Xiao Yan, the "Eleven-Year-Old Battle Master"

"Brother Yao, I understand. Thank you for reminding me." Xiao Yan lowered his head and said seriously, "I'll work even harder at cultivation and won't rely too heavily on pills anymore."

Seeing Xiao Yan's serious expression, Xiao Yao nodded. "Very good, Little Flame. I believe you'll definitely achieve even greater things." As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Yao took out an exquisite jade bottle and handed it to him.

Xiao Yan looked at it in confusion. "Brother Yao, didn't you say I shouldn't keep using pills to break through?"

Seeing Xiao Yan's puzzled expression, Xiao Yao smiled and explained, "You need to properly consolidate your cultivation and not attempt breakthroughs so casually again. Only when your Dou Qi can no longer be suppressed should you take the pill. That way, you can ensure your realm remains stable and won't develop an unstable foundation from pursuing power too eagerly."

Xiao Yan took the jade bottle, unable to keep himself from feeling excited. He opened it, and a rich medicinal fragrance rushed into his nose, making him want to swallow the pill immediately.

But Xiao Yan also understood that Xiao Yao was right.

He took a deep breath, put away the jade bottle, and nodded seriously. "I'll follow Brother Yao's advice."

Seeing the determination in Xiao Yan's eyes, Xiao Yao could not help feeling gratified.

At that moment, Xiao Yao inadvertently caught sight of the ancient ring on Xiao Yan's right hand flashing with a faint white light. He thought to himself, It flashed once before too. Could Yao Lao be waiting until Little Flame breaks through to Battle Master before he starts absorbing his Dou Qi? Poor Little Flame is about to face a drop in his Dou Qi realm, changing from a genius into trash.

The two chatted for a while longer before Xiao Yan said goodbye and left. Watching his retreating figure, Xiao Yao suddenly thought, Tsk, if he comes to ask me whether I know the reason after his Dou Qi drops, how am I supposed to make something up? After all, this is a trial he must undergo to develop a Powerhouse Mindset.

Within the ancient and solemn Dou Qi assessment grounds, sunlight filtered through the clouds and fell in mottled patches across the bluestone floor, adding a touch of warmth to the dignified occasion.

That day, Xiao Yao and Xun'er entered the venue side by side. Their attention was immediately drawn by the bustling sight of the enormous crowd.

Spotting a relatively quiet place beneath a large tree, Xiao Yao walked over and sat down beneath it. He watched the bustling crowd ahead, every face filled with tension and anticipation.

Xiao Yao watched those whose Dou Qi had met the requirements reveal looks of joy. Their faces brimmed with confidence and pride, as though they had already glimpsed their bright futures.

There were also youths whose Dou Qi had failed to qualify, their faces gloomy as though they had lost all motivation to move forward.

Xiao Yao did not feel much about it. He knew well that everyone had different talents, and some people were simply unsuited for cultivation.

He closed his eyes, as though he wanted to temporarily escape the noisy world and enjoy this brief moment of peace.

Xun'er sat beside him. Looking at his calm face, she gently leaned against Xiao Yao's shoulder and lightly held his hand, passing her warmth to him.

"Next, Xiao Yan!"

The tester's cold voice suddenly rang out, causing Xiao Yao's slightly closed eyelids to slowly open. He looked toward the stage. Noticing this, Xun'er blinked her bright, watery eyes and tilted her head toward his delicate face. In a soft voice, she asked, "Brother Xiao Yao, what level do you think Xiao Yan's cultivation has reached?"

Xiao Yao replied lazily, "You'll see soon enough."

Xiao Yan's brows carried a confident, spirited air as he placed his hand on the Black Stone Stele. A flash of intense light appeared, and a row of large words shone brilliantly.

"Battle Master: One Star!"

Everyone's expressions froze in that instant. A moment later, waves of cheers and cries of surprise resounded throughout the venue.

"Young Master Xiao Yan, One-Star Battle Master cultivation," the tester announced with a beaming smile.

"My heavens! An eleven-year-old Battle Master!"

"An eleven-year-old Battle Master—the first in the clan in a hundred years! A genius who became a Battle Master at such an age is unheard of even in the entire Jia Ma Empire!"

