Chapter 713 Xiao Yan's Bold Words During the Ceremony

"A sixth-grade bloodline? And these golden clan markings... Cousin, what exactly are these?"

Xiao Yan was completely unfamiliar with these settings of the ancient clans. His brows furrowed slightly involuntarily as he turned to Xiao Ling and asked, his eyes full of doubt.

No sooner had he finished speaking than Xun'er, standing to the side, smiled and spoke first. As the host, her tone was polite and patient, perfectly addressing Xiao Yan's questions.

"Cousin Xiao Yan, you may not know this, but our ancient clan's bloodline is divided into ten grades, with grade one being the lowest and grade ten being the highest. If an ordinary disciple wants to participate in the coming-of-age ceremony, their bloodline grade must be at least grade four. Ling Quan's grade six is ​​already quite outstanding among the younger generation."

She paused, her fingertips lightly brushing the hem of her skirt, and continued to explain the mystery of the clan mark: "As for the golden clan mark, it is the final assessment given by combining factors such as bloodline, cultivation level, and contributions within the clan."

"This clan emblem is a legacy passed down from ancient times. In times of crisis, it can temporarily boost the bloodline power of clan members, helping them to turn danger into safety. The clan emblem is divided into four grades, increasing in the order of silver, gold, purple gold, and seven-colored gold. Lingquan's emblem is the third grade, the gold clan emblem."

"It has such a miraculous effect?" A look of surprise flashed across Xiao Yan's eyes, his tone full of astonishment.

He originally thought this coming-of-age ceremony was just a formality, but he didn't expect it to have such real benefits.

“Yes,” Xun’er nodded gently, her smile warm. “It is said that this clan mark was created by the Dou Di ancestor of the clan. However, after obtaining the clan mark, it is necessary to nurture and refine it for a month before its power can be truly activated.”

After hearing this explanation, Xiao Yan's doubts were all resolved, and he nodded in understanding.

Looking at Lingquan, whose forehead was marked with a golden rune, he finally understood why the ancient clans valued this coming-of-age ceremony so much. The clan rune that could boost their strength and the nobility of their bloodline were the true core of this ceremony.

"Cousin Xun'er, has your bloodline reached the tenth grade? And have you obtained a seven-colored golden clan emblem?" Xiao Yan's curiosity was running high, and he followed up the topic with inquiring questions.

Xun'er gently shook her head, her tone tinged with humility.
“I haven’t tested my bloodline level since the last time I went into seclusion. But the tenth-grade bloodline is known as a ‘divine grade’ and has not appeared in the ancient clans for nearly a thousand years. I’m afraid I can’t reach that level.”

"As for the Seven-Colored Golden Clan Mark, there is probably only one left in the clan now, and it has long been shelved. Over the years, no one has been able to meet the conditions for its bestowal."

As soon as the two finished speaking, Mang Tianchi turned his head, chuckled, and spoke with a hint of clarity in his voice.
"According to the bloodline rules of your ancient clan, as long as one can reach the ninth grade bloodline, it means that one has the potential to advance to the Dou Sheng realm. As for the divine grade bloodline, its potential may be enough to support a person to reach the peak of Dou Sheng... Of course, this is extremely difficult, and divine grade bloodlines have indeed not been seen for many, many years."

Upon hearing the terms "Battle Saint" and even "Peak of Battle Saint," Xiao Yan couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.

Looking at the solemn ceremony in the arena and the ancient clan powerhouses around him whose auras flowed subtly, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Was this the foundation of the ancient races? Indeed, it was unfathomable, far beyond the reach of ordinary forces.

At this moment, Xiao Ling suddenly turned around, a calm smile on his face, and interrupted their thoughts: "Hehe, are you talking about the bloodline of the Dou Di? Xiao Yan, you don't really need to care too much about the bloodline of this ancient race."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the still-shining golden clan markings in the arena, and continued, "Although this kind of Dou Di bloodline can bring innate cultivation talent to the disciples of the ancient clans, allowing them to easily reach heights that ordinary people can't even touch in their entire lives, most of those so-called 'heights' only stop at the Dou Zong or Dou Zun realms. Even among ancient races like the ancient clans, those who can break through to the Dou Sheng realm are still very few."

At this point, Xiao Ling's tone became more solemn: "In this way, this innate bloodline may become an obstacle to reaching a higher realm. If one's bloodline talent fails to reach the top level, it will become a shackle, firmly binding one's steps and preventing one from ever stepping into the pinnacle."

"Of course, in most people's eyes, this is not a disadvantage. After all, even if they start with the bloodline of the Dou Di, the worst batch can still reach heights that ordinary people can only dream of. As for reaching the pinnacle, that is not something that most people would even think about."

