ã€ŠVillain&#x27;s Rise: Crushing Heroes and Changing Fatesã€‹


 chapter 1

    The Celestial Jade Domain

    The Outer Gate of the Divine Blue Sect

    "I never expected that one day I would travel into a fantasy world! A place where the strong can move mountains and rivers with a mere gesture, and immortality is no longer just a dream!"

    Inside a modest wooden house, Xiao Ming sat on a creaky bed, whispering to himself. The excitement on his face was undeniable.

    In his previous life, Xiao Ming had been a successful young businessman, a man with enough influence to shape entire industries and even alter national policies. Yet, his promising life had been cruelly cut short by an incurable illness.

    Suddenly, his head buzzed as an overwhelming flood of unfamiliar memories surged into his mind.

    "What a coincidence¡­ the name of this guy is the same as mine," Xiao Ming mumbled, trying to make sense of it all.

    But as the memories became clearer, his expression turned pale. A creeping realization struck him, one that made his chest tighten.

    "Wait¡­ why does this all feel so familiar?" He paused, his voice trembling. "This is the plot of that novel I read when I was ill! Could it be that I¡­ I''ve transmigrated into a novel world?"

    A mouthful of blood suddenly spurted from Xiao Ming''s lips, and he collapsed onto the bed. Intense, unbearable pain wracked his body¡ªpain so severe that it would make an ordinary person wish for death. Yet, amidst the agony, Xiao Ming''s lips curled into a bitter smile.

    "This pain¡­ it''s real. So, fate has played a cruel trick on me. I really have transmigrated into this Xiao Ming''s body."

    He felt both heartbroken and bitter. As he processed the memories, his stomach churned. The Xiao Ming of this world wasn''t a protagonist or a villain¡ªhe was just a side character, and a pitiful one at that.

    Xiao Ming was an outer disciple of the Divine Blue Sect. Despite his mediocre cultivation talent, he hailed from the Divine Xiao Family, a clan that ruled the Azure Sky Realm, one of the top ten realms. His grandfather was the Patriarch of the clan, and his family''s power was unparalleled. Yet, Xiao Ming''s story was one of tragedy.

    His father, a direct descendant of the Patriarch, had fallen in love with a mortal woman and fathered him. Xiao Ming''s mother died shortly after his birth, leaving him at the mercy of the clan''s ruthless rules. With a diluted bloodline and poor talent, Xiao Ming was deemed unworthy and discarded. His father, in a desperate bid to protect him, struck a deal with the clan: Xiao Ming would be left in the Celestial Jade Domain while his father willingly returned to the clan to face imprisonment.

    Even with this tragic past, Xiao Ming''s role in the novel has been nothing more than a stepping stone. He had been killed after a fight with another outer disciple, and the protagonist, Ye Chan, had stolen his childhood sweetheart¡ªeven pretending to be Xiao Ming to gain her trust. Everything that had been arranged for Xiao Ming became a tool for the protagonist''s rise.

    "I just got transmigrated, and I''m going to die again?" Xiao Ming''s voice cracked with frustration. His injured body was failing, and he felt the cold grip of death approaching.

    Just as despair began to consume him, a mechanical voice echoed in his mind.

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.Ding!

    The host has been detected. Connecting¡­

    Amidst his grumbling, Xiao Ming''s eyes widened in shock.

    "A system?" he muttered, startled but ecstatic. As an avid reader of novels, he knew exactly what a system signified. This was his chance¡ªhis lifeline.

    Ding! Connection established. Congratulations, host. The Ultimate Villain System has been activated.

    "System, what are you? Can you help me?" Xiao Ming asked, his voice trembling with hope.

    Ding! Responding to the host: The Ultimate Villain System is designed to assist the host in becoming the ultimate villain of this world. By trampling protagonists underfoot and changing the story, the host will gain villain points and rewards to grow stronger.

    Xiao Ming''s mind raced as he absorbed the explanation. The system revealed that this world wasn''t just one novel¡ªit was a fusion of several, filled with countless protagonists. To survive and thrive, he would have to embrace his new role as a villain.

    "So, the system wants me to become an ultimate villain?" Xiao Ming chuckled bitterly. "Fine. I never liked protagonists anyway, especially not the one in this novel. If being a villain is what it takes to survive and become stronger, then so be it."

    Ding! Congratulations, host, for making your choice. A newbie gift pack has been delivered. Please open it promptly.

    Xiao Ming''s thoughts paused. "A newbie gift pack?" he murmured. As the thought crossed his mind, a glowing panel appeared in front of him.

    Name: Xiao Ming

    Identity: Outer Disciple of the Divine Blue Sect

    Cultivation: 2nd Layer of Core Formation

    Physique: Mortal

    Destiny value: 10

    Luck Points: 10 (Black)

    Storage: System Gift Package

    Ding! The system gift package has been opened.

    Congratulations, host, for obtaining the Devil''s Heart.

    Devil''s Heart (Upgradeable): Enhances comprehension and heals injuries.

    "A healing ability?" Xiao Ming''s eyes lit up. He immediately chose to withdraw it.

    As soon as the Devil''s Heart activated, a surge of energy flooded his chest. His heart throbbed powerfully, and crackling sounds echoed through his body. His life-threatening injuries began to heal at an astonishing rate, while hidden wounds from the past were completely eradicated. The remaining energy surged into his mind, causing a sharp buzzing sensation.

    Moments later, Xiao Ming felt transformed. He stood and examined himself in a mirror. His pale, sickly complexion was replaced by smooth, flawless skin. His black hair gleamed darker, his eyes became sharper, and his entire aura exuded confidence and power.

    "My thinking feels sharper, my memory clearer," Xiao Ming mused, clenching his fists. He could feel the newfound strength coursing through his veins. His cultivation had soared from the 2nd Layer of Core Formation to the 5th Layer of Golden Core.

    Feeling the overwhelming power within him, Xiao Ming smirked.

    "Well since I am the villain let''s do something that suite my role"

 chapter 2

    As Xiao Ming stepped out of the wooden house, he felt a little unsteady. It wasn''t because of the transmigration but because of the sudden increase in his strength.

    You see, as one''s realm increases, it becomes much harder to progress. Xiao Ming had jumped from the 2nd layer of Core Formation to the 5th layer of the Golden Core. This was a huge leap in strength.

    Normally, with his previous qualifications, it would have taken Xiao Ming 15 to 20 years of hard work to reach the 5th layer of Golden Core. But with the help of the Devil''s Heart, he had saved all that time.

    "In addition to my realm, my thinking and understanding seem to have improved as well. If we only talk about understanding, I''m afraid I won''t fall behind the core disciples and young masters of the sect," Xiao Ming thought.

    The core disciples of the Divine Blue Sect were all extremely talented and had bright futures ahead. Most of them were at the Nascent Soul or Soul Transformation stage. Xiao Ming could only compare himself to them in terms of understanding, but he wasn''t discouraged. With the help of the system, he was sure to surpass them all.

    "But the most important thing right now is to take back what my father left for me and take revenge for the poor Xiao Ming who was murdered," he said coldly, his eyes turning sharp.

    After merging the memories, Xiao Ming felt nothing but hatred for the person who had caused him harm. Taking back what was rightfully his could also change the storyline and give him back the protagonist''s chance.

    Thinking about this, he quickened his pace.

    The Divine Blue Sect covered a vast area of the Celestial Jade Domain. Just the area where the outer disciples lived and trained stretched over thousands of kilometers.

    Xiao Ming flew towards the Peak of Soaring Skies. After his breakthrough, his speed increased dramatically.

    The Peak of Soaring Skies was where Chen Han, the person who had attacked and severely injured Xiao Ming, lived.

    Soon, the Peak of Soaring Skies appeared in front of him, towering over 10,000 meters high, reaching into the sky like a fairyland. There were many caves built into the mountainside for disciples to practice.

    As Xiao Ming landed, he immediately attracted the attention of the people around him.

    "Isn''t that Xiao Ming? Why is he here? Didn''t Chen Han beat him badly yesterday? How is he still fine?"

    "That''s right. Yesterday, Chen Han ruthlessly attacked him. He was definitely seriously injured."

    "Yes, with those injuries, I thought he would definitely die. But how is he fine?"

    "Well, it''s good if he''s okay, but why would he come back to get beaten again?"

    The people around him were talking and making fun of Xiao Ming, but he didn''t pay any attention to them.

    As people mocked him, a group of disciples following Chen Han appeared.

    "Well, look who''s here. Isn''t this our Xiao Ming? I thought you were dead, but unexpectedly, you''re still alive."

    "Or could it be that out of pity, one of the inner female disciples gave you life-saving medicine?"

    Chen Han made sarcastic remarks, but he couldn''t hide the jealousy in his voice. Yes, he was jealous of Xiao Ming, not because of his talent, but because of his outstanding appearance, which had won him the favor of many outer and inner female disciples. This was also the reason he had beaten him up.

    "Xiao Ming, come under me and become my subordinate, and I will let you live. Otherwise... Hehe..." Chen Han said with a playful expression, wanting to humiliate Xiao Ming and show the girls that he, Chen Han, was a better choice than this loser.

    But Xiao Ming didn''t waste time talking. He made his move.

    Bang!

    Boom!

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.A series of bursts of air were heard as Xiao Ming acted. In an instant, more than half of Chen Han''s group had been eliminated. Some had their hands broken, while others had their bodies exploded.

    Xiao Ming didn''t stop. He released his 5th layer Golden Core aura, and as soon as the aura spread, Chen Han and the remaining members of his group felt as if they were being pressed down by a mountain. Their legs trembled involuntarily.

    "Impossible... Impossible! You trash, how could you be so strong?" Chen Han''s voice trembled in shock.

    Seeing this scene, everyone''s eyes widened in disbelief. They stopped moving as if turned into statues. What they had just witnessed was unbelievable.

