he genuinely believed that Gu Qingyang was going to take him to the Heavenly Tomb to deal with Xiao Yan.
Gu Qingyang didn't turn around, his gaze fixed straight ahead, his voice calm and even: "Yes, we still need to take care of Xun'er."
Looking at Gu Qingyang's figure ahead, Gu Hua had a bold idea. After hesitating for a moment, he finally couldn't help but ask, "Brother Qingyang, since you also have feelings for Xun'er, why not give it a try? At least we can't let Xiao Yan live so comfortably. I really can't swallow this anger of letting him take Xun'er away!"
Gu Qingyang froze for a moment upon hearing these words. His heart was truly stirred.
Among the youths of the ancient clan, almost no one was unmoved by Xun'er. Xun'er's talent, appearance, status, and temperament were all exceptional. Gu Qingyang was also moved, but his feelings were indeed somewhat different from those of the others.
When Xun'er was brought back to the ancient clan and met Gu Qingyang again, Gu Qingyang was moved by Xun'er's sincerity, frankness, and generous demeanor.
Gu Qingyang keenly observed that almost all the space in Xun'er's heart had been filled with the figure of Xiao Yan. That affection was unreserved, and Gu Qingyang's pride and self-respect prevented him from doing anything forced. He never spoke of it directly, nor did he attempt to interfere with Xun'er's choice using his status or power. His protection was always silent and restrained.
Gu Qingyang, however, made no move other than sighing. He had come specifically to see Xiao Yan today and talked so much with him; in fact, he had already made his choice. He chose to trust Xun'er's judgment and acknowledge Xiao Yan's terrifying talent and potential. As long as Xiao Yan could prove he possessed the strength to match Xun'er's divine bloodline and survive the trials of the Heavenly Tomb, Gu Qingyang was willing to grant his wish.
"If Xun'er stays with the Ancient Clan, she will receive their full support and the best resources." Gu Qingyang's voice was deep, as if he were persuading Gu Hua, but more like he was persuading himself.
"She will surely become incredibly powerful, and her future achievements will be limitless. The ancient clan will give her all the glory and status they can, and she will definitely reap happiness."
"Only Xiao Yan can make Xun'er happy..."
After Gu Qingyang finished speaking, his fighting spirit surged, and his speed increased dramatically. He was, after all, still the commander of the Black Annihilation Army. Although he hadn't completed the Black Annihilation Commander's mission to kill Xiao Yan due to his personal feelings, he would absolutely not neglect the other mission.
(Thanks to Carbon Treasure)