As he finished speaking, Xiao Ling's gaze fell directly on Xiao Yan, with a hint of questioning: "But Xiao Yan, are you willing to accept this? Will you be content to stop at Dou Zong, Dou Zun, or even spend your whole life only able to sigh at the threshold of Dou Sheng? If you were really given a choice, would you be willing to choose the Dou Di bloodline, which seems like a shortcut but will actually bind your hands and feet?"

Startled by Xiao Ling's series of probing questions that struck at the heart, Xiao Yan felt a jolt run through his body. His fingertips unconsciously clenched his robes, and even his pupils contracted slightly.

His thoughts, which had been focused on the "superiority or inferiority of bloodlines," were instantly disrupted. Xiao Ling's words were like a thunderclap, exploding in his mind and leaving him momentarily stunned. He had never imagined that the Dou Di bloodline, which countless people envied, would become a hidden danger that "imprisoned the pinnacle" in Xiao Ling's eyes.

The lingering echoes of the bells in the square had not yet completely dissipated, and the whispers of the ancient clansmen around him and the faint glow of the ritual props had all become a blurry background in his eyes.

He lowered his eyes and remained silent for a moment, the emotions surging in his chest gradually settling down. Then he slowly raised his head, took a deep breath, and met Xiao Ling's gaze with burning intensity. There was no longer any confusion in his eyes, only a resolute determination sharpened by time.

“Cousin is right!” His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried a penetrating power, each word ringing out, “If what you say is true, then this Dou Di bloodline is better off without!”

As he finished speaking, he subconsciously raised his hand and pressed it to his chest, where his perseverance from the journey he had taken all the way from Wutan City was hidden, along with the countless days and nights he had spent protecting his relatives and friends and trying to catch up with his cousin.

From being regarded as a "good-for-nothing" as the third young master of the Xiao family, to now being able to stand on the land of ancient clans and face the Dou Zun powerhouse, there has never been a "shortcut" on the path he has taken.

"I, Xiao Yan, have never relied on any innate talent to get to where I am today, but rather on these hands that dare to confront fate head-on, and on this heart that has never been extinguished in its pursuit of the pinnacle!"

His tone grew increasingly impassioned, and flames seemed to burn in his eyes. "Others think that Dou Zong and Dou Zun are the end, but in my eyes, that is just the starting point of the climb. Others think that Dou Sheng is out of reach, but I will break through step by step and see what kind of scenery is at the top!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Ling Quan, whose forehead bore the golden clan mark, before returning to Xiao Ling. His tone was resolute and unwavering.

"If the Dou Di bloodline is truly a shackle binding my hands and feet, I will break it with my own hands! The path I want to take is never a path 'determined by bloodline,' but a path that I, Xiao Yan, have chosen myself, a path that allows me to keep moving upwards. Even if this path is a hundred or a thousand times more difficult than others, I will never turn back, nor will I be willing to stop here!"

Xiao Yan's words were resounding and full of a spirit that refused to be mediocre.

Mang Tianchi, who was in front of them, raised his eyebrows, paused in stroking his beard, and looked at Xiao Yan with more approval, as if he hadn't expected this young man to have such ambition.

Even Xiao Ling, who had asked the question, was slightly taken aback.

Looking at Xiao Yan, whose eyes were burning with intensity, he seemed to see the same spirited young man who faced the annulment of his engagement years ago. Only now, that spiritedness was tempered with a maturity honed through trials.

A moment later, a knowing smile slowly appeared on his lips, and his gaze toward Xiao Yan suddenly brightened, becoming more dazzling.

Xiao Ling nodded slowly, his voice filled with undisguised approval.
"I knew I hadn't misjudged you, Xiao Yan. In my opinion, bloodline has never been the measure of a person's potential. It is this spirit of refusing to bow to fate and daring to take risks that is the foundation for overcoming adversity."

He paused, his tone becoming more sincere, "Being able to hold onto this original aspiration and not be tempted by shortcuts makes you far superior to those wealthy scions who rely on their bloodlines." After speaking, he raised his hand and gently patted Xiao Yan's shoulder, the strength from his palm carrying a hint of encouragement.

He then turned his gaze back to the center of the square, where Lingquan had completed the bestowal of the clan emblem and was bowing as he withdrew.

"Next up, Lin Xiu!"

In the center of the square, the leading elder of the ancient clan held a roster in his hand, and his clear voice once again resounded throughout the entire area.

As soon as he finished speaking, a figure suddenly stood up from the crowd. The man named Lin Xiu had an uncontrollable excitement on his face. He shot down like an arrow and landed steadily in the center of the ceremony area.

Without the slightest hesitation, he walked straight to the astrolabe and, following the procedure Lingquan had previously performed, solemnly placed his palm on it and slowly closed his eyes.

As the battle qi was injected, the star chart instantly burst out with dazzling light, and six shimmering white star shadows slowly rotated on the surface of the chart. The flowing light was exactly the same as the scene at Lingquan just now.

