The murmurs of the crowd quieted as Shang Xuan reached the center of the hall. The air was thick with anticipation, the significance of the moment not lost on anyone present. This was not just a ceremony; it was a test of potential, a measure of what the future might hold for the young masters and mistresses of the Shang Clan.

  Shang Yan Fei raised a hand, and the hall fell into complete silence. "Today, we gather to witness the aperture awakening of our young generation. This ceremony marks the beginning of their journey as Gu Masters, a path that will determine their future and the future of our clan."

  His voice was deep and commanding, carrying the weight of authority. As he spoke, a sense of pride and expectation filled the room. The Shang Clan had long been one of the most powerful clans in the Southern Border, and the success of its young members was crucial to maintaining that status.

  One by one, the young members of the Shang Clan stepped forward to undergo the ceremony. The process was simple but nerve-wracking: a Gu worm, known as the Advance Hope Gu, would be used to awaken their apertures, revealing the size and quality of their primeval seas. The larger and purer the sea, the higher their aptitude.

  Shang Xuan watched with a steady gaze as his peers took their turns. Some emerged from the process with joy, their aptitudes revealing great potential. Others left with disappointment, their futures now clouded with uncertainty. But Shang Xuan remained calm, his mind focused on the moment that was soon to come.

  Finally, it was his turn.

  He stepped forward, his movements confident and controlled. The eyes of the elders were on him, particularly those of his father, whose expectations weighed heavily in the air. Lianhua and Meihua stood a few steps behind, their hands clasped together in silent prayer for their master.

  An elder approached, holding a small, intricately carved box. Inside was the Advance Hope Gu that would determine Shang Xuan's future. The elder's expression was neutral, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes as he handed the box to Shang Xuan.

  Shang Xuan accepted the box with a slight bow, his fingers steady as he opened it. Inside, the Gu worm lay dormant, its body coiled in a spiral. It was a rare and powerful worm, one that could only be obtained by a clan as wealthy and influential as the Shang Clan.

  With a deep breath, Shang Xuan placed the Advance Hope Gu against his abdomen. He felt a brief, sharp pain as it burrowed into his skin, followed by a rush of energy as the worm awakened his aperture. For a moment, everything was still. Then, a warm, glowing sensation spread through his body, radiating from his core.

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  The crowd held its breath, waiting for the result. Shang Xuan closed his eyes, focusing inward as he sensed the changes within him. His aperture, the space where his primeval essence would be stored, was expanding, filling with a vibrant, pulsing energy. He could feel the primeval sea forming, its size and purity beyond what he had expected.

  When he opened his eyes, the elders were watching him closely. Shang Yan Fei stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "What is your result, Shang Xuan?"

  Shang Xuan met his father's gaze, a small, confident smile playing on his lips. "A-grade aptitude, father."

  A murmur of approval rippled through the hall. A-grade aptitude was a significant achievement, marking Shang Xuan as one with great potential. It was a rare and valuable asset that promised a strong future.

  Shang Yan Fei's eyes flickered with approval, though he maintained his composed demeanor. "Well done, my son. You have made the Shang Clan proud today."

  The tension in the hall eased, replaced by a sense of respect. The young master had proven himself, and with his A-grade aptitude, his path to greatness was clearer. Lianhua and Meihua exchanged a glance, their relief evident in their eyes. They had always believed in their master, and now that belief was vindicated.

  But the ceremony was not over yet.

  Next, it was time for Lianhua and Meihua to undergo their own aperture awakenings. The twins stepped forward together, their hands briefly touching in a silent exchange of strength and support. Shang Xuan watched them closely, his heart swelling with pride. He had raised them, trained them, and now he would witness their potential.

  Lianhua was the first to receive the Advance Hope Gu. She remained perfectly still as the Gu worm was placed against her abdomen. Shang Xuan saw the flicker of concentration in her eyes, felt the intensity of her resolve. A moment later, her expression softened, and she opened her eyes.

  "Aptitude?" Shang Yan Fei asked, his voice carrying across the hall.

  "A-grade," Lianhua responded quietly but firmly.

  Another wave of approval spread through the crowd. While two A-grade aptitudes in a single ceremony were rare, it was not unprecedented in the Shang Clan. Nevertheless, it was a remarkable achievement.

  Meihua was next. She accepted the Advance Hope Gu with a graceful bow, her confidence radiating from her every movement. As the Gu worm did its work, she closed her eyes, her lips curling into a smile even before the process was complete.

  "Aptitude?" Shang Yan Fei asked again.

  "A-grade," Meihua answered, her voice light and carefree.

  The hall was now filled with a sense of awe and admiration. Three A-grade aptitudes in the same ceremony were very rare, even for a powerful clan like the Shang Clan. But what truly amazed the elders was the fact that all three A-grade talents belonged to the same camp—something unprecedented in the clan's history. The elders couldn't help but look forward with anticipation, wondering just how far Shang Xuan could go with his own A-grade aptitude and the support of his two equally talented followers.

  Shang Xuan felt a deep sense of pride and satisfaction. Lianhua and Meihua had always been exceptional, but this confirmed that they were not just his loyal followers but powerful individuals in their own right. Their futures were now as bright as his own, and together, they would navigate the challenges ahead.

  As the ceremony concluded, the trio quietly left the hall, their thoughts already turning to what the future might hold.