Chapter 4: The Combat Trials Begin
The Xiao Clan Combat Trials were an ancient tradition, held once every month to test the progress of young cultivators. Those who performed well gained recognition, while the weak suffered public humiliation.
This time, the stakes were even higher—several elders would be watching, as well as members of branch families and neighboring factions.
For many, this was a chance to climb in status.
For others?
It was a place to crush their enemies and settle personal grudges.
And for Xiao Lan—
It was the perfect opportunity to make his return known.
The sun hung high in the sky as hundreds of people gathered in the Xiao Clan's Grand Martial Arena—a massive stone courtyard surrounded by towering pavilions.
At the very center stood Elder Xiao Feng, one of the clan's senior members. His sharp eyes swept across the young disciples assembled before him.
"You all know the rules," he said, his voice booming across the arena. "Defeat your opponent, prove your strength, and bring honor to the Xiao name. There are no second chances. There is only victory or defeat."
The crowd erupted in cheers, the excitement crackling in the air.
Xiao Lan stood near the back, watching quietly. He could feel countless eyes on him—some curious, some mocking, some outright hostile.
He ignored them.
His focus was on the trial ahead.
The first set of matches was uneventful.
Most were one-sided, with stronger disciples crushing the weak in a few moves. Xiao Bai, of course, made a show of effortlessly defeating his opponent, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Xiao Lan remained calm.
He was waiting for his turn.
And then—
"Next match!" Elder Xiao Feng called out. He glanced at the list and announced:
"Xiao Lan versus Xiao Zhen!"
A wave of murmurs spread through the arena.
"Xiao Lan?"
"That useless fool is fighting?"
"He's going to get destroyed."
Xiao Zhen stepped forward, his lips twisted in a smirk.
He was a Bronze Rank peak-stage cultivator, nearly breaking into Silver Rank. His muscular build and confident stance made it clear—he expected an easy win.
"Heh, I don't even need to use my full strength," Xiao Zhen chuckled. "This will be over in seconds."
Xiao Lan remained silent, stepping onto the stage with steady, measured steps.
Elder Xiao Feng glanced at him. "Are you ready?"
Xiao Lan nodded once.
"Begin!"
Xiao Zhen lunged immediately, his fist glowing with Dao energy.
The crowd expected Xiao Lan to panic.
Instead—
He moved.
His body shifted at the last second, dodging Xiao Zhen's strike by a hair's breadth.
Xiao Zhen's eyes widened. What—?!
Before he could react, Xiao Lan's palm shot forward.
BAM!
Xiao Zhen was sent flying backward, crashing into the stone platform.
A stunned silence filled the arena.
"What just happened?!"
"He dodged? And countered?"
Xiao Lan stood in place, his stance unchanged, his breathing even.
Xiao Zhen gritted his teeth, pushing himself back up, his face red with rage and humiliation. "You got lucky!"
He roared, summoning his full strength, launching a fierce barrage of attacks.
But Xiao Lan's movements were too sharp, too controlled.
Every punch, every kick—dodged with precision.
And then—
Xiao Lan struck.
A single calculated palm strike to the chest.
Xiao Zhen gasped, his body shuddering as the impact sent him staggering back.
Xiao Lan didn't waste the moment. He stepped forward.
A knee to the stomach. A chop to the shoulder.
And finally—a devastating kick to the ribs.
CRACK!
Xiao Zhen collapsed, groaning in pain.
Elder Xiao Feng raised his hand. "Winner—Xiao Lan!"
Silence.
Then, whispers.
Then, shouts of disbelief.
"He won?!"
"That can't be right…"
"He was supposed to be weak!"
The entire crowd was shaken.
Even Elder Xiao Feng, who had expected a quick defeat, was now looking at Xiao Lan differently.
From the sidelines, Xiao Bai's smirk had vanished, replaced by a look of mild irritation.
Xiao Lan simply walked off the platform, his expression calm.
He knew this was only the beginning.
But today?
Today, he had planted a seed of doubt in everyone's minds.