Chapter 131: A One Star Fighter
Heaven Beyond Heaven, Ji Shan Pavilion – Banquet Hall.
As Gu Yue spoke, Xiao Qing nodded. This wasn't new to him his third uncle, Xiao Tiance, had already told him about it. However, since there was currently no way to revive Xiao Xuan, his uncle had refrained from bringing up the topic further.
"Alright, let's not dwell on that. Let's talk about something else," Xiao Qing said with a smile.
"Sure, Xiao Qing ge, what would you like to discuss?" Gu Yue replied with a cheerful expression.
"What do you think about this marriage alliance? Do you have any reservations or concerns?" Xiao Qing asked.
Gu Yue shook her head, smiling calmly. **"Not really. Men and women reaching the age to marry is a natural part of life. Besides, the Xiao Clan is so powerful, and outstanding figures like you, Xiao Qing ge, are attractive and admirable.
"I have no objections to this arrangement. After all, the decision isn't immediate it depends on mutual attraction. That makes this process quite fair, don't you think?"**
Her honest and straightforward reply showed no trace of discontent, and Xiao Qing found her attitude admirable. Their conversation flowed smoothly as they discussed various topics, most of which revolved around Gu Yue's curiosity about Xiao Qing and his clan.
The more they talked, the more Gu Yue understood the Xiao Clan's strength and why Xiao Qing held Xiao Tiance in such high regard.
A Night of Celebration
As night fell over Heaven Beyond Heaven, vibrant fireworks painted the skies in dazzling colors. Their brilliance illuminated the night like a thousand blooming flowers, enchanting everyone who gazed upon them.
Below, the lively bonfire party had everyone immersed in song, dance, and laughter. It was a rare moment where no one thought of cultivation, focusing instead on cherishing the joyous atmosphere.
The results of the marriage alliance were better than anyone expected every maiden sent by the Gu Clan found a match in the Xiao Clan.
However, while the young people were thrilled, not all the Gu Clan elders shared their enthusiasm. Many were displeased that none of their relatives were chosen by Xiao Qing, the most prominent figure in the alliance.
Yet one elder, Gu Dao, was delighted. His granddaughter, Gu Yue, had won Xiao Qing's favor and was now the future wife of the next Xiao Clan leader. Gu Dao's already high status in the Gu Clan soared further, surpassing even Gu Lie and leaving him second only to Gu Yuan.
By the end of the night, Gu Dao had celebrated with a few extra drinks, his joy uncontainable.
Moving Forward
The next day, with the marriage alliance settled, Gu Yuan bid farewell. His urgency stemmed from receiving the materials list for the Nine Star Spirit Gathering Array. He was eager to gather everything as soon as possible to have the array constructed in the Gu Realm.
Time passed swiftly, and soon it was time for the Xiao Clan in Wu Tan City to conduct their annual talent test.
Wu Tan City – Xiao Clan Talent Test
"Next, Xiao Yan!"
The elder's voice rang out, drawing everyone's attention. Xiao Yan stepped forward with a confident gleam in his eyes. Unlike in the original timeline, where his progress had been slower, his mentor Yao Chen had secretly used the Tian Ji Token to obtain rare medicinal ingredients from the Xiao Clan.
Thanks to this, Xiao Yan's cultivation had advanced beyond the original trajectory. He was now a Fighter (Dou Zhe) and had condensed a Dou Qi Cyclone within his body.
"Boom!"
Xiao Yan struck the testing monument with a powerful punch, and the words "Dou Qi: Level 7 – High Tier" lit up in radiant letters.
"Xiao Yan: Dou Qi Level 7, High Tier."
A hush fell over the crowd. If the testing monument hadn't been so reliable, everyone might have thought they were seeing things.
Just a year ago, Xiao Yan's Dou Qi had been stuck at Level 3. To leap to Level 7 in such a short time was almost unbelievable.
"Good! Excellent! Well done!" Xiao Zhan, seated on the observation platform, slammed his palm against the table, spilling tea everywhere. His face shone with pride, as if he had finally reclaimed his dignity.
Four years ago, Xiao Yan had become the youngest Fighter in the Xiao Clan's history. He was hailed as a prodigy until, the very next day, his Dou Qi plummeted to Level 3. The abrupt shift made him a target of scorn and humiliation.
Now, witnessing his son's remarkable comeback, Xiao Zhan felt an indescribable mix of relief and pride.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan stood before the testing monument, his face impassive. But deep inside, his fists clenched tightly as waves of emotion surged within him. He had waited a long time for this moment.
Over the past year, Xiao Yan had endured grueling days of training, particularly after Gu Lie's visit. It felt like living in a furnace, but he had persevered.
Casting a glance at the elder beside him, Xiao Yan turned and walked toward Xiao Xun'er. When he saw her radiant smile, his lips finally curled into a genuine grin.
"I knew it! Xiao Yan ge would never be a failure," Xiao Xun'er exclaimed, tears brimming in her eyes. She grabbed his hand, beaming with pride.
Xiao Yan's heart swelled with warmth. "Xun'er, I did it."
Xiao Xun'er nodded enthusiastically. "I always believed in you. To me, Xiao Yan ge is the best!"
As the two exchanged heartfelt words, the onlookers watched with a mix of admiration and envy.
Among them, Xiao Ning's jealousy burned the brightest. He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "Damn it! Xiao Yan doesn't deserve to hold Xun'er's hand!"
However, Xiao Ning dared not act on his anger. With Xiao Zhan seated on the platform, a single misstep could spell his doom.
The Testing Continues
After the murmurs and whispers quieted down, a few more Xiao Clan youths tested their strength. Finally, the elder called out the next name:
"Next, Xiao Xun'er!"
