Chapter 419: The Coming-of-Age Ceremony Ends
Whoosh!
Under countless stunned gazes, Xiao Yan turned into a blood-colored meteor streaking through the sky toward the pale-faced Gu Yao. In his hand, the five-colored fire lotus radiated a blinding brilliance. A power of utter destruction surged from it, sending the surrounding energy into chaos.
Xiao Yan's speed was like lightning. In a flash, he appeared within ten zhang of Gu Yao. The violent energy emitted from the fire lotus caused Gu Yao to feel a genuine sense of death approaching. But having just unleashed the Annihilation Finger, Gu Yao's Dou Qi was depleted. Stunned by Xiao Yan's momentum, he couldn't evade. All he could do was watch as the radiant firelight rapidly magnified in his pupils.
Seeing that Xiao Yan had no intention of holding back, the expressions of the Gu Clan members changed slightly. This guy was actually aiming to kill!
Sigh… Xiao Yan, let him go.
Just as the fire lotus was about to collide with Gu Yao's body, a helpless sigh echoed through the skies. As the sound dropped, both Xiao Yan and the fire lotus froze in place. They could no longer move, and the once-violent energy had calmed.
This sudden shift made Xiao Yan's eyes narrow. He struggled slightly and found he couldn't move an inch. His heart tightened—so this was the true depth of the Gu Clan.
At that moment, an aged, stooped figure slowly appeared in front of Xiao Yan. He wore white robes, even his hair and brows were snow-white. His deep-set eyes held no haze, but instead possessed a dark, bottomless abyss of power, drawing the gaze inward and radiating deep mystery.
"Elder Tongxuan…"
As the elder appeared, Gu Qian and several other elders in the air quickly bowed with deep respect.
The elder named Tongxuan nodded slightly and turned to Xiao Yan. With a soft sigh, he extended a withered hand, gently took the frozen fire lotus from Xiao Yan's grasp, tore open space, and flung the lotus inside. Once the space was repaired, he let out a sigh of relief.
Only after disposing of the volatile fire lotus did he wave his sleeve, lifting the restriction on Xiao Yan. A gentle wave of energy poured from his sleeve, enveloping Xiao Yan completely. Under its wash, the bloodstains on Xiao Yan's body rapidly disappeared, and in just a few moments, all visible wounds were gone.
"Many thanks, Elder."
Seeing this display, Xiao Yan was inwardly respectful. He wasn't one to push his luck. Killing Gu Yao inside the Gu Clan would never be allowed. Since he was spared, he accepted the gesture and cupped his fists respectfully.
Elder Tongxuan smiled and nodded. His gaze slowly swept over Xiao Yan and, after a moment, his hoarse voice said:
"To think that two descendants of the Xiao Clan would shine so brightly. If Xiao Xuan were still alive, he would surely be proud."
Then, he turned to Gu Yao, whose face was still pale and fists clenched tightly.
"Gu Yao, this match is over. You've lost."
The simple statement rang clearly through the silent sky.
Gu Yao trembled. He knew better than anyone: if Elder Tongxuan hadn't intervened, he would already be dead. But even so, he couldn't accept it. That he—Gu Yao—would lose to a so-called "discarded" son of the Xiao Clan was something he had never even considered.
Just then, Xiao Yuan's casual voice drifted over:
"This is the commander of the Black Fiend Army? Doesn't even have the guts to admit a loss?"
Gu Yao clenched his teeth. A few moments later, he finally took a deep breath and, with visible reluctance, turned to Xiao Yan and said in a muffled voice:
"I lost."
Gu Yao actually lost…
The entire square was still eerily silent. The expressions of many Gu Clan members were filled with disbelief. Gu Yao was one of the top five young powerhouses of the clan. Though Xiao Yuan had already left a powerful impression, he hadn't fought any of the clan's elites directly. But Xiao Yan's battle had been witnessed clearly by all. That terrifying strike—many doubted even the other Black Fiend Commanders could have endured it.
"That's enough. Now that the duel is over, Xiao Yan, Gu Yao, return to your seats."
