Chapter 18: Spirit Refinement Grounds

Chapter 18: Spirit Refinement Grounds

A heavy silence settled over the stone hall like a suffocating fog. The momentum of the Martial Spirit Awakening Ceremony had long since passed, yet tension lingered—palpable and growing.

Clack.

The sharp sound of Elder Xiao Jian clearing his throat sliced through the thick atmosphere like a blade.

“Secondly,” he said, his voice as cold and resolute as iron, “any disciple wishing to qualify for the Elemental Dao Sect’s entrance trial must meet two more conditions.”

He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the gathered youths—each one tense with anticipation.

“First… you must be twenty years of age or younger. Second… you must have reached at least the Late Stage of the Martial Soul Realm.”

A murmur rippled through the chamber. Expressions shifted—from determined to doubtful, from inspired to fearful.

Elder Xiao Jian’s gaze landed deliberately on one of the more imposing youths—Xiao Gu. Broad-shouldered, standing like a mountain, he was the eldest of the group at nineteen. His High-Grade Spirit Rank Gorilla Martial Spirit had made him an outstanding talent, known for his explosive strength and unshakable will.

“You have several months before reaching age twenty, Xiao Gu,” Elder Xiao Jian said, voice slightly softer—but no less commanding. “but three months to reach the Late Stage… or the door will close forever.”

Xiao Gu’s fists tightened at his side. He bowed deeply, voice steady with resolve. “Understood, Elder. I will not fail.”

"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.

Elder Xiao Jian continued, voice now heavy with solemnity. “The family will provide reasonable resources. You are expected to enter seclusion. Commit yourselves to cultivation. But—” he paused, his gaze now like a blade slicing through the crowd, “—do not act recklessly.”

A chorus of voices responded—some strong, some trembling. “Yes, Elder! We shall not disappoint!”

But Elder Xiao Jian’s face remained stone. “One more thing. Before being allowed to take the Elemental Dao Sect’s entrance trial, your foundation will be tested. If you think to rely on shortcuts—treasures, pills, or forbidden methods—think again.”

The air turned cold. Several of the younger geniuses froze, the blood draining from their faces.

Elder Xiao Jian’s words cut through the air like ice. “An unstable foundation is worthless. We will not waste our heritage on hollow strength. Elixirs that forcibly break bottlenecks will disqualify you.”

He narrowed his eyes further. “Yes, there are treasures that help one break through without harming their foundation… but only great sects like the Elemental Dao Sect can afford such luxuries. We are not the Dao Sect.”

A heavy silence fell again. Pride, hope, and arrogance—all were slowly crushed beneath the weight of reality.

“Your future lies in your hands. We open the door. Whether you pass through it… is yours to decide.”

Even the normally prideful Xiao Rongyu bit her lip. The ever-energetic twins exchanged nervous glances. And Xiao Niye, frail and pale, could only bow his head in defeat.

Only one person remained utterly unfazed.

Xiao Chen.

Leaning lazily against a pillar, his half-lidded eyes gave off the air of someone who didn’t belong in this room at all. His presence was quiet, his aura minimal. Yet his indifference was unsettling—almost unnatural.

Elder Xiao Mei’s eyes narrowed as she studied him. Her brow furrowed. Just what is that boy thinking?

At that moment, Xiao Chen opened his eyes—two pools of obsidian that shimmered with unreadable depth. Light seemed to vanish into them.

A chill ran down Elder Xiao Mei’s spine.

“Enough,” Elder Xiao Jian finally said, voice final. “One month from now, all qualifying disciples will enter the Spirit Refinement Grounds.”

A gasp swept through the hall.

One of the more reserved geniuses, Xiao Yue, stepped forward. Her voice was quiet, uncertain. “Elder… what is the Spirit Refinement Grounds?”

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 her voice, Elder Xiao Jian’s expression softened.

“A trial ground left behind by our ancestors,” he said solemnly. “A place where blood, spirit, and will are tempered. Few who enter return unchanged. But those who emerge… become legends.”

Fear and awe danced through the hall.

Xiao Niye’s lips trembled. He couldn’t even hope of quality for the Elemental Dao Sect examination. How could he dream of surviving a place like that?

“As for you, Xiao Niye,” Elder Xiao Jian added, eyes softer now, “you may not be chosen for the sect. But your loyalty to the family will not be forgotten. In time, you may still enter the trial. There are many ways to serve.”

“I understand,” Xiao Niye murmured, bowing low. His heart was heavy—but he was not broken.

Elder Xiao Feng snorted in disdain but said nothing. The rest of the elders nodded in silence.

“The month ahead is your crucible,” Xiao Jian said, voice low but powerful. “Use it well. None of you are allowed to slack off, you all have just broken through to the Early Stage of the Martial Soul Realm. Your aura is unstable. Use this time to solidify your foundation."

And with that, he waved a hand.

“You are dismissed.”

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, disbelief, stunned expressions.

Even Xiao Han, Xiao Yang’s own son, looked surprised by the sudden declaration.

All eyes turned to Xiao Chen.

But the former heir merely glanced over his shoulder—calm, detached, unimpressed.

He said nothing.

Did nothing.

Xiao Yang's sneer deepened. Keep pretending, boy. Soon, even your calm will break.