Xiao Yuan's Dominance

Under the watchful eyes of the entire audience, Gu Yao walked into the arena with a cold expression. He bowed to the three elders, but unlike Ling Quan, Gu Zhen, and the others, he did not kneel on one knee. Instead, he stood up straight, like a sharp spear exuding cold energy.

The three elders showed no displeasure at his actions. Although Gu Yao was not as senior as them, he had a very strong reputation among the Ancient Clan. Coupled with his extraordinary strength, it was normal for him not to kneel before them. They exchanged a glance, waved their sleeves, and the Star Plate, which was about ten feet in size, floated lightly in front of Gu Yao, with specks of fluorescent light seeping out from it.

"Your turn, Gu Yao."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yao nodded calmly, and then, under the watchful eyes of many, slowly extended his palm and gently touched the Star Plate.

The Gu Yao touched the Star Plate with his palm. After a moment of silence, the Star Plate suddenly trembled, and a dazzling light burst forth from it. One after another, eight stars appeared on the Star Plate! Looking at the eight stars on the Star Plate, the crowd erupted in an uproar. Even some elders nodded with amazement, clearly very satisfied with the test.

"It's actually an Eighth-Tier- grade bloodline. No wonder he's one of the Four Great Commanders."

"It seems that when Miss took the test back then, she was only eight stars, right? I didn't expect that the Gu Yao Commander would almost catch up with Miss."

"But that was a test from a long time ago. Who knows how much the young lady's bloodline has improved since then?"

The Ancient Clan tribesmen in the square were all whispering amongst themselves at this moment, and their murmurs spread quickly.

"This guy has indeed reached the Eighth-Tier bloodline power."

Xun'er looked at the figure in the arena and sighed softly.

Xiao Yan's expression remained unchanged, but he was slightly shaken. Compared to this Gu Yao, Ling Quan, Lin Xiu, and other so-called young geniuses of the Ancient Clan were nothing at all. The reputation of the Asura Commander was indeed well-deserved.

The three elders in the arena were also somewhat distracted by the eight stars. After a moment, they came to their senses and a smile appeared on their serious faces.

"Gu Yao, one of the Four Great Commanders of the Black Annihilation Army, Eight Star Dou Zun, with the power of Eighth-Tier bloodline, and possessing the Purple-Gold Clan Crest!"

As the shout fell, the Purple-Gold Dragon Brush in the hand of an elder suddenly burst forth with an extremely dazzling light. Dense energy gathered at the tip of the brush, and then with a wave of his arm, a mysterious rune quickly appeared on the forehead of the Gu Yao.

"Call!"

Painting the Purple-Gold Clan Crest seemed to consume a great deal of Dou Qi. Therefore, when the last stroke was completed, the elder's forehead was slightly sweaty, and he let out a long breath. Only after the brush stopped and the brilliant light at the tip of the brush gradually diminished.

As the Gu Clan Elder's hand left, a lifelike Gold Clan Crest appeared on the Gu Yao's forehead.

"The Clan Mark is complete. Gu Yao, descend. Next."

After completing the Clan Mark, the elder smiled, then waved his hand and said.

"Etc."

However, before the elder could finish speaking, the indifferent-looking Gu Yao suddenly spoke up.

"Hmm?" Upon seeing this, the three elders were taken aback, then frowned slightly and asked, "What's wrong?"

"During my Coming-of-Age Ceremony, do I have the right to challenge anyone at will?"

Under the watchful eyes of many, Gu Yao spoke calmly.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan, who was seated, clenched his fists tightly. What was bound to happen had finally arrived.

Upon hearing Gu Yao's words, many people in the square changed their expressions, especially Ling Quan, Lin Xiu, and others. They were clearly forgetful of what they had learned, and their gloating gazes turned to Xiao Yan almost instantly. They had anticipated this, but due to Xiao Yuan's pressure, they had not dared to show off.

The three elders hesitated for a moment before nodding and saying:

"According to the rules, during your Coming-of-Age Ceremony, you may challenge anyone from your own tribe, but if the opponent is not from your tribe, you must obtain their consent before you can fight them."

The Gu Yao nodded slowly, then turned around, his striking black and white hair immediately drawing attention. His icy gaze was fixed on a slender young man in black robes not far away. He said calmly, "You should know I'm here for you. If you want to live a life of ease and conversation in the Ancient Clan, then show me your true strength. Otherwise, others will always look at you with mockery and pity. I'm giving you this opportunity; you can challenge me. Of course, whether you have the courage is up to you. However, I hope that if you refuse, you will leave the Ancient World today."

The rules of the Coming-of-Age Ceremony allow Gu Yao to challenge anyone, but what he said was that Xiao Yan should challenge him! Challenges are usually initiated by those below, so clearly, in Gu Yao's mind, the one who should issue the challenge is not him, but Xiao Yan!