    Soon, the smell of blood filled the air, making them realize that this wasn''t a dream, but reality.

    "What''s happening? I just saw Xiao Ming make a move, and half of Chen Han''s group is dead."

    "How is this possible? Chen Han and his group are all at least 6th level of Core Formation, and Chen Han himself is only at the 2nd stage. How could this happen?"

    The surrounding people started talking in shock. But soon, something even more shocking happened.

    Xiao Ming released his aura, and the pressure increased even more, terrifying everyone.

    "This aura... It''s Golden Core stage! Could it be that Xiao Ming is actually a Golden Core cultivator?"

    "You... You loser! What did you do? How could you become a Golden Core?" Chen Han stammered.

    But Xiao Ming didn''t pay any attention to him. He slowly walked toward Chen Han. As he approached, the pressure from his aura grew stronger, and by the time he reached Chen Han, the man had already knelt down.

    Xiao Ming didn''t say a word. He simply stepped on Chen Han''s head, pressing it into the ground with just a little force, looking down at him coldly.

    Feeling his head being crushed, Chen Han started to beg for mercy.

    "Xiao Ming, let me go. My brother is an inner disciple. If you kill me, he won''t let you go."

    "He''s at the 9th stage of Golden Core. If you let me go, I''ll forget everything and we''ll go our separate ways."

    Chen Han''s eyes gleamed with cunning. He had decided that if Xiao Ming let him go, he would ask his brother to kill Xiao Ming.

    But to his surprise, Xiao Ming didn''t flinch. The pressure on his head only increased.

    "You... You actually dare to kill me? My brother will kill you and your entire family!" Chen Han began threatening.

    Xiao Ming remained silent. He didn''t answer. He just kept increasing the pressure.

    Crack! Crack!

    The sound of bones breaking echoed in the silent training field.

    Then, a devilish whisper echoed in Chen Han''s ear.

    "I don''t have time to waste on a stepping stones like you so Happy journey."

    Thud!

    Xiao Ming suddenly released all the pressure, and the leg that had been on Chen Han''s skull made a hole in the ground. As for what happened to Chen Han, there was no need to guess. His entire body exploded, and the atmosphere around them became drenched in blood.

    The people around them were stunned. Their expressions towards Xiao Ming completely changed. The sarcastic looks turned into fear, and the pity turned into admiration.

    Looking at Xiao Ming, who stood still in the bloody atmosphere, it felt like they were looking at a demon.

    Xiao Ming stood there, feeling as though something inside him had changed. He now felt complete control over his emotions and mind.

    "Maybe the obsession of the previous guy has faded," he thought.

    {cultivation levels: body tempering, qi refinement, foundation building, core formation, golden core, nascent soul, soul transformation, spirit ascension, void essence, earthly saint, transcendence, false god, true god, heavenly god realm,....}

 chapter 3

    Xiao Ming stood amidst the scene of chaos, blood splattered around him, yet his heart remained calm. He felt no discomfort. In his previous life, he had built a business empire worth a billion dollars from nothing, and on that journey, his hands had already been stained red by the blood of those who stood in his way. The blood of someone like Chen Han did not faze him.

    He moved forward, and with a slight wave of his hand, a severed hand wearing a storage ring flew to him. With a thought, the ring detached from the hand. A small surge of spiritual power cleaned the blood from it before he examined it.

    As his consciousness probed the storage ring, various items appeared before his mind''s eye. Spiritual stones, numerous elixirs, and other items of value-filled the space. However, none of these were his primary concern. He searched deeper until he found what he was looking for.

    "Found it. Luckily, this idiot didn''t throw it away," Xiao Ming murmured to himself as he retrieved a simple pendant from the ring.

    The pendant felt cold to the touch, its texture smooth, with intricate patterns carved into its surface. It appeared ordinary¡ªtoo plain to be a magical item. Yet, as Xiao Ming held it, he could sense a powerful and mysterious aura emanating from it.

    "The Oblivion Jade Pendant," Xiao Ming muttered, his gaze softening for a moment. This pendant had been left to him by his father. It concealed one''s presence and could shield its wearer from being divined. As long as it was worn, no one could see through him.

    "Looking at this plain pendant, no one would believe it''s a treasured heirloom of the Xiao family. If its value were known, there would definitely be a blood bath for it."

    For a brief moment, Xiao Ming''s emotions stirred. In his past life, he had been an orphan who grew up in an orphanage. In this life, he had a father who genuinely cared for him. This pendant was connected to many arrangements left by his father to ensure his rise. However, due to the idiocy of this novel''s original author, previous Xiao Ming had been killed by Chen Han, reducing all these plans to nothing.

    "In the original storyline, Chen Han offended the protagonist, Ye Chan, during his ventured outside and was killed. The pendant fell into Ye Chan''s hands, and with it, all the associated opportunities. It was also because of this pendant that a woman who should have been mine ended up with him." Xiao Ming''s voice grew colder. "But now that I have it, none of that will happen. As for Ye Chan, even without the system''s missions, I would still crush him."

    Examining the pendant carefully, Xiao Ming found two drops of blood essence within it. One belonged to him, and the other to his father. These were crucial, especially his father''s blood essence, which was the key to practicing the Divine Sutra of the Xiao clan.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Ding!

    Host has snatched an important opportunity from protagonist Ye Chan.

    Protagonist Ye Chan''s Luck Points have decreased.

    Congratulations, Host, for earning 50 Luck Points.

    Congratulations, Host, for earning 1,000 Destiny Points.

    The System Store has been unlocked.

    As the system notifications sounded in his mind, Xiao Ming paid them no attention for the moment. Instead, his gaze shifted to the remaining people on the practice ground. His eyes turned cold, sending chills down the spines of those who met his gaze. It felt as if they had been plunged into an icy abyss.

    Without a word, Xiao Ming moved.

    Fwoosh!

    Boom!

    Bam! Bam! Bam!

    Explosions echoed one after another as Xiao Ming struck. One by one, his targets were reduced to nothing but mist. The cultivators present were mostly at the fifth stage of Core Formation. In contrast, Xiao Ming was at the fifth stage of the Golden Core, and with the devil''s heart enhancing his strength, he far surpassed others at his level. None of them could resist him.

    "Run! Run! Xiao Ming has gone mad!"

    "He''s killing people without mercy! Doesn''t he fear the sect''s law enforcement?"

    Xiao Ming ignored their cries. He didn''t kill everyone¡ªonly those who had targeted him before.

    "If you have a mouth, use it wisely. Sometimes, it might cost you your life."

    His voice was calm yet filled with warning. The remaining disciples shivered as they watched him leave the Peak of Soaring Skies. Returning to his wooden house, Xiao Ming sat on the edge of his simple bed and finally opened the system panel.

    Name: Xiao Ming

    Identity: Outer Disciple of the Divine Blue Sect

    Cultivation: 5th Stage of the Golden Core Realm

    Physique: Mortal (Devil''s Heart ¨C Upgradable)

    Destiny: 1,010

    Luck Points: 60 (Black)

    Items: Oblivion Jade Pendant

    System Store: Unlocked

    "System, open the store," Xiao Ming commanded calmly.

    As the store interface appeared, Xiao Ming''s eyes widened slightly at the sheer number of treasures displayed.

    Items:

    Celestial Blade of Eternity: Cuts through space-time.

    Cost: 1,000,000 Destiny Points.Voidbreaker Gauntlets: Amplifies strength 1,000x.

    Cost: 800,000 Destiny Points.Chrono-Anchor Amulet: Immunity to time-related abilities.

    Cost: 950,000 Destiny Points.

    Consumables:

    Eternal Nirvana Pill: Revives user from death.

    Cost: 1,200,000 Destiny Points.Potion of Absolute Invincibility: Grants 24 hours of indestructibility.

    Cost: 1,300,000 Destiny Points.

    Xiao Ming shook his head, suppressing the urge to curse. "These prices are ridiculous. Who would have enough points for this?"

    His eyes moved to the items he could afford. One, in particular, caught his attention:

    Core Ascension Pill: Directly breaks through to the late stage of the Golden Core Realm.

    Cost: 1,000 Destiny Points.

    Without hesitation, Xiao Ming exchanged his points for the pill. Holding it in his hand, he smirked.

    "Chen Yuan will definitely come after me for killing his brother, Chen Han. Although inner disciples can''t kill each other openly, I''ll take no chances. Reaching the late stage of the Golden Core Realm is the safest move."

 Chapter 4

    After taking safety precautions, Xiao Ming sat in a lotus position. In his hand was the Core Ascension Pill, a rare and precious treasure.

    The moment he swallowed the pill, a surge of heat exploded in his stomach, spreading like wildfire through his body. It was as if he had swallowed a blazing sun. A terrifying wave of energy erupted, surging through his meridians, blood vessels, and even his very cells.

    Surprisingly, instead of pain, Xiao Ming felt a soothing warmth, akin to soaking in a rejuvenating hot spring. He could feel his body greedily absorbing the energy, and with each passing moment, his momentum grew stronger. His cultivation realm began to rise rapidly.

    It didn''t take long before¡ª

    Boom!

    Xiao Ming broke through to the sixth stage of the Golden Core realm.

    But it didn''t stop there.

    Boom!

    Seventh stage golden core.

    Boom!

    Eighth stage golden core.

    Boom!

    Ninth stage golden core.

    Finally, he reached the peak of the ninth stage of the Golden Core realm. The wooden house trembled violently under the sheer force of his growing power. For three long hours, the energy coursed through him, reshaping and refining every corner of his being.

    When Xiao Ming finally opened his eyes, they gleamed with a sharp, otherworldly light. His aura was overwhelming, causing the wooden house to vibrate. He clenched his fists, feeling the immense power surging through his body.

    "So this is what it feels like to be at the peak of the 9th stage of the Golden Core realm," Xiao Ming muttered. He clenched his fist, feeling the overwhelming strength coursing through him.

