Xiao Peng's Plans

Xiao Yan stepped forward and raised a hand to pat Xiao Peng's arm. His tone carried a hint of teasing, but his sincerity was impossible to conceal. "You hid yourself well. You never seemed particularly showy when you trained, but when you finally made a move, you dropped a bombshell." He paused. "Still, this is good. From now on, our Xiao Family can hold our heads high whenever we go out."

Xiao Peng waved a hand. "We can't be too high-profile. If we draw too much attention, people from other families might take us out."

Although he was not afraid in the slightest, it was still better to keep a low profile.

Grow quietly, then stun the world in one stroke.

As soon as Xiao Peng said this, all three of them froze for a moment before understanding what he meant.

Xiao Yan frowned slightly and said thoughtfully, "You're right. The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind. Our Xiao Family is one of Wu Tan City's three great families. But if others learn of your talent, they'll definitely find a way to kill you."

Xiao Xun'er nodded gently, a trace of agreement flashing through her eyes. "Wu Tan City may appear peaceful, but the various great families have never stopped fighting openly and scheming in secret. Being too dazzling really does invite unnecessary trouble."

Though she had lived in the Xiao Family for a long time, she understood the undercurrents beneath this small city.

The excitement on Xiao Mei's face faded somewhat. "Cousin really has thought this through."

She had only been happy for Xiao Peng before and had not considered these hidden dangers.

Xiao Peng smiled. "Cousin, it's your turn. Go get tested."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan took a deep breath and turned his gaze toward the Black Stone Tablet, which was still emitting a faint glow.

The discussions around them had yet to fully settle. Occasionally, a few gazes swept over him, carrying traces of sympathy or indifference.

After all, the former genius's fall into uselessness had long become common knowledge throughout Wu Tan City.

"Mm." Xiao Yan answered, clenched his fists, and walked toward the stone tablet.

Every step felt as though he were treading on invisible needles. The mockery and doubts of the past three years surged through his mind like a tide, yet his back remained perfectly straight.

This time, he would shock everyone.

In less than a year, he had already reached the eighth stage of Dou Qi. He would definitely astonish those who had looked down on him.

When he arrived before the Black Stone Tablet, the scattered gazes in the arena converged upon him once more, filled with their usual scrutiny and apathy, as if they had already decided the outcome.

Xiao Yan slowly raised his hand and pressed his palm against the icy Black Stone Tablet, feeling the faint suction coming from within it.

"Xiao Yan, eighth stage Dou Qi!"

Many people present were utterly astonished when they heard Xiao Yan's level.

Although Xiao Peng had shocked everyone earlier, they had some idea of what was going on. They had already guessed that Xiao Peng's strength had recovered; they simply did not know the specifics.

Xiao Yan had risen five stages in less than a year. How could they not be shocked?

"Eighth stage?!"

A cry of alarm exploded from the crowd like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirring up towering waves.

Everyone's eyes were nailed to the eight bright stars clearly displayed on the Black Stone Tablet, their faces filled with disbelief.

"H-How is that possible? Wasn't he only at the third stage last year?" A young man rubbed his eyes as though he were seeing an illusion.

"Five stages in a year? That speed is even more frightening than Xiao Peng's!" Someone instinctively compared the two, his voice full of shock.

Everyone now believed that Xiao Peng had recovered long ago and had merely been secretly concealing his strength.

Xiao Yan, however, had suddenly risen from rock bottom. The impact was far greater than the former's.

On the high platform, Xiao Zhan abruptly rose from his seat. His chest heaved violently, and his eyes reddened slightly.

He stared fixedly at Xiao Yan's back, his lips trembling. Only after a long while did he force out, "Good... good boy!"

Three years. A full three years. He had finally waited for this day!

The ridicule that had weighed upon the Xiao Family and the criticism surrounding his son all vanished into thin air at this moment.

First Elder's expression was grim. He had never expected Xiao Yan to recover.

Second Elder and Third Elder exchanged glances, each seeing the shock in the other's eyes.

They had always believed Xiao Yan was truly crippled, yet beneath that worthless shell lay such astonishing explosive potential.

Xiao Ning stood at the back of the crowd, his face changing from pale to green, then from green to purple. His nails dug deeply into his palms, drawing blood, but he did not notice at all.

He had never expected the useless trash he had constantly mocked to recover his talent.

Xiao Yan slowly withdrew his hand. The chill in his palm seemed not to have faded, but the heat in his heart roiled without end.

He turned around and faced the gazes from every direction. There was neither pride nor smugness on his face as he calmly walked toward the corner.

Yet his straight back and steady steps carried more power than any words.

Only when he reached the three of them did Xiao Yan lift his chin slightly and look at Xiao Peng, his voice light with relief and pride. "Looks like the Xiao Family's backbone won't be supported by you alone from now on."

Xiao Peng smiled and punched Xiao Yan lightly. "Not bad. At least you didn't hold me back."

"Haha!" Xiao Yan laughed heartily.

The gloom of the past three years completely dispersed at this moment, and his laughter was full of a young man's high spirits.

During the following challenges, no one dared to challenge Xiao Peng.

One person challenged Xiao Yan, but Xiao Yan easily defeated him.

After the testing ended, Xiao Peng and Xiao Xun'er left together.

Watching their departing backs, Xiao Yan revealed an auntie-like smile. "I knew those two had something going on."

Xiao Mei looked at Xiao Xun'er and Xiao Yan's backs and silently sighed.

"Brother Xiao Peng, can you accompany me on an outing tomorrow?"

"Sure."

Hearing Xiao Xun'er's request, Xiao Peng agreed without a second thought.

It was only a day of fun. It was no big deal, and he would be accompanying Xiao Xun'er.

Xiao Xun'er was overjoyed to see Xiao Peng agree without hesitation.

After bidding Xiao Xun'er farewell, Xiao Peng returned to his room and began considering a very serious matter.

Resources!

The Nine Revolutions Profound Technique required vast amounts of resources. Although he had not yet reached the First Turn, he needed to seriously consider this issue.

Mittel Auction House could not provide the resources he needed. He would need to leave Wu Tan City and gather a large amount of resources to cultivate the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique.

After thinking for a moment, Xiao Peng thought of a place: the Magical Beast Mountain Range in the Jia Ma Empire.

After passing Jia Nan Academy's examination, he would head to the Magical Beast Mountain Range in the Jia Ma Empire, hunt those Magical Beasts, and use them to cultivate the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique.

Once his strength had improved enough, he could try capturing the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King.

The Purple Crystal Winged Lion King was a sixth-tier Magical Beast, equivalent to a Dou Emperor, and the overlord of the Magical Beast Mountain Range in the Jia Ma Empire.

If he tempered his body with the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King's blood, his Nine Revolutions Profound Technique should improve rapidly.

He also had another target: Zi Yan of Jia Nan Academy.