The entire venue was a mixture of excitement and anticipation.
Some people were full of confidence while others looked visibly nervous.
One by one candidates were called. Most of them passed but those who failed only received a sigh from the elders along with some pitiful glances.
A lot of people who they had known for all these years didn't even come up to comfort them.
This is reality. Once you lose an opportunity, you may have to regret it for life.
And frankly, the less people pass this test, the better for those who remain as they won't have to share their resources with them.
"Xiao Yan", a shout came from the stage instantly silencing the crowd below.
Everyone turned to look at the boy who was once the pride of the clan but lost everything, finally turning into a trash who can't cultivate douqi.
Most of the people watched with indifference, some gloated while others showed disdain or pity.
Everyone was sure that Xiao Yan, the young master of the Xiao family is about to be expelled from the clan.
Amidst all the gazes, Xiao Yan walked up the stage with his head held high, his eyes devoid of the gloom and despair of the past.
As he placed his hand on the stele, a golden light shone above it announcing the result to everyone present.
When the people around, all thought that Xiao Yan is still stuck at the usual 3rd stage of Dou Zhi Qi, astonishing letters appeared above the black stele subverting their worldview.
Dou Zhi Qi 8th stage (High)!
Everyone opened their mouths unable to comprehend the scene before them. A trash that they all looked down on has suddenly surpassed their expectations.
Crossed five stages in one year!
This is unbelievable!
The elder on the stage was first to come back to his senses. He announced the result with a shaky voice.
As soon as it was declared, Xiao Zhan sitting above the stands exerted a force which cracked the cup in his hands but he didn't notice it at all.
His eyes were all fixed on Xiao Yan.
"Good, good , good! My son's talent is back." He couldn't contain his excitement as he laughed out loud.
Then it was a familiar scene.
Congratulations poured in from all directions.
Especially the heads of Jia Lie and Obapa family who were sitting beside him.
Although they felt pain in their hearts, they could only smile on the surface.
It was clear that with the return of Xiao Yan's talent, the Xiao family will definitely prosper and step outside of Wutan City in the future.
They can only befriend them now unless they find a way to nip this bud before his growth.
"Congratulations patriarch Xiao. It seems the Xiao family will gain a Dou Huang in the future." Suddenly, a sweet voice drifted from the side.
Xiao Zhan turned his head to find a charming woman sitting beside him with her legs crossed.
Her beauty and charm could mesmerize any man. Even Xiao Zhan felt his mind shaken but he quickly composed himself.
This was none other than Ya Fei from the Mitter Auction House.
Xiao Zhan was flattered by this comment. He immediately thanked her with great respect.
Honestly, he didn't expect her to attend today's ceremony inspite of the invitation. One of the reason is her background.
To a giant like Mitter family, the Xiao family is nothing. It is natural that they wouldn't care about such small events.
But to his surprise, she actually came.
The second reason is that in all these years, the Mitter Auction House has never attended any coming of age ceremony making it even more unlikely.
After the shock caused by Xiao Yan, the ceremony resumed normally.
Soon, it was Xun'er's turn.
"Brother Xiao Lin, be ready for a surprise." As soon as she was called, Xun'er blinked playfully towards Xiao Lin before walking away.
The cold and stern elder on the stage was quite respectful as he guided her to the test.
Once her snow white hands were pressed on the black stele, a blinding light emerged from the top. This light was countless times brighter than any other participants which surprised some people.
Dou Zhe 1 star!
As soon as the characters appeared in everyone's sight, a deathly silence spread everywhere.
Then there was an uproar!
"Congratulations, Miss Xun'er. You are the second person to reach Dou Zhe before the age of 15 in our family."
The elder spoke with enthusiasm. This kind of talent can become a Dou Huang in the future.
How can he not be excited!
The audience were full of praises. Even at the stands above, Xiao Zhan kept receiving congratulations from everyone. Except this time, he wasn't that ecstatic.
Others are unaware but he knows that the background behind this girl is not simple and she doesn't really belong to the Xiao family.
Even after being flattered from all sides, Xiao Xun'er looked calm and composed as if it had nothing to do with her.
She politely thanked the elder and stepped down from the stage.
Amidst the awe and praises, she made her way back to Xiao Lin.
"How about it? Are you surprised?" As soon as she arrived, her cold face turned gentle almost instantly.
The people around were all red with envy.
Why can an ordinary boy get such favor from their goddess? Is being handsome really that great?!
"Xun'er is really amazing. I am truly surprised."
Xiao Lin ignored all the stares and complimented from the bottom of his heart.
After saying this, he rubbed her head affectionately.
A blush crept over Xun'er's face and she lowered her head shyly. This is the first time that Xiao Lin has made such intimate gestures to her in public.
After a few more participants, it was finally Xiao Lin's turn.
Before getting on the stage, he was still deciding how much strength he should reveal.
The main thing is that the Jianan Academy is coming to recruit in two months so he has to be reasonable while showing his strength.
The difference can't be too big.
As his palm was pressed on the cold stone of the testing tablet, a golden light emerged from above.
It was dimmer than Xiao Xun'er but still quite bright.
Dou Zhi Qi 9th stage (Low)!
A wave of surprise rippled through the crowd.
Being at the 9th stage at the age of 15 is still quite remarkable. The elder saw the glowing result and nodded in approval.
It seems their family has gained another genius. Although it's not as outrageous as Xiao Yan or Xiao Xun'er, it is still quite good.