"This... is impossible!" the Fifth Elder on the viewing platform shouted, forgetting the context and instantly standing up. He couldn't believe his most proud grandson had been defeated like this, and at the hands of a low-level profound practitioner at that.
"Footwork, leg skills, palm power... where did Ling Xiao learn this? It's so powerful, and he even knows Tian'er's Flaming Sun Sword Technique!" Fourth Elder Ling Wei muttered to himself with astonishment.
The elders on the viewing platform all recognized Ling Xiao's extraordinary abilities and couldn't help but secretly marvel at them. This was the first time they had ever seen such a strange and bizarre profound technique. They searched the profound techniques in the profound technique pavilion, but none could match the moves Ling Xiao was unleashing.
Second Elder Ling Mo said nothing, a subtle hint of murderous intent flashing across his old eyes before disappearing in an instant.
Ling Cang, sitting in the middle, remained expressionless, though his heart was filled with surprise, but also with worry. At the same time, he made a firm resolve: no matter what, nothing would happen to Ling Xiao this time. "Elder, can we announce the results?" Ling Xiao turned to Ling Fu, who still hadn't announced the results.
Ninth Elder Ling Fu, having regained consciousness, was about to announce the results.
"Wait... wait, I... I haven't lost yet," Ling Xing, lying on the ground, uttered a faint sound before slowly standing up. However, his chest seemed to be "dented," indicating that Ling Xiao had broken at least a few ribs. His body was staggering, and anyone could tell he was at the end of his strength.
Sure enough, before he could even find his footing, he collapsed again.
The Ling family members in the audience looked at Ling Xiao with different eyes. After a brief silence, they erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
This was a continent that revered the strong, and the Ling family did the same.
Today, the Ling family members witnessed a miracle.
A low-level profound practitioner had actually defeated a high-level profound practitioner. No one would have believed this if they had only spoken it out, but it had actually happened before their eyes, and they couldn't help but believe it. At this moment, they witnessed once again the Ling family's and Meteorite City's once-greatest talent finally rise to power. Their hearts of reverence surged with blood, and they couldn't help but cheer for their idol with all their might.
Only Ling Pang stared at Ling Xiao with resigned displeasure, his fists clenched tightly, as if he wanted to tear Ling Xiao apart.
"I should have brought Yuxi here earlier, so she could see my might." Ling Xiao observed the audience's reactions and couldn't help but think of Yuxi. He felt deeply regretful that Yuxi hadn't witnessed his impressive victory!
Ling Xing was taken away for treatment, and the next match was between Ling Xiao and Ling Li.
At this moment, Ling Xiao actually withdrew.
This startled Ninth Elder Ling Fu, who then asked, "Are you really giving up this match?"
"Yes, I'm forfeiting," Ling Xiao nodded again in response. In reality, it wasn't that he didn't want to compete with Ling Li, but rather that he didn't want to take advantage of Ling Li. Even at his peak, Ling Xiao was confident he could defeat Ling Li. But he was his cousin after all, so he gave him some face and saved himself the trouble.
Ling Xiao no longer cared about the rankings in this kind of competition. Truly powerful people were generally very low-key. He felt it was best for him to be more discreet.
If the other Ling family disciples heard this, they would probably be furious. Who had just said that a high-level Xuanzhe was just a small-time character and unworthy of being his opponent? Could someone who said such a thing be someone who kept a low profile? They wouldn't believe it, even if they were beaten to death.
Ling Li glanced at Ling Xiao and said calmly, "Wait until you become a Xuanzhe, and we'll fight again."
"No problem," Ling Xiao nodded nonchalantly. He didn't care about it.
In this match, Elder Ling Fu declared Ling Li the winner. The next battle should have been between Ling Li and Ling Xing. Unfortunately, Ling Xing, after taking the Huilu Pill, was still in a state of exhaustion, and his confidence was severely damaged. He was completely unable to fight and simply announced his withdrawal.
Thus, Ling Li won without a fight and was ranked the strongest Xuanzhe level, maintaining his position as the third strongest person under the age of twenty in the eighteenth generation of the Ling family. Ling Xiao fell to fourth place, Ling Xing dropped one place to fifth, and Ling Hu ranked sixth...
The family test was finally over!
After the clan leader and elders took the stage to offer some words of encouragement, they dismissed all the disciples, leaving only the top five: Ling Kuang, Ling Lin, Ling Li, Ling Xiao, and Ling Xing. Clan leader Ling Cang addressed the five people, saying, "You five are the elite of the younger generation of our Ling family. From today on, you will enjoy the treatment of deacons and will participate in next year's Meteorite City Clan Competition alongside your five older brothers and sisters who are currently in closed seats. I hope you will cultivate diligently and refrain from arrogance over the next year. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to ask me and the elders present for guidance. They will be generous in providing guidance."
After a pause, he continued, "Now the Third Elder will present your rewards."
Third Elder Ling Yuan, with his paunchy belly, stood up, took a few steps forward, and said quietly, "Ling Kuang, accept the rewards. Because you broke through to the Xuanshi level three months ago and performed exceptionally well, I will reward you with two bottles of Huilu Dan, two bottles of Yangqi Dan, one Posu Dan, and a second-grade intermediate spear."
Hearing the Third Elder's announcement of the rewards, Ling Kuang couldn't help but feel delighted and returned the salute. Although he was the grandson of Second Elder Ling Mo, all his cultivation resources were distributed centrally by the clan. Therefore, he was particularly excited to receive so many rewards at once, especially the Speed-Breaking Pill and the second-grade intermediate spear weapon, which were both unexpected gains.
