Chapter 490: The Ceremony Begins

Chapter 490: The Ceremony Begins

Xiao Ze looked at the palace. It was simple and unadorned, situated deep in the mountains, making it seem even more tranquil. As Xiao Ze and the others arrived at the palace entrance, a shadow twisted and formed into a figure.

"Greetings, Miss. Greetings, Young Master Xiao Ze, esteemed guests," said Ling Ying, emerging from the darkness with a respectful demeanor.

Seeing Ling Ying, Xun'er smiled slightly and introduced him to Xiao Ze and the others. "Brother Xiao Ze, Qing Lin, and Little Doctor Immortal, this is Ling Ying. He protected me in secret while I was in the Jia Ma Empire and at Jia Nan Academy."

"Greetings, Elder Ling. Although this is our first meeting, I have felt your presence before. Thank you for your protection," Xiao Ze said, bowing to Ling Ying.

This seemed to be his first encounter with Ling Ying, but Xiao Ze had sensed his presence back at Jia Nan Academy.

"No need for thanks. It was Miss's command that I protect you," Ling Ying said humbly, though he was surprised Xiao Ze had sensed him back then. After all, as an expert in dark attributes and a Dou Emperor, he was exceptionally good at hiding.

Ling Ying's last encounter with Xiao Ze had been at Jia Nan Academy, and he was shocked to realize that Xiao Ze could sense him even back then.

"Thank you for your protection, Elder Ling. Here are some pills to aid your cultivation. Please accept them," Xiao Ze said, handing over several bottles of pills.

Ling Ying hesitated and then shook his head, refusing. "I cannot accept this. It was my duty to protect Miss. I am old, my blood energy weak, and these pills would be wasted on me."

Xiao Ze looked at Xun'er, who smiled and said, "Elder Ling, please accept them. It is a gesture from Brother Xiao Ze."

"Well, if Miss insists, then I thank you, Young Master Xiao Ze," Ling Ying said, bowing respectfully as he accepted the pills.

After a brief conversation, Xiao Ze and the others followed Xun'er into the palace, while Ling Ying returned to the shadows to continue his watch.

As they sat down, Xun'er smiled at Xiao Ze and said, "Brother Xiao Ze, tomorrow is the coming-of-age ceremony."

"Although you are a guest invited by the Gu Clan and technically unrelated to the ceremony, given today's events, someone from the clan will likely involve you."

"Did the display of my strength today not deter them?" Xiao Ze asked.

Xun'er shook her head slightly. "They are the pride of the Gu Clan's younger generation, top talents with considerable arrogance. They won't back down until they hit a wall."

"The three commanders you met during the Yan Mo Hunt will probably not challenge you, but the Shura Commander might."

Xiao Ze raised an eyebrow. During the Yan Mo Hunt, he had met the three commanders led by Gu Qingyang, but he hadn't had much interaction with them. The Shura Commander, however, he had never met.

"This isn't something to worry about. With my current strength, even if he uses high-level Dou Techniques, it won't make a difference," Xiao Ze said, not too concerned.

Xun'er nodded. Indeed, the difference in their strengths was too great. She mentioned it only to prepare Xiao Ze mentally for any unexpected challenges tomorrow.

As night fell, the silvery moonlight bathed the ancient and wild mountains in a tranquil glow. The buildings, lit and bustling with activity, created a festive atmosphere, while the palace deep in the mountains remained quiet and secluded.

Xiao Ze half-lay on the palace roof, his gaze fixed on the distant, brightly lit buildings. With his peak Heavenly Realm soul sense, he could perceive the scenes of joy and sorrow playing out within.

"Brother Xiao Ze, is this your first time witnessing such scenes?" Xun'er asked as she joined him, resting comfortably in his arms.

"Yes, it seems the Gu Clan is conducting bloodline tests?" he replied.

"Indeed. In some ways, the pressure here is greater than outside. The Gu Clan thrives because of the Dou Emperor bloodline but also suffers because of it," Xun'er explained. "Every few years, countless Gu Clan descendants come to the Holy Mountain for bloodline tests, hoping their offspring have strong bloodlines. There are occasional surprises, but more often, there are countless disappointments."

"I've heard, and even seen, some Gu Clan descendants commit suicide on the spot after discovering their offspring's bloodline is completely depleted," she continued, her eyes reflecting a deep helplessness.

"They long to become true members of the Gu Clan. The greater their hopes, the deeper their despair if those hopes are dashed," Xiao Ze said, looking at the buildings. For the Gu Clan descendants, the bloodline test was like a life-determining exam.

A strong bloodline meant rising to prominence, becoming true Gu Clan members. A depleted bloodline meant fading into obscurity. Although the vast resources of the Ancient Realm ensured that even ordinary descendants could live comfortably, the Gu Clan's bloodline supremacy made it difficult for them to achieve greatness if their bloodline was weak.

This mindset also made the Gu Clan averse to intermarriage with outsiders. Even Xiao Ze, despite reaching the Dou Saint level, faced opposition from a small number of stubborn elders.

The two didn't speak much afterward, simply enjoying their time together. In each other's company, even doing nothing made time fly.

As the silver moon set and the sun rose, Xiao Ze looked down at Xun'er, who lay in his arms, peaceful and serene, like a sleeping baby.

With the first rays of dawn, the Holy Mountain came alive. Figures darted across the sky, and the sounds of drums and gongs filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere.

Xun'er's eyelashes fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes, meeting Xiao Ze's gaze.

Smiling lazily, she said, "Brother Xiao Ze, after today, I will be an adult."

"Let's go, then. Time to attend the Gu Clan's coming-of-age ceremony," Xiao Ze replied with a laugh.

(End of Chapter)

Friends, if you liked the novel, you can buy it on my p*treon

Use this code: CHRISTMAS2024 you can save up to 30% off any subscription level, The promotion ends on December 31st