Chapter 289: Activating the Clan Mark
When Xiao Yan's eyes fell upon the combat technique "Flowing Shadow Lightning Flash", he halted his steps and reached out into the glowing cluster of light. As soon as his hand touched it, a jade slip materialized in his grip, and a flood of information surged into his mind.
Heavenly Tier Combat Technique: Flowing Shadow Lightning Flash
Created by the second patriarch of the Thunder Clan, this extraordinary movement technique is divided into two volumes: the first volume is a low level heavenly tier technique, while the second ascends to a high level heavenly tier technique.
Once mastered, its speed rivals the swiftness of lightning, making it unparalleled even among Dou Saints.
Note: This technique requires the practitioner to temper their body with thunderous energy. Furthermore, the second volume's difficulty is significantly higher choose wisely.
Upon seeing this, Xiao Yan's interest in the technique immediately surged.
The second patriarch of the Thunder Clan was no ordinary figure he was a top tier powerhouse on par with Xiao Shaobei. Even today, the Thunder Clan was second only to the Xiao and Gu clans among the ancient tribes.
Their current clan leader alone possessed the strength of an eight star Dou Saint. The Thunder Clan was renowned for its members' lightning attribute physiques and techniques, which excelled in both speed and attack.
For ordinary cultivators, lightning attribute techniques were hard to counter. Only experts like Xiao Yan, who possessed unique physiques or exceptional powers like Heavenly Flames, could stand their ground against them.
Reflecting on this, Xiao Yan became even more intrigued by Flowing Shadow Lightning Flash.
Nonetheless, the seventh level of the Scripture Pavilion housed many heavenly tier techniques, and Xiao Yan wasn't in a rush to decide. He marked it as a preliminary choice and moved on.
"Dragon Sovereign Dimensional Rift"
Created by the progenitor of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan. This scroll is merely the introductory chapter; it is said to have middle and advanced chapters, as well as a perfected form.
Legend has it that when fully mastered, the technique could kill an ordinary Dou Emperor with a single strike.
"This seems tailor made for Zi Yan," Xiao Yan mused, shaking his head in awe.
He had long noticed Zi Yan's extraordinary bloodline, but this confirmed the terrifying legacy of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan. Their founder's might was unparalleled.
Yet, the Ancient Void Dragon Clan had fallen to a mere shadow of its former self, with only a handful of members left. Xiao Yan couldn't help but recall the ancient dragon slumbering beneath Jia Nan Academy a being who once stood unrivaled beneath the Dou Emperor realm.
"Skyfeather Dragon Slaughter Dance"
The Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's sacred combat technique. Mastery elevates it to a high level heavenly tier technique.
This technique was a stark reminder of the eternal rivalry between the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan and the Ancient Void Dragon Clan. Though reclusive, the Heavenly Demon Phoenixes were among the few tribes that could stand toe to toe with ancient clans like the Xiao and Gu.
"Polar Sandstorm"
The Stone Clan's ultimate secret technique. Mastery elevates it to a high level heavenly tier technique. It is said that the previous Stone Clan leader once used this technique to transform an expanse of mountains and rivers into an endless desert.
Examining these techniques left Xiao Yan in awe. The ancient tribes were indeed formidable, each boasting techniques that could shape the landscape and decimate entire armies.
However, Xiao Yan knew that many of these high level techniques were incomplete in the Xiao Clan's collection. Ancient tribes guarded their most prized combat techniques zealously, rarely sharing them fully, even with allies.
After a thorough review, Xiao Yan's thoughts returned to Flowing Shadow Lightning Flash.
Unlike many other techniques, its second volume the high level heavenly tier portion was also stored within the Xiao Clan's vaults.
As for why the Thunder Clan had shared such a valuable technique with the Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan couldn't say. The reasons were likely buried in the annals of ancient politics, known only to the clan's elders.
Resolute in his choice, Xiao Yan allowed his soul imprint to enter the jade slip.
