Douluo Starting with the Chaos Divine Examination

Xiao Zhan's forehead glistened with cold sweat. Though Gu Yuan hadn't done anything overt, his presence alone felt as overwhelming as a towering mountain, as if this middle-aged man could snuff out his life with a mere flick of his finger.

While Xiao Zhan regarded Gu Yuan with trepidation, Gu Yuan also studied Xiao Zhan with a hint of regret. With just a glance, Gu Yuan could discern that Xiao Zhan's cultivation was merely at the level of a Da Dou Shi (Great Battle Master).

To someone like Gu Yuan, a Da Dou Shi would be unfit to serve tea in the Gu Clan. Observing the Xiao Clan's current decline, Gu Yuan couldn't help but sigh inwardly for the glory of his old friend's once-prosperous lineage.

"And you are…?" Xiao Zhan asked cautiously, his tone respectful, not daring to show the slightest hint of negligence.

"You're the current clan leader of the Xiao Clan?" Gu Yuan asked.

"Yes, I am Xiao Zhan," Xiao Zhan replied.

"I have some matters to discuss with you. Let's find a room," Gu Yuan instructed.

"Of course, this way please," Xiao Zhan responded, his tone deferential.

Before long, under Xiao Zhan's guidance, Gu Yuan, Gu Xun'er, Mu Chen, and the three elders of the Xiao Clan arrived in a private room. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Xiao Zhan dismissed all other clan members, leaving only the three elders who could participate in critical clan decisions.

During the conversation, Gu Yuan revealed his intentions. He planned for Gu Xun'er to reside in the Xiao Clan, and in return, he would temporarily ensure the Xiao Clan's safety. However, his protection would only extend to the Xiao Clan's estate.

Gu Xun'er would remain with the Xiao Clan for an unspecified period, during which Gu Yuan would shield the Xiao Clan. However, the clan was not permitted to order Gu Xun'er to perform any tasks.

As for Mu Chen, he would also stay temporarily in the Xiao Clan.

Given Gu Yuan's status as a Nine-Star Dou Saint, this arrangement was already incredibly generous. Xiao Zhan and the three elders, faced with such a powerful individual they could not hope to oppose, nodded like pecking chickens in agreement.

"Alright, I'll be leaving now. There's no need to see me off," Gu Yuan said nonchalantly as he rose from his chair, his gaze falling on Gu Xun'er. Gu Xun'er remained silent, showing no inclination to bid her father farewell.

Bang!

At that moment, the door to the hall was suddenly flung open, and a boy, not much older than Gu Xun'er, burst in.

The boy had black hair and black eyes. Despite his youthful face, his gaze carried an air of maturity that seemed beyond his years.

"Oh? Father, do we have guests?" The boy stopped in his tracks, looking momentarily surprised.

"And this is…?" Gu Yuan's gaze shifted to the boy before looking back at Xiao Zhan.

"This is my son, Xiao Yan," Xiao Zhan introduced.

"Hmm, not bad," Gu Yuan commented lightly. "Xun'er, your father is leaving now."

With that, Gu Yuan's figure shimmered as ripples of energy surrounded him, and he disappeared from the hall.

Xiao Yan's eyes widened in astonishment. The manner in which Gu Yuan had departed was something his father had once described—only experts of at least the Dou Wang (Battle King) realm could traverse the void directly. What terrifying level of power must the father of this little girl possess?

In every world, power resides with one's lineage.

This thought resonated deeply within Xiao Yan as he resolved to latch onto this mighty figure's goodwill. In his mind, a plan began to form.

"Hello, my name is Xiao Yan—'Yan' as in 'flame.' What's your name?" Xiao Yan asked Gu Xun'er, his tone polite.

"My name is… Xiao Xun'er," Gu Xun'er replied indifferently before turning to Xiao Zhan. "Uncle Xiao, I'm tired. I'd like to rest now."

"Of course. Let me take you to your room," Xiao Zhan said.

Gu Yuan's ability to traverse space effortlessly had left Xiao Zhan unable to gauge his cultivation level. All he knew was that Gu Yuan was a figure far beyond his reach. As such, he treated Gu Xun'er with the utmost respect. He arranged for her to live in the Xiao Clan's largest courtyard.

Xiao Zhan issued strict orders to the clan: no one was permitted to enter Gu Xun'er's courtyard without permission.

As for Mu Chen, he chose to stay in the same courtyard as Gu Xun'er. When Xiao Zhan sought Gu Xun'er's opinion, she offered no objections, so Mu Chen was assigned to the west wing.

---

Having successfully traversed into the Battle Through the Heavens universe, Mu Chen invited Gu Xun'er to explore Wutan City with him. However, Gu Xun'er, still bitter about her father leaving her in the Xiao Clan, preferred to remain in her room to rest. Left with no choice, Mu Chen decided to venture out on his own.

Though Wutan City wasn't the capital of the Jia Ma Empire, it was still bustling enough to be lively. The streets were filled with the sounds of hawkers peddling their wares, and the avenues teemed with people. Vendors sold everything from vegetables to books, while others engaged in storytelling or visiting brothels. It was a scene of peaceful prosperity.

"Xun'er is still just four years old. I wonder if Ya Fei has arrived in Wutan City at this point in time," Mu Chen mused as he headed toward the Mittel Auction House.

"Come and take a look! Freshly crafted pills from Master Sony, the renowned alchemist of the Mittel Auction House. A bottle of first-grade Recovery Pills for only ten gold coins!"

As Mu Chen approached the auction house, he heard a slightly childish voice calling out from ahead.

"Little sister, may I see your pills?"

"Sure!"

Stepping closer, Mu Chen saw a girl tending to the stall.

She was young but strikingly beautiful, wearing a long dress that accentuated her elegance. Her long lashes framed bright, expressive eyes. Despite her rosy cheeks betraying her youth, her beauty was undeniable.

"Ding-dong!"

"The system has issued a new mission: Take Ya Fei as your disciple."

"Ya Fei?" Mu Chen froze. "System, I haven't even met Ya Fei. How am I supposed to make her my disciple?"

"Host, don't you already have a suspicion?" the system replied.

"What? This young girl… is Ya Fei?" Mu Chen's mind reeled in shock.

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