The Xiao Clan now fully understood that Xiao Xun'er was not someone they could afford to provoke. Especially after Gu Lie's visit, it became clear to everyone that Xiao Xun'er had powerful backers individuals capable of wiping out the entire Xiao Clan with a single strike if necessary.
Amidst the crowd's attentive gazes, Xiao Xun'er gently said to Xiao Yan:
"Xiao Yan ge, don't be surprised later!"
Xiao Yan chuckled. "You cheeky girl. Go on, show me your surprise."
Although he wasn't sure of Xiao Xun'er's current strength, he knew her abilities must far exceed his own. He was mentally prepared for a show of great power.
Xiao Xun'er leaped gracefully to the testing monument. With a casual slap, the monument began to hum and vibrate. Moments later, the words "One Star Fighter" lit up brightly.
"Hiss!"
Before the elders could announce the result, the crowd had already seen it. A young girl achieving the rank of Fighter at this age was nothing short of astonishing.
In the Xiao Clan's history, the only person to surpass Xiao Xun'er's achievement was Xiao Yan four years ago. Back then, Xiao Yan's brilliance was unmatched, overshadowing his peers so thoroughly that many in the Xiao Clan's leadership believed he would one day reach the rank of Dou Huang (Battle Emperor) at minimum, as long as he didn't falter.
However, resources and cultivation techniques were always a limiting factor. Had Xiao Yan grown up in Heaven Beyond Heaven with proper resources, he might already have achieved the rank of Dou Huang by now.
"Xiao Xun'er: One Star Fighter!"
Despite the shock, the testing process continued. One of the elders, voice dry from excitement, announced Xiao Xun'er as the first place finisher for this year's test.
"Xun'er jie, you're the best!"
A wave of cheers erupted from the Xiao Clan youth, their enthusiasm filling the entire square.
But Xiao Xun'er seemed oblivious to the clamor. She effortlessly landed beside Xiao Yan, her large, sparkling eyes beaming as she playfully asked:
"Xiao Yan ge, surprised?"
Xiao Yan burst into laughter. "Xun'er, you're amazing!"
He affectionately tousled her hair, his voice full of praise. His own strength was hidden, so he didn't feel the need to overshadow her moment.
However, Xiao Xun'er, while enjoying the attention, sensed the suppressed energy in Xiao Yan. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"So, Xiao Yan ge, you've been hiding your strength! You've already reached the rank of "
"Hush!" Xiao Yan quickly covered her mouth, nervously glancing around. "Keep it down! Be discreet!"
"Hehe, alright," Xiao Xun'er giggled and nodded, agreeing without hesitation.
She understood why Xiao Yan wanted to keep his true strength a secret. After his mysterious fall from Fighter to Dou Qi Level 3 years ago, a sudden public resurgence might invite unnecessary suspicion or trouble.
The Challenge Begins
With the testing phase concluded, it was time for the challenge matches. After a few rounds, Xiao Ning stepped onto the stage, pointing directly at Xiao Yan and barking:
"Xiao Yan! I don't believe you're at Dou Qi Level 7. You must have cheated somehow! I'm going to expose you today!"
His words stirred a wave of interest among the crowd. The idea of someone leaping four levels of Dou Qi in a single year seemed implausible to many.
On the viewing platform, Xiao Zhan's expression darkened as he glared at the first elder. Though furious at Xiao Ning's insolence toward his son, Xiao Zhan refrained from speaking up.
One of the clan elders addressed Xiao Yan:
"Xiao Yan, as per the rules, you must accept Xiao Ning's challenge. Are you willing to step forward?"
The elder, like many others, was curious to see if Xiao Yan's talent had truly returned. If it had, his rapid progress would be nothing short of terrifying a level of talent rarely seen, even in the most gifted clans.
Xiao Yan's lips curled into a cold smile. Xiao Ning had been his most relentless tormentor over the past few years. Now, with the chance to teach him a lesson openly, Xiao Yan wasn't about to let it slip away.
"Very well. Since Cousin Xiao Ning doubts me, I'll let him experience the truth firsthand," Xiao Yan said coolly.
Reassuring Xiao Xun'er with a gentle pat on her hand, he walked to the stage.
The Duel
Xiao Yan and Xiao Ning faced each other, their eyes locked with mutual disdain.
"Begin!" the elder announced.
Neither moved at first. Xiao Ning sneered and shouted:
"Xiao Yan, I'll expose you as the fraud you are! You're no longer the genius you once were!"
Xiao Yan smirked. "Villains always lose because they talk too much."
As Xiao Ning charged, he unleashed a low tier yellow rank Dou Technique. However, Xiao Yan simply stomped the ground and flashed behind him in an instant. A swift punch sent Xiao Ning flying off the stage, unconscious before he hit the ground.
"Victory: Xiao Yan!"
The crowd erupted in astonishment. Even the first elder glared at Xiao Yan, furious at the humiliation inflicted on Xiao Ning. But with Xiao Zhan seated nearby, he dared not act out.
Xiao Yan shrugged and turned to the elder. "Well? Are we done here?"
"O of course. Xiao Yan is the winner," the elder stammered, his voice shaky.
Leaping down from the stage, Xiao Yan approached Xiao Xun'er with a grin. "Well, was that surprising enough for you?"
Xiao Xun'er beamed. "Xiao Yan ge, you're incredible!"
Her praise made Xiao Yan feel elated.
A New Stage Awaits
With the day's drama behind him, Xiao Yan could finally focus on his cultivation.
Later, in the secluded Xiao Clan back mountain, Yao Chen emerged from the storage ring, a satisfied look on his face.
"Xiao Yan, as promised, now that you've broken through to Fighter, I will grant you a cultivation technique."
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1