Chapter 389: The Thirteenth Ancestor of the Xia Clan

Chapter 389: The Thirteenth Ancestor of the Xia Clan

Xia Huang barely managed to lift his head, meeting Gu Yang's cold gaze, and an overwhelming chill surged through his heart.

He really dares to kill me!

This was the thought that flashed through Xia Huang's mind, followed by sheer panic.

It wasn't that he feared death.

It was that he never thought anyone would dare to act against him.

After all, his status was that of the Second Elder of the Ancient Xia Clan. Anyone who dared to move against him would be at odds with the entire Ancient Xia Clan.

In Xia Huang's view, let alone the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty, even other imperial clans would never dare to act so rashly.

Though they were all imperial clans, there were still significant differences.

The Ancient Xia Clan was the oldest imperial clan in the Eastern Domain and one of the oldest in the Ancient Realm. Its profound heritage far surpassed that of other imperial clans.

Without such a foundation, the Xia Clan would never have survived from ancient times to the present, enduring countless great calamities.

Therefore, from the beginning, Xia Huang never believed the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty would dare to do anything to him. This was the confidence that allowed him to face a Sage directly.

Even if this Sage also held the title of an imperial dynasty's sovereign, it made no difference.

However, what Xia Huang never expected was that Gu Yang would completely disregard the rules. It was as if he was entirely unafraid of the authority of an ancient imperial clan, and he acted without hesitation.

Faced with the threat of death, Xia Huang felt nothing but fear.

"Royal Lord Gu, please calm down... this old man..."

Just as Xia Huang was about to say something, Gu Yang pointed a finger, which directly struck his forehead.

Boom!

Xia Huang felt his spirit and soul shake violently, as if the heavens were collapsing and the earth cracking. In an instant, his spirit and soul, which were comparable to those of a Half-Sage, were utterly destroyed.

As his spirit and soul were extinguished, the divine light in Xia Huang's eyes dimmed visibly, and his body, still in a kneeling position, became completely still.

Then, Gu Yang reined in his aura, and a figure appeared in the grand hall.

"Your Majesty, killing a member of the Ancient Xia Clan will likely bring considerable trouble. According to the information gathered by the Imperial Guards, the Ancient Xia Clan has had six emperors throughout its history.

There are even rumors that the Xia Clan has ancient emperors who have sealed themselves away, waiting for the opportunity to step through the gates of immortality!"

Gu Yi glanced at Xia Huang's corpse on the ground, his expression unchanged, then withdrew his gaze and reported the information about the Ancient Xia Clan.

As one of the three imperial clans, the Imperial Guards could not ignore the Ancient Xia Clan.

Long before this, Gu Yi had secretly investigated the Ancient Xia Clan.

Unfortunately, the Ancient Xia Clan's influence spanned far and wide, and its foundation was incredibly strong. Even though the Imperial Guards were composed of Shadow Guards, who were fearless and relentless, it was difficult to gather much information.

Upon hearing Gu Yi's words, Gu Yang remained calm.

"To unify the Eastern Domain, the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty cannot avoid the three imperial clans. Though they appear to be aloof and uninvolved, they have already transcended the mundane, with the potential to become the de facto rulers of the Eastern Domain.

Whether it's the Xia Clan, the Zhou Clan of the Primeval Era, or the Dongxuan Holy Land, none of them will stand idly by as the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty unifies the entire Eastern Domain.

Since a conflict is inevitable, there's no need to pretend otherwise."

Whether or not he killed Xia Huang, both sides were destined to be enemies. Given this, Gu Yang would not show mercy.

Killing Xia Huang would deprive the Ancient Xia Clan of a Half-Sage, indirectly weakening their strength.

While a single Half-Sage might not seem significant, in the current Waning Era, a Half-Sage on the battlefield could cause considerable commotion.

If something is to be done, it should be done thoroughly.

This was a lesson Gu Yang had learned from Gu Qingfeng.

He looked at Xia Huang's corpse, his eyes cold.

"Send the item to the Xia Clan as a gift from the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

—

Five days later.

An Imperial Guard found a member of the Ancient Xia Clan and handed over a box, leaving a message that this was a gift from the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty to the Ancient Xia Clan. Then, he left, leaving the Xia Clan member standing there in shock, seemingly unable to react.

At that moment, many people familiar with the Xia Clan cultivators commented.

"The Shenwu Imperial Dynasty is now renowned throughout the Eastern Domain, and it's surprising that they would bow to the Xia Clan. Brother Xia Yan's Ancient Xia Clan truly lives up to its reputation as an ancient imperial clan!"

"Hurry, open it and see what the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty has sent!"

