Damn it! Let’s smash the darkness together!
Chapter 422 - 101 Ancestral Land (Request for Monthly Votes)_2

Chapter 422: Chapter 101 Ancestral Land (Request for Monthly Votes)_2

"I, Gu Family, have so many outstanding descendants continually being born, currently in our prime and thriving robustly, quack!"

Thinking this, Gu Shi Qian chuckled freely in his heart.

Another long hour passed, and the extensive preparations finally came to an end.

An elder from Gu Family with white hair and beard came over and said, "Family Head, the altar has been set up, we can start now."

Gu Shi Qian nodded, then flipped a switch next to him, opening a secret passage, leading all the eligible members of the Gu family inside in a single file.

After their entrance, a few were left outside to strictly guard the exit. The rest, including attentive stewards and other unoccupied Sword Masters, were stopped there and were not allowed to enter further.

A normal Sword Master in his entire life could only enter the Gu Family’s underground ancestral land during the trial they participated in.

Other than Family Head Gu Shi Qian and the two Death Soldiers, only those who had become elders could reenter.

Following them was a young descendant of the Gu family who was to participate in the Sword Tomb trial.

His name was Gu Jingyun, who had just turned eighteen.

His background was quite intriguing—this child was the illegitimate son of a Sword Master from the Gu family who had been raised outside. It was only after the Sword Master died while on a mission not long ago did he reveal his existence, proclaiming his outstanding talents and wishing to acknowledge his ancestors and return to the family.

Considering his consistent, diligent fulfillment of missions and significant contributions to the family, the senior family members approved this request after a discussion.

Of course, this was also partly because Gu Jingyun did indeed have remarkable talents—already mastering the Gu Family breathing technique to perfection at such a young age, all the elders believed he was the most promising candidate to top the Qingyun List in his generation.

It should be noted that the Gu family hadn’t been very prominent in recent years. Although young generation Sword Masters cropped up like bamboo shoots after a rain, they either died young or lacked strength, with only Gu Jiangming ranking on the Qingyun List, still at Second Rank for many years and about to attempt for Third Rank soon but still ranked outside the top hundreds. Clearly, he had reached his potential.

Now this Gu Jingyun truly seemed like a promising talent that caught everyone’s attention.

Being an illegitimate child, he showed no timidity, his gaze sharp as an eagle’s, a rarity indeed.

Entering this mysterious Gu Family Ancestral Land for the first time, he displayed none of the curiosity or nervousness that newcomers typically showed, instead remaining calm and composed.

Some might think this boy lacked manners, but many in the Gu family actually liked this about him, feeling he had a kingly demeanor, not like any ordinary character.

Even perceived drawbacks, such as his reportedly introverted nature and reticence, were seen as virtues by the Gu Family Elders.

For instance, right now, he was continuously observing his surroundings, possessing the temperament of a qualified observer, scrutinizing everything here.

After descending dozens of meters underground, the passage reached its end, and they arrived at a relatively spacious subterranean cavern-like platform.

At the forefront of the platform was a circular altar, empty except for a mysteriously patterned circular Array, seemingly sealing something inside.

Ahead was an unmarked ancient stone marker.

This place was indeed the entrance to the real "Sword Tomb" of the Gu family.

The setup of this altar was stringent, even included a special Array that no one could decipher.

"Please present the ancestral relic."

At Gu Shi Qian’s command, two Death Soldiers opened a hidden compartment in front of the unmarked stone marker and took out a wooden box covered in leather.

Upon opening, this "Gu Family ancestral relic" was not what one might typically assume, like some type of Divine Sword. It was, in fact, an ancient Kasaya, looking very solemn and stately.

Several elders, accustomed to this sight, naturally harbored no doubts.

They looked at Gu Jingyun simultaneously, curious about his reaction. Unlike others, he showed no surprise or curiosity, his expression calm, but his eyes seemed to carry a touch of realization and anticipation.

This response, naturally, left the elders pleasantly surprised and even more satisfied, collectively feeling that the Tianyou Family was sure to rise.

Some even quietly considered offering their eligible daughters to him as an "investment."

Only the Great Elder Gu Shiyong was somewhat skeptical, as currently in the younger generation of the Gu family, only his son Gu Jiangming had ranked on the list.

’This boy’s high profile will likely outshine my son Jiangming. Given time, he might become a formidable competitor for the position of Family Head!’

A glint of hostility flickered in Gu Shiyong’s eyes, a sentiment that now completely overpowered the previous displeasure Gu Pan had caused in undermining Gu Jiangming.

After all, Gu Pan, being a woman, was hardly expected to become the Family Head, whereas the young man before him was definitely a strong contender.

However, such matters were naturally not to be voiced and had to be kept to himself.

Gu Shi Qian, unaware of these thoughts, calmly took out the ancestral object and solemnly paid his respects.

Although he had always found such practices somewhat unnecessary, the traditions of ancestors must remain unchanged. Even Gu Shi Qian, no matter how rebellious, had to give face to his forebears.

After leading everyone in bowing their heads, Gu Shi Qian solemnly said,

"Esteemed ancestors, today, I, from the Gu family, present the young descendant Gu Jingyun, having verified his identity and pure bloodline, to seek the sight of the ancestral relics. May our ancestors show mercy!"

After these words, Gu Shi Qian sliced open his palm, spilling hot blood into the Array, followed by other elders doing the same in sequence.