novelraw Chapter 350: Arriving at the Yan Clan
Chapter 350: Arriving at the Yan Clan
Ten days later, a small boat descended in front of Emperor Flame City. The group of high-level Gu cultivators disembarking immediately attracted the attention of all the Gu cultivators near the city gate.
"Eight Spiritual Sea-level Gu cultivators, eight Gu Kings, including two at the peak of Gu King stage. Such a terrifying lineup—what is their purpose in coming to Emperor Flame City?"
"This group seems to have ill intentions. With so many powerful cultivators, they could flatten any clan in the city. Something big is likely about to happen."
The Gu cultivators at the city gate murmured among themselves, their expressions heavy. From time to time, some of them dashed back to notify their respective clans.
...
Yan Clan
"What’s going on? Why has the first-level martial law order been issued? That’s an order reserved only for situations where the clan faces an existential crisis."
A burly man with a grim expression strode into the conference room, which was already packed with people. Among them, four elders radiating the aura of Gu Kings sat in the center, their faces tense.
"Clan leader, a large group of powerful cultivators just entered the city. There are eight Gu Kings, including two at the peak of Gu King stage," one of the mid- stage Gu King elders reported with concern.
"Is that all? Just because a lot of Gu Kings have entered the city doesn’t necessarily mean they’re targeting us. Maybe they’re here for someone else, or they could just be passing through," Yan Tiexin said as he walked in. Though his tone was light, his expression betrayed a hint of tension. "Clan leader, the one leading them is Master Sun, a renowned alchemist of the Glorious Moon Empire. You should be quite familiar with him," the elder replied gravely.
Hearing this, Yan Tiexin's gaze sharpened, his brows furrowing deeply as he quickly took the main seat.
He wasn’t foolish. If someone else were leading the group, it might not be about the Yan Clan. However, if the leader was a famous alchemist, then the situation was different.
Yan Tiexin possessed a Heavenly Flame, a treasure highly coveted by alchemists. Now, with an alchemist bringing a group of powerful cultivators to Emperor Flame City, the target was likely his Sunset Divine Flame.
Yan Tiexin’s expression turned increasingly grim as he murmured, "We can’t afford to harbor false hopes. This group is definitely coming for us."
"The Yan Clan's ancestral forces were wiped out in that unfortunate event. Our current strength is far from enough to withstand so many powerful cultivators. This disaster is likely the end of our clan."
"Should we seek assistance from the other clans in the city? At this point, we have no choice but to ask for help," an elder suggested after hesitating briefly.
"The other four major clans in the city won’t help us," another elder sighed. "Our Yan Clan, being the largest clan in Emperor Flame City, monopolizes most of the city's resources. They’ve long wanted to see us destroyed so they could carve up our territory.
"Even if we ask for help, they might send low-level Gu cultivators at best. No Gu King will come."
Yan Tiexin rubbed his aching head and sighed, "Do you think I don’t know that? But even if there’s only a one-in-ten-thousand chance, I want to try.
"Send someone out. Doing something is better than doing nothing."
"Also, use communication talismans to notify the Enforcers of the Flaming Court Empire. These people killing in Emperor Flame City is a direct provocation to the empire’s authority, so the Enforcers will certainly intervene.
"I know distant water cannot quench near thirst, and the Enforcers won’t arrive immediately, but it’s still a glimmer of hope."
Yan Tiexin closed his eyes wearily, his fingers tapping the table as he wracked his brain for a way out of the predicament.
At that moment, a hearty laugh echoed from outside the room.
"Haha! Clan Leader Yan, it’s been a long time. We came uninvited; I hope you don’t mind?"
Hearing this voice, Yan Tiexin’s tapping hand froze, and his eyes snapped open.
When he saw who walked in, his heart sank.
"Wind King, Thunder King, I didn’t expect it to be you two."
"Master Sun actually managed to invite you."
Seeing the two peak Gu Kings enter, Yan Tiexin felt his heart grow heavy.
The Wind King and Thunder King were not ordinary peak Gu Kings; they were among the most formidable of their rank, with immense reputations across the Central Lands.
In the Gu world, anyone with a title was generally invincible among their peers. The Wind King excelled in wind techniques, while the Thunder King was a master of lightning—both were extraordinarily difficult opponents.
If other peak Gu Kings had come, Yan Tiexin might have been able to negotiate. But with these two present, the situation was dire. Yan Tiexin sighed inwardly.
"Master Sun, you’ve gone to great lengths to obtain the Heavenly Flame. To even invite the Wind King and Thunder King... you must have paid a steep price."
Still seated, Yan Tiexin turned his gaze to the goat-bearded elder who had just entered the conference room.
Master Sun stroked his beard and smiled. "It seems Clan Leader Yan has already guessed our intentions."
"In that case, I won’t beat around the bush.
"I recently heard that your noble clan obtained the Sunset Divine Flame in some mysterious location.
"You know as well as I do that a Heavenly Flame only realizes its full potential in the hands of an alchemist. Each Heavenly Flame has an irresistible allure for alchemists.
"I’ve searched for it tirelessly, even as my hair turned gray.
"Clan Leader Yan, would you be willing to part with this Sunset Divine Flame?"
"Of course, I wouldn’t take it without compensation. I’m willing to trade a 300-Year Longevity Pill for it. What do you think?"
Hearing this, many of the Gu cultivators present gasped in shock, their eyes brimming with desire.
That is a Longevity Pill capable of extending one's lifespan by 300 years—who wouldn’t be tempted? Any normal person would find it hard to resist the allure of extended life.
