Chapter 18: Beyond the Fallen Heir

Chapter 18: Beyond the Fallen Heir

Sensing the growing awkwardness in the air, Elder Xiao Jian cleared his throat sharply, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

"Secondly," he continued, his tone cold and imposing, "any disciple wishing to qualify must reach at least the Late Stage of the Martial Soul Realm. Furthermore, they must be twenty years of age or younger."

His gaze shifted deliberately toward one of the youths—Xiao Gu. The eldest among them, standing at nineteen years old, his broad shoulders and towering frame embodied the mark of a warrior. He was a known talent in the Xiao Family, having awakened a High-Grade Spirit Rank Gorilla Martial Spirit—rare, powerful, and considered a decent talent within the clan.

Elder Xiao Jian's voice softened slightly, but the pressure it carried remained undiminished. "Xiao Gu… you know what this means. You have three months. Reach the Late Stage of the Martial Soul Realm—or this opportunity will forever slip from your grasp."

Xiao Gu's expression darkened, his fists clenched tightly at his sides as he nodded with unwavering resolve. "Yes, Elder. I will not disappoint."

"Good." Elder Xiao Jian gave him a rare nod of approval before sweeping his gaze back across the assembly of geniuses. "The same goes for the rest of you. Three Months. Either meet the standard—or be left behind."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink deep into their hearts.

"Don't be naive enough to think you'll be granted a second chance. Even if fate does smile upon you, by then, your peers will have soared far beyond your reach."

No one dared to speak. The solemn atmosphere was suffocating as the gravity of the elder's words pressed heavily upon them.

"The family," Elder Xiao Jian added after a brief pause, "will provide reasonable resources and support. But during this time, you are expected to enter seclusion and devote yourselves fully to cultivation. However—" his gaze sharpened, "—heed this well. Do not act recklessly."

"Yes! We shall not disappoint!" The group responded in unison, their voices echoing against the stone walls, though some trembled as they spoke.

Elder Xiao Jian's face remained stern and uncompromising. "Lastly, your foundation will be tested before entry. If any of you think rushing to the Late Stage through shortcuts will secure your place—you are gravely mistaken."

A cold shiver swept through the hall. Several geniuses froze, their faces paling. It was clear some had indeed harbored such thoughts—hoping to rely on rare treasures, elixirs, or pills to force their breakthroughs.

Elder Xiao Jian's sharp gaze turned icy, his voice like a frigid wind. "Don't assume the family will waste our rare treasures just to forcibly elevate you. Such reckless advancement will only leave your foundation unstable… and useless for the Entrance Exam."

The hall fell into absolute silence.

"Although… treasures that aid in breakthroughs without affecting the foundation does exist," he added with a sneer, "but those are luxuries only great sects like the Elemental Dao Sect can afford. Remember—" he paused, his voice cold and resolute, "—we are not the Dao Sect. Know your place."

The weight of those words crushed any lingering arrogance or hope of shortcuts.

"Your future lies within your own hands. Seclusion is the path. Diligence is the way. The Xiao Family will open the door… but stepping through it is yours to earn."

His words rang like a decree, silencing every thought of argument. No one dared speak further.

For a long moment, the only sound was the soft, rhythmic clacking of the Third Elder's prayer beads. Even the air itself seemed heavier, burdened by the fate looming over them.

Only one figure remained detached from this heavy atmosphere—Xiao Chen. Still leaning lazily against a pillar, his eyes half-closed as if none of this had anything to do with him.

It was Elder Xiao Mei who noticed him again. Her brows furrowed as she gazed at the calm, almost ethereal boy. What exactly are you thinking… boy?

Yet, as the thought crossed her mind, Xiao Chen slowly opened his eyes—two pools of bottomless black that seemed to swallow light itself.

Xiao Mei stiffened, her gaze darting away immediately as a strange unease crept into her heart.

Elder Xiao Jian exhaled heavily, his voice final. "Enough. You are dismissed. Prepare yourselves… one month from now, you will all enter the Spirit Refinement Grounds."

Shock rippled through the gathered youths like a tidal wave.

However not everybody knows of this place... "Elder, what is… the Spirit Refinement Grounds?" one of the geniuses, Xiao Yue, finally spoke, her voice trembling slightly.

Xiao Yue was the last genius in the room—strangely quiet, shy, and rarely social. With long blonde hair, large black eyes, and a delicate doll-like face, she looked far younger than her seventeen years. Her appearance and child-like demeanor made her beloved within the Xiao Family.

Despite her quiet nature, she was a formidable talent. She possessed the Heavenly Wind Eagle, a Peak Grade Spirit Rank Martial Spirit that resonated perfectly with her Mid-Grade Wind affinity—one of the strongest among her peers, surpassed only by the Xiao family's top talents.

Hearing Xiao Yue's rare voice, Elder Xiao Jian's expression softened, offering her a faint smile. "A trial ground… left behind by our ancestors. Few have entered. Fewer still returned. But those who did… rose to prominence."

