Battle Through the Heavens: I Can Solidify All Talents

Next came the clan leader's admonition. Xiao Zhan recited the clan rules, warning the younger generation to strictly observe the family precepts and diligently cultivate Dou Qi.

Finally came the oath-taking segment, where the younger generation promised to protect the family for life and bring glory to its name.

Beside the ceremonial platform, several elders were already in place, holding scrolls that recorded the clan rules, their expressions solemn.

The entire ceremony lasted nearly two hours. It was lengthy and solemn, yet no one grew weary, because everyone knew the most exciting part was about to begin.

At last, after Xiao Zhan delivered an impassioned speech, the ceremony entered its central stage!

The Dou Qi retest ceremony for the younger generation attending the Coming of Age Ceremony!

And the first person called, who steadily ascended the ceremonial platform beneath countless gazes, was today's undisputed center of attention—Xiao Ding.

Sixteen-year-old Xiao Ding stood tall and handsome, already possessing a steady bearing between his brows.

Dressed in a brand-new fitted green outfit, he walked calmly onto the platform, surrounded by the envious and admiring gazes of his peers.

As the clan leader's eldest son, and with such outstanding Talent, Xiao Ding naturally became the center of the crowd, enjoying treatment like the moon surrounded by stars.

Many representatives of various factions below the platform focused their attention on Xiao Ding, whispering among themselves as they evaluated the bearing of this future heir of the Xiao Family.

Xiao Qing looked at the high-spirited young man on the platform, slightly flamboyant yet still composed, and a gentle, complicated smile appeared on his face.

The Xiao Ding before him was in the most vibrant stage of his life, full of hopes for the future, confident and dazzling.

Compared to the somewhat ostentatious youth from three years ago, Xiao Ding had indeed matured considerably. Yet the sharp edge unique to young people had not faded from him.

It stood in stark contrast to Xiao Qing's own heart, which had become overly mature because of his transmigration and experiences.

Perhaps this was the enviable vitality that belonged only to the young.

"Xiao Ding, step forward." Xiao Zhan's voice pulled Xiao Qing back from his thoughts.

Xiao Ding stepped forward steadily and knelt on one knee before his father.

Xiao Zhan accepted a jade pendant engraved with the Xiao Family crest from an elder and solemnly pinned it to Xiao Ding's chest.

This jade pendant was not only a symbol of adulthood, but also a low-grade magic core artifact that could nourish Dou Qi. It showed just how much importance the family placed on outstanding descendants.

"From today onward, you are a true son of the Xiao Family." Xiao Zhan's voice carried a rare gentleness.

"Remember the clan rules, cultivate Dou Qi diligently, and bring glory to our name."

"Xiao Ding shall remember the clan leader's teachings." Xiao Ding saluted respectfully, his voice firm and powerful.

On such a solemn occasion, even the way he addressed his father became especially formal.

A trace of gratification flashed through Xiao Zhan's eyes before he motioned for Xiao Ding to proceed with the final stage.

The Dou Qi test!

"Brother Xiao Qing." Seeing this, Gu Xun'er gently tugged at Xiao Qing's sleeve and spoke softly.

"You promised that after watching the main part of Cousin Xiao Ding's Coming of Age Ceremony, we'd sneak off to browse the market! You can't go back on your word!"

Gu Xun'er lifted her little face, her large eyes full of anticipation, along with a hint of nervousness that he might slip away.

Xiao Qing lowered his head and met Gu Xun'er's expectant gaze. His heart softened, and an indulgent smile appeared on his face. "All right. When have I ever gone back on a promise to you? We'll leave after Xiao Ding finishes his Dou Qi test."

His main purpose in returning to the Xiao Family this time was to spend more time with Gu Xun'er and make up for the nearly year-long separation.

It just so happened that the family's Coming of Age Ceremony was taking place, so he stayed a few extra days.

Otherwise, after settling Qing Lin down and spending a few days with Xun'er,

Xiao Qing would likely have already set off again to find heavenly treasures capable of nourishing Old Yao's soul.

Time was just as pressing for Xiao Qing.

