Chapter 99: Regret
In the ensuing months, Long Xiaoxiao and Gongsun Yarou appeared to get along well on the surface, but they were constantly engaged in covert rivalry. This was a battle between women, so Xiao Fan remained completely unaware, thinking Long Xiaoxiao had truly begun to mature. He was comforted by this thought.
However, as time passed, Xiao Fan's anxiety grew. He knew it wouldn't be long before the high-ranking members of the Dragon Clan made their move against Long Xiaoxiao. Recently, the Dragon Clan leader, Long Tian, had been visiting Long Xiaoxiao frequently, clearly becoming impatient.
Finally, the day arrived.
"Brother Xiao Fan, Xiaoxiao's True Dragon bloodline has now fully stabilized. The clan leader and elders wish to impart some cultivation insights to her," Long Xiao said, seeking to take Long Xiaoxiao to the Dragon Clan altar once more.
The so-called imparting of cultivation insights was just an excuse. Xiao Fan knew this well but didn't expose it. He anticipated that the real confrontation would occur at the altar.
Signaling to Gongsun Yarou, Xiao Fan accompanied Long Xiaoxiao to the Dragon Clan altar.
As soon as Xiao Fan and Long Xiaoxiao left with Long Xiao, Gongsun Yarou disappeared from Long Xiao's residence. Over the past few days, she had used the communication jade slip sent by Xiao Fan to establish contact with the demon clan. The demon clan had gathered all their forces, awaiting the perfect moment. Once they received the signal, the demon army would invade the Dragon Clan's secret realm.
At the Dragon Clan's holy city, Long Xiao led Xiao Fan and Long Xiaoxiao to the altar. Once inside, Long Xiao discreetly blocked the exit. Clan leader Long Tian was already waiting inside.
As soon as they entered, Xiao Fan noticed that the large dragon-shaped stone pillar in the center of the altar had been replaced by a pool. The elders of the Dragon Clan sat around it, their eyes gleaming ominously as they fixed their gaze on Long Xiaoxiao.
Feeling their intimidating stares, Long Xiaoxiao hid behind Xiao Fan in fear.
"Don't be afraid, Xiaoxiao. Master is here," Xiao Fan reassured her, then looked at Long Tian with a serious expression.
"Clan leader, you mentioned imparting cultivation insights. What is the purpose of this pool?" Xiao Fan asked, feigning ignorance.
Long Tian, smiling warmly, approached. "Brother Xiao Fan, there's no need to worry. Xiaoxiao is the future hope of our Dragon Clan. The elders wish to help her awaken the power in her bloodline."
"Brother Xiao Fan, please have Xiaoxiao enter the pool."
Long Tian's demeanor remained calm, revealing nothing unusual. If Xiao Fan hadn't known about the Dragon Clan's plot beforehand, he might have been deceived.
Clearly, before using Long Xiaoxiao's True Dragon blood and dragon essence to activate the pool, the high-ranking members of the Dragon Clan didn't want to risk a confrontation with him. They needed to ensure that nothing went wrong to avoid jeopardizing their plans.
Looking at the pool, Xiao Fan hesitated. Allowing Long Xiaoxiao to enter the pool was fraught with danger.
He and Gongsun Yarou had devised a plan. During the activation of the pool using Long Xiaoxiao's True Dragon blood and dragon essence, the Dragon Clan would be too preoccupied to notice anything else. This would be the perfect time for the demon army to invade the secret realm. The demon clan's strong warriors would handle the clan elders and leader, allowing him to escape with Long Xiaoxiao.
However, this plan had a significant risk: their lives were in Gongsun Yarou's hands. If she mistimed the invasion, both he and Long Xiaoxiao could perish.
But there was no turning back now. He had to trust Gongsun Yarou.
Patting Long Xiaoxiao's shoulder gently, Xiao Fan said softly, "Don't be afraid, Xiaoxiao. Be brave and step into the pool. Master is here, and I won't let anything happen to you."
Not wanting to disappoint her master, Long Xiaoxiao nodded bravely and stepped toward the pool.
As she entered, Long Tian and Long Xiao's breaths quickened with excitement, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Finally, the day had come! After this, the Dragon Clan would rise to dominance, trampling all other races underfoot.
As Long Xiaoxiao fully submerged herself in the pool, the elders' eyes turned crimson. The pool began to glow blood-red, and countless chains emerged, binding Long Xiaoxiao tightly.
"Ah! Master, it hurts! Master, Xiaoxiao is in pain!" she screamed in agony as blood seeped from her skin, turning the pool into a bloody red.
Despite expecting this, Xiao Fan's heart filled with regret at seeing Long Xiaoxiao's suffering.
"Don't be afraid, Xiaoxiao. Master will save you!"
Xiao Fan, filled with remorse, couldn't bear to see her in pain any longer. He rushed toward the pool to save her, but Long Tian blocked his path.
"Brother Xiao Fan, this is a critical moment. Don't ruin the elders' efforts out of momentary compassion," Long Tian said, smiling.
"Get out of my way!" Xiao Fan roared, punching Long Tian and forcing him back a few steps.
Stabilizing himself, Long Tian's expression turned dark as he scrutinized Xiao Fan. Despite Xiao Fan being at the peak of the Tongtian realm, Long Tian, being half a step into the Saint realm with a dragon's powerful physique, was surprised by the strength of Xiao Fan's punch.
Long Xiao had previously mentioned that Xiao Fan's cultivation method was profound and difficult to discern. To prevent any mishaps, he had brought Xiao Fan along. Initially, Long Tian hadn't paid much attention, but now he took Xiao Fan seriously.
With the activation of the pool at a critical juncture, Xiao Fan's interference had to be stopped. There was no need to pretend anymore; killing Xiao Fan was the only option.
Long Tian's blood surged, his aura intensifying as a massive dragon-shaped shadow appeared behind him. His eyes filled with killing intent, and he attacked with full force.