His eyes grew solemn. "If you can survive… your foundation will be tempered like steel. You'll thank me later… if you can grasp the essence of the trial."

Once again, the hall sank into suffocating silence. Even the proud Xiao Rongyu bit her lip and clenched her fists tightly. The twins exchanged worried glances. Xiao Niye, frail and pale, looked utterly defeated. He knew his path wouldn't even carry him that far.

"As for Xiao Niye…" Elder Xiao Jian's voice rang out, making the frail boy flinch violently. "You may not qualify for the Elemental Dao Sect, but you will be given a chance to enter the trial grounds in the future. You shall serve the family in other ways. Not every path leads to glory—but loyalty… will always be rewarded."

Xiao Niye forced a bitter smile, bowing deeply. "Thank you… Elder. I understand."

Elder Xiao Feng snorted coldly but held his tongue. Xiao Jian nodded in satisfaction.

"Now, go back and prepare yourselves. None of you are allowed to slack off in the month before entering the Spirit Refinement Grounds. You have just broken through to the Early Stage of the Martial Soul Realm. Your aura is unstable. Use this month to solidify your foundation."

He paused, his tone darkening. "Three months from now your fate will be determined. You either rise… or fall."

With a dismissive wave of his hand, he signaled the meeting's end.

As the group of geniuses turned to leave, the air heavy with Elder Xiao Jian's words, a faint, unsettling chuckle echoed through the hall's inner chamber.

Xiao Yang, who had remained silent throughout the meeting, smiled inwardly, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction. He could barely contain his excitement as his thoughts churned wildly.

Hahaha… In your face, Xiao Hao. I couldn't strip you of the Patriarch's seat… but fate is on my side. My son, Xiao Han, won't have to fight for it. The heavens are helping me.

His eyes scanned the room until his brow furrowed. Where's that trash child of his? Why haven't I seen him? Hmph… hiding as always.

Just as that bitter thought crossed his mind, his gaze landed on a lone figure—Xiao Chen. Unlike the other geniuses, weighed down by pressure, Xiao Chen strolled lazily toward the exit, hands tucked casually into his robe. His posture was relaxed, his expression indifferent, his every step exuding a calm, almost arrogant confidence—as though everything that transpired meant nothing to him.

The sight sent a chill down Xiao Yang's spine.

"Something's wrong…" he muttered inwardly, narrowing his eyes. "That boy… why does he look so calm? Could it be… has he found a way to turn things around? Impossible… he's a cripple! He has nothing left!"

Xiao Yang's heart raced, but he forced the thought aside. No… I won't give him the chance to change his fate. Whatever he's planning… I'll crush it now.

Suppressing the storm in his chest, Xiao Yang forced a calm smile onto his face and turned toward the Second Elder, Madam Xiao Ru.

"Hmm…"

Madam Xiao Ru raised a brow, her eyes sharp as they caught the flicker of emotion buried beneath his mask. "What is it, Xiao Yang?" she asked coldly.

Ignoring her, Xiao Yang's gaze shifted toward the departing geniuses—who had paused, sensing something amiss.

"Stop!" Xiao Yang's calm yet authoritative voice rang out, halting everyone in their tracks.

The sharp tone startled the room. Even the First Elder, who had remained grumpy and silent, furrowed his brow in irritation. "What is it now, Xiao Yang?" he snapped. "The Great Elder has already dismissed this meeting. Why are you stirring trouble?"

The other elders exchanged dark glances, suspicion rising in their eyes.

Patriarch Xiao Hao's face sank as an ominous premonition rose in his chest. "Xiao Yang! Don't play your games here. The meeting is over!"

But Xiao Yang snorted coldly, ignoring his brother's words. "Hmph."

He turned to face the elders, his voice calm but laced with hidden venom. "Elders… don't you think there's one more matter we need to settle? It concerns the future of our family. The sooner we conclude it, the better."

The elders exchanged glances, unease flickering in their eyes.

Then, with a wicked grin, Xiao Yang faced the gathered young talents.

"In front of everyone here, I'll announce it clearly," he began, his voice rising, cold and merciless. "Xiao Chen has been stripped of his status as heir of the Xiao Family. From today onward, he is but an ordinary disciple. The position of Young Master and future heir… now falls to Xiao Han!"

His words exploded like thunder through the hall.

"What?!"

Gasps of disbelief erupted as the gathered geniuses turned toward Xiao Chen, shock painted across their faces. Although they expected such as an aftermath of Xiao Chen's laughable display at the recent ceremony they didn't think it would come so on. Even Xiao Han's eyes widened in surprise, clearly unprepared for his father's sudden announcement.

For a moment, deathly silence consumed the hall. Every gaze shifted toward Xiao Chen—waiting, watching.

But Xiao Chen… stood there, completely unbothered. His expression calm as still water—as if none of it concerned him.

Xiao Yang sneered inwardly. Let's see how long you can keep up that act, boy…