Battle Through the Heavens: Obtaining the Extraction System at the Start

He looked at the bright-eyed Xiao Yan before him and seemed to see that high-spirited youth who had faced a broken engagement years ago. Only now, that sharpness carried a little more composure tempered by countless trials.

A moment later, a knowing smile slowly curled across his lips. The light in his eyes as he looked at Xiao Yan suddenly grew brighter, gleaming with newfound brilliance.

Xiao Ling slowly nodded, his voice carrying undisguised approval.

"I knew I hadn't misjudged you, Xiao Yan. In my eyes, bloodline has never been the measure of a person's limits. This refusal to bow to fate, this courage to venture forth and fight—that is the true foundation for breaking through desperate straits."

He paused, his tone growing more sincere. "To hold fast to your original resolve and resist the temptation of shortcuts—you surpass those scions of great clans who rely on their bloodlines by far."

With that, he raised a hand and gently patted Xiao Yan's shoulder, the strength in his palm carrying a hint of encouragement.

Then, he withdrew his gaze and turned it back toward the center of the plaza. At that moment, Ling Quan had completed the bestowal of his clan mark and was bowing as he stepped down.

"Next, Lin Xiu!"

In the center of the plaza, the leading Ancient Clan elder held a roster as his clear shout rang across the entire venue once more.

The moment his words fell, a figure abruptly rose from the crowd. The man named Lin Xiu had excitement written all over his face. He shot forward like an arrow loosed from its bow and landed steadily in the center of the ceremonial grounds.

Without the slightest hesitation, he strode directly before the Star Disc. Following the same procedure Ling Quan had used earlier,