Chapter 54: Soul Heaven Emperor Escapes
"It's been a hundred years, and you're still the same, Brother Gu. As for the little mishap in the Gu Realm, it was just a small trick. Why take it to heart?"
At the peak of the Heavenly Star Mountains, the Soul Heaven Emperor admitted his ploy without hesitation.
Though his words stoked a flicker of anger in Gu Yuan's heart, the situation in the Gu Realm had already been resolved. The intruding four star Dou Sheng from the Soul Clan had been obliterated by Gu Yuan's palm, leaving nothing behind not even a trace of their soul.
Because of this, Gu Yuan's fury subsided slightly.
"As bold and straightforward as ever, Soul Brother," Gu Yuan remarked, his face dark.
The Soul Heaven Emperor smirked. "What's the use in denial? I had hoped my small trick would delay you, but alas, it failed.
Still, Brother Gu, have you truly considered the consequences of interfering in the feud between the Soul Clan and the Xiao Clan?
You must know, Xiao Xuan is already at death's door. Even if you save him today, he won't survive for long.
Without Xiao Xuan, the Xiao Clan is nothing more than a flock of sheep waiting to be slaughtered. They no longer have any real strength.
Moreover, Xiao Xuan's reckless decision to extract the Dou Di bloodline from his people has severely weakened the Xiao Clan. Their days as a major power are over.
Brother Gu, do you really want to make the Gu Clan an enemy of the Soul Clan for the sake of Xiao Xuan?"
The Soul Heaven Emperor's tone was calm, but his words carried the weight of his ambitions. He sought to manipulate both Gu Yuan and Xiao Xuan, dissuading them from fighting him head on.
Gu Yuan's expression didn't waver, but the Three Immortals of the Gu Clan, standing nearby, showed concern.
"Clan Leader!"
One of them, Gu Dao, called out softly, while the others nodded in agreement.
The Gu Clan, though formidable, was slightly weaker than both the Soul Clan and the Xiao Clan. If the Xiao Clan were truly destroyed, the Gu Clan would stand no chance of withstanding the Soul Clan's might alone.
Gu Yuan noticed their unease and waved a hand dismissively. "Relax," he said, his voice steady. "I understand the situation clearly."
Turning back to the Soul Heaven Emperor, Gu Yuan chuckled coldly. "We've known each other for years, Soul Brother. Do you really think I can't see through your games? If you think the Gu Clan is soft or easily bullied, feel free to try.
In fact, I've been meaning to spar with you again since our brief exchange a century ago. Why not settle it here and now?"
His smile was sharp, his words challenging.
The Soul Heaven Emperor's face darkened as his aura surged. It was clear that a fight could break out at any moment.
Sensing the tension, the Gu Clan's Three Immortals readied themselves. They understood that as long as Gu Yuan kept the Soul Heaven Emperor occupied, the three of them could handle the injured Void Devouring Flame.
Just as both sides prepared to clash, the Soul Heaven Emperor suddenly froze. A shadow crossed his face.
He had just received word that the Soul Clan's forces sent to the Xiao Realm had been utterly annihilated every single Dou Sheng's soul tablet had shattered.
The Soul Heaven Emperor's voice was laced with fury as he glared at Xiao Xuan. "Xiao Xuan... I should've known. Even now, you've managed to pull this off."
Gu Yuan and the Three Immortals were momentarily confused, unsure of what had caused his sudden change in demeanor.
Xiao Xuan, however, smiled faintly. He had expected something like this. Before leaving the Xiao Realm, he had sensed Xiao Tiance and Xiao Qing hiding in the void nearby. Seeing the Soul Heaven Emperor's reaction confirmed his suspicions they had struck the invading Soul Clan forces.
"Hahaha! It seems you've received some bad news. No matter. You and I are already locked in a fight to the death. If I can drag you down with me today, it will be vengeance for the Xiao Clan members you've slaughtered!"
Xiao Xuan's laughter was bold, his killing intent undisguised. Despite his grievous injuries, he stood tall, prepared to fight to the bitter end.
The Soul Heaven Emperor's eyes flicked between Xiao Xuan and Gu Yuan, his expression grim. After a moment, he gritted his teeth. "Fine! Let's end this!"
His aura erupted, shrouded in thick black smoke, as though he was ready to risk it all.
To everyone's shock, instead of attacking, the Soul Heaven Emperor suddenly turned and grabbed Void Devouring Flame. Without hesitation, he vanished into the void, escaping in an instant.
"What? He fled?"
Gu Yuan and Xiao Xuan were momentarily stunned, unable to react to the Soul Heaven Emperor's sudden retreat.
The Gu Clan's Three Immortals exchanged confused glances. Moments ago, it seemed as if the Soul Heaven Emperor was about to fight to the death. Why had he left so abruptly?
Xiao Xuan coughed, spitting out blood as his body trembled. Despite his weakened state, he straightened up and gave Gu Yuan a respectful bow. "Brother Gu, thank you for coming to my aid. Without you, this mountaintop would have become my grave."
Gu Yuan quickly supported him, his face filled with concern. "There's no need for thanks. The Xiao and Gu Clans have been allies for generations. Still... it's a shame I didn't arrive sooner."
"Hahaha! Life and death are ruled by fate. You've already done more than enough," Xiao Xuan replied with a weak smile. "I'll last another two days at most. There are still matters I must attend to before I go. Tomorrow, I'll come to the Gu Clan to discuss them with you."
Gu Yuan nodded solemnly. "Take care of yourself, Brother Xiao."
With that, Xiao Xuan departed, vanishing into the void.
As the Gu Clan's group watched him leave, Gu Dao spoke up, his tone hesitant. "Clan Leader, I shouldn't question your decisions, but... was it worth offending the Soul Clan for Xiao Xuan's sake?"
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