High above, dark clouds rolled as enormous warships hovered over the endless mountain range, drawing countless eyes.
A vast lake connected to an independent space. There, mountains rose amid drifting clouds, and millions of Ancient Clan Descendants with faint bloodline power had lived and multiplied for generations.
Today was the day the Ancient World opened, its territory vast and its energy rich.
Experts here numbered beyond belief. Even the weakest of those living on the cloud-wreathed peaks were Dou Zong.
"Xiao Yan truly has the strength of a Dou Zong, as you said?"
On a cloud-wreathed peak deep within the Ancient World, Ling Ying, the Ancient Clan's "strongest Dou Emperor," knelt outside a small pavilion and looked toward the man drinking tea.
The man appeared to be around forty, an ordinary-looking middle-aged man in plain hemp robes. A faint smile on his face put others somewhat at ease.
He was Gu Yuan, the Ancient Clan Chief.
"Yes. Though Xiao Yan made only one move, this old servant is certain he has reached the Dou Zong realm." Ling Ying respectfully reported everything that had happened since Gu Xun'er ordered him to protect Xiao Yan.
Much about that time had been abnormal. Starting with the Misty Cloud Sect, the breadth and suddenness of Xiao Yan's changes in strength had been astonishing!
"Could the Xiao Clan's bloodline power still remain? Or has something unusual happened to Xiao Yan?" Gu Yuan was surprised, then smiled faintly. "Not only is my daughter exceptionally gifted, she also has an exceptional eye for people."
Xun'er's feelings for a member of the fallen Xiao Clan were no secret within the Ancient Clan. Even its leaders and many talented young men knew. Those men would gladly have destroyed the boy who had "deceived" the jewel of the Ancient Clan.