As that mighty voice slowly faded, a meticulously dressed Gu Clan Elder with a solemn face rose from his seat on the elevated platform and walked into the center of the square.
Several oddly shaped instruments had already been set up there. They were used to test the cultivation and bloodlines of Gu Clan disciples, and differed little from the instruments Hun Changqing had used for his test in the Soul Clan.
"Let the ceremony begin. Ling Quan, step onto the platform."
After entering the square and adjusting the instruments, the imposing Gu Clan Elder took a list from his Storage Ring and read out a name.
At the elder's call, Ling Quan, the seventh commander of the Black Annihilation Army who had treated the Soul Clan party with such deference outside Ancient Saint City, hurriedly rose from the Gu Clan seats. His figure flashed as he swept into the square, delight written across his face, and bowed respectfully before the elder.
The solemn-faced Gu Clan Elder nodded at Ling Quan's respectful manner. Then he closed his hand around empty air, and a Compass nearly ten feet across, shimmering with specks of starlight, appeared before him.
Excitement flashed through Ling Quan's eyes at the sight. He hurried forward, placed his palm on the Star Compass, and closed his eyes.
As Ling Quan's eyes closed, a brilliant light suddenly burst from the Star Compass. Six stars slowly appeared above it.
Seeing those six stars, a trace of satisfaction flashed through the Gu Clan Elder's eyes, and he announced loudly.
"Ling Quan, seventh commander of the Black Annihilation Army. One-Star Dou Zun, sixth grade bloodline. To be granted a Golden Clan Mark!"
At those words, Ling Quan could no longer suppress his excitement, and the delighted smile on his face spread completely.