The Hsiao Family Hall!
Just as Xiao Yan was introducing Little Fairy Doctor to his father and several elders, his body suddenly trembled slightly, and a bad premonition arose in his heart.
But he quickly dispelled that feeling and continued to introduce it to everyone with a smile.
"This is a friend I met in Qingshan Town. Father, you can just call her Little Fairy Doctor."
Xiao Zhan sat in the first seat, feeling a slight headache.
Xiao Yanzi, are you confused? You still have Xun'er at home, why did you bring a woman back?
However, Xiao Zhan naturally wouldn't show any other emotions in front of Little Fairy Doctor. He smiled and said, "Little Fairy Doctor, right? You really live up to your name. From now on, treat this place as your own home and don't be shy."
The three elders exchanged a glance and echoed each other's sentiments.
"Yes, yes, make yourself at home!"
They don't care about anything else.
Young people should resolve their own issues.
Seeing how amiable the Xiao family elders were, Little Fairy Doctor's ears turned slightly red, and she glanced at Xiao Yan out of the corner of her eye.
After a brief introduction, Xiao Yan and Little Fairy Doctor found seats and began to inquire about the important matter.
"By the way, Father, what happened to the Xiao family while I was away?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhan and the three elders all beamed with pride and were full of energy.
"Hahaha, Yan'er, it's all thanks to the pills you left behind back then."
Although the Obama and Garrett families have two alchemists behind them, the pills they produce can't be as perfect as yours. Plus, our prices are lower, so they're more popular in the market.
Xiao Zhan couldn't help but smile as he thought about the difficult situation the Jia Lie family and the Obama family had been in lately.
The Third Elder also picked up his teacup and took a big gulp, then sneered and said another reason.
It turns out that the Jia Lie family and the Ao Ba family, in order to satisfy the interests of the alchemists behind them, could not do what the Xiao family did with low profit margins and high sales volume. Naturally, they could only watch helplessly as the Xiao family siphoned off the customers from their market.
Now, after six months, both families are on the verge of collapse.
The Obama family also sent people to secretly contact the Xiao family.
This means they're preparing to back down and admit defeat.
Anyway, the two companies didn't have any deep-seated hatred, so they just voted.
In contrast, although Jia Lie Bi appears to be more shrewd and calculating, he is actually the most obsessive.
Knowing he was no match for the Xiao family, the enormous sunk costs still made him show no sign of backing down.
Having been at odds with Xiao Zhan for years, he would rather die than bow down.
Xiao Zhan showed no mercy and continued to suppress the Jialie family without any leniency.
In particular, the spies he sent to the Jia Lie family market, through their covert instigation, caused countless merchants to switch their allegiance to the Xiao family market.
This made things even worse for the already struggling Jia Lie family market.
Listening to their conversation, Little Fairy Doctor looked at Xiao Yan with a hint of curiosity in her beautiful eyes.
In her memory, Xiao Yan was the kind of person who would rather take action than talk, and she couldn't see any schemes or tricks he used.
But his father and family...
Well, their methods are quite formidable; Little Fairy Doctor listened with a sense of awe but didn't quite understand how powerful they were.
Outside the main hall of the Xiao family, the younger members of the Xiao family who had heard the news gathered together, craning their necks and trying to see the face of the woman that Xiao Yan had brought back from outside.
Everyone has a curious and gossipy side.
At first, apart from Xiao Xun'er, none of the younger members of the Xiao family noticed that Xiao Yan had left.
But after a month or two, no one saw him. People realized that he had gone out to wander around like Xiao Ding and Xiao Li.
Therefore, when Xiao Yan returned riding a magical beast with a woman in tow, it caused a huge uproar in the Xiao family.
Of course, most people were just watching with a spectator's attitude, wanting to see how Xiao Yan would get past Xiao Xun'er.
For example, Xiao Ning!
He looked at Xiao Yan in the hall, feeling a mixture of schadenfreude and envy, and muttered sourly, "That Xiao Yan, does he do right by his cousin Xun'er? If it were me..."
Beside him, a pretty and charming girl, who looked like a little beauty, rolled her eyes at him and said, "Cousin Xiao Ning, stop being so jealous. Isn't it normal for an outstanding man like Cousin Xiao Yan to attract women?"
As she spoke, she couldn't help but show a lovestruck expression.
"I actually hope that Cousin Xiao Yan is a bit more of a womanizer, so that maybe I can have a chance too."
Xiao Ning snorted coldly.
"Xiao Mei, you're hopeless."
Xiao Mei gave a soft hum and turned her head away.
"You're the same way. Xun'er doesn't care about you at all. She doesn't even want to say a word to you."
But it's different for me; my cousin Xiao Yan even smiles at me.
Xiao Ning's face immediately darkened.
Mad, this conversation is going nowhere.
Just then, someone behind them suddenly shouted, "Cousin Xun'er is here!"
Instantly, everyone who was preparing to watch the play perked up.
