After Elder Tong Xuan finished drawing the Clan Mark for Gu Xun Er, the grand ceremony of the Gu Clan came to an end.
The square, which had been bustling with activity and filled with clamorous voices, gradually fell quiet.
After expressing their congratulations to the Gu Clan, the vast majority of the forces departed one after another.
The imposing processions that had arrived now gradually receded into the distance, leaving behind only swirling dust and the sound of footsteps fading away.
Only the members of the other Eight Ancient Clans remained in the square, though the Spirit Clan, one of the Eight Clans, had not appeared at all.
Xiao Yan and the others stood quietly where they were, the atmosphere somewhat heavy.
Everyone wore a different expression—some thoughtful, some expectant, and some faintly tense.
A gentle breeze passed by, stirring the hems of their robes.
Sunlight spilled over them, stretching their shadows long across the ground.
The members of the six remaining clans occasionally exchanged glances, but most of the time they simply waited in silence.
The Gu Clan members busied themselves preparing for the imminent opening of the Heavenly Tomb, moving to and fro with solemn expressions.
Xiao Yan and Yao Chen stood off to one side, gazing ahead with resolute expressions.
Not far away, Xun Er was speaking with some of the Gu Clan elders.
The Soul Clan members stood in a corner, their eyes dark and gloomy as they plotted who knew what.
The people from the other clans were also each harboring their own thoughts. The scene seemed calm, but beneath the surface, undercurrents were swirling.
Time passed second by second, and the air was thick with tension and anticipation.
Then Elder Tong Xuan of the Gu Clan stood at the entrance to the main