On the bustling streets of Wutan City, sunlight spilled over the throngs of people, while the noisy clamor rose and fell all around them.
His behavior thoroughly enraged Xiao Yu. Her enchanting eyes instantly blazed with fury, and she looked just like a little lioness whose tail had been stepped on.
She let out an angry little cry, her pearly teeth clenched.
"Xiao Fan, don't push it!"
As she spoke, she launched an attack. Her long, snow-white leg whipped toward Xiao Fan with a fierce rush of wind.
Her dazzlingly pale leg even seemed to glint in the sunlight.
Xiao Fan stood as firm as a mountain, his face still impassive, as though nothing before him could stir even the slightest ripple in his heart.
His handsome face bore a slight lift of his sword-like brows. He merely spoke in an unhurried voice. "As everyone knows, in my previous life, this emperor possessed the Innate Sacred Body Dao Fetus. My body was unmatched. Though I no longer have that invincible talent in this second life, I'm still beyond the reach of ordinary people."
As he spoke, Xiao Yu's long leg swept toward him with a whoosh. The powerful gust of air roared, making it impossible to underestimate.
By all rights, Xiao Yu was a Dou Shi. She might not be able to take down a Dou Zhe with every kick, but an enraged kick from her was certainly no easy thing for an ordinary Dou Zhe to block.
Yet a startling sight unfolded before everyone.
Xiao Fan didn't move at all. Not a wisp of Dou Qi escaped his body. He simply extended his right hand with effortless ease and caught Xiao Yu by the calf.
His movement was smooth and natural, as if he had merely waved his hand.
He smiled calmly. "Cousin Xiao Yu, have you been dieting lately? You've got no meat left on your calves."
His expression was relaxed and carefree, even carrying a hint of teasing, as if the whole thing were no more than child's play to him.
Xiao Yu's enchanting face instantly flushed bright red. Her embarrassed and furious expression was like a ripe apple, and she was so angry she nearly exploded.
She gritted her teeth and shouted, "Xiao Fan, you're going too far!"
Then her other leg shot into the air, and she tried to use both legs to crush the hateful rascal.
Unfortunately for her, Xiao Fan was no ordinary person. He had already seen through all her intentions, and with a slight sidestep, he dodged the attack of her other leg.
His sidestep was graceful and composed, without the slightest hint of panic, as easy as strolling through a courtyard.
Xiao Yu's kick missed, and her body instantly lost its balance. She was about to fall to the ground.
At that critical moment, Xiao Fan released her leg and swiftly swept her into his arms in a bridal carry, as fast as lightning.
The whole thing happened in one smooth motion, without a trace of hesitation. It was utterly dashing.
In Xiao Fan's arms, Xiao Yu's delicate body trembled slightly. Her eyes held both embarrassment and a hint of panic.
Xiao Fan, however, remained perfectly calm, secretly gloating. Hmph, you think this little trick can stump this emperor?
The softness of the body in his arms didn't make the Great Emperor Xiao Fan waver in the slightest. He continued to ramble on. "See? Not only am I invincible among those of my rank, I can also defeat enemies above my rank."
His voice brimmed with confidence, as if everything were under his control. His expression was incredibly proud, as though nothing in the world could catch his eye.
The spectacle thoroughly convinced the people who had been cheering on the sidelines. They all began to praise him:
"Young Master Xiao Fan is incredible! His skills are practically divine! That speed, that composure—absolutely astonishing!"
A young man's eyes widened in admiration, and he couldn't help shouting aloud.
"Hahahaha! As expected of a former emperor. His strength is unfathomable! I reckon you could count on one hand the people in all of Wutan City who can match Young Master Xiao Fan!"
An old man stroked his beard and nodded repeatedly, his eyes full of admiration.
"Young Master Xiao Fan is mighty! He defused Miss Xiao Yu's attack so easily. What a masterful display! That's not something just anyone could do!"
A burly man excitedly waved his fist and cheered. His rugged face was full of excitement.
"With strength like that, he's one of the very best in all of Wutan City! Young Master Xiao Fan's future achievements will surely know no bounds!"
A scholar-like man waved his fan, his eyes full of respect. He thought to himself, Young Master Xiao Fan truly is gifted beyond compare.
"Great Emperor Xiao Fan will surely become a mighty figure one day. There's no doubt about it! With talent and strength like that, he's bound to accomplish earth-shaking deeds across the Dou Qi Continent!"
