Chapter 7

Xiao Yan lay sprawled on the ground, his body bruised and battered, his spirit flagging.

He couldn't muster the energy to care about his injuries, his eyes clouded with disappointment.

"How did it come to this..." he murmured, his voice tinged with despair.

Despite his recent breakthrough to the realm of a fighter, Xiao Yan had been dealt a devastating blow in his rematch against Xiao Ning.

Defeated twice in quick succession, he felt a profound sense of inadequacy gnawing at his heart.

"This isn't like you, Xiao Yan."

Xiao Ning approached his defeated cousin, extending a hand in a gesture of camaraderie.

"A momentary setback doesn't define you, It's through overcoming adversity that true strength is forged," he encouraged, his tone gentle yet firm.

Xiao Yan's spirits lifted slightly at Xiao Ning's words, his resolve strengthening.

"Cousin Xiao Yan, I accept your offer," Xiao Ning continued, eager to see his cousin bounce back from his defeat.

Xiao Yan nodded, his determination renewed. "Thank you, cousin Xiao Ning, I will not be defeated."

With that, Xiao Yan handed over the agreed-upon sum, a gesture of respect and acknowledgment of his cousin's superiority.

As Xiao Yan left, Xiao Ning couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for his cousin's plight.

"I may have been too harsh on him," he admitted, reflecting on his actions.

However, despite his misgivings, Xiao Ning was determined to see his cousin grow stronger through adversity.

"Come back stronger, cousin Xiao Yan," he murmured, a note of encouragement in his voice.

Meanwhile, Yao Lao's voice echoed in Xiao Yan's mind, urging him not to succumb to defeat.

"Remember your oath, Xiao Yan. You must not let this setback deter you from your path," Yao Lao reminded him sternly.

Xiao Yan nodded, chastened by his mentor's words. "I will not be defeated," he vowed, his determination reignited.

With renewed resolve, Xiao Yan left the Xiao family residence, determined to redouble his efforts and emerge stronger from his recent setbacks.

As Xiao Yan departed, Xiao Ning reflected on his own actions, grappling with the weight of his recent victories.

"This victory feels hollow," he mused, troubled by his cousin's defeat.

However, despite his misgivings, Xiao Ning couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at his latest windfall.

"I welcome cousin Xiao Yan's return anytime," he declared, a note of camaraderie in his voice.

With that, Xiao Ning turned his attention to his next challenge, eager to continue his pursuit of martial excellence.

Meanwhile, in the quiet courtyard of the Xiao family residence...

Xiao Xun'er watched from the window, her brow furrowed in concern as she listened to Ling Ying's report on Xiao Yan's recent defeat.

"Brother Xiao Yan, are you okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Ling Ying shook her head. "Young Master Xiao Yan is slightly injured, but his spirit remains strong," she reassured her mistress.

As Xiao Xun'er pondered her cousin's recent defeat, a sense of determination filled her heart.

"I hope brother Xiao Yan can overcome this setback," she murmured, her thoughts consumed by concern for her cousin's well-being.

Meanwhile, in Xiao Ning's room...

With the hundred thousand gold coins he had won, Xiao Ning made his way to the Mittel auction house to restock on medicinal materials.

Upon his return, he marveled at the wealth of resources at his disposal, eager to continue his training.

With determination burning in his heart, Xiao Ning immersed himself in his practice, his mind focused on his goal of condensing ten fighting cyclones.

As he bathed in the medicinal concoction, Xiao Ning felt the power surging within him, a testament to his newfound strength.

With a triumphant smile, he realized that he had achieved his goal: he had successfully condensed ten fighting cyclones within his body.

Overwhelmed with joy, Xiao Ning closed his eyes, reveling in the sensation of power coursing through his veins.

With this newfound strength, he felt invincible, ready to face any challenge that lay ahead.

And so, with his resolve strengthened and his spirit renewed, Xiao Ning embarked on the next stage of his journey, eager to see where his newfound power would take him.