Chapter 30: Challenge!

"Now, I announce that the family trial officially begins... Here, I will repeat the rules of the family trial. In the mountain range behind us, after three days, the top ten will be determined based on the number of beasts hunted. The top ten will then qualify for the competition. Following that, on the family trial arena, the ten family members will draw lots to decide the order and opponents of the competition. Among the ten, three will be selected, and the three winners will all receive the family trial rewards. The first and second place winners will also gain admission to the Fragrant Academy!"

After saying this, Xiao Qi waved his robe.

"When the butler Xiao and three other Xiantian realm family members appear, it will be time for us to set out!"

At this point, Xiao Qi's gaze seemed to drift towards Jiang Yuan, either intentionally or unintentionally.

Jiang Yuan, however, was entirely focused on the door of the martial arts hall, eagerly awaiting Xiao Bei's appearance, and did not notice the subtle detail on the platform.

The entire martial arts hall was now completely silent, waiting for the butler and others, without the usual noise.

After all, although it was a bloody test, the Xiao family would mobilize at least five strong protectors. The beasts in the mountains were too unpredictable. If a powerful beast appeared, the Xiao family would undoubtedly suffer heavy losses, so it was necessary to have strong protectors present.

Soon, the butler entered through the door.

Following him were three other Xiantian realm Xiao family members, one of whom was an elderly man who had reached the Junpin Warrior level!

No one else followed after them.

Jiang Yuan's heart sank. She had already decided that no matter what, she would not let Xiao Bei be delayed. She took a step forward, intending to speak with the butler.

Suddenly, Jiang Yuan's gaze swept across the hall and saw the figure of the young man at the door. She breathed a heavy sigh of relief and then glared fiercely at the young man who was staring directly at her.

Seeming to realize that her expression was too girlish, Jiang Yuan's cheeks turned red. In Xiao Bei's playful expression, she lowered her head and moved closer to Jiang Fang, who was looking at her with confusion.

Xiao Bei, with a smile on his lips, walked into the martial arts hall, calmly accepting the attention of everyone.

The Xiao family members, who had long known about Xiao Bei, saw that he had used the "Blood Sacrifice Technique" twice yesterday but did not look sickly or pale. Instead, he seemed to have slightly improved, which they found quite unbelievable. Some of those who had witnessed Xiao Bei's heroic stance yesterday were so surprised that their mouths dropped open.

All of this was because Xiao Bei's performance was too contrary to common sense!

Soon, some people thought they understood. They believed that Xiao Bei was pretending, and in reality, his body was in a mess. However, to save face, he was acting as if nothing was wrong. This belief became more widespread.

"Xiao Bei, do you know what day it is today?"

As the crowd below was buzzing, Xiao Qi, who was already frowning, spoke in a deeper voice.

Because it contained power, his voice, though low, was loud enough for everyone to hear clearly. The murmurs below immediately stopped.

"The day the family trial begins."

Xiao Bei answered Xiao Qi's question, his voice neither humble nor defiant.

"Hmph!"

Xiao Qi snorted angrily, "Xiao Bei, you should know how important the family trial is. You are late today. Do you not want to go? Do you not want to participate in the trial?"

Xiao Bei did not respond.

In fact, not long after Jiang Yuan left, Xiao Bei had awakened from his cultivation. After waking up, under his mother Zhang Lan's urging, Xiao Bei rushed here.

Coincidentally, Xiao Bei met the butler.

After a brief conversation, the butler naturally said there was no problem and that he would speak on Xiao Bei's behalf. After all, the group had not yet set out, and everything was still in time.

This is why Xiao Bei did not resort to finding Xiao Zhan as a backup plan.

Otherwise, Xiao Bei had already decided that if necessary, to prevent Xiao Qi from making things difficult over the Xiao Li incident, he would first find Xiao Zhan... When he saw Xiao Qi continue to speak with a frown, Xiao Bei knew that Xiao Qi could not resist challenging him.

"Master, the master said that Young Master Xiao Bei was delayed by something and did not come late on purpose. He can still participate in the trial."

The butler said with a smile to Xiao Qi.

Xiao Qi's face froze, and he grunted without speaking.

However, his darker expression clearly showed that he was very displeased.

"Now, let's set out!"

After a moment, Xiao Qi shouted loudly, then flew down and stood with the butler and others, leading the way to the door of the martial arts hall.

Behind him, the Xiao family members followed in a large group.

Xiao Bei, however, stopped. As people around him either looked surprised at Xiao Bei's halt or felt regret and schadenfreude over his likely failure in the trial due to his injuries from using the "Blood Sacrifice Technique" yesterday, Xiao Bei fell to the back of the group and then approached Jiang Yuan.

"Xiao Bei, this time, you must get first place in the trial because the Fragrant Academy slot..."

Jiang Yuan, ignoring the attention of other Jiang family members, anxiously held Xiao Bei's hand and said.

Xiao Bei nodded, "I know. I've already heard from the butler. Since you're going to the Fragrant Academy, I will go too. Don't worry, even if it's not for the Fragrant Academy slot, for our marriage, I will definitely get first place. Also, during these three days, be careful. I'm afraid something might happen at home. Look after Mother."

Xiao Bei paused for a moment, "I hope I'm wrong about this. Anyway, if nothing happens, stay in our courtyard for these three days. Wait for me to come back, and cheer for me during the arena competition..."

Giving Jiang Yuan a reassuring look, Xiao Bei turned and followed the group.

"Don't worry, I believe in Xiao Bei. After all, I know he is now an Eighth Rank Xiantian Warrior."

Jiang Fang stepped forward and stood beside Jiang Yuan, comforting her.

"Of course, I believe too, because Xiao Bei is actually a Ninth Rank Xiantian Warrior now." Jiang Yuan looked at Jiang Fang and smiled.

Jiang Fang covered her mouth in shock, looking at the departing Xiao Bei, speechless.

Could that once-worthless young man really be so strong? From First Rank to Ninth Rank in less than a year? Unbelievable!

...

At the rear mountain of the Xiao residence, the mountains were densely packed.

This was the trial ground. Over three days, the Xiao family members participating in the trial would engage in bloody battles with real beasts here.

The one who kills the most beasts is the strongest!

Of course, the one who kills the strongest beasts will have better results!

Regardless, only those whose beast-killing scores enter the top ten will qualify for the trial arena competition to determine the final ranking!

Otherwise, if one does not enter the top ten in the number of beast heads killed, they won't even have the资格 to compete in the arena!

Therefore, everyone, upon entering the rear mountain, had one word in mind—“kill”!