novelraw 878. Xiao Clan Clan Mark
878. Xiao Clan Clan Mark
Xiao Yan glanced at his three companions and smiled modestly, saying, "It was just good luck."
After exchanging pleasantries, Xiao Xuan became serious and looked at Xiao Yan slowly, asking, "Tell me about the Xiao Clan now."
This seemingly simple question required far too much information to answer, so Xiao Yan pondered for a while before replying: "Ancestor, in fact, since the time I was born, the Xiao Clan has ceased to exist; there is only a nearly ruined Xiao Family."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Xuan glanced at Xun'er without making it obvious. Xun'er was incredibly intelligent and naturally knew that the decline of the Xiao family was inextricably linked to the ancient clan, but in the current situation, she couldn't explain anything. In the end, only a bitter smile appeared on her lips, while unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.
As a member of an ancient clan, she enjoyed many benefits brought by this identity, but she also bore immense pressure from the clan. The true nature of this Dou Di descendant family, which was kind to her, was always ruthless, which is why they resorted to such methods against the Xiao family after Xiao Yan lost him.
Within the ancient clan, a family with a long and distinguished lineage, everything is geared towards ensuring the continuation of the clan's heritage. However, Xun'er, because of Xiao Yan, neither wanted nor was willing to follow this path, and thus resolved to seize this opportunity to completely sever ties with the ancient clan. Yet, Xun'er was acutely aware that her identity and divine bloodline would inevitably add many twists and turns to her decision to leave the ancient clan, a matter that couldn't be explained in a few words.
Xiao Yan then slowly recounted the situation of the Xiao family and his own experiences to Xiao Xuan. Whether it was facing the Xuanwen Sect in the Northwest Region, venturing into the Central Plains, fighting the Spirit Clan in the Pill Tower, or finally turning against the Ancient Clan, Xiao Xuan remained silent, simply standing aside and listening quietly to Xiao Yan's story.
After listening, Xiao Xuan fell silent for a long time. Xiao Yan remained quiet throughout the process, waiting for his ancestor to digest the news.
Finally, Xiao Xuan let out a long sigh, a sigh filled with a desolate feeling that everyone could empathize with.
"I, as the last patriarch of the Xiao clan a thousand years ago, bear the responsibility for the Xiao clan's current state. It is truly a blessing from heaven that the Xiao clan has a rising star like you."
Then Xiao Xuan looked at Xiao Yan and asked, "If there's anything you don't understand about the Xiao Clan, you can ask me now."
Xiao Yan nodded without hesitation, and his first question went straight to the heart of the matter: "Ancestor, are you... still alive in this world?"
Throughout their journey through the Heavenly Tomb, Xiao Yan had witnessed Xiao Xuan's immense power. With a mere gesture, Xiao Xuan could command ten Dou Sheng-level energy beings, easily annihilating powerful enemies of the Soul Clan. Xiao Yan still harbored some hope; if his ancestor were still alive, he would be an unimaginable and invaluable asset to the current Xiao family, the Xiao Clan.
Xiao Xuan shook his head without hesitation: "What you see is only a part of my soul that split off back then. My physical body has been dead for many years. Even this wisp of soul can only reside in this Heavenly Tomb. Once it leaves, it will immediately perish."
Upon hearing this, a helpless look appeared in Xiao Yan's eyes: "The Xiao family really doesn't have a good way to deal with a powerful enemy right now. After all, the overall strength of the ancient races is far, far greater than that of ordinary forces."
Xiao Yan immediately recalled the Spirit Clan. Even with the Pill Tower's best efforts, they could only rely on other Dou Di descendant families to intimidate the Spirit Clan. In a direct confrontation, even the entire Holy Pill City combined couldn't possibly shake the Spirit Clan that night. And now, the Spirit Clan was the weakest Dou Di descendant family besides the Xiao Clan. This stark contrast in strength couldn't be changed by just one or two experts; it represented the accumulated foundation of a family over many years.
"The issue of bloodline has nothing to do with your generation. When I was still alive, the problem of bloodline inheritance in my clan was already very serious. The bloodline was becoming increasingly thin, and it was difficult for the clan members to cultivate. I was confident in my talent and believed that I had the potential to break through to the Dou Di realm, so I decided to take a gamble. Back then, I gathered the Dou Di essence blood of all the clan members to try to break through to the Dou Di realm. If I succeeded, I could instantly reverse the predicament of my clan's depleted essence blood. At that time, it was indeed the last hope for all the Xiao clan members."
At this point, Xiao Xuan sighed softly: "It's a pity that I didn't succeed. I was severely injured during the attack and eventually fell victim to the Soul Clan's siege... In the end, I also dragged you down with me. Although you are descendants of Dou Di, you didn't enjoy any of the benefits of being a Dou Di descendant."
"Our ancestors need not blame themselves so much!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan immediately explained, "Back then, the Xiao Clan faced a near-death situation. Our ancestor's determination to take on everything was beyond the capabilities of ordinary people. Although we ultimately failed, I believe that none of the Xiao Clan members would blame you for this. Besides, didn't our ancestor leave behind the Three Transformations of Heavenly Fire and the Strange Fire for future generations in Burning Flame Valley?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Xuan looked at Xiao Yan and said, "I have already sensed the aura of the Heavenly Flame Three Transformations on your body. Even if others don't say it, the rudimentary form of the Xiao Clan's clan mark has already been conceived within you, little guy."
At this moment, Xiao Yan also frowned and looked back at Xun'er and the other two. They didn't quite understand what Xiao Xuan meant.
"As far as I know, clan crests seem to be bestowed upon members of the clan by a designated person, right?"
Xiao Xuan chuckled, "That's true for the other clans. Without elders, they can't cultivate their clan markings. However, after I reached the Dou Sheng realm, I innovated my clan's markings. If you're a member of the Xiao clan with the fire attribute like me, you can actively cultivate your clan markings through the Heavenly Fire Three Transformations!"
Upon hearing this, a glint appeared in Xiao Yan's eyes. Indeed, the Three Transformations of Heavenly Flame was a treasure left to future generations by their ancestors, and the records of Burning Flame Valley were accurate.
"However, cultivating the clan mark is a completely new idea of mine, and it hasn't been updated or changed for many years. So what you've cultivated now is really just a rudimentary form of the clan mark. Compared to the clan mark that the Xiao Clan has inherited for ten thousand years, it's still far from perfect. To unlock the complete clan mark, you still need the bloodline of a Dou Di."
"Because of my attempt to break through to the Dou Di realm back then, it's impossible for any member of the Xiao clan to possess Dou Di bloodline anymore. So, you're missing this final step. Only by acquiring true Xiao clan bloodline can you possess the true Xiao clan emblem!"