In a strange and unknown place like the Ancient Realm, it's always better to say less and do less.
Chen Guan and Xiao Yan both understood this, and so, after Ling Ying left, they immediately retreated to their own cultivation.
As for actively seeking to understand the Ancient Realm?
What they needed to know, they had already learned before arriving here. What they shouldn't know, they wouldn't tell you even if they asked.
...
A silent night passed.
The next day, as the first rays of morning light streamed down from the sky, the two still in the bamboo hut noticed that the Ancient Sacred Mountains had suddenly become bustling with activity. Figures flashed across the sky, and the sounds of festive gongs and drums echoed across the mountains.
"Senior... Senior, what's this from the Ancient Clan?"
Xiao Yan and Chen Guan opened the door together and immediately saw Ling Ying sitting at the entrance. They politely approached and asked.
Although Ling Ying called himself an old servant, Xiao Yan had a feeling this person's identity was more than just a simple servant.
"Have you two gentlemen had a good rest?" Ling Ying replied with a smile, and only after the two nodded did he begin to explain.
"It's not a big deal, actually. Today is the day our ancient clan holds its coming-of-age ceremony. This kind of thing happens often in the past, but this time is slightly different. Miss Xun'er is also on the list, so she's getting all the attention. The clan leader and the elders hold her in high regard, and have specially invited many distinguished guests. If you two wish to see her, I can lead the way."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan suddenly understood. Chen Guan, seemingly distracted, showed the same expression a moment later.
"Brother Guan, shall we go and see?" Xiao Yan looked at Chen Guan.
Although he was asking, his tone made clear that he was eager to go.
Since childhood, Xiao Yan has held an indescribable awe for this 'cousin' Xun'er. The reason for this, only he knew. He would never forget that night. Though the moon was bright and the stars were sparse, he felt as if he could see nothing. He ran through the endless darkness all night, only regaining consciousness through exhaustion.
Gu Xun'er's identity was not simple. This was Xiao Zhan's advice, and it was also Xiao Yan's direct experience.
After learning that the other person was from the Ancient Clan, Xiao Yan understood even more clearly that Gu Xun'er and he were from two different worlds.
He had a clear understanding, but that didn't diminish his curiosity. Given the opportunity, Xiao Yan wanted to see what this so-called Imperial Clan coming-of-age ceremony was like, just to broaden his horizons.
However, before that, he needed Chen Guan's opinion. Speaking of which, Chen Guan was Xiao Yan's lifeline. Without him, Xiao Yan felt completely insecure.
Forget about it, the Soul Clan's members alone were enough to silently kill him a thousand times over.
"Then let's go and take a look. Lead the way." Chen Guan nodded slightly, addressing both Xiao Yan and Ling Ying.
Gu Xun'er's coming-of-age ceremony was a significant event in this world, and given the opportunity to witness it, any normal person would likely not miss it.
Although Chen Guan wasn't particularly interested...
"Gentlemen, please wait a moment."
Ling Ying smiled faintly, then waved his sleeves. A massive, green tiger with wings flapped out from the forest, landing before the three of them.
"This is a sacred beast unique to my ancient world. While not as powerful as a unicorn, it's still quite capable. It's not disrespectful to you, gentlemen. Please."
Xiao Yan's mouth dropped open. This so-called sacred beast gave him a strong sense of danger.
Clearly, its power was no less than his!
While Xiao Yan was stunned, Chen Guan grabbed him and swiftly swooped onto the sacred beast's spacious back.
Seeing this, Ling Ying also unleashed her form, leaping up like a wisp of black smoke. Silently, if Chen Guan hadn't witnessed it, he probably wouldn't have noticed.
This attribute was quite mysterious.
Without further ado, Ling Ying tapped her foot. The Holy Skeleton Beast roared, flapped its massive wings, and transformed into a streak of green light, swiftly darting towards the numerous temples in the distance.
Though its strength was only around the seventh or eighth star Dou Zong level, the Holy Skeleton Beast's speed was surprisingly no slower than that of an ordinary Dou Zun.
Of course, this was assuming the Dou Zun didn't rip through space to accelerate its journey.
The mere hint of the Ancient Clan's power was enough to surpass many of the renowned factions in Zhongzhou.
After all, their ancestors were likely only as powerful as the Holy Skeleton Beast...
no exaggeration.
The Holy Skeleton Beast's speed was incredibly fast, reaching the numerous temples in just a few minutes. Finally, under Ling Ying's guidance, it slowly descended in the center of the complex.
