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Chapter 491: The Gu Clan's Clan Mark
🕑 Added 2024-12-19 22:06:33 +0000 UTCChapter 491: The Gu Clan's Clan Mark
Xiao Ze bent his fingers and lightly scraped Xun'er's delicate nose. "Alright, time to get up. You've been on me all night, and half my body is numb."
Xun'er gave Xiao Ze a pretty roll of her eyes, as if she weighed a thousand pounds. But she quickly got up and helped Xiao Ze by massaging the shoulder she had leaned on and straightening his wrinkled clothes.
Xiao Ze took Xun'er's cool, smooth hand and led her to the front of the palace. They found that Little Doctor Immortal and Qing Lin were already waiting there.
Xun'er cleared her throat softly and adjusted her clothes. She then waved her hand, and a snow-white, strong unicorn quickly flew over from the distance.
With a light step, Xun'er landed gracefully on the unicorn's broad back. Xiao Ze followed suit and appeared beside her. The group rode the unicorn toward the sprawling complex of buildings.
The unicorn flew quickly, and within a few minutes, they reached the central area of the complex. Under Xun'er's guidance, the unicorn slowly descended.
A unicorn was already a rare sight, and traveling with Xun'er made them even more eye-catching. Ignoring the stares of others, Xun'er led Xiao Ze and the others toward an ancient square.
The large square exuded an ancient aura and was surrounded by rows of Black Armored Black Swallow soldiers. These soldiers stood straight with long spears in hand, their sharp eyes scanning the crowd.
When their eyes fell on Xiao Ze, a complex expression quickly flashed in their eyes, but they didn't take any further action.
Many people were already seated around the square. As soon as Xiao Ze and his group appeared, they drew everyone's attention.
Without hesitation, Xun'er intended to lead Xiao Ze and the others to the center of the square. However, before they could reach it, a figure twisted the space and appeared with a warm smile.
"Miss Xun'er, Master Xiao Ze."
"Elder Gu Lan?" Xiao Ze said, cupping his hands in greeting, raising an eyebrow slightly.
In the original story, it wasn't a Dou Saint like Gu Lan who presided over the ceremony; in fact, no Dou Saint even made an appearance.
"Elder Gu Lan, what brings you here?" Xun'er asked, somewhat puzzled. Although the Gu Clan's coming-of-age ceremony was a grand event held every twenty years, it didn't usually warrant the presence of a Dou Saint.
"Haha, this year's ceremony is special not only because of Miss Xun'er but also due to Master Xiao Ze's Dou Saint strength. Without someone powerful enough to preside over it, things might get out of hand," Gu Lan said with a smile. Their conversation was confined to this small area, preventing anyone else in the square from eavesdropping.
Seeing Gu Lan so approachable, Xun'er breathed a sigh of relief, and Xiao Ze cupped his hands in gratitude. "Thank you, Elder Gu Lan."
With Gu Lan leading them, they smoothly entered the center of the square. The Golden Armored Black Swallow soldiers guarding the area saluted Gu Lan and didn't dare to stop Xiao Ze.
Xiao Ze glanced at the people in the special area. Some looked at him kindly, others indifferently, and a few with hidden hostility.
Focusing his soul perception on the hostile gazes, Xiao Ze's lips curled slightly. It turned out to be those persistent souls.
After bringing Xiao Ze and the others to the center, Gu Lan left to prepare for the ceremony. Just as Xun'er was about to lead them to their seats, a silver flash of lightning darted across the sky, hurrying toward the center.
Seeing a familiar figure, Xiao Ze smiled. "Dean, why so hurried?"
"Don't ask. I was cultivating in the Void Thunder Pool and almost missed the Gu Clan's ceremony," Mang Tian Chi said, his mustache twitching in exasperation.
He nodded to Xun'er, whom he had met before, and was aware of their relationship. However, Mang Tian Chi still found it somewhat surreal that Xiao Ze had such a close relationship with the Gu Clan's cherished daughter.
"Aren't you supposed to be seated with the Thunder Clan?" Xiao Ze asked, seeing Mang Tian Chi sit down beside them.
"Those brats? Don't worry about them. They wouldn't dare cause trouble on the Gu Clan's turf," Mang Tian Chi waved dismissively.
Gong—
An ancient and melodious bell rang out, its sound spreading across the ancient mountains.
"The time has come. Let the ceremony begin."
A calm voice announced, plunging the entire square into silence. The terrifying pressure in the voice indicated a true Dou Saint's presence.
The immense pressure caused many to gasp, giving them a deeper understanding of the Gu Clan's power.
After Gu Lan's voice fell, three elaborately dressed elders stood up and walked to the center of the square.
The Gu Clan's coming-of-age ceremony was intricate due to its significant meaning. Only after undergoing this ceremony could one be considered truly grown in the Gu Clan, becoming a core member. Even marriage matters had to wait until after the ceremony.
Watching the ceremony unfold, Xiao Ze rubbed his chin. According to the Gu Clan, the ceremony was held every twenty years, but that didn't mean all participants were exactly twenty years old. Many who hadn't reached twenty at the last ceremony had to wait for this one, so some were over thirty.
However, only the best of the younger generation could complete the ceremony on such an occasion. Otherwise, there were too many young members in the Gu Clan, making the process too lengthy.
Ling Quan was the first to step forward. When his bloodline power was tested on the ancient star chart, six stars lit up.
The presiding elder announced loudly, "Ling Quan, Black Swallow Army Seventh Commander, one-star Dou Zong, six-grade bloodline. After deliberation by the Elders' Council, you are awarded the Golden Clan Mark!"
Ling Quan knelt on one knee, lifting his head to receive the mark. The Gu Clan elder held a golden pen, and with a few strokes, a profound symbol appeared on Ling Quan's forehead.
The symbol glowed with golden light, emanating a special and powerful energy.
Ling Quan's face lit up with joy, and he couldn't help but smile as envious whispers spread around the square.
Xun'er whispered to Xiao Ze, "Brother Xiao Ze, that is the Gu Clan's Clan Mark!"
(End of Chapter)
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