    To think that he had gone from the second stage of Core Formation to the peak of Golden Core in just two days. If others knew of this, their jaws would surely drop in disbelief. After all, even the talented inner disciples of the Divine Blue Sect required five to six years to achieve this.

    Of course, Xiao Ming owed this miraculous progress to the system and the Core Ascension Pill, a treasure with no side effects. However, as for the Heart of the Devil, he still had no clear understanding of its true nature.

    After calming his excitement, Xiao Ming decided to consult the system.

    "System, if I kill Ye Chan directly, will it cause any problems?"Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    Ding! Answering host: Ye Chan is the destined protagonist of this novel, blessed by luck and destiny. He cannot be killed at this stage. If the host forcibly kills him, it will trigger a backlash of luck, potentially leading to the host''s death.

    Listening to the system''s explanation, Xiao Ming''s sharp mind quickly spotted a loophole.

    "So¡­ I can''t kill him now, but it means I can kill him if certain conditions are met," he said with a smirk.

    Replaying to host: As long as the host''s luck points exceed Ye Chan''s by a significant margin, the host will be able to kill him.

    Hearing this, Xiao Ming''s smirk deepened. It was not the smile of a mere cultivator but the cunning grin of a predator ready to hunt.

    Meanwhile, in a remote part of the Celestial Jade Domain, a desolate landscape stretched beneath a dark sky. A chilling wind swept through the area as a convoy of carriages sped along a secluded route. These carriages were not drawn by horses but by spiritual beasts of formidable strength.

    Inside one of the carriages, a blurry figure addressed a pale young man.

    "Friend Ye Chan, how are you feeling? You''re quite lucky to have met us. Otherwise, you might have perished in that treacherous place."

    The pale young man, none other than Ye Chan, offered a weak but grateful smile.

    "Thank you, Brother. If it weren''t for your timely help, I don''t know what would have happened to me."

    Though Ye Chan''s words were courteous, a keen observer would notice a lack of genuine sincerity in his eyes. His angular face and striking ice-blue eyes, despite his injuries, gave him an otherworldly charm.

    After a brief exchange, the blurry figure left the carriage, advising Ye Chan to rest and recover. Once alone, the faint smile on Ye Chan''s face faded, replaced by a grim expression.

    "These injuries are more severe than I thought. If it weren''t for Elder''s intervention, I might have ended up like the others," Ye Chan muttered to himself with a sigh.

    A deep, ancient voice echoed in his mind.

    "Do not dwell on the past, Ye Chan. Fortunately, we have arrived in the Celestial Jade Domain. This place is rich in resources, with countless sects and holy grounds. Here, you will have the opportunity to grow stronger rapidly."

    Hearing the elder''s words, Ye Chan nodded resolutely.

    "Yes, Elder. I will not let your expectations go to waste," he vowed, his gaze turning to the dark, mysterious terrain outside the carriage.

    Back in the Divine Blue Sect, news of Xiao Ming''s rapid breakthroughs and his slaughter of Chen Han''s group had already spread like wildfire.

    At first, many refused to believe it. But as the information was confirmed, shock waves rippled through the sect.

    Strangely, the law enforcement team didn''t trouble Xiao Ming, despite the deaths of multiple outer disciples.

    "As expected," Xiao Ming mused with a smile. "Their reaction is within my expectations."

    He had anticipated that the sect''s higher-ups would turn a blind eye to the incident. After all, he had acted in self-defense against Chen Han''s group, and numerous witnesses could attest to this. Moreover, Xiao Ming''s newfound strength as a fifth-stage Golden Core cultivator placed him on par with the inner disciples.

    The sect valued strength above all else, and losing a few low-level disciples was a small price to pay for nurturing a potential powerhouse.

    However, Xiao Ming was surprised that Chen Yuan, Chen Han''s elder brother, hadn''t come seeking revenge.

    "Ah, so he''s in seclusion," Xiao Ming chuckled after learning the reason. "No wonder."

    For now, Xiao Ming decided not to provoke any unnecessary trouble. Instead, he set his sights on the Holy Land Library, a treasure trove of cultivation techniques and knowledge.

    "I may have the strength of an inner disciple, but to truly earn that title you also need cultivation techniques," Xiao Ming thought as he strolled toward the library, his mind brimming with plans for the future.

 chapter 5

    As mentioned before, the Divine Blue Sect occupies a vast area in the Celestial Jade Domain. The distance between the outer and inner gates is tens of thousands of kilometers. Even for Xiao Ming, a peak Golden Core cultivator, traveling this distance would take a long time.

    To make transportation more efficient, the sect has built numerous teleportation arrays. These arrays allow disciples to travel quickly by paying a small fee in spiritual stones.

    Xiao Ming arrived at one of these teleportation arrays. After handing over some spiritual stones, he was instantly transported to the mountain range where the Pavilion of Thousand Techniques rested. The pavilion stood majestically on a misty peak, its jade spires glowing softly.

    At the entrance, Xiao Ming approached an elder guarding the pavilion. Bowing respectfully, he said,

    "Elder, I have broken through to Golden Core and would like to select techniques from the Pavilion of Thousand Techniques."

    The elder, a white-bearded man with sharp eyes, opened them slowly. A flash of light crossed his gaze as he looked at Xiao Ming.

    "Peak Golden Core stage? Not bad, not bad. It seems you''ve had some extraordinary opportunities. Advancing from the second stage of Core Formation to peak Golden Core in just two months is remarkable."

    This elder recognized Xiao Ming immediately. Xiao Ming had become somewhat famous among the Inner Gate disciples, not only for his handsome appearance but also for his unique temperament. Many had mistakenly thought he was a core disciple in the past.

    "Thank you, Elder. I was just fortunate," Xiao Ming replied humbly.

    The elder nodded approvingly at his respectful attitude.

    "Inner disciples may go to the second floor. You''re allowed to choose one cultivation technique and one martial arts technique. Go ahead."

    After bowing again, Xiao Ming walked toward the second floor.

    Upon entering, he was greeted by an awe-inspiring sight. Shelves filled with qi-filled scrolls and jade slips hummed with ancient energy. Lanterns floated in the air, casting a gentle glow over etched runes and glowing artifacts.

    In the Celestial Jade Domain, techniques were ranked by their quality: Common, Mystic, Earth, Heaven, King, and Emperor. Each rank was further divided into lower, middle, advanced, and top levels. As an inner disciple, Xiao Ming was allowed to choose techniques up to the King rank.

    Previously, due to his limited talent, Xiao Ming had practiced only a lower-level Earth-rank technique. However, with the Devil''s Heart enhancing his comprehension abilities, he was now confident in mastering even top-level King-rank techniques.

    In the pavilion, there are quite a number of king-level techniquesThis story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    .Iron Mountain Breathing Technique: lower king rank technique

    Focuses on fortifying the body like an unyielding mountain, enhancing physical defense and resilience.

    Crimson Wave Swordplay: mid-level king-rank technique

    A sword technique that unleashes arcing waves of energy, combining precision with devastating area-of-effect damage.

    Heaven-Splitting Sword Art: top level king rank technique

    A legendary sword technique capable of splitting the skies, concentrating immense qi into a single unstoppable slash

    After some careful consideration, Xiao Ming chose two techniques:

    Celestial Veil Technique (Top King Rank): This technique strengthens the body''s defense and purifies spiritual energy.Starfall Palm (King Rank, Secret Technique): A devastating palm technique that unleashes overwhelming destructive power.

    After selecting his techniques, Xiao Ming registered them at the Deacon Hall and was assigned a personal cave dwelling.

    Upon arriving at his new cave, Xiao Ming couldn''t help but marvel. It was ten times larger than his previous cave in the outer gate, and the concentration of qi was far higher. This entire mountain peak was now his territory.

    However, Xiao Ming quickly calmed himself. He had little time to waste. Within a month, he needed to reach at least the peak of Nascent Soul. For others, this would be impossible, but with the system''s help, it was definitely achievable.

    Xiao Ming immediately began cultivating the Celestial Veil Technique. Thanks to the Devil''s Heart and his enhanced comprehension, he made rapid progress. Within five days, the spiritual energy in his body transformed into a scarlet-gold color, and even his Golden Core radiated this vibrant hue. His energy was now over ten times purer than before, significantly increasing his strength without a change in cultivation level.

    "This technique, combined with the Devil''s Heart, has enhanced my cultivation speed and strength dramatically," Xiao Ming thought, satisfied.

    The Devil''s Heart now had upgraded properties:

    Heals injuries

    Increases comprehension

    Boosts cultivation speed

    Improves strength (3x)

    With these results, Xiao Ming moved on to practicing the Starfall Palm. Secret techniques were notoriously difficult to master, but their power was unparalleled. It took Xiao Ming seven days to fully understand the technique.

    On the seventh day, Xiao Ming rose into the air, his hands forming complex seals.

    "Starfall Palm!" he shouted.

    A massive energy palm, nearly 500 meters wide, formed in front of him. With a single motion, it slammed into a nearby mountain.

    BOOM!

    The mountain, towering over a thousand meters, crumbled under the devastating force. The shockwave rippled through the surrounding mountain range, leaving Xiao Ming momentarily stunned by the power. But soon, a satisfied smile spread across his face. He had successfully mastered the Starfall Palm.

    Meanwhile, among the towering peaks of the inner gate...

    Bam!

    The gate to a secluded cave burst open, and a figure stepped out. His aura was dark and oppressive, his wolf-like eyes glowing with malice. This was Chen Yuan, the elder brother of Chen Han and a peak Golden Core cultivator.

    As soon as Chen Yuan emerged, a group of disciples rushed to greet him. One of them, a young man, bowed deeply.

    "Senior Brother Chen Yuan, I must inform you that your younger brother, Chen Han, was killed by Xiao Ming." one of the inner disciples told the entire story of what had happened.

    hearing all this Chen Yuan''s expression remained calm, but his eyes grew colder, sending shivers down the spines of the disciples.

