Second-Grade Breakthrough Pill

Early morning.

Wutan City, Xiao Clan.

The Martial Arts Arena was bustling with activity. Xiao Clan servants moved between the ten arenas surrounding the grounds, carrying out the final inspections.

A group of Xiao Clan Shadow Guards kept a close watch from the shadows. When their gazes swept over the smiles on the servants' faces, they smiled knowingly before their hawk-like eyes shifted elsewhere.

To servants and guards like them, Young Master Xiao Ling was their heaven. Even Xiao Zhan's words did not carry as much weight as Xiao Ling's, simply because Xiao Ling had given them the right to live as people.

This was especially true for those in dangerous positions—their benefits and treatment far exceeded those of the Xiao Clan disciples. In Young Master Xiao Ling's words:

"You risk your lives for the Xiao Clan. Other than helping you look after your families, this is all I can do."

As time slowly passed, the younger generation of the Xiao Clan arrived at the Martial Arts Arena one after another. They gathered in small groups, each with the conviction of victory in their eyes.

From this alone, it was clear that the Xiao Clan had begun to take on the form of a great clan.

At that moment, Xiao Zhan and the others approached from afar and saw the scene. They exchanged glances, each seeing delight in the others' eyes.

"Haha, good! Very good! Not only is Ling'er exceptionally talented, but he handles clan affairs with ease as well. The Xiao Clan is truly blessed!"

Xiao Zhan laughed.

"Yes, Ling'er truly is outstanding. His future achievements will likely not stop at Dou Emperor. The Xiao Clan is indeed blessed."

The First Elder followed up.

The group then arrived at the viewing platform around the Martial Arts Arena. Along the way, the Xiao Clan disciples they encountered all bowed in greeting.

"Greetings, Clan Leader."

"Haha, good!"

Xiao Zhan nodded with a smile, then turned to the Third Elder beside him. "Xiao Ting, didn't you go to find Ling'er yesterday? Why is Ling'er..."

Before Xiao Zhan could finish, a commotion arose among the Xiao Clan disciples at the rear of the Martial Arts Arena. The crowd slowly parted to either side, revealing a White-robed Youth, with two lovely figures—one grown, one small—following behind him.

"Good morning, Big Brother Xiao Ling..."

"Mm."

Faced with the bows and greetings of the Xiao Clan disciples, Xiao Ling merely nodded calmly, as usual.

As Xiao Ling reached the elevated platform at the front of the Martial Arts Arena, Xiao Yu and Xiao Xun'er found a spot at the front of the crowd. They glanced at each other and gave slight nods.

Xiao Ling swept his gaze over the two girls, then nodded toward Xiao Zhan and the others on the viewing platform. Only then did he turn to the Xiao Clan disciples and slowly speak beneath their admiring gazes.

"My fellow clan brothers and sisters, next comes the Xiao Clan's Year-End Assessment. Unlike previous years, aside from cultivation testing and arena battles, a Hunting Competition has been added. There will be ten magic beasts in total: Green Wood Rats, Gale Wolves, and Gale Leopards. Your prey will be determined by drawing lots. If you cannot defeat it, you may withdraw to preserve your lives."

After a pause, Xiao Ling looked at the eager, battle-ready Xiao Clan disciples below and nodded in satisfaction.

"Of course, danger often comes with opportunity. The rewards for the top ten this time will be far more generous than before."

"First place: one second-grade Breakthrough Pill, which can allow someone at Dou Power Stage Nine to break through to the Dou Zhe realm without any side effects, as well as a ten-percent allocation of the clan's resources next year."

The moment these words were spoken, aside from Xiao Zhan and the others on the platform who had already been informed, all the younger members of the Xiao Clan were stunned. Then came a wave of fervor.

The current Xiao Clan was no longer the Xiao Clan of four years ago. Never mind the second-grade Breakthrough Pill they had never even heard of—the Xiao Clan's annual income alone was at least over three hundred thousand gold coins.

Even ten percent amounted to more than thirty thousand gold coins. They had never seen that much money in their lives. How could they not be excited?!

Watching this, Xiao Ling smiled in satisfaction.

Though he had refined the "second-grade Breakthrough Pill" himself, he had disguised its origin as something obtained from an ancient senior's cave dwelling he had discovered in the Magic Beast Mountain Range a year ago.

