"Brother Xiao Tian, there's an assembly today. Do you want to go?" Xun'er asked cheerfully, her steps light as she caught up to him under the shade of the plum trees lining the path.
"Hmph. Little Xun'er is trying to make her brother restless, huh?" Xiao Tian teased with a smirk, casting her a sidelong glance.
Xun'er giggled softly, a faint pink rising to her cheeks. She understood what he meant—he had just arrived in Wu Tan City, and she already wanted him to show his strength publicly.
"But the assembly only happens once a month! If you don't go today, we'll have to wait another whole month," she said with a pout, trying to nudge his pride just enough.
"Did I say I wasn't going?" Xiao Tian asked, his brows arching slightly in irritation.
"Cough, cough…" Xun'er faked a cough, hiding her flustered expression behind her sleeve.
"Is my Xun'er embarrassed? Hahaha!" he chuckled, his voice rich with amusement.
"Brother Xiao Tian!" she huffed, puffing her cheeks in frustration.
"Okay, okay. Let's go," he finally relented, his expression softening as he took her hand in his. The warmth of her fingers seemed to ground him as they began to walk toward the plaza.
The streets of Wu Tan City were lively that morning. Merchants hawked their wares, children darted between stalls, and cultivators passed with quiet determination in their steps. As they walked, Xiao Tian's thoughts drifted.
"Xun'er," he said suddenly, his voice quieter now, "I've been thinking about enrolling at Jia Nan Academy. Would you come with me?"
She stopped in her tracks for a moment, then looked up at him, her eyes shining. "Of course! I'll go wherever Brother Xiao Tian goes," she replied, beaming.
Xiao Tian smiled at her, a rare softness touching his features. He didn't say it out loud, but her answer warmed something deep in his chest.
"The academy isn't just any school. It's a place where the strong gather—a place where talent means everything. Are you sure you'll be okay with that kind of pressure?" he asked, his voice now carrying a note of seriousness.
"I'm not afraid," she said confidently. "As long as we're together, nothing can be too difficult."
He stared at her for a long moment, then nodded. "Good. Because I don't plan on losing once we're there."
Xun'er laughed, her grip tightening slightly on his hand. "Then I'll just have to keep up."
They continued walking, the murmurs of the crowd ahead signaling their approach to the assembly grounds. Banners fluttered in the breeze, and the arena ahead hummed with anticipation.
For a moment, Xiao Tian paused. He took in the sight, the energy of the place, and the challenges it promised.
"This will be a good test," he murmured.
Seeing the huge crowd Xun'er also nodded.
....
"Xiao Tian, please come to the stage!" an elder's voice rang out slowly but firmly, echoing across the training grounds.
In an instant, a figure clad in black robes appeared on the stage, his movement swift and composed. Despite being only about twelve years old, his presence was striking—dark robes and pants fitting him perfectly, his handsome face sharp and calm. His sudden appearance drew a collective breath from the crowd.
"Who is that handsome boy?!" came the excited whispers from the female spectators, eyes gleaming with admiration. Nearly every girl, except a few, was captivated by his charm.
Without delay, Xiao Tian stepped forward and placed his hand lightly on the testing stone. A subtle Dou Qi glow surged through his palm.
Ding!... Ding!... Ding! The air vibrated with a sharp, resonant sound.
In the next second, golden characters shimmered and etched themselves across the stone's surface, shining brilliantly for all to see:
'Dou Zhe, 2nd Star – Early Stage!'
The moment those words appeared, the entire area fell into a stunned silence.
No one moved.
No one spoke.
Everyone was locked in shock.
Wasn't Young Master Xiao Yan the one who just broke through to Dou Zhe last month? members of the Xiao Clan whispered in disbelief. How can someone even more powerful and talented show up now?!
---
Finishing his test calmly, Xiao Tian descended the stairs—only to be immediately swarmed by eager females.
"Brother Xiao Tian, I want to have a baby with you!"
"Brother Xiao Tian, make me your slave!"
Their bold, flirty voices rang out from the crowd of excited women, making Xiao Tian's face stiffen with awkwardness. He didn't know where to look, his discomfort growing by the second.
Without wasting a moment, he hurriedly moved toward Xun'er's side, seeking refuge.
"I hope Xun'er will protect me," he whispered playfully into her ear, flashing a teasing smile.
Xun'er's heart fluttered at his closeness, warmth blooming inside her despite the teasing tone. However, her expression remained icy. She cast a sharp, cold glare at the crowd, her piercing eyes enough to silence the women instantly. They backed away, casting envious glances as the boys around them smirked in quiet victory.
---
"Xiao Xun'er, please attend the stage!" the elder called next.
With graceful lotus steps, Xun'er moved forward, her blue dress flowing elegantly. She looked every bit a cold beauty, her presence regal and untouchable. Many males admired her silently, but none dared step forward—Xiao Tian's presence was more than enough to keep them in check.
She reached the stone calmly and placed her hand upon it.
Moments later, clear characters glowed:
'Dou Zhi, 9th Stage!'
She turned and returned to Xiao Tian's side with quiet confidence.
"Well? How was my strength, Brother?" she asked, her eyes shining as she looked up at him.
Xiao Tian smiled and gently patted her head. "You held back, didn't you?" he asked softly, eyes gleaming knowingly.
Xun'er blinked in surprise. "You know?"
"I've known for a long time," Xiao Tian chuckled, his voice low and full of affection.
Their quiet exchange went unnoticed by most, but for them, it was a private confirmation of their deep connection—one built on mutual trust, understanding, and something more.
"End of Chapter"
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