Chapter 18: The Test

Chapter 18: The Test

In the back courtyard of the Xiao family estate, a large group of over a hundred young boys and girls gathered in the massive training ground, their voices blending into a chorus of nervous chatter.

At the center of the training ground stood a towering black stone monument, used for testing. Next to it was the same cold and indifferent examiner as before.

On a high platform to the left of the training ground, several of the family's senior members were seated, with the family head, Xiao Zhan, and the three elders occupying the central positions.

The young boys and girls waiting to be tested stood anxiously, their expressions reflecting their inner turmoil. Those who usually performed well seemed less worried, while those with average or low talent appeared much more nervous and uneasy.

As Mo Yu walked into the courtyard with Xiao Mei by his side, the faces of the other youths were filled with envy. Since his victory over Xiao Ning at the Dou Technique Pavilion, Mo Yu's reputation had spread throughout the family. His fame now rivaled that of the mysterious and powerful Xun'er.

On the outskirts of the training ground, surrounded by a large group of peers, Xiao Ning glared at Mo Yu with a mix of anger and fear in his eyes.

"Damn it, this guy's stolen all the attention," Xiao Ning muttered resentfully but refrained from doing anything further. The lesson Mo Yu had taught him last time was still fresh in his mind.

Ignoring the envious and jealous gazes around him, Mo Yu calmly walked to the back of the line, with Xiao Mei closely following him, as if deliberately showcasing their connection.

On the high platform, Xiao Zhan observed the scene with a thoughtful expression, his mind seemingly occupied with something.

"Clan leader, it seems Xiao Mei is interested in Mo Yu. Given Mo Yu's recent outstanding talent, I propose we consider marrying Xiao Mei to him to strengthen our ties," suggested the third elder sitting beside Xiao Zhan.

Xiao Zhan glanced at the third elder, his brow furrowing before he shook his head. "That's not appropriate. Both Xiao Mei and Mo Yu are still too young. It's too early to discuss such matters. Moreover, marriage is decided by the parents. Even though Mo Yu's parents are no longer with us, he still has his grandfather. I'll need to consult with Mo Guanjia before making any decisions."

Xiao Mei was the third elder's granddaughter, and it was clear that the elder had his eyes on Mo Yu's talent and hoped to secure an alliance through marriage. However, Xiao Zhan, as the clan leader, was not fond of such political maneuvers, and he dismissed the idea with a convenient excuse.

The third elder's face darkened slightly, feeling rebuffed, while the second elder beside him let out a cold chuckle. "I believe Xiao Yan is also supposed to participate in this test, isn't he? Why isn't he here yet? Could it be that he's afraid he won't pass? The third elder only has the family's best interests at heart. From what I see, Mo Yu's talent rivals that of Xiao Yan in his prime."

Xiao Zhan's face twisted in anger at the mention of Xiao Yan. He was already frustrated, and now the second elder had hit a sore spot. Just as he was about to retort, a commotion broke out in the training ground below.

Turning his gaze, Xiao Zhan saw two figures approaching slowly from the far end of the training ground. Their unhurried steps indicated they were in no rush, despite the importance of the day.

The two figures were none other than Xiao Yan and Xun'er.

Seeing them arrive, the family elders on the platform ceased their bickering.

Xiao Zhan stood up and announced in a commanding voice, "The rules for the test are as follows: Those who have reached the seventh stage of Dou Qi or higher will pass. Those who haven't will be deemed unqualified. However, as per tradition, after the test, those who haven't reached the seventh stage are allowed to challenge someone who has. If they win the challenge, they will also be considered qualified!

"Since everyone understands, let the test begin!"

With Xiao Zhan's declaration, the boys and girls in the training ground grew even more tense.

Next to the black stone monument, the cold examiner stepped forward, pulling out a list from his robe. His icy voice sent shivers down the spines of those whose names were called.

Mo Yu stood in the courtyard like a pine tree, his eyes half-closed as if the entire situation had nothing to do with him. Xiao Mei stood closely behind him.

Xiao Yan, meanwhile, had found a clean stone floor and sat down cross-legged. Xun'er sat beside him, looking as pure and serene as a lotus flower.

For a moment, it seemed as though these two were in a world of their own, completely detached from the tense atmosphere of the training ground.

"Xiao Mei!"

As one by one, the names of the youths were called, it was finally Xiao Mei's turn.

"Mo Yu gege, it's my turn," she said before stepping forward.

Mo Yu nodded silently.

"Dou Qi: Eighth Stage!"

The black stone monument shone brightly, the large characters appearing prominently on its surface.

"Xiao Mei: Dou Qi, Eighth Stage, Advanced!" The usually cold examiner nodded slightly as he announced her result in a deep voice.

Hearing the examiner's words, Xiao Mei breathed a sigh of relief before a proud smile appeared on her face. In just one year, she had advanced from the seventh to the eighth stage of Dou Qi—a progress that placed her among the top five in the family. With such impressive results, it was no wonder she felt satisfied.

As the examiner's voice echoed through the training ground, it stirred a wave of envy among the other youths, who directed admiring gazes at Xiao Mei.

"Advancing one stage in a year... not bad," Xiao Yan muttered to himself, then glanced in Mo Yu's direction. "I wonder how strong Mo Yu gege has become."

"I can't tell, but he's very strong—strong enough that even I'm not confident I could defeat him," Xun'er said, twirling a strand of her hair as she looked at the young man in the blue robe with a serious expression.

For some reason, even with her special abilities, Xun'er couldn't gauge Mo Yu's strength. It was as if he were shrouded in a mist, making him impossible to see through.

Hearing that even the usually invincible Xun'er wasn't certain of defeating Mo Yu, Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed slightly. He sighed and said, "I thought my progress had been impressive, but it seems I still can't compare to these two monsters, Xun'er and Mo Yu gege."

"Hehe, Xiao Yan gege, don't be so modest. I have my own reasons for being strong, and Mo Yu gege likely has his own fortuitous encounters. But you have great potential too. Didn't Mo Yu gege once say that you would one day become famous across the continent?"

Xiao Yan smiled with renewed confidence, recalling Mo Yu's past encouragement.

After Xiao Mei's impressive result, the following dozen or so participants included only one who had reached the seventh stage of Dou Qi, with the rest being disqualified.

"Xiao Xun'er!"

The examiner's cold voice softened slightly as he called out this particular name.

All eyes in the courtyard immediately turned to the beautiful young girl who seemed untouched by the world.

Mo Yu lazily opened his eyes and gazed at the girl's graceful figure, murmuring to himself, "If I'm not mistaken, she should have already advanced to the Dou Zhe level. After this test, it's about time for me to break through as well."

(End of chapter)