Challenge

In the arena, although the honor of receiving a violet-gold clan mark had come unexpectedly, Gu Zhen's expression remained utterly calm. There was neither wild joy nor self-satisfaction on his face.

He bowed respectfully to the three elders, his movements steady as a pine. As he rose, his robes fluttered lightly, and with only a gentle circulation of Dou Qi, he landed firmly back in his seat amid countless envious gazes.

The instant he sat down, his eyes discreetly swept toward where Xiao Ling and the others were seated, carrying a faintly concealed hint of inquiry.

Xiao Ling caught that look. Without any unnecessary movement, he merely gave Gu Zhen a slight nod across the crowd in response.

Then he withdrew his gaze and returned his attention to the ceremony at the center of the plaza, paying no further heed to that side.

Before long, the onlookers suddenly felt the air around them congeal. The world, which had still held some warmth, was abruptly flooded with a bone-piercing chill, as though even one's breath had become cold.

This sudden change stirred Xiao Ling's heart. His gaze instinctively swept across the arena before fixing firmly upon the cold figure ahead—one of the Gu Clan's Four Great Commanders, the Asura Commander.

At that moment, amid the astonished gazes of the entire crowd, he rose silently. Not a trace of Dou Qi leaked from his body, yet he naturally carried a freezing aura that made it hard to breathe. With steady steps, he walked toward the center of the ceremonial grounds. Every step seemed to deepen the chill in the surroundings.

The surrounding clamor seemed to freeze abruptly, and even the coldness in the air carried a sense of oppression. Xiao Yan's fingers at his side curled slightly, his eyes slowly narrowing as