Awkward... Embarrassing

As long as a seed was planted within it, medicinal ingredients could be harvested endlessly.

The Life Flame possessed vitality that rivaled even some magical beasts. It was known as the Flame of Longevity, but it was not adept at combat and did not provide much of a boost in battle power.

Xiao Gong had originally intended to bring the flame back to the clan and give it to Xiao Yu.

However, after Xiao Xuan stubbornly pleaded with him, Xiao Gong ultimately helped him forcibly refine it.

As for Xiao Gong, with the strength of an eight-star Dou Saint, the Life Flame was a rare treasure to him, but not something he absolutely had to obtain.

Ever since acquiring the Life Flame, Xiao Xuan had continuously guided it to temper his body and soul.

Though he was only twelve or thirteen, he had already firmly reached the peak Dou Zong level.

He was just one step away from his former peak: an early-stage Dou Zun.

His soul realm had even reached the great completion of the Spirit Realm.

Although the yellow-tier soul cultivation technique he had obtained in the past had long become as useless as chicken ribs, he still could not bear to abandon it.

This was undoubtedly related to his ambition to develop a soul cultivation technique.

The current Xiao Xuan was not only a peak Dou Zong, but also a bona fide seventh-tier alchemist, highly valued by Xiao Yu, the head of the Medicine Refining Pavilion.

However, the grand ceremony passed down for thousands of years by the great ancient Emperor Clans was about to begin.

And so, Xiao Xuan was dragged out of the Scripture Depository by his own father.

The so-called celebration was actually an event for several Emperor Clans to socialize and interact, while also serving as a form of self-promotion.

To put it bluntly, this grand event was simply each clan bringing out its finest young talents to show off.

At the same time, it allowed the younger generation of the clans to get acquainted with one another. After all, the ancient clans had an agreement not to attack each other.

At least, unless one possessed overwhelming strength, no one would risk offending several Emperor Clans.

Xiao Xuan actually did not want to participate. He had no desire to become famous. He only wanted to lie low and quietly develop, preferably becoming a Nine-Star Dou Saint without anyone noticing—though he knew that was unrealistic.

After all, what did it matter even if he became the number one among the younger generation?

Before an absolute powerhouse, no matter how peerless one's talent was, one would still be nothing but a little brother.

The clans had agreed not to attack one another, but if someone made a move in secret and was not caught on the spot, who would admit it?

"Father, Mother!"

"Stop hiding in the Scripture Depository. Young people should have the vigor of youth.

Three days from now will be the celebration of the great Emperor Clans.

When the time comes, the younger generation of several clans will gather here to get acquainted.

As it happens, this time the Xiao Clan is hosting the exchange.

You'd better make us proud, or don't blame me for disowning you!"

The moment they met, Xiao Feng raised his head, his expression stern.

Xiao Xuan was speechless. His old man cared about this sort of thing too?

Then he said, "Dad, is that really necessary? Isn't it just a small sparring match between juniors?

You don't want your son to die young, do you?

Relax, Dad. Cousin Xiao Xiong and Cousin Xiao Chen have both reached the Dou Wang level already, right?

With them around, no matter how outstanding the younger generation of the great Emperor Clans may be, they shouldn't surpass them by much.

They can handle most of the prodigies from the various clans. If they truly can't, then I'll step in."

"You..."

Xiao Feng pointed at him, yet could not find a word to say. In the end, he sighed helplessly. "Do as you please. Even if there are people like you,

they probably won't make a move easily. They're all hiding their strength."

The next day, Xiao Xuan did not cultivate. Instead, he went to the training grounds to see how his peers were progressing.

"Brother Xuan!"

"Cousin? Did the sun rise in the west today?"

"Haha, Cousin, looks like you haven't neglected your cultivation."

Xiao Xuan casually swept his gaze across the area. Xiao Yun, Xiao Xiong, Xiao Chen, and Xiao Lan had all broken through to the Dou Wang level. However, Xiao Yun and Xiao Lan were relatively older, nearly seventeen, and had only just entered the Dou Wang level.

Xiao Xuan was quite satisfied with this. Looking at them, he smiled. "Not bad, cousins. It seems you lot have been working hard too!"

"Don't mention it. During all these years you spent holed up in the Scripture Depository, thanks to you, we've practically been living in hell..."

The corners of Xiao Xuan's mouth twitched slightly as he said with a cheerful smile, "That's not bad either! At least your efforts have paid off, right?

Shed more sweat now, and when you face enemies in the future, you'll suffer fewer casualties."

Xiao Xiong was puzzled. "Cousin, although there are many conflicts across the continent, they're only minor disputes.

As for ancient clans like ours, we all live peacefully on our own. Where would enemies even come from?"

Hearing this, Xiao Xuan thought, These guys have gotten too comfortable. They need a good beating!

Still, it was not their fault. Over the past thousand years, ever since the ancient clans had withdrawn from the stage of the Central Plains, few major battles had occurred there.

At most, there were occasional scuffles between sects. Even the strongest involved were only Half-Saints.

"Though the Emperor Clans are powerful, how can they compare to the wonders of the continent?

Perhaps you should apply to the clan elders and go out to experience the world.

And remember this well: when facing any enemy, no matter how weak their cultivation may seem, you must go all out.

Otherwise, if you die, you'll have died for nothing!"

They all nodded in agreement. "Cousin is right!"

Xiao Xiong asked, "Cousin, what realm have you reached now?"

Xiao Xuan did not speak. He merely glanced at Xiao Xiong, causing the latter to stagger backward repeatedly, his voice filled with disbelief.

"Sp... Spirit Realm soul? Such powerful soul force!"

"For the friendly exchanges among the clans and the contests between the younger generation, I'll leave it to all of you."

Time passed in the blink of an eye...

After getting up today, Xiao Xuan did not go cultivate.

Instead, he changed into a black-and-gold outfit and made a point of tidying himself up.

Staring at his reflection in the mirror, he could not help becoming a little narcissistic. "Hmm... not bad. I really never paid much attention before.

With just a little dressing up, I'm damn handsome again...

Exceptional talent, formidable strength, and a God-Grade Bloodline—how are other men supposed to live?"

Just as he was muttering praise for himself, Gu Qin and Xiao Feng happened to walk in.

Seeing that their usually steady son had such a side to him, acting so narcissistic, the corners of their mouths twitched, and their faces darkened...

"Xuan'er, stop admiring yourself. The celebration is about to begin. Hurry up and go!"

Like a startled bird, Xiao Xuan's face instantly flushed red. Embarrassed, he said, "Ahem, Father, Mother, you two didn't hear anything just now, right?

Oh, the celebration is about to begin. Your son is about to be late."

Watching Xiao Xuan run off in a flash, Xiao Feng immediately burst into laughter.

"Haha, that's how a young man should be.

Perhaps this child has been suppressing himself too much these past years.

Who would have thought this brat had such a goofy side?

What a pity. I didn't have time to record it..."

After Xiao Xuan arrived at Xiao Clan Plaza, he saw the enormous arena that had long since been erected in the center.

Among the Eight Ancient Clans, only the Yao Clan held its celebration through alchemy. The other clans all made friends through martial arts.