With Ling Ying accompanying them, Chen Guan and Xiao Yan's arrival didn't cause much of a stir. Only those who had entered the Ancient Realm with them would glance at Chen Guan a few times, whispering to those around them who were unaware of the situation, invisibly increasing the number of people paying attention to him.
"The coming-of-age ceremony will be held in the central square. The two gentlemen can go there on their own. Due to my status as an old servant, I will not be accompanying you from now on." Ling Ying said, pointing to the huge square in sight.
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"Hmm,"
Chen Guan replied vaguely, and led Xiao Yan away.
This gesture surprised Xiao Yan slightly. In his impression, Chen Guan, aside from a somewhat complicated emotional life, was impeccable in all other respects. He even treated his gatekeepers with respect, which was one of the reasons Xiao Yan enjoyed being around him.
However, this time, his attitude towards Ling Ying seemed to have suddenly changed, as if he had truly taken on the role of a member of the Xiao Clan.
Xiao Yan was puzzled, but this slight doubt was quickly dispelled by the following scene.
As the two approached the vast square, shrouded in an ancient aura, the security grew increasingly strict. Each Black Oblivion soldier, clad in black armor, stood erect, their sharp, eagle-like gazes scanning the surroundings.
When their gazes caught sight of Chen Guan and Xiao Yan, their fierce gazes paused, but they remained silent.
Xiao Yan could guess the reason for this; it was likely due to the Lingquan.
Around the square, many figures had already taken their seats, including many who had entered the Ancient Realm with the two.
Compared to the outer areas, the center of the square was equally well-appointed with exquisite chairs, though noticeably fewer occupied. Each one, however, held a distinguished presence or possessed immense strength.
"Brother Guan..."
Xiao Yan's gaze darted between two distinct areas, unsure of where to sit.
"Don't overthink it, someone has arranged it."
Chen Guan understood his gaze and smiled faintly.
At the same time, a familiar figure in the center of the square had spotted them and approached them.
Gu Xun'er had clearly dressed meticulously today, donning a regal purple dress. Her hair and earlobes were adorned with precious ornaments, a touch more alluring and a touch less subtle, perfectly capturing the aura of a young lady from the Ancient Clan.
"Brother Chen, Cousin Xiao Yan, please
come in," Gu Xun'er greeted them with a faint smile as she approached them.
"Miss, this area is a special zone..."
Even within this clearly demarcated area, Black Annihilation Army guards were stationed. Upon hearing Gu Xun'er's words, an elderly man with a dignified countenance, clearly of a different status, frowned slightly.
However, Gu Xun'er simply gave him a casual, airy glance, and the old man tactfully swallowed the words that were about to come to his lips.
"Hahaha, Gu Xu, you shameless old man, are you mistaken? I don't care if you bully others, but don't bully the people of Canaan Academy. Besides, Chen Guan and Xiao Yan are here as members of the Xiao Clan this time, and it was your Clan Leader who approved this. If they're angered and leave, will you bear the responsibility?"
Just as Chen Guan was lamenting the changes in Gu Xun'er and his memories, a familiar roar suddenly echoed through the sky.
Thinking back, it seemed to be expected, but he hadn't considered it before.
"Mangtian Ruler?"
As Chen Guan smiled in relief and Xiao Yan was stunned, the old man known as Gu Xu was also startled. His expression changed slightly, and a startled cry escaped his lips.
The next moment, space in the sky distorted, and an old figure emerged under the gaze of many. As soon as
this figure appeared, he raised his arm and released a vast stream of Dou Qi, imbued with intense lightning, which shot directly towards Gu Xu below, completely disregarding the current situation.
"You..."
Seeing this figure attacking without hesitation, Gu Xu was furious, but he didn't curse out loud. Instead, he retreated with a grim expression.
Because he couldn't win, he really couldn't!
Besides, he had many concerns.
"Swish!"
The vast lightning streaked across the sky like a meteor, but just as it was about to strike Gu Xu, an invisible force suddenly spread from the space, completely neutralizing the lightning.
"Mr. Mang, this isn't the Thunder Clan!"
"Elder Guxu only came out of retreat yesterday and didn't know Brother Chen and Cousin Xiao Yan were my guests. So, although his words were inappropriate, they were understandable. Otherwise, Xun'er wouldn't have let him off so easily without Mr. Mang's intervention."
Gu Xun'er lightly moved, blocking the way between the two men. The faint surge of fighting spirit in her revealed that she was the one who had intercepted the attack earlier!
(End of this chapter)