Inside the hall, Xiao Yan received news from Yao Lao that Xiao Xun'er was on her way, and he coughed lightly.
"Father, you can handle the matters between the Jia Lie family and the Oba family. I'll take Little Fairy Doctor out first."
Xiao Zhan waved his hand and said, "Alright, after we go out, have the steward help Miss Little Fairy Doctor choose a courtyard."
Also, tell those brats outside to leave. What are they doing all crowding around outside in broad daylight?
Xiao Yan nodded and looked at Little Fairy Doctor.
Let's go!
As soon as the two stepped out of the hall, they saw a beautiful young woman in a long purple dress, with an elegant demeanor like a rare orchid in a secluded valley, standing not far away. Although she had a faint smile on her face, her eyes contained a hidden indifference, giving people a sense that strangers should not approach her.
But when she saw Xiao Yan come out, her pretty face immediately lit up with a bright and charming joy. She ran towards Xiao Yan like a swallow returning to its nest, as if she did not see the Little Fairy Doctor standing to the side.
This scene almost made the younger members of the Xiao family, who were watching the show from the sidelines, drop their jaws.
No, this script is wrong!
Little Fairy Doctor also noticed Xiao Xun'er. The moment she saw the latter, she felt a sense of shame and lowered her head slightly.
"Xun'er, you've arrived."
Seeing Xun'er's genuinely bright smile, Xiao Yan's expression quickly returned to calm after a moment of surprise, and he smiled slightly.
Upon arriving in front of Xiao Yan, Xiao Xun'er quickly glanced at Little Fairy Doctor before giving him a half-smile.
"Brother Xiao Yan, do you think Xun'er's arrival is ill-timed?"
Xiao Yan took a deep breath and reached out to ruffle Xiao Xun'er's hair, which exuded a faint fragrance.
"No, you've come at the perfect time!"
Upon hearing this, the younger members of the Xiao family who were watching the play nearby were immediately dumbfounded.
Dude, is this even possible?
What shocked them the most was that Xiao Xun'er wasn't angry at all.
"Come, let me introduce you. This is a friend I met in Qingshan Town, Little Fairy Doctor."
Xiao Yan took Xiao Xun'er's hand and introduced her to Little Fairy Doctor. Then, pointing to Xiao Xun'er, he introduced her to Little Fairy Doctor: "This is my little sister who grew up with me since childhood, Xiao Xun'er."
Little Fairy Doctor nodded slightly and smiled gently.
Oh, so it's your younger sister!
Xiao Xun'er pouted slightly, gave a soft hum, and ignored Xiao Yan.
Is she just my younger sister?
Then Xiao Yan looked at the onlookers and said irritably, "Alright, alright, everyone, go away. There's nothing to see here."
Although everyone hadn't had enough of watching, they could only leave with regret after Xiao Yan spoke.
Soon, only Xiao Yan and his two companions remained in the same spot.
After the crowd dispersed, Xiao Yan smiled and looked at the two women in front of him.
"Xun'er, Little Fairy Doctor, this isn't the place to talk. If there's anything you want to say or ask, let's find another place to talk, shall we?"
Xiao Xun'er and Little Fairy Doctor agreed, but they clearly didn't give Xiao Yan a friendly look, especially when there were no outsiders around.
On the way, the two women chatted quite amiably, while Xiao Yan was ignored by everyone.
However, seeing the two women getting along so well, Xiao Yan felt a strange sensation.
But upon closer reflection, it seems to make sense.
Both Xiao Xun'er and Xiao Yixian are gentle and understanding girls. They know very well that making a scene in front of Xiao Yan will only put him in a difficult position.
Because, no matter which one of them is important to Xiao Yan.
As night fell, the two women acted as if they were close confidantes.
Little Fairy Doctor knew that Xiao Xun'er and Xiao Yan hadn't seen each other for a long time and must have a lot to talk about, so she took the initiative to leave the space for the two of them.
Watching Little Fairy Doctor's departing figure, Xiao Yan sighed softly.
"Little Fairy Doctor is a good girl, but unfortunately her life is full of hardships."
Xiao Xun'er was slightly taken aback and asked about Little Fairy Doctor.
Although she and Little Fairy Doctor got along quite well, she naturally didn't talk about some private matters.
Xiao Yan immediately told Xiao Xun'er how he met Little Fairy Doctor.
When Xiao Xun'er learned that Little Fairy Doctor was actually the legendary Calamity Poison Body, her mouth dropped open in surprise, and she was speechless for a moment. She felt a pang of pity for Little Fairy Doctor in her heart.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan rubbed Xiao Xun'er's head and said gently, "Don't worry, I will help Little Fairy Doctor get rid of the hidden danger of the Calamity Poison Body."
After Xiao Yan finished speaking, he thought for a moment and added, "However, she has always lacked friendships; even her best friend betrayed her, so Xun'er..."
I hope you can get along well with her and treat each other as best friends.
Trust me, Little Fairy Doctor will definitely be a friend you can rely on.