Elder Tongxuan gestured to both.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, gave a respectful salute, and turned to walk back to his seat without even glancing at Gu Yao.
Once both had returned, Elder Tongxuan reached down. The shattered plaza trembled, countless boulders rising and vanishing under his control. In the blink of an eye, the ruined ground was restored—smooth and pristine.
"I will preside over the rest of the ceremony."
He said calmly.
Gu Qian and the other elders were surprised, then seemed to understand. Their eyes widened slightly before they respectfully withdrew.
With the elders stepping down, Elder Tongxuan descended and turned toward the slender figure in the special section of the square. His voice was gentle:
"Xun'er. It's your turn."
The moment his words fell, all eyes in the square turned to Xun'er. She was, without question, the Gu Clan's true gem.
"Xiao Yan ge, are you okay?"
Xun'er didn't care about the crowd. Her eyes only held concern for the man who had returned to his seat.
"I'm fine. Just drained. A bit of rest will do."
Xiao Yan smiled lightly. He could already sense that the gazes of the Gu Clan toward him had changed. This victory had truly made an impact.
Xun'er gently wiped the blood from his lips but said nothing. Her eyes burned with silent fury. Though Xiao Yan had won, he had been wounded. If not for the fire lotus, he might have been seriously injured.
"This isn't over, Gu Yao. Next time, it'll be your turn to suffer."
Xun'er clenched her fist slightly, then turned toward the arena with a soft smile for Xiao Yan.
She descended like a butterfly, light as air.
On the plaza, Elder Tongxuan looked at her cool expression and sighed:
"You know, with your talent and position, it's not unusual for things like this to happen. And Xiao Yan needs these trials—only then will the clan truly accept him."
"Elder Tongxuan, I believe in my own judgment. But some people have truly shamed the Gu Clan today."
Her voice was cold.
"Don't worry. He's proven himself. No one will dare mess with him now."
Elder Tongxuan could feel the fury behind her words. He could only smile bitterly, then waved his hand. A large star disc appeared before him.
"Xun'er, it's your turn."
She stepped forward, placing her hand on the disc and closing her eyes.
"Brother, you said her bloodline was divine-grade, right?"
Xiao Yan asked, eyes fixed on her.
"Mm. Without a doubt. Look at how many old monsters are gathering above us. That wouldn't happen for just a 9-star grade."
Xiao Yuan glanced at the void above.
Sure enough, as Xun'er closed her eyes, her hand glowed. One by one, stars lit up on the disc.
Nine stars appeared without pause—but the glow didn't fade. Instead, it grew stronger.
"Nine-star peak..."
Elder Tongxuan's heart pounded despite his calm nature.
Suddenly, her hand began glowing gold. Her entire arm turned to gold as her blood surged. A single golden spark appeared in the void beyond the ninth star.
Everything went silent—even the hidden experts in the skies froze.
The golden spark grew—until a full golden star formed.
BOOM!
The disc exploded. A golden pillar of light burst into the sky, a crushing pressure descending.
Everyone's Dou Qi froze.
Even their souls trembled in reverence.
"Ten stars... a Divine Bloodline!"
The entire Gu Clan watched in awe. Those with similar bloodlines felt it even more strongly—and many fell to their knees in worship.
Even the elders and elites couldn't meet her gaze directly.
The golden pillar soared, then slowly faded, returning to Xun'er's body. She opened her eyes, unfazed, staring back calmly at Elder Tongxuan.
"So it really is a divine bloodline…"
He muttered twice, then collected himself. With a solemn expression, he summoned a brush—radiant and seven-colored.
Gasps filled the plaza.
With utmost care, he drew the seven-colored clan mark upon Xun'er's forehead. Ten minutes later, beads of sweat rolled down his brow, but his eyes were filled with joy.
"It is done."
As he spoke, Xun'er opened her eyes, and her clan mark erupted with radiant light.
THUMP!
More experts fell to their knees in awe.
"Tch, well, nothing else to see here. Let's head back and rest. We've got trash to clean up in the Heavenly Tomb soon."
Xiao Yuan chuckled, gathering the others to leave—giving Xiao Yan and Xun'er a moment alone.
(END CHAPTER)
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