The others chimed in with flattery, which made Xia Yan’s face light up with a smile he couldn’t suppress.

As a direct descendant of the Xia Clan, those who could play with him were all of no small standing. Xia Yan was known for his flamboyance, and with everyone praising him, he couldn’t help but show off.

"Since you all want to see, I’ll give you a glimpse. This will also let you understand that even though the Ancient Xia Clan has been out of the limelight for a long time, any imperial dynasty will have to bow its head when they hear our name..."

Xia Yan opened the box, and immediately, a thick, bloody smell wafted out. A gruesome, blood-soaked head appeared before everyone’s eyes.

The moment Xia Yan saw the head, his face turned pale, and his eyes filled with shock and anger.

"Second Elder!!!"

The scene turned cold as the others saw this.

The Xia Clan’s Second Elder!

Not only had he been killed, but his head had been severed and sent to the Xia Clan. This wasn’t just a simple provocation; it was a slap in the face to the entire Xia Clan.

No one had expected a newly established imperial dynasty to dare to do such a thing.

Soon.

The box containing Xia Huang’s head appeared in the Xia Clan’s main hall. Xia Chunqiu and the other elders of the Xia Clan looked at the head with wide, angry eyes, and a wave of fury spread through the hall.

"The Shenwu Imperial Dynasty has killed our Second Elder. They must pay with blood. I propose that we immediately send troops to the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty and exterminate the Gu family to the last man!"

"Let’s fight. Since the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty has declared war, we must accept it. This is the perfect opportunity to show the world that the Ancient Xia Clan will not be bullied!"

One elder after another spoke, even those who were not usually in favor of war now advocated for a fight.

There was no choice.

The moment Xia Huang’s head was delivered to the Xia Clan, this war became inevitable.

The honor of the Ancient Xia Clan could not be desecrated!

If they ignored this, they would have no face to meet the ancestors of the Xia Clan, even in the afterlife.

Listening to everyone, Xia Chunqiu remained silent. After a while, he raised his hand, and the noisy scene instantly quieted down.

Xia Chunqiu’s stern gaze swept over everyone before settling on Xia Huang’s head. He spoke, word by word.

"Send the order: the Ancient Xia Clan officially declares war on the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty!"

"Prepare all clan cultivators for battle. All forces allied with the Xia Clan must follow the edict without fail!"

"I will then go and seek the Patriarch’s final decision."

With these words, a fierce resolve appeared in the eyes of the Xia Clan members.

Although Xia Chunqiu said he would seek the Patriarch’s final decision, everyone understood that this war was now inevitable.

As they had said:

The moment Xia Huang’s head was delivered to the Xia Clan, this war became unavoidable.

Seeking the Patriarch’s approval was merely to deal with Gu Qingfeng.

After all, the only person in the entire Shenwu Imperial Dynasty that the Ancient Xia Clan truly feared was the Gu family’s Patriarch.

A Half-Sage.

A formidable presence wherever they went.

...

Half an hour later.

In the restricted area of the Xia Clan.

Before a life-ancient city, Xia Chunqiu bowed deeply and called out loudly.

"I, Xia Chunqiu, the 13,600th Patriarch of the Xia Clan, request an audience with the Thirteenth Ancestor!"

As his words fell, the life-ancient city trembled, and a terrifying pressure suddenly spread, making Xia Chunqiu feel an overwhelming force. His blood and spirit trembled as if they couldn’t bear the pressure.

At the same time, an ancient, hoarse, and domineering voice echoed in Xia Chunqiu’s mind.

"What is it?"

The two simple words were like a thunderclap in Xia Chunqiu’s mind, making his consciousness unstable.

"Thirteenth Ancestor, a newly established imperial dynasty in the Eastern Domain seeks to unify the entire Eastern Domain and ascend to a divine dynasty. I sent our Second Elder to dissuade them, but he was brutally killed, and his head was sent back to the Xia Clan.

This is a great humiliation, and the Xia Clan cannot ignore it. Therefore, I request the Thirteenth Ancestor’s assistance to annihilate the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty!"

After a moment.

A pattern of Dao energy flowed from the life-ancient city, and an ancient figure suddenly appeared before Xia Chunqiu. The terrifying pressure made it difficult for him to look directly at it.

"When did the Xia Clan fall so far that a newly established imperial dynasty requires the Emperor to intervene?

If I’m not mistaken, we are in the Waning Era... The time is not right, do you know the grave sin of rashly awakening the Emperor?"

The Thirteenth Ancestor’s cold voice echoed, and the terrifying pressure surged, causing Xia Chunqiu’s body to tremble violently. Blood rose to his throat, but he quickly suppressed it.