Xiao Xun'er enjoyed Xiao Yan's intimate actions, and the corners of her rosy lips turned up slightly.
When she heard Xiao Yan say that he would help Little Fairy Doctor get rid of the hidden danger of the Calamity Poison Body, even though she knew that every Calamity Poison Body that appeared over the past thousands of years had ended in tragedy, she still firmly chose to believe in her brother Xiao Yan.
Later, when she heard Xiao Yan ask her to become friends with Little Fairy Doctor, she chuckled and said, "Brother Xiao Yan, do you think Xun'er is such a petty person?"
Although Little Fairy Doctor clearly likes Brother Xiao Yan, Xun'er doesn't think she'll lose to her.
That's why Xun'er won't stop being friends with Little Fairy Doctor just because she likes Brother Xiao Yan.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was slightly taken aback, and after a moment of silence, he suddenly chuckled.
"Brother Xiao Yan is wrong. He thought of Xun'er as an ordinary girl. Xun'er is the most perfect girl in the world."
A sly glint flashed in Xiao Xun'er's eyes, and she raised her chin slightly.
"Then Xun'er will punish Brother Xiao Yan by making him go shopping with her for two consecutive days, and... Brother Xiao Yan will have to pay for everything Xun'er buys."
"Hahaha, good!" Xiao Yan laughed loudly.
Is Xiao Xun'er short of money?
Of course not, she was just enjoying the process.
...
Three days later in the blink of an eye.
This day was extremely important to the Xiao family, as it was the day they held their coming-of-age ceremony.
With the continuous support of elixirs, the Xiao family is now gradually gaining the prestige of becoming the number one family in Wutan City.
Therefore, when the news that the Xiao family was going to hold a coming-of-age ceremony spread, it immediately attracted the attention of all the major and minor forces in Wutan City.
Many influential figures, including the Mittel auction house, were invited to the Xiao family's home for the ceremony.
In no time, the Xiao family compound was bustling with activity, especially the stone square where the coming-of-age ceremony was about to take place, which was packed with people.
There were other powerful figures, as well as many members of the Xiao family who had come from other places, such as Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yu is considered to have some talent, so her family has invested a lot of resources in her with pills and medicines for several years, which has made her receive considerable attention after entering Canaan Academy.
Now, after another year of study at Canaan Academy, his strength has reached the level of a nine-star Dou Zhe.
Besides, Xiao Yu was one of the few people in the family who knew that Xiao Yan was an alchemist.
At this moment, she was with Xiao Ning, and seeing her younger brother's nonchalant and pretentious attitude, she couldn't help but smile wryly.
This younger brother is hopeless!
Xiao Yu turned her head slightly and glanced to the side and behind her.
In that direction, a tall, handsome young man leaned against the shade of a tree, flanked by two beautiful women, each with her own unique charm.
Xiao Yu's expression darkened slightly, she sighed, and withdrew her gaze.
She was grateful to Xiao Yan, because it was the elixir he had concocted that made her who she was today.
Besides, she also harbored an indescribable affection for Xiao Yan, but she knew very well that there was an insurmountable gap between them, so she dared not have any hope.
On the other side, Little Fairy Doctor seemed to notice Xiao Yu's gaze and gave Xiao Yan a half-smile.
"Tsk tsk, you're really lucky with the ladies. I think that long-legged girl seems to have a thing for you. Why don't you consider it?"
Xiao Xun'er raised her eyebrows slightly and looked at Xiao Yan with a half-smile, as if she wanted to hear how he was going to answer next.
Xiao Yan's lips twitched slightly, and he glared at Little Fairy Doctor with feigned ferocity.
Isn't this just stirring up trouble?
However, Xiao Yan coughed lightly and said righteously, "You must have seen wrong just now. How could Cousin Xiao Yu possibly be interested in me?"
Don't say things like that again. If the person involved hears you, it'll be hard to explain.
Seeing Xiao Yan's strong will to survive, Little Fairy Doctor couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Alright, I'm not teasing you anymore."
Xiao Xun'er covered her mouth and chuckled softly. She had long since noticed Xiao Yu's feelings for Xiao Yan.
However…
This is not a threat!
Soon after, the coming-of-age ceremony officially began.
The Second Elder presided over the coming-of-age ceremony. His expression was extremely solemn as he tirelessly performed the tedious rituals for each of the boys whose names were called.
Because the process was so tedious, Xiao Yan even sat down and began to meditate and cultivate on the spot, leaving Little Fairy Doctor speechless.
"Xiao Yan is really a cultivation fanatic; he doesn't even waste a little time."
Xiao Xun'er smiled and said, "Brother Xiao Yan has been like this since he was a child, otherwise he wouldn't have achieved so many amazing accomplishments at this age."
After listening, Little Fairy Doctor nodded, agreeing that this was indeed the case.
Across from them, Xiao Ning pursed her lips and tugged at Xiao Yu's sleeve, whispering, "Sister, look at Xiao Yan. Although I admit he's strong, he's really just pretending... Sister, why are you pulling my ear?"
