Chapter 515: Divine Grade Bloodline

With Xun Er's soft "yes," in an instant, Xiao Yan felt all his years of effort rewarded at this moment.

Looking at the tearful girl in his arms, a heavy stone finally lifted from Xiao Yan's heart; his body relaxed, and instantly, a wave of exhaustion surged through him.

Immediately, a faint golden flame rose from Xun Er's body, a gentle current blending into Xiao Yan's form. Xiao Yan naturally recognized this golden flame—it was Xun Er's Strange Fire.

Now Xiao Yan was certain: Xun Er truly possessed the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame, ranked fourth on the Strange Fire Ranking!

Starting with the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame—what a privilege!

As the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame slowly entered Xiao Yan's body and reignited the Three Thousand Yan Flame, his injuries gradually stabilized.

The golden Strange Fire enveloped the two; Xun Er, her eyes red from crying, slowly lifted her head, and Xiao Yan gently wiped the tears from her cheeks with his large hand, then leaned down and kissed her deeply.

"Xun Er, I've come to marry you." At this moment, Xiao Yan finally had the right to say those words.

Finally, he wasn't just coming to find her.

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Xun Er embraced him tightly, no longer afraid to let go for fear he would leave.

"Sigh, you brat," Elder Tong Xuan walked over with a helpless expression, waving his hand; a familiar energy wrapped around Xiao Yan, restoring some of his Dou Qi—it was the same healing Dou Technique Tong Xuan had used back at Jia Nan Academy.

After stabilizing his injuries and regaining a bit of Dou Qi, Xiao Yan exhaled and politely said to Elder Tong Xuan: "Just now, I was impolite."

"Sigh, you've truly slapped every member of our clan across the face," Elder Tong Xuan only shook his head, offering no blame—Xiao Yan's resentment toward him for appearing at Jia Nan Academy was understandable.

But Tong Xuan never imagined Xiao Yan's growth rate was so shocking! How many years had passed? Already this strong!

As a half-Sage Elder of the Gu Clan, he knew well the status of the Emperor Seal Technique within the clan. With only Eight Grade Dou Di Bloodline, one could only manifest the Annihilation Heaven Seal, its power equivalent to a strong Heaven Tier Low Grade Dou Technique—its effect was not very obvious at the High-Level Dou Zun stage, but its one advantage was that even a Dou Zong could use it if their bloodline and Dou Qi were sufficient, without needing to reach Dou Zun to cultivate a Heaven Tier Dou Technique.

But if someone like Gu Qingyang, with Nine-Star Dou Di Bloodline, used it—that would be monstrous: they could fully unleash the true divine power of the Emperor Seal Technique—Heavenly Rank Advanced Grade!

At this rank, such a Dou Technique was a treasure even among Dou Emperor Families; to even enter its threshold was extremely difficult, let alone master it. But with high-grade Dou Di Bloodline, there was no cultivation realm barrier—and this was the true dominance of Dou Di Bloodline!

The only possible way to surpass it was self-creation.

Self-created Dou Techniques had no stages of entry, minor mastery, or great mastery—the original creator was born with perfect comprehension. Even though Xiao Yan's technique was not yet fully formed, it could not be denied that the creator's insight surpassed all who learned it later.

As Xiao Yan said, no matter how much you study the Ancient Emperor's techniques, the Ancient Emperor is the Ancient Emperor, and you are you—even Divine-Star Bloodline cannot perfectly imitate it.

But Tong Xuan never imagined Xiao Yan could create such an astonishing Dou Technique—even if he took shortcuts, referencing the Emperor Seal Technique, he still accomplished it.

For the admiration in Tong Xuan's eyes, Xiao Yan merely smiled faintly; only he knew the shortcuts involved—without the Burning Scripture and Strange Fires, it would have been impossible.

Moreover, he owed even more to Xun Er—the Emperor Seal Technique was given to him by Xun Er despite pressure from within the clan.