On the ceremonial platform, Xiao Ding pressed his palm against the Testing Magic Stone Stele, and the stele immediately burst forth with dazzling light.

The words displayed clearly upon it were: "Dou Qi: Nine-Duan; High Level!"

"Nine-Duan Dou Qi!"

"Nine-Duan at sixteen years old? That's truly remarkable!"

"He'll probably condense a Dou Qi Vortex and become a Dou Zhe before long!"

"As expected of the Xiao Family clan leader's son! This child has the potential to become a Dou Wang!"

A wave of astonished exclamations immediately rose from below the platform. The guests all whispered among themselves, lavishly praising Xiao Ding's performance.

Jialie Bi, seated in the VIP section before the platform, looked at Xiao Ding atop the platform and unconsciously clenched his fists, a vicious glint flashing through his eyes.

Sixteen years old and already at Nine-Duan Dou Qi. I never expected the Xiao Family to produce another promising seedling. The heavens truly... favor the Xiao Family!

Jialie Bi gritted his teeth inwardly, filled with unwillingness.

Every one of Xiao Zhan's sons was a genius, while his own son seemed utterly ordinary by comparison.

First there was Xiao Ding, then Xiao Li, and finally, Xiao Zhan's youngest son, Xiao Yan, whose Talent was even more astonishing!

Before even reaching seven years old, Xiao Yan had already reached Four-Duan Dou Qi! Meanwhile, his only son, twelve-year-old Jialie Ao, had only reached Four-Duan Dou Qi!

Both were at Four-Duan Dou Qi, yet Xiao Zhan's son had achieved it before the age of seven, while Jialie Bi's son was almost thirteen!

If not for him, a Da Dou Shi, supporting the clan, his son Jialie Ao would have long since been stripped of his position as young clan leader.

This enormous disparity gave rise to a vicious intent within Jialie Bi!

Listening to the surrounding praise, Xiao Qing nodded slightly.

Xiao Ding's Talent was indeed exceptional. More importantly, he possessed an innate air of leadership.

If not for the accidents in the original story, Xiao Ding would have been a more suitable clan leader candidate than Xiao Yan.

Given time, he would surely lead the Xiao Family toward an even more glorious future.

Seeing Xiao Ding successfully complete the most important stage, Xiao Qing no longer lingered.

This was not his Coming of Age Ceremony, and his current cultivation had already reached the Dou Wang level. The ceremony had long lost all meaning for him.

By the time his own Coming of Age Ceremony arrived, his cultivation would likely be enough to dominate the entire Northwest Continent!

Xiao Qing took Gu Xun'er and Qing Lin by the hand, one in each hand. While everyone's attention was focused on the ceremonial platform, he quietly left the bustling Martial Arts Square and headed toward the lively market.

Wutan City's market was as prosperous and noisy as ever. Hawkers' cries, haggling voices, and children's laughter intertwined, brimming with the vitality of everyday life.

Gu Xun'er darted between the stalls like a cheerful little bird, occasionally picking up trinkets and examining them closely.

Qing Lin, meanwhile, stayed close to Xiao Qing, her little hand constantly clutching the corner of his clothes.

Yet there was less fear in her eyes now, replaced by more of the curiosity a child should have.

"Sister Xun'er, this pinwheel is so pretty!" Qing Lin pointed at a colorful paper pinwheel and spoke softly.

Gu Xun'er immediately paid for the pinwheel and placed it in Qing Lin's hands. "It's for little sister Qing Lin!"

Watching the two little girls happily getting along, Xiao Qing felt greatly comforted.

For someone like him, who had experienced too many Life and Death adventures, such peaceful and warm days were incomparably precious.

As the Xiao Family's Coming of Age Ceremony came to an end, the family gradually returned to calm, but Xiao Ding's reputation spread through all of Wutan City like wildfire.

People discussed when this sixteen-year-old Nine-Duan Dou Qi genius would break through to become a Dou Zhe, and how the Xiao Family was about to gain an exceptionally young Dou Zhe.

Where there was praise, there was naturally jealousy as well.

