Truth be told, when Hun Feng faced Hun Xiu…
He was afraid.
Though he couldn't explain why exactly—he just was.
Hun Feng clenched his little fists tightly and muttered to himself,"I will become strong—very strong. So strong that one day, you'll fear me instead."
He chalked up his fear of Hun Xiu to one simple reason: his strength was inferior. That's all it was. His lack of confidence made him afraid.
Midday.
"The Dou Technique Pavilion is open!" a middle-aged elder declared.
As his voice echoed out, the large doors of the Dou Technique Pavilion slowly swung open.
Immediately, the gathered crowd in the square stirred with excitement. One by one, they straightened their backs, eyes gleaming with anticipation and energy.
All eyes turned toward the now-open pavilion. Flames of desire ignited in their eyes.
They had been waiting since morning for this moment.
The pavilion was open. It was time to choose their Dou Techniques.
Despite their excitement, no one rushed in immediately.
Because… the elder hadn't given the official signal.
Until he did, no one dared take a step forward.
This elder was a stern-looking man dressed in black robes, with the air of someone serious and disciplined.
His gaze swept across the crowd until it landed briefly on Hun Xiu, who was still leaning against the wall with his eyes closed. After a pause, the elder withdrew his attention.
Calmly, the elder said,"Now that the Dou Technique Pavilion is open, each of you may select one technique. Choose what suits you best based on your own capabilities. From Yellow to Profound, to Earth and Heaven-rank—take what you can earn with your own strength."
"You may now enter."
"Yes, sir!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd surged forward, stampeding into the Dou Technique Pavilion.
Only after everyone had rushed in did Hun Xiu finally open his eyes, ending his meditative rest.
Leisurely, he began walking toward the pavilion.
As he passed the elder, Hun Xiu suddenly stopped and gave him a meaningful glance.
Sensing someone staring at him, the elder slowly opened his eyes and met Hun Xiu's gaze.
Though unsure why Hun Xiu had paused to look at him, the elder returned a gentle smile.
Hun Xiu also smiled faintly, then turned his eyes forward and entered the pavilion.
Watching him go, the elder murmured to himself:"Interesting little fellow."
Then he closed his eyes once more and resumed resting.
The Dou Technique Pavilion was shaped like a tall tower with four floors. Each floor corresponded to one of the four levels of Dou Techniques:
1st Floor – Yellow Rank
2nd Floor – Profound Rank
3rd Floor – Earth Rank
4th Floor – Heaven Rank
Each of these ranks was further divided into low, mid, and high levels.
As Hun Xiu stepped into the first floor, it was utterly empty.
Clearly, the other proud young elites of the clan disdained Yellow Rank techniques. They weren't even worth a glance.
But it made sense. Why settle for low-grade techniques when better ones were available?
Even Hun Xiu himself wouldn't choose a Yellow Rank technique—unless he had no other options.
Still, he wandered leisurely among the scrolls and manuals.
Even if he didn't plan to choose one, he was curious.
Kind of like seeing long, beautiful legs walking down the street in summer—even if you know they're out of your league, you can't help but sneak a glance.
That was his mindset right now.
"Ding...""Selection detected. Host, would you like to sign in?"
The system's voice echoed in Hun Xiu's mind. He was slightly taken aback, then promptly answered:
"Yes."
"Ding...""Option 1: Yellow Rank High-Level Dou Technique – Killing Palm. This palm technique has four forms, each corresponding to Yellow, Profound, Earth, and Heaven Rank. When all four forms are mastered to the peak, a single strike can destroy the heavens and shatter the earth."
"Option 2: Yellow Rank High-Level Dou Technique – Calamity Fist. Like the Killing Palm, it has four evolving levels. When mastered, a single punch leaves neither gods nor ghosts intact."
"Option 3: Yellow Rank High-Level Dou Technique – Storm Thunder God Leg. This leg technique also has four ranks. Each kick contains terrifying wind and thunder force, capable of annihilating demons and smashing spirits. It's also a powerful movement technique. When mastered, your speed matches the wind."
"Hmm?"
Hun Xiu was surprised by the choices in his mind.
What had he said earlier?
"Yellow-ranked techniques are still kinda tasty..."
And look at that—the system gave him three stellar techniques: fist, palm, and leg arts, all with potential beyond imagination.
After a moment of thought, Hun Xiu said:
"I choose Option 1."
Killing Palm.
No sooner had he made the selection than a scroll materialized in front of him within a Dou Qi barrier.
Exactly what he had just chosen—Killing Palm.
Looking at the scroll trapped in the barrier, Hun Xiu smiled faintly, then casually punched the shield.
Boom—The Dou Qi barrier shattered.
Hun Xiu retrieved the Killing Palm technique, satisfied.
Without the slightest interest in exploring higher floors, he turned and left the pavilion.
"Hmm?"
The elder outside slowly opened his eyes, surprised to see Hun Xiu already exiting.
He asked in astonishment:"You've already made your choice?"
Hun Xiu nodded and replied:"Yes."
He presented the scroll in his hand—Killing Palm—for the elder to register.
Even as the son of the clan leader, there were no exceptions. All selections had to be properly recorded.
"Killing Palm?" the elder muttered, slightly startled.
He looked at Hun Xiu with a deep, knowing gaze and said,"Hun Xiu, do you know what level that technique is?"
"Of course I do. Yellow Rank," Hun Xiu replied casually.
"And you still chose it?" the elder asked, incredulous."With your talent, you should be aiming for Heaven-ranked techniques. Something like this is beneath you."