After the Bloodline Awakening and subsequent enhancement, the honored Elders were officially inscribed into the Clan's Genealogy Tablet, their names now forever etched among the Dugu Clan's lineage of glory:
Dugu Guan — Spirit Saint, Rank 80
Dugu Meiying — Spirit Saint, Rank 80
Dugu Jian(Chen Xin)— Spirit Douluo, Rank 90
Dugu Rong — Spirit Douluo, Rank 90
Dugu Cheng — Spirit Saint, Rank 80
Now, only one crucial step remained: the acquisition of Spirit Rings and Spirit Souls aligned with their newly strengthened cultivation paths. Not only the Elders but the younger generation and the subsidiary clans' disciples would soon require their own Spirit advancements as well.
Seated high upon his seat of power, Dugu Bo's gaze swept across the grand hall, his voice carrying unquestionable power as he summoned the Clan Heads of the subsidiary branches and the newly ascended Elders.
"Is everyone present?" His sharp eyes pierced the gathering. After a brief nod from his attendant, he continued. "Good."
A heavy silence settled over the chamber as Dugu Bo rose, his green-robed figure exuding a faint, intimidating mist of poisonous energy.
"Our clan's strength has surged rapidly. Soon, with Uncle Cheng and myself departing to retrieve the scattered bloodlines, our numbers will swell even further. Thus, it is imperative we establish firm rules and ensure that all of you understand the true nature of our standing here — within the Island of Aurellan."
He paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air before continuing solemnly.
"The Seven Great Noble Families of Aurellan are not merely rulers — we are the shields of this land. However, in these recent decades, the stability of the realm has faltered. After the death of the Royal Ancestor, a Rank 97 Titled Douluo, the Crown's authority has greatly diminished, and the loyalty of the noble houses has waned."
Dugu Bo's gaze hardened, his voice steady and grave.
"Even so, the Royal Family still sits atop the hierarchy, commanding eight Titled Douluo to their name. By their side stands the Vaelthorn Clan, second only to the Royals, boasting seven Titled Douluo. Their bond is ironclad, forged in blood — for the Vaelthorn Supreme Elder descends directly from a royal concubine."
He drew a slow breath before pressing on.
"The next major faction is that of the Spirit Hall sympathizers, headed by the Drakmor Clan. Though they possess but a single Titled Douluo, he is no ordinary figure — a Rank 97 ancient monster, feared across the island. Moreover, whispers suggest they will soon produce another Titled Douluo."
"Alongside them stand the Caelwyn Clan, supported by three Titled Douluo, and the Lunacrest Clan, whose power is anchored by two more."
"The Sylmare Clan remains neutral, though their influence over the island's waterways grants them formidable leverage. They command five Titled Douluo, one of whom is an old thing of Rank 98 — a being none would dare provoke lightly."
Finally, Dugu Bo's gaze turned cold.
"As for us — the Moonveil Marshes — we hold our lands not by strength alone, but by virtue of our alliance with the Gravemoor Clan, who possess two Titled Douluo. Without that bond, our territory would have long been forfeit."
The hall remained silent, every elder and clan head listening intently, understanding the gravity of their precarious position.
Dugu Bo's voice softened, but his words struck like a hammer.
"In six years, the Rite of Resonance shall be held — the sacred ceremony that transpires once every Decade. This time During this grand event, each Great Family must produce a Titled Douluo to compete in the ceremonial battles. Failure to have a least one... means demotion, and the loss of noble status. They are targeting us specifically for reasons unknown, but little do they know by then we too will have Titled Douluo"
Dugu Bo's voice, filled with unwavering authority, once again echoed across the great hall, capturing the rapt attention of every soul present.
"Next, we shall establish the Clan Rules."
His gaze swept over the gathered Elders, his expression solemn yet resolute.
"With the addition of the newly ascended Elders, and though I still retain my title as Clan Leader, I now stand as the fourth-ranked man of our generation. Among us, Dugu Jian holds the first position, followed by Dugu Rong, and then Dugu Guan."
He paused, letting the weight of the hierarchy settle into the hearts of the gathered. There was no resentment among the Elders — only a shared understanding of the path forward.
"To show my sincerity — and to truly welcome these Elders as equals in our family — I decree that henceforth, every direct member of the Dugu Clan shall be bestowed a Spirit Soul originating from a Spirit Beast of at least one million years in age. Through the acquisition of such powerful Spirit Souls, each member shall be able to harmonize and elevate the cultivation ages of the spirit rings they possessed before joining our Clan."
A ripple of astonishment spread among the Clan Heads and Elders alike. To seek a million-year-old Spirit Beast was a task reserved for the truly audacious — yet Dugu Bo's decree left no room for doubt.
"This," he continued, "will not be an easy endeavor. It shall require us to journey across the entirety of World, traversing territories both hostile and treacherous. We must hunt and claim the Spirit Beasts of the lands."
The flame of ambition burned bright within his eyes.
"Moreover, all members of the Clan — young and old — must become proficient in at least one secondary occupation. Whether it be crafting, alchemy, inscription, healing, or another path — we must strengthen our economic foundations to sustain the growing needs of our people. Wealth is the bone that supports the body of power."
He let those words linger, giving the Elders time to digest the new vision of the Clan's future.
"In time," Dugu Bo said, voice lowering into a rumble of coming storms, "there shall be a formal battle among the younger generation. Through strength, wisdom, and spirit, the future Clan Heir shall be decided — for with more bloodlines comes the necessity of true meritocracy."