    "So, my brother was killed by that man?" Chen Yuan asked in an eerily calm tone.

    "Yes, Senior Brother. Xiao Ming has already broken through to Golden Core and become an inner disciple. What should we do?"

    Chen Yuan''s eyes narrowed, his killing intent palpable. "Since he killed my brother, he must also die."

 chapter 6

    In the dimly lit cave, Xiao Ming opened his eyes, the faint golden glow of his qi dissipating.

    "Sure enough, even with the cultivation speed of a top King-level technique, breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm will take considerable time," he muttered, sighing lightly.

    If any other disciples were to hear his lament, they would likely erupt in outrage. For most cultivators, breaking through from the peak Golden Core stage to Nascent Soul took at least two to three years¡ªand even then, success was not guaranteed. Yet here was Xiao Ming, dissatisfied with the progress of a few days.

    Just as he was musing over his next steps, a sudden explosive sound reverberated through the cave.

    BOOM!

    "Xiao Ming, come out and die!" a furious voice bellowed from outside, accompanied by an overwhelming pressure that rippled through the air, attempting to suppress him.

    Xiao Ming''s lips curled into a faint smile. "I was just troubled about how to increase my strength quickly. Who would have thought the opportunity would come knocking at my door?"

    Without further hesitation, he stepped out of the cave, his figure ascending into the sky. Outside, a group of disciples hovered in the air, led by a young man in a snow-white robe. This was Chen Yuan, his aura brimming with hostility.

    "Xiao Ming!" Chen Yuan shouted, his eyes cold. "You killed my brother. Follow me to the Life-and-Death Arena if you don''t want your end to be miserable."

    To Chen Yuan''s surprise, Xiao Ming didn''t resist. Instead, he responded with a calm, "Good."

    Chen Yuan was momentarily taken aback but quickly sneered. "It seems you still have some sense of self-awareness. At least you know your place."

    In truth, Xiao Ming''s agreement had nothing to do with fear. He vividly remembered how Chen Yuan''s arrogant nature led to his death at the hands of Ye Chen in the original storyline. This conflict sparked enmity between Ye Chen and the Divine Blue Sect, providing Ye Chen with numerous opportunities to grow stronger. By eliminating Chen Yuan himself, Xiao Ming intended to change the plot and cut off those opportunities by himself.

    The life-and-death arena was a sprawling structure at the heart of the inner gate, a place where disciples settled disputes with their lives on the line. Every day, large crowds gathered here, drawn by the thrill of battle and the allure of witnessing life-and-death struggles.

    As Xiao Ming and Chen Yuan arrived, a wave of murmurs spread through the crowd.

    "Hey, isn''t that Xiao Ming? And the one opposite him¡­ Chen Yuan?"

    "Seriously? Xiao Ming is challenging Chen Yuan? He''s courting death!"

    "Yeah, Chen Yuan is a peak Golden Core cultivator and an experienced inner disciple. Xiao Ming may have gotten stronger recently, but he''s just entered the inner courtyard."

    "It''s that sudden surge in strength getting to his head. He probably thinks he''s invincible now."Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Despite the varying opinions, the crowd was abuzz with excitement, eager to witness the clash.

    An elder presiding over the arena¡ªa stern-looking man with graying hair¡ªstepped forward. "Are both parties sure they wish to proceed? Once the Life-and-Death Arena''s formation is activated, there will be no retreat."

    Xiao Ming and Chen Yuan both nodded firmly. Without another word, the elder activated the array, a translucent barrier enclosing the ring to prevent any interference.

    "The match begins now!"

    Chen Yuan smirked as he faced Xiao Ming. "I''ll admit, I didn''t expect you to have the courage to fight me. Normally, I would grant you a quick death, but since you killed my brother, I''ll make sure you suffer."

    Xiao Ming''s calm gaze met Chen Yuan''s sneer. "You and your brother really are alike. He said something similar before he died."

    Chen Yuan''s face twisted with rage. "You''re courting death!" He unleashed his aura, the oppressive might of a peak Golden Core cultivator crashing down like a tidal wave.

    The crowd outside the barrier gasped.

    "Hiss! Such power! Is this the strength of a peak Golden Core cultivator?"

    "So strong! Is this Chen Yuan''s true strength?"

    "His aura alone is suffocating, and we''re outside the formation! Xiao Ming must be crushed inside."

    But to their shock, Xiao Ming stood unaffected. Instead, he released a pressure even more terrifying, his aura surging to life. A dark scarlet-gold energy radiated from his body, silencing the crowd.

    "What¡­ What is this?"

    "This pressure¡­ Xiao Ming is also at the peak Golden Core stage. How is that possible? Wasn''t he just at the fifth stage recently?"

    Chen Yuan''s smirk faltered, replaced by a serious expression. "Peak Golden Core cultivation, huh? No wonder you dared to accept my challenge. But don''t think being on the same level as me will save you. You''re still no match for me!"

    With a roar, Chen Yuan charged forward, dark green energy Converging around his fist. His punch, imbued with immense force, caused the void to tremble a little.

    The audience buzzed with mixed reactions.

    "Chen Yuan is taking action!"

    "Even if Xiao Ming is in the same realm, Chen Yuan has years of experience with his techniques. There''s no way Xiao Ming can compete."

    "Exactly! King-level techniques take months or even years to master. Xiao Ming barely has two weeks to practice"

    However, as Chen Yuan''s attack closed in, Xiao Ming retaliated. Scarlet-golden energy enveloped his body, and with a flick of his wrist, he deflected the attack effortlessly.

    "That¡­ That''s the Celestial Veil Technique! A top King-level cultivation technique!"

    "How could he master it in just two weeks?"

    The crowd''s disbelief grew as Xiao Ming countered Chen Yuan''s moves with precision and overwhelming power. Despite Chen Yuan''s best efforts, he found himself on the defensive.

    Seeing his disadvantage, Chen Yuan roared in fury.

    "So what if you''ve mastered a top King-level technique?" Chen Yuan growled. "You''ll still die by my hands!" Forming seals with incredible speed, he unleashed his ultimate move.

    "Poison Tide Seal!"

    Violent green energy surged around him, forming a massive handprint radiating enough toxic energy to corrode the void. The audience watched in awe.

    "That''s a top King-level martial art!"

    "Xiao Ming can''t possibly withstand that!"

    Yet Xiao Ming remained unfazed. Forming seals with astonishing speed, he unleashed his counterattack.

    A massive scarlet-gold palmprint, several times larger than Chen Yuan''s, materialized above the arena. The two attacks collided with a deafening boom, but it was Xiao Ming''s technique that dominated, obliterating Chen Yuan''s Poison Tide Seal and slamming him into the ground. The impact shook the arena, the energy barrier trembling under the force.

    When the dust settled, Chen Yuan lay on the ground, battered and trembling. Fear clouded his eyes as he struggled to speak.

    "Xiao Ming¡­ I¡­ It was a misunderstanding¡­"

    Xiao Ming''s gaze was cold as he descended. Before Chen Yuan could finish what he was saying, he delivered the final blow, crushing Chen Yuan completely.

    Ding!

    The host has killed Chen Yuan, altering the plot. The protagonist Ye Chen will miss numerous fated encounters.

    Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have obtained a chance to draw a lottery

    Xiao Ming hovered in the air, his aura regal and unyielding. The disciples below stared in stunned silence, their awe and fear palpable.

    "In just weeks, he''s mastered techniques that take years. He''s not far from the core disciples¡­"

    Even the elder overseeing the match couldn''t hide his shock. "Xiao Ming''s he has potential¡­ He may surpass even some core disciples of the sect ."

 Chapter 7

    "System, draw lottery," Xiao Ming commanded without hesitation, his voice steady despite the shockwave of astonishment rippling through the arena.

    Ding!

    Drawing lottery¡­

    Ding! Congratulations, host. You have drawn the Immortal Bone.

    Choose whether to absorb it now.

    "System, help me absorb it," Xiao Ming replied immediately, his tone filled with excitement. He knew what the Immortal Bone represented; he had read about it in novels before. It was a transformative treasure, elevating a person''s talent to the pinnacle, with the potential to reach immortality.

    In an instant, an ancient and mysterious power erupted from deep within him. A searing heat spread from his sternum, flooding his body with an overwhelming force. It wasn''t pain¡ªit was transformation. He could feel his very essence shifting, his bones infused with an otherworldly energy.

    Above the Divine Blue Sect, the skies underwent a drastic change. Purple air surged for miles, forming an ethereal sea. Golden lotuses bloomed mid-air, while the phantoms of divine beasts¡ªdragons, phoenixes, and qilins¡ªdanced majestically, their roars resonating across the heavens. The very laws of the universe seemed to bend, forming a celestial symphony.

    In the center of this cosmic phenomenon stood Xiao Ming, his body enveloped in radiant light. His presence alone felt like that of an immortal descending upon the mortal realm, unapproachable and divine.

    Boom!

    Swish! Swish! Swish!

    One after another, terrifying auras surged toward the Life and Death Arena. The oppressive energy rippling from their presence made the surrounding space tremble.

    "Such powerful pressure! Are they the elders?"

    "Even the Great Elder has arrived!"

    "By the heavens, wasn''t the Sect Master in seclusion? Why is he here?"

    The disciples'' chatter added to the tension, their voices a mixture of awe and disbelief.

    Elsewhere, the vision was stirring powerful reactions.

    In the Azure Spirit Sanctuary,

    An old man dressed in tattered robes stood atop a desolate peak, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. Despite his unkempt appearance, his eyes were sharp, and filled with wisdom and power.

    "A physique of this caliber... The Divine Blue Sect has birthed a genius," he murmured, stroking his long beard. "The heavens rarely reveal such phenomena. I must investigate this further."

