Xiao Family, Backyard
In the vast bluestone training ground, over a hundred young boys and girls stood, surrounded by a cacophony of noise.
At the center of the training ground stood a large black stone tablet for testing. Next to it stood the indifferent tester from before.
On the high platform to the left, several senior family members were seated, including the clan leader, Xiao Zhan, and three elders.
The young boys and girls awaiting their turn for the test were visibly nervous. Those who usually performed well seemed less anxious, while those with average or below-average talents looked confused and apprehensive.
As Mo Yu walked alongside Xiao Mei, many of the young men in the field cast envious glances at him. Ever since his decisive defeat of Xiao Ning in the Fighting Skills Pavilion, Mo Yu had gained significant attention, and his reputation within the family was now nearly as high as the enigmatic and powerful Xun'er.
At the edge of the square, Xiao Ning, surrounded by a group of his peers, glared at Mo Yu with a mix of anger and fear.
"Damn it, he's stolen all the limelight," Xiao Ning muttered indignantly, though he kept his comments brief. The lesson from their last encounter had clearly left a lasting impression on him.
Ignoring the envious and jealous stares, Mo Yu walked directly to the end of the line, with Xiao Mei following closely behind, almost as if she were deliberately showing off.
Xiao Zhan, observing the scene from the high platform, appeared deep in thought.
"Clan leader, I think Mei'er seems to be interested in Mo Yu, and Mo Yu's talent has been evident recently. How about proposing to marry Mei'er to him as a way to win him over?" the Third Elder suggested to Xiao Zhan.
Xiao Zhan glanced at him sideways, frowned, and then shook his head. "This is inappropriate. Xiaoyu and Mei'er are still too young; it's too early to discuss such matters. Besides, marriage involves the parents' consent and the matchmaker's words. Although Xiaoyu's parents are gone, she still has a grandfather. I will consult Butler Mo about this."
The Third Elder's interest in Mo Yu was evident, as Xiao Mei was his granddaughter. It was clear that he wanted to bring Mo Yu into the elders' lineage through marriage. Xiao Zhan, however, found this distasteful and chose to decline the proposal.
The Third Elder's face darkened slightly at Xiao Zhan's refusal. The Second Elder, with a sinister snort, remarked, "I recall Xiao Yan was also scheduled to participate in this test. Why hasn't he arrived yet? Are you concerned he might not pass? Mo Yu's talent is on par with Xiao Yan's back then."
Xiao Zhan's face grew angry. He was already irritated, and the Second Elder's comment was irrelevant. Just as he was about to retort, a commotion arose in the field.
Two figures were seen approaching leisurely from the path at the end of the square. Their calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the tension of the day.
It was Xiao Yan and Xun'er.
Seeing their arrival, the family leaders on the platform ceased their argument.
Xiao Zhan stood up and announced in a serious tone, "According to the test rules, those with the seventh stage of fighting spirit and above are considered qualified. However, based on previous regulations, those with fighting spirit below the seventh stage have the right to challenge their peers above the seventh stage. If they succeed, they can also be deemed qualified!"
"Now that everyone understands, let the test begin!"
As Xiao Zhan's authoritative voice echoed, the boys and girls on the training ground became increasingly nervous.
Next to the black stone tablet, the indifferent examiner took out a list from his robes. His cold voice made those whose names were called shiver.
Mo Yu stood in the field with a calm demeanor, his eyes slightly closed, while Xiao Mei stood closely behind him.
Xiao Yan chose a clean bluestone floor to sit cross-legged, with Xun'er sitting beside him like a pristine blue lotus. The two seemed isolated from the tense atmosphere around them.
"Xiao Mei!"
As the names were called one by one, Xiao Mei's name was announced.
"Cousin Mo Yu, I'm going now."
Mo Yu nodded in response, his expression unchanged.
"Fighting Power: Eighth Stage!"
A bright light burst from the black stone tablet, and large, clear characters appeared on its surface.
"Xiao Mei: Fighting Power, Eighth Stage, Advanced!" After examining the tablet, the indifferent tester nodded slightly and announced in a deep voice.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Mei sighed in relief, and a look of pride appeared on her face. Within a year, she had progressed from the seventh stage to the eighth stage. This achievement ranked her among the top five in the family, which was a remarkable accomplishment.
The announcement caused a stir among the onlookers, and many directed envious glances toward Xiao Mei.
"I've only improved my Dou Qi by one level in a year, barely…" Xiao Yan remarked lightly, then looked towards Mo Yu.
"I wonder how strong cousin Mo Yu is now?"
"I can't discern his strength, but he's so powerful that even Xun'er isn't confident of defeating him." Xun'er, playing with her black hair, gazed seriously in Mo Yu's direction.
Despite all her magical methods, she couldn't see through Mo Yu's strength, which seemed shrouded in mystery.
Upon hearing that the formidable Xun'er wasn't sure of defeating Mo Yu, Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed slightly. He said with a hint of admiration, "I thought I had made significant progress, but it turns out I can't surpass Xun'er and cousin Mo Yu, the two prodigies in the family."
"Hehe, Brother Xiao Yan, don't be so modest. Xun'er has her own reasons, and cousin Mo Yu must have had his own opportunities. In any case, Brother Xiao Yan, you have great potential. Didn't cousin Mo Yu also say that you will become famous across the continent in the future…"
Xiao Yan recalled Mo Yu's past encouragement and felt a surge of confidence.
At this moment, after Xiao Mei's turn, among the dozen or so people behind, only one reached the seventh stage of fighting spirit, while the rest were eliminated.
"Xiao Xun'er!"
The tester's cold voice carried a hint of emotion as he called this name.
The eyes of the entire audience shifted to the pristine and beautiful girl.
Mo Yu lazily opened his slightly drooped eyes, observing the girl's graceful figure, and murmured, "If nothing unexpected happens, she should have been promoted to a fighter. After this test, I'll also prepare to break through to the fighter realm."