Two days passed in the blink of an eye. The day that every member of the Xiao Family had been waiting for finally arrived.
The morning sunlight illuminated the Main Grounds of the Xiao Residence, which had been transformed into a grand arena. Hundreds of dragon-emblazoned flags fluttered in the wind. In the VIP stands, the Elders of the Xiao Family sat in a row, accompanied by distinguished guests from neighboring clans and representatives of minor sects in Fengyun City.
The atmosphere was filled with applause and cheers each time a young disciple stepped onto the center of the stage and tested his cultivation strength on the *Qi Testing Stone*—a man-high black marble stone that lit up according to the level of a person's strength.
"Xiao Feng! Body Refining, Third Level! Pass!" the announcer shouted.
"Xiao Mei! Body Refining, Fourth Level! Pass!"
Every announcement was met with proud smiles from the parents and satisfied laughter from Great Elder Xiao Tianhai, who sat in the main seat of the stands.
Meanwhile, in the darkest corner beneath the stands, Xiao Chen stood alone. He was wearing the same dull cloth clothes as before, standing in stark contrast to the beautiful robes worn by the other disciples. His body was still bruised from his previous injuries, but his eyes remained fixed on the stage without the slightest hint of fear.
"Next... Xiao Yiran!" the announcer called, his voice far more enthusiastic.
The crowd suddenly fell silent, then erupted in thunderous cheers. Xiao Yiran confidently stepped onto the stage. His blue silk robe fluttered elegantly. With a faint smile, he walked toward the Qi Testing Stone and placed his palm against its surface.
*BZZZZT!*
In an instant, a blue-gold aura burst from Xiao Yiran's body. The Qi Testing Stone blazed brightly, radiating six thick lines of dazzling light.
"Incredible! Xiao Yiran... Peak of Body Refining, Sixth Level!" the announcer cried out in admiration. "At only fifteen years old, he's the number-one genius in our clan!"
The guests in the VIP stands applauded enthusiastically, showering Xiao Yiran with praise as Xiao Tianhai chuckled proudly. Xiao Yiran raised his head arrogantly, sweeping his gaze across the entire grounds before his eyes stopped precisely on Xiao Chen, who stood beneath the stairs.
A vicious sneer spread across Xiao Yiran's lips. Instead of immediately leaving the stage, he turned toward the main stands and bowed respectfully.
"Father... I mean, Great Elder!" Xiao Yiran said loudly, his voice cutting through the din of the crowd. "This year's Clan Annual Trial is nearly over. But isn't there still one member of our clan who turns fifteen today and hasn't been tested yet?"
The grounds instantly fell silent. Everyone knew whom Xiao Yiran meant.
Xiao Tianhai pretended to stroke his beard, concern written across his face. "Yiran, your cousin Xiao Chen was born with a special condition. His meridians are blocked, and he can't cultivate. There's no need to humiliate him in front of our distinguished guests."
"Great Elder, it's precisely because our distinguished guests are here that the ancestral rules must be enforced without favoritism!" Xiao Yiran cut in, forcing a firm tone. "Our Xiao Family has never tolerated lazybones or cowards. Even if he's trash, he still has to step onto the stage and prove himself. Otherwise, how can our clan preserve its honor?"
Several clan elders who were in league with Xiao Tianhai began nodding in agreement. Derisive whispers started spreading among the spectators.
"He's right. Call that trash up!"
"Let us all see just how useless that concubine's son is!"
Xiao Tianhai sighed softly, acting as though he had no choice but to comply with the public's demands. "In that case... Xiao Chen! Come up to the Trial stage!"
Beneath the stairs, Xiao Chen clenched his fists tightly. This was part of their plan to publicly humiliate him before carrying out the even more brutal plan to cast him away.
Without hesitation, Xiao Chen stepped out of the darkness. His footsteps were steady and firm. Under the gaze of hundreds of disdainful, mocking eyes, the young man climbed the stage's steps one by one.
He stood in the center of the magnificent stage, directly facing Xiao Yiran, who looked at him the way an eagle looked at helpless prey.
"Welcome to the stage of your death, cousin," Xiao Yiran whispered in a voice so quiet it was thick with venomous hatred.
Xiao Chen did not respond to the provocation. He turned his face toward the cold Qi Testing Stone, knowing full well that the moment that would determine his fate had arrived.