After chatting with Xiao Yan for a while, Huo Xuan bowed and departed. Xiao Yan gazed at Huo Xuan's retreating figure, his expression thoughtful. It was clear that Huo Xuan had come to court him, and while perhaps his current strength played a role, it wasn't entirely so—after all, Huo Xuan was a noble descendant of the Yin Clan, and the Yin Clan today far surpassed his own, which was currently in a state of decline. "This man is no ordinary person. Even I cannot fully grasp his strength. Indeed, he is worthy of the ancient Eight Clans—mysterious and profound." The other celestial fire elders, who had been standing apart, approached upon seeing Huo Xuan leave, marveling at what they had just witnessed. Xiao Yan nodded slightly. If his assessment was correct, Fire Xuan's strength should be at the level of a Seven-Star Battle Sovereign or even stronger; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to conceal his true power from Tian Huo Sovereign, who had reached the level of Six-Star strength. Yet when it came to mystery, Xiao Yan still found the red-robed woman he had encountered that day even more enigmatic. Indeed, these ancient races were no ordinary ones. Fortunately, observing Fire Xuan's demeanor, it seemed that the Inhuan clan treated him fairly well, at least in comparison. "It would take half a day to reach the Ancient Holy Mountain of the Ancient Realm from here. During that half day, we'll have to rest aboard this warship. Let's go..." Xiao Yin smiled lightly and then led the group slowly toward the other end of the vessel. The warship was quite spacious, yet its defenses were exceptionally rigorous—just a few steps in and one could already see fully armed Black Yen soldiers. This level of preparation did surprise Xiao Yin slightly. After all, for mere transportation and escort duties, such an elaborate setup seemed unnecessary. "It appears the Ancient Clan still isn't fully confident in these individuals entering the Ancient Realm. That makes sense—energy here is so abundant. If they stay and train here, the results would far surpass those achieved outside. Some with ulterior motives might even quietly settle in to cultivate in secret." Xiao Yin mused. Indeed, the Ancient Clan's arrangements were nothing short of meticulous. As they gradually advanced, Xiao Yan and the others slowly reached the area near the bow of the warship. While the number of people here was considerably fewer than in other areas, the defensive posture remained unchanged. Upon arriving at this spot, Xiao Yan grew somewhat disinterested. He had just intended to turn and leave when his gaze suddenly stopped on the figure at the bow. There, a man in a fitted robe with long hair sat cross-legged, a small wooden table before him, with two cups of green tea placed upon it. Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes, silently observing the figure's back, then turned without speaking. He could sense the vast aura emanating from the man, and he didn't particularly enjoy this theatrical display. "Xiao clan friend, since you've come, please take a seat," a soft, gentle laugh reached his ears as he was just about to turn, causing him to pause slightly. Xiao Yan's expression remained calm. He glanced at the young physician and others beside him, neither moving nor leaving, then turned and walked toward the man, sitting down directly opposite him. Raising his eyes slightly, he said in a gentle tone, "A member of the Gu Clan?" "You're here specifically to wait for me and restore the dignity of Lingquan and the others?" Xiao Yan said calmly. "Ha ha, those young men are impetuous and lack composure. Showing them what it means to have someone beyond their own level—well, that should help temper their arrogance. As for restoring dignity, they'd never dare come to me for that." Gu Zhen smiled. Xiao Yan stared at Gu Zhen, who was remarkably composed. This calm, unhurried demeanor was the only one he had encountered among the younger generation over the years. "Do you know why there are so many Black Yen soldiers guarding the warship?" Gu Zhen didn't seem to notice Xiao Yan's attention, and suddenly asked this unexpectedly. "Yes, I suppose it's out of concern that they might stay in the Ancient Realm." Xiao Yan replied casually. "This is merely a list of reasons. Within the ancient realm, there are an immense number of offshoot peoples—these are the very foundation of the ancient clans, the most vital layer of the ancient lineage. Within their bodies, the bloodline of the Battle Emperor flows, though it is thin and often negligible; yet occasionally, mutations occur, and in such cases, they