Xiao Yu grabbed Xiao Ning's ear and turned it 180 degrees, her expression as cold as ice.
"How many times have I told you to mind your own business and not interfere in Xiao Yan's affairs? Did you even listen to me?"
If I hear you say something like that again, I'll beat you to death.
After saying that, Xiao Yu snorted coldly and released her grip.
Xiao Ning was left trembling and dared not utter another sound.
This may be due to blood vessel suppression.
Evening arrived quickly, and at that moment, a voice suddenly came from the high platform.
"Next up, Xiao Yan!"
The call to action rang out from the platform, immediately drawing the attention of most of the spectators in the square.
The name Xiao Yan is too mysterious and legendary in Wutan City.
He is a low-key person, yet he is very famous.
It is said that he began cultivating fighting spirit at the age of four and reached the ninth level of fighting spirit at the age of nine.
After that, he rarely appeared in front of the world, and no one knew when he broke through to the level of Dou Zhe. However, it is rumored that he may have already broken through to the level of Dou Shi.
There is another saying circulating among the people.
The mysterious alchemist behind the Xiao family is Xiao Yan's teacher, so he is also a respected alchemist.
On the VIP seats below the high platform.
Xiao Zhan sat in the center, with the First Elder and Third Elder of the Xiao family on his left and Ya Fei and Master Gu Ni, two important guests, on his right.
Besides, many other important figures from Wutan City were invited to watch the Xiao family's coming-of-age ceremony.
For example, the largest weapons and medicine merchants in Wutan City, as the Xiao family's power grew, their connections with the Xiao family became increasingly close.
Of course, the main reason was to take this opportunity to curry favor with the mysterious alchemist behind the Xiao family.
Even if things are bad, we still have to curry favor with the Xiao family!
As the leaders of a power group, they were extremely eager to make progress.
Besides this, what surprised people even more was the head of the Obama family, Obapta.
This short, fat old man was also invited to watch the Xiao family's coming-of-age ceremony.
Aren't the Obama family and the Xiao family enemies?
Moreover, the fact that Obapa came but no one from the Garry family was seen suggests something.
It's obvious to everyone that once the Obama family turns against them, the Xiao family's position as the overlord of Wutan City will be indisputable.
On the other side, Xiao Yan opened his eyes the moment his name was called.
Seeing this, Little Fairy Doctor smiled and teased, "Xiao Yan, you really don't understand romance. With Xun'er and me by your side, you can ignore us and just keep cultivating. Aren't we pretty? Or... do you not like women?"
Listening to Xiao Yixian's lewd words, Xiao Xun'er's delicate face flushed slightly, but she couldn't help but look at Xiao Yan with curiosity. Upon closer inspection, one could see a hint of worry in her eyes.
She actually believed it, and she was almost convinced!
Xiao Yan caught the gaze that Xiao Xun'er was casting, and his face immediately darkened. He glanced at Little Fairy Doctor with annoyance and snorted.
"Xun'er, don't listen to Little Fairy Doctor's nonsense. My sexual orientation is perfectly normal."
Besides, if I didn't like women, would I bring her home?
Now it was Little Fairy Doctor's turn to blush. She glanced at Xiao Yan with slightly evasive eyes.
What did he mean by that?
Could it be that he really has feelings for me?
As she thought about it, Little Fairy Doctor felt inexplicably happy, and the corners of her lips couldn't help but turn up slightly.
Witnessing this scene, Xiao Xun'er breathed a sigh of relief, her little mouth pouting slightly.
So, am I just the younger sister?
Xiao Xun'er gave Xiao Yan a resentful look. At the age of fifteen, she gave him the feeling of a resentful woman confined to her chambers.
Xiao Yan's lips twitched slightly.
Seriously, where does all this inner drama come from?
"Alright, alright, the Second Elder is still waiting on the stage, I'll go up first."
Xiao Yan quickly said something to the two women and stood up.
Upon seeing this, the crowd blocking his way immediately moved to the sides, clearing a path for him.
But the next moment, they were stunned by Xiao Yan's actions.
In their line of sight, Xiao Yan lightly touched the ground with his toes, his body soared into the air, and a pair of purple wings sprouted from his back.
In just a moment, it flew up to the high platform.
"Holy crap, what's that?!"
"Battle...Battle Aerodynamic Wings!"
"It's the Fighting King!"
"Young Master Xiao Yan is actually a legendary Battle King!"
"This is absolutely terrifying!"
Countless shocked gazes turned to Xiao Yan, and the VIP seats erupted in chaos.
Xiao Zhan's body trembled slightly, and an uncontrollable force burst forth from his palm.
In the blink of an eye, the teacup he was holding turned into a cloud of dust.
Sigh, having a son like Xiao Yan is good, but he's a bit of a jerk when it comes to teacups and tables.
They'll give you a big surprise all the time.