Many people gossiped behind his back, saying that so what if Xiao Ding had Nine-Duan Dou Qi? Without the aid of Qi Condensing Powder, the chance of failing his breakthrough was still high!

Once he failed, his cultivation would fall to Eight-Duan Dou Qi. His meridians would also be damaged, preventing him from cultivating for an entire year.

With such repeated setbacks, the cost of a failed breakthrough was two years before he could attempt it again!

These rumors naturally reached Jialie Bi's ears, further solidifying that dangerous thought in his heart.

In a dark corner of Wutan City, Jialie Bi was speaking secretly with a masked man.

"Are you sure you can handle it?"

Jialie Bi lowered his voice, his eyes gleaming with malice.

The masked man sneered. "Clan Leader Jialie, rest assured. Our Shadow Kill organization has always acted cleanly and efficiently! He's only a Nine-Duan Dou Qi brat. Capturing him will be effortless."

"Good! Double the reward once it's done!"

Jialie Bi gritted his teeth, his expression fierce and ruthless.

"I want Xiao Zhan to taste what it feels like to lose a son!"

Late at night three days later, Wutan City was shrouded in silence.

Outside the Xiao Family estate, seven black shadows silently scaled the walls and slipped into the compound.

Each of them radiated chilling killing intent. They were clearly seasoned desperadoes.

The black-clothed man in the lead held a crude map. Following the rough markings on it, he led his subordinates toward the area where the Xiao Family's core members lived.

The group crept furtively to the outside of a separate courtyard.

"Boss, does Xiao Zhan's eldest son, Xiao Ding, live in there?" a thin black-clothed man asked in a low voice.

The leader carefully examined the map under the moonlight, though his tone was not particularly certain. "It should be here..."

One of the burly black-clothed men said carelessly, "Who cares whether it is or not? Let's go in and kill him first. If he's not there, we'll find the next place!"

In the darkness, Ling Ying silently watched everything unfold, and the corner of his mouth could not help twitching.

Lighting a lamp in a latrine—courting death. Do they not know this is that brat Xiao Qing's residence?

As an expert of the Ancient Clan who specialized in assassination and protection, Ling Ying was rendered speechless by the amateurishness of these killers.

Even an expert like him could barely stand watching them.

The faint sounds they made while moving were as obvious to Ling Ying as beating drums.

He thought to himself,

These lowly assassins dare accept a job without even figuring out where their target lives?

Just as they were about to climb into Xiao Qing's courtyard,

a cold voice drifted eerily from behind them. "Who sent you...?"

The moment the voice sounded, they all shuddered violently, nearly crying out in alarm.

"Damn it, who is it?!"

A hot-tempered, fat man among the black-clothed figures abruptly turned around and growled in a low voice.

At some point, a young man had appeared behind them.

Under the moonlight, cold killing intent flickered in the young man's eyes, sending chills down their spines.

All Beings Equal Beneath One Palm!

Xiao Qing had been watching them ever since they entered the Xiao Family estate.

With Xiao Qing's terrifying Spirit Realm soul power, covering the entirety of Wutan City in an instant would not have been difficult.

It was simply that, when unnecessary, he did not keep his soul perception active at all times.

Seeing that the newcomer was only a young man, the hot-tempered fat black-clothed man assumed that no matter how strong he was, his cultivation could only be limited.

He raised the blade in his hand and walked toward Xiao Qing, speaking in a sinister tone. "Kid, you can only blame your bad luck!"

"Die!" The fat black-clothed man raised his long blade and rushed at Xiao Qing in a blur.

At that instant, a terrifying pressure erupted from Xiao Qing's body.

Xiao Qing now possessed strength within the Jia Ma Empire that allowed him to fear no faction.

Now that someone dared bully him, there was no longer any meaning in hiding his strength.

The pressure of a Dou Wang instantly crushed the black-clothed men, whose highest cultivation was merely Dou Shi, to the ground. Blood poured from their seven orifices, and they all fainted.

Xiao Qing intended to keep them alive and find out who was behind them.

His method of "questioning" people was not as simple as asking with his mouth, but asking with his soul.

Xiao Qing reached out and seized the fat black-clothed man through the air.