Chapter 36: Presenting the Captives, the Qilin-Drawn Carriage Stuns the Crowd

On Gu Family Divine Island, the huge square before the Supreme Hall was already a sea of people.

No, describing it as a sea of people is far from enough.

As far as the eye could see, heads packed tightly, nothing but heads.

From white-haired elders with ancient auras,

to the collateral ancients who who knows how many tens of thousands of years they've lived,

to the vigorous youth with sharp eyes, each cracking their fists and palms.

Almost all of the Gu family descendants residing in the clan,

whether direct or collateral lineage, all had gathered here.

They each craned their necks,

gazing intently at the center of the square,

that open space reserved for the triumphant army, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation.

"Here they come! Here they come! I see the banner of the Sky Halberd Legion!"

It was unknown who shouted,

the crowd instantly erupted.

Sure enough, on the distant horizon,

huge warships one after another were breaking through the clouds, slowly sailing toward the square.

Leading them was the Sky Halberd Legion's massive battle flag, embroidered with a golden halberd,

snapping in the wind, exuding a chilling, iron‑blooded killing aura.

"Look quickly! It's the Third Elder! The Third Elder has returned!"

Someone with sharp eyes saw, standing at the prow of the leading warship,

that burly figure with a head of red hair blazing like fire was none other than the Gu family's Third Elder, Gu Xue Dao.

"Third Elder, mighty! Third Elder, you've worked hard!"

From the crowd rose a shout like mountains collapsing and seas surging.

Gu Xue Dao obviously enjoyed this feeling of being the focus of everyone's attention,

He stood on the prow, grinning wide, waving triumphantly at the crowd below—so flamboyant it couldn't be more so.

"Hahaha, just a small scene, everyone sit down, basic operation!"

He felt delighted inside.

This expedition,

although he didn't get much fighting thrill, he still collected mounts and dug up treasures,

and finally put on a good show in front of his nephew—it was a huge profit.

Most importantly, he also took a share of this tremendous merit!

Looking at this, his family's rewards upon return will surely not be lacking,

perhaps he'll even receive a few strands of world origin, allowing his cultivation to advance further!

Just as he was feeling proud, a commander beside him whispered a reminder:

"Third Elder, the family head and the young master are still behind; shouldn't you keep a lower profile?"

"Cough cough!"

Gu Xue Dao's face flushed at the words; he quickly dropped his flamboyant expression and resumed the dignified mien of a supreme powerhouse.

He glanced back and saw the most splendid Nine Dragon Agarwood Palanquin,

slowly following behind the army.

"Everyone, perk up for me!"

Gu Xue Dao bellowed at the Sky Halberd Legion soldiers behind him,

"When we present the captives later, show your best spirit! Anyone who dares to lose face before the young master, I'll skin him when we get back!"

"Yes sir!"

Ten thousand Sky Halberd Legion soldiers roared in unison, each straightening their backs, their killing intent becoming more refined.

Soon, the triumphant army slowly descended onto the center of the square.

Gu Xue Dao was the first to leap from the warship, striding swiftly to the front of the platform.

On the platform stood the family head Gu Lin Tian, the Grand Elder Gu Linjiang, and other core family elders, who had long been waiting.

"Reporting to the family head! Grand Elder!"

Gu Xue Dao knelt on one knee, his voice ringing like a bell,

"The vanguard detachment of the Sky Halberd Legion has not disgracefully fulfilled its mission; we have successfully quelled the otherworldly turmoil and expanded territory for our Gu family!"

"Good!"

Gu Lin Tian looked at his third brother, who was a bit reckless but formidable in battle, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face,

"Xue Dao, you've worked hard; rise."

"Thank you, family head!"

Gu Xue Dao stood up, his face unable to conceal his pride.

At this moment, everyone's gaze in the square,

had already passed him and turned toward the slowly descending Nine Dragon Agarwood Palanquin.

Everyone held their breath.

They knew the true protagonist was about to appear!

"Roar——"

The nine Saint Realm true dragons let out a thunderous, earth‑shaking dragon roar,

pulling the carriage and steadying it at the center of the square.

But what surprised and shocked everyone was,

that in front of the Nine Dragon Agarwood Carriage there followed a… a ferocious strange beast they had never seen before!

The beast was as massive as a mountain, its body cloaked in ink‑black scales, a single horn sprouting from its head, a pair of wings on its back, and beneath its four legs,

black flames burned, and waves of terrifying dark aura

spread from its body, causing every cultivator below the Saint Realm present to feel a sudden palpitations.

"What… what is that? Such a terrifying aura!"

"I feel my spirit trembling! This beast's power definitely surpasses the Saint Realm!"

"Wait! Look at its neck! It seems to be wearing a collar!"

In the crowd, a sharp‑eyed young disciple shouted in shock.

Everyone, hearing this, quickly focused their gazes.

Sure enough!

On the neck of that terrifying dark beast,

was a conspicuous collar forged from divine metal, and the other end of the collar,

was… was tied to the axle of the Nine Dragon Agarwood Carriage!

Boom!

The scene exploded in everyone's mind like a massive bomb!

A terrifying beast whose strength is at least above the Saint Realm,

was… being used as a draft animal?!

Although the Gu Family are the Everlasting Celestial Clan,

still, using a beast that has entered the Celestial Path to pull the young master's carriage is overly extravagant!

On the high platform, Grand Elder Gu Linjiang and a host of Supreme Elders,

upon seeing that dark beast, their pupils narrowed sharply!

"That is… the Dark Kirin of Realm 17 to Saint Realm."

"Hasn't this creature been extinct in the Ancient Celestial Domain for ages?"

"Xue Dao, where did this kid get such a thing?"

These Supreme masters have such keen eyes,

seeing through the Dark Kirin's nature at a glance.

Precisely because they saw through it, they were even more shocked!

A figure of a Realm 17 to Saint Realm master,

no matter which immortal inheritance in the Celestial Domain,

that is an ancestor‑level existence!

Yet now, it has become a draft mount?

Would it be willing?

The original Dark Kirin certainly would not be content.

But Gu Yuan displayed an extraordinary lineage,

and avenged it for him,

leaving no reason for resentment.

To be able to cling to this thigh,

how many have begged for it yet failed.

Just as everyone's hearts were shaken and discussions erupted,

the carriage doors of the Nine Dragon Agarwood Carriage, woven from pearl curtains,

were slowly lifted by a slender, fair hand.

A figure dressed in white, handsome and graceful, stepped out of the carriage.

It was Gu Yuan!

The moment he appeared, the bustling square fell silent.

All eyes focused on him.

Awe, frenzy, worship, curiosity…

Gu Yuan faced the tens of thousands of gazes, his expression calm, even a hint of a yawn.

He stepped down from the carriage, and the Dark Kirin, which had once wore a despondent expression,

upon seeing him alight, immediately curled obediently on the ground,

its massive head bowed respectfully, as if greeting its master.

"Your son Gu Yuan, pays respects to father, to Grand Elder, and to all uncles and elders,"

Gu Yuan walked beneath the platform,

facing the elders above,

and performed a reverent bow.

His demeanor was modest and courteous,

without any trace of arrogance from his unparalleled achievements.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Gu Lin Tian looked at his perfect son,

He was so excited that he could only utter three good words.

He stepped down from the high platform in a single stride, personally helped Gu Yuan up,

He pounded his shoulder forcefully, the pride and honor in his eyes unhidden.

"My good son! You truly are the Qilin of our Gu Family!"

"In this expedition, you shall claim the foremost merit!"

"Today, before the entire clan, I, your father, will reward you handsomely!"