Chapter 1725 - 888: Spring Is Not Yet Over, Winter Is Near

After the group of people finished their boisterous greetings, the smiling old man waved his hand and called An Ran to the front in front of everyone.

"How old are you this year?"

"Sixteen, and I'll be seventeen in another month."

"Good, it's time for the coming-of-age ceremony." An Ding nodded and instructed the nearby An Quan: "It's just that everyone is here, go call the others, have them get ready."

"No, Old Deng? Are you serious?!"

An De widened his eyes, instinctively wanting to stop it: "He's still so young...

The coming-of-age ceremony means adulthood.

That means he can venture out to engage in endeavors.

An Ding shook his head: "Sixteen is not that young."

"Please, Father, reconsider!" An De interjected: "If this spreads out..."

"So what if it spreads out?"

An Ding turned back to look, his expression slightly cold: "What is there to reconsider? Is it not up to me to decide what happens in my family?"

"I am the Family Head, I am the Hunter Finger, there's no need for your interference in what should be done. When it comes to the Guild, I will discuss it with the Hermit."

He said, "I will bear any consequences myself."

The An Family's transcendent status in the Desert Market stems from their role as hunters in maintaining stability of the Wilderness, and also their contributions and restraint towards the Desert Market.

Apart from occasionally taking on part-time jobs, the official members of the An Family never involve themselves in disputes inside or outside the Desert Market.

Previously, An Ran's ventures were already borderline.

If today An Ran were to have the coming-of-age ceremony and be allowed to get involved in this election, how could the An Family maintain their stance and credibility?

This is what worries An De and An Neng.

The Horned Cave System as fellow hunters, the generations of Zhuo Lin's lineage guarding the Guild, the nameless Juechi System hidden in the shadows, if everyone follows suit and starts engaging at the edges, then what?

"These are trivial matters."

An Ding was unconcerned, "There are so many hidden names unknown to us, what harm is there in having one more known openly? Besides, those with eyes should be able to tell the difference between Blade Teeth and Hunter Finger, no?"

"Just..."

An De hesitated for a moment, softly reminded: "Ah Ran is still quite young... Setting out formally at such a tender age, the family might no longer be able to protect him."

"He doesn't need such protection, this is the path he has chosen for himself."

An Ding lowered his gaze nonchalantly: "When I underwent the coming-of-age ceremony, I was only twelve. My father called me over and told me that after he was gone, I was the only male in the family, and that I would have to take on responsibilities.

Couldn't even find a cap, tied a small knot in my hair, put a chopstick in it, and from then on I was the man of the house.

With the blink of an eye, through life and death, it's really been so many years..."

Recalling those long past memories, the old man was in a trance, saying nothing more.

The two brothers exchanged glances, did not question further, and sighed as they lowered their heads to do what they were instructed.

The ceremony was not complicated, nor troublesome.

More like gathering everyone to bring a few more chairs, with the family present to discuss something together… even Ji Jue was invited to sit in the main seat, witnessing the entire process.

And An Ran was called to stand before An Ding, in front of everyone.

Looking up, he gazed at the grandfather before him.

"When you were born, just a tiny little thing, but you look quite proper now..."

An Ding chuckled lightly, "Formal names are not in vogue anymore, just skip it or pick one yourself later, let's get straight to the point..."

He straightened his expression, his demeanor solemn, as he placed a hand on the young man's shoulder and proclaimed loudly:

"An Ran, since you have returned, I, as the Family Head, permit you to rejoin and be recorded in the family register. From today onwards, you are a man of the An Family."

"Yes."

An Ran nodded solemnly.

"An Ran, since you are determined and your aspirations no longer lie within Fei Guang, I, as the Family Head, will transfer your family registration out of the main lineage."

An Ding suppressed a regretful sigh and solemnly announced: "From today onwards, you can no longer claim the heritage of the Hunter Finger."

"Yes."

The young man nodded in response, preparing to bow, but felt the grip on his shoulder suddenly tighten.

He was not allowed to bow.

"An Ran, you have realized your pursuit and wish to uphold the White Deer Path, which brings me great comfort."

After a brief pause, An Ding again loudly declared: "As the Family Head, I grant you the right to establish a new lineage beyond the Hunter Finger, to continue the heritage of the Blade Teeth!"

Disregarding the shock and astonishment of others, An Ding informed the young man before him:

"From today onwards, you are the Family Head of the Blade Teeth An Family."

"..."

In a sudden daze of surprise, An Ran instinctively lowered his head to express gratitude, only to hear an unexpected sharp rebuke.

"Stand up straight!"

The old man, who had always been smiling kindly, was now looking at him with solemn gravity.

The hand on his shoulder tightened again, with such strength.

He said: "Do not bow."

In this brief gaze, it was as if the elder wanted to say much but was unable to articulate the thousand words in his heart, ultimately just offering a hopeful smile, gently admonishing:

"From now on, you will have to stand on your own, understand?"

Under such a gaze, An Ran's eyes gradually reddened, he took a deep breath and nodded forcefully.

"Yes!"

And so, An Ding finally released his grip, chuckling lightly.

"Alright, go on. It's rare to be back, also let uncles, aunts, and aunts take a good look, our family's young man is now a man."

An Ran nodded, moving towards the family waiting not far away.

He instinctively turned back for a glance and saw Ji Jue in the distance smiling and waving at him.