Making Threats

Actually, Xiao Jin, the transmigrator, wasn't the only one who knew the reason behind Xiao Yan's declining cultivation. The Pill Tower Ancestor knew as well.

But the two of them tacitly chose to remain silent.

Xiao Yan had excellent talent, and his future achievements would be extraordinary. But it couldn't be denied that it was precisely these three years that forged the Flame Emperor Xiao Yan, who would later become famous throughout the Dou Qi Continent.

Why did Xiao Ning dislike Xiao Yan?

Was it simply because he was jealous of Xiao Yan's talent and took pleasure in Xiao Yan becoming mediocre?

It was also because Xiao Yan had been too sharp in his youth.

The original story had stated that Xiao Yan, who had only been an ordinary person in his previous life, didn't possess superhuman self-control. Thus, after discovering that he had rare cultivation talent, he chose the path of becoming a genius admired by everyone instead of quietly growing stronger.

The consequence of showing his brilliance too openly was that, after losing his talent, he became the laughingstock of the clan.

The seeds of disaster planted during his days of pride all erupted when he fell into adversity.

It could be said that without these three years of tempering his character, Xiao Yan might not have become the Flame Emperor of the future.

It was precisely for this reason that Xiao Jin had chosen a path completely opposite to Xiao Yan's, concealing his own talent.

At the same time, he hadn't awakened Yao Chen ahead of time, allowing Xiao Yan to experience those painful three years all the same.

After being kicked flying, Xiao Ning finally rose to his feet with the support of the other two. Feeling the intense pain coming from his chest, a look of horror appeared in his eyes.

He knew who Xiao Jin was, and naturally knew of Xiao Jin's low-key conduct.

Over the years, Xiao Jin had been virtually unknown within the Xiao Clan. Although he treated everyone with a gentle attitude, quite a few people knew that beneath that gentle exterior lay indifference and detachment.

Only a handful of people could make Xiao Jin reveal a smile from the bottom of his heart.

Of course, Xiao Ning knew Xiao Jin for more than just his status as Xiao Zhan's adopted son.

It was also because that guy had a close relationship with his beloved girl.

That stunning girl, who showed no courtesy to anyone, would reveal a faint smile only when she was following behind Xiao Jin.

He looked past Xiao Jin, and sure enough, less than five meters behind him stood an incomparably beautiful girl.

The sight of the girl smiling faintly with her lips pressed together completely enraged Xiao Ning. He angrily shook off the two companions supporting him and shouted at Xiao Jin with resentment, "You dare hit me?"

"You dared attack my Third Brother, so why wouldn't I dare hit you?" Xiao Jin narrowed his eyes slightly. He knew exactly how hard he had struck and had no intention of beating Xiao Ning to death.

First, he could tell that Xiao Ning had only wanted to teach Xiao Yan a lesson just now, so he had given him an equivalent response.

Second, they were all members of the Xiao Clan. It was far from the point of fighting to the death.

Xiao Ning was the Great Elder's most beloved grandson. If he really killed Xiao Ning here, the Great Elder would probably go berserk.

He didn't care what the Great Elder thought, but Xiao Zhan's lifelong wish was to lead the Xiao Clan back to the heights it had reached decades ago and restore the glory of a Dou Wang clan.

He couldn't ignore his adoptive father's wish and tear the Xiao Clan apart.

Xiao Ning was so furious that his lungs nearly burst. "Fine, fine, fine! You actually dared to launch a sneak attack while I wasn't prepared! If you're really a man, then come with me to the Training Ground and fight me one-on-one!"

A cold smile curled up at the corner of Xiao Jin's mouth. He felt that he had already shown Xiao Ning enough consideration.

With his strength as a Nine-Star Dou Ling, he truly didn't want to fight someone at the Eighth Stage Dou Qi.

That would be far too humiliating.

If Xiao Ning hadn't intended to attack Xiao Yan, he wouldn't have involved himself in this mess.

Xiao Yan let out a soft sigh. "Cousin Xiao Ning, if you insist on determining right and wrong over this matter, then I can only ask Father to preside over justice."

He couldn't stay silent. Xiao Jin had acted for his sake. If he stood aside at a time like this, what would that make him?

He didn't know Brother Jin's strength, but Xiao Jin had remained unknown within the clan all these years, so his strength probably wasn't that high either.

Moreover, Xiao Ning was two years older than them. That was an advantage that couldn't be ignored.

A two-year difference meant little between a hundred and two and a hundred years old, but the advantage between seventeen and fifteen was considerable.

Just then, Xun'er also stepped forward and said, "Cousin Xiao Ning, if this really reaches Uncle Xiao Zhan, Xun'er will definitely tell him the truth."

Xiao Ning's expression shifted repeatedly. Suppressing his anger, he said coldly, "Xiao Yan, the family's Testing Ceremony is in half a month. I'll be waiting for the day you embarrass yourself!"

Then he turned toward Xiao Jin. "And you. You managed not to participate all these years. Let's see whether you can continue hiding this year!"

Only after throwing out his threats did he leave with his two companions.

Watching the three of them walk away, Xiao Yan let out a soft sigh and said apologetically, "Brother Jin, I dragged you into this mess."

"Third Brother, what are you talking about?" Xiao Jin grumpily punched Xiao Yan on the shoulder. "We're family. Why are you being so formal with me?"

Xiao Yan grinned, then politely said to Xun'er, "Cousin Xun'er, thank you for speaking up for me just now."

The girl merely shook her head gently with her lips pressed together and said nothing.

Xiao Yan also knew that if it weren't for his consideration of Brother Jin, this girl with an aura like a green lotus would probably have maintained an attitude of standing aloof and uninvolved.

His gaze swept over the two of them before he asked with a smile, "Are you two planning to go out on a date?"

A seductive blush instantly spread across the girl's fair cheeks, but Xiao Jin merely said straightforwardly, "What date? We're just going out for a stroll."

He was only fifteen, and Xun'er was fourteen. There was no need to put it so awkwardly.

Xiao Yan took in both their reactions and said with an expression that saw through everything without saying it aloud, "Then Third Brother won't disturb you two."

Only after Xiao Yan had left did Xiao Jin sigh and say to the girl, "Xun'er, let's go."

As she followed beside Xiao Jin, Xun'er asked softly, "Brother Xiao Jin, are you worried about Cousin Xiao Yan?"

"Not exactly. I've figured out the problem with Third Brother, but this experience will greatly help temper his character. I hope he can make it through."

Xun'er nodded as if she understood, then asked doubtfully, "Cousin Xiao Yan is clearly the older brother, so why does he feel less mature than Brother Xiao Jin?"

Xiao Jin rubbed her head helplessly. "You little girl, you shouldn't put one person down while praising another."

He had only learned to conceal his abilities because of Xiao Yan's example.

Before fully maturing, a genius could only be called a genius, not a strong individual.

Turning potential into strength still required time.

If the Pill Tower Ancestor were currently at his peak, Xiao Jin would have some capital to act arrogantly.

But the Pill Tower Ancestor was now merely a soul, and an extremely weak one at that. He didn't even possess Dou Zun strength. How could he dare show himself?

Besides, even someone as powerful as Xiao Xuan had become a defeated subordinate of the Soul Clan.

Before possessing sufficient strength, it was still better to continue lying low.

Xun'er rolled her eyes adorably, but she didn't swat away Xiao Jin's large hand, which was mischief-making atop her head. Instead, she affectionately rubbed her head against his palm.

She was just like a well-behaved, docile kitten.