Tea splashed onto the long table, but no one paid any attention.
The eldest son of the Xiao family, Lao Mai, convulsed violently due to the excitement, as if he were a madman.
Yafei and Gu Ni stared intently at the young man standing on the high platform, their expressions filled with shock.
It should be noted that the Fighting King is already the top combat force of the Gama Empire, and the current patriarch of the Mittel family is only a Fighting King.
"The Xiao family... they really are an eye-opener!"
"If I remember correctly, Young Master Xiao Yan should only be sixteen years old, right?"
"Hiss~ A sixteen-year-old Battle King powerhouse, such talent is unheard of even in the history of the Gama Empire!"
Ya Fei turned her head and glanced at Gu Ni, her charming face still showing traces of shock.
"Master Gu Ni, do you think... Xiao Yan is really a Dou Wang level expert?"
Coming to his senses, Gu Ni took a deep breath, pondered for a moment, and shook his head slightly.
"I was also startled by Young Master Xiao Yan's method just now, but upon closer reflection, Young Master Xiao Yan should not be a Dou Wang yet, otherwise it would be too astonishing."
As for the pair of wings behind him, I'm more inclined to believe they represent a special fighting technique.
Master Gu Ni was, after all, a second-grade alchemist, and was very knowledgeable.
The others listened and thought about it carefully, and found that there was some truth to it.
Otherwise, a sixteen-year-old Battle King would indeed be a bit of an exaggeration.
"I wonder just how strong Xiao Yan is. Even if he's not a Dou Wang, he's definitely not weak."
"At least a Dou Shi, and a Grand Dou Shi is not impossible."
"With Young Master Xiao Yan's talent, it's only a matter of time before he breaks through to the Dou Huang level."
"The Xiao family has produced a dragon!"
"Chief Xiao, congratulations, congratulations!"
Representatives from various factions whispered amongst themselves in the VIP section, and after witnessing Xiao Yan's displayed talent, they all offered their congratulations to Xiao Zhan.
Some even went so far as to inquire about Xiao Zhan's intentions, wanting to know if Xiao Yan needed any maids, hoping to send their daughters to the Xiao family.
After all, young people are full of passion and are most easily controlled by their own desires.
If their daughter could have some interesting encounters with a genius like Xiao Yan, that would be wonderful.
Sitting in his seat, Xiao Zhan watched as representatives from various factions openly and covertly sold their daughters. He couldn't help but twitch his lips and politely declined them all with a smile.
How could he not know what these guys were up to?
Seeing Xiao Zhan's resolute attitude, everyone could only secretly regret it.
At this moment, Xiao Yan, above the platform, also completed the tedious ritual under the Second Elder's guidance and turned to stand before the dark test stone tablet.
The audience below the stage watched this scene intently, eager to see just how powerful Xiao Yan had become.
Only a few members of the Xiao family recalled Xiao Yan's performance on the Demon Testing Stone Tablet a few years ago, and thought to themselves, "Now that he's reached adulthood, Cousin Xiao Yan shouldn't be hiding his strength anymore, right?"
Xiao Ning also stared intently at Xiao Yan on the high platform, the one he once regarded as his lifelong enemy.
Now... we should finally know his true strength, right?
Xiao Yan reached out his hand onto the stone tablet amidst the attention of everyone.
In an instant, the Demon-Testing Stone Tablet shone brightly, and a line of golden characters in flowing dragon and phoenix script appeared on its surface.
"Fighting Spirit: Ninth Dan!"
"How is that possible!"
Below the platform, a commotion erupted, with countless people exclaiming in disbelief.
In their eyes, even if Xiao Yan wasn't a Dou Wang (Battle King), he should at least be a Dou Shi (Battle Master) or a Da Dou Shi (Great Battle Master)!
How could he possibly be a ninth-level Dou Qi master!
Is the magic-measuring stone tablet malfunctioning?
Many members of the Xiao family are already used to this, as this is not the first time they have witnessed such a scene.
The first time we saw Xiao Yan's ninth-level Dou Qi was when he was nine years old. Everyone was amazed by his terrifying talent.
The second, third, and fourth time I saw Xiao Yandou's ninth-level fighting spirit, I gradually came to believe that his genius had fallen.
Even now, when everyone sees Xiao Yan being tested for the ninth level of Dou Qi, they only feel that Xiao Yan is unfathomable and can control his strength at will, so much so that even the Demon Testing Stone Tablet cannot detect it.
Otherwise, how can we explain his strength?
Xiao Ning stood in the crowd, looking at the large, flowing characters on the Demon Testing Stone Tablet, her expression incredibly complex.
"At this point, Xiao Yan still hasn't revealed his true strength. Isn't he treating us like fools? Who has a ninth-level Dou Qi like him?!"
Those around who were unaware of the truth turned their heads upon hearing this, and Xiao Ning's words made them realize something.
So that's how it is.
I knew it! How could the young master of the Xiao family only have the ninth level of Dou Qi?
