News Spreads

Nalan Chenfeng's voice brooked no doubt. Once he finished speaking, he released Xiao Yan and strode out of the stone pavilion toward the center of the training ground.

Xiao Yan could only steel himself and follow.

Nalan Chenfeng's arrival quickly drew the attention of the Xiao Clan's younger generation.

"Look, look! Isn't that Young Master Chenfeng of the Nalan Clan?"

"When did he get here? The one beside him... is Cousin Xiao Yan?"

"Are they going to spar? Cousin Xiao Yan is at Seven-Stage Dou Qi. Young Master Chenfeng is only a year older, so they shouldn't be too far apart, right?"

Groups of Xiao Clan disciples gathered from all around, forming a semicircle at the edge of the square.

Some had just finished training and were still panting, while others had come specifically to watch the excitement. Their young faces were filled with anticipation.

"Brother Chenfeng, go!"

Xiao Ning stood at the very front of the crowd, his eyes wide and round.

In the Xiao Clan, his grandfather was the First Elder, so no one truly dared to do anything to him. Yet Xiao Yan had been unbearably smug and arrogant, beating him up badly during several sparring sessions.

Today, he could finally watch another good show.

He had a deep impression of Nalan Chenfeng, the eldest young master of the Nalan Clan. In the Xiao Clan, he was the only person capable of beating Xiao Yan black and blue. Just thinking about it felt satisfying.

"Who do you think will win?"

A round-faced boy asked in a low voice.

"Do you even need to ask? Of course Xiao Yan! He's our Xiao Clan's genius, at Seven-Stage Dou Qi!"

"But I heard Young Master Chenfeng was already at the third stage four years ago, and back then he beat Xiao Yan senseless every day..."

"He was at the third stage four years ago, but who knows where he is now? Not everyone improves quickly just because they train every day."

The murmurs buzzed all around, but most people still favored Xiao Yan.

To those living in the Xiao Clan of Wu Tan City, Xiao Yan was the most outstanding genius they had ever seen.

And Xiao Yan, who had reached Seven-Stage Dou Qi at nine years old, truly had the qualifications to earn everyone's admiration and praise.

Xiao Yan stood in the center of the training ground, listening to the discussion around him as a smile appeared on his face.

Being praised like this felt incredibly good.

So even if he was no match for Nalan Chenfeng today, he could not let the gap between them appear too great.

They were only a year apart in age. As long as he lost with some dignity, no one would dare gossip.

"Brother Chenfeng, let's stop at the right point today."

Feeling the growing number of eyes gathering on them, including those of several Xiao Clan elders, Xiao Yan gave Nalan Chenfeng a warning in advance.

"Don't worry. I've always been very measured when beating you up. I won't injure your muscles or bones."

Nalan Chenfeng's lips curved slightly as he nodded.

He had plenty of experience in how to beat up his future brother-in-law.

He was only a nine-year-old brat. Beating him was just beating him; there was no need to worry about saving his face.

If he waited a few more years, he would settle things another way. For now, a spar between him and Xiao Yan could still be considered a childish squabble.

"Enough nonsense. Let's begin."

"I'll let you make the first move."

Without waiting for Xiao Yan to say anything else, Nalan Chenfeng directly cut him off and beckoned with one hand, looking utterly confident.

With his strength as a one-star Dou Zhe, along with the several Profound-tier Dou Techniques he had learned from the Nalan Clan, dealing with a Seven-Stage Dou Qi Xiao Yan required no effort at all. He could not lose even with his eyes closed.

When Nalan Chenfeng raised his hand, Xiao Yan instinctively took half a step back and crossed his arms before his chest. It was muscle memory drilled into him after being beaten for more than a month four years ago.

Yet no fist came down.

Xiao Yan froze for a moment, then looked up to find Nalan Chenfeng standing perfectly still, staring at him with a thoroughly contemptuous gaze.

"What's wrong, brat? You didn't attack. Are you already scared?"

A wave of laughter immediately erupted around the training ground.

"No way, is Xiao Yan really that scared of Young Master Chenfeng...?"

Xiao Yan's face reddened, and anger surged within him.

He was no longer the five-year-old child from four years ago. At Seven-Stage Dou Qi, he was unmatched among the Xiao Clan's younger generation.

Even if Nalan Chenfeng was a year older, how much stronger could he possibly be?

He could already use Dou Techniques now. No matter what, he had to win back some pride this time.

"Hmph!"

Xiao Yan snorted angrily. Then he stomped the ground, his small body shooting toward Nalan Chenfeng like a cannonball leaving its barrel.

Iron Mountain Fist!