    In a magnificent palace within an ancient dynasty:

    In a distant imperial palace...

    A man draped in royal robes stood on the balcony, his hands clasped behind him. His gaze was firm, yet a trace of unease flickered in his eyes as he looked toward the sky.

    "Tian''er, it seems your path to supremacy has just become more challenging," he said, his voice tinged with both worry and resolve.

    In another ancient family:

    An elder with a sly grin observed the phenomena. "This vision¡­ the Blue Heaven Sect must have unearthed a terrifying genius. It seems the Great War this time will be more competitive than ever." His laughter echoed ominously.

    At the same time, Ye Chan watched the vision with growing excitement.

    "Could it be a secret realm has opened?" he mused, his heart racing. Years of experience had ingrained in him an unshakable confidence¡ªevery time he entered a secret realm, he emerged with treasures.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.But the voice of his master, Elder Tianxian, interrupted his thoughts. "Ye Chan, that is not a secret realm. It''s the awakening of a physique."

    "What? Awakening a physique?" Ye Chan''s surprise was evident.

    "That vision suggests a supreme bone," Elder Tianxian continued. "I didn''t expect such a rare phenomenon in this small celestial jade domain."

    "Master, is the supreme bone truly so powerful?" Ye Chan asked eagerly.

    "Powerful? Indeed. Even among the Three Thousand Big Realms, someone with a supreme bone is considered a genius."

    Hearing this, Ye Chan''s jealousy flared. "A genius even in the Big Realms?"

    "Do not fear," Elder Tianxian reassured. "With my guidance, you will surpass them all. Remember, a supreme bone is rare, but it pales in comparison to the monstrous talents of the Big Realms."

    "Yes, Master. I will surpass them," Ye Chan declared confidently. Yet, he did not know that Xiao Ming''s Immortal Bone far exceeded the supreme bone.

    Back at the Divine Blue Sect:

    As the Immortal Bone integrated into Xiao Ming''s body, his aura surged wildly.

    Boom!

    As the Immortal Bone fused with Xiao Ming''s body, his aura surged.

    Boom!

    Nascent Soul First Stage.

    Nascent Soul Second Stage.

    Nascent Soul Third Stage...

    His cultivation soared rapidly.

    Boom!

    Soul Transformation First Stage.

    Soul Transformation Fourth Stage.

    Soul Transformation Ninth Stage¡ªpeak!

    The progression was unstoppable, his cultivation soaring until it stabilized at the peak of the Soul Transformation Stage. The atmosphere quaked under the weight of his power.

    High above, the Holy Lord''s gaze flickered with astonishment. "Supreme Bone¡­ it''s actually a Supreme Bone!" he murmured.

    The Great Elder and others exchanged incredulous looks. "A Supreme Bone in the Small Realms? Truly a blessing from the heavens!"

    "Hahaha! With such a disciple, our Divine Blue Sect''s future is assured!"

    But their knowledge was limited. Even the Holy Lord mistook the Immortal Bone for a Supreme Bone, unaware of its unparalleled rarity.

    As the transformation concluded, Xiao Ming touched his chest, sensing the changes. "It seems I''ve gained a divine ability from the Immortal Bone." His body radiated an unparalleled majesty.

    The Holy Lord descended. "What is your name, child?"

    "Xiao Ming," he replied politely, his calm demeanor unwavering despite the awe around him.

    "Good, good." The Holy Lord nodded, his expression satisfied. " From this day forth, you are a true disciple of the Divine Blue Sect," the Sect Master declared.

    The crowd murmured but dared not object. Xiao Ming''s talent was evident, and his potential was unmatched.

    Xiao Ming bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Sect Master.

    "Xiao Ming, come with me,"

    With a wave of his hand, the Holy Lord vanished, taking Xiao Ming with him. The crowd erupted into discussion, the awe and envy in their voices painting a vivid picture of the monumental event they had just witnessed.

    {Weapons levels: Ordinary weapons, Spiritual weapons, Mystic weapons, Magical weapons, Earthly weapons, Heavenly weapons, Mythical weapons, Legendary weapons and so on }

 chapter 8

    Chapter 8: The Ascent to Power

    The main hall of the Divine Blue Sect stood at the highest peak of the holy land. The air here was dense with spiritual qi, almost forming clouds. Mysterious lights flashed across the sky, and the place carried an endless Taoist charm, as though it existed between the mortal and immortal realms.

    Xiao Ming was brought to this sacred place by none other than the Holy Lord himself, a rare honor even among the sect''s elite.

    "Xiao Ming," the Holy Lord began, his voice steady and powerful, "you are now a true disciple of the Divine Blue Sect. Every true disciple has the right to compete for the position of Holy Son. Do you wish to participate in the competition?"

    Xiao Ming lowered his gaze slightly, masking his ambition behind a calm expression. "Yes, Holy Lord, this disciple wishes to compete."

    Hearing this, the Holy Lord nodded, a trace of satisfaction flashing across his face. "Talent is important, but determination is what truly matters. Good."

    The position of Holy Son had remained vacant for years. Duan Chaoyun, the strongest core disciple, was previously the most likely candidate. But Xiao Ming''s sudden rise had thrown the sect''s hierarchy into disarray. With talent as monstrous as his, the competition''s outcome was no longer certain.

    "As a core disciple, you are privileged to certain benefits," the Holy Lord continued. With a wave of his hand¡ª

    Swish!

    Several objects appeared, floating mid-air. Among them was a radiant mirror, its surface shimmering with a deep, abyssal light.

    "This is the Sixth-Order Nine Abyss Soul-Locking Mirror," the Holy Lord said, pointing to a dark, radiant mirror. "It is a legendary treasure that will protect and nourish your soul. Even someone at the True God level will find it hard to harm you with this."

    Xiao Ming bowed deeply. "Thank you, Holy Lord."

    "There''s more." Another wave of the Holy Lord''s hand conjured a glowing jade slip. "You''ve just become a core disciple, and the cultivation techniques at the King level may not suit your needs. You may visit the library to choose one, but I believe this technique will be more fitting for you."

    Xiao Ming accepted the jade slip, his heart racing. "This disciple is very grateful."

    The Holy Lord smiled faintly "You will also have a protector appointed by the sect. For now, focus on your cultivation, and don''t let me down." With those words, the Holy Lord vanished, leaving Xiao Ming to ponder the treasures he had received.

    Moments later, a deacon approached him. "Master Xiao Ming, your residence has been prepared. Please follow me."

    The deacon led him to a magnificent palace surrounded by lush vegetation and teeming with spiritual beasts. A crystalline spring bubbled nearby, exuding vitality. The entire area felt like a fairyland.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    "This will be your residence. What do you think, Master Xiao Ming?" the deacon asked respectfully.

    Xiao Ming''s gaze swept across the ethereal surroundings and nodded. "It''s quite good. I will stay here."

    The deacon smiled. "The sect will soon arrange for servants and a protector. If you need anything, please let us know." With that, he bowed and left.

    Once alone, Xiao Ming wasted no time. He placed the Nine Abyss Soul-Locking Mirror within his soul palace. Instantly, he felt its effects¡ªa profound sense of protection enveloped his soul, and its strength grew exponentially.

    "Well, even a True God would struggle to destroy my soul now, legendary weapons really live, up to their reputation," Xiao Ming thought, a satisfied smirk on his lips.

    Turning his attention to the jade slip, he activated it.

    "The Sacred Beast''s Prison-Breaking Power?" he murmured, astonishment flickering in his eyes.

    This was no ordinary technique. According to the novel he remembered, it was a supreme cultivation method once wielded by Duan Chaoyun, who would eventually fall to the protagonist. The technique, capable of creating divine elephant strength, had played a pivotal role in the protagonist''s rise to the Big Three Thousand Realms.

    "Fate truly favors me," Xiao Ming mused, a devilish smile spreading across his face. "With this, I don''t even need to target Duan Chaoyun anymore."

    Without hesitation, he began cultivating the technique.

    The Sacred Beast''s Prison-Breaking Power utilized blood and qi to condense drops of Divine Elephant Blood. Each drop represented immense strength, capable of unleashing earth-shattering power.

    As Xiao Ming cultivated, the qi within a thousand-kilometer radius surged toward his palace like a tidal wave. Inside his body, he felt a primal force awakening¡ªa colossal, ancient elephant roaring to the heavens.

    Crack!

    An audible crack echoed within him as his blood and qi condensed into a luminous drop of Divine Elephant Blood.

    Swish! Swish!

    One drop became two. Then three. His aura surged with each addition, growing more terrifying by the second.

    Boom!

    A deafening explosion reverberated across the holy land, flattening nearby peaks. A massive dragon-elephant shadow burst into the sky above Xiao Ming''s palace, its roar shaking the heavens.

    "What''s happening?"

    "Did someone awaken another physique?"

    "No, I saw the shadow of a dragon elephant! Someone must be cultivating a secret technique!"

    Even the Holy Lord was alarmed by the commotion. Standing atop the main hall, he observed the vision with a mixture of shock and admiration.

    "To think he comprehended the Sacred Beast''s Prison-Breaking Power in a single day and began practicing it to such an extent... His talent is beyond extraordinary," the Holy Lord murmured.

    Turning to an elder at his side, the Holy Lord said, "Summon Elder Su. Inform him that I personally appoint him as Xiao Ming''s protector."

    The elder hesitated. "This... Elder Su may not agree."

    Elder Su was the sect''s second strongest figure, a reclusive sword cultivator known for his unyielding temperament.

    "Tell him this: Xiao Ming may be the sect''s hope in the upcoming Great War," the Holy Lord replied firmly.

    By morning, Xiao Ming opened his eyes, and his cultivation session was complete. He had condensed 46 drops of Divine Elephant Blood. While his cultivation realm had not advanced, his strength had multiplied several times over.

    As he flexed his newfound power, a deacon arrived with a message. "Master Xiao Ming, someone from the Xiao family of Moonshade City has come to see you."

