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Early the next morning, sunlight streamed through thin clouds, illuminating the grand courtyard of the Xiao family estate and casting colorful reflections.
The entire manor had been arranged to exude solemnity and elegance. Flowers adorned every corner, their faint fragrance drifting through the air.
The sound of drums and gongs echoed, marking the beginning of today's grand celebration.
Messengers from the Jia Lie and Oba families arrived, dressed in resplendent, embroidered robes, exuding an air of pride and confidence.
In their eyes sparkled a sense of self-assurance and arrogance, as if declaring the power and glory of their own families.
Meanwhile, on the plaza, the young warriors of the Xiao family stood ready. Each of them was in high spirits, brimming with energy.
Dressed in ornate attire and wielding weapons, they exuded a daunting presence, eager to display their skills.
"This time, we're going to make a statement. Let the Jia Lie and Oba families see that the younger generation of the Xiao family is not to be taken lightly!" One young warrior puffed out his chest, speaking with pride and vigor.
"Exactly! At this coming-of-age ceremony, we'll show off the strength and style of the Xiao family's younger generation, enough to leave all of Wu Tan City in awe!" another young man said excitedly, his eyes gleaming with confidence.
Behind them, the elders of the Xiao family looked on with pleased expressions. Watching their young successors, it was as though they saw the family's future and hopes reflected before them.
The entire estate buzzed with a lively and joyous atmosphere.
In the audience, members of various families had gathered, engaged in lively discussions, speculating on which young talents would shine during this Xiao family coming-of-age ceremony.
One observer said enthusiastically, "It has to be Xiao Xun'er. She's incredibly talented and extraordinary, a true heroine."
Others were less convinced. "Don't forget Xiao Ning and the other powerful young warriors; they're well-connected and not exactly low-key."
Someone else chimed in, "And what about Xiao Yan? Wasn't he once the Xiao family's genius?"
At this, the audience broke into laughter. Someone sneered, "You're really behind the times if you still think of him as anything special. I heard he came down with some strange illness and can't even cultivate."
Another person objected, "I heard his illness was cured."
But the crowd dismissed it, with one scoffing, "Even if he's recovered, how strong could he be now? There's no way he could make much progress in such a short time."
Others speculated, "Maybe his illness wasn't cured at all—just a rumor spread by his father, Xiao Zhan, to save face."
Just then, as applause filled the air, Xiao Zhan ascended the steps with a dignified air. Dressed in an elaborate robe, he looked composed and solemn, his gaze deep and steady.
"Honored family members and distinguished guests, today marks the joyous coming-of-age ceremony of our young Xiao family members. On behalf of my family, I, Xiao Zhan, extend heartfelt gratitude to all our friends here."
Xiao Zhan's steady, warm voice resonated throughout the hall.
The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, while the Xiao family members beamed with joy, delighted to witness the growth of their next generation.
Led by Xiao Zhan, the Xiao family's coming-of-age ceremony officially commenced.
The stands were packed, filled with a hum of conversation and a buzz of anticipation.
"It's finally started! We've all been waiting for this moment!" said a young Xiao family member, eyes alight with excitement as he turned to his companion.
"Yes! Our family's younger generation will finally show their worth, making the other families take notice!" another responded, his tone full of pride and confidence.
In the audience, however, members of the Jia Lie and Oba families maintained an indifferent demeanor, a gleam of schadenfreude in their eyes, as if waiting for a spectacle.
"Hmph, Xiao Zhan's son, Xiao Yan, is joining too? How disgraceful!" sneered one member of the Jia Lie family, his gaze filled with contempt.
"That's right, I heard his strange illness was cured?"
"Hah! Even if he's better, so what? He's still half-crippled, hardly capable of accomplishing anything," sneered another member of the Oba family, his tone filled with disdain and ridicule.
"If he dares step up for the test, that'll be interesting.
Ha! Seems we'll have some entertainment today."
The crowd whispered among themselves, their eyes glinting with a schadenfreude-filled anticipation.
Even the heads of the Jia Lie and Oba families had the same mocking look, waiting to see the spectacle unfold.
The atmosphere in the audience grew electric with expectation as everyone looked forward to both the performances and the unexpected surprises this coming-of-age ceremony might bring.
Inside the main hall, an elder stood solemnly, his voice booming: "Next, we invite the younger generation of the Xiao family to step forward for their strength assessment!"
At the elder's call, the young warriors of the Xiao family proceeded onto the testing stage, each wearing a serious expression, their gazes resolute.
"Wow, it's Xiao Xun'er!" someone exclaimed.
"She's so beautiful! And her talent—oh my, I'm in love!"
Xiao Xun'er smiled softly as she walked with calm, steady steps to the testing stone, focusing intently on the runes inscribed upon it.
Behind her stood Xiao Yan, waiting in line.
He approached the stage with a straight posture and a penetrating gaze, clearly mentally prepared for whatever would come.
"Hmph, a useless waste like him daring to take the test? Truly overestimating himself," one voice mocked.
"Quiet, let's see what he'll do," another replied.
Xiao Yan heard the murmurs but paid them no mind.
After him, the other young warriors of the Xiao family filed onto the stage, each displaying their own confidence and strength.
In the audience, murmurs of excitement spread as the spectators watched with eager, curious expressions, all anxious to see the young talents of the Xiao family in action.
Xiao Xun'er stood before the stone, her gaze steady as she focused on the test.
She extended her hand slowly toward the stone, gathering her energy, allowing her spiritual power to flow.
Boom!
A soft blue light radiated from her palm, gradually merging into the testing stone.
Under the crowd's gaze, the stone erupted in dazzling light, clearly displaying the words: "One-Star Fighter!"
"My goodness!"
The entire crowd burst into an uproar.
People stared at the inscription on the stone, shocked at Xiao Xun'er's astonishing power, and in moments, the hall erupted in a wave of awe.
"Wow, is this real? Xiao Xun'er is actually a One-Star Fighter!"
"Incredible! Her progress is lightning-fast—she's nothing like that quiet girl she used to be."
"She's a true prodigy; the Xiao family is truly blessed."
The elders of the Xiao family looked on in delight, exchanging approving glances filled with admiration and high expectations for Xiao Xun'er.
(End of Chapter)