Xiao Tian stood up and stretched lazily. After counting the days in his head, his eyes lit up.
Today was the day.
The day of the strength test.
He walked out of his room, went straight to Xiao Yan's door, knocked loudly, and called out,
"Isn't today the test? Get up already. Don't be late."
A muffled sound came from inside. After a short while, the door opened, revealing Xiao Yan. His face looked somewhat haggard, but his gaze was still firm.
"We're both stuck at the third level of Dou Qi," Xiao Yan said quietly. "Is there really any point in going?"
Hearing this, Xiao Tian felt the exact opposite of disappointment—he was practically ecstatic.
Because he knew very well: from today onward, everything would change.
This was the beginning of their rise.
It was also the day Yao Lao would awaken.
Xiao Tian had been waiting for this moment for far too long.
"No way!" Xiao Tian said firmly. "Even if we're only at the third stage of Dou Qi, I believe that starting today, our strength will grow by leaps and bounds."
Xiao Yan shook his head helplessly. "I've already gotten used to this life. Still… fine. I'll go with you."
Xiao Tian ignored his gloomy tone and dragged him straight toward the testing ground.
Along the way, they encountered many Xiao family disciples. The moment people noticed Xiao Tian and Xiao Yan walking together, quiet discussions immediately broke out.
Xiao Tian didn't care in the slightest.
Today, the Xiao family was unusually lively. Every street was crowded, and the testing ground was packed to the brim. At the center of the square stood a tall platform, and upon it was a massive black stone—the Magic Stone Tablet used to test Dou Qi.
It was nearly noon when the square finally settled down.
On the high platform, Xiao Zhan, the Xiao family patriarch, slowly stood up.
"The Xiao family disciple test begins now. All participants, prepare yourselves."
A gong rang out.
The once-noisy square instantly fell silent.
A middle-aged man stepped forward—it was today's tester.
"The test begins. First—Xiao Long."
A handsome young man leapt onto the platform.
"Place your hand on the Magic Stone Tablet and circulate your Dou Qi," the tester instructed.
Xiao Long nodded, placed his palm on the tablet, and activated his Dou Qi. A bright glow erupted, and large characters appeared.
"Dou Qi Level Five. Intermediate."
Xiao Long's face lit up with joy.
Below the stage, female disciples cried out excitedly, some even shouting shameless remarks, making Xiao Long stand even straighter with pride.
It was at this moment that Xiao Tian and Xiao Yan finally squeezed their way into the crowd.
Their arrival immediately drew unfriendly attention.
"Isn't that the former genius and that servant? Three years at the third level of Dou Qi, and he still dares to show up."
"Hah, truly an idol of the Xiao family—both a genius and a good-for-nothing."
"Birds of a feather flock together. One's trash, the other's a servant. Perfect match."
The mocking voices pierced Xiao Yan's ears, and his expression darkened.
A fallen genius becoming a laughingstock—there was no pain deeper than this.
But Xiao Tian?
He laughed loudly, grinning as if none of the insults were directed at him.
This only made the surrounding people think he had lost his mind.
"Xiao Yan," Xiao Tian said softly, "don't care about them. A genius can fall, and a waste can rise. Nothing stays the same forever."
Xiao Yan looked at the smiling boy beside him and sighed. He truly didn't understand where Xiao Tian's confidence came from.
"Next—Xiao Yan."
The tester's voice echoed.
Xiao Yan stiffened slightly, then slowly raised his head.
"Go," Xiao Tian said, patting his shoulder. "A dragon may lie dormant, but one day it will soar."
Those words stirred something in Xiao Yan's heart.
He nodded and walked toward the platform, climbing the stairs step by step. The sight alone drew laughter from the crowd.
Lowering his head, Xiao Yan placed his hand on the Magic Stone Tablet.
"Xiao Yan. Dou Qi Level Three. Low level."
No surprise.
The crowd scoffed openly.
Xiao Yan quickly left the platform, his steps heavy.
"Next—Xiao Tian."
Xiao Tian walked over, patted Xiao Yan's shoulder, then climbed onto the platform himself. Ignoring the tester's disdain, he pressed his palm against the stone.
"Xiao Tian. Dou Qi Level Three. Low level."
Exactly as expected.
Xiao Tian laughed and walked down calmly.
The whispers intensified.
"Still laughing at third level? A servant really is just a servant."
"Trash follows trash."
"Even trash has value—this one doesn't."
Xiao Yan clenched his fists, but Xiao Tian grabbed his hand and shook his head.
"Let's go," Xiao Yan said quietly.
"Not yet," Xiao Tian replied, eyes fixed on the platform. "There's one more."
"Next—Xiao Xun'er."
A girl in a purple dress floated gracefully onto the stage. Her skin was fair, her expression cold, her figure stunning.
"Damn… she's beautiful," Xiao Tian muttered instinctively.
"You know Xun'er?" Xiao Yan asked, confused.
"Uh…" Xiao Tian froze.
Before he could explain, cheers erupted, saving him.
"Xiao Xun'er. Dou Qi Level Six. High level."
Xun'er showed no reaction and descended calmly.
The test soon ended.
Xiao Yan pulled Xiao Tian away. Xiao Tian didn't resist—he had seen everything he needed to see.
And one thing was clear in his mind:
Xiao Xun'er was definitely not going back to the original owner.