    Xiao Ming''s eyes gleamed with interest. "Bring him to me."

    "Yes, Master," the deacon replied before departing.

    "So, the Xiao family has finally come. It seems the plot is about to begin," Xiao Ming muttered, a sly grin on his face.

 Chapter 9

    Uncle Chen was escorted to Xiao Ming''s palace by Guards and Deacon Chu. As they entered the magnificent structure, Uncle Chen''s eyes fell on a young man reclining on a lounge chair, sipping tea with an almost otherworldly grace. The man''s white brocade robe shimmered faintly under the soft light, its intricate embroidery reminiscent of flowing clouds. His face was so strikingly handsome that it took Uncle Chen a moment to believe what he was seeing. There was an ethereal aura around him, as though he were an immortal who had descended into the martial realm.

    Uncle Chen froze in place, his knees trembling. He couldn''t mistake this man for anyone else¡ªit was none other than Xiao Ming, the young master of the Xiao family. The same young master who had entered the Holy Land five years ago. But now, the boy he remembered had grown into a true disciple, one whose presence exuded both strength and authority. Overwhelmed with emotion, Uncle Chen fell to his knees, tears welling up in his eyes.

    "Young master¡­" Uncle Chen choked out, his voice trembling with emotion.

    Xiao Ming stood and helped the elderly butler up with a gentle smile. "Uncle Chen, why are you here?" he asked, his voice calm and composed. While he already knew the answer, he feigned ignorance, waiting for the old man to explain.

    "Young master¡­" Uncle Chen began, his voice heavy with desperation. "Our family is in grave danger. The young master of the Li family, Li Wei, has joined the Roaring Lion Sect. He''s now demanding that your sister, Xiao Rui, marry him. If she refuses, he threatens to annihilate our family."

    As Uncle Chen recounted the events of the past few days, Deacon Chu''s expression turned grim.

    "How dare a mere disciple of the Roaring Lion Sect act so audaciously?" he thundered, his voice echoing in the hall.

    "Master Xiao Ming, just say the word, and I will lead a force to wipe out both the Li family and their Roaring Lion Sect!"

    Uncle Chen''s hope ignited at Deacon Chu''s outburst. His young master had truly risen, and with a single word, he could destroy their enemies. The Xiao family''s rise seemed inevitable.

    "Uncle Chen, don''t worry. There''s no need to despair," Xiao Ming reassured him, his tone calm yet commanding.

    "I will return to the Xiao family myself. After all, it''s been five years¡ªit''s time to go home."

    Hearing this, Deacon Chu''s face lit up with excitement.

    "Master Xiao, leave it to me. I''ll arrange a guard of honor befitting your status," he declared, bowing before rushing off to make preparations.

    Xiao Ming''s expression remained composed. He understood that Deacon Chu''s reaction wasn''t out of righteousness but rather due to his status as a true disciple. The rumors of the Holy Lord favoring him had already spread, and Chu was merely trying to curry favor. Even knowing this, Even so, Xiao Ming saw no reason to reject the man''s assistance. Turning back to Uncle Chen, he spoke kindly.

    "Uncle Chen, you should rest. This time, I will personally ensure that the Roaring Lion Sect and the Li family are wiped out."

    As he stepped out of his palace, his mind was already planning his next moves. He knew the protagonist, Ye Chan, should also be at the Xiao family''s residence. The Xiao family in question wasn''t the immortal Xiao clan from the Azure Sky Realm, but a small family where he had grown up.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    Xiao Rui, the sister Uncle Chen spoke of, wasn''t his blood relative but had always treated him like a very close person. Xiao Ming couldn''t help but think of her beautiful figure and the way she used to call him "brother" while following him everywhere.

    In Moonshade City, a caravan belonging to the Xiao family returned from business, only to encounter a tense atmosphere.

    As they entered the city, whispers filled the air:

    "Did you hear? The Li family proposed a marriage alliance to the Xiao family."

    "Proposed? Ha! It was more like a threat. If Xiao Rui doesn''t agree to marry Li Wei, the entire Xiao family will be wiped out."

    "What a shame. The young miss of the Xiao family is so beautiful, and now she''s being forced to marry that scoundrel."

    "Yes, Li Wei''s reputation is terrible. They say he''s ruined the lives of countless women."

    Hearing this, Xiao Mei, the youngest daughter of the Xiao family head, clenched her fists in anger. Her face turned red with frustration, her usually gentle demeanor replaced by a fiery resolve. Xiao Mei was also the one who had saved Ye Chan''s life when he was injured during a space transportation mishap. Beside her, Ye Chan frowned deeply.

    "Xiao family, Li family, Roaring Lion Sect¡­" Ye Chan muttered to himself.

    The pieces of information he overheard began forming a picture in his mind. Glancing at Xiao Mei''s distressed face, a flicker of determination passed through him. She had saved his life, and though he had repaid her kindness once, he felt a faint obligation to help her family.

    The mood was somber when the caravan finally arrived at the Xiao family mansion. A large man leaped down from one of the carriages, barking orders to unload the goods. Then, turning to Ye Chan, he spoke warmly,

    "Friend Ye Chan, we''ve arrived at the Xiao family. You''ve helped us greatly during this journey¡ªplease, allow us to repay the favor. Stay for a while."

    Ye Chan nodded. "Thank you. I''ll stay."

    Unknowingly, his gaze lingered on Xiao Mei''s proud yet charming figure, stirring unfamiliar emotions within him.

    Back at the Divine Jade Sect, a magnificent chariot pulled by six ninth-grade spiritual beasts¡ªthe Flood Dragons¡ªwaited outside Xiao Ming''s palace. The chariot gleamed with obsidian and jade, its golden dragon motifs exuding an intimidating aura.

    Uncle Chen stood before it, trembling not from the cold but from sheer awe.

    "N-n-ninth-grade spiritual beasts!" he stammered. "And there are six of them!"

    Ninth-grade spiritual beasts were equivalent to transcendence realm cultivators. The thought that six such creatures were pulling Xiao Ming''s chariot left Uncle Chen in utter disbelief.

    Nearby, elite guards in golden armor lined up, their auras suffused with power.

    Just as Uncle Chen''s mind reeled, a divine ray descended, revealing a middle-aged man with an aura of unparalleled strength.

    "Elder Su!" the guards saluted, their voices filled with respect.

    Elder Su nodded and turned his gaze toward Xiao Ming. "You must be Xiao Ming. From today onward, I will be your protector."

    His sharp eyes scanned Xiao Ming, and a flicker of astonishment crossed his face. "Impressive. Far more impressive than I expected."

    Elder Su could see that despite being at the ninth stage of Soul Transformation, Xiao Ming''s strength surpassed even Spirit Ascension cultivators. Perhaps he could even challenge Void Essence cultivators.

    At first, Elder Su had doubted the Holy Lord''s claim, but seeing Xiao Ming now, he believed. Perhaps, in the upcoming great war, Xiao Ming could truly be their hope.

    Uncle Chen, meanwhile, was on the verge of fainting. Elder Su''s reputation as one of the strongest cultivators in the celestial jade realm was well-known. The fact that he was now assigned as Xiao Ming''s protector only confirmed his young master''s boundless potential.

    "With the young master here, what''s the Li family? Even the head of the Roaring Lion Sect would bow before him," Uncle Chen thought, his worries dissolving.

    Soon, the chariot began its journey toward Moonshade City. Inside, Xiao Ming sat with his eyes closed, lost in thought, meticulously planning his next steps.

 Chapter 10

    Here at the Xiao family mansion, even though the mood was heavy, Xiao Haoran, the father of Xiao Mei and the current leader of the Xiao family, arranged a dinner to thank Ye Chan for saving his daughter.

    As the dinner progressed peacefully, suddenly¡ª

    Boom!

    The door was kicked open, and a threatening voice rang out from outside.

    "Xiao Haoran! How dare you defy young master Li Wei''s orders?"

    Soon, the speaker stepped into the dining hall. It was a big, fat man with a sneer on his face. Just one look at him was enough to tell he wasn''t a good person.

    As he entered the room with his group, his gaze froze briefly upon seeing Xiao Mei. Then, his expression changed into one of sly calculation.

    "Ah, Miss Xiao Mei," Hu Lingtou drawled, his tone dripping with mockery. "It seems your little trip went well. How fortunate for you."

    "Hmph! Hu Lingtou, why are you here?" Xiao Mei''s tone was sharp and hostile. She knew well that Hu Lingtou, the head of the Hu family¡ªone of the four major families in Moonshade City¡ªwas a despicable man.

    In Moonshade City, the four major families were the Xiao family, the Li family, the Hu family, and the Jin family. Ever since Li Wei became a core disciple of the Roaring Lion Sect, the Hu family had completely submitted to the Li family, acting as their lackeys.

    Hu Lingtou chuckled darkly, unfazed by her hostility. "Oh, don''t be so cold, Miss Xiao Mei. I''m just a messenger delivering news. Young Master Li Wei is very displeased with your family''s behavior. He''s not only demanding that Xiao Rui marries him but also¡ª" he paused, his lips curling, "you as well."

    Swish!

    Before Hu Lingtou could finish, Xiao Mei unsheathed her sword, the blade gleaming with a deadly light. "You''re courting death!" she hissed, her aura flaring with righteous fury.

    "Stop it, Mei''er!"

    A firm voice rang out, stopping Xiao Mei in her tracks. She turned to see her father, Xiao Haoran, watching her with a serious expression.

    "Xiao Haoran, don''t ruin the entire Xiao family just because of your selfishness," another voice shouted from the gate.

    This time, it was Jin Qubai, the leader of the Jin family, who entered the hall.

    Seeing the scene, Xiao Mei realized the gravity of the situation and reluctantly stepped back. If a fight broke out now, the Xiao family would undoubtedly suffer heavy losses.

