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

"Hah..."

Drawing the Purple Gold Clan Mark clearly consumed an enormous amount of Dou Qi. By the time the final stroke fell, fine beads of sweat had appeared on the elder's forehead. He let out a long breath, lifted his wrist to withdraw the brush, and the light at its tip slowly faded.

As the elder removed his hand, the Purple Gold Clan Mark on Gu Yao's forehead became increasingly distinct. The pattern was lifelike, and its color was several times deeper than Gu Zhen's mark from earlier, exuding an even more formidable aura.

This Clan Mark had been earned by Gu Yao entirely through his own talent and strength. It was nothing like Gu Zhen's, which had only been barely obtained after the Elder Council made an exception.

"The Clan Mark has been completed. Gu Yao, step down. Next—" Having finished bestowing the mark, the elder showed a faintly relaxed smile and waved for him to leave.

"Wait."

Before the elder could finish speaking, Gu Yao, whose expression remained indifferent, suddenly spoke. His voice was not loud, yet it carried clearly throughout the entire venue.

"Hm?" The three elders were all taken aback. Some of their earlier warmth faded as they frowned slightly. The leading elder asked in a deep voice, "What else is it?"

Facing the gazes of the three elders, Gu Yao's expression did not change. Under the astonished eyes of the crowd, he simply asked, "According to the rules of the Ancient Clan's coming-of-age ceremony, do I have the right to challenge anyone present during this time?"

The instant those words entered his ears, Xiao Ling's brows rose almost imperceptibly. His fingertips casually rubbed at his sleeve cuff, and a faint smile flickered through his eyes.

He looked toward the straight-backed figure in the arena and