"Thirteenth Ancestor, please calm your anger. Although the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty is newly established, it has a formidable Half-Sage as its guardian."

Recently, the Demon Clan invaded, and six Demon Sovereigns stormed into the Eastern Domain. However, four of them were slain by the Patriarch of the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty, and the remaining two returned with severe injuries.

If not for this, I would never dare to disturb the Thirteenth Ancestor's seclusion!"

Xia Chunqiu recounted everything truthfully, fearing that even a moment's delay might provoke the enraged Patriarch to strike him dead with a single palm.

A moment passed.

Suddenly, the Life Ancient City burst apart, with numerous Dao essences dispersing. The vast forbidden area seemed to tremble violently.

A towering and domineering figure emerged from the Life Ancient City. With a single step, he appeared directly before Xia Chunqiu.

"The Ban Di of the Waning Era... interesting. This Emperor shall see just how strong this Ban Di is, to dare target our Ancient Xia Clan!"

Only then did Xia Chunqiu truly see the appearance of the Thirteenth Ancestor of the Xia Clan.

He appeared middle-aged, with a stern face, his brows sharp like they were chiseled by a blade. His thick, heavy eyebrows and eyes, which held a faint golden hue, exuded boundless authority, making it difficult for anyone to look directly at him. Clad in a crimson robe, he emitted a terrifying aura that seemed to suppress all of history, even when standing still.

This was the Thirteenth Ancestor of the Xia Clan!

Summer Lord!

A Ban Di from the Desolate Ancient Era.

...

Soon.

The news of the death of the Second Elder of the Ancient Xia Clan, his head returned to the Xia Clan, and the awakening of the Thirteenth Ancestor, Summer Lord, swept through the Eastern Domain and the entire Ancient Realm like a hurricane.

Many cultivators were unfamiliar with the name Summer Lord.

But only the most ancient forces truly understood what these three characters represented.

"Summer Lord is still alive!"

"It is said that he was the mightiest figure in the Xia Clan during the Desolate Ancient Era, a supreme powerhouse nearly reaching the rank of an Emperor. He once faced an Emperor without falling behind, possessing a fully developed Heavenly Dao Body, and his strength was terrifying!"

"If he were to intervene, even the Patriarch of the Shenwu Gu Clan might not be his match!"

All those who knew the terrifying power of Summer Lord were skeptical about the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty's chances of winning.

It was undeniable.

The Patriarch of the Shenwu Gu Clan was indeed incredibly powerful, with numerous impressive victories, including the slaying of several Demon Sovereigns.

But so what?

Summer Lord, the Thirteenth Ancestor of the Xia Clan, had gained fame during the Desolate Ancient Era, with terrifying strength and a record of facing an Emperor without falling behind.

Such an existence could be considered an Emperor in his own right.

Even if the Patriarch of the Shenwu Gu Clan were powerful, he could not possibly match Summer Lord.

Therefore.

The moment the Ancient Xia Clan declared war on the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty, most forces saw the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty as already on the brink of destruction.

At the same time.

Many factions that had aligned with the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty were also in a state of turmoil, with many feeling fear.

"The Ancient Xia Clan... I've heard that the Thirteenth Ancestor was unparalleled in the Desolate Ancient Era, once contending with an Emperor. Do you think, if Summer Lord were to act, would the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty stand a chance?"

In the Nanwang Manor, Nangong Zhu's face was grim.

The Taixuan Empire had already submitted to the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty, and he naturally did not want anything to go wrong with the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty.

At the same time.

Nangong Zhu felt somewhat helpless.

If he had known the Ancient Xia Clan would strike, he would never have surrendered to the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty so easily.

But it was too late now.

The Ancient Xia Clan had moved, and the Thirteenth Ancestor, Summer Lord, had awakened.

This made Nangong Zhu feel a chill in his heart.

Before him, Nangong Chuan shook his head slightly, his expression grave.

"The strength of the Thirteenth Ancestor, Summer Lord, is beyond doubt. However, the true power of the Patriarch of the Shenwu Gu Clan remains unknown.

If they clash, the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty might not necessarily fall.

But this is no longer a matter for our Nangong Clan to interfere with.

Now that we have been granted the title of Nanwang, we are bound to the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty. If the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty falls, our clan will not fare well either!"

Hearing Nangong Chuan's words, Nangong Zhu and the other high-ranking members of the Nangong Clan looked even more troubled.

But as Nangong Chuan said,

It was too late now.

The Nangong Clan was thoroughly bound to the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty, sharing its rise and fall. All they could do now was pray that the Shenwu Imperial Dynasty would win, or the consequences would be dire. (End of Chapter)

Chapter end