"No wonder they're the prodigies of the ancient clans. Even though they're just young people, I can't discern their strength!" On the deck, Venerable Feng scanned the surroundings and couldn't help but express his admiration.
Beside him, Xiao Yan stood like a lowly servant, his gaze filled with trepidation. After all, on this ship, even a random Black Submerged Army soldier was far stronger than him. The immense pressure weighed heavily on Xiao Yan.
"Xiao Yan, don't be so nervous," Xuan Kongzi, noticing Xiao Yan's state, patted him on the shoulder. Though Xiao Yan's strength was lacking, as Yao Lao's only disciple, Xuan Kongzi had taken special care of him throughout the journey.
"Meeting the prodigies of the ancient clans is an opportunity for you to broaden your horizons," Xuan Kongzi continued, his tone filled with the advice of an elder.
"Yes, you're absolutely right, senior. This trip is indeed a valuable learning experience for me," Xiao Yan replied respectfully, nodding in agreement.
"Those over there are from the Shi Clan. Due to their bloodline, their physical strength is terrifying, comparable to some of the top magical beasts!" Following Xuan Kongzi's direction, Xiao Yan looked toward the other side of the deck.
There, a group of people with grayish-white skin stood. On their foreheads was the distinct stone symbol of the Shi Clan.
"The people from the Yan Clan have a flame mark on their foreheads... and those over there should be from the Yao Clan!"
As Xuan Kongzi pointed toward the neighboring shuttle ship with several young men and women, Xiao Yan froze. Before the trip, he had heard from Yao Lao that he was originally from the Yao Clan, but due to his diluted bloodline, he was cast out.
Seeing the Yao Clan members now, Xiao Yan instinctively felt a deep-seated resentment.
"Hm?" As Xiao Yan stared at them, a few of the young people in alchemist robes from the Yao Clan seemed to sense his gaze and looked back. Xiao Yan quickly averted his eyes, understanding that with his current strength, he couldn't avenge his teacher yet. He needed to be patient, as his goal was to seek help for his teacher's revival, not to stir up trouble.
"A mere ant dares to look at us…" A Yao Clan member scoffed, turning away dismissively.
For the rest of the journey, Xiao Yan kept his head down until the warship suddenly shook, slowing down. In the distance, a lush mountain range came into view.
"Hehe, esteemed guests of the Gu Clan, please proceed," a hoarse voice announced from the ship, to which many politely responded before leaping toward the central buildings within the mountain range, the Gu Clan's reception area.
Xiao Yan followed closely behind Xuan Kongzi and Venerable Feng as they descended.
"That person… seems familiar!" In the mountain range, a young man from the Black Submerged Army showed a hint of recognition.
"Xiao Yan? He actually dared to come here?" After a moment of recollection, the young man finally remembered Xiao Yan's identity, having been sent by Gu Yao years ago to kill him.
"Gu Li, are you saying that kid is Xiao Yan?" Another Gu Clan youth asked in surprise.
"Yes, Commander Ling Quan! Unfortunately, a mysterious person saved him back then!" Gu Li responded seriously, recalling his past encounter with Xiao Yan.
"He's got guts to come to our Gu Realm; he must be tired of living…" Ling Quan licked his lips, as a murderous intent began to rise within him.
"Commander Ling Quan, are you planning to act against Xiao Yan? Miss Xun'er was furious about this matter back then! Fortunately, Lord Gu Yao took responsibility, sparing me from punishment... But Miss Xun'er also fell out with Lord Gu Yao over this!"
Gu Li expressed his concern, knowing how quickly Xun'er's strength had grown, making her one of the most gifted in the Gu Clan, second only to Gu Fei.
"Killing a mere ant like him would dirty my hands," Ling Quan sneered, pausing before adding coldly, "He's here to witness the ceremony, right? Then, let's make sure he embarrasses himself in front of the entire continent's experts at the coming-of-age ceremony..."
As Ling Quan and Gu Li watched Xiao Yan, he seemed to sense something amiss. This feeling wasn't tied to his cultivation but was more of an instinctual reaction.
"Xiao Yan, stop searching. That person is the one who tried to kill you in the Jia Ma Empire!" Yao Lao, who had been silent within Xiao Yan's storage ring, suddenly spoke up.
Xiao Yan forced himself to stay calm, avoiding further glances around him, mechanically following Xuan Kongzi and Venerable Feng.
"Why is Xiao Yan here?" Among the crowd, an old man in black also noticed Xiao Yan. This man was Ling Ying, Xun'er's bodyguard who had once protected her in the north-western region. Seeing Xiao Yan's current level of strength and his timid demeanor, Ling Ying couldn't help but shake his head. "The young lady's future accomplishments are like the moon compared to the stars when next to him. I hope he understands this..."
...
By evening, the night had draped the land, and the cool moonlight bathed the entire Gu Sacred Mountain Range in a gentle silver glow. At the center of the range, clusters of grand halls stood tall, exuding an ancient aura under the moonlight.
Most of these halls were brightly lit, celebrating the Gu Clan's joyous occasion. The entire area was festively decorated, filled with a jubilant atmosphere.
However, on a distant, quieter peak away from the grand halls, the scene was much more serene, devoid of the festive noise.
"Dad, I heard that many people from other ancient clans have come to witness the ceremony. Can you take us to see them?" Xian Yue and Wu Shuang, the two little ones, pleaded with Gu Fei, each clinging to one of his legs.
Just then, the space in front of them rippled, and Zi Yan appeared, holding a spirit fruit in each hand, both with a bite taken out of them.