Previously, Xiao Yan had thought Xun Er had merely given him an Earth Rank Advanced Grade Dou Technique; now, looking back, Xun Er trusted him more than herself to become a Dou Emperor, so she gave him early a Dou Technique created by a Dou Emperor for him to study.

The sentiment behind this was not shallow.

Deeply heartfelt.

So today, Xiao Yan used the Flame Emperor Seal to tell the Gu Clan: this Dou Technique, created jointly by him and Xun Er, would not be inferior to the Gu Clan's Emperor Seal Technique!

Although Xiao Yan did not possess Nine-Star Dou Di Bloodline, he believed that if the Burning Scripture evolved to its ultimate form, it would certainly not be weaker than these Dou Emperor-created cultivation methods and Dou Techniques!

At this moment, Gu Qingyang also flew over, bowing to Xiao Yan: "Brother Xiao Yan, you are truly extraordinary. I, Gu Qingyang, submit wholeheartedly. Throughout the Gu Clan—not even the entire Dou Qi Continent—only you are worthy to match Xun Er."

Hearing Gu Qingyang's words, Xun Er's face flushed crimson to her ears; she buried her face in Xiao Yan's chest, too shy to look up.

Just now, Xiao Yan had publicly proposed—and she had accepted!

Now that she realized it, her heart raced like a startled deer; she grew nervous.

She was going to be a Xiao family daughter-in-law!

As if sensing their intent, the Dan Beast inside the Brocade Box slowly rose, with remarkable spirit, landing gently on Xun Er's jade finger; its butterfly-like antennae curled into a ring, encircling her finger as a delicate, beautiful ring.

Seeing this sentient Dan Beast, Ren Yaozi and other Yao Clan prodigies turned deathly pale, as if they'd seen a ghost.

"Such spirit… it must be a Nine Color Pill Thunder Dan Beast," the Yao Clan girl in revealing attire stared in terror, unable to believe anyone would use a Nine Color Pill Thunder Eight Grade Dan Beast to propose!

How could any woman refuse this? This is illegal flirting!

"How is this possible? He's so young—how could he have forged a Nine Color Pill Thunder Dan Beast? Impossible!" Ren Yaozi's face twisted in fury—he couldn't even forge a Seven Color Pill Thunder Eight Grade Pill! Nine Color?! A Dan Beast?!

Even now, Yao Tian and Yao Ling within the clan might not yet be able to forge a Nine Color Pill Thunder Dan Beast!

"How could Xiao Yan's Strange Fire be so strong? Is the power of a Fused Strange Fire really that exaggerated?" The Yan Clan youth beside him had his worldview shattered—could Fused Strange Fire really be this powerful?!

Hearing this, Huo Zhi and Huo Xuan both shook their heads; Huo Xuan gazed at Xiao Yan, who was receiving treatment, and sighed: "It's not just his cultivation method—his Strange Fire is so powerful simply because Xiao Yan himself is strong, mastering the Strange Fire with divine skill."

Beside him, Huo Zhi, veiled, nodded in agreement; even though her Crimson Lotus Karma Flame ranked eighth, she was certain that with Xiao Yan's talent, he would control it even more perfectly, unlocking even greater potential from the Crimson Lotus Karma Flame.

For a moment, many faces wore strange expressions, for in the Dou Qi Continent—a world where strength ruled supreme—romantic pursuit was nearly nonexistent. Just be strong enough!

Xiao Yan had fought his way here, sweeping through every Commander and General of the Black Smoke Army, instantly defeating Gu Yao, and ultimately overcoming the Grand Commander Gu Qingyang in a fierce battle, unveiling his self-created unknown Dou Technique to turn the tide.

And all of this was merely to come and propose!

To the people of the Dou Qi Continent, this was hard to comprehend.

"He's so cool."

No one knew who said this from the audience seats, but instantly, countless youths nodded in agreement.

That battle-scarred warrior, seeking only a deep affection—his demeanor was more handsome than any Dou Technique.

