I Often Felt Out of Place Because I Wasn't Perverted Enough

Testing Plaza.

The summer sun blazed high overhead as most of the crowd had already gathered in the square. Some looked expectantly toward the Test Demon Stone Tablet at the center, others whispered among themselves in discussion, and a few cast mocking glances in a certain direction.

"He's here, that waste is here."

"So what if he's here? What's there to see? Just a clown."

"If the Clan Leader weren't his father, a waste like him would have been driven out of the clan long ago, left to fend for himself. He wouldn't still be mooching off the clan for food and shelter."

"You're wrong—he's got a younger brother too."

"A peerless genius and a peerless waste, standing side by side. How ironic, huh."

As Xiao Lang and Xiao Yan arrived, the crowd buzzed with chatter, most wearing sneers on their faces.

"Xiao Lang gege..."

Watching Xiao Lang's figure, Xiao Xun'er recalled last night's events, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks as she stole glances at that silhouette.

"Everyone, don't stare at me like that. I know I'm handsome, but I've got thin skin. You're all gawking so openly—I'll get shy."

Xiao Lang met the crowd's gazes, listened to their taunts, and walked over calmly, speaking as he did. He'd endured this kind of scrutiny countless times since childhood; he was long used to it.

This was supposed to be Xiao Yan's experience a few years down the line, but it had landed on him instead. What a twist of fate.

This sense of immersion was way too real.

"That brat, I don't know who he takes after with that thick skin." Xiao Zhan watched Xiao Lang, unable to help a scolding laugh, though a deep worry flickered in his eyes.

After all, in the Xiao clan, if one hadn't reached the seventh stage of Dou Disciple by the age of sixteen—before adulthood—then Xiao Lang, lacking cultivation potential, would lose the qualification to enter the Dou Qi Pavilion to seek a Cultivation Method. He'd be assigned to the clan's various businesses to handle mundane affairs. That was the clan's rule, and even as Clan Leader, he couldn't change it!

If he didn't become a Dou Practitioner by twenty-five, he wouldn't be recognized by the clan at all!

"Father, don't worry. I've always felt that our Third Brother is no ordinary fish." Xiao Lang's eldest brother, Xiao Ding, noticed his father's concern and offered comfort.

"I feel the same way. I hope this feeling is right." Second Brother Xiao Li also looked at Xiao Lang as he spoke.

"If that feeling is right, then I hope he shows us a surprise soon." Xiao Zhan listened to his two sons' reassurances, a complex expression in his eyes.

After all, in this world, the strong reigned supreme. It relied on strength, not vague feelings.

"Heh, feelings? I feel like my grandsons Xiao Long and Xiao Hu have the makings of Dou Emperors!" Second Elder interjected with a contemptuous look.

"Dou Emperor material? I'd say they're more like comic relief."

As the group talked, Xiao Lang walked over and happened to catch Second Elder's words, unable to resist a retort.

Second Elder's face darkened, and he snorted coldly: "Sharp-tongued brat. Let's see how you embarrass yourself later. Still at the third stage of Dou Disciple at eight years old—you're a disgrace to the Xiao clan!"

"Dog bark."

Xiao Lang spat out two words flatly, not even glancing at Second Elder.

With his father around, Second Elder wouldn't dare lay a hand on him anyway.

When it came to trash-talking, he'd never backed down from anyone.

In his past life playing King's Pesticide, he'd been the one to open his mic and fire back.

"You—!"

"Enough, everyone's here. Let's start the test."

Second Elder was about to speak when Xiao Zhan cut him off.

Soon.

A middle-aged man stood before the Test Demon Stone Tablet and began testing the Xiao clan's disciples.

"Third Brother, I don't bow to anyone but you and that mouth of yours, hahaha." Xiao Li leaned in and whispered to Xiao Lang beside him: "Don't worry, Second Brother and Eldest Brother will set up a mercenary group later. We'll have your back."

At this point, Xiao Li was only a teenager, not yet as deep as in the original story, but his ruthless nature was already showing.

"If Xiao Long and Xiao Hu mess with you again, tonight we'll sack 'em and knock 'em out with a brick!" Xiao Li grinned, winking exaggeratedly.

"Second Brother!" Xiao Ding frowned, putting on a serious face: "You said that too loud. Xiao Long and Xiao Hu will hear and be on guard."

"..."

Xiao Yan's mouth twitched as he watched his eldest, second, and third brothers excitedly discussing the feasibility of sacking and bricking.

He couldn't help but sigh.

He often felt out of place with them because he wasn't twisted enough.

"..."

Nearby, Xiao Long and Xiao Hu's mouths also twitched as they glared at Xiao Lang's trio. You're saying it that loud—do you think we're deaf?

Could you show us some respect?

"Next, Xiao Yan!"

Soon, the test reached Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan snapped out of his discussion, feeling somewhat dazed. Watching the other three still talking, his expression grew complicated—had he truly become a freak?

But when he saw everyone looking at him, he gathered his thoughts and walked confidently toward the Test Demon Stone Tablet.

At the same time, murmurs of discussion rose from the crowd below.

"Fourth Young Master reached the fifth stage of Dou Power last year. A year has passed now—he should have at least broken through to the sixth stage, right?"

"Definitely. Who is Xiao Yan? Search the entire Jia Ma Empire, and you won't find a genius who can match him!"

"Xiao Yan has great talent and keeps a low profile, while Xiao Lang is a waste who doesn't know his place. I don't know how they ended up in the same family."

"Aren't Xiao Ding and Xiao Li complete opposites too?"

"..."

"Dou Power, sixth stage!"

Looking at the five bright characters on the Test Demon Stone Tablet, the middle-aged man beside it exclaimed in amazement.

Keep in mind, Xiao Yan was only five years old!

Reaching the sixth stage of Dou Power at five—even if he advanced one stage per year, it would practically confirm that Xiao Yan had been cultivating while still in his mother's womb, wouldn't it?

"This kid really is a freak."

Many people showed expressions of envy, jealousy, and hatred in their eyes.

Even Xiao Xun'er revealed a hint of surprise. Watching the sunny little boy, she inexplicably recalled Xiao Lang's figure in her mind.

"As expected of my little brother. Third Brother is proud of you." Xiao Lang looked at Xiao Yan with a gratified expression, while thinking to himself: As expected of all that money I lent—letting you start training Dou Qi a year early was worth it.

Beside them, Xiao Zhan's mouth twitched. You took my line—what am I supposed to say?

But he was used to it.

This third son of his was good in every way except for having a mouth.

Oh, and his talent was a bit lacking too.

But precisely because of that, Xiao Zhan focused more of his attention on Xiao Lang among his four sons.

Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, and Xiao Yan didn't mind at all. In fact, they felt it was only right.

They were all brothers—what was there to fight over?

"Heh, you're proud of him, but the entire clan is ashamed of you." Xiao Long sneered from the side.

Because he really couldn't stand this brat Xiao Lang anymore. Trying to put a sack over his head was one thing, but you actually wanted to use a sack filled with shit!

"Ding! Detected Xiao Long's provocation. Triggering selection!"

New book, new author—begging for recommendation tickets!!

Brothers, help push it up!!