Xiao Yan clenched his right fist, pouring all the strength of Seven-Stage Dou Qi into it. The fist wind was fierce as it shot directly toward Nalan Chenfeng's chest.

This was a high-grade Yellow-tier Dou Technique of the Xiao Clan, one that only those at Seven-Stage Dou Qi were qualified to learn.

The surrounding discussions abruptly stopped. Everyone held their breath and waited for Nalan Chenfeng to respond.

"We can play a game..."

Nalan Chenfeng smiled. Then his dark pupils shifted silently, and deep within them, a ring of extremely fine black light began to spin without a sound.

The next moment, everyone witnessed a remarkably strange scene.

Rather than saying Nalan Chenfeng had done something, it would be more accurate to say that Xiao Yan had stopped by himself.

At that moment, Xiao Yan was frozen in an extremely odd posture. His right fist was thrust forward, his left leg stretched straight behind him, and his entire body leaned forward as though someone had pinned him in midair.

The time was very short, only a single breath.

Nalan Chenfeng chuckled and lightly shifted his feet, sidestepping Xiao Yan's punch. At the same time, he extended one foot and gently hooked it around Xiao Yan's forward-charging left ankle.

He did not use even a trace of Dou Qi, merely a simple trick for tripping someone.

Time resumed flowing.

Xiao Yan only felt his vision blur. His punch seemed to strike cotton, and Nalan Chenfeng, who had been in front of him, suddenly vanished. Then his footing faltered, and he completely lost his balance.

"Ah!"

Before he could even finish shouting, Xiao Yan had already pitched forward, falling flat on his face.

The area around the training ground was first silent, then erupted in stunned cries.

"What happened? Why did Xiao Yan fall by himself?"

"I couldn't see it clearly... Young Master Chenfeng seemed to move?"

"That was way too fast!"

"..."

Xiao Yan lay sprawled on the ground, his mouth full of dust from the bluestone slabs, his mind still unable to process what had happened.

It was not as though he had never sparred with others before. With Seven-Stage Dou Qi, he had never failed against anyone his age.

Yet in that instant, he had not even seen how Nalan Chenfeng moved.

"Get up."

Nalan Chenfeng's voice came from above him, neither loud nor soft, just enough for everyone nearby to hear.

He had just used the ability of Time Stop, and the effect was clearly quite good.

A single breath of time seemed short, but in close combat, it was enough to do many things.

After breaking through to Dou Zhe, his ability to stop time had increased somewhat in both range and duration. Back when he was at the Dou Qi stage, it had lasted only two seconds. Now, it already exceeded three seconds.

One could imagine how terrifying this ability would become once his strength increased further.

When top experts fought, victory and defeat were decided in an instant. He was also certain that after future breakthroughs, the range and duration of this ability might increase severalfold.

A Dou Zhe was still far too weak.

"That one doesn't count."

Xiao Yan gritted his teeth, climbed up from the ground, and dusted himself off.

"Then I'll make you concede wholeheartedly."

The smile remained on Nalan Chenfeng's handsome face as he beckoned again.

That had merely been a game. Now, he would reveal his true strength.

"Then come again!"

Xiao Yan lowered his stance and clenched both fists, his eyes fixed tightly on every movement Nalan Chenfeng made.

That fall just now had been completely inexplicable. It was truly strange.

Four years ago, he had not been Nalan Chenfeng's opponent because Nalan Chenfeng was a year older and only one stage ahead of him. Now that he had reached Seven-Stage Dou Qi, the gap should not have become this large.

Xiao Yan took a deep breath and began moving sideways, slowly circling Nalan Chenfeng.

"Stop stalling."

Nalan Chenfeng stood in place with his arms crossed, completely motionless.

"Why isn't Young Master Chenfeng moving?"

"..."

The Xiao Clan children watching chattered endlessly, all of them staring with wide eyes.

"I wonder how strong this Nalan Chenfeng is compared to Xiao Yan..."

Several Xiao Clan elders watched from the stands, their hearts filled with speculation as well.

After circling twice, Xiao Yan saw that Nalan Chenfeng still had no reaction. His heart steadied, and his pace suddenly quickened as he charged from the right like an arrow loosed from a bow.

"If you can, take my punch!"

Xiao Yan shouted lowly and activated his Dou Technique again, gathering all the Dou Qi strength of Seven-Stage Dou Qi into his right fist. The fist wind swept up dust from the ground, creating quite an imposing display.

"Xiao Yan's punch has considerable force. Even someone at Eight-Stage Dou Qi would have trouble taking it head-on. He truly is our Xiao Clan's number one genius."

Some of the older Xiao Clan members nodded slightly, their gazes toward Xiao Yan full of admiration.

The power and speed of Xiao Yan's punch were truly rare for a nine-year-old.