Suddenly, his consciousness was pulled into a new dimension.
Within this space, a tall, lean middle aged man radiating dazzling arcs of electricity stood suspended in the void. His mere presence exuded an overwhelming power that even Xiao Yan's soul, now at the Spirit Realm, found oppressive.
This was undoubtedly the Thunder Clan's second patriarch a nine star Dou Saint.
The man's image began to blur and transform into arcs of lightning that coursed through his meridians, creating a mesmerizing display of thunderous energy.
In an instant, the figure vanished, reappearing miles away in the blink of an eye.
The demonstration repeated in Xiao Yan's mind several times before the knowledge of the technique fully integrated into his consciousness.
"Tempering with Heavenly Thunder?"
Xiao Yan frowned as he processed the information. Mastering this technique required not just ordinary lightning but Innate Profound Thunder. Such a rare and potent form of thunder was nearly impossible to find.
"Thankfully, I'm in the Xiao Clan," he thought. "With the resources they've accumulated over millennia, obtaining some Innate Profound Thunder shouldn't be an issue."
After committing the technique to memory, Xiao Yan's gaze landed on another intriguing combat technique.
"Fire Dance Whirlwind"
Created by a grand elder of the Yan Clan. When unleashed, the technique engulfs an area spanning a thousand miles in a fiery storm.
While its single target lethality is average, its power in group combat is devastating. A Dou Saint employing this technique can annihilate countless enemies beneath the Half Saint level.
"This is perfect for me," Xiao Yan thought.
Although he already possessed techniques like Flame Lotus of Buddha Fury, which were unparalleled in destructive power, his repertoire lacked options for large scale attacks.
Additionally, the thought of channeling his Heavenly Flames through this technique made his blood race. Its destructive potential would undoubtedly skyrocket.
After recording the technique, Xiao Yan felt his mind throb from the overwhelming influx of information. Even with his Spirit Realm soul, absorbing multiple heavenly tier techniques in one go was taxing.
With a wistful glance at the historical records on the shelves, Xiao Yan exited the Scripture Pavilion.
There was no time to linger his priorities lay elsewhere. As for the eighth and ninth floors, which housed even more powerful techniques, Xiao Yan decided to postpone his exploration.
High level heavenly tier techniques were not just difficult to learn; even early stage Dou Saints found them challenging to wield effectively.
"When I reach the Dou Saint realm, those techniques will naturally be within my reach," Xiao Yan thought, stepping into the light.
After parting ways with Elder Qing, Xiao Yan noticed that the sun had already set. He mused to himself that Nihility Devouring Flame was likely on duty in the night sky by now. With that thought, Xiao Yan soared directly toward the Clan Leader's Grand Hall.
"Clan Leader! Clan Leader!" Xiao Yan called out as he strode confidently to the hall's entrance.
The two guards stationed at the door initially frowned, ready to reprimand the unruly behavior. However, upon recognizing Xiao Yan's identity as the Di Zi (Clan's Chosen), their expressions changed, and they quickly saluted him with respect. Xiao Yan merely waved dismissively and continued inside.
"Have you chosen your combat technique?"
Seeing Xiao Yan arrive in such haste, Xiao Shaobei smiled faintly, a knowing look in his eyes.
"Yes, I've chosen!" Xiao Yan nodded eagerly. "But I need to awaken my clan mark right away! I can't waste time and risk losing the chance if the deadline passes."
Although Xiao Yan was prepared to set out for training alone, he wanted as many cards up his sleeve as possible. The clan mark was a critical boost to his strength.
Seeing Xiao Yan's urgency, Xiao Shaobei chuckled, shaking his head. With a wave of his hand, the surrounding space shifted and distorted. Moments later, the environment stabilized, and Xiao Yan found himself in a familiar location.
It was none other than the camp belonging to Xiao Lin's lineage. The sudden appearance of the two figures caused a stir among the experts present, who promptly emerged from their quarters.