Even Gu Yao now closed his eyes tightly, having already given up—he lost more than just strength.

At this moment, in the very heart of the Ancient Realm stood an ancient palace—the Grand Hall of the Gu Clan Elders' Council, the highest authority of the Gu Clan.

Outside the palace stood several figures; any member of the Gu Clan seeing them would immediately bow in respect, for these were the highest representatives of the Gu Clan's power—and among its strongest individuals.

The three white-haired elders were the Three Immortals of Gu Clan, each at Seven-Star Dou Sheng. Beside them stood a middle-aged man whose figure was as massive as a mountain—the Black Annihilation King, whose strength ranked second only to Clan Leader Gu Yuan, an Eight-Star Dou Sheng.

"That Sky Phenomenon…"

"A Heaven Tier Dou Technique—and not a low one."

"At least Heaven Tier Mid Grade; if fortune favors him, it might even evolve into Heaven Tier Advanced Grade."

The Three Immortals of Gu Clan exchanged glances—self-creating a Dou Technique was incomparably harder than merely cultivating one. Even they could not create a Heaven Tier Advanced Grade Dou Technique! It required immense insight and qi circulation.

Even a slight shortfall would fail!

And now, a boy under thirty had created such a technique—how could this not shock them?

"Sigh, we never thought we'd misjudge someone so badly," the Black Annihilation King's stern face showed a trace of awe—he was the Black Annihilation King, naturally supporting Gu Qingyang, whom he had greatly admired for his talent and character, believing him fit to inherit his position as next Black Annihilation King—or even Clan Leader—and worthy of Xun Er.

But now, Xiao Yan's Flame Emperor Seal was like a slap across his face.

Aside from lacking the Gu Clan's Dou Di Bloodline, Xiao Yan was the perfect match for Xun Er—the ideal candidate. Especially now, both had been moved by Xiao Yan; some even felt that Dou Di Bloodline might not be the most important thing after all.

Unconsciously, even the Black Annihilation King felt that Xiao Yan was indeed more suitable than Gu Qingyang.

And this had nothing to do with Xun Er's wishes anymore. In the past, they would consider her personal preference—but now, even without counting Xun Er, Xiao Yan ranked first!

They had nothing left to say.

You can't even pick bones out of an egg.

With a creak, the great hall's doors swung open, and a middle-aged man slowly stepped out. Seeing the man, even the Black Annihilation King bowed his head and respectfully said, "Clan Leader."

The Ancient Clan Chief—Xun Er's father, Gu Yuan—was also one of the strongest figures alive today.

Gu Yuan looked to be around thirty or forty, his temples slightly streaked with gray, his eyebrows thick and neat, his eyes gleaming with vitality.

"Xiao Yan… ah, such a dashing demeanor—even this father of mine must admit it." Gu Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, smiling, capable of seeing everything even across a thousand li.

He had witnessed every moment of the battle between Xiao Yan and Gu Qingyang.

Even as an old father, he could not deny: only Xiao Yan was worthy to be Xun Er's husband.

To gain the approval of the bride's father? That was no easy thing!

"I suppose you have no better ideas now," Gu Yuan said, turning to the Three Immortals of the Gu Clan—these three old men were the most stubborn, always insisting that Dou Di Bloodline was the only thing that mattered, and that someone like Xiao Yan, lacking such bloodline, had no right to it.

"We were blind to the mountain's majesty. I agree: Xiao Yan shall become our clan's son-in-law."

"I agree as well."

"This old man agrees too."

One among them was from the Gu Yao lineage, but even he had nothing to say now—it was not even the same level; continuing would be pointless.

"As for the Heavenly Tomb's quota," Gu Yuan glanced at the three, who had not only opposed Xiao Yan and Xun Er's union but also obstructed every attempt to allocate a spot to Xiao Yan.

"Ah, regarding the Heavenly Tomb's quota—the Ling Clan didn't show up. We can reallocate one from their quota to Xiao Yan." One of the Three Immortals coughed lightly, suddenly remembering the Ling Clan's absence—two spots had been freed up, perfect for giving one to Xiao Yan.