"Lin Xiu, the third commander of the Black Annihilation Army, with a cultivation level of five-star Dou Zun and a bloodline level of six! By decision of the Elder Council, he is hereby granted the golden clan emblem!" The elder's voice rang out again, carrying the solemnity unique to the ceremony.

Whispers of envy and praise still emanated from around the plaza. With the strength of a five-star Dou Zun, coupled with a sixth-grade bloodline and golden clan markings, such achievements made him an extremely dazzling figure among the younger generation of the ancient clan, enough to leave most of his peers far behind.

"Next up, Liu Lin!"

"Next up, Ye Mei!"

Following Lingquan and Linxiu, the elders' shouts continued, and one after another, young powerhouses from ancient clans with impressive auras entered the arena.

They were either commanders of the Black Annihilation Army or direct descendants of their clans, each possessing considerable cultivation. The stars appearing on their star charts were mostly five or six, and the clan emblems they were granted were mostly silver or gold.

However, from beginning to end, no one's bloodline level could exceed the sixth rank, and there were very few who even reached the sixth rank.

This scene made it even clearer to the guests present that the bloodline level of the ancient clans was indeed extremely difficult to improve.

That seemingly small difference of just one grade is actually a world of difference, with the scarcity increasing exponentially.

No wonder these so-called ninth and tenth-grade bloodlines are regarded as legendary existences in the clan.

"Gu Zhen, the Grand Commander of the Black Annihilation Army, a Seven-Star Dou Zun, possessing the power of a Seventh-Rank Bloodline..."

Just as Xiao Ling raised an eyebrow slightly due to the lengthy ceremony, and Xiao Yan was also somewhat absentmindedly looking at the sidelines, the elder's voice in the center of the square suddenly stopped, the last syllable lingering in mid-air, instantly drawing everyone's attention back.

"Gu Zhen?"

Upon hearing this familiar name, Xiao Ling, who was speaking softly with Xun'er, felt a slight tremor in his heart. His fingertips paused subconsciously, and he looked up at the scene.

The figure dressed in the uniform of the Black Annihilation Army commander was kneeling on one knee, his face calm and expressionless, but his gaze was fixed on the three elders who were talking in hushed tones, revealing a certain composure.

Seeing that the three elders had temporarily stopped the ceremony to discuss things, the people in the square looked at each other in surprise, and whispers began to circulate.

Previously, whether it was Lingquan or Linxiu, the elders would directly announce the results and bestow the clan emblems; there had never been such a situation of discussion.

All eyes turned to Gu Zhen again, their eyes filled with curiosity. It seemed that this commander of the Black Annihilation Army was indeed different from the others.

After a short while, the three elders finally finished their conversation. The elder in the lead raised his hand and made a brush with a purple-gold luster and fine dragon patterns carved on its handle appear out of thin air in his palm.

"That's... the Purple Gold Dragon Brush?!"

The moment the elder saw what was in his hand, gasps of surprise erupted across the plaza. Even many members of the ancient clans leaned forward, their eyes filled with astonishment.

This Purple-Gold Dragon Brush has long been recorded in the clan's records. It is only used when the Purple-Gold Clan Emblem is bestowed. However, in the past hundred years, the number of people who have received this honor can be counted on one hand!
"After deliberation by the Elder Council, it has been decided that, given Gu Zhen's outstanding military achievements and calm demeanor, an exception will be made to grant him the Purple-Gold Clan Mark!"

The elder in the lead still had a stern expression, but his voice was more solemn than before. With a deep shout, his fighting spirit surged in his palm and poured into the Purple-Gold Dragon Brush.

As the pen tip swept across the air, it brought with it a faint golden light. In an instant, a mysterious and intricate purple-gold rune was firmly imprinted on Gu Zhen's forehead.

Although the color of the purple-gold clan pattern was slightly pale and not fully saturated, it still exploded in the square like a thunderclap. You should know that since the beginning of the ceremony, everyone has seen either silver or gold clan patterns. The appearance of the purple-gold clan pattern is a first.

Countless envious gazes instantly locked onto Gu Zhen, and even many soldiers of the Black Annihilation Army couldn't help but show their admiration.

"According to the ancient clan's rules, a seventh-grade bloodline is not sufficient to bestow the Purple-Gold Clan Mark." Just as Xiao Ling was gazing at the clan mark on the forehead of the ancient master in the arena, Xun'er beside him spoke softly, explaining the reason behind it.

"But Gu Zhen has a very high prestige in the Black Annihilation Army. Over the years, he has made countless contributions by killing powerful enemy clans. His status has long been close to that of the four commanders, so the Elder Council made an exception for him."

Xiao Ling nodded slowly, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes.

He had met Gu Zhen a few times before and knew that this man was not only powerful, but also extremely calm and composed, meticulous in his work, and never acted in a hurry for quick success or instant benefits.

With such temperament and ability, if he were to attain a high position within an ancient clan in the future, he would undoubtedly achieve considerable success. (End of Chapter)