At the Second Elder's shout, a slight commotion arose below the stage. The younger generation of the Xiao Clan exchanged glances, too timid to speak. The dazzling golden words "Two-Star Dou Zhe" on the Black Stone Stele had already shattered the last remnants of hope in their hearts.
Just as Xiao Ning was about to stand, Xiao Yu hurriedly pulled him back. Frowning at him, she softly rebuked, "Don't do anything reckless. Xiao Yan isn't the useless trash he used to be. With your current Eighth Duan of Dou Qi, do you think you're his match? If you want to get beaten up, I won't stop you."
Hearing that, Xiao Ning immediately lost his nerve and sat back down with an unhappy expression.
Seeing that the crowd below had quieted down, the Second Elder calmly announced, "Since no one wishes to challenge him, Xiao Yan's ceremony ends here. Next is Xiao Xun'er."
Xun'er's appearance caused only a small stir. Although a fifteen-year-old Four-Star Dou Zhe was slightly inferior to Xiao Yan's result, everyone was merely a little surprised, since they had learned of it a month ago.
As time passed, only one person remained to be retested. When the Second Elder called out the final name, everyone turned their eyes toward him.
"The last one, Xiao Yao!"
A faint smile appeared on Xun'er's face. She let out a crisp, pleasant laugh, waved her little fist, and softly said, "Go on, Xiao Yao. Xun'er will cheer you on."
Under everyone's gaze, Xiao Yao walked up to the Second Elder and smiled faintly at his aged face.
Just as the Second Elder was about to turn around and retrieve the ceremonial materials prepared behind him, Xiao Yao remembered how cumbersome the ritual was and felt a headache coming on. He quickly smiled