"Finally, the main event is about to begin."
Hearing the mocking and gossip from the crowd towards Xiao Yan, Gu Changqing's face revealed a subtle smile, full of hidden meaning.
After living in the Dou Qi Continent for over ten years, the long-awaited day had finally arrived.
If nothing unexpected happened, today would be the day Xiao Yan's strength was tested. Tomorrow, Nalan Yanran would come to annul the engagement, and Xiao Yan would throw his ring.
And if he dared to throw it, he would lose Yao Chen and the Flame Mantra forever.
Dou Disciple: 3-Star!
As expected, Xiao Yan's strength remained at the pitiful level of a 3-Star Dou Disciple.
"Xiao Yan, 3-Star Dou Disciple! Level: Low!"
The examiner announced Xiao Yan's name and strength with an emotionless face.
Instantly, the surroundings erupted in another round of scornful laughter.
"Tsk tsk, just as expected, this loser hasn't progressed a bit in the past year!"
"This trash is bringing disgrace to our Xiao family! If it weren't for the fact that the clan leader is his father, we wouldn't keep such a talentless and immoral waste in the family."
"Such karma! If it were anyone else, I'd feel sorry for them. But Xiao Yan? Forget it."
"."
It wasn't that the Xiao family lacked sympathy; it was just that Xiao Yan's conduct over the past three years had been awful.
If someone were a genius, people might tolerate their flaws. But without the halo of genius, Xiao Yan's flaws were glaring.
If one person says you're bad, it might be a personal grudge. But when everyone says you're bad, maybe the problem lies with you.
"Next, Xiao Mei!"
The examiner called out the name of the next participant.
Under the gazes of many, a petite girl, dressed in a delicate blue dress, walked forward. She was about fourteen years old, with an innocent face and a figure that was developing quite attractively, drawing the attention of many.
Her appearance held an alluring mix of innocence and charm, which made her especially attractive to the young men around her.
8-Star Dou Disciple!
As the girl's slender hand touched the black stone tablet, a line of bold letters appeared, causing a wave of excitement to ripple through the crowd.
"Gasp, has Xiao Mei eaten some kind of miraculous elixir? How did she suddenly reach 8-Star Dou Disciple?"
"Last year, Xiao Mei was only a 6-Star Dou Disciple, right? Advancing two stars in one year—when did her talent get so impressive?"
"Although Xiao Mei was always a genius, advancing two stars in one year is almost on par with the genius our Xiao family once had!"
"Heh heh, you must not know, Xiao Mei once sought help from Gu Changqing to check her body."
"What? She consulted Gu Changqing? Well, that explains it! Gu Changqing is known as a skilled healer in Wu Tan City. He's great at treating physical ailments!"
"Come on, healing sickness is not the same as assisting in cultivation. Still, Gu Changqing really is quite capable!"
"."
Many of the young members of the Xiao family were filled with jealousy and envy.
On one hand, they were envious of Xiao Mei's talent; on the other, they were jealous that Xiao Mei had been able to ask for Gu Changqing's help in her cultivation.
Gu Changqing was no ordinary person in the Xiao family—he had a unique skill set.
After witnessing the hardships of the common people in the Dou Qi Continent, Gu Changqing opened a clinic in Wu Tan City, where he specialized in treating difficult medical conditions, as well as helping mercenaries who lived dangerous lives on the battlefield.
Because of this, Gu Changqing's reputation in Wu Tan City was extremely high.
Many mercenaries and common folk referred to him respectfully as "Little Healer."
"Changqing, you helped Xiao Mei with her cultivation?"
Upon hearing the discussions around them, Xiao Xun'er, ever the overprotective sister, narrowed her beautiful eyes dangerously at Gu Changqing.
Gu Changqing, who had been raised from a young age by Xiao Xun'er, could only wipe the sweat from his brow as he stammered:
"Xun'er, you know that the enrollment for Jia Nan Academy is approaching, and Xiao Mei asked me to help her clear her meridians. She wanted to present herself with better talent when Jia Nan Academy comes to recruit students."
"I'm not good at turning people down, so..."
"Was Xiao Mei's body pleasing to the eye?"
Xiao Xun'er asked suddenly.
Gu Changqing, caught off guard, responded instinctively:
"Pretty fair, and well-developed, curvy in all the right—uh…"
Gu Changqing's face froze, and in the next moment, his shrill cries filled the air.
"Ah! Xun'er, please go easy! I didn't see anything! I really didn't see anything! Stop pulling! My ear is going to fall off!"
Gu Changqing felt helpless—Xiao Xun'er was perfect in every way, except for her overwhelming possessiveness.
The worst part was, he was a bit of a ladies' man.
And with Xiao Xun'er preventing him from interacting with other beautiful women, it was getting hard to manage.
"Hmph, tonight, you'd better help me clear my meridians properly, or you're not leaving the house for half a year!"
Xiao Xun'er knew her brother's habits all too well. He was a bit of a flirt, and if she didn't keep a close eye on him, he'd probably end up with a flock of admirers.
Though Gu Changqing had his limits and would never cross the line, with his good looks and talent, it wouldn't be long before he was surrounded by wives and concubines.
That was something Xiao Xun'er was absolutely determined to prevent.
Her brother belonged only to her!
"Xiao Mei, 8-Star Dou Disciple! Level: High!"
The examiner's voice held a hint of excitement.
At fourteen years old, an 8-Star Dou Disciple was a rare talent in the Xiao family.
"Xun'er, Changqing."
Soon, Xiao Mei stepped down and walked towards Gu Changqing and Xiao Xun'er, smiling as she greeted them.
Due to Xiao Yan's infamous reputation and the stark contrast with Gu Changqing's excellence, Xiao Mei and others rarely interacted with Xiao Yan. Instead, they had grown closer to the easygoing and handsome Gu Changqing.
This was why Xiao Mei had been able to ask for Gu Changqing's help in clearing her meridians and quickly improving her strength.
After all, when a beautiful childhood friend asks for help, how could anyone refuse?
"Xiao Mei!"
"Sister Xiao Mei!"
Xiao Xun'er and Gu Changqing both nodded at Xiao Mei.
However, Xiao Xun'er subtly moved closer to Gu Changqing, ensuring Xiao Mei couldn't get too close to her brother.
Gu Changqing, of course, noticed Xiao Xun'er's small movements and, feeling helpless, could only laugh bitterly.
Having such an overprotective sister was both a blessing and a burden.
"Next, Xiao Xun'er."
At that moment, the examiner called out Xiao Xun'er's name.
Xiao Xun'er sighed, gave Xiao Mei a brief glance, and then sent a warning look at Gu Changqing before walking forward under the gaze of the crowd.