My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty
Chapter 770 - 770: A Deal That Isn't Worth the Cost

Gu Lan's eyes were filled with an intense murderous intent as he looked at the Bright Clan's experts. If looks could kill, they would have been sliced into a thousand pieces by the piercing gaze he sent their way. However, despite the dangerous aura he emitted, they were not afraid. Instead, they sneered mockingly at him.

"Here's your choice: only one of these two can survive."

"You think you're in a position to make demands? I'll take both of them!" Gu Lan's voice was cold as he spoke, his Hongmeng Sword trembling in his hand. In an instant, hundreds of sword lights formed in the air, their brilliance dimming the sky, as countless bolts of lightning intertwined.

Yet, the Bright Clan experts showed no fear. One of them quickly formed hand seals, and a layer of blood energy enveloped the golden cage. The pressure from this force caused both Gu Simu and Zhongren to grimace in pain.

"We're not joking with you. You can try, but if we die, neither of these two will escape unscathed!" one of the Bright Clan members threatened.

Gu Lan's expression darkened as he considered the situation. He knew his power well—he could save one of them in an instant, but the other would likely die in the process. Zhongren was one of his most trusted subordinates, and Gu Simu was his daughter. He couldn't bear to sacrifice either one of them.

The Bright Clan members, seeing Gu Lan's hesitation, smirked even more boldly.

"You really think you have time to hesitate? Make your choice, or I promise you, they will both die!" The Bright Clan member's voice was filled with arrogance.

Gu Lan's gaze flickered as he looked up, his eyes icy, and the pressure in the air intensified. For a moment, the Bright Clan members faltered, but they quickly regained their composure.

"I'll stay. Let them go. After all, you're after me, aren't you?" Gu Lan declared, his voice devoid of any hesitation. He withdrew some of his energy, but the Bright Clan experts only shook their heads with disdain.

"We're well aware of your strength. We can't stop you, but we can still make your choice difficult."

Gu Lan was torn, but Zhongren, who was still enduring the painful pressure, suddenly fell to his knees in the air.

"Master, please save the girl!" Zhongren pleaded.

"No, I'll save both of you!" Gu Lan snapped, his voice resolute.

But Zhongren screamed in agony, "Master, there's no time! If you don't make a choice, we'll both die!"

"Master, I've always followed your orders without question. Please, listen to me now!" Zhongren continued desperately. He knew that if they didn't make a decision soon, both of them would perish. He was willing to die if it meant Gu Simu would survive.

Gu Lan's face darkened as he listened. Zhongren's words showed his loyalty, and despite his hesitation, Gu Lan knew that time was running out. He couldn't afford to lose either one of them.

"Such loyalty..." one of the Bright Clan members sneered, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

"Yes, master and servant, a bond so deep," another mocked.

Their ugly smiles only intensified the dark aura around Gu Lan, whose expression had grown colder by the second. He was well aware that the longer they waited, the more it would harm both Gu Simu and Zhongren. He had to act, and he knew it.

At that moment, a voice suddenly rang out, "Master Gu, allow me to lend you a hand!"

Gu Lan looked up sharply, and his eyes narrowed as he saw Xue Lengyan appearing behind Gu Simu, surrounded by dozens of blood-red shadows. Her face was filled with a cold smile as she gripped a blood-colored dagger.

Without waiting for the Bright Clan experts to react, Xue Lengyan raised her hand and struck with a flurry of attacks.

"Chh—chh—"

The sound of tearing flesh and bones filled the air as blood light poured down, and in the blink of an eye, Xue Lengyan had struck with lethal precision. Her ruthless actions left behind only a few corpses. The Bright Clan experts, stunned, turned to face the scene.

"Blood Clan!" one of the Bright Clan experts spat, his eyes filled with rage. They had been so confident, but now their plans had been shattered by the Blood Clan's intervention.

Under the combined power of Xue Lengyan and the other experts, the golden cage trapping Gu Simu was shattered, and the pressure surrounding them dissipated.

"You're still concerned about others?" Gu Lan sneered as he moved forward.

Before the Bright Clan could react, Gu Lan swung his sword with all his might. The sword light was so powerful that it shattered the space around him.

They tried to defend themselves, but it was in vain. Gu Lan's sword light was unstoppable. Their bodies disintegrated in an instant under the immense power.

As the energy subsided, the surroundings fell into darkness. Gu Lan's aura remained unwavering, his face cold as he approached the place where the Bright Clan members had fallen. With a flash of golden light, he struck again, gathering their shattered souls.

Seeing this, Xue Lengyan, who was watching from a distance, was shocked. The method Gu Lan had just used was a forbidden technique in cultivation. Only the most skilled practitioners could attempt it, and it was generally regarded as dangerous. However, upon seeing Gu Lan's unflinching expression, Xue Lengyan held back her words.

Gradually, the broken souls began to reappear. The Bright Clan members, confused at first, quickly came to their senses upon seeing Gu Lan's cold gaze. Fear filled their eyes.

Gu Lan's expression was as cold as ever. His sword shimmered, and hundreds of sword shadows appeared, converging upon the Bright Clan members.

"Now, pay the price for your threats!" His icy voice rang out as the sword shadows pierced their souls.

"Ah!" The Bright Clan members screamed in agony, their souls writhing in pain.

Gu Lan did not let up. He adjusted his energy, carefully controlling the souls of his enemies. They wanted death, but he wasn't going to let them have it so easily. Not without his say-so.

As their cries echoed through the air, Gu Lan sneered coldly. After confirming that Gu Simu was not in immediate danger, his gaze turned toward Xue Lengyan.

Her actions had saved them, and Gu Lan was grateful, but his expression remained indifferent. He owed her, and he knew it.

"Thank you," Gu Lan said coolly, his voice betraying none of the gratitude he felt. He wasn't one to express such things easily, but in this moment, he had to acknowledge her help.

"It was nothing, Master Gu. Don't mention it," Xue Lengyan replied with a smile that barely concealed her own thoughts. Despite her modest words, she had no intention of leaving things at that.

Gu Lan understood her well. She never did anything without a reason.

"Speak," Gu Lan commanded. "What do you want from me?"

Xue Lengyan's smile widened. "It's nothing major. Three days from now, I would appreciate it if you would accompany me on a visit."

Gu Lan raised an eyebrow, sensing that there was more to her request than met the eye. "Don't worry, it's not about you doing anything for me. I just need you to help me intimidate a certain faction."

Gu Lan wasn't sure what Xue Lengyan had in mind, but he trusted her enough to help her in return for what she had done today.

"Alright." He nodded, his voice calm and resolute.

Xue Lengyan's smile deepened. "Thank you, Master Gu. I'll take my leave now."

With that, she gave a respectful bow before disappearing into the distance. Her mission was accomplished, and there was no need to linger any longer. She trusted Gu Lan to keep his word.

After Xue Lengyan disappeared, Zhongren, still grievously wounded, struggled to stand. With great effort, he managed to bow before Gu Lan.

"Thank you, my Lord," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Gu Lan gave him a dismissive wave, stepping forward and channeling his energy into Zhongren's body to heal his injuries.

"There's no need for thanks," Gu Lan replied, his voice cold but with a slight hint of kindness.