"Second Elder, is the test complete?" Xiao Yan looked at the large golden characters on the stone tablet, slowly withdrawing his hand. He glanced at the Second Elder beside him, who seemed a little flustered, and asked indifferently.
"Oh, uh, yes, it's done..." Startled awake by Xiao Yan's voice, the Second Elder nodded, a little flustered. Judging by his eyes, he was clearly still in shock.
"Sigh, five segments of Dou Qi in one year? This cultivation speed... It's terrifying." A long moment later, the Second Elder slowly regained his composure. He looked at the young man before him with complex eyes, sighing inwardly. The doubt in his eyes finally vanished completely in the face of reality.
The golden light on the stone tablet gradually faded. A moment later, it returned to its deep, cold black color.
The golden light vanished, but the entire hall remained as silent as before. Clearly, everyone was still immersed in the shock.
"Ahem..." On the high platform, the Second Elder's cough finally drew everyone's attention back.
"The testing ritual is complete. According to the previous rules, Xiao Yan will have to accept one challenge. The challenge limit is below a Dou Practitioner. Who wishes to step forward?" The Second Elder's gaze swept across the younger generation of the Xiao family as he announced softly.
If the test in the coming-of-age ceremony was to examine the strength of Dou Qi, then this challenge was to examine the cultivation and mastery of Dou Techniques. After all, once one engaged in a life-or-death battle with another, Dou Techniques were also a crucial factor in determining victory or defeat. The clans valued it no less than Dou Qi cultivation.
Hearing the Second Elder's announcement, the younger generation below the platform all exchanged glances, too intimidated to say anything. The words "Eight Segments of Dou Qi" on the tablet just now had shattered any remaining hope they had.
They no longer had any right to show off in front of Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan stood silently in the center of the platform. His gaze casually swept over his peers below, and each time his eyes landed on someone, those young men immediately took a step back.
"Hmph, a bunch of cowards!" Xiao Ning sneered, looking at the retreating clan members around him. He raised his head, provocatively looking at the black-robed youth. He took a step forward, just about to ascend the platform, when a jade-like hand pulled him back.
Raising an eyebrow, Xiao Ning looked at his older sister with slight annoyance: "What is it?"
"He's also at eight segments of Dou Qi now. You won't be able to win if you go up," Xiao Yu sighed.
Xiao Ning's mouth twitched. After a moment of hesitation, his eyes uncontrollably drifted towards Xun Er not far away. He saw the young girl gently looking at Xiao Yan in the center of the arena—that captivating expression, one she had never shown him before...
His jaw clenched fiercely. Xiao Ning pushed Xiao Yu's hand away. His slightly immature face was filled with coldness and jealousy: "I've been at eight segments of Dou Qi for over a year! Am I really unable to deal with a rookie who just reached eight segments?"
Looking at Xiao Ning's stubborn and jealous expression, Xiao Yu felt a little helpless. After hesitating for a moment, she suddenly took out a green medicinal pill. She reluctantly caressed it for a moment, then quickly slipped it into Xiao Ning's hand, whispering: "This is a Tier 2 medicinal pill, the 'Qi Enhancement Powder.' It can temporarily boost your strength to that of a Dou Practitioner, but for a month afterward, you'll be bedridden. Unless it's absolutely necessary, it's best not to use it."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ning's eyes lit up with surprise and joy as he clutched it in his hand, exclaiming happily: "With this, I can definitely teach that fellow a good lesson!"
Xiao Yu frowned, warning softly: "Don't go overboard. Just make him suffer a little, that's enough. If you seriously injure him, even Grandpa won't be able to protect you. He's not the same good-for-nothing he used to be."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it..." Nodding, Xiao Ning licked his lips and smiled, then turned his gaze to Xun'er, thinking smugly: "I'll show you, that fellow is nothing but a good-for-nothing."
With a cold laugh, Xiao Ning pulled free from Xiao Yu's grasp, leaped onto the high platform, and yelled: "I'm going up!"
As someone answered the call, all eyes in the arena converged on Xiao Ning. This feeling of being the center of attention only deepened the smug expression on his face.
Watching Xiao Ning approach, the Second Elder frowned and shifted his gaze to the VIP section. Sure enough, he saw the First Elder's grim expression and let out a helpless sigh, cursing inwardly: "That fool doesn't know his place! Can't you see Xiao Yan isn't the good-for-nothing he used to be anymore?"
Oblivious to the Second Elder's grim expression, Xiao Ning stepped forward and said with a smug smile: "Xiao Yan, let me test just how powerful your true strength is in battle."
Xiao Yan lazily lifted his gaze to the Xiao Ning before him, not even deigning to reply.
"Xiao Ning challenges Xiao Yan! Xiao Yan, do you accept?" Watching Xiao Ning already standing in the middle of the platform, the Second Elder could only reluctantly announce loudly.
"You'll accept, won't you? Xun'er is watching, don't disappoint her..." Caressing the pill in his sleeve, Xiao Ning's self-confidence swelled even further. He cast a glance at the graceful, lotus-like young woman below the stage and sneered.
"Fool..." Xiao Yan muttered inwardly, then rubbed his nose. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he gave a slight nod and said blandly: "I accept."
Upon seeing Xiao Yan nod, the Second Elder sighed helplessly once more. He waved his hand as he retreated, and in a barely audible whisper meant only for the two of them, he said: "Remember, show some moderation!"
Xiao Ning licked his lips.
Xiao Yan merely shrugged, offering no opinion.
As the Second Elder retreated, the atmosphere on the stage instantly grew tense!