Chapter 7

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As soon as these words were spoken, the previously noisy children of the Gu family suddenly erupted in astonishment.

Gu Qing and all the clan elders looked at Gu Yang, stunned by his announcement.

Could it be… that our saintly ancestor directly appointed Gu Changge as the Divine Child?

Everyone's minds were buzzing.

Gu Changge felt inwardly surprised, but he maintained a calm expression as he looked at Patriarch Gu Yang, who had just approached him.

Gu Yang looked at Gu Changge with admiration, his face kind and his eyes full of approval. Though he didn't know the specifics of Gu Changge's second awakened talent, the grand spectacle from a moment ago was proof enough—it was undoubtedly an unparalleled gift.

With Dual Pupils, the second awakened supreme talent, and Gu Changge already in the first sequence, Gu Yang felt it was only right to make this suggestion.

"What do you think?" Gu Yang asked Gu Changge again.

Gu Changge was about to respond when members of the branch clans who had been observing from the sidelines grew restless. The position of Divine Child was still up for grabs, with other sequences from their branches vying for a chance at it. Now, with Gu Changge directly appointed as Divine Child by their ancestor, it seemed all their efforts had been in vain.

The Changsheng family stood unified against outsiders but encouraged healthy competition within. Supporting a talented clan member to attain the title of Divine Child was an essential part of this rivalry. However, this was meant to be a fair competition, providing resources to support candidates rather than allowing them to turn on each other. The Changsheng Gu family, passed down through the ages, had always maintained its own way of doing things.

"Ancestor, this decision still requires careful consideration."

"Yes, traditionally, the Changsheng Gu family has relied on competition within the family to select the Divine Child. Awarding the title based merely on displayed talent would be unfair to other sequencers," protested a clan elder.

When Gu Qing and the main lineage elders heard this, they exchanged glances. One main lineage elder then stood up and scoffed, "And what's wrong with that? Changge possesses Dual Pupils and now another heaven-defying talent. With such gifts, who else even comes close? Not to mention that Changge is already first in the sequence, proving that his strength surpasses that of the younger generation in the Changsheng Gu family."

Other elders from the main lineage nodded in agreement.

"Elder Gu Su is right."

"Indeed, we don't need to elaborate on the significance of the first sequence, do we? Let's not forget that Changge has already reached the Life Wheel Realm."

"Can anyone else in our family boast of attaining the Life Wheel Realm at sixteen?"

The main lineage elders radiated confidence, their eyes gleaming as they faced the branch clan elders.

"You!" The branch clan elders were visibly irate, their faces flushed with anger.

Seeing this, Gu Yang nodded and smiled at the opposing clan elders. "Is there anyone in the sequence who has reached the Life Wheel Realm? If so, let them come forth to challenge Gu Changge. The victor will be appointed as the Divine Child by my decree."

After Gu Yang finished speaking, silence filled the room.

The elder from the branch clan hesitated, his face twitching—there was no one of such strength.

"Since there is no other candidate, follow my arrangements," Gu Yang said firmly, glancing around the room before turning to Gu Changge with a warm smile.

"Thank you for your great trust, Ancestor," Gu Changge replied with a respectful bow. "Since you have appointed me Divine Child, I have no reason to refuse."

"Excellent, excellent!" Gu Yang beamed.

But in the next moment, Gu Changge's words took everyone by surprise.

"However, since I am being granted this title so easily, I fear some within the clan may be dissatisfied, making it difficult to gain the full support of the Changsheng Gu family."

"This could hinder my future leadership," he added, glancing toward the shocked branch clan elders. He raised his voice, addressing the major sequences, "In that case, I, Gu Changge, will give my brothers and sisters a chance."

"As long as anyone can defeat me before the Divine Child competition, I will relinquish my title and step down as Divine Child."

Boom!

Gu Changge's words were like a drop of hot oil in the calm waters of the Changsheng Gu family. It was a clear declaration of war on the younger generation, challenging all in the clan to either accept his supremacy or fight for the title themselves.

Somewhere in the courtyards of the Changsheng Gu family, a young man with a broad face and a long spear held a fierce glint in his eye. "Alright, Gu Changge. I'll reclaim my honor in the sequence competition."

In another courtyard, a youth with a plain face but eyes as brilliant as morning light murmured, "So, does he mean to use us as stepping stones? We'll see who ends up as the true stepping stone!"

Similar sentiments rippled across the courtyards of the Changsheng Gu family. Talented individuals from previous sequence competitions, after hearing Gu Changge's bold statement, were filled with determination and joy. They relished the challenge.

...

"He truly is the favored son of destiny that our ancestor has chosen. His insight into others and calm approach to matters already sets him apart as the leader of the new generation in the Changsheng Gu family."

"Changge, the future of the Gu family rests upon you," remarked Gu Yang, finally departing in a flash of rainbow light toward the supreme ancestral hall of the Gu family.

Seeing this, Gu Yang and the other clan elders bowed in respect, bidding farewell to their ancestor.

...

Thus, the appointment of Gu Changge as Divine Child of the Everlasting Gu family was settled.

However, his Divine Child status was different from previous generations. Any sequence contender could still challenge him. If Gu Changge was defeated, he would be stripped of his title and would not resume it.

This unprecedented situation caused an undercurrent to flow through the Gu family, sparking a surge of enthusiasm among the clan's young prodigies. Even if they would eventually be overtaken, they were eager to taste the honor of being Divine Child.

Meanwhile, Gu Qingqiu, who was being prepared by her maids to head to the First Sequence Mansion as Gu Changge's guardian sister, was restless, her eyes wide with shock.

"Was that… the aura of immortality?"

"And… Gu Changge appointed as Divine Child?"

"This path is so different from the one I remember!"