NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 507: Chapter 507: Xiao Xuan
Chapter 507: Xiao Xuan
Although Xiao Ze and Xun'er's actions could escape the notice of ordinary Dou Sheng energy bodies, they couldn't deceive the more powerful ones. However, sensing the familiar aura from Xiao Ze, these formidable energy bodies hesitated and chose to continue hiding their presence. They couldn't be sure, but if the aura indeed belonged to a feared figure, it would be unwise to provoke him. Every ten years, this feared figure would leave his tomb and conduct a massive purge in the third layer of the Heaven Tomb. Offending such a figure could lead to disastrous consequences.
Because of this, ordinary Dou Sheng energy bodies couldn't detect Xiao Ze, allowing him to avoid them. And those who could sense Xiao Ze's presence were too wary of the fearsome entity in the depths of the Heaven Tomb to take action against him.
As a result, Xiao Ze's journey was surprisingly smooth, even more so than in the first and second layers. The desolate, gray-brown ground was shrouded in a faint mist, and as they ventured deeper, the surrounding energy grew denser. Suddenly, Xiao Ze stopped, glancing around. The surroundings had turned pitch black, like ink. The light was extremely dim, making it feel like they were in a void. The desolate and lonely atmosphere pressed heavily on the soul.
"Brother Xiao Ze, we've reached the deepest part of the Heaven Tomb," Xun'er said softly, her voice echoing in the peculiar space, slightly dispelling the desolate feeling.
Xiao Ze looked towards the pitch-black space, the most noticeable feature being an ancient stone tablet standing solitary in the darkness. Despite its isolation, it exuded an aura of eternity, as if it had stood there forever. Even across countless years, the stone tablet still emitted an indescribable aura, not overpowering but enough to make one's soul tremble uncontrollably.
Xiao Ze and Xun'er exchanged glances. He held her hand, and they approached the tomb of Xiao Xuan together. Before they could do anything, a figure in light green clothing slowly appeared in front of the ancient stone tablet. The figure's arrival didn't cause any celestial phenomena, but both Xiao Ze and Xun'er felt that the entire world seemed insignificant in the presence of this figure.
The figure's face wasn't extraordinarily handsome, but it had a unique charm. His black hair fell over his shoulders, and his deep, ink-black eyes seemed to contain infinite wisdom, radiating an irresistible allure. As the figure appeared, Xiao Ze's body trembled slightly, and his blood coursed with a strange sensation of familiarity.
"Descendant of the Xiao clan, Xiao Ze, pays respects to Ancestor Xiao Xuan!" Xiao Ze bowed deeply and performed the formal salute of the Xiao family.
The man in green descended from the void, came to Xiao Ze, and helped him up, examining him with satisfaction.
"Good, very good! It seems my Xiao clan hasn't declined; we've produced another prodigy!" Xiao Xuan said with immense satisfaction, repeating the word "good" three times, indicating how pleased he was with Xiao Ze.
Before, he had only roughly sensed Xiao Ze's strength. Now, seeing him up close, he fully realized Xiao Ze's achievements. Xiao Ze was a mid-level Two-Star Dou Sheng, with a soul at the peak of the Heavenly Realm and a body surpassing top-tier magical beasts. And he was still under thirty years old. Such a prodigy, if continually nurtured, was destined to reach the peak of Nine-Star Dou Sheng.
Xiao Xuan patted Xiao Ze's shoulder, saying, "I sensed your presence when you entered the Heaven Tomb. Your performance has been impressive."
"Thank you for your praise, Ancestor Xiao Xuan. I still have much to improve," Xiao Ze replied modestly.
"Haha, no need to be humble. With your current achievements, it's hard to find anyone throughout history who can compare."
"Greetings, Senior Xiao Xuan," Xun'er said nervously, bowing as she introduced herself.
"Your bloodline... it's similar to Gu Yuan's," Xiao Xuan noted.
"Gu Yuan is my father," Xun'er replied.
"Ah, I see. So the Xiao and Gu clans have this connection now," Xiao Xuan laughed, glancing between Xiao Ze and Xun'er. "Although you possess a divine bloodline, Xiao Ze's talent is also unparalleled. Since you are well-matched and in love, you two make an excellent pair."
Xun'er's face turned a deep red, but she didn't deny it and nodded slightly, happy to receive Xiao Ze's ancestor's approval.
"Alright, let's head into my tomb. I'm sure you have questions about why the Xiao clan suddenly declined," Xiao Xuan said to Xiao Ze after some playful teasing.
"Yes, Ancestor," Xiao Ze responded respectfully.
Xiao Xuan nodded slightly, then approached the stone tablet, touching it with his hand. His figure gradually faded and finally disappeared in front of the tablet.
"Xun'er, let's go," Xiao Ze said, extending his hand to her. Without hesitation, she placed her hand in his, and they smiled at each other as they approached the stone tablet. Xiao Ze touched the stone tablet, feeling a connection through his bloodline. A faint glow spread from the tablet, enveloping them. When the light faded, they had disappeared.
The scene before them changed, and as the light faded, they found themselves in an ancient hall. Xun'er looked around in awe. In the center of the hall stood Xiao Xuan, with his hands behind his back. Before him was a clear pool with floating green lotuses, emitting a faint fragrance.
Xiao Xuan turned around and sighed softly, saying to Xiao Ze, "Xiao Ze, can you tell me about the current state of the Xiao clan?"
Though he was thrilled with Xiao Ze's talent, Xiao Xuan remained rational, knowing that the Xiao clan, with its declining bloodline, had likely faced tough times since his death.
Xiao Ze took a moment to organize his thoughts before speaking slowly.
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