Chapter 19

It took Xiao Zhan a full three days to repair the damage the sword aura had inflicted on the dream space. Although the repairs were complete, his mental energy had dropped from the eighth level to the seventh. To fully recover would likely take some time.

Thinking about that terrifying sword, Xiao Zhan sighed in frustration. He had finally found a sword technique, but it was sealed, allowing him to see it but not to touch it. This was truly frustrating.

After composing himself, Xiao Zhan left his bedroom and appeared alone in the courtyard, beginning to practice the "Star Gathering Fist." It was already deep into the night, with the stars shining brightly and the moon casting a captivating light, making it the best time to practice this set of fist techniques. After one round, Xiao Zhan felt thoroughly refreshed and extremely pleased. Although he had not opened any acupoints, he was already quite satisfied. After all, he was only five years old, and he had a long way to go.

After practicing several more rounds, Xiao Zhan stopped and, in high spirits, called out, "Xiao Mi, are you there?"

"Hehe! Xiao Mi is always ready to serve. What do you need, Master?"

Xiao Zhan asked curiously, "Do you know how the martial artists in this world are ranked?"

Xiao Mi smiled and said, "As your personal assistant, I naturally know such basic knowledge. The martial artists in this secular world are divided into five realms: Postnatal, Prenatal, Transcendence, Nirvana, and Tribulation. Each realm is further divided into nine levels, and each level's improvement brings about a tremendous change in strength."

Xiao Zhan thought for a moment and asked, "What level am I at now?"

Xiao Mi comforted him, "Master is just starting his cultivation, so you don't belong to any level yet. But don't be discouraged. Once you complete the second chapter of 'Dream,' your cultivation speed will increase significantly."

Cultivating to the second chapter would take ten years. Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes and asked, "How is the Postnatal realm divided?"

Xiao Mi answered, "The martial artist's level is determined by their strength, measured in crystals. One crystal is equivalent to 100 pounds. Once you reach ten crystals, you will become a first-level Postnatal martial artist."

Xiao Zhan exclaimed, "My goodness! Ten crystals mean 1000 pounds?"

Xiao Mi giggled, "Exactly! 1000 pounds. For each level, your strength increases by 10 crystals. At the ninth level of the Postnatal realm, you will have 90 crystals. Once you reach the Prenatal realm, the difference in strength is even greater, with each level having a difference of 100 crystals."

Xiao Zhan was taken aback, "My older brother is at the sixth level of the Postnatal realm, so his physical strength must be 6000 pounds?"

Xiao Mi corrected him, "Master misunderstands. The strength is not just physical but the sum of true qi and physical strength. Your older brother's true physical strength is only a few hundred pounds, not 6000 pounds."

Xiao Zhan looked down at his frail body and felt disheartened. A thousand pounds? Even ten pounds would be a struggle. The path of a martial artist is not easy. Just to reach the first level, one needs 1000 pounds of strength. When will I ever reach that?

Seemingly noticing Xiao Zhan's low spirits, Xiao Mi quickly comforted him, "Master, don't be discouraged. The 'Star Gathering Fist' you are practicing is quite unique. Opening one acupoint increases your strength by ten crystals. Imagine, if you can open 1000 acupoints, how much strength you would have!"

Xiao Zhan's eyes lit up, "Opening one acupoint increases strength by ten crystals?"

Xiao Mi giggled, "You need to fill it completely."

Xiao Zhan immediately started waving his hands and feet, realizing that opening one acupoint could increase his strength by ten crystals. Reaching the first level of the Postnatal realm shouldn't be too difficult. Feeling energized, he eagerly began practicing the "Star Gathering Fist," determined to continue until dawn.

Seeing Xiao Zhan's high spirits, Xiao Mi remained silent, quietly observing everything from within the ring.

The next morning.

After practicing for most of the night, Xiao Zhan was pulled out of bed early by Xiao Jian. After a quick wash, he reluctantly followed Xiao Jian out of the house. He couldn't blame anyone; after all, he had asked his older brother to supervise his practice. Now, he was not only not resistant but also very enthusiastic about it.

Xiao Jian, seeing Xiao Zhan's listless state, said earnestly, "Brother, you can't practice with this attitude. It's only been ten days, and without the perseverance to endure hardship, you won't be able to master the fist techniques."

Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes but, as they walked, he asked in confusion, "Brother, the training ground is that way."

Xiao Jian replied matter-of-factly, "I know, but we're not practicing today."

Xiao Zhan almost choked, "If we're not practicing, why did you wake me up so early?"

Xiao Jian ignored Xiao Zhan's anger and said excitedly, "Do you know? Today is our Uncle's wedding day. The bride is said to be a great beauty. Since we have nothing better to do, I'll take you to see it."

Xiao Zhan said irritably, "What does his marriage have to do with me?"

Xiao Jian looked dreamily, "Of course it does. Do you know? This is Uncle's fourth wife, and each one is a beautiful and noble lady. Tsk tsk, what a role model for us all!"

Xiao Zhan could only look at him speechlessly.

Today, the entire Xiao residence was bustling with activity. Various luxurious carriages were parked inside, and many of Yujing's nobles were present. The security was tight, with guards stationed everywhere to prevent any accidents.

In the inner courtyard, Xiao Zhan was pulled by his older brother toward a group of people, a group of young masters and misses from the Xiao residence. One of them, a burly young man with a rugged appearance, called out to his older brother from a distance, "Jian, over here!"

Xiao Jian walked up and punched the man's chest, then laughed loudly, "Tiger, I didn't miss anything exciting, did I?"

The burly young man grinned, "It's still early. Hey, Jian, is this the younger brother you mentioned?"

Xiao Jian patted Xiao Zhan's shoulder, "What are you waiting for? Call him Tiger Brother."

Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes, "If you don't say it, who would know? It sounds like a gang. But Xiao Zhan still called out, "Tiger Brother!"

The burly young man laughed, "I'm Xiao Hu, a collateral descendant of the Xiao family."

Xiao Hu then introduced Xiao Zhan to his companions, all of whom were collateral descendants of the Xiao family. They soon gathered and started chatting, naturally about the wedding.

Listening to their conversation, Xiao Zhan shook his head. After a while, he decided to walk around alone and admire the scenery of the Xiao residence. Just as he turned a corner, he collided with a handsome man who looked rushed. It felt like hitting a wall, and Xiao Zhan was immediately thrown to the ground.

"Ah!"

A cry of pain, Xiao Zhan landed on his bottom, his small face contorted in pain. Looking at the culprit, he gritted his teeth in anger.

The man was exceptionally handsome but had a gloomy expression. Seeing Xiao Zhan on the ground with a fierce look, he said with concern, "Oh! Little brother, did I hurt you? Oh, you're the second son of the older brother, Xiao Zhan, right? Uncle used to hold you when you were little."

Xiao Zhan looked wary, "Who are you? I've never seen you before."

The gloomy man pulled Xiao Zhan up and smiled, "I'm your father's fifth younger brother. You can call me Uncle Five."

He then looked Xiao Zhan up and down, his gaze making Xiao Zhan feel very strange, as if he was looking at someone who shared his fate, giving him a chill.

Shaking his head, the man who called himself Uncle Five patted Xiao Zhan's head and said enviously, "You're much luckier than me. You have loving parents and a caring older brother. Treasure it."

He shook his head again, sighed, and walked away, leaving Xiao Zhan feeling bewildered.

"Second brother! Hurry up! The bride is here!"

At this moment, his older brother Xiao Jian's call came from a distance, and Xiao Zhan had to put aside his thoughts about the strange gloomy man.

The wedding procession was grand, showcasing the prestige of the Xiao family as a noble house. Xiao Jian and the others stood on the outskirts, unable to see the bride, and they all looked frustrated. Just as they were about to follow the crowd inside, they were stopped. The one blocking their way was the second steward of the Xiao family, who looked at them with disdain.

"You don't belong here. Please return, young masters and misses."

But as soon as he said that, he bowed obsequiously to Xiao Ce, who had just passed by, "Young Master, please enter!"

"What do you mean? Why can he go in?"

Xiao Hu's face changed, and he shouted at the steward, with his companions joining in.

Xiao Ce, with a plaster on his nose, looked extremely strange. He glared at Xiao Jian, his eyes flashing with murderous intent, but he only grunted and left without a word.

The second steward bowed to Xiao Ce and then turned to the still shouting group, saying disdainfully, "You are just collateral descendants. How can you compare to Young Master Ce?"

