Gazing at the five glaring, almost eye-piercing characters on the testing magic stone tablet, the young man's face remained expressionless, a trace of self-mockery curling at the corners of his lips. His tightly clenched fists dug sharp nails deep into his palms, sending waves of piercing pain through his hands...
"Xiao Yan, Fighting Qi, Third Stage! Level: Low!" Beside the testing stone tablet, a middle-aged man glanced at the information displayed and announced it indifferently...
As soon as the man's voice fell, it unsurprisingly stirred waves of scornful murmurs across the crowded square.
"Third Stage? Heh, just as I expected. This so-called 'genius' hasn't made any progress this year either!"
"Tch, this good-for-nothing has completely disgraced our family."
"If it weren't for the fact that the clan leader is his father, a useless waste like him would have long been kicked out and left to fend for himself. How could he still be allowed to freeload off the family?"
"Ah, how has the once-famous prodigy of Wutan City fallen so low?"
"Xiao Mei, Fighting Qi: Seventh Stage! Level: High!"
"Yes!" Hearing the examiner announce her results, the young girl's face lit up with a proud smile...
"Tsk tsk, Seventh Stage Fighting Qi—truly impressive. At this rate, she’ll probably become a true Fighter in just three years..."
"As expected of one of the family’s elite talents..."
Listening to the waves of admiration from the crowd, the girl’s smile widened. Vanity—a temptation few could resist, especially a young girl like her.
Chatting and laughing with a few close friends, Xiao Mei’s gaze suddenly drifted past the crowd, landing on a lone figure standing apart from everyone else...
After a brief moment of hesitation, she dismissed the thought of approaching him. The two of them were no longer on the same level. Given Xiao Yan’s performance over the past few years, at best, he would end up as a low-ranking member of the family after adulthood. Meanwhile, with her outstanding talent, she would be groomed as a core powerhouse of the Xiao Clan—her future was limitless.
"Sigh..." For some reason, she let out a soft sigh, her mind flashing back to the confident young prodigy from three years ago.
A boy who began cultivating Qi at four, reached the Ninth Stage of Fighting Qi by ten, broke through to the Tenth Stage at eleven, and successfully condensed a Fighting Qi Vortex, becoming the youngest Fighter in the Xiao family’s past century!
Back then, he radiated confidence, his potential seemingly boundless. Countless young girls had harbored secret affections for him—including Xiao Mei herself.
But the path of a genius was never smooth.
Three years ago, this young prodigy, at the peak of his fame, suffered the cruelest blow of his life. Not only did his hard-earned Fighting Qi Vortex inexplicably vanish overnight, but his remaining Fighting Qi also began to mysteriously dissipate over time.
The direct consequence? His strength continuously regressed.
From the pinnacle of genius, he plummeted to a state even worse than an ordinary person. The blow left him broken, and the title of "genius" was gradually replaced by scorn and mockery.
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The higher you climb, the harder you fall. And this time, it seemed he might never rise again.
"Next, Xiao Xun’er!"
The examiner’s voice rang out once more, cutting through the noise.
At the sound of this elegant name, the crowd suddenly fell silent. All eyes shifted in unison.
At the center of attention stood a young girl in a violet dress, poised with tranquil grace. Her delicate face remained calm, unperturbed by the stares fixed upon her.
Her demeanor was cool and detached, like a newly bloomed lotus—already exuding an otherworldly charm despite her youth. It was hard to imagine how devastatingly beautiful she would become in the future.
In terms of beauty and presence, this violet-clad girl surpassed even Xiao Mei, which explained the crowd’s reaction.
With light steps, Xiao Xun’er approached the testing stone tablet. She extended her small hand, the black-gold-trimmed sleeve sliding down to reveal a slender, snow-white wrist, before gently pressing it against the stone...
A brief pause—then a dazzling light erupted from the tablet once more.
"Fighting Qi: Ninth Stage! Level: High!"
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Then—
"...Ninth Stage?! That’s terrifying! Without a doubt, Miss Xun’er is now the strongest among the younger generation of the Xiao Clan." The surrounding youths gulped involuntarily, their eyes filled with awe.
Fighting Qi was the foundation of every Fighter. The initial stages ranged from First to Tenth Stage, and upon reaching the Tenth Stage, one could condense a Fighting Qi Vortex—officially becoming a Fighter, a title worthy of respect!
In the crowd, Xiao Mei frowned slightly, staring at the violet-clad girl in front of the tablet, a trace of envy flashing across her face...
Even the usually indifferent examiner couldn’t help but reveal a rare smile. He spoke respectfully, "Miss Xun’er, in half a year, you should be able to condense your Fighting Qi Vortex. If you succeed, you’ll become a true Fighter at the age of fourteen—making you the second person in the Xiao Clan’s past century to achieve this!"
Yes, the second.
The first?
That honor belonged to Xiao Yan—before he lost his brilliance.
"Thank you." The girl nodded slightly, her expression unchanged by the praise. Calmly, she turned and walked toward the back of the crowd, where a despondent young man stood...
"Brother Xiao Yan." As she passed him, she paused, bending slightly in a respectful bow.
A gentle smile bloomed on her exquisite face—one that made the other girls around them burn with jealousy.
Xiao Yan let out a bitter laugh. "Do I still deserve to be called that by you?" He looked at her, now the brightest jewel of the Xiao Clan. Even in his downfall, she was one of the very few who still treated him with respect.
"Brother Xiao Yan," she said softly, her voice warm, "you once told me—'To hold, one must first let go. Only those who can release and grasp freely are truly at ease.'"
Xiao Yan chuckled darkly. "At ease? I was just spouting nonsense. Look at me now—do I seem 'at ease' to you? Besides... this world was never meant for me."
Xiao Xun’er’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. "I don’t know what happened to you," she said earnestly, "but I believe you’ll stand again. You’ll reclaim your glory and dignity." She paused, then added, her fair cheeks tinged with a faint blush, "The Xiao Yan from back then... was truly remarkable."
"Hah..." Flustered by her blunt honesty, Xiao Yan could only laugh awkwardly. He had no response.
In the past, he might have flirted back—what young man wouldn’t? But now? He had neither the right nor the heart for it.
With a desolate sigh, he turned and walked away, his figure lonely against the bustling crowd.
Xiao Xun’er watched him for a moment, then, ignoring the envious glares behind her, quickened her pace to catch up.
Side by side, they left the square together.
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"Fighter" (斗者 Dòu zhě) – The first major cultivation stage, marking the transition from basic Qi training to true combat prowess.
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"Fighting Qi Vortex" (斗之气旋 Dòu zhī qì xuán) – The critical breakthrough where Qi condenses into a self-sustaining cycle, unlocking higher power.
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Xiao Xun’er’s dialogue – Her tone is deliberately gentle and respectful, contrasting with others’ mockery, emphasizing her unique bond with Xiao Yan.
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Cultural Nuances – The "lotus" imagery reflects purity and untouchable elegance in Chinese literature, reinforcing Xun’er’s ethereal presence.
This passage highlights the stark contrast between Xiao Yan’s past glory and current despair, while foreshadowing future redemption through Xun’er’s unwavering faith in him.