Little did they know that Xiao Yan on the high platform was also quite helpless. Did they really think that he was unwilling to show his strength?
The main problem is that this magic-measuring stone tablet can only measure up to the ninth level of fighting spirit!
As the golden light on the Demon-Testing Stone Tablet dissipated, Xiao Yan bowed slightly to the Second Elder.
"Second Elder, may I leave now?"
"cough!"
The Second Elder coughed and said earnestly, "Xiao Yan, the coming-of-age ceremony is an extremely important day in your life. Why don't you take the test again?"
Xiao Yan shrugged and said, "Forget it, it'll be the same no matter how many times I take the test."
"You are good in every way, except that you like to hide your talents too much."
"Sigh... alright, you can go down now."
The Second Elder waved his hand, skipping the next challenge.
With Xiao Yan's strength, he is a force to be reckoned with among the younger generation of the Xiao family.
Who can challenge him? Who dares to challenge him?
After Xiao Yan stepped down, the Second Elder's voice continued to ring out.
"Next up, Xiao Xun'er!"
Seeing Xun'er approaching, Xiao Yan smiled and said, "Looking forward to Xun'er's performance."
Xiao Xun'er, who is usually reserved and cold-faced, was unusually affectionate when facing Xiao Yan, and said with a smile: "Don't worry, Brother Xiao Yan, Xun'er's strength will definitely surprise you."
"Haha, then I'll wait and see!"
After a while, as Xiao Xun'er placed her hand on the magic-testing stone tablet, golden light shone brightly.
"Fighter: Nine Stars!"
The entire audience was stunned!
In the VIP section, representatives from various factions gasped in surprise.
The Hsiao family is about to take off!
First came Xiao Yan, and now Xiao Xun'er has appeared.
If nothing unexpected happens in the future, a fifteen-year-old nine-star Dou Zhe will likely become a Dou Huang powerhouse.
Obap took out a handkerchief and tremblingly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, feeling extremely relieved.
Thank goodness I was quick enough to submit my ballot!
Otherwise, once the Xiao family grows up, it will be a devastating disaster for the Obama family.
But then he thought of the Jia Lie family, who were still trying to fight the Xiao family to the death, and he inexplicably laughed again.
Although the Obama family and the Garry family were once allies, seeing the Garry family about to suffer... well, my mood has improved again.
Under the shade of a tree, Xiao Yan and Little Fairy Doctor stood together, lazily enjoying the cool air.
The latter glanced at the Demon Testing Stone Tablet and couldn't help but exclaim, "Xiao Yan, your Xiao family is truly terrifying. Besides you, Xun'er's talent is also so terrifying."
It should be noted that Mu She, the strongest person in Qingshan Town before, was only a two-star Dou Shi.
However, Xiao Xun'er had already reached the level of a nine-star Dou Zhe at the age of fifteen.
The difference between them is considerable.
Xiao Yan smiled slightly as he looked at the girl walking down from the platform.
"Little Fairy Doctor, you don't need to belittle yourself. Xun'er's talent is naturally excellent, but your talent is by no means inferior. One day, we will all stand together at the peak of the continent."
"Mmm!" Little Fairy Doctor blushed slightly and responded in a voice barely audible, a hint of fantasy appearing in her eyes.
That's right, let's do it together...
The Hsiao family's coming-of-age ceremony concluded between dawn and dusk.
Representatives from all sides wanted to get to know Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan, but Xiao Zhan politely declined in the end, leaving only Ya Fei and Gu Ni behind.
The Xiao family and the Mittel Auction House have been on good terms for a long time, and now that they've come all this way, Xiao Zhan naturally wants to treat them well.
Seeing his father and Yafei and Gu Ni walking towards him, Xiao Yan coughed lightly and said to the two women beside him, "You two go back first, I'll go and entertain Sister Yafei and Mr. Gu Ni."
Xiao Xun'er glanced at Ya Fei's voluptuous figure, snorted softly, and pulled Xiao Yi Xian away.
After walking a distance, Little Fairy Doctor remembered the charming and alluring woman from before and asked curiously, "Who was that woman just now?"
Xiao Xun'er paused slightly, thought for a moment, and said, "She's the older sister that Brother Xiao Yan has recognized."
On the other side, Xiao Zhan had already brought Ya Fei and Gu Ni behind him to Xiao Yan's front.
"Sister Yafei, Mr. Gu Ni, it's been a long time!" Xiao Yan said with a light laugh.
"Little brother Xiao Yan, it's been a long time!"
Ya Fei looked at Xiao Yan, a half-smile playing on her beautiful face, her voice charming and melodious.
Gu Ni, standing to the side, dared not be negligent. He bowed slightly and looked at Xiao Yan with a hint of respect in his eyes.
"Young Master Xiao Yan is too kind. Witnessing your abilities today has truly broadened my horizons."
Xiao Yan casually waved his hand and smiled modestly.
"Mr. Gu Ni, you flatter me. I was merely fortunate to have benefited from the opportunities left by my predecessors."