He was not Xiao Yan from the original story. Before he had enough strength, he would never reveal too much.

"Alright, quiet," Xiao Ling said.

At his words, the younger members of the Xiao Clan all turned their attention to Xiao Ling and waited for him to continue.

"Second place: one second-grade Breakthrough Pill and a five-percent allocation of the clan's resources next year."

"Third place: one second-grade Breakthrough Pill and ten thousand gold coins."

"Fourth place: ten thousand gold coins."

"..."

"Tenth place: four thousand gold coins."

Once the rewards had all been announced, the Xiao Clan disciples completely erupted. Everyone was eager to get started and throw themselves into the competition.

"I now declare the Year-End Assessment officially begun. The Third Elder will oversee the cultivation testing."

After speaking, Xiao Ling stepped down from the elevated platform and headed toward the viewing stands.

Seeing this, Xun'er's beautiful eyes shifted slightly. She immediately trotted after him on her little legs, took Xiao Ling's large hand, and adorably stuck out her tongue at Xiao Yu behind her.

Xiao Yu, who was a beat too slow to react, stamped her little foot in frustration at the sight. Just as she was about to follow, a voice called out.

"Xiao Yu, Xiao Wu, the two of you maintain order."

"Yes, Big Brother Xiao Ling."

At the front of the crowd, a burly young man standing nearly six feet tall, broad-shouldered and powerfully built, cupped his hands and replied shrewdly.

At his words, Xiao Yu's pretty face darkened, giving off an icy, unapproachable air. Her little mouth muttered words only she herself could hear.

"Hmph, stinky Brother Xiao Ling, bad Brother Xiao Ling. After touching me, you're just going to turn your back on me and deny it..."

Fortunately, Xiao Ling did not hear her. Otherwise, he would definitely have cried injustice.

When had he ever touched her?

Could the body's natural reaction while unconscious count as well?

Besides, he had always regarded Xiao Yu as a younger sister, though not by blood.

Elsewhere, Xiao Ling suddenly sneezed, a trace of surprise appearing on his indifferent face.

"What's going on? Could someone be speaking ill of me?"

At that moment, the Third Elder walked over. "Nephew Xiao Ling, you have spent a great deal. The clan remembers your contribution and will never let you down!"

These words had actually been relayed by the First Elder through him, meant to let Xiao Ling know that though the Xiao Clan was small, it would always stand behind him.

Hearing this, Xiao Ling came back to himself, and a faint smile appeared on his indifferent face.

"Uncle Ting, you're being too formal. I, Xiao Ling, bear the surname Xiao—the Xiao of the Xiao Clan."

"Good! Good! Good!"

Third Elder Xiao Ting said "good" three times in succession. Watching Xiao Ling and the other walk away, he turned around, and his aged face returned to calm. Yet upon closer inspection, one could still see his excitement and agitation.

Xiao Ling made his way to the platform, nodded to Xiao Zhan and the two elders, then took his seat.

"Ling'er, who do you think will take first place this time?"

Xiao Zhan turned to the White-robed Youth beside him and asked with a smile.

Hearing this, Xiao Ling raised his head and glanced at the Martial Arts Arena below, where cultivation testing was currently underway.

"Why ask, Uncle Zhan? Just keep watching and we'll find out. But if nothing unexpected happens, first place should be decided between Xiao Yu and Xiao Wu."

"Haha, worthy of being the Xiao Clan's Qilin prodigy. This composure is second to none."

Xiao Zhan laughed heartily.

Xiao Ling was speechless at this. It truly matched a saying from his past life: when you were strong enough, even your farts smelled good.

Seeing Xiao Ling's expression, Xun'er covered her mouth and giggled. "Brother Xiao Ling is already incredibly outstanding, you know~"

"You're asking for a beating..."

Xiao Ling raised his hand to scare her.

Who knew that this girl would refuse to play by the rules? She threw herself directly into his arms and began acting coquettishly.

Xiao Ling was thoroughly speechless. Yet with Xiao Zhan and the others watching, it was not appropriate for him to act, so he could only let her have her way. Inwardly, he secretly swore that once she grew up, he would make her pay for this—she actually dared to tease this young master.

At this moment, in the Martial Arts Arena below, the Third Elder glanced at the testing Magic Stone Stele and announced.

"Xiao Yan, three stages of Dou Power. Grade: low."