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"Xiao Ying, Ninth Stage Dou Zhi Qi!"
Following Xiao Zhan, Clan Leader Xiao Dongcheng announced the Dou Qi cultivation of the second Xiao clansman.
After the second, the third and fourth Xiao clansmen also walked to the center of the square one after another to complete their tests. This time, including Xiao Zhan, a total of twenty-one Xiao clansmen participated in the coming-of-age ceremony.
Although this was the climax stage of the ceremony, the duration was less than a quarter of the time spent on the prelude. Ultimately, in less than an hour, the Xiao Clan's coming-of-age ceremony tests for this year were completely over.
Among them, the one with the highest cultivation was naturally Xiao Zhan, a Three-Star Dou Zhe. Following him, two clansmen reached the Ninth Stage Dou Zhi Qi, four reached the Eighth Stage Dou Zhi Qi, and nine reached the Seventh Stage Dou Zhi Qi.
In other words, in this coming-of-age ceremony, only five clansmen failed the test. This year's passing rate, while not exceptionally high, wasn't bad either. One must know that in previous years, there were even cases where the passing rate was less than half!
These five clansmen who failed the test today would no longer receive resource support from the Xiao Clan in the future. They could only go to some business venues under the Xiao Clan's jurisdiction to serve as managers.
Of course, they weren't completely without opportunity.
If they showed outstanding ability and made contributions to the Xiao Clan in the future, they could still be put in important positions. The Xiao Clan did not completely block their path. Otherwise, why would it be said that they were sent out for "trial"?
The end of the coming-of-age ceremony could be described as a time of joy for some and sorrow for others. Those who passed the test were naturally delighted, and vice versa.
As for these clansmen who passed the clan's test, there would be room for promotion after their cultivation improved in the future. If you had the ambition, you could even launch a challenge for the position of Elder or Clan Leader!
Even if you couldn't become an Elder or Clan Leader, you still had the chance to become part of the high-level internal management of the Xiao Clan. This was the current power framework and structure of the Xiao Clan.
Oh, right.
After the coming-of-age tests for everyone in the Xiao Clan ended this year, those who passed the test were given an opportunity to challenge one another. Consequently, several "fierce battles" broke out among the Xiao Clan juniors!
However, because Xiao Zhan's Dou Qi cultivation stood head and shoulders above the rest, naturally no clansman would be foolish enough to challenge him and go up just to get thrashed.
After all, besides Xiao Zhan, the highest cultivation among those participating in the test this year was only two people at the Ninth Stage Dou Zhi Qi, which was still quite a distance away from Xiao Zhan's Three-Star Dou Zhe level.
Regarding these "playing house" style matches of children, the various factions who came to the Xiao Clan simply watched for the entertainment. During the process, they would occasionally offer a comment or give the little fellows a bit of applause.
It could be said that in front of so many spectators, these youngsters of the Xiao Clan were all exerting their utmost effort. Although Xiao Zhan also wanted to show off, unfortunately, no one challenged him, which made things quite awkward.
While he also had one chance to challenge others, with his cultivation as a Three-Star Dou Zhe, it would be embarrassing to challenge the other clansmen who were at most Ninth Stage Dou Zhi Qi, wouldn't it?
That would truly damage his reputation!
Although Xiao Zhan wanted to perform in front of his father, he disdained doing something like stepping on his own clansmen. In this manner, the matches between the youngsters lasted for about an hour.
Once all the challenges were finished and the rankings for this test were decided, the Xiao Clan's annual coming-of-age ceremony finally drew to a close. Without any suspense, Xiao Zhan secured the first-place ranking!
Closely following him were the two clansmen who reached the Ninth Stage Dou Zhi Qi. As for the rest, there is no need for further detail. At this point, the Xiao Clan's annual coming-of-age ceremony was considered finished.
Ordinarily, after the ceremony ended, the guests who came to witness it would be treated to a good meal and drink, and then it would be about time to see them off. But this year's coming-of-age ceremony for the Xiao Clan was an exception!
Rather than saying it was over, the previous coming-of-age ceremony was merely an appetizer.
