Chapter 15: The Elemental Dao Sect’s Upcoming Exam
Chapter 15: The Elemental Dao Sect’s Upcoming Exam
The hall was silent, the air thick with tension—until a calm but firm voice echoed through the chamber.
“Elders.”
It was the Second Elder, Madam Xiao Ru, who had stayed quiet during the heated exchange until now. Her tone was composed, yet carried a weight that silenced even the proud Xiao Yang.
“We don’t have time for endless debates,” she said. “The family must act. This matter... ends here.”
Her gaze swept across the room, cold and commanding. Even Xiao Yang instinctively lowered his head.
“Xiao Chen,” she continued, “will be stripped of his position as heir and demoted to an ordinary disciple. He may remain in the Xiao household, but with no privileges or right to succession.”
A faint smirk curled at her lips.
“In his place… we shall raise Xiao Han as the new Young Master. From today onward, he will be trained to become the next Patriarch.”
Xiao Hao clenched his fists, knuckles whitening, but he said nothing.
Madam Xiao Ru’s sharp eyes turned to the few elders still hesitant.
“And don’t mention Xiao Rongyu,” she added. “Though she may be the greatest talent after the fallen Xiao Chen, she is not of direct lineage. She is also a woman—my granddaughter. I will not have her caught in politics and power struggles.”
Her voice softened slightly, pride shining through.
“She will walk the Martial Path. Her strength alone will bring honor to the Xiao Family. That is enough.”
Her words hung in the air, heavy but reasonable. One by one, the elders nodded. Her logic was cold, but sound.
Xiao Yang’s eyes gleamed with suppressed excitement. His son would become the next Patriarch. Across from him, Elder Xiao Feng offered a quiet, knowing smile.
Xiao Hao, however, lowered his eyes. Though he was Patriarch in name, the Elder Council held the real power. Madam Xiao Ru’s decision was strategic, and irrefutable.
Seeing no resistance, Elder Xiao Jian rose.
“Second Elder speaks wisely,” he said. “It’s unfortunate, but we cannot let emotions cloud our judgment. There are more important matters now.”
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
“Just yesterday, I received news... The Elemental Dao Sect will be holding their entrance examination one year from now. More importantly, an envoy will visit Clear Water City personally.”
Gasps of surprise—and even greed—rose from the elders.
“We must prepare our best disciples. This is a rare chance,” Elder Jian continued. “I’ve already sent word. Our top talents are gathering as we speak. They must be told of this opportunity.”
His eyes narrowed.
“I’m sure the Lao Family has heard the news as well. They will use this to strengthen their own power. We must not fall behind.”
Madam Xiao Ru nodded. “Good. That is where our attention should lie. The past is over. The future must be seized.”
The First Elder, ever cold and calculating, added, “It’s decided then. Xiao Chen’s heir status is revoked. But... since he once brought honor to the family, we won’t cast him out—for now.”
Elder Xiao Feng scoffed. “Hmph. He’s finished. The future belongs to Xiao Han.”
The Third Elder, still spinning his prayer beads, let out a quiet laugh. “We shall see… Even a fallen star can still shine in the night sky.”
No one responded to his cryptic words.
Xiao Hao sat back down, eyes dim. He forced himself to remain calm, knowing resistance was futile—for now.
“Summon the youths,” Elder Xiao Jian ordered. “They need to hear this.”
“Yes, Great Elder,” a voice responded from outside.
The heavy mood lifted slightly. The focus had shifted.
Madam Xiao Ru stood, her final decree firm. “Let it be known—Xiao Han is now the Young Master of the Xiao Family.”
And so, the decision was made.
As footsteps echoed down the corridor, the elders turned their gaze to the chamber doors. The next chapter had begun.
---
Moments Later...
A voice called out from outside.
“Masters, they are here.”
The doors creaked open, revealing a short man in long black robes. A golden dragon flowing around a silver river shimmered on his chest—the Xiao Family insignia. His unkempt hair and unevenly shaved beard gave him a rough look, but his steady aura revealed his strength—Mid-Stage Martial Master Realm.
“Masters, the disciples await outside,” he said, bowing low.
“Good work, Deacon Mo,” Elder Jian replied. “Organize them. We’ll arrive shortly.”
“Yes, Great Elder.”
Deacon Mo bowed again and exited swiftly, robes sweeping the floor behind him.
---
In the Main Hall...
Nine figures stood in quiet formation, the best of the Xiao Family’s young generation—each having awakened their Martial Spirits.
At the front stood Xiao Han, sharp-eyed and proud, with a smugness he didn’t bother to hide. Beside him stood Xiao Rongyu, her beauty cold and distant. The air around her shimmered with heat—then dipped into chilling cold. Her top-grade Fire affinity was potent… and dangerous.
Nearby stood the infamous twins: Xiao Lan, relaxed and playful, and Xiao Li, silent with piercing crimson eyes.
Xiao Boyan, ever the sycophant, hovered near Xiao Han, constantly watching for someone to flatter. The other three were lesser-known disciples, all in the Early Stage of the Martial Soul Realm, though their status paled compared to the core heirs.
In the corner, leaning against the wall, stood Xiao Chen.
His arms were crossed, eyes half-closed. His presence was so faint it was almost like he wasn’t there. His aura was hidden… or perhaps, nonexistent.
A mocking voice broke the quiet.
“Hey, Cousin Chen,” Xiao Han called loudly, wearing a crooked smile. “Why so distant? Don’t tell me you’re still upset about awakening… trash?”
Xiao Boyan jumped in. “At least he knows his place now!”
Before the next insult could land, a sharp voice cut through the air.
“Watch your mouth, Xiao Boyan. You dare insult Brother Chen in front of me?”
The temperature rose sharply.
A crimson flame danced at Xiao Rongyu’s fingertips, it radiated with fiery heat.
Xiao Boyan turned pale and shrank behind Xiao Han.
“Sister Rongyu, don’t be angry,” Xiao Han said smoothly, hiding his irritation behind a smile. “I’m sure he didn’t mean anything.”
“Hmph.”
Xiao Rongyu let the flame vanish, though her expression remained frosty.
Inside, Xiao Han cursed.
Damn her… Always looking down on me. One day, she’ll regret it.
“Terrifying,” Xiao Lan muttered under his breath. “A top-grade Fire affinity is truly something else.”
Silence returned. Though all present were called geniuses, only a few held true power.
Xiao Chen didn’t react. He stood quietly, unmoved, his eyes still shut. But around him... something felt strange. It wasn’t weakness—it was the absence of presence, as if he had become part of the very air.
Xiao Li, the quiet twin, frowned.
“His aura… It feels foreign.”
She couldn’t explain it. He wasn’t suppressing his presence—he wasn’t there. But not because he was weak. No… it was something else. Something deep. Something hidden.
She stared a moment longer before turning away, her face unreadable.
---
Footsteps echoed once again.
The grand doors opened.
Elder Xiao Jian, Madam Xiao Ru, and the other elders entered, robes fluttering with authority.
The youths straightened immediately.
“Greetings, Elders!” they chorused.
The air shifted.
The players were in place.
And the game… had finally begun.