At the forefront was Xiao Lin, a Dou Saint, while behind him were numerous Dou Zuns and Dou Zongs numbering in the hundreds. The gathered clan members looked at Xiao Shaobei with awe, but their expressions turned to shock when they recognized Xiao Yan standing beside him.
"This brat!" Xiao Lin froze, momentarily dumbfounded.
"Our son!" In stark contrast to Xiao Lin's reaction, Xiao Zhan and his wife, Yao Xian, were overcome with emotion. After nearly two years of separation, seeing their son return was a joyful shock.
The elders of Xiao Lin's lineage, however, had a different reaction.
"Trouble's back."
They exchanged nervous glances, wishing they could rush home and hide their most precious treasures. They remembered Xiao Yan's mischievous ways all too well.
Now that he was the Di Zi, his antics were no longer a matter of sneaky theft but open, justified requisition. They could only grin and bear it if he came for their belongings.
As these thoughts raced through their minds, Xiao Shaobei's voice rang out, capturing everyone's attention.
"Today, I shall personally inscribe the clan mark for the Di Zi. From this day forth, our Xiao Clan will gain another bearer of divine grade bloodline!"
The announcement caused the gathered clan members to gasp audibly. Xiao Zhan and Yao Xian's breaths quickened, their faces glowing with pride.
Though Xiao Yan had always demonstrated monstrous talent even with his mischievous tendencies the confirmation of his divine grade bloodline was monumental.
Unlike the temporary title of Di Zi, a divine grade bloodline was a tangible and permanent advantage. It guaranteed Xiao Yan's future prominence and ensured his lineage would elevate Xiao Lin's branch to a royal status within the clan.
Ignoring the murmurs, Xiao Shaobei raised his hand, and a faint seven colored light appeared at his fingertips.
Though the light appeared delicate, only Xiao Lin could sense its profound power.
A divine grade bloodline mark also known as the Seven Colored Mark was legendary. Ordinary Dou Saints needed specialized tools to inscribe it, but Xiao Shaobei's immense power allowed him to draw it by hand.
With meticulous movements, Xiao Shaobei began tracing intricate patterns on Xiao Yan's forehead. The seven colored glow shimmered as each stroke gave form to the clan mark.
The light grew increasingly dazzling, radiating an extraordinary brilliance. When the mark was finally completed, it erupted with a blinding radiance, forcing everyone present except for the Dou Zuns and Dou Saints to kneel instinctively.
As the glow subsided, the seven colored mark faded into Xiao Yan's skin, leaving no visible trace. It would only reappear when he consciously activated it.
Xiao Shaobei exhaled lightly, offering Xiao Yan a rare look of approval.
"The divine grade clan mark is complete. To truly master it, however, you'll need to practice activating and inscribing it yourself. Familiarity will enhance your control."
Then, Xiao Shaobei turned to the gathered family members.
"Xiao Yan's time with us is limited. Spend it wisely before he departs for his journey."
With those parting words, the clan leader disappeared into thin air.
Xiao Yan returned to his home, greeted by warm, familiar faces.
"My son," Yao Xian's voice trembled as her eyes welled with tears.
Xiao Zhan, on the other hand, wore a wide, foolish grin. "My boy has the makings of a Dou Di!"
Seeing the joy and love on their faces, Xiao Yan's heart swelled with warmth.
For the next two days, he cherished his time with his family. However, on the third day, Xiao Shaobei returned this time to send him off.
True to Xiao Xuan's command, the clan leader was unwavering in his duty.
Before Xiao Yan departed, Xiao Shaobei handed him a bolt of Innate Profound Lightning, one of the rarest resources in the clan. Then, with a casual wave of his hand, Xiao Shaobei sent Xiao Yan hurtling out of the Xiao Realm.
Moments later, the young Di Zi found himself back in the Black Corner Region, ready to face the next leg of his journey.
(End of Chapter)
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