The moment Xiao Lan walked off the platform, the entire Xiao Clan was left in stunned silence.
For years, he had been a disgrace. A spoiled brat who was nothing more than a stain on the Xiao family's name.
Yet today—
He had shattered that image.
Xiao Bai, their so-called young genius, lay defeated on the stage, gasping for breath, his body trembling from the impact of Xiao Lan's final strike.
It wasn't just a loss.
It was a humiliation.
Whispers ran through the crowd.
"He… he really won."
"This isn't possible… Xiao Bai was supposed to be unbeatable."
"Xiao Lan must have been hiding his strength all this time…"
"No! That doesn't make sense! He was a waste just a few weeks ago!"
Some refused to believe it.
Others?
They were starting to fear him.
On the main pavilion, Xiao Ming, the patriarch of the Xiao Clan, sat motionless, his face a blank mask.
But anyone who knew him well could see the rage boiling beneath the surface.
His eldest son—his pride and joy—had been publicly crushed.
By the son he had long abandoned.
"Fascinating."
A voice broke the silence.
Elder Xiao Hong, one of the clan's most senior elders, stroked his beard, his sharp eyes locked onto Xiao Lan.
"Patriarch, it seems your youngest son is far more… promising than we thought."
Xiao Ming's fist clenched.
His anger wasn't just from Xiao Bai's defeat.
It was from the shift in perception.
The elders were starting to take notice of Xiao Lan.
And that was dangerous.
Because power brought recognition.
Recognition brought opportunity.
And opportunity…
Could shift the balance of the clan.
Xiao Bai struggled to stand, his entire body shaking with humiliation.
His hands trembled, fingers digging into the cracked stone beneath him.
He had lost.
In front of everyone.
To Xiao Lan.
The one person he had never considered a threat.
His mind screamed in denial.
No… no, this isn't real…
He forced himself to his feet, his burning gaze locked onto Xiao Lan's back.
"You…"
His voice was hoarse, filled with venom.
Xiao Lan turned his head slightly, meeting his brother's gaze with calm indifference.
That set Xiao Bai off.
That look—so unbothered, so superior—
It made him want to tear Xiao Lan apart.
"I will kill you," Xiao Bai growled. "Do you hear me? This isn't over."
Xiao Lan smirked slightly. "I look forward to it."
Those words—so casual, so confident—only made Xiao Bai's fury boil hotter.
But before he could lash out—
A voice cut through the tension.
"That's enough."
It was Xiao Ming.
His commanding tone silenced the entire arena.
Xiao Bai immediately stiffened, lowering his head.
Even Xiao Lan turned his full attention toward the patriarch.
Xiao Ming's eyes were cold as they landed on Xiao Lan.
"This combat trial is over. The winners will be rewarded, the losers will reflect on their failure."
His gaze lingered on Xiao Lan for a moment longer.
Then, without another word, he turned and left.
But that single glance was enough.
It was a warning.
As soon as the trials ended, the young disciples dispersed, talking excitedly about the shocking turn of events.
But Xiao Lan had no intention of joining the conversation.
He moved swiftly toward the exit—
Until a voice stopped him.
"Young Master Xiao Lan."
Xiao Lan turned, coming face-to-face with an elderly man in elegant robes. His aura was calm yet heavy, his eyes sharp with wisdom.
Xiao Hong.
One of the most influential elders of the Xiao Clan.
A dangerous man.
Xiao Lan's guard went up immediately.
"Elder Xiao Hong," he greeted politely.
The elder studied him for a moment before smiling faintly.
"You surprised many of us today."
Xiao Lan remained silent.
He knew this was a test.
A test to see if he would boast, if he would show his ambition too soon.
So, he simply bowed respectfully.
"I only did what I had to."
Xiao Hong chuckled. "A humble answer."
But his eyes said something else.
You are hiding something, aren't you?
Then, without another word, the elder turned and left.
Xiao Lan exhaled slowly.
This victory…
Had drawn too much attention.
Later that night, as Xiao Lan walked through the training grounds, he felt a presence watching him.
He stopped.
The air around him grew heavy, his senses sharpening.
Then—
A shadow stepped forward, emerging from the mist.
It was a tall figure in dark robes, their face partially obscured.
"You've changed," the figure said.
Xiao Lan narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"
The figure chuckled. "That's not important. What is important… is what you've awakened."
Xiao Lan's muscles tensed.
This wasn't a clan member.
And yet—
The way they spoke…
It was as if they knew something about him.
The figure turned slightly, looking toward the sky.
"The Continent of the Mist is vast, Xiao Lan. Your power is only beginning to surface. But beware…"
Their voice lowered.
"Power attracts enemies."
Then—they vanished.
Leaving behind only a lingering sense of unease.
Xiao Lan stood there for a long moment, staring into the mist.
He had won today.
But this was only the first step.
Something far greater was coming.
And he had to be ready.