    "Jin Qubai, you too?" Xiao Haoran''s voice carried both disappointment and frustration.

    Jin Qubai shrugged. "The Li family''s power grows by the day, and with young master Li Wei''s backing from the Roaring Lion Sect, resistance is futile. You should think carefully before defying him."

    After a tense silence, Xiao Haoran finally spoke. "Give me some time to consider."Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    "Good." With that, Jin Qubai and Hu Lingtou turned and left.

    As they were leaving, Hu Lingtou noticed Ye Chan sitting at the table and shot him a cold glare. Ye Chan returned the gaze, his expression equally displeased. He knew this man was responsible for the ambush on Xiao Mei during her trip.

    For Xiao Mei, Ye Chan felt something more than friendship¡ªhe had a crush on her. And now, hearing that this vile man wanted to force her into marriage angered him even more.

    Dinner ended shortly after, and everyone retired to their rooms. Xiao Mei, however, went directly to the backyard of the mansion.

    Stepping into the serene backyard, she noticed a figure in the pavilion. It was a girl¡ªa stunning beauty standing beneath a blooming cherry tree.

    Her long black hair flowed like silk, shimmering softly under the moonlight. She wore a graceful blue dress with golden patterns, perfectly outlining her slender figure. Her smooth, jade-like skin glowed faintly, and her bright, enchanting eyes were focused intently on a painting. Her very presence exuded elegance, purity, and grace, making her appear like a goddess descended to the mortal realm.

    Xiao Mei smiled mischievously as she snuck up behind the girl and hugged her. "Sister, what are you doing?"

    "Ah!" Xiao Rui let out a soft cry, startled. If anyone had heard that sound, it could have made their blood boil.

    Realizing it was Xiao Mei, she was both happy and annoyed. "You little brat! The first thing you do after coming back is scare your sister!"

    Xiao Mei grinned and rubbed her cheek against Xiao Rui''s shoulder. "I''m sorry, Sister. I just missed you so much! Besides, you know that only you, me, and Brother Ming are allowed in the backyard."

    "Alright, alright, stop hugging me!" Xiao Rui scolded.

    "Oh, how could you say that? Don''t you like me anymore?" Xiao Mei pouted, making a cute face.

    Xiao Rui sighed helplessly, but when Xiao Mei saw her starting to get genuinely annoyed, she reluctantly let go.

    Curious, Xiao Mei looked at the painting Xiao Rui had been working on. "Sister, what are you painting?"

    Xiao Rui hesitated, her cheeks turning pink, but she eventually showed the painting. It depicted two girls¡ªXiao Rui and Xiao Mei¡ªplaying with a handsome young man. The man''s sharp features and gentle smile were striking enough to charm anyone who saw him.

    Looking at the painting, Xiao Mei sighed. "It''s been five years since we last saw Brother Ming."

    "Don''t worry," Xiao Rui said softly. "Uncle Chen has gone to the Divine Blue Sect to ask for Brother Ming''s help. He''ll return soon."

    A beautiful smile graced Xiao Rui''s face as she spoke. When she was younger, she loved following Brother Ming around, playing with him, and watching him practice.

    Seeing Xiao Rui''s dreamy expression, Xiao Mei teased, "Sister, I remember when we were kids, you used to say you''d marry Brother Ming when we grew up. So, are you still planning to marry him when he comes back?"

    "Shut up, you naughty girl! What nonsense are you spouting?" Xiao Rui blushed furiously and lightly smacked Xiao Mei on the head.

    After their playful bickering, the two sisters settled down and began chatting about Xiao Mei''s recent travels.

    At night Ye Chan walked out of the Xiao family mansion.

    Looking at the mansion, he was deep in thought and couldn''t help but wonder whether to help the Xiao family or not. Soon, an image of a beautiful figure appeared in his mind¡ªthe image of Xiao Mei¡ªand the events that had transpired in the hall flashed before his eyes.

    Ye Chan clenched his hands. He now definitely knew that he liked Xiao Mei, and she also regarded him as a friend. As long as he helped her family solve this matter, he was sure she would be impressed by his heroic act.

    By nature, he would usually challenge Li Wei directly, defeat him, and surprise everyone. He was certain that such an act would impress Xiao Mei. After all, even though he was only at the first level of the Nascent Soul stage, he could fight against a Soul Transformation cultivator.

    But after investigating Li Wei, Ye Chan knew such an action would be courting death. According to his findings, Li Wei was an extremely shameless person. If he lost, he would have his master intervene and kill his opponents.

    And his master wasn''t just anyone¡ªhe was a Transcendence-level cultivator and the sect master of the Roaring Lion Sect, a dominating force in this region.

    Even with his master''s soul residing in his ring, Ye Chan didn''t believe he could defeat a Transcendence-level cultivator. Defeating Li Wei was one thing, but escaping alive from the hands of his master was another entirely.

    As these thoughts churned in his mind, Ye Chan unknowingly wandered into a remote area within the Xiao family mansion.

 Chapter 11

    Night had fallen at the Xiao family mansion, casting a serene yet heavy silence over the estate. In a remote room, Xiao Haoran sat with a solemn expression as he summoned Xiao Rui and Xiao Mei. The two sisters, noticing their father''s serious demeanor, quickly set aside their usual smiles and grew serious as well.

    "Father, what''s the reason for this sudden meeting?" Xiao Rui asked, her voice tinged with worry.

    Xiao Haoran exhaled deeply, his gaze heavy. "I received news that Xiao Ming is on his way back from the Divine Blue Sect."

    "What? Brother Ming is coming back? I knew it! Knowing our family is in danger, he would never abandon us!" Xiao Mei exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

    "Yes, Brother Ming cares about us deeply. He won''t let Li Wei forcefully marry us!" Xiao Rui chimed in, equally overjoyed.

    Before Xiao Haoran could finish his explanation, the sisters began chatting animatedly. Seeing their excitement, Xiao Haoran sighed heavily, his expression growing more complex.

    But before they could continue, Xiao Haoran raised his hand to silence them. "Let me finish."

    The excitement on the sisters'' faces faded as they noticed the worry in their father''s expression.

    "I need you to understand something. Although Xiao Ming is returning, his presence alone won''t change much. When I last communicated with him, he was still an outer disciple of the Divine Blue Sect."

    The room fell silent. Xiao Rui frowned. "Father, even if he''s an outer disciple, he''s strong and resourceful. Isn''t there hope¡ª?"

    Xiao Haoran shook his head. "You don''t understand. The Divine Blue Sect has millions of disciples. They wouldn''t care about the fate of one outer disciple, no matter his talent. And we cannot expect Xiao Ming to fight against the overwhelming power of the Li family and their Roaring Lion Sect backing."

    The grim reality struck both sisters, replacing their hopeful expressions with solemn ones..

    "If that''s the case," Xiao Mei asked hesitantly, "why did you call Brother Ming back? Wouldn''t he be safer staying at the sect?"

    Xiao Haoran''s face darkened. He hesitated before finally speaking, his voice low. "This brings me to the true reason I''ve called you here tonight. There''s something you both need to know."

    His pause made the atmosphere heavy, the silence almost unbearable.

    The room grew still as Xiao Haoran continued, his voice weighted with emotion. "As you both know, Xiao Ming is not my biological son. His origins are... mysterious. As for his real parents, I cannot recall their names or even their faces. It''s as if they made sure I wouldn''t remember."

    "Dad, we already know this. Why are you bringing it up now?" Xiao Mei asked impatiently, only to receive a light knock on her head from her father.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    "Don''t interrupt. What I''m about to say is important," Xiao Haoran said firmly. His gaze shifted to Xiao Rui, and his expression grew even more serious.

    "Not only is Xiao Ming not my biological son, but Xiao Rui... you are not my biological daughter either."

    Boom!

    Xiao Rui felt as though a bolt of lightning had struck her. She froze, her mind reeling.

    "Father, you''re joking, right?" she asked, her voice trembling. "This can''t be true... Am I really not your child?"

    Her words came out as a murmur, disbelief etched across her face.

    Xiao Haoran nodded solemnly. "I''m sorry, Rui''er. It''s the truth. Your origins are as mysterious as Xiao Ming''s. Your mother and I took you in as an infant, but your true parents One day, if you leave the Celestial Jade Domain, you may find your real parents. That''s all I know."

    The revelation hit Xiao Rui like a bolt of lightning. Having lived with Xiao Haoran as her father for over twenty years, this sudden truth was nearly unbearable.

    Xiao Mei, equally shocked, turned to her father. "Wait... If Brother Ming and Sister Rui aren''t your biological children, then what about me?"

    Seeing her questioning gaze, Xiao Haoran sighed again. "You''re my biological child, of course. Can''t you tell? You look so much like me and your mother." He knocked her lightly on the head again, making Xiao Mei rub her head in annoyance.

    Xiao Haoran softened, his voice tinged with emotion. "Although you and Ming''er aren''t my blood, I''ve always treated you both as my own. You three are my pride, my family." Xiao Haoran said warmly, his eyes filled with affection.

    The warmth in his words eased the tension, and Xiao Rui wiped her tears, forcing a small, grateful smile. "Thank you¡­ Father."

    Unbeknownst to them, a fourth figure had been silently observing from the roof of the room.

    Ye Chan, wandering aimlessly through the Xiao mansion, had unknowingly arrived at the scene. He had overheard the entire conversation, his presence concealed by the mysterious techniques of his master, Elder Tianxian.

    From his vantage point, Ye Chan couldn''t see the sisters'' faces, but their voices confirmed their identities. Just as he was processing the shocking revelations, Elder Tianxian''s voice sounded. "Hmm," Elder Tianxian murmured in Ye Chan''s mind. "To think that this remote celestial jade domain would have someone with the Cold Yin Sacred Body."

    "The Cold Yin Sacred Body?" Ye Chan asked, intrigued.

