Chapter 413: The Stone Realm
Elder Tongxuan's gaze swept over the group, his usually calm eyes showing a flicker of surprise as he assessed Little Doctor Immortal and the others. Even for someone as experienced as Elder Tongxuan, seeing Xiao Ze's companions was astonishing.
He recognized the dangerous aura of the Calamity Poison Body, the rare Three-Flower Green Snake Pupils, the ancient Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, and even Xiao Ze, whose depth he couldn't quite discern. Elder Tongxuan was amazed at how Xun'er had made such remarkable friends.
But he thought about it and realized that with Xun'er's excellence, her friends were bound to be extraordinary as well.
"Greetings, Elder Tongxuan," Xun'er said with a slight bow, introducing Xiao Ze and the others. "And this is Senior Mang, the principal of the Jia Nan Academy, where I studied for a while."
Elder Tongxuan nodded to Mang Tianchi, whom he knew, and then focused on Xiao Ze. It was clear to him that Xun'er had special feelings for Xiao Ze.
"Greetings, Elder Tongxuan," Xiao Ze said with a slight bow.
"No need to be so formal. Given your relationship with Xun'er and your capabilities, I have nothing more to say. However, I can't speak for the other elders of the Gu Clan. If you truly want to make them accept you, it's best to become a Dou Saint before making your relationship with Xun'er official," Elder Tongxuan stated directly.
Xiao Ze was momentarily taken aback by the elder's straightforwardness, then quickly bowed again. "Thank you, Elder Tongxuan. I will do my utmost."
Elder Tongxuan gave Xiao Ze a measured look. Despite Xiao Ze's extraordinary talent, the elder knew how difficult it was to cross the threshold to becoming a Dou Saint.
He then glanced at the others and could tell that Xiao Ze was their leader. However, these were matters for the younger generation, and he chose not to interfere.
"Let's go. I'll take you to the Stone Realm," Elder Tongxuan said, waving his sleeve and leading them into the Giant Stone Wasteland.
Everyone followed, with Xiao Ze noting Elder Tongxuan's mid-stage Dou Saint strength, somewhere between four and six stars. The Gu Clan's dedication to Xun'er was evident in sending such a powerful protector.
"Be careful. This wasteland is a natural barrier. The ancestors of the Stone Clan spent considerable effort creating an array here. Even a Dou Saint would struggle to break it," Elder Tongxuan explained as they moved.
Mang Tianchi, who had wanted to provide an explanation, found himself redundant. Under Elder Tongxuan's guidance, they sped through the stone formations, stopping at the central region.
Here, a more intricate stone array stood, guarded by two hulking figures with grayish-white skin, even larger than Hei Qing. Xiao Ze noticed the faint Stone Clan marks on their foreheads.
After a brief inspection of the invitation jade slips, the guards bowed and stepped aside. "Please."
The guards did not question Xiao Ze and his companions, trusting the Gu Clan's judgment.
Passing through the array, they found a towering stone gate, with its center a swirling vortex of space.
"The Stone Clan is usually low-profile, unlike the Gu Clan, which has an ancient city outside the Ancient Realm," Xun'er explained to Xiao Ze and the others.
Following Elder Tongxuan, the Stone Clan guards dared not hinder them. The strong are revered among ancient clans, and Elder Tongxuan's strength was not to be trifled with.
Entering through the massive gate, their vision blurred momentarily. Inside, the scenery was vibrant and lush, contrasting the desolate wasteland outside.
The Stone Realm was not just home to Stone Clan warriors but also millions of commoners, crucial to the clan's foundation. Their living conditions had to be more hospitable to sustain life and foster the potential for bloodline awakening.
At the entrance, giant flying beasts waited for guests. A beautiful Stone Clan maiden approached with a respectful bow. "Greetings, Elder Tongxuan, and welcome, esteemed guests from the Gu Clan. Please follow me."
She led them to one of the massive flying beasts. They boarded, and the beast took off, soaring through the sky.
Little Doctor Immortal and the others admired the Stone Realm's scenery, while Xun'er provided insights into its workings. They listened intently, understanding that their knowledge of the ancient clans was limited and often came through Xiao Ze's explanations.
Xiao Ze had also read about the ancient clans in the Pill Tower's library. The upper echelons of the Pill Tower were not entirely ignorant of the ancient clans, having enough status to interact with them. Information on cooperative clans like the Yao Clan was more abundant due to regular interactions.
After half an hour of flight, they approached a mountain brimming with energy. Atop the mountain stood clusters of palaces, from which powerful and concealed auras emanated.