"Alright, little brother Xiao Yan, do you really intend to entertain us here?" Ya Fei's red lips parted slightly, her gaze towards Xiao Yan seemingly filled with a flickering light.
"Haha, Sister Yafei is right. I didn't think it through. This way, please."
As Xiao Yan spoke, he gestured for them to proceed.
The four walked and talked, and soon arrived at the Xiao family hall.
After taking his seat, Xiao Zhan cupped his hands in thanks and said, "Miss Ya Fei, Mr. Gu Ni, the Xiao family has always been fortunate to have your care. On behalf of the Xiao family, I would like to express my gratitude to you both."
Ya Fei hurriedly declined, saying, "Master Xiao, you're too kind. If anyone should be thanking me, it's me. If it weren't for my brother Xiao Yan entrusting me with the pills to auction, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to gain the family's attention by now."
Gu Ni chimed in.
Seeing this, Xiao Zhan did not insist any further, and the subsequent conversation was pleasant for both the host and guest.
After the two left, Xiao Zhan called out to Xiao Yan, who was also about to leave, and said, "Yan'er, what are your plans for the future? In another six months, it will be time for Canaan Academy to start its enrollment."
Xiao Yan was slightly taken aback by Xiao Zhan's question.
After a moment of contemplation, he said, "I will definitely go to Canaan Academy, but not now."
He was determined to obtain the Meteorite Heart Flame, but the comfortable life in the academy was not suitable for his cultivation.
Moreover, his cultivation requires a vast amount of resources, which Canaan Academy cannot provide.
Xiao Zhan nodded slightly upon seeing this.
"Since you already have a plan in mind, I will not say anything more."
"By the way, Father, I probably won't be staying at home for too long this time."
"While I'm still here, let me refine some more pills for you to store. Who knows when I'll be back next time," Xiao Yan continued.
"Are you leaving again? Sigh, that's right, Wutan City is still too small for you." Xiao Zhan fell silent for a moment after hearing Xiao Yan's words.
After a moment, he said in a deep voice, "It's fine to help the family refine medicine. You are now a fourth-grade alchemist. If you go and refine those low-grade pills, it will lower your status and waste your cultivation time."
"I, your father, have already sent people to other cities to recruit alchemists. One of them, a first-grade alchemist, learned that our Xiao family has a fourth-grade alchemist behind them and readily agreed to become a guest retainer of our family. He will be here soon."
Xiao Yan nodded upon hearing this, "That's fine too."
After all, he couldn't stay at the Xiao family forever.
After thinking for a moment, Xiao Yan smiled and said, "Then when I get back, I will prepare a copy of my experience in alchemy for my father, from first grade to fourth grade."
If that alchemist performs well, Father may, at his discretion, gift him my alchemy insights. This would not only increase his loyalty to the Xiao family but also improve his alchemy skills.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhan's eyes lit up, and a smile appeared on his rugged and bold face.
"Haha, great idea!"
Seeing his father's excited expression, Xiao Yan smiled slightly.
...
The Gallie family!
The atmosphere in the hall was heavy.
Whether it was Patriarch Jialiebi or the other elders of the Jialie family, their hearts sank to the bottom at this moment.
The reason was simple: they had just received news that the Obama family had unilaterally terminated their alliance with the Jia Lie family and switched allegiance to the Xiao family.
Bang!
Upon receiving the news, Jia Lie gritted his teeth in anger and slammed the table in front of him into a pile of fragments.
"Obapapa is such an idiot."
Did he think that by siding with the Xiao family, he would be safe from being purged by Xiao Zhan?
"Our two families have been fighting with the Xiao family for so many years, doesn't he know that Xiao Zhan is a cunning old fox?"
"Sigh!" The eldest elder of the Jialie family, sitting to Jialiebi's left, sighed and shook his head.
"Clan leader, if you ask me, I can't blame Obapa. There are rumors circulating outside that Xiao Yan of the Xiao family may have already reached the level of a Great Dou Master."
He's only sixteen! With him around, what hope do our Jia Lie family and the Oba family have?
The words of the elder of the Jialie family immediately resonated with many members of the Jialie family in the hall.
With Xiao Yan around, what can they use to fight the Xiao family?
Everyone turned their attention to Jia Liebi, whose face was grim, as if waiting for him to make up his mind.
After a long silence, Galebi took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.
He looked around at the crowd, his gaze deep and his expression passionate.
"Everyone, I know you are all very anxious right now, but I want to tell you that our Jia Lie family has not lost yet."
Although we don't have a genius like Xiao Yan, we do have Master Lin Hong.
With him here, even if we can't turn the tide, we can at least leave Wutan City and start afresh.
"That's right!"
"The clan chief is right, our Jialie family has not lost yet!"
"We still have Master Lin Hong!"
Jia Liebi's impassioned speech instantly ignited the fighting spirit of the Jia Lie family members.
He was absolutely right; the Jia family and the Xiao family had a long-standing feud.
