Chapter 25: The Youngest Elder

Chapter 25: The Youngest Elder

Today was the most important day in the history of the Xiao family. The atmosphere at the competition venue was electrically charged, with anticipation in every breath. Today, beyond the rules of the main disciple competition, the outcome of an incredible challenge would be determined: could a 'Level 0' disciple, Duan Liang, defeat the Xiao family's most powerful young talent, the No. 1 main disciple, Xiao Guang, and become the youngest Elder of the family?

The crowd, larger than any previous competition, was both excited and tense. The Elders wore serious expressions, their eyes gleaming with eagerness. The betting stall, already overflowing with wagers, was now even busier. The betting in-charge, his face contorted with worry, knew the stakes in this fight were incredibly high.

"Bets! Place your bets! Ten times the return on No. 1 main disciple, Xiao Guang! And on Duan Liang... fifty times the return!" the in-charge cried out in desperation. Many in the crowd shook their heads in disbelief, with most bets still placed on Xiao Guang. There were very few who bet on Duan Liang, but their eyes held a strange glint.

On the field, Xiao Guang entered the arena, a calm confidence in his stride, his aura so powerful that the surrounding air trembled slightly. There was no arrogance on his face, but rather a focused seriousness, indicating that he had taken Duan Liang's previous victories seriously. His sword was tightly secured on his back.

Then, Duan Liang arrived. He emerged from the back door of the competition venue, his physique more solid than ever, and his aura calm but so dense that some disciples held their breath for a moment. There was a subtle glow of blue particles in his eyes, further adding to the mystery of his unexpected presence. He looked directly at Xiao Guang, with no fear on his face, only an unwavering resolve.

A deep murmur spread through the crowd. Duan Liang, after three months of cultivation, appeared even more mysterious and imposing.

Duan Liang stepped into the arena. As he entered, he glanced at the chubby boy in the crowd, who gave him a timid but hopeful smile. His gaze then fell upon Xiang Rui, who stood on a balcony, her eyes a mix of trust and slight worry. Duan Liang gave her a reassuring look, and then focused his eyes on Xiao Guang.

The Fifth Elder, seated in the spectator stands, trembled with anger and disbelief upon seeing Duan Liang. His lips tightened, his eyes gleaming with hatred towards Duan Liang. 'This child has become even more powerful! What justice is this?!'

The respected Elder on the stage raised his hand to calm the crowd. "This is an unprecedented challenge," he said, his voice echoing through the hall. "Duan Liang versus No. 1 main disciple, Xiao Guang! Let the fight begin!"

Xiao Guang immediately drew his sword, light glinting off its metal surface. He employed his 'Sacred Sword Art,' his sword drawing a brilliant line in the air, so fast that only the quickest eyes could follow it. Every strike was precise and deadly, moving towards Duan Liang like lightning.

Duan Liang reacted. His speed was incredible; he dodged Xiao Guang's sword attacks like a phantom in the wind, missing each strike by less than an inch. There was an effortlessness and sophistication in his every move. He deflected the edge of Xiao Guang's every sword with a subtle flick of his wrist or a slight tilt of his body, causing his strikes to miss their target.

Xiao Guang increased his speed, his sword gleaming, the arena echoing with the clash of metal. He was trying to pressure Duan Liang, putting his full strength into every strike. But Duan Liang wasn't backing down an inch. He was only defending, forcing Xiao Guang to expend his energy. Xiao Guang's anger began to rise, his attacks becoming wilder, but Duan Liang read his every move.

The crowd was silent, their eyes fixed on Duan Liang's incredible agility. They watched how a 'Level 0' disciple was dodging every strike of a Level 8 Peak Cultivator's high-level sword technique. It was inconceivable!

Xiao Guang's face turned red with rage. "How is this possible?! You're just an ant!" He increased his power further, concentrating all his internal energy into his sword. A brilliant aura emanated from the sword, tearing through the arena towards Duan Liang. This was Xiao Guang's most powerful strike.

Duan Liang activated the blue particles in his eyes. His vision read every subtle energy flow of the sword, its path, its speed. He saw that Xiao Guang would be vulnerable for a small interval after this powerful strike.

It was a dangerous move, but Duan Liang knew he had to attack. The spear was passing very close to his body, he could feel the air pressure, but he passed through it with his unique insight.

In the blink of an eye, Duan Liang was in front of Xiao Guang, only a few feet away. Xiao Guang was in shock, his eyes wide with fear, as he had not even imagined that Duan Liang would be able to dodge his most powerful attack.

Duan Liang concentrated the full power of 'Ocean Blast' in his fist. The air around his hand formed a subtle vortex, the blue particles shining in his eyes. He rotated his fist in the air, utilizing the hidden potential of 'Ocean Blast' that he had been refining in the cultivation chamber – the ability to pull air towards himself and then unleash a powerful explosion. The air created an invisible, violent force that pulled Xiao Guang towards him, completely unbalancing his body.

"No!" Xiao Guang screamed, trying to retreat, but the invisible force was pulling him towards Duan Liang.

Duan Liang concentrated another 'Ocean Blast' in his fist, and with a sharp 'Boom!' sound, he punched Xiao Guang directly in the stomach. The punch was so powerful that an energy wave emanated from Xiao Guang's body, and he was thrown out of the arena.

Xiao Guang's eyes widened, and an intense pain surged through his body. He lost consciousness. He fell to the ground, unconscious with a loud thud. His sword had slipped from his hand.

The entire arena fell silent. Only the whisper of the wind and the incredulous gasps of the distant crowd could be heard. Everyone looked at the unconscious Xiao Guang and the calmly standing Duan Liang.

For a moment, there was no sound. Then, the betting in-charge's face filled with astonishment and then immense joy. "He... he won!" he shouted, his voice trembling. "Duan Liang won!"

A mixed roar of disbelief and then joy erupted from the crowd. Those who had bet on Duan Liang cheered, their faces filled with boundless happiness. Those who had bet on Xiao Guang were in shock, their faces shadowed with defeat. Ren Hao's face had turned completely white, his eyes wide, his jaw slack. He was trembling. He knew that Duan Liang was no ordinary person, and that his own fate was now completely sealed.

There was silence in the crowd, but it didn't last long. The Fifth Elder, seated in the spectator stands, was in shock and rage at Duan Liang's victory. Another Elder sitting beside him, whose face was calm but eyes were deep, whispered in his ear.

"Fifth Elder," he said softly. "I agree your grandson is injured, and it is regrettable. But you still have many grandsons." He paused for a moment, a warning in his voice. "Do not make an enemy of this boy. Look at his age – merely eight years old! And he is at Level 9."

The Fifth Elder's eyes widened, his eyebrows raised. Level 9!

The other Elder continued. "Few people in this city, what's more, in the entire empire, possess talent equal to this boy. Just look at the eyes of our leader's younger brother. They are shining as if this were his own grandson." He gestured.

The Fifth Elder looked at the family leader's younger brother, who was seated on the stage. Indeed, there was boundless affection and pride in his eyes for Duan Liang, just as a grandfather would feel for his grandson. The Fifth Elder's face was flushed with anger and disbelief. He knew how dangerous it could be to make an enemy of this boy.

End of Chapter 25