Even a child shouted excitedly, his eyes shining with longing.
[Beep! Many people have been convinced by you. You have gained 2,300 points!]
The corners of Xiao Fan's mouth curled up, and a glint of delight flashed through his eyes. He secretly calculated, Excellent. I can start preparing to break through to Dou Emperor. Once I succeed, I'll be able to come and go freely throughout the Jia Ma Empire.
Xiao Fan and Xiao Yu returned to the Xiao Clan. At that moment, clouds blocked the sunlight over the clan's courtyard, lending it a gloomy air.
Xiao Yu's face was flushed with shame and anger, its color like a brilliant sunset. Fury blazed in her beautiful eyes. She clenched her pearly teeth, and her lips trembled slightly.
She couldn't understand how she, a student at Jia Nan Academy, had lost to a guy who did nothing but brag all day.
But a loss was a loss. Xiao Yu could accept defeat; she just couldn't stand that guy's calm, indifferent manner!
He had... he had just touched her!
Was she really that unattractive?
Women were just like that. When you got all handsy, they thought you were a creep. When you acted like a gentleman, they thought you were boring and had no appreciation for their charms.
Xiao Yu shot an angry look at Xiao Fan, huffed, and flung her sleeve. Then she hurried back to her room and slammed the door shut with a bang. The sound rang especially loudly through the quiet courtyard.
The scene left Xiao Yan intensely curious. His bright eyes were full of confusion.
Xiao Yan hurried over to Xiao Fan, tilted his head, and asked eagerly, "Bro, what did you do? You've got Sister Xiao Yu this mad."
Xiao Fan merely said indifferently, "I just taught her a lesson."
Then he clasped his hands behind his back, raised his chin slightly, and swayed his head as he returned to his room.
He looked inscrutable, as if everything were under his control, and the faintest trace of a smile played at the corners of his mouth.
The scene left Xiao Yan completely baffled. He wondered to himself, What on earth happened?
He scratched his head, looking utterly lost.
Unable to contain his curiosity, he headed out at once to get the story.
The streets were crowded with passersby, and the clamor was endless.
When he heard the story—that Xiao Yu had challenged Xiao Fan in the street, only to be carried in his arms like a princess—
Xiao Yan couldn't help laughing. His smile was full of the satisfaction of watching the drama unfold, and he thought, This is certainly interesting...
At the same time, word that a Six-Star Dou Zhe had defeated the Dou Shi Xiao Yu despite the difference in rank spread throughout Wutan City as if it had grown wings. People in every street and alley discussed it.
"That Xiao Fan from the Xiao Clan is really something. He actually beat Dou Shi Xiao Yu with the strength of a Six-Star Dou Zhe."
A vegetable vendor set down his scales and chatted with someone nearby, his face full of amazement and his eyes wide.
"Looks like the Xiao Clan is about to produce an extraordinary talent."
An old man in a teahouse took a small sip of tea and spoke slowly, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
"The key is, Young Master Xiao Fan is only in his teens..."
"If nothing unexpected happens, he could become a Dou King one day... or even a Dou Emperor!"
A scholar-like man said with conviction.
"The balance of power in Wutan City is going to change."
A young man tightened his grip on his sword, anticipation in his eyes as he quietly pondered what his own future might hold...
The Xiao Clan.
Xiao Zhan seemed to have heard about what happened in the city as well, so he summoned Xiao Yu to the main hall.
He looked at Xiao Yu with a stern expression.
"Do you know where those pills you took back then came from?"
Xiao Yu was a little confused.
"Didn't you and the other clan elders buy them, Clan Leader?"
Xiao Zhan smiled wryly and shook his head.
"Those things were actually brought back by your cousin, Xiao Fan."
"And he never meant to keep them all to himself. He gave those pills to all of you."
Hearing this, Xiao Yu froze where she stood. The shame of losing to Xiao Fan vanished without a trace.
"I still remember what that boy said."
Xiao Zhan sighed.
"What did he say?"
"He said he hoped the clan's brothers and sisters would unite and work together for the clan's prosperity."
"..."
Xiao Yu fell silent. Regret coiled tightly around her heart like a snake eating into her very bones.
She couldn't help looking down at her hands and asking herself,
"What on earth am I doing..."