No Loosening the Grip

Xu Xin was also very happy. With the Elder's word, it would be perfectly fine for her to call Xu Qing her younger brother in important social settings from now on.

"Thank you, Grandfather," Xu Xin called out to the Elder.

"Thank you, Family Head," Xu Qing hesitated for a few seconds before following suit.

A trace of a smile appeared on the Elder Xu's stern face; it was impossible for them not to notice how Xu Xin regarded Xu Qing as her own brother.

However, a collateral branch was still a collateral branch; one could not simply become a direct descendant overnight.

Over the years, they had kept a close eye on Xu Qing's conduct. His character was sound and his academic grades were top-tier, which meant he had passed their test. Coupled with Xu Xin's affection for him, it was only logical to allow Xu Qing to become a direct member of the Xu Family.

"From now on, call me Grandfather, just like Xin Xin does," Elder Xu said.

"Grandfather," Xu Qing blinked and called out.

Hearing this "Grandfather," the Elder's expression softened slightly. "Alright, let's eat."

The celebratory dinner passed in a joyful atmosphere.

Just like that, Xu Qing and Xu Xin applied to the same university—the best in Jiangnan City, Jiangnan University.

As for their major, Xu Xin chose Business Administration. Xu Qing didn't have a preference, so he signed up for the same one; after graduation, he would be working under Xu Xin anyway.

A few days after submitting their applications, the admission letters arrived quickly.

"Sister Xin, the letters are here!" Xu Qing said, holding the admission letters with great excitement.

Xu Xin smiled and nodded, opening hers to take a look. It was indeed the admission letter for Jiangnan University.

"Xiao Qing, didn't I mention before that you could become a martial artist? Do you want to become one?" Xu Xin asked him.

Xu Qing thought for a moment and nodded. "A little bit."

He paused, then added, "But I also want to go to university with you, Sister Xin."

Hearing this, Xu Xin laughed. "That's fine. I'll ask Elder Brother; he knows more about these things."

In the afternoon, Xu Gang returned to the Xu residence.

"Little Sister, you said you had something to discuss with me. What is it?" Xu Gang walked into the backyard and saw Xu Xin and Xu Qing having afternoon tea.

Seeing the way Xu Qing was eating, Xu Gang found it amusing—he looked just like a hamster.

"Brother, I have something to tell you, but you must promise not to tell anyone else," Xu Xin said very seriously.

Seeing his sister's earnest expression, Xu Gang nodded. "Alright, tell me."

"Brother, Xiao Qing has the aptitude of a martial artist. I secretly tested him, and he has already reached the standard of a High-level Fighter. I wanted to ask you, if Xiao Qing wants to obtain official martial artist status, what should he do?" Xu Xin said slowly.

"What?! Little Sister, you're saying Xiao Qing is already a martial artist, and a High-level Fighter at that!" Xu Gang was shocked.

No, that couldn't be right. Xu Qing hadn't undergone any training; how could he suddenly become a martial artist, let alone a High-level Fighter?

"Yes, I tested him myself at the Alliance Mall," Xu Xin nodded.

Xu Gang looked at the eating Xu Qing, finding it unbelievable. This kid had just suddenly become a martial artist?

Although it was only a High-level Fighter—which didn't mean much to him, considering the Xu Family employed a large group of War Generals—a Fighter was still a Fighter.

But Xu Qing was only seventeen; he wouldn't turn eighteen until the end of the year.

A seventeen-year-old High-level Fighter—this talent was truly frightening and represented immense potential.

Take the two major martial arts halls, for example: the Limit Martial Arts Hall founded by the world's number one powerhouse, Hong, and the Thunder Martial Arts Hall founded by the world's second, Thor.

Both halls had branches in Jiangnan City, specifically tasked with discovering young geniuses.

However, geniuses were not so easily found; they were one in ten thousand. If a true genius were discovered, both halls would fight over them.

It wouldn't even be strange if they started a conflict over it.

"Let me process this for a moment," Xu Gang sat down to collect his thoughts.

A seventeen-year-old High-level Fighter—if it were true, he was undoubtedly a genius, a top-tier one at that.

A High-level Fighter was only one step away from being a War General. If Xu Qing broke through soon, the implications would be staggering.

Seeing Xu Gang's shock, Xu Xin smiled.

She had been shocked several times herself when testing Xu Qing, and what she had told Xu Gang was the most conservative estimate—she hadn't even mentioned the truly terrifying parts.

"Sister Xin, why has Elder Brother stopped talking?" Xu Qing asked, looking at the motionless Xu Gang.

"He's just thinking about something," Xu Xin laughed.

After a long while, Xu Gang finally regained his composure. The way he looked at Xu Qing had changed; it was much more intense.

"Little Sister, has Xiao Qing practiced martial arts before?" Xu Gang asked.

Xu Xin shook her head. "No."

"In that case, Xiao Qing really is a Peerless Genius," Xu Gang said, feeling a surge of excitement. The Xu Family was about to produce a genius martial artist.

"Xiao Qing, do you want to become stronger?" Xu Gang asked.

Xu Qing looked at him. "Become stronger?"

Weren't they talking about becoming a martial artist? How did the conversation shift to becoming stronger?

"Yes, become stronger. Xiao Qing, your talent is very high. I think with your potential, you might even be able to enter the Elite Training Camp, the world's number one. That is a holy land that martial artists across the globe yearn for. If you get in, your future will be limitless," Xu Gang said, brimming with excitement.

"Brother, don't talk to Xiao Qing about these things. I don't want him involved in that kind of life," Xu Xin interrupted, her voice stern.

Seeing his sister getting angry, Xu Gang calmed down. "Fine, fine, I won't say any more. But sister, you have to understand that Xiao Qing has great talent as a martial artist. He is a genius; he belongs on the stage meant for him."

"Furthermore, for a martial artist, the period between sixteen and thirty is the fastest stage of growth. Xiao Qing is only seventeen right now. If he receives the best training, he will surely become a top-tier powerhouse, a War God, in the future."

However, Xu Xin shook her head. "I don't care if Xiao Qing becomes a War God or not. I only know that he is still young. He cannot go anywhere; he must stay by my side. Otherwise, I won't be at ease."

Hearing Xu Xin speak so decisively, Xu Gang wore a look of helplessness. Even though his sister was usually gentle and soft-spoken, once she became serious, no one could sway her.

"Sister, you are protecting Xiao Qing too much. It isn't good for his growth. You can't just let him remain like a child forever. What will happen in the future?" Xu Gang shrugged.

Xu Xin had treated Xu Qing like her own younger brother since they were small, and she doted on him deeply; everyone could see it.

"As long as he is by my side, no one will be able to bully him," Xu Xin insisted, refusing to budge.

Xu Gang's mouth twitched. Didn't you just say he is already a High-level Fighter? Who would dare to bully him? They'd be asking for a beating.

"I only want to get Xiao Qing a martial artist status for now; we can talk about the rest later. Brother, can you handle this or not? If you can't, just say so, and I'll find another way," Xu Xin said, not wanting to continue arguing with Xu Gang.