The main course was still to come!
Regarding this point, any faction that had received an invitation sent out by the Xiao Clan had a good idea of what was happening. Therefore, the interest of the various factions not only didn't diminish but instead grew even higher!
Because they knew that what came next was the main event for the Xiao Clan!
"Everyone, today is a grand occasion for my Xiao Clan. Here, I first wish to express my gratitude to all of you for being willing to come and witness this coming-of-age ceremony. However, this is not the end."
Speaking to this point, Clan Leader Xiao Dongcheng's emotions shifted slightly, causing him to pause for a moment.
The gaze of the entire audience was now fixed on him; not a single person spoke. As a Dou Ling, being able to command the attention of several Dou Wangs and even a Dou Huang expert, Xiao Dongcheng could be considered to have no regrets.
This should also be considered the peak moment for Xiao Dongcheng as the Xiao Clan Leader!
But Xiao Dongcheng was well aware in his heart exactly who had brought him this day!
It could be said that without Xiao Lin, there would be no Xiao Clan as it is today, nor would he have this most glorious moment. Of course, after the glory, it was time for him to abdicate.
Being able to witness the Xiao Clan reach this stage, he was already very satisfied.
"My Xiao Clan has been established in the Jia Ma Empire for hundreds of years, and I, Xiao Dongcheng, have held the position of Xiao Clan Leader for over forty years."
"During this time, I thank all my friends for the care shown to my Xiao Clan, which allowed us to reach where we are today. However, at present, I feel my strength failing me, and the position of Xiao Clan Leader should be handed over to the younger generation."
At this point, Xiao Dongcheng couldn't help but reminisce about his life, which brought a sense of poignancy.
From his middle-aged years when he inherited the position from the previous generation's leader, he had led the Xiao Clan through thin ice to develop into what it was today.
Now, it was time for him to do as the previous leader did and hand this position to a more excellent successor.
"Xiao Lin is the most outstanding member of my Xiao Clan's next generation and the person who has the support of my entire clan. Therefore, through the unanimous decision of the Xiao Clan, the position of the next Clan Leader will be inherited by Xiao Lin! Xiao Lin, come to me."
As Xiao Dongcheng's words fell, the gaze of everyone present shifted from him and landed upon Xiao Lin.
Seeing this, Xiao Lin, who already knew how the procedure went, did not hesitate and stood up directly.
"Xiao Lin, congratulations!"
"Brother Xiao, congratulations, congratulations."
"From now on, I should address you as Clan Leader Xiao. Congratulations!"
The moment Xiao Lin stood up, the various surrounding factions offered their congratulations one after another. If before they congratulated Xiao Lin because of Xiao Zhan's excellence, now it was purely because of the man himself!
Facing everyone's well-wishes, Xiao Lin cupped his hands to the various factions.
Immediately, Xiao Lin took a step forward and arrived at the center of the square beside Xiao Dongcheng. Looking at the tall and straight Xiao Lin, Xiao Dongcheng, who had maintained a serious face, finally broke into a gratified smile.
With such an excellent successor, he had no more regrets.
Next was another set of incredibly tedious rituals for the Clan Leader succession ceremony.
Xiao Lin stood in the very center of the square, allowing himself to be handled by Clan Leader Xiao Dongcheng and the Xiao Clan attendants. At the very end, a Xiao Clan attendant came forward to drape a black robe over Xiao Lin's shoulders.
Throughout this whole process, Xiao Lin was like a puppet, being moved around by the Clan Leader and some clansmen for nearly an hour!
For Xiao Lin, this was practically more exhausting than fighting a Dou Zun expert!
Finally, the ceremony ended, and Xiao Lin breathed a sigh of relief.
"From this day forward, Xiao Lin is the new Clan Leader of my Xiao Clan!"
Grasping Xiao Lin's right wrist, Xiao Dongcheng announced loudly.
"Greetings, Clan Leader Xiao! ×n"
As Xiao Dongcheng's announcement fell, every member of the Xiao Clan present greeted Xiao Lin in unison.
**
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