Hearing this, Gu Yuan frowned slightly—he too found the Ling Clan's absence odd.

"Hmm, then so be it. After the Heavenly Tomb journey, send someone to the Ling Clan to investigate why they didn't come." Gu Yuan nodded, flicking his sleeve.

"Yes, Clan Leader!"

One of the Three Immortals furrowed his brow and asked, "Xun Er's matter is settled, but what of the Tuoshe Ancient Jade?"

At these words, everyone's gaze turned serious, all fixing their eyes on Gu Yuan. Logically, since Xiao Yan was now the Gu Clan's son-in-law, the Ancient Jade naturally—

Gu Yuan frowned, then seemed to recall something, sighed, and said, "Let Xun Er handle the Ancient Jade herself. Our Gu Clan… proceed as originally planned."

"But—"

"Xun Er possesses Divine Grade Bloodline. Her husband's affairs are her own to decide."

With that, he walked into the hall, leaving no room for the old stubborn ones to speak.

As Clan Leader, he had many matters to handle—especially the imminent opening of the Heavenly Tomb.

Back at the Adult Yishi Guangchang, Xiao Yan and Gu Qingyang returned to their seats. The three elders overseeing the ceremony could only sigh helplessly at the plaza's ruined state.

The Adult Ceremony isn't over yet! Are you making a spectacle?!

Boom—boom—boom! Suddenly, the earth trembled. A golden-brown Dou Qi surged from Space, and a Gu Clan elder of strength rivaling Tong Xuan activated a Earth-element Dou Technique—within a blink, the plaza was rebuilt.

A Dou Sage can even create a Little World—this was nothing.

Seeing the plaza restored, Tong Xuan glanced at Xiao Yan and Xun Er's seats, then slowly walked to the center of the ceremony plaza, his voice echoing across the entire grounds.

"I shall now preside over the next ceremony."

Hearing this, all the elders froze, then seemed to realize something—each pair of eyes filled with shock.

Not just the Gu Clan elders—even other Dou Emperor Family members, like Mang Tianchi—realized what was coming. They stopped chatting with Xiao Yan and quickly sat upright.

This Adult Ceremony, attended by all, was also the moment the Gu Clan would announce something to the world!

After several elders withdrew, Elder Tong Xuan's smiling gaze turned toward the captivating figure in the special zone, and he softly said, "Xun Er, it is time for your Bloodline Test."

As his words fell, every eye in the plaza instantly fixed on that graceful figure—in the Gu Clan, she was the true pearl, far surpassing even Gu Qingyang.

Yet, unmoved by the sea of gazes, Xun Er gently bandaged Xiao Yan's arm, her demeanor like a newlywed bride—attentive, tender, meticulous.

"It's fine. I took an Elixir—only my Dou Qi and Soul Force are depleted. I'll recover soon." Xiao Yan smiled faintly. He could feel the Gu Clan members' gazes toward him had changed completely—no more hatred or envy; some even looked satisfied, even eager to please.

This Gu Clan son-in-law? Good.

Her jade hand gently wiped a trace of blood from Xiao Yan's lips. Xiao Yan caught her jade hand and smiled, "I've shown my brilliance—it's your turn now, Xun Er."

Hearing him, Xun Er blinked her beautiful eyes, nodded obediently, and smiled, "Mm."

Under Xiao Yan's gaze, Xun Er lightly stepped on Space, floating effortlessly onto the ceremony plaza.

On the plaza, Elder Tong Xuan gazed at Xun Er's slightly cold face and sighed helplessly. "You know well—given your bloodline and status, not everything can be decided by your will alone."

"And now?" Xun Er's voice was icy.

"I, personally, hold great admiration for Brother Xiao Yan—he is the most suitable man to be your husband. The contemporary Young Dou Emperor."