Seeing Xiao Yan's smug expression, Xiao Yao thought, Little Flame still needs to experience the trial of Dou Qi Regression. People always have to learn how to grow up.

"Xiao Yu," the tester called next.

At that moment, a graceful young woman with a pair of beautiful, round, slender jade-like legs stepped forward. She smiled at Xiao Yan. "Not bad, Xiao Yan. You've become a Battle Master at such a young age. Your cousin will have to rely on you to protect her in the future."

Xiao Yan looked at the pair of slender jade-like legs before him and said, "Mm, don't worry, Sister Xiao Yu. I'll look after you from now on."

Seeing Xiao Yan staring at her legs the entire time, Xiao Yu's face reddened slightly. She spat lightly and said, "You rascal, all you know is how to stare at your sister's legs. You're such a little pervert, without a hint of seriousness!"

After saying that, she shot Xiao Yan a coquettish glare before turning and walking toward the Black Stone Stele.

Xiao Yan watched Xiao Yu's retreating back, touched his nose, and smiled.

He knew Xiao Yu was joking, but her legs had truly stunned him.

However, he also understood that this was not the time to admire beautiful legs, so he headed toward Xiao Yao.

"Xiao Yu, Dou Qi: Advanced Ninth-Duan!"

"Next, Xiao Mei." A plain-looking young woman with a somewhat alluring figure spoke sweetly beside Xiao Yan. "Cousin Xiao Yan, Mei'er is going up first. I'll play with you later."

After speaking, she lightly walked onto the stage and poured Dou Qi into the Black Stone Stele. A ray of white light flashed from the stele.

"Dou Qi: Fourth Duan, level: Intermediate!"

After seeing Xiao Mei come down and walk over while chatting and laughing with Xiao Yan, Xiao Yao quietly asked Xun'er beside him, "Xun'er, when did Xiao Mei start hanging around Xiao Yan?"

Hearing this, Xun'er covered her mouth and let out a crisp, bell-like laugh. "Brother Xiao Yao, don't tell me you're jealous? During the months you were away, Xiao Mei became quite close with Xiao Yan. I don't know how they met, but their relationship is pretty good."

Xiao Yao smiled upon hearing that. He rubbed Xun'er's head and teased, "Why would I be jealous? After all, I already have a little girl who loves to cry and act spoiled by my side."

Xiao Yan and Xiao Mei walked over shoulder to shoulder. With a faint smile on his face, Xiao Yan said, "Brother Yao, thank you for your help."

"No need. We're real brothers, so there's no need to be so polite."

"Next, Xiao Yao." At that moment, a voice from the testing platform interrupted their conversation.

Hearing this, Xiao Yao said to them, "My turn. I'll go up first, and we can talk later."

When the people present saw the delicate young boy walk up, someone muttered, "Tsk, Xiao Yan has already reached Battle Master. Doesn't that mean Xiao Yao has reached Battle Master too? They're twins, after all. Their talents can't be that far apart."

"Shh, don't talk nonsense. He's Clan Leader Xiao's biological son. If this reaches Clan Leader Xiao's ears, you'll be in serious trouble."

Xiao Yao stood on the testing platform and looked at Xun'er and Xiao Yan below. He thought, Forget it. Two more stars than three years ago will do. It's not like I care what others say.

Xiao Yao closed his eyes, focused his mind, and used the Breath-Concealing Art to regulate the Dou Qi within his body.

He placed his hand on the Black Stone Stele. After a moment, the Black Stone Stele emitted a golden glow.

The Black Stone Stele on the testing platform flickered with light, displaying the strength of his Dou Qi.

"Dou Zhe: Four Stars!"

Waves of discussion rose throughout the venue.

"He was already a Two-Star Dou Zhe four years ago. How could he have only increased by two stars in four years?"

"Don't say that. Maybe he spent too much time studying medicinal ingredients. After all, he's an alchemist."

"Sigh, compared to people like us, he's still far stronger. Reaching Four-Star Dou Zhe at eleven is already impressive enough. Don't compare him to Xiao Yan."

"That's right. Do you still want cultivation resources? Don't let the clan leader or him hear those belittling remarks. Otherwise, forget about getting any cultivation resource pills."