The members of the two families basically disliked each other, with one side finding fault with the other.
In this situation, given a choice, the members of the Jialie family would not easily submit.
The eldest elder of the Jialie family was an old man with white hair and beard. He watched all this quietly, a look of worry flashing in his eyes. He asked, "Clan leader, I remember that Master Lin Hong has been in seclusion for more than two months to refine medicine. Has he not come out of seclusion yet?"
Jia Liebi shook his head and said, "This time we have prepared much more medicinal materials than last time, so Master Lin Hong's refining time will naturally be longer."
While mentioning Lin Hong, Jia Liebi didn't forget to smile at Liu Xi, who was sitting to his lower left.
Liu Xi raised his chin slightly with arrogance, his nostrils practically pointing to the sky.
Many members of the Jialie family couldn't help but cast disgusted and contemptuous glances at him.
This guy has been riding high on the Jialie family ever since he came here, bossing everyone around him.
Everyone had long disliked him.
Liu Xi naturally noticed this scene, but instead of being angry or afraid, he smiled smugly, making the contemptuous and cold expression on his face clearly visible to the person opposite him.
accurate?
If you're unhappy, come and hit me!
Just then, a guard rushed in from outside the door, his face filled with terror.
Jia Liebi frowned and scolded.
"What's the panic?"
"Didn't anyone teach you the rules?"
Despite being reprimanded by Galebi, the guard acted as if he hadn't heard a word and hurriedly spoke up.
"Chief, something terrible has happened!"
"The Fourth Elder and Fifth Elder, who were guarding outside Master Lin Hong's gate, are dead!"
Bang!
As soon as he finished speaking, Galleybi and the others in the hall stood up abruptly.
"What did you say? Who died?!"
A terrifying aura erupted from Galebi, his gaze as malevolent as he looked at the guard who had come to report the news.
The guard was so frightened by Jia Liebi's sudden outburst of aura that his legs trembled, but he still continued with a face full of fear: "The Fourth Elder and the Fifth Elder were murdered outside Master Lin Hong's alchemy room. The murderer... is suspected to be Master Lin Hong."
As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Xi became even more agitated than the members of the Jia Lie family, shouting, "What did you say? You dare to falsely accuse my master of being a murderer? I'll kill you!"
As he spoke, Liu Xi prepared to make his move.
Mad, he's still here. If Master is the murderer, wouldn't he be in big trouble?
"stop!"
At this moment, Jia Liebi shouted loudly, glancing coldly at Liu Xi, his voice full of intimidation.
"Let him continue."
Liu Xi was startled by Jia Liebi's devilish gaze and reluctantly withdrew his actions, but a hint of panic and unease was revealed in his eyes.
If the murderer is really his master, then he's finished!
The guard glanced at Jia Liebi with a hint of gratitude and continued, "The Fourth Elder and the Fifth Elder were killed in a surprise attack when they were caught off guard. Moreover, Master Lin Hong has also disappeared, along with the pills he has been refining for the past two months."
Bang!
The old patriarch of the Jialie family slumped back into his chair, and all the members of the Jialie family felt as if the sky had fallen.
Jia Liebi coughed up a mouthful of blood, which he suddenly spat out, and his breath weakened instantly.
His face was filled with resentment and hatred, and his voice became hoarse.
"That scoundrel Lin Hong ruined me, ruined the entire Jia Lie family!"
He deserves to die!
In order to fight the Xiao family to the death, Jia Liebi exhausted all of his family's resources and even borrowed a lot of gold coins to raise the money for the medicine.
Unexpectedly, Lin Hong, that scoundrel, ran away with all the pills that the Jialie family had used to turn the tide.
No wonder he was so proactive in urging himself to take a gamble two months ago; it turns out he already had this plan in mind back then.
Thinking of this, Jia Liebi suddenly looked at Liu Xi, who was trembling and dared not speak, and a violent glint flashed in his scarlet eyes.
"Guards, drag this piece of trash out and cut him into a thousand pieces!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Xi's legs went weak, and he hurriedly cried out, "Chief Jia Lie, perhaps there is some misunderstanding, otherwise why would my teacher have left me here?"
Jia Liebi scoffed contemptuously and said, "Perhaps even your teacher thinks that bringing along a fool like you would increase the risks, which is why he left you here. Drag him away and have him torn to pieces!"
As he spoke, Jia Liebi casually pointed a finger, crippling both of Liu Xi's legs.
At this moment, members of the two Jialie families also stepped forward, their expressions revealing a desire to devour Liu Xi alive.
"Chief, we're coming!"
Jiajia nodded, and the two men's eyes immediately turned fierce. They walked towards Liu Xi step by step. The latter looked at the two men who were closing in on him, put his hands on the ground, and kept backing away, his face full of fear.
"No, no, don't come any closer!"
"Chief Galley, I was wrong, I was really wrong!"
"Spare my life, and I will dedicate myself to alchemy for the Jia Lie family from now on."
...