"Congratulate you on what?" Xiao Yan asked, eyes flashing with confusion.
"Of course I'm congratulating you. You've already reached five-star Dou Qi. Your talent has finally returned," Xiao Tian said with a smile.
A hint of panic flickered across Xiao Yan's face. He subconsciously touched the black ring on his finger. Yao Lao's voice sounded in his mind: "Don't worry, he can't sense me."
Xiao Yan immediately relaxed and replied, "Indeed, I couldn't hide it from you, Tian Ge. My Dou Qi is recovering bit by bit and no longer dissipating. Once I realized it had stabilized, I've been cultivating desperately, afraid it might disappear again. But now I'm certain the previous situation won't happen anymore."
"That's truly wonderful! Our Xiao Family's genius has finally returned to his rightful place," Xiao Tian said happily, slinging an arm around Xiao Yan's shoulder. In his heart, however, he was already scheming: I need to start planning my Black-Corner Region pill factory project. There's no better candidate for factory manager than this little brother of mine.
"Xiao Yan Zi, where are you heading?"
"I'm going to the Dou Technique Hall to pick something. What about you, Tian Ge? Oh, and here's the money I borrowed from you before." Xiao Yan pulled out a black gold card and handed it over.
"You go ahead. I'm going to find Xun'er. After cultivating for so long, I'm ready for a proper date, hahaha!" Xiao Tian took the card and laughed heartily as he walked away.
Xiao Yan was fed a full mouthful of dog food. His face filled with black lines. Even Yao Lao inside the ring couldn't help stifling a laugh: "Xiao Yan Zi, why don't you find yourself a little girlfriend too?"
"Women will only affect the speed of my cultivation. I don't need them."
Xiao Tian spent the entire day accompanying Xiao Xun'er. Her smile never faded once, and all the resentment from not seeing him for two months had long since vanished.
As dusk approached, the two returned to the Xiao Family estate. On a small path, they saw a group surrounding Xiao Yan. The leader was Xiao Ning, grandson of Elder Xiao Zhang.
"Xiao Yan, you trash, you still have the face to show yourself? How about we spar? In a few months you'll be kicked out to a branch family anyway, living the life of a good-for-nothing. We won't even see you then," Xiao Ning said arrogantly.
"Oh? Then do you dare to spar with me?" a calm voice suddenly interrupted.
"Come on, spar then! Whoever doesn't dare is a grandson!" Xiao Ning blurted out without thinking.
He suddenly noticed his followers' expressions had changed. Turning his head, he saw Xiao Tian walking leisurely down the path. The memory of being brutally beaten two years ago flashed through his mind. Xiao Ning instantly deflated like a punctured balloon. He swallowed hard and stammered, "I-It's Cousin Xiao Tian… There's no need to spar. I still admire your strength very much."
"Didn't you just say whoever doesn't dare is a grandson? Where did all that ambition go?"
"I… I was just joking, trying to liven up the atmosphere for everyone," Xiao Ning said, shrinking his neck.
"Get lost! If I see you bullying fellow clan members again, I'll beat you so badly your grandpa won't recognize you. I've told you before — stop acting like a bully at home. If you want to fight, go find people from the other two clans."
"Yes, yes, yes!" Xiao Ning nodded repeatedly and scurried away with his lackeys.
"Thanks, Tian Ge," Xiao Yan said.
"No need to thank me. Even if I hadn't shown up, you would've been fine. I can roughly sense your strength. At five-star Dou Qi, drawing with Xiao Ning at seven-star Dou Qi is no problem. Have you chosen a Dou Technique yet?"
Xiao Yan raised the scroll in his hand. "I've picked one. I'll head back first. You and Xun'er take your time strolling."
After Xiao Yan left, Xiao Tian and Xun'er walked a little longer before he sent her back to her courtyard.
Over the next six months, Xiao Tian focused on cultivation and refining medicine. He occasionally made time to accompany Xun'er and delivered his refined pills to the auction house to sell — using every visit as an excuse to see Ya Fei. However, he was often kicked out for being too hands-on.
Xiao Tian's inner thought: This isn't my fault. Black silk is simply too alluring. Who can resist that, brothers?
One morning, Xiao Tian slowly opened his eyes inside the stone cave and exhaled a breath of turbid air.
"I should be able to break through to Dou Master in about three more days of cultivation. The Extreme Wood Lightning has also reached nine and a half wisps. It'll be fully condensed in another month and a half."
Knock knock.
A soft girl's voice sounded from outside: "Brother Xiao Tian, it's time to get up! Today is the re-test ceremony. You can't be absent this time!"
This was the official coming-of-age ceremony. Everyone had to participate in the previous tests, but Xiao Tian had gone to the clan leader and three elders, revealed his aura, and — with their infinite tolerance for geniuses — they exempted him from the tests. He only needed to attend the ceremony. As for Xiao Yan, just like the original story, he tested at seven-star Dou Qi and defeated the challenger Xiao Ke, shocking the entire clan.
Hearing Xun'er's voice, Xiao Tian quickly washed up, changed into fresh clothes, and opened the door.
Outside stood Xiao Xun'er in a light pink dress. She looked elegant and extraordinary, with an ethereal aura. Her skin was delicate, and her scent was like a secluded orchid — gentle and utterly charming.
"I was wondering why the flowers in my courtyard were drooping today. My Xun'er is still as beautiful as ever, capable of shaming the flowers and making the moon hide in embarrassment."
Listening to the young man's praise, Xun'er's delicate eyebrows curved into happy crescent moons.
Xiao Tian closed the door, took her soft hand, and walked toward the testing ground. At sixteen years old, he was already over 1.8 meters tall. Wearing a well-fitted white robe with golden accents and subtle blue details, he looked tall and straight, with smooth, elegant lines.
As the two walked hand in hand under the sunlight, everyone who saw them couldn't help but sigh:
"A man as pure as jade, a gentleman unparalleled in the world."
They arrived at the testing ground and walked straight to Xiao Yan's side. Seeing his little brother full of vigor and restored glory, Xiao Tian smiled:
"Xiao Yan Zi, it's been a while since I've seen you like this. Not bad, not bad at all."
"Xiao Tian, you still a pervert?"
A sudden voice interrupted them. Xiao Tian turned and saw Xiao Yu walking over aggressively.
"This tomboy is back again," Xiao Tian muttered without thinking.
"Who are you calling a tomboy?!" Xiao Yu exploded in anger. She immediately drew the sword at her waist and swung at him.
Xiao Tian teleported behind her in a flash, delivered a firm slap to her butt, then squeezed it shamelessly while whispering into her ear:
"Your legs are getting longer and nicer day by day… Do you really think you can run away from me?"
Xiao Yu struggled fiercely, trying to break free, but Xiao Tian tightened his grip.
Only when he noticed Xun'er's expression turning dangerous did he finally release her.
Xiao Yu's face flushed bright red with embarrassment. She glared at him shyly and asked, "Jia Nan Academy's recruitment will be in a while. Are you two coming?"