Chapter 45

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the young girl nimbly leaped onto the high platform and gracefully landed beside Xiao Yan. Her eyes, like autumn water, slowly swept around, and a smile played on her beautiful face.

Seeing Xun’er jump up, Xiao Yan was taken aback, then rolled his eyes helplessly, "What are you doing up here?"

Xun’er smiled faintly, not answering, and turned her gaze to Xiao Yu, whose face had slightly changed at her appearance. She smiled and said, "Cousin Xiao Yu, you are older than Brother Xiao Yan and have already entered the academy for training. This challenge is a bit too much to ask. If you really want to vent your anger, let me accompany you."

Hearing this, Xiao Yu's face darkened, her eyebrows furrowed, and she glared at Xiao Yan, sneering, "Are you only capable of hiding behind women?"

Xiao Yan's eyebrows twitched, a fierce light flashing in his eyes. At that moment, he felt an overwhelming urge to pin this woman to the ground and do unspeakable things to her.

"Enough!" Just as the three were bickering, the Second Elder, who was standing nearby, bellowed angrily, his face dark. The three were immediately silenced.

With a stern face, the Second Elder stormed over and shouted at Xiao Yu, "You have no right to challenge on this platform. Go back immediately. If you disrupt the ceremony again, you will be confined for a month!"

After venting his anger on Xiao Yu, the Second Elder took a deep breath and turned to Xun’er, who was playing with a strand of her hair, her head slightly lowered. He smiled bitterly and said, "Miss Xun’er, you should also step down. Your challenge is also against the rules."

Xun’er shrugged indifferently, nodded slightly, and as she turned to leave the platform, she made a face at Xiao Yan, leaving him speechless.

Reprimanded by the Second Elder, Xiao Yu's face showed a hint of委屈 (grievance). She bit her lower lip and, after a moment, stomped her foot in anger before turning to leave, leaving behind a cold laugh, "Little brat, just wait!"

Watching this farcical scene finally come to an end, the Second Elder finally breathed a sigh of relief. He turned his head to look at the innocent-looking Xiao Yan and smiled bitterly. Then, he put on a stern face and shouted to the crowd below, "Xiao Ning violated the rules by taking a pill during the competition. Starting today, he will be confined for three months!" Without waiting for the slight commotion below to subside, he shouted again, "The challenge is over, Xiao Yan wins!"

Xiao Yan, indifferent to this anticlimactic ending, simply walked down from the platform after hearing the announcement of the ceremony's conclusion.

Returning to his seat under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Xiao Yan looked at the reverent gazes of his fellow clan members and touched his nose, smiling faintly.

...

After Xiao Yan's ceremony, other clan members continued to take the stage, but under the shadow of the shock he had created, their achievements seemed somewhat dim in comparison.

Xun’er's appearance, however, caused quite a stir. At fifteen, she was a Fighter, a feat that was only slightly behind Xiao Yan's achievements from years ago. Although Xun’er's performance was impressive, many in the crowd had heard of the Xiao family's most brilliant star, so while they were amazed, the shock was not as great as it was with Xiao Yan.

The Chengren Ceremony, which began in the morning and lasted until the afternoon, finally came to a close amidst the astonished exclamations of the crowd. As people dispersed, many still couldn't help but look at the calm-faced young man in black with a sense of awe.

Watching the ceremony come to an end, Xiao Yan also breathed a sigh of relief. The gazes around him were truly unbearable. He shook his head and got up to leave.

"Brother Xiao Yan's performance today was truly surprising," a fragrant breeze wafted by, and Xun’er's light, bell-like laughter echoed.

Xiao Yan touched his nose and smiled.

"I thought Brother Xiao Yan didn't know any combat techniques, but it turns out you were hiding your skills," Xun’er said, her head tilted slightly, a meaningful smile on her face.

"Hehe, who's more secretive, you or me? The technique you used in the combat hall last time wasn't ordinary either," Xiao Yan said with a grin.

Xun’er was taken aback, her eyes forming beautiful crescents as she smiled, "Brother Xiao Yan has keen eyes. If you're interested in those combat techniques, I can teach you..."

Xun’er shrugged and shook her head, "No, I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. I understand this basic principle."

"Then... what about a cultivation technique?" Xun’er's rejection surprised her. Her black, lively eyes twinkled mischievously, and she suddenly smiled.

Xiao Yan's steps paused, and he narrowed his eyes, saying vaguely, "In five days, we can enter the cultivation hall to find techniques..."

"The best technique in the family is the Intermediate Rank Profound Lion Roar, which Uncle Xiao is cultivating. But Brother Xiao Yan doesn't have the authority to cultivate it yet," Xun’er brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, her lips slightly pursed as if considering her words. After a moment, she said softly, "I can get you a High Rank Profound technique. Do you... want it?"

"This girl... she's really a little rich girl. A High Rank Profound technique... that would cost at least several hundred thousand." Sighing inwardly, Xiao Yan felt a bit bitter. If he hadn't been lucky enough to meet Old Medicine, the gap between him and Xun’er would be very hard to close, even if his talent wasn't lacking. Xun’er's mysterious background was undoubtedly vast.

Subtly touching the ancient ring, Xiao Yan felt a bit more at ease. This was the capital for him to become a true powerhouse...

Under Xun’er's gaze, Xiao Yan smiled lightly, shaking his head slightly, his voice tinged with stubbornness and determination, "No, I can become strong on my own."

Xun’er stopped in her tracks, her lively eyes staring at Xiao Yan's back, which didn't pause. After a moment, she suddenly smiled, "It seems... there really is a mysterious person behind Brother Xiao Yan. Should I investigate?"

Her slender fingers tapped her smooth forehead in frustration. After a while, Xun’er shook her head helplessly, "No, Brother Xiao Yan hates it when others pry into his background. Since that mysterious person has taught him so much, they probably wouldn't harm him."

Sighing lightly, Xun’er lifted her face, her eyes, like autumn water, with a faint golden flame dancing in them, "I hope they have no ill intentions. Otherwise... even if you hide inside Brother Xiao Yan's body, I will find you..."

(There will be more updates tonight, please give me your recommendations^_^)