The group glared at him, looking ready to pounce. Xiao Zhan shook his head, thinking, "A mere lackey dares to be so arrogant. He truly doesn't know his place."

Suddenly, Xiao Zhan's eyes lit up, and he called out excitedly, "Father! Mother! I'm here!"

Zhan Wan'er and her husband Xiao Boli, who had just returned, walked over. They had already seen Xiao Zhan and, seeing his excitement, smiled and quickened their pace.

"Zhan, what are you doing here?"

It was Xiao Zhan's father, Xiao Boli, who spoke. He wore a purple brocade robe, looking exceptionally handsome and tall, with a smile full of affection.

Xiao Zhan smiled happily, "Watching the bride, of course."

Xiao Jian came forward, smiling brightly, "Father, Mother, good morning."

Zhan Wan'er huffed, "You didn't bring your brother out to fight again, did you?"

Xiao Jian hurriedly smiled, "Of course not. I brought him to watch the bride."

Zhan Wan'er glared at him and then looked at Xiao Zhan tenderly, "Zhan, why aren't you inside? What are you doing here?"

Xiao Zhan looked委屈, pulling on Zhan Wan'er's sleeve, "Mother, that guy stopped me, saying I don't deserve to go in."

"What!"

Xiao Boli's face darkened, and he glared at the second steward, his voice icy, "You dog, dare to say my son doesn't deserve it!"

"Master, I... I didn't mean to, I... I didn't see them."

The second steward, seeing the murderous intent in Xiao Boli and Zhan Wan'er's eyes, trembled with fear.

Damn! He hadn't noticed the two young masters earlier. In the Xiao family, one could offend anyone but not the eldest son and his wife. If the head of the family couldn't protect you, you were doomed. Three days ago, Young Master Ce and Young Master Mu were severely punished for offending the two young masters, and he, a mere lackey, would be asking for death.

Xiao Boli, ignoring the lackey, looked at the group of young people and smiled, "Come, follow me. Let's see who dares to stop you."

The second steward hurriedly smiled and escorted them inside, then touched his forehead, feeling relieved. Thank goodness he hadn't done anything excessive, or he would have been killed by the eldest son's wife. As an old servant of the Xiao family, he knew the fierce reputation of Zhan Wan'er. A lackey like him would be killed without any repercussions.

Although this was the fourth marriage for the third son of the Xiao family, due to the importance of the alliance, the wedding was grand, and many nobles from Yujing were invited. Both families were delighted by the grandeur of the event.

However, in the area where the Xiao family members were, one person looked gloomy.

"One bow to heaven... two bows to the ancestors... and the couple bows to each other!"

Watching the couple bow to each other, he smiled coldly. Third Brother, why do you always compete with me for everything? Don't blame me for being ruthless.

If Xiao Zhan were here, he would recognize this person as the fifth uncle who had knocked him down—Xiao Qi.

As night fell, the Xiao residence was lit up, and the wedding banquet reached its climax. Important figures from both families gathered to celebrate this significant moment.

At this time, in a secluded room in the Xiao residence, the room was brightly lit. A man wearing a skull mask stood by the window, looking at the dark night sky, a faintly cold aura permeating the room.

"Come in!"

A cold voice suddenly rang out.

With a "creak," the tightly closed door slowly opened, and a handsome man with an evil aura stepped in, bowing to the skull-masked man, "Disciple Xiao Qi, paying respects to Master."

The skull-masked man turned around, and a strange light flashed in his eyes under the mask. Looking at his disciple, he seemed to be gloating or mocking, his tone extremely unpleasant.

"How does it feel to see the woman you love become your third brother's wife?"

Xiao Qi's eyes flashed with evil intent, his handsome face twisting with anger. His hands clenched into fists, and his body trembled with rage. He looked at the skull-masked man, saying nothing, but anyone could see he was on the verge of exploding.

However, the skull-masked man laughed at Xiao Qi's anger and pain, "Very good! Very good! Anger! That's it, that's it. The more negative emotions, the higher your success rate. Think about it, your sister-in-law, who never loved you, will give everything to you on her wedding night. Her soul will be with you forever, and no one can separate you. What a blissful thing, hahaha!"

Xiao Qi's hands clenched into fists, his eyes flashing with madness.

"Ha ha ha! Go! I will clear all obstacles for you."

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