Chapter 72: He's Your Brother?!
Xiao Yuan's light chuckle instantly drew the attention of everyone in Xiao Yu's group.
Xiao Yan, who had already turned his head at the familiar voice, looked around but still didn't spot Xiao Yuan.
The next moment, a hand draped over his shoulder, giving it a firm pat.
"Not bad! Looks like you've made some decent progress while I was away."
Hearing his third brother's familiar, slightly proud voice, Xiao Yan's face lit up with a smile.
"Third Brother! You're back!"
Xiao Yan turned around and greeted him warmly.
"Hehe, you're doing pretty well yourself. Five-star now? Or six?"
Xiao Yuan asked with a grin.
"Five-star."
Xiao Yan rubbed his nose and replied with a hint of resignation.
Although he had made incredible progress over the past few months, he couldn't sense the depth of Xiao Yuan's strength at all.
That was terrifying.
He figured his third brother must be at least Eight- or Nine-Star by now.
After all, Xiao Yuan was already a Four-Star before leaving. Considering how talented he was, it wasn't surprising if he had grown to such a level.
"Hm? That aura…"
Just as Xiao Yan was deep in thought, Yao Lao's puzzled voice echoed in his mind.
"Teacher? What is it?"
Xiao Yan asked silently.
"I think… I sensed the aura of a Heavenly Flame from your third brother."
Yao Lao's voice paused, puzzled.
"Heavenly Flame?!"
Xiao Yan's heart skipped a beat.
"Mm. But now's not the time to talk about it. We'll discuss it after the enrollment ends."
With that, Yao Lao fell silent again.
"You still remembered to come back, huh?"
Seeing Xiao Yuan arrive just in time, chatting so warmly with Xiao Yan, Xiao Yu's face showed both relief and playful annoyance. She approached and gave him a soft punch to the chest.
"Hehe, let's go inside first."
Xiao Yuan chuckled, took her hand, and led the way, catching up with the visibly impatient officer who had been waiting.
"Xiao Yuan, what's your strength now?"
Xiao Yu leaned in close and whispered in his ear.
The warmth of her breath and fragrance lifted Xiao Yuan's spirits.
Around them, the fully armored guards radiated a faint killing aura. For Xiao Yan and the others, who had never experienced such pressure, it was difficult to breathe.
But Xiao Yuan walked through it casually, smiling as he whispered:
"Guess, Xiao Yu-jie. If you get it right, I'll reward you."
Just as Xiao Yu was about to guess seriously, she noticed Xiao Yuan staring blatantly at her lips. Realizing his true intention, her face turned red, and she scoffed, turning away.
"Hmph!"
She refused to acknowledge the shameless flirt.
Seeing this, Xiao Yuan raised an eyebrow and turned his attention to Xun'er, grinning:
"Xun'er, I bet you're a Five-Star too, right? Better catch up, or Xiao Yan might surpass you."
Xun'er smiled gently. "Brother Xiao Yuan jests. Brother Xiao Yan has always had better talent than me. It's only natural that he'd surpass me again."
Xiao Yuan sighed with a shake of his head. "You're too good to him, Xun'er."
"Hehe~"
Xun'er tilted her head adorably and clung to Xiao Yan's arm.
Xiao Yan, visibly flustered, didn't blush, but the tips of his ears turned red.
The surrounding soldiers grew even more cold and vigilant, but were baffled—why were these kids acting like this wasn't a big deal?
Xiao Yuan had planned to catch up with Xiao Ning too, but the soldier barrier was only a few dozen feet. Before he could say much, they were already through.
Sigh…
The officer in front of them let out a long sigh and turned around. His once-stoic face now wore an expression of helplessness.
This whole "secret test" was arranged by Instructor Ruo Lin, and he had to follow it.
But judging by the behavior of these kids—especially the two lively pairs—none of them were taking it seriously.
Xiao Yu finally noticed Xiao Ning's pale face and couldn't help but complain:
"Senior Ke, are you doing this on purpose?"
"Hehe, trying to use backdoor connections? Of course there's a little test. It was Instructor Ruo Lin's idea. Besides, weren't you all enjoying yourselves just now?"
The officer smiled faintly, glancing over at Xiao Yuan, Xiao Yan, and Xun'er as he spoke.
Xiao Yu sighed and gave up arguing, pulling Xiao Yuan along as they walked into the plaza.
In the center, a large green tent stood wide open. Outside, a sea of people stretched in every direction. From time to time, excited young men and women who had passed their test would stream into the inner plaza.
"Yu'er!"
As they approached the tent, a cheerful voice rang out. A flash of red dashed forward, and a laughing girl hugged Xiao Yu tightly, even giving her waist a playful squeeze.
"Let me see if you've gained weight, hehe~"
Xiao Yu was still holding Xiao Yuan's hand. She turned instinctively and caught Xiao Yuan looking at her with an expression of amused disbelief.
Flustered, she quickly pushed the girl away and rolled her eyes. "This is my good friend from Jia Nan Academy—her name is Xue Ni, a Four-Star Dou Zhe."
"Nice to meet you, Senior Xue Ni."
Xiao Yuan smiled and nodded politely.
As his gaze passed over her, he noted she was slightly less beautiful than Xiao Yu, but her figure was bold and curvy—truly eye-catching.
Her personality seemed bubbly and cheerful. Her radiant smile suggested she was close with Xiao Yu.
"Wow, so handsome! Yu'er, is this the little brother you always dreamed about?"
Xue Ni gasped, looking Xiao Yuan up and down.
"…?"
Xiao Yuan raised a brow and turned to Xiao Yu, smirking. "Is that true?"
Xiao Yu's cheeks turned pink as her eyes darted nervously.
Xue Ni instinctively reached for Xiao Yu's hand but stopped short—Xiao Yu's hand was still in Xiao Yuan's.
She froze, then slowly turned toward her friend, her expression incredulous.
"Yu'er… he's your little brother!"
(END CHAPTER)
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