Xiao Mei

Testing Plaza.

The plaza was packed with people. The Xiao Clan's Younger Generation had all gathered here, and a youthful energy filled the place, making it exceptionally lively.

At that moment, the gazes of the Younger Generation were all fixed on the center of the plaza, where a massive Testing Magic Stone Tablet stood. Their eyes revealed varying degrees of nervousness.

After all, today's test would determine their future standing within the clan. Those who failed would be expelled from the Xiao Clan Inner Clan after the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, and it would be even more difficult for them to reenter in the future.

Therefore, today's test was extremely important to every member of the Younger Generation.

Of course, some outstanding members of the Xiao Clan's Younger Generation had no need to worry about this.

For instance, a maiden was currently walking toward the Testing Magic Stone Tablet. She had a petite figure. Though she did not possess beauty comparable to Xun Er's, her small face, a blend of purity and charm, possessed a unique allure.

That maiden was naturally Xiao Mei.

"Begin!" The Middle-aged Tester spoke indifferently as he watched the maiden approach.

Xiao Mei nodded, then reached out and placed her palm against the icy Testing Magic Stone Tablet. She stared at the Testing Stele, anticipation flickering in her beautiful eyes.

A mysterious testing power examined Xiao Mei's body. Then, a burst of radiance shone from the Testing Magic Stone Tablet, drawing everyone's attention.

"Xiao Mei, Dou Qi: Eighth Stage! Rank: High!"

A line of gleaming words slowly appeared on the Testing Magic Stone Tablet, causing everyone's pupils to contract slightly. Such strength was already considered exceptional among the Xiao Clan's Younger Generation.

"Yay!" Seeing the test result before her, a proud look appeared on Xiao Mei's little face. She was clearly very satisfied. She then turned and walked down from the platform, and the envious gazes below made the smile on her lovely face even more captivating.

At that moment, Xiao Mei noticed the figure of a youth dressed in black. Her steps paused, and her beautiful eyes flickered. That was her cousin, Xiao Yan, once the Xiao Family's Number One Genius—the person she had once admired. Unfortunately, that was all in the past.

Now, the gap between them was as vast as heaven and earth.

After the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, Xiao Yan would be expelled from the Xiao Clan. Perhaps they would never have anything to do with each other again?

Standing across from Xiao Yan, Xiao Mei was lost in thought for a moment before collecting herself. Her steps paused, then she continued forward, brushing past Xiao Yan without any intention of greeting him.

Because she and he were no longer people from the same world.

Watching Xiao Mei walk past him with a cold expression, Xiao Yan could not help shaking his head with a self-mocking smile. Such was the coldness of the world. In the end, this was still a world where strength spoke for itself.

"Back then, Xiao Mei was inseparable from Brother Xiao Yan. She clung to Brother Xiao Yan all day long!" Xun Er glanced at Xiao Mei as she walked away and spoke lightly, somewhat displeased by Xiao Mei's manner.

"Those who understand me say that my heart is burdened; those who do not understand me ask what I seek." Xiao Yan smiled faintly. Over the past three years, he had come to take such things calmly. By comparison, he felt that cherishing the person before him was what mattered most—for instance, the Green-clothed Maiden before him.

"My Xun Er is still the best." Xiao Yan reached out and lightly scraped Xun Er's delicate nose with his finger, smiling as he spoke.

"I'm not yours." A blush appeared on Xun Er's lovely face as she muttered through her small mouth, yet a captivating smile bloomed in her beautiful eyes. Three years had passed, and the spirited youth from back then had finally returned.

Xun Er knew that today, the youth before her would prove to everyone that the Xiao Clan's former genius had returned.

Today, he would reclaim all the dignity and glory that belonged to him!