Whoosh! As soon as Gu Yao finished speaking, all eyes in the room were immediately drawn to that thin figure, and many people looked at him with a gloating expression.

Just as Xiao Yan was about to speak, he noticed that Xiao Yuan suddenly vanished in a flash.

"Third Brother?"

He paused for a moment.

"Is he the disciple of that outcast from my Yao Clan? He seems to be quite hated. But that Gu Yao was quick to act. I was originally planning to meet this kid first and let him understand that the so-called Pill Gathering champion is nothing but a child's game, not worth bragging about at all."

On a high point in the square, several figures leaned lazily against the railing. One of them, a man with a gourd pattern on his forehead, looked at the thin figure in the distance and laughed.

However, as soon as they finished speaking, a terrifying pressure descended upon them.

"The Yao Clan? When a person is about to die, the medicine is too potent?"

Xiao Yuan's figure appeared above them at some point, tilting his head and looking at Yao Xingji, who had just called Yao Lao discarded member of the Yao Clan, and said in a cold tone.

"My master, Yao Chen, Ninth Grade Alchemist and the master of the Starfall Pavilion. He is the mentor of me, the Young Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan. Who gave you the right to spout such nonsense here?"

As Xiao Yuan spoke, he slapped Yao Xingji into the ground.

"I am the next leader of the Danta, and you dare to say to my face that the Danta's Pill Gathering championship is rigged? Who gave you the courage?"

With a flick of his sleeve, Xiao Yuan unleashed the power of his Heavenly State Realm soul, directly suppressing the remaining Yao Clan members who were stunned into silence, forcing them to kneel on the ground.

It was actually Heavenly State soul! In the void, sensing Xiao Yuan's soul pressure, some aged voices sounded with some surprise and uncertainty.

If Xiao Yuan's Dou Qi reaching this level at such a young age was merely astonishing, then the addition of his Heavenly State Realm soul power was enough to make some people reconsider their attitude towards the Xiao Clan.

Even the Ancient Eight Clans do not want to have an additional Dou Sheng Expert who harbors malice towards them for no reason.

"Gu Yao, did that slap yesterday not wake you up? Either you challenge Xiao Yan, or you get out of here. Who do you think you are, acting so arrogantly towards Xiao Yuan's brother? Believe me, I'll make sure you can't even get into the Heavenly Tomb."

Then, Xiao Yuan sat down in the void, as if he were sitting on the backs of the Yao Clan members, and cursed them mercilessly.

Beneath him, the members of the Yao Clan exerted all their strength but were unable to break free from the dual suppression of Xiao Yuan's Dou Qi and soul.

"Tsk, his temper is just like ours."

In the special area, Huo Xuan stared at the figure not far ahead and clicked his tongue in amazement.

"However, such arrogance on the territory of the Ancient Clan is a bit too much."

Another person spoke up as well.

"He's not being arrogant. In the Douqi Continent, strength is paramount. After all, he's our peer, and even younger than us. Bullying our peers is their own incompetence. Besides, he's using the title of the Young Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan. If he backs down, how can he let the other seven clans know that the Xiao Clan is making a strong comeback?"

Huo Zhi shook her head and said softly.

"You seem to admire him quite a bit, Huo Zhi."

Huo Xuan raised an eyebrow and said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Huo Zhi fell silent again, seemingly lost in thought.

"Gu Yao! Brother Xiao Yan is a guest. Your request is going too far!"

Xun'er clenched her fists and stood up abruptly. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she shouted in a deep voice.

Xun'er's face was icy cold. How could she not understand that if Xiao Yan really refused the challenge, he would probably be despised by everyone in this martial ancient Ancient Clan. Avoiding a fight was the most shameful thing to do in the eyes of the Ancient Clan.

"Why would I challenge someone who can't even catch a slap from my brother? Defeating you would bring me no sense of accomplishment."

Xiao Yan tugged at Xun'er, revealing a gentle smile to reassure her, then looked at Gu Yao and spoke slowly and deliberately.

Having followed Xiao Yuan for so many years, Xiao Yan was well aware of how to best satirize others. Now, with a casual remark, he made Gu Yao's face turn dark.

These two from the Xiao Clan are going too far!

"Of course, if you want to ask me for advice, I don't mind giving you some pointers."

Xiao Yan's words were extremely arrogant.

"Well done, Xiao Yan! In that case, Gu Yao, the Black Annihilation Army Commander of the Ancient Clan, challenges Xiao Yan of the Xiao Clan!"

Gu Yao gritted his teeth and glared at Xiao Yan as he spoke.

"At least you have some manners."

In the distance, a voice carrying a hint of relief drifted over from Xiao Yuan.

