Chapter 20: The "Three Months to Eight Stage" Genius
"Our Xiao family's young master—if he made a mistake, it should be handled internally. But today? Xiao Yuan did nothing wrong! And you, a mere Dou Shi, dare spout nonsense about disciplining him in place of our elders? Today, I'd like to see where your confidence comes from!"
Though the Grand Elder normally had his own self-interests, the well-being of the Xiao family always came first in his heart.
In the past, Xiao Yuan had earned his respect simply by bringing profits to the clan. But now, after revealing his terrifying potential, there was no way the Grand Elder would allow such a genius to feel betrayed—especially not when it was so undeserved.
Besides, this wasn't even an untouchable opponent. Just laying a hand on Xiao Yuan was enough for the Grand Elder to harbor killing intent toward Huang Jing.
And there was another reason...
Before leaving, his granddaughter Xiao Yu had asked him personally to look after Xiao Yuan.
Although he hadn't been able to gauge Xiao Yuan's exact level earlier, it was clear that he hadn't reached Dou Zhe yet. But even so, he had managed to dodge a strike from a Dou Shi. That was enough to confirm how terrifying his potential really was.
After all, it had only been a few months since the last test. For someone who once had no Dou Qi to now be at this level—if he kept progressing at this pace, the Xiao family might just birth someone even more talented than Xiao Yan in his prime.
So today, for the sake of demonstrating how important Xiao Yuan was to the family, Huang Jing had to die.
The Grand Elder might not have had an extraordinary gift, but he was still a Da Dou Shi. Taking down a Dou Shi was child's play. As for Huang Jing, who had shouted so arrogantly before, he now couldn't even breathe under the Grand Elder's pressure.
Moments later, Huang Jing was dead—struck down under the Grand Elder's palm.
"Hmph. Years of peace made some fools forget how the Xiao family seized power in Wu Tan City—with blood and iron!"
After delivering the final blow, the Grand Elder calmly removed Huang Jing's storage ring and turned toward Xiao Yuan.
"Come. I heard from Xiao Ning that you went to the Dou Technique Hall recently. I didn't pay it much mind then, but now I see your strength is close to Dou Zhe. In just a few short months, going from no Dou Qi to this… if I hadn't seen it myself, I wouldn't believe it!"
With a warm smile, one that seemed more like a kind grandfather than a strict elder, the Grand Elder looked at Xiao Yuan.
This was the advantage of being in a small clan. As long as your talent shined, the elders would treat you like treasure.
After all, the revival of the Xiao family needed a true genius to lead it.
"Alright, come with me. We'll need to discuss your situation with the clan leader and the other elders."
The Grand Elder patted Xiao Yuan's shoulder affectionately.
"Sure, just a moment, Grand Elder."
Xiao Yuan turned to Jacks with a smile. "Uncle Jacks, I'll write up a list of damages and the weapon I want, and send it to you later. But I want the best materials used. You don't have to forge it for free—if the quality checks out, I'll pay for the materials."
Jacks immediately broke into a friendly smile. "No need! I'll cover the cost—just consider it an investment in our friendship."
"Hehe, very well."
Xiao Yuan chuckled, then followed the Grand Elder away, with the Xiao family's guards trailing behind.
Watching them leave, Jacks' smile faded slightly. He finally let out a sigh of relief.
Having lived in Wu Tan City for years, he knew very well how the Xiao family operated.
That Huang Jing… what a fool. On the way here, he'd even tried to convince Jacks to partner up and take down the Xiao family.
What a way to die.
Glancing once more at Huang Jing's lifeless body, Jacks snorted disdainfully and left the plaza.
He had decided: once back, he'd be giving his subordinates a good lecture.
Keep your heads down and just make weapons. Stay far, far away from these big-shot power games.
—Xiao Family, Council Hall—
Xiao Zhan sat at the head, with the three elders to his left and Xiao Yuan to his right.
All four men had their eyes fixed intently on Xiao Yuan.
Despite his composure, Xiao Yuan couldn't help but feel slightly pressured under the scrutinizing gazes that seemed like they wanted to strip him bare.
"Father, elders—I'm only at stage five of Dou Qi. I've just been training with Wind Hawk Kick, that dusty old technique no one else wanted. I may not have much power, but I can run pretty well. So please, stop staring at me like that."
"Only stage five? Impossible! Absolutely not!"
The Grand Elder slammed his palm on the table, glaring at Xiao Yuan.
Was this a joke? A fifth-stage Dou Qi cultivator using a High Yellow-Tier technique?
"I saw it myself! His movement skills are faster than most Dou Zhe! The Dou Qi he released felt at least like stage eight!"
Hearing this, the Second and Third Elders, along with Xiao Zhan, turned their gazes on the Grand Elder.
Their eyes said it all: Really? From zero to stage eight in three months? Are you serious?
The Grand Elder felt cornered. He didn't want to believe it either, but Xiao Yuan had taken down two ninth-stage Dou Qi enemies—alone. Even if he struck first, it had been a real one-versus-two victory.
"Well then, Grand Elder, if you say it's eight stage, then I'll take your word for it."
Xiao Yuan sighed and surrendered to the exaggeration.
The Grand Elder stared at him. Just a few months ago, he'd thought Xiao Yuan was a promising boy—aside from the cultivation issue.
Now? He was kind of annoying.
What do you mean, "If you say it, then I'll go with it"?
"Three months to stage eight? Grand Elder, isn't that a bit much?"
Even Xiao Zhan, his father, couldn't believe it.
"Yes, yes," added the Third Elder. "Even if he started training from birth, reaching stage eight already would be rare. Maybe there's something wrong with the testing stone?"
"You're saying the test stone works for everyone all year, but when it gets to Xiao Yuan, it glitches out?"
The Grand Elder looked at the Third Elder like he was a fool.
"Uh…"
The Third Elder blushed and shut his mouth.
Compared to that theory, Xiao Yuan hitting stage eight in three months actually sounded more reasonable.
"Father, elders, you don't need to worry. The coming-of-age ceremony is next year. When I stand before the testing monument, my true strength will be clear. For now, all you need to know is that my talent is… quite good."
Xiao Yuan smiled, skillfully defusing the tension. His unique training method meant rapid progress, but he wasn't about to spill that secret.
"Very well. Yuan'er, you've always been a steady child. If you need anything, just ask. Perhaps our Xiao family really will raise a Dou Huang one day!"
Xiao Zhan said with a warm smile.
Xiao Yuan simply smiled back.
A Dou Huang?
That's just the beginning.
(END CHAPTER)
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