Morning arrived earlier than usual for the Xiao Clan.
Before the sun had fully risen, hundreds of clan members had already gathered in the large central arena.
Today was an important day.
The annual Xiao Clan Junior Competition.
For the younger generation, this event was more than just a friendly sparring match.
It determined reputation.
Resources.
And future status within the clan.
The arena itself was enormous.
A circular stone platform stood at the center, surrounded by several layers of seating for spectators.
Clan elders sat on the highest platform overlooking the arena.
Below them, disciples filled the seats, chatting excitedly.
"Did you hear what happened yesterday?"
"Of course! Xiao Tian beat Xiao Ning in one move!"
"I still don't believe it…"
"He must have gotten lucky."
Rumors spread rapidly among the crowd.
Most people were skeptical.
After all, Xiao Tian had never been known as a particularly outstanding genius.
But today…
Everyone wanted to see the truth with their own eyes.
The Arrival of the Participants
One by one, the younger generation entered the arena.
Each participant carried a number token.
Their cultivation levels varied, but most were around three to four star Dou Zhi Qi.
Among them, a tall figure wearing white robes drew much attention.
It was Xiao Yan.
Many disciples immediately whispered.
"That's Xiao Yan…"
"He's the strongest among the younger generation."
"I heard he already reached six-star Dou Zhi Qi."
Xiao Yan walked calmly, completely ignoring the attention.
But soon another figure entered the arena.
A girl wearing elegant green robes.
Her beauty instantly attracted countless gazes.
It was Gu Xuner.
Many disciples admired her silently.
But she seemed slightly distracted today.
Her gaze occasionally scanned the crowd.
Looking for someone.
Finally—
A young man wearing a simple black robe entered the arena.
Xiao Tian.
The whispers immediately grew louder.
"That's him!"
"The one who beat Xiao Ning!"
"Let's see if he's really strong…"
Xiao Tian walked calmly toward the participant area.
His expression remained indifferent.
In his previous life he had fought wars that decided the fate of the continent.
Compared to that…
This small clan competition felt almost childish.
Yet he still planned to participate seriously.
Because it was the first step toward reclaiming his power.
Gu Xuner's Observation
From the spectator seats, Gu Xuner watched Xiao Tian carefully.
Something about him continued to bother her.
His calm confidence.
His indifferent attitude toward her.
Even the way he walked.
Everything felt different.
"Just what happened to him…?"
She whispered softly.
The Elder's Announcement
Soon an elder stepped onto the arena.
His loud voice echoed through the entire courtyard.
"The Xiao Clan Junior Competition will now begin!"
"Participants will fight in pairs according to their assigned numbers."
"The last person standing will receive a high-grade Dou Qi cultivation technique from the clan."
The crowd erupted in excitement.
A high-grade technique was extremely valuable for young cultivators.
Even Xiao Tian raised an eyebrow slightly.
Although he already possessed countless powerful techniques from the Demonic Lotus Saint, winning would still increase his reputation within the clan.
First Matches
The competition quickly began.
Two disciples stepped onto the arena.
Their fists clashed repeatedly as Dou Qi flickered around their bodies.
The crowd cheered loudly.
After several minutes, one of them was knocked out of the ring.
The elder announced the result.
"Winner: Xiao Ke!"
More matches followed.
Some were intense.
Others ended quickly.
But everyone was waiting for one specific match.
Xiao Tian's.
Finally—
The elder called out.
"Next match!"
"Xiao Tian vs Xiao Hu!"
A muscular young man jumped onto the arena.
Xiao Hu was known for his physical strength.
His cultivation had already reached four-star Dou Zhi Qi.
He grinned arrogantly.
"So you're the guy who beat Xiao Ning?"
Xiao Tian stepped onto the arena calmly.
"Yes."
Xiao Hu cracked his knuckles.
"Well, let's see if you're really that strong!"
The Fight Begins
The elder raised his hand.
"Begin!"
Xiao Hu immediately rushed forward.
His fist shot toward Xiao Tian's chest with explosive force.
But Xiao Tian didn't move.
Not even an inch.
At the last moment—
He simply raised his hand.
BANG
Their fists collided.
A shockwave spread across the arena.
Xiao Hu's eyes widened in disbelief.
Because Xiao Tian hadn't even stepped back.
Instead—
Xiao Hu was the one forced to retreat several steps.
"How…?!"
The crowd gasped.
Xiao Hu gritted his teeth and attacked again.
This time with even greater strength.
His punches came like a storm.
But Xiao Tian calmly dodged every strike.
His movements were effortless.
Almost graceful.
Suddenly—
He stepped forward.
His fist moved like lightning.
BOOM
The punch struck Xiao Hu's stomach.
The impact lifted him off the ground.
He flew several meters before crashing outside the arena.
Silence fell across the entire courtyard.
Everyone stared in shock.
The fight had lasted less than ten seconds.
The elder recovered first.
He cleared his throat.
"Winner… Xiao Tian!"
The crowd erupted.
"No way!"
"That was too fast!"
"He defeated Xiao Hu so easily!"
Even Xiao Yan's expression changed slightly.
"Interesting…"
His eyes narrowed as he watched Xiao Tian leave the arena.
Meanwhile, Gu Xuner stared silently.
The shock in her eyes was even greater.
Because she had sensed something strange during that brief fight.
For a moment…
She felt an extremely terrifying aura.
Hot.
Ancient.
Almost demonic.
But it disappeared instantly.
"Was that… my imagination?"
She whispered.
Xiao Tian's Thoughts
As Xiao Tian returned to the participant area, his expression remained calm.
But inside his body—
A tiny crimson spark flickered briefly.
The power of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame.
He had only used the smallest fraction of its power.
Yet even that was enough to defeat opponents far above his level.
"This is just the beginning…"
His gaze slowly turned toward another figure.
Xiao Yan.
The future Flame Emperor.
In Xiao Tian's previous life, this man had eventually stood at the very peak of the continent.
Their paths would inevitably cross again.
Xiao Tian's eyes narrowed slightly.
"But this time…"
"Things will be different."