**CHAPTER 25 — Father-in-Law Test (Part 2)**
The golden arena erupted with power. Pavilion Master Xueyin raised one hand casually—and a tidal wave of spiritual energy surged toward Jason Wu.
Leon screamed from the sidelines, "THAT'S CASUAL?!"
Jason planted his feet, circulating qi rapidly. His aura condensed around his arms, forming protective layers. The wave hit him like a mountain avalanche.
*BOOM!*
Dust exploded outward.
But Jason remained standing—barely.
The Pavilion Master raised an eyebrow. "Not bad."
Jason coughed smoke. *Not bad? That felt like getting hit by a building.*
The Pavilion Master flicked his wrist.
A second wave came—faster.
Jason reacted instantly, stepping sideways using the footwork Lily helped him analyze days ago. He dodged by a hair's breadth, then countered with a focused palm strike.
A shockwave rippled across the arena.
Leon cheered. "That's my boy!"
The Pavilion Master nodded thoughtfully. "Good technique. Not enough."
He vanished.
Jason barely saw the blur before a palm descended toward his shoulder.
*DANGER!*
Jason twisted mid-air, blocking with his forearm. Pain shot through him—but he redirected the force and flipped backward, landing in a crouch.
The Pavilion Master's eyes lit with approval. "You adapt quickly."
Jason exhaled. "I learn quickly."
"Then learn this."
The Pavilion Master thrust forward, unleashing a barrage of palm strikes that created shockwaves strong enough to crack the arena's surface. Jason dodged, blocked, redirected, and countered with incredible precision—but the gap between them was enormous.
Still—
He didn't fall.
Lily watched with trembling hands. "Jason…"
Leon shouted, "COME ON! If you lose, he'll ban you from marrying her!"
Jason yelled back, "Leon, focus on something helpful!"
The Pavilion Master suddenly appeared above Jason, gathering immense spiritual energy in his palm.
"This is the final strike. Withstand it—and I will acknowledge you."
Jason looked up at the descending force.
*This is impossible…*
But then—
A soft pulse vibrated from the pendant Lily gave him.
A warmth spread through his chest.
And Jason smiled.
He wasn't alone.
Spiritual energy surged from his core. His aura aligned perfectly with his breath, forming a flawless defensive stance.
The palm descended.
*BOOOOOM!*
The arena shook violently. Light flooded the space.
When the dust settled—
Jason Wu was still standing.
Bruised. Bloodied. Barely conscious.
But standing.
The Pavilion Master slowly lowered his hand.
Then he smiled.
A rare, genuine smile.
"Very well," he said. "Jason Wu… you have my permission."
Lily gasped in relief.
Leon pumped both fists. "YES! The in-law raid boss has been defeated!"
Jason finally swayed.
Lily rushed forward. "Jason!"
He collapsed—straight into her arms.
With a weak grin, Jason whispered, "Did… I pass?"
Lily's face flushed crimson. "Yes, you idiot! You passed!"
The Pavilion Master nodded approvingly. "Rest, Jason Wu. The Hollow Abyss awaits."
And for the first time since this journey began—
Jason felt like he wasn't just walking toward destiny.
He was earning it.