become the fresh vitality of the ancient clans. Of course, their ability to evolve stems entirely from the presence of this Battle Emperor bloodline within them. However, this bloodline is not particularly strong—it is easily overshadowed, and the way it is overshadowed is simple: through intermarriage with other clans. "Now that you've heard me out, do you understand what I'm trying to say?" Xiao Yan's face remained calm as he spoke softly, "I understand, but for me, it still doesn't make much difference." "I didn't come here with the expectation of dissuading your determination. You should already grasp how crucial the ancient clan sees the Emperor-bloodline. To ensure the continuation of that bloodline, it will be difficult for you and the young lady to achieve a lasting outcome." Gu Zhen slowly set down his teacup and said, "When faced with difficulties, it's often best to step back. Otherwise, everyone involved will suffer. This isn't a threat—it's a reminder. If you truly care for the young lady, don't burden her. The Xiao clan has now completely declined." Xiao Yan gently rotated his ring on his finger, then suddenly smiled and asked, "Is the Emperor-bloodline truly that powerful?" Gu Zhen was momentarily surprised, then smiled and replied, "Isn't that obvious? The ancient races remain strong today—this is the very proof." Xiao Yan smiled slightly, remained silent, and continued, "What level must one reach in order for the ancient clan to disregard one's bloodline?" "Battle Sovereign." Ancient Zhen's eyebrows lifted slightly as he spoke slowly. "So I will reach that level..." Xiao Yan smiled. "This isn't something you can simply say with words. Remember, I'm referring to true Battle Sovereigns—not merely half-Sovereigns!" Ancient Zhen furrowed his brows. "The ancient clan has never lacked Battle Sovereigns at the peak of Battle Sovereign rank. Even if they dedicate their entire lives, they still fall short of reaching that level. I know you have strong potential, but within our clan, there are individuals with even greater talent than you. Yet even they, when faced with the path to becoming true Battle Sovereigns, lack even a single spark of confidence. How can you be certain you'll succeed?" "Because you are members of the ancient clan, while I am not. Because you rely on the strength of the Battle Emperor bloodline, while I do not." Xiao Yan spoke calmly, smiling gently. "As for whether or not I can reach the rank of Supreme Battle Saint, time will ultimately prove everything..." The smile on Gu Zhen's face gradually faded as his gaze remained fixed on the confident expression across from him. After a pause, he finally sighed, "If you truly have confidence, then I am satisfied. But should you later come to realize the difficulties of ascending to the rank of Supreme Battle Saint, I hope you will leave Miss Xue—because if you stay, it will not be good for either of you." "Thank you for the reminder. The fact that I've grown from a mere waste of the Xiao family to where I am today has been driven solely by perseverance. I have never feared the Hún Clan, nor have I ever hesitated before the Gu Clan!" Hearing the laughter that now echoed in his ears, Gu Zhen's face softened with a touch of complexity—perseverance, though simple, is something few truly achieve. "Boom!" As Xiang Yin gently sighed in his ancient heart, the warship suddenly trembled violently, and then the spatial ripples around it gradually subsided, the vessel's speed slowing down. Before him, the lush mountain range came into view. "Have we reached the Ancient Sage Mountains?" As the warship drew nearer to the misty mountains, Xiang Yin's heart suddenly leapt. He paused momentarily, then swiftly turned, his gaze fixed firmly on a distant peak shrouded in mist. There, a faint, ethereal figure in jade-green robes appeared and vanished intermittently. Though distant, Xiang Yin felt an unmistakable sense of deep familiarity and longing, seeping into his very bones. Far away, their eyes met, as if time itself had frozen between them. Gu Zhen slowly rose, gazing at the noble figure atop the mountain, resembling a goddess, her face softening into a complex smile. After all these years, few had dared to come all the way here to personally welcome her—perhaps only this man before her. "Xiao Yan, within the Gu clan, there has been significant disagreement regarding you. If you truly achieve the rank of Battle Saint, everything will be fine. But should you fall short, you will undoubtedly face numerous challenges. Therefore, I hope you can live up to what you've said—Miss Xun's judgment, I believe, is quite sharp."