The entire arena fell into a momentary silence as they watched the black-robed youth stand with his arms crossed in the courtyard.
On the high platform, Xiao Zhan's smile widened, and in the end, he couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Hearing Xiao Zhan's triumphant laughter, the three elders exchanged glances, sighing softly in their hearts. They said nothing more. The potential displayed by the youth in the arena made them feel no small sense of defeat. Four stages of Dou Qi in one year – this kind of speed was enough to make anyone tremble in fear. Their own descendants, they feared, would have no chance of catching up.
In high spirits, Xiao Zhan stood up, clapped his hands, and announced with a chuckle, "Xiao Ke's challenge has failed. I hope he will diligently cultivate in the future."
In the arena, Xiao Ke's pale face listened to the pronouncement, instantly dimming a few shades. His gaze was complex as he looked at the black-robed youth not far in front of him. This person, who just a year ago was mocked as a good-for-nothing, now, a year later, possessed terrifying potential within the clan. It was almost two different extremes. This made Xiao Ke suddenly recall that day in the main hall, when the youth had coldly said, "Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river; do not bully a young man for being poor."
With a bitter smile, Xiao Ke shook his head. He struggled to stand up, then bowed slightly to Xiao Yan, his voice, now devoid of its former disdain, saying, "Younger Cousin Xiao Yan, you win. Congratulations on your recovery!"
Nodding slightly, Xiao Yan's gaze slowly swept across the crowd. Anyone whose eyes met his dark pupils would somewhat timidly look away.
His casual gaze briefly swept past Xiao Mei. Xiao Yan then tilted his head, facing the clan members who were qualified to challenge him, and asked with a faint smile, "Is there anyone else who wishes to challenge me?"
As Xiao Yan's words echoed, those who were already astonished quickly closed their eyes, tilted their faces skyward, and fell into silent contemplation. No second person wanted to follow in Xiao Ke's footsteps.
Seeing the youths pretending to be foolish, Xiao Yan shrugged slightly, then turned and walked away.
Sitting down beside Xiao Yan, Xun Er smiled serenely, her gaze sweeping once across the arena. Her fingers gently stroked a strand of hair, and her small mouth curved into a faint smile as she softly said, "Xiao Yan *gege*, three years ago, they looked at you just like this..."
"Three years ago, seeing their awe made me excited. Now... I feel nothing," Xiao Yan said with a calm smile, rubbing his nose.
"That's because Xiao Yan *gege* has matured," Xun Er chuckled softly, her bright, clear eyes twinkling.
"You're not mature. Sometimes I wonder if the girl in front of me is a thousand-year-old demoness!" Being told he had matured by a young girl, Xiao Yan couldn't help but find it a little funny, and his hand affectionately tapped Xun Er's head.
Hearing this, Xun Er gave Xiao Yan a charming, coquettish glance, her small, delicate face mischievous, with a hint of complaint. No matter how open-minded a young girl was, she wouldn't want to be compared to an old demoness.
A charming, coquettish girl is most captivating. Xun Er, inadvertently revealing her charming side, not only made the distant youths stare wide-eyed, but even some of the young girls couldn't help but show envy.
"You little bastard, so arrogant..." Xiao Zhu, also captivated by Xun'er's charming demeanor, felt a surge of jealousy in his heart upon seeing her closeness with Xiao Yan. In his mind, within the clan, only he was worthy of Xun'er. Yet, no matter how he tried to curry favor, Xun'er paid him no mind, instead always showing concern for that good-for-nothing, Xiao Yan.
"You little bastard, go ahead and be smug for now. When you come of age, I will defeat you in front of Xun'er!" His fists clenched tightly as Xiao Zhu coldly glanced at Xiao Yan, who was sitting cross-legged in the distance.
However, Xiao Zhu was also quite shaken by Xiao Yan's cultivation speed. With his usual arrogance, it was difficult for him to immediately comprehend that Xiao Yan – the top good-for-nothing, who was also close to Xun'er – had suddenly seen his strength rapidly increase. This made Xiao Zhu feel a hidden danger.
Before he fully matures, he must be dealt a blow.
As this thought spun in his mind, Xiao Zhu slowly curled his lips into a cold smile. Although Xiao Yan had reached the seventh Duan Dou Qi today, Xiao Zhu was very confident in his own eighth Duan Dou Qi. After all, there was a significant gap between the seventh and eighth Duan!
Speaking in a low voice with Xun'er, Xiao Yan casually glanced at the training grounds. He happened to catch Xiao Zhu's cold smile and chuckled softly. What kind of capabilities could a person who couldn't even hide his emotions possess?
After Xiao Ke's failed challenge against Xiao Yan, no one else continued to challenge him. The qualified clan members simply avoided him and sought other targets. After several more matches, two individuals, relying on their proficient Dou Skills and good luck, managed to defeat their opponents.
The test gradually drew to a close. Looking down at the training grounds, Xiao Zhan smiled. He stood up and announced the end of the test, then gave some instructions regarding the coming-of-age ceremony to be held next month.
Slowly standing up, Xiao Yan saw the triumphant, spring-like expression on Xiao Zhan's face. Xiao Zhan was very pleased with his son's performance today, giving a thumbs-up to signal his congratulations to Xiao Yan.
Patting his clothes and dusting off some ash, just as he was about to leave, a fragrant breeze swept over him.
Frowning slightly, Xiao Yan looked up to see Xiao Mei in front of him. He smiled faintly and said, "Is there something you need?"
Seeing the faint indifference on Xiao Yan's handsome face, Xiao Mei's heart faltered. A forced expression appeared on her face as she smiled and said, "Cousin Xiao Yan, congratulations."
"Thank you." Nodding slightly, Xiao Yan's gaze shifted to Xun'er beside him.
"Cousin Xiao Yan, tomorrow at the Dou Skill Hall, my father will be explaining a High-Grade Huang-tier Dou Skill. Will you come along?" Xiao Mei said with a smile, her charming yet pure face quite captivating.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan frowned slightly.
Seeing Xiao Yan seemingly thinking of an excuse to refuse, a pair of slender, pale, soft hands gently took his arm.
Xiao Yan turned his head slightly and saw a delicate, elegant face smiling.
"I'm truly sorry, Cousin Xiao Mei. Xun'er has already invited Brother Xiao Yan to accompany me to Wu Tan City tomorrow, so he won't be able to go to the Dou Skill Hall with you." Looking at the somewhat stunned eyes before her, Xun'er intimately pulled Xiao Yan's arm and started to walk away, glancing at Xiao Mei with a hint of apology.