Finally, his gaze softened — just slightly — as he addressed the last decree.
"As for the members of our subsidiary clans: if any among them ascend to the realm of Spirit Douluo, they shall be recognized as full-blooded members of the Dugu Clan, bearing our name and honor without distinction."
A heavy silence blanketed the hall, the kind that only follows the birth of destiny itself.
Dugu Bo seated himself once more, his robes flowing like a tide of emerald mist. His eyes closed briefly — and when they opened, they were filled with a burning, unquenchable determination.
"Our path will be hard. It will be bloody. But when we reach the summit, the Dugu Clan shall be a power that none in Aurellan dare provoke."
As Dugu Bo's final decree settled like iron into the bones of all present, he slowly raised his hand and gestured toward a scholary man standing respectfully near the hall's edge.
Stepping forward, Xiong Wei clasped his fists and bowed deeply. His voice, steady and loud enough to carry across the chamber, rang out.
"Good morning, Lord Bo. Good morning, Esteemed Elders of the Dugu Clan."
Straightening, Xiong Wei unrolled a long scroll and conjured a projection of the Moonveil Marsh Archony in the air, shimmering faintly with spirit power.
"I have been tasked with providing you a full report on our holdings."
He paused briefly, ensuring all attention was on him before continuing.
"The Moonveil Marsh Archony is the smallest among the Eight Great Territories of Aurellan. Our domain stretches across 54,697 square kilometers (21,119 square miles)."
Murmurs rippled quietly through the Elders and Clan Heads. Though some had long called these lands home, many had never fully grasped the true vastness of the territory they ruled.
Xiong Wei's expression remained composed as he pressed onward.
"However, of this vast expanse, only 7,031 square kilometers have been developed and are inhabited by humans. The remaining 47,666 square kilometers are classified as Spirit Beast Zones — untamed, unregulated, and largely unexplored."
A sharp, collective intake of breath echoed through the hall. Even the most seasoned Elders found themselves momentarily stunned by the enormity of it. Nearly nine-tenths of their dominion was wilderness, filled with unknown dangers — and opportunities.
Seeing the reactions, Xiong Wei gave them a moment before continuing.
"Our territory includes three major cities:
First, Viremoor Keep, which serves not only as our stronghold and estate but as the capital city itself.
Second, Doku City, which stands vigil at the borders of the treacherous Doku Swamp.
Third, Serpent Valley, home to our esteemed academies and training grounds."
He waved his hand, and the projected map shifted, highlighting each city with glowing markers.
"To the north, the Doku Swamp borders the Radiant Crownlands and has regrettably fallen under the partial control of Spirit Hall. Their influence grows daily, and it is imperative that we restrict their ability to monitor our movements — especially our expeditions into the Spirit Beast cultivation zones."
His tone grew more solemn as he pointed southward.
"Thus, our focus must turn to the southern frontier."
The map expanded again, revealing a vast, wild stretch beyond Serpent Valley — a shadowed, mist-wreathed landscape that seemed almost to pulse with primal energy.
"Beyond Serpent Valley lies one of Aurellan's largest unregulated Spirit Beast cultivation zones, shared only with the Stoneveil Barrens to the southwest. What lies within is..." Xiong Wei hesitated for the briefest moment, "almost entirely unknown."
The words hung heavy in the air.
Ancient, uncharted lands — teeming with potential Spirit Beasts, but also unfathomable dangers. An opportunity and a test, both woven into the fabric of destiny.
Having finished his report, Xiong Wei bowed once more, stepping back into the ranks with the measured discipline of a seasoned officer.
Atop, Dugu Bo sat silent, a slow, calculating smile spreading across his face.
"In one week's time," he declared, his tone brooking no dissent, "I, the Elders, the children, and all others who require new Spirit Rings shall depart from Viremoor Keep. We will venture into the Spirit Beast cultivation lands."
A subtle excitement stirred among the younger generation, while the Elders nodded solemnly.
"This journey," Dugu Bo continued, "shall serve not only to strengthen your foundations but also as a trial. A learning experience — one that will temper the hearts of our children in real battle. Uncle Cheng and all the senior brothers require new Spirit Rings to further their paths; it is time."
A delicate, almost playful voice broke through the formality.
"What about me?" asked Elder Meiying, arching an elegant brow, her tone teasing yet pointed.
Dugu Bo chuckled lightly, a rare warmth in his eyes.
"I would not dare to forget you, Elder Sister," he said, offering her a smile that softened his usually stern face.
But almost immediately, he grew solemn again, his voice returning to the steel of command.
"Xiong Wei, Zhong Shan," he said sharply, causing the two men to step forward instinctively. "You two shall remain here at Viremoor Keep. Oversee the affairs of the city and handle any inquiries or disturbances that may arise from the other Great Noble Clans during our absence."
The two bowed low in unison.
"Yes, Lord Bo."
Dugu Bo's gaze then swept across the gathering, his aura flaring with invisible pressure.
"The entire Cike Clan will accompany us. Their primary duty will be to ensure the absolute safety of the young ones from all branches of our Clan. Failure," his eyes gleamed dangerously, "will not be tolerated."
The words sank in with the gravity of an oath.
"Everyone else," he concluded, "prepare yourselves. This journey will be the beginning of a new era for the Dugu Clan."
A resounding chorus of voices filled the hall.
"Yes, Lord Bo!"
As the echoes faded, a quiet, thrilling anticipation took hold — the sense that the next time they returned to Viremoor Keep, they would no longer be the same.