Hearing Tong Xuan affirm Xiao Yan, the coldness on Xun Er's cheeks slowly melted. Praise for Xiao Yan from the clan members meant more to her than praise for herself!

Xun Er stepped forward, her movements fluid and practiced. Her jade hand lightly touched the Star Disc, then closed her beautiful eyes.

As her eyes shut, a faint glow slowly bloomed from her jade hand. Under its light, one star after another quietly emerged upon the Star Disc.

Soon, nine stars shot forth—indicating Xun Er's Dou Di Bloodline had reached at least the Ninth Rank, likely surpassing Gu Qingyang.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan's eyelid twitched violently—Gu Qingyang was already this strong!

"But it's not over… If it were merely Ninth Rank, those old men wouldn't all have gathered here," Gu Qingyang said calmly.

"Gasp!! Could it be—!"

As golden specks grew denser, Xun Er's entire arm turned golden, as if forged from pure gold. When the light reached its peak, the Star Disc violently trembled—fine cracks silently appeared, then rapidly spread—

"Such terrifying Bloodline power—it's even overwhelming the Star Disc!"

Boom! The instant the tenth star appeared, the entire disc shattered under the strain!

"Eleven Stars. Divine Grade Bloodline!!"

All the Gu Clan members stared in stunned silence at the golden-yellow pillar of light shooting straight into the sky; they shared the same bloodline as Xun Er, and this pressure felt even more intense to them—many of the Gu Clan members could not withstand such overwhelming pressure, and with a thud, they knelt prostrate on the ground, their faces filled with fervor.

"What an extraordinary girl—Divine Grade Bloodline. The Gu Clan truly has great fortune."

{Regarding the controversy over the Eleven-Color Fire Lotus in the previous chapter, see the author's note in this chapter. }

I've read all the comments—thank you all for your support. The most disputed point is unquestionably the line that the Eleven-Color Fire Lotus couldn't surpass the Nine-Star Bloodline Ancient Emperor Seal.

I understand why people see Buddha Fury Lotus as a matter of faith, but Buddha Fury Lotus has a 【Rank】. The original work never explicitly stated it, but consistently hinted at it. The Rank of the Buddha Fury Lotus technique matches that of the Burning Scripture! Buddha Fury Lotus is an extension technique of the Burning Scripture—a complete, matched set of Cultivation Method and Dou Technique.

The reason the original work made it seem so powerful was because the early Fire Lotus absorbed Bone Spirit Cold Fire. The normal Purple-Green Fire Lotus's power was actually just matched to Xiao Yan's Burning Scripture Rank—it was weaker than Flame Division Devouring Wave Ruler.

When Xiao Yan fought the Ancient Demon, he had just evolved the Burning Scripture to Heavenly Rank. The original work already stated that the Burning Scripture's Qi was equivalent to Heaven Tier Low Grade, so the Fire Lotus was stronger than Five Wheel Departing Flame Method and Dà Jìmìe Zhǐ, but not by much.

This is a detail from the original work. I don't know whether TuDou had this standard in mind or if it was accidental, but in the original, Xiao Yan's own Fire Lotus always followed the Burning Scripture's Rank. The combat power in Dou Po Cang Qiong is extremely rigorous—there are no sudden, inexplicable leaps in strength; everything has its basis.

Later, Xiao Yan himself stopped using Buddha Fury Lotus, replacing it with Destruction Fire Lotus, which eventually became Buddha Fury Reincarnation—he knew that without advancing the Burning Scripture, Buddha Fury Lotus was crude and inferior to other Heavenly Rank Dou Techniques.

As for those who claim that in the Great Thousand World, Buddha Fury Lotus instantly killed the Heavenly Demon God—you're not wrong; by then, the Burning Scripture was probably immeasurably strong.

So although the Eleven-Color Fire Lotus appears to have absorbed many more Strange Fires, the Burning Scripture had only evolved to Heaven Tier Mid Grade—only if it evolved to Heaven Tier Advanced Grade could it win.

(End of Chapter)