His fist flew straight toward Nalan Chenfeng's shoulder.

"This level of strength is still far from enough."

Nalan Chenfeng smiled, then raised his hand as Dou Qi gathered in his palm.

The next instant.

Xiao Yan's fist slammed solidly into Nalan Chenfeng's right palm.

This time, Nalan Chenfeng did not dodge, nor did he use that special ability.

Bang!

At the impact, Xiao Yan grimaced in pain, feeling as though his fist had struck a solid wall.

Yet Nalan Chenfeng did not so much as sway. He remained completely still, and not even a wrinkle appeared in his moon-white robe from the fist wind.

"Hm?"

Xiao Yan looked utterly blank.

"How... how is this possible?"

Xiao Yan's eyes widened as he looked at Nalan Chenfeng, his gaze filled with disbelief.

He was at Seven-Stage Dou Qi, and he knew better than anyone how powerful that punch had been. Ordinary people at Eight-Stage or Nine-Stage Dou Qi could not have taken it head-on so easily.

Yet Nalan Chenfeng was completely unaffected. Did that not mean his strength was above the ninth stage?

"Little Yan, are you done?"

Nalan Chenfeng looked down at Xiao Yan, his eyes carrying a hint of amusement.

Dou Zhe had nothing to do with true strength, but against someone at the Dou Qi stage like Xiao Yan, it was effortless for now.

Xiao Yan's heart sank, and he instinctively tried to withdraw his fist and retreat.

But it was already too late.

Nalan Chenfeng raised his right hand and pushed forward.

Xiao Yan only felt an irresistible surge of powerful Dou Qi rush toward him. He staggered back more than ten steps before finally landing on his backside.

"Dou Zhe!"

Xiao Yan sat on the ground, looking up at Nalan Chenfeng as he murmured in disbelief, his expression as though he had seen a ghost.

A Dou Zhe!

He had considered the possibility that Nalan Chenfeng was stronger than him, but he had never imagined it would be to this extent. Four years ago, they had only been one stage apart.

Moreover, Nalan Chenfeng was only a year older. Xiao Yan believed his talent was no worse than the other's, but now that thought seemed utterly laughable.

He was only at Seven-Stage Dou Qi. Though no one in the Xiao Clan could compare to him, he was also unrivaled across all of Wu Tan City.

Yet the person before him, only a year older, was already a full major realm above him.

Even if Xiao Yan were given another year, he might not break through to Dou Zhe.

The entire square fell into dead silence.

Those Xiao Clan members who had been watching with uncertainty all closed their mouths. Their eyes were wide, and their mouths hung open enough to fit an egg.

"Dou... Dou Zhe?"

Someone in the crowd was the first to speak, their voice trembling as though seeking confirmation, yet also as though talking to themselves.

That voice broke the silence, but it also confirmed for everyone that they had not seen wrongly.

"Young Master Chenfeng is a Dou Zhe..."

"He's only ten years old!"

"..."

"This young master of the Nalan Clan is far more talented than Xiao Yan."

"Yes. A ten-year-old Dou Zhe has never appeared anywhere in the Jia Ma Empire before."

On the stands, the Xiao Clan's Second Elder and Third Elder, who had happened to arrive, stood up and stared intently at Nalan Chenfeng as they sighed.

"The Nalan Clan is connected to our Xiao Clan by marriage. The position of clan leader will likely be difficult to shake."

The Xiao Clan's Second Elder clasped his hands behind his back, a gloomy glint flashing through his eyes.

The three of them had never truly accepted Xiao Zhan as clan leader. Yet all three Xiao brothers possessed decent talent, and Xiao Yan was especially outstanding. Combined with their connection to the Nalan Clan, they had no choice but to hold back.

"If things remain like this, I have no objection to Xiao Zhan being clan leader."

The Xiao Clan's Third Elder added.

"Mm."

The Xiao Clan's Second Elder nodded slightly, then descended from the viewing platform with the Third Elder and headed toward the center of the arena.

"Young Master Nalan's talent is truly unparalleled. You have certainly opened our eyes."

The Xiao Clan's Second Elder's salt-and-pepper beard trembled slightly with his steps, his aged face piled high with smiles.

"Xiao Yan, since you have already lost, why aren't you admitting defeat? What are you standing there for?!"

The Xiao Clan's Third Elder wore a broad smile as well, then suddenly barked at Xiao Yan.

"I lost."

Xiao Yan climbed to his feet, his head hanging in dejection.

Four years ago, Nalan Chenfeng had pinned him down and beaten him for over a month. Back then, he could still comfort himself by saying it was only because the other boy was a year older and that much stronger.