No one expected Master Sun to offer a 300-year Longevity Pill in exchange for the Heavenly Flame. Such a transaction was undoubtedly a show of utmost sincerity.
Although the value of the Heavenly Flame certainly surpasses that of the 300-year Longevity Pill, the majority of people, when given the choice, would still prefer the pill over the flame.
After all, the risk of death from consuming a Heavenly Flame is extremely high. Even if one possesses it, it often cannot be utilized effectively. In comparison, the practicality of a 300-year Longevity Pill far outweighs the risks of the flame.
When the eight Gu Kings accompanying Master Sun heard that he had a 300-year Longevity Pill, even they showed traces of greed.
However, Yan Tiexin remained unfazed when the pill was mentioned. He calmly replied, “I wonder how you found out that I acquired the Sunset Divine Flame.”
Yan Tiexin’s gaze swept across the high-ranking members of the Yan clan in the meeting room, a glint of coldness flashing in his eyes.
“Haven’t you already guessed? Why bother asking?”
Noticing Yan Tiexin’s look, Master Sun smiled faintly and continued, “How I know about the Yan Clan Leader possessing the Sunset Divine Flame is irrelevant. The question is, have you considered my offer? Are you willing to trade with me?”
Everyone in the room turned their eyes toward Yan Tiexin, waiting for his response.
After a long silence, Yan Tiexin looked up and said, “Your offer is indeed tempting and sincere. To say I’m not moved would be self-deception.
“However, the Sunset Divine Flame is of great importance to me. Under no circumstances can I trade it with you.
“So, I must ask you to leave.”
Hearing Yan Tiexin’s words, many were stunned. They truly hadn’t expected him to refuse.
Even though Master Sun had made no threats and spoke courteously, the situation was clear: if Yan Tiexin declined the trade, a battle was inevitable.
Master Sun had offered a 300-year Longevity Pill, which was a sign of great respect. The Yan Clan could have resolved this crisis without losing face. No one could understand why Yan Tiexin would refuse.
Even the members of the Yan Clan displayed confusion.
At this moment, Yan Tiexin suddenly released the aura of a peak-stage Gu King, causing the expressions of the Gu cultivators behind Master Sun to change.
Wasn’t Yan Tiexin only in the late stage of Gu King? When did he break through to the peak stage?
Master Sun’s heart sank. Yan Tiexin had already reached the peak stage of Gu King. With the enhancement of the Heavenly Flame, he wouldn’t be easy to defeat.
However, Master Sun had prepared for such contingencies and had brought along the renowned Wind King and Thunder King, both at the peak stage of Gu King. Even if Yan Tiexin had advanced, the odds of victory still favored them.
Could this be the confidence behind Yan Tiexin’s refusal? Master Sun wondered.
“Could you tell me why you’re so determined to keep the Heavenly Flame? It can only enhance your combat strength; it has no other significant benefits for you, right?” Master Sun asked after a moment of contemplation.
If possible, he truly wished to avoid resorting to force.
As a famed alchemy master, he treasured his reputation. Unless absolutely necessary, he didn’t want to be labeled a bandit.
Moreover, this was within the territory of the Flaming Court Empire. Killing in the empire’s domain would be a blatant challenge to the nation’s laws and would surely cause trouble.
“Sorry, but no. Please leave!”
Yan Tiexin shook his head firmly, his tone resolute.
Master Sun’s face darkened, and he clenched his fists. He felt cornered.
The tension in the room grew palpable.
At this moment, Long Xuan transmitted a message to Master Sun’s soul:
“Master Sun, this person is not the real Yan Tiexin. He is merely an 'external clone'.”
“If my guess is correct, he intends to fight this battle and fake his death to escape. Once he ‘dies,’ no one will covet the Heavenly Flame he possesses anymore.”
“He has calculated this well, but his heart is truly ruthless. His actions will undoubtedly cost the lives of many clansmen, perhaps even crippling the entire clan.
“He’s sacrificing the lives of his entire clan for his own benefit. Truly a selfish man.”
Long Xuan withdrew his gaze from Yan Tiexin. As a master of clones, no external clone could escape his Eye of Heavenly Secret.
Yan Tiexin’s clone might have fooled everyone in the room, but it couldn’t deceive Long Xuan.
After identifying Yan Tiexin’s clone, Long Xuan immediately deduced his plan: sacrificing the lives of many clan members to secure his Heavenly Flame—a ruthless move.
Hearing Long Xuan’s sound transmission, Master Sun was startled and cast a fleeting glance at him.
He finally understood Yan Tiexin’s unyielding attitude.
Even the Wind King and Thunder King hadn’t detected that this Yan Tiexin was a clone, yet this young Spiritual Sea stage Gu cultivator had? It was astonishing.
However, Master Sun didn’t bother to inquire further about Long Xuan’s discovery. Instead, he transmitted a message back:
“Can you locate his true body?”
Long Xuan certainly knew where Yan Tiexin’s true body was. Wherever the progress of a person matched that of their clone, that person was undoubtedly the true body.
At the moment, the true body was hidden in a secret chamber underground.
However, Long Xuan had no intention of revealing Yan Tiexin’s location. Offering such insights would only expose more of his extraordinary abilities, which was not in his interest.
Thus, Long Xuan replied, “I don’t have the ability to see through things; how would I know where his true body is?”
“But our arrival was too sudden for Yan Tiexin to escape. His true body must be hiding in some concealed location within the clan.”
“If we search carefully, we’ll find him eventually.”