The ceremony concluded, and everyone slowly rose from the floor, quietly exiting the solemn ancestral hall.
In the corridor, the Jialaos silently exhaled, easing the atmosphere. Conversations gradually began to surface.
"Time really flies too quickly; a year has just passed in the blink of an eye."
"The last Awakening Ceremony feels like it happened just yesterday, still vivid in my mind."
"Tomorrow is the annual Awakening Ceremony. I wonder what new talents will emerge in our clan this year."
"Alas, I hope a youth with Grade A aptitude appears. Our Gu Yue clan hasn't seen such a genius for three years."
"Indeed, the Bai and Xiong clans have seen geniuses emerge in recent years. Especially Bai Ningbing from the Bai clan, his talent is truly terrifying."
At the mention of Bai Ningbing, a shadow of concern inadvertently appeared on the faces of the Jialaos.
This youth's aptitude was exceptionally outstanding; within just two years, he had advanced to a third-rank Gu Master. Among the younger generation, he was unrivaled, even putting pressure on the older generation.
Given time, he would undoubtedly become the main pillar of the Bai clan, at least a formidable force on his own. No one doubted this.
"However, there is still hope among the youths participating in this year's Awakening Ceremony."
"That's right, a genius youth has emerged from the Fang lineage. He could speak at three months, walk at four, and by the age of five, he was composing poetry and reciting verses, showing exceptional intelligence and overflowing talent. It's just a pity his parents died early, and he is now being raised by his aunt and uncle."
"Yes, he's precocious and ambitious. In recent years, his creations, 'Ode to Gallantry,' 'Ode to the Plum Blossom,' and 'Jiangchengzi,'（three very famous and beatiful chinese poetries） have also reached my ears. Truly a genius!"
The Gu Yue clan chief was the last to leave the ancestral hall. As he slowly closed the door, he overheard the Jialaos' discussions about a youth named Gu Yue Fang Yuan.
As the leader of the clan, he naturally paid attention to outstanding talents, and Fang Yuan shone as the most brilliant among the younger members.
Experience had shown that those with exceptional gifts from a young age often possessed excellent cultivation aptitudes.
"If this child tests for Grade A aptitude, we should nurture him well; he might even be able to compete with Bai Ningbing. Even with Grade B aptitude, he'll surely stand on his own in the future, becoming a banner for our Gu Yue clan. But given his early wisdom, the chance of him being Grade B is slim; he's very likely to be Grade A." With this thought, a smile appeared on the clan chief's lips.
Then, coughing once, he addressed the Jialaos, "Everyone, it's getting late. Please rest well tonight for tomorrow's Awakening Ceremony."
The Jialaos looked at each other, their eyes hiding a hint of caution.
The chief's words were subtle, but the meaning was clear.
Every year, the competition for these talented youths was fierce, sometimes even brutal.
It was time to rest and gather strength for tomorrow's competition.
Especially for someone like Gu Yue Fang Yuan, who had a high chance of being Grade A. And since his parents were deceased, making him one of the last of the Fang lineage, if he could be brought into their branch, it would ensure prosperity for centuries.
"But let me be clear. Compete fairly and squarely. Do not resort to underhanded tactics that harm our clan's unity," the chief sternly reminded.
"Of course. We'll remember."
"We'll take our leave then, clan chief."
With various thoughts, the Jialaos dispersed.
Soon, the long corridor grew quiet. The spring rain and the breeze wafted through the windows, and the clan chief walked to one, breathing in the fresh, moist mountain air.
From the third floor of the tower, he could see most of the Gu Yue fort.
Despite the late hour, many households still had lights on, unlike usual.
Tomorrow's Awakening Ceremony was vital to everyone. Excitement and nervousness filled the air, keeping many awake.
"This is the hope of our clan," he sighed, reflecting on the lights below.
Elsewhere, a pair of bright eyes quietly observed these twinkling night lights, filled with complex emotions.
"Gu Yue fort, is this 500 years ago? The Spring Autumn Cicada has indeed worked..." Fang Yuan's gaze was deep, standing by the window, letting the rain hit him.
The Spring Autumn Cicada could reverse time. Ranked seventh among the top ten mystical Gu, its power was extraordinary.
In short, it meant rebirth.
"Reborn with the Spring Autumn Cicada, back to 500 years ago!" Fang Yuan stretched out his hand, staring at his youthful, somewhat pale palm, then clenched it, feeling the reality.
The sound of rain tapping on the window lingered in his ears as he closed his eyes, only to sigh after a moment, "500 years of experiences, it all seems like a dream."
But he knew, it was no dream.