The morning sun rose from the distant horizon gilding the earth with a thin layer of gold.
In a large courtyard of the Xiao family, sunlight passed through the windows casting its glow on a boy deeply cultivating on his bed.
Feeling the warmth on his face, the boy exhaled and ended his practice.
This was Xiao Yan!
After a few months of training, he has gained back a little more confidence and strength. His previous gloom has almost dissipated.
Now, with the help of Yao Lao, he was sure he could claim back his position as the No. 1 genius of the Xiao Clan once again.
"Teacher, can we really solve it like this?" Xiao Yan muttered to the empty air.
Before his words were over, an ancient voice echoed in his ears followed by a white smoke projection of an old man with short white beard appearing before him.
"Don't worry, Yanzi. This is just a small matter for your teacher." Yao Lao spoke nonchalantly.
"But the Mitter Auction House has always been neutral. Will they agree to our proposal?"
"Nothing in this world is absolute. As a business family, they will definitely not give up such a lucrative opportunity. I assure you, the Xiao family will not only solve their trouble but also come out on top."
On hearing this Xiao Yan felt relieved. With this plan, atleast the Xiao family will be saved.
Before he could continue, a commotion started outside the door.
Coming out of the courtyard, he saw many people, both disciples and elders discussing intensely among themselves.
From their words, he overheard some of the details which stunned Xiao Yan in place.
The alchemist hired by the Jia Lie family is dead?!
After listening carefully, he finally figured out the basics.
Last night, some assasin killed the first rank alchemist from the Jia Lie family, Liu Xi.
There were no traces on the scene except for the corpse. The Jia Lie family has launched an investigation but without any leads, it is almost impossible to find the killer.
This has dealt a heavy blow to the Jia Lie family's herbal business which was flourishing recently.
Many people who got this news smoothly shifted to the Xiao family market. So, right now the Xiao family business is booming even more than before.
Xiao Yan who heard all this was shocked.
Who could kill someone inside the Jia Lie family and escape without raising an alarm!
You must know, the patriarch of the Jia Lie family is comparable to his own father in strength.
A strong Da Dou Shi!
Even the guards are all experienced fighters.
"It seems this city is not as simple as it looks." Yao Lao muttered inside the ring.
Just as everyone was in an uproar, the one who caused all this was sleeping soundly in his room without any care.
Xiao Lin was very tired from all the running around last night so he decided to sleep till noon.
Later, when he was on his way to the canteen, he also heard the news but he took it very casually.
After eating a hearty lunch, he finally heard something interesting.
Jianan Academy is going to recruit in Wutan City and they are arriving in atmost six months.
Jianan Academy is one of the most famous places in the continent and also a dream training ground for all cultivators.
It is said that it has produced countless strongmen. It is so well-known that even those privileged children from the Central Plains come here to train during their early years.
Xiao Lin, of course, wants to join as well but not for training, instead he wants to join for the heavenly flame that resides there.
After learning that there was still six months left, he wanted to improve as much as possible.
It's not that he was afraid of not making it. But going into a place teeming with talented people, strength is often an assurance.
The following months went smoothly.
After the news of Jianan Academy's arrival for recruitment spread throughout the city, everyone turned even more focused and started practicing diligently in hope of getting into that sacred place.
Xiao Lin also took advantage of this time. He would practice alchemy and martial arts during the day and cultivate douqi at night. With his talents, his progress was monstrous.
Finally the day of Xiao family's coming of age ceremony arrived.
This event although similar to the Annual Tests, is a major turning point in every disciple's life.
Multiple forces from all over the city are invited to witness the outstanding candidates of the clan. This is both an opportunity to make name for oneself and also a place to lose everything.
If you don't pass the test, you will be cast out of the family and your name will be removed from the main lineage.
In the future, without some rare encounters, the chances of succeeding in cultivation is extremely slim as you will lose all rights to resources.
Xiao Lin got up early and dressed casually. For him, this test wasn't difficult. The only thing to decide, was how much power should he reveal.
Coming to the test site, he found that the entire venue has been rearranged.
Around the field, a viewing platform was constructed for the spectators.
At the center of the podium, a row of grandly decorated chairs were placed for the distinguished guests and the patriarch.
The viewing platform was almost full and the field was buzzing with people.
Xiao Lin quickly spotted Xun'er. Even among so many people, Xun'er still stood out like the brightest moon as if she is a fairy not belonging to the mortal world.
"Brother Xiao Lin, the ceremony is about to start."
As soon as she saw Xiao Lin, Xun'er smiled like a flower. Her smile was so bright that it made the surrounding world noticeably dimmer.
Time passed, people gathered and soon, an old voice echoed throughout the field causing everyone to fall silent.
The elder supervising the test stood on the stage and after confirming with the patriarch, announced the beginning of the coming of age ceremony!