"In that case, Xiao Yan, on behalf of the Xiao Clan, accepts this challenge!"

Xiao Yan smiled faintly, and with a flash, appeared in the plaza:

"Come on, don't waste my time."

Mang Tianchi looked at Xiao Yan and Xiao Yuan's two tall figures and a smile appeared on his lips.

These two lads are really something! On the plaza, looking at Xiao Yan's almost provocative expression, Gu Yao's tone grew increasingly cold.

"You're really confident. I'd like to see how arrogant Xiao Yuan will be after I kill you!"

As the last word of the Gu Yao faded, the sky suddenly turned icy cold, the black and white hair flew wildly, and the Gu Yao's figure vanished in an instant, like a ghost.

The moment the Gu Yao vanished, Xiao Yan's face was completely replaced by solemnity. Talking trash was one thing, but when it came to a real fight, he couldn't afford to be careless. This opponent was even stronger than the Eighth Heavenly Venerate Venerable of the Soul Hall he had met that day. Xiao Yan knew very well that the outcome of this battle was related to his and Xun'er's future, the reputation of the Xiao Clan, and the reputation of his Third Brother. Therefore, he absolutely could not lose this battle!

"You're not qualified to kill me, Xiao Yan!"

Xiao Yan clenched his fists tightly, unleashing his Dou Qi without reservation. His bones crackled and popped as the Dou Qi surged forth. The vast Dou Qi, carrying a scorching wind, rapidly raised the frigid temperature of the world. At the same time, a cold shout filled with unwavering determination burst forth from Xiao Yan's mouth.

Through years of adventure, Xiao Yan's character has become as steady as a rock. He can adjust himself to the best state in the face of any challenge. This is a talent that his years of adventure have given him!

"The Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations! First Transformation! Second Transformation! Third Transformation!"

Faced with the overwhelming and violent energy palm prints, Xiao Yan's expression became increasingly solemn. In the blink of an eye, he unleashed the Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations to its fullest extent, and his Dou Qi surged instantly, reaching the Seven-Star Dou Zun Peak.

"Bang!"

As the shout fell, vast Dou Qi rapidly condensed on Xiao Yan's fist. Then, with a strange flick of his arm, he unleashed an exceptionally powerful force, blasting it directly into the space in front of him without any fancy moves.

Xiao Yan's right fist slammed into the Void Space, but just as it was about to hit, a slender hand suddenly emerged from the Void Space, bringing with it a cold, sharp energy that struck Xiao Yan's fist with lightning speed.

Upon contact, a terrifying ripple of wind erupted forth, and cracks rapidly spread from beneath their feet on the ground. The powerful force swept outwards, shattering some of the rubble on the plaza into dust.

The three Gu Clan Elder in the arena, seeing such a fierce battle, had a slight glint in their eyes. With a swift movement, they soared into the sky, changed their hand seals, and then used their Dou Qi to isolate the square.

"Snort!"

In the arena, Xiao Yan let out a muffled groan, tapped the ground with his toes, and took a few steps back.

Gu Yao also stepped back a bit, a hint of solemnity appearing on his face. He hadn't expected that Xiao Yan, despite being one star weaker than him after using his secret technique, could still fight him head-on without suffering much loss.

He naturally didn't know that this was because Xiao Yan used the hand that had been tempered by the Golden Spirit Saliva to fight him.

"Mountain Splitting Seal!"

The Gu Yao changed his hand seals, and a fierce palm print rushed towards Xiao Yan.

Facing the Gu Yao's fierce attack, Xiao Yan was not afraid at all and immediately formed the same hand seal.

"Mountain Splitting Seal!"

The two crystalline palm prints collided and annihilated each other.

"Mountain Splitting Seal! Sea Flipping Seal!"

With a single powerful palm strike, Gu Yao's face turned icy cold. His hand seals danced, leaving afterimages as one after another flew out, bombarding Xiao Yan relentlessly. The Emperor Imprint Skill had also been mastered to perfection by Gu Yao, and combined with his unparalleled Dou Qi, it was executed with effortless ease.

"Six Directions Body Roaming Ruler!"

With a clench of his fist, the pitch-black Mystic Heavy Ruler appeared, and countless ruler shadows emerged one after another. In a short moment, the area within ten feet around Xiao Yan was filled with countless ruler shadows.

"Boom boom boom!"

Numerous energy palm prints slammed into the heavy defensive net, triggering a chain reaction of explosions. Powerful energy fluctuations, like a roaring flood, spread out across the sky, causing the plaza to tremble violently.

Around the plaza, the crowd watched the intense battle that had erupted almost instantly, a hint of excitement flickering in their eyes. Many were eager to know what would happen to Xiao Yan, who was already considered one of the best among the younger generation in Central State, when facing this genius from the Ancient Clan.