The Speed-Breaking Pill, a low-level second-grade elixir, can double one's speed. If taken in combat, it would definitely make one invincible against opponents of the same level.
A second-grade intermediate spear weapon was even more desirable. He was a spear user, and he was currently using a second-grade low-grade spear. While its rank wasn't low, he naturally preferred a better intermediate-grade spear.
The Third Elder announced Ling Lin's rewards. Her rewards were similar to Ling Kuang's, differing only in their weaponry: she received a second-grade intermediate sword weapon, as she wielded a sword.
Next came Ling Li's rewards: a bottle of Rejuvenating Dew Pill, a bottle of Nourishing Qi Pill, and a Force-Condensing Pill.
The rewards for a Xuanzhe rank were naturally inferior to those for a Xuanshi rank, but he was extremely satisfied with receiving a Force-Condensing Pill. The Force-Concentrating Pill, a low-level, second-tier elixir, has the effect of concentrating the mind, nourishing Qi, and increasing profound strength. It has a very significant effect on Xuan practitioners reaching the Xuanshi level.
It was supposed to be Ling Xiao's reward next, but the Third Elder skipped over it and went straight to Ling Xing's.
Ling Xing's reward was identical to Ling Li's, with no difference.
After announcing Ling Xing's reward, the Third Elder returned to his seat.
Ling Xiao couldn't help but feel anxious. Everyone else received a reward, even Ling Xing, his defeated opponent, had received considerable benefits, yet he was left out. He immediately turned to the Third Elder and asked, "Third Elder, did you overlook my reward?"
Except for the Third Elder, all the elders and clan leader Ling Cang were extremely puzzled as to why the Third Elder hadn't announced Ling Xiao's reward. This had never been announced beforehand!
Third Elder Ling Yuan stroked his beard and smiled, "You don't get a reward."
"What...what, I don't get a reward? Third Elder, you need to explain clearly. I'm far superior to this useless person. How can he get a reward and I don't? This isn't fair!" Ling Xiao said indignantly.
Ling Xing, whose face was pale, heard this and couldn't help but feel furious. A mouthful of blood spurted out in anger.
"Look, I just said a word and he vomited blood. This useless useless person is of no use. How about this? Give me two of his rewards and let's just call it a day!" Ling Xiao pointed at Ling Xing and sarcastically asked for an additional reward. It must be said that this guy is very good at climbing the ladder. Ling Cang frowned slightly and said, "Ling Xiao, stop talking nonsense." He then turned to the Third Elder, Ling Yuan, and asked, "Third Elder, what are you doing?"
Third Elder Ling Yuan helplessly spread his hands and pointed to a nearby spot, saying, "Clan leader, look who's coming."
Ling Cang and the other elders looked in the direction Third Elder Ling Yuan pointed and saw a white-haired, hunched-over old man approaching.
The old man's steps seemed slow, but each one was enormous, almost five meters long, and he was instantly among the elders.
"Grand Elder," everyone greeted the newcomer with a slight bow.
The Grand Elder said calmly, "No need!"
Seeing the Grand Elder appear, the other four, except Ling Xiao, became excited, as if pumped with energy. Even the usually aloof Ling Li was thrilled.
They knew what was about to happen: the Grand Elder would choose one of the five to be his successor. This was undoubtedly more inspiring to the Ling family than any reward.
At this moment, Fifth Elder Ling Yan quietly gave Second Elder Ling Mo a look, as if conveying some message, and the Second Elder nodded in understanding.
Immediately afterwards, Second Elder Ling Mo stepped forward and said, "Grand Elder, Ling Mo has something to say."
The Grand Elder glanced at Ling Mo and said, "Go ahead. I'm listening."
Ling Mo pointed at his grandson, Ling Kuang, and then said to the Grand Elder, "Eighteenth generation descendant, Ling Kuang, fortunately broke through to the Xuanshi level three months ago. He is the fastest to reach Xuanshi level among those under twenty. He is only nineteen this year and has excellent talent. I hope the Grand Elder can give him more guidance."
As soon as Ling Mo spoke, the expressions of Ling Cang and those who supported Ling Cang changed, while the faces of the elders who supported Ling Mo were all smiles. Ling Kuang took the opportunity to step forward and bow to the Grand Elder, saying, "Greetings, Grand Elder. I hope I have the honor of serving you." Ling Kuang's heart was pounding with excitement. If he could become the Grand Elder's disciple, he would be the future leader of the Ling family. The very thought of his superior control filled him with joy.
At this moment, Fourth Elder Ling Wei unexpectedly stepped forward and said, "Grand Elder, our eighteenth-generation descendant, Ling Lin, is quite talented. She also reached the Xuanshi level a month ago. I hope you can guide her with kindness."
The elders looked at Ling Wei in astonishment. They had never expected that the usually noncompetitive Ling Wei would be so bold as to openly compete with Second Elder Ling Mo for a spot.
Ling Lin, dressed in a purple martial arts uniform, also stepped forward and offered flattering words to the Grand Elder.
Immediately afterwards, without needing any recommendations, Ling Li and Ling Xing both rushed to recommend themselves, hoping to gain the Grand Elder's approval. This opportunity only comes once; if missed, it will never return. How could they not cherish it?
Only Ling Xiao stood by their side. Although the Grand Elder was unfathomable, Ling Xiao felt he was still far inferior to his former master, the Old Ghost. He thought, not just anyone is worthy of being his master. Therefore, he was the only one of the five who remained unmoved.