Once he grew up, once he reached that same age, he would definitely catch up.

But now, reality had given him a resounding slap across the face.

The gap between Seven-Stage Dou Qi and a Dou Zhe was not one or two stages. It was an insurmountable chasm.

He had begun cultivating at the age of four. In five years, he had reached Seven-Stage Dou Qi, and he had believed himself exceptionally gifted. Across the entire Jia Ma Empire, there were likely only a few peers who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him.

Yet his fiancée's older brother was simply monstrous.

Oh no... He won't stay at the Xiao Clan again and keep picking on me, will he...?

As though he had suddenly recalled some terrible memory, Xiao Yan could not help but shudder.

"You praise me too highly, Second Elder."

Nalan Chenfeng cupped his hands toward the Xiao Clan's Second Elder and humbly responded.

Then Nalan Chenfeng turned his gaze back and gave Xiao Yan a meaningful look.

Today, he had not publicly beaten Xiao Yan senseless. He had merely made him fall a few times and eat some dust.

And that was already enough. Xiao Yan would surely recognize the gap between them.

Meanwhile.

Jia Ma Sacred City, Imperial Palace.

Within a magnificent golden hall, a gaunt old man in golden robes sat upon the dragon throne. No joy or anger could be seen on his aged face. His deep eyes narrowed slightly as fingers like withered bark gently tapped the armrest.

This old man was none other than Jia Xing Tian, the protector of the Jia Ma Empire and currently the strongest person in the empire in public view—an Eight-Star Dou Emperor.

"A ten-year-old Dou Zhe..."

Jia Xing Tian's voice was hoarse, as though he were muttering to himself, yet also as though he were confirming something.

"Your Majesty, the news is absolutely true."

Below the hall, a middle-aged man in brocade robes stood bowed, his expression solemn.

Jia Xing Tian's fingers stopped tapping the armrest, and a meaningful smile appeared on his aged face.

"Nalan Jie has raised himself a fine grandson."

He had lived for so many years and seen countless geniuses, yet he had never heard of anyone breaking through to the Dou Zhe realm at the age of ten.

"Your Majesty, the Nalan Clan producing such a monster may not necessarily be a good thing for our Imperial Family."

The middle-aged man spoke in a low voice. "Nalan Jie is already a Six-Star Dou King and commands immense prestige in the army. If another one emerges..."

"He is merely a Dou Zhe. For now, he does not pose any threat to our Imperial Family."

"The Misty Cloud Sect is watching us like a tiger. That is the true enemy of our Imperial Family. Without the support of the three great clans, the Imperial Family cannot stand alone."

"That old bastard Yun Shan has not been heard from in a long time. Who knows whether he has already broken through or passed away in meditation..."

Jia Xing Tian slowly rose to his feet. His withered body seemed filled with strength, and the aura of a Dou Emperor made the air within the hall turn heavy.

"Go. Invite Marshal Lionheart Nalan Jie into the palace."

"Yes."

The middle-aged man bowed to accept the order, then turned and left the hall.

Watching the man depart, a sharp gleam flashed through Jia Xing Tian's old eyes.

The Nalan Clan had produced a ten-year-old Dou Zhe. Once this news spread, the entire imperial capital would be shaken, and storms would rise.

The Misty Cloud Sect, the Mite'er Family, the Mu Clan, and the other factions would likely all set their sights on that little fellow Nalan Chenfeng.

Rather than letting others get ahead, the Imperial Family might as well strike first.

His great-granddaughter Yaoye might not possess top-tier cultivation talent, but her beauty and intelligence were both first-rate. She was more than suitable for Nalan Chenfeng.

As for whether the Nalan Clan would agree, he believed Nalan Jie was a smart man.

"Greetings, Elder Jia."

Before long, Nalan Jie arrived and bowed to Jia Xing Tian.

"There is no need for such formality between us. Sit and speak."

Jia Xing Tian waved his hand, indicating for Nalan Jie to rise. A warm smile hung on his gaunt face.

Nalan Jie did not stand on ceremony. He sat in a brocade chair below, his back ramrod straight. Facing Jia Xing Tian, an Eight-Star Dou Emperor, he showed little fear.

Although there was a vast difference in strength between the two, Nalan Jie, as the Jia Ma Empire's Marshal Lionheart, held a pivotal position in the military and had always supported the Imperial Family.

Jia Xing Tian examined Nalan Jie, his gaze lingering on the latter's face for a moment before he suddenly asked, "Your body... how much longer can it hold on?"

The Jia Ma Empire had only a limited number of Dou Kings, each one a figure of consequence. Aside from the Dou Kings cultivated by the Misty Cloud Sect itself, every one of them was someone the Imperial Family needed to win over.