The grand hall echoed with the soft shuffle of anticipation as Elder Whitlock, a venerable figure within the clan, ascended the stage. His gaze swept across the multitude, ensuring all were present for the momentous occasion about to unfold.
"Given the number of participants, we shall proceed in batches of ten," Elder Whitlock announced, his voice carrying a tone of authority. "When your name is called, find your designated place on the stage and take a seat."
A hushed murmur of compliance rippled through the gathering. The Elder continued, "Each of you will receive a small bottle containing a drop of the potent Bloodline Awakening Liquid.
After drinking it, close your eyes and endeavor to sense the dormant power within your bloodline. Even if you struggle, the elixir is designed to facilitate the awakening process."
"Once you've connected with your bloodline, stand and make your way to the platform where the twin towers stand.
There, place your hand upon it, allowing us to assess your bloodline and rank of it you possess. Is everything clear?" Elder Whitlock inquired, completing his instructions.
An attentive nod spread through the assembly. The participants had already been briefed by their parents, instilling a sense of purpose and understanding among them due to which no one had any questions.
The Elder made an appreciative nod looking at the young kids who are the future generations of the clan.
The first ten names resonated in the hall, and the chosen youngsters swiftly took their places on the stage. Attendees, clad in the clan's regal attire, distributed small bottles containing the coveted Bloodline Awakening Liquid to each participant.
The atmosphere crackled with an electrifying anticipation as the youth followed the Elder's instructions, ingesting the elixir.
With closed eyes, they embarked on a journey within, seeking the connection to their ancestral bloodline. The hall, draped in an air of expectancy, observed the participants immersed in their quest for awakening.
Among them was Alex, whose eyes were shut in concentration, taking part in the ritual alongside his peers. The challenge was to not only feel but also awaken and nourish the dormant bloodline within the body.
The rhythmic progression continued as each participant, one by one, underwent the transformative process. Soon, the air was filled with the scent of the awakening elixir, creating an atmosphere charged with potential.
As the last participant completed the ritual, Elder Whitlock, with a solemn expression, surveyed the gathering. "The initiation has concluded for this group. Now, let the awakening of bloodlines reveal the unique talents within our clan." The words hung in the air, signaling a pivotal moment in the history of the clan.
After a minute, a boy suddenly opened his eyes, his face beaming with happiness. It seemed like he used the liquid correctly. He confidently walked toward the purple tower and placed his hand on it.
The purple tower lit up quickly, casting a warm glow on the boy's face, and soon, a bright blue light illuminated the entire tower.
The same boy then moved to the white tower, pressing his hand against it. The light shone and reached the third orb in the tower.
"Royal rank in stormforge bloodline," Elder Whitlock approved with a nod.
"It's a great talent, especially since he's the son of one of the branch elders in remote area," someone in the crowd remarked.
"Yes," agreed another.
"Next," Elder Whitlock called.
"Human rank in tempestborn bloodline."
"Mortal rank in stormforge bloodline."
"Mortal rank in tempestborn bloodline."
" Royal rank in tempestborn bloodline "
Hundreds completed the bloodline awakening, with 200 achieving mortal rank, 50 reaching Human rank, and 10 earning Royal rank talents.
Almost everyone finished, except the children of direct descendants, some important branch clan descendants, and Alex, even though his father was exiled, as he was still the grandson of the patriarch.
Then, a silver-haired girl stood up, capturing everyone's attention. She approached the purple tower, and as she touched it, a golden light shimmered. Moving to the white tower, the light rapidly climbed, reaching the esteemed Emperor rank which made the the entire hall gasp in disbelief.
The event paused, and every branch clan member, direct descendants at the purple seats who are part of the sequence of the clan, and even the Patriarch, whose expression had been indifferent until now, underwent a noticeable change. They focused intently on the silver-haired girl.
The significance of an Emperor rank bloodline was well known, and the unexpected result had stirred a wave of emotions in the audience. Even the Patriarch, known for his indifference, displayed a newfound interest in the unfolding events.
"As expected of the daughter of Elder Gabriel, leader of one of the four important branch clans of the Obsidian and son of the grand elder of the main clan."
"Hmm."
Shock rippled through everyone, given that each Emperor rank bloodline person could potentially reach the Soul Resonance stage with hard work. Envy was evident on many faces, except for a few.
Suddenly, the patriarch stood up and declared, "From now on, Silvia Obsidian will be accepted as one of the direct descendants of the main clan. After she reaches the Martial Ascendant stage, she will be considered as part of the sequence of the clan, eligible for competing for the position of the patriarch."
The crowd showed little surprise at the patriarch's decision, except for Silvia, who seemed unsure about the term "sequence." Her father, Elder Gabriel, stood up, bowing his head and expressing gratitude.
"Thanks for the grace of the patriarch," he said, and Silvia followed suit, bowing her head in acknowledgment.
As the ceremony continued, more kids came forward.
"Royal rank in stormforge bloodline."
"Royal rank in tempestborn bloodline."
"Royal rank in stormforge bloodline."
The announcements rolled on, and the audience reacted with a mix of amazement and expectation. The atmosphere was charged with the significance of these bloodline ranks.
Finally, only two kids remained – Alex and another direct descendant of the clan. The anticipation in the hall reached its peak as everyone waited to discover the bloodline rank of the last two participants.