Before the elder had even finished speaking, a purple-gold Clan Mark appeared on Gu Yao's forehead. Its color was several times deeper than Gu Zhen's, as though it had condensed the purple-gold essence of heaven and earth. The moment it took shape, it radiated oppressive waves of energy.
When the elder who had drawn the Clan Mark withdrew the Purple Gold Dragon Pen, his fingers were faintly white from the strain. Clearly, it had taken a great deal out of him. He nodded at Gu Yao. "The Clan Mark is complete. You may step down."
Gu Yao lowered his eyes, hiding the resentment in them, then turned. As he did, he instinctively glanced in Xiao Ze's direction.
The shuddering sensation left by the killing intent that Xiao Ze's aura had crushed still lingered. Now Gu Yao saw Xiao Ze speaking softly with Xun'er, utterly unconcerned with him—not even sparing him a glance—and an even greater sense of helplessness welled up inside him.
He knew perfectly well that he was only an Eight-Star Dou Zun, while Xiao Ze was a Six-Star Dou Sheng. The gap between them was like a heavenly chasm.
Forget taking the initiative to challenge him—even if Xiao Ze stood perfectly still, Gu Yao could give everything he had and still fail to hurt him in the slightest.
He clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms, but in the end, he didn't dare entertain even the slightest thought of provoking Xiao Ze. He could only trudge away with heavy steps.
But he would never give up. His Eighth-Tier Bloodline was his source of confidence!
It wouldn't be long before he broke through the shackles of the Dou Zun realm and truly became a Dou Sheng Expert!
Murmurs rose across the square again. Some envied Gu