    "A supreme physique," the elder explained. "Women with this body are unmatched in beauty and cultivation potential. Their presence is so rare that even the gods would fight over them."

    Ye Chan''s eyes widened. "A physique like that¡­ in this little family?"

    Elder Tianxian''s tone grew serious. "If you cultivate with a woman of this physique, your cultivation speed will soar. Even those with abysmal talent could reach the Sacred Lord realm. Do you understand what this means, Chan''er?"

    Ye Chan swallowed hard, the enormity of the revelation sinking in. His master continued, his voice almost reverent.

    "This girl''s Cold Yin Sacred Body is currently sealed, likely by an expert. Perhaps her true parents are protecting her. But if you can gain her favor, her physique and background will be invaluable to you when you leave this small domain."

    Ye Chan clenched his fists, his mind racing. "Master, don''t worry. I won''t let her fall into the Li family''s hands. I''ll make her mine. If I save her, she''ll surely be grateful¡­"

    As he plotted his next steps, Xiao Haoran''s voice caught his attention.

    "Tomorrow, the martial arts competition will decide the Xiao family''s fate. Three fighters from each side will battle. Victory will determine whether the marriage goes through."

    "But even if we win, do you think the Li family will honor their word?" Xiao Rui asked bitterly.

    Xiao Haoran sighed. "No. Li Wei is shameless. That''s why, after the match, you and several family members will leave Moonshade City. Go find Xiao Ming. Stay safe."

    He pulled a ring from his pocket and handed it to Xiao Rui. "This ring was left for Xiao Ming by his parents. Give it to him when you see him."

    On the roof, Elder Tianxian''s voice suddenly grew sharp. "That ring¡­!

 chapter 12

    Chapter 12

    "In this ring, there are some things Xiao Ming''s parents left for him. Keep it safe, and don''t let anyone know about it," Xiao Haoren warned, his tone heavy with a mix of urgency and secrecy.

    Xiao Rui clutched the ring tightly, her expression resolute. "Dad, don''t worry. I will definitely deliver it to Brother Ming. But I won''t run away. I will stay here and face whatever comes. I believe in Brother Ming¡ªhe will return and solve this problem."

    Xiao Haoren sighed deeply, gazing at his daughter. Her unwavering determination and trust in her brother were both admirable and worrisome. He chose not to argue further, knowing she would not yield.

    However, neither of them realized that their conversation had not been entirely private. A pair of sharp ears had caught every word¡ªYe Chan''s.

    "That ring¡­" Elder Tianxian''s ancient voice echoed in Ye Chan''s mind, carrying a tone of surprise and intrigue. "It contains the aura of an Immortal God Clan."

    "What? Aura of the Immortal God Clan?" Ye Chan''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    "Master, although the ring looks exquisite, I don''t sense anything special about it," Ye Chan replied skeptically.

    Elder Tianxian let out a dry laugh. "What do you know? Even a Sacred Lord wouldn''t easily discern the secrets of this ring. Let me enlighten you. In the Great Thousand World, there exist clans so powerful and ancient that their mere presence can dominate entire realms. These families, with heritages spanning eons, are collectively known as the Immortal God Clans."

    He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "The aura in that ring unmistakably belongs to one such clan¡ªthe Immortal Xiao Family."

    "What?! How can that be?" Ye Chan was shocked. "But I heard that the young master of the Xiao Family doesn''t have much talent. Even though he looks decent, he''s been an outer disciple of the Holy Land for five years and hasn''t made much progress. How could he be related to an Immortal God Clan?"

    Elder Tianxian chuckled. "You only know a fraction of the truth. From the aura alone, I can be certain that this ring holds the unique cultivation technique of the Xiao Family¡ª''The Immortal Sutra.''"

    "The Immortal Sutra? Is it that powerful?" Ye Chan asked, his curiosity piqued.

    "Powerful? No, it''s beyond powerful. The Immortal Sutra is the foundation of the Xiao Family. Without it, there would be no Immortal Xiao Family. If this technique is leaked, even an Emperor would make a move to retrieve it," Elder Tianxian explained gravely.

    Ye Chan''s excitement grew. "Even an Emperor¡­ would act?"

    In the Great Thousand Realms, cultivation stages were divided into False God, True God, Heavenly God, Quasi-Saint, Saint, Saint King, Great Saint, and Sacred Lord. Beyond that were Half-Step Supreme, Supreme, Quasi-Emperor, and Emperor.

    An Emperor''s strength was the pinnacle, capable of shaking entire realms with a mere thought. Ye Chan could barely contain his excitement. A technique this powerful was within his grasp!

    "Master, shouldn''t we take that ring?" Ye Chan asked eagerly.

    "No," Elder Tianxian said firmly. "Even if others obtain this sutra, they won''t dare to practice it. The Xiao Family won''t allow their foundational technique to be leaked. Practicing it requires the Xiao Family''s bloodline. Moreover, the moment someone begins cultivating it, the Xiao Family''s Immortal Tablet will activate, alerting them. Assassins will be dispatched to hunt down the person," he warned.

    Ye Chan''s enthusiasm dimmed slightly but didn''t vanish entirely. "Master, does that mean we have to give up?"

    Elder Tianxian laughed. "Don''t worry. While others may not be able to practice it, you can¡ªbecause you''re my apprentice. I have my ways."

    Hearing this, Ye Chan''s reluctance vanished, replaced by excitement. "But Master, the ring is with Xiao Rui. How do we get it?"

    "Patience," Elder Tianxian advised. "There''s a martial arts competition tomorrow. Use it to impress the Xiao Family and Xiao Rui. Gain their trust, and the opportunity to acquire the ring will present itself."

    "Yes, Master. Not only will I gain Xiao Rui and her Cold Yin Sacred Body, but also the Immortal Sutra. Everything will be mine!" Ye Chan''s excitement spilled out, though his tone hinted at his selfish ambitions.

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    The following day, the Xiao Family''s grand hall was filled with anticipation. Elders, core members, and promising talents had gathered for the announcement of the martial arts competition participants.

    Xiao Rui and Xiao Mei stood at the forefront, their presence drawing the attention of all. Ye Chan, however, only had eyes for Xiao Rui. Her beauty was captivating, her every movement exuding grace and strength. His blood boiled just looking at her.

    Xiao Rui noticed his gaze and frowned, feeling a wave of discomfort. Just as she was about to confront him, Xiao Mei interjected, "Sister, that''s Ye Chan¡ªthe one who saved me from the robbers."

    Hearing this, Xiao Rui held back her words. Though she appreciated his help, his leering gaze left a poor impression.

    The meeting began shortly after.

    "The martial arts competition will include Xiao Rui, Xiao Mei, and Xiao Wuyu as our participants," Xiao Haoren announced.

    "Yes, Patriarch! I will live up to your expectations!" Xiao Wuyu, a 40-year-old in the Nascent Soul 4th stage, cupped his hands respectfully. Despite his age, he was considered a top talent in the Xiao Family, second only to Xiao Rui, who, at 19, had reached Golden Core 9th stage but could battle Nascent Soul cultivators due to her exceptional talent.

    "The competition will consist of three rounds: Core Formation, Golden Core, and Nascent Soul stages," Xiao Haoren continued. "Only through unity and strength can we secure victory."

    "Chief Xiao, I''m willing to contribute to the competition on behalf of the Xiao Family," Ye Chan suddenly spoke up, his voice confident.

    The hall fell silent. All eyes turned to him, some curious, others skeptical.

    "Little guy, while your intentions are noble, this is about the survival of the Xiao Family. Don''t interfere," Xiao Wuyu said coldly, clearly envious of Ye Chan''s talent.

    Xiao Haoren intervened, "Ye Chan, Mei''er owes you her life, and we are grateful. But this competition is crucial. Are you sure you can handle it?"

    "Patriarch Xiao, Mei''eris also my savior I must repay this favor. Please allow me to participate. I will not disappoint you," Ye Chan said with determination.

    Seeing his brother''s discomfort, Xiao Lin, Xiao Haoren''s younger sibling, stepped forward.

    "Young man, if you can push me back, I''ll let you participate. Don''t worry; I''ll only use one percent of my strength to defend," Xiao Lin said, a polite way of dismissing Ye Chan''s request.

    "Elder Xiao, with all due respect, please attack me with your full strength. If I can''t withstand it, I''ll accept my loss," Ye Chan replied confidently.

    The hall erupted into murmurs.

    "Arrogant! How dare he challenge Elder Xiao like this?" Xiao Wuyu sneered.

    "Silence," Xiao Lin ordered. His face darkened, but he maintained composure. "Fine. Let''s start with one percent. If you withstand it, I''ll go all out."

    Xiao Lin''s expression darkened, though he maintained a calm demeanor. "Very well," he said, his voice laced with an icy edge. "I will start with one percent of my strength. If you prove yourself capable, I will gradually increase it. Let us see if your confidence is justified."

    The hall grew tense, the murmurs subsiding as everyone turned their attention to the impending clash. Xiao Wuyu crossed his arms, a sneer on his lips. "Arrogant fool. He''ll crumble before Elder Xiao even gets serious."

    Elder Xiao stepped forward, his aura restrained but still commanding. Ye Chan stood across from him, calm and composed, one hand clasped behind his back. His nonchalant posture further fueled the audience''s doubt.

    "Ready yourself," Xiao Lin warned.

    With a burst of movement too swift for most to follow, Xiao Lin appeared before Ye Chan, his fist surging forward like a lightning bolt. The sheer force of the attack caused the air to ripple, a sign of the power contained even at one percent of his strength.

    Xiao Lin appeared before Ye Chan in an instant, his fist striking toward Ye Chan''s stomach. As Xiao Lin''s punch landed squarely.

    Bang!

    Ye Chan was sent flying tens of meters, crashing onto the ground.

    ...."_"....."_"...."_"...."_"

    "what....."

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    To be continued -