NOVEL NEXT Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Shock
Chapter 27: Shock
As everyone stared at the four golden characters glowing on the Blackstone Monument, the training ground fell into a brief silence. Then, the sound of collective gasps filled the air as everyone's expressions froze at that moment.
"Mo Yu, One-Star Dou Zhe!"
Even the Second Elder, shaken by the golden words, rubbed his aging eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things before exclaiming in amazement.
All eyes, after a moment of disbelief, were now glued to the shining golden letters on the Blackstone Monument.
In the VIP section, the sound of teacups dropping to the ground echoed as the representatives from various factions in Wu Tan City stared in shock, their faces full of disbelief.
They had come today to see if the rumors about the "Xiao Family's Twin Dragons" were true. But what they witnessed not only confirmed the rumors, but also far exceeded their expectations.
Not only had Xiao Yan, the fallen genius, regained his talent, but the Xiao Family had also produced a prodigy like Mo Yu!
A sixteen-year-old Dou Zhe who had advanced four stages in just one year (starting from the initial seventh stage of Dou Qi, with the leap from Dou Qi to One-Star Dou Zhe counting as one stage). While the quantity might not surpass Xiao Yan's five stages in one year, the quality certainly did.
After all, advancing from Dou Qi to Dou Zhe was much more challenging, and it wasn't uncommon for an ordinary person to be stuck at that stage for two or three years.
"The Xiao Family has hit the jackpot this time…" murmured many in the VIP section, their minds racing as they realized the immense potential of these two who had leaped several stages of Dou Qi in one year, with one even becoming a Dou Zhe. They imagined the bright future ahead for these young talents.
"At this rate of progress, perhaps… in a few decades, the Xiao Family might have not one but two Dou Huang-level powerhouses," the thought struck the minds of everyone in the VIP section simultaneously.
Two Dou Huang in a single family—how terrifying that would be.
Even the three great families of the Jia Ma Empire would have to step aside, and even the imperial family that rules the empire would have to tread carefully.
After all, two Dou Huang would undoubtedly secure spots among the top ten strongest in the empire, and not just anywhere, but likely near the top.
Given this, no one dared to question the title of "Xiao Family's Twin Dragons" anymore, and there was now a sense of deep envy and even jealousy toward the Xiao Family.
In the center of the high platform, the Xiao Family's leader, Xiao Zhan, was once again struck by the golden characters on the Blackstone Monument.
After a long pause, he finally exhaled slowly, his gaze filled with pride as he looked at the green-clad youth on the platform and the black-clad youth below. He laughed heartily, "No doubt about it, the Xiao Family's Twin Dragons are remarkable!"
As the head of the Xiao Family and Xiao Yan's father, Xiao Zhan couldn't be more proud and excited—not only had his son regained his talent, but another genius had emerged within the Xiao Family.
"Patriarch Xiao, the Xiao Family's Twin Dragons are truly impressive. It seems the Xiao Family is destined to rise." Beside Xiao Zhan, Ya Fei's captivating eyes remained fixed on the young man in green. Her eyes sparkled with interest as she spoke with a charming smile.
Xiao Zhan laughed twice, the pride and excitement on his face barely concealed. He politely cupped his hands toward Ya Fei and replied casually, "Miss Ya Fei flatters us. These two kids are always so secretive—one with his fluctuating talent and the other always acting mysteriously. I just hope they can stay on a steady path."
Ya Fei's alluring eyes curved into a gentle smile. Although she couldn't tell if Xiao Yan's restored talent would last, she was certain that Mo Yu was quite intriguing.
With a subtle shift in her gaze, Ya Fei had already made up her mind to strengthen ties with the Xiao Family in the future.
…
Beneath the platform, Xiao Yu's mouth hung slightly open, her pretty face stiff with shock. Her eyes were glued to the Blackstone Monument, and after a long pause, her ample chest heaved with emotion. She glanced down at Xiao Ning, who was equally stunned, and demanded angrily, "Didn't you say he was only at the ninth stage? How did he level up again?"
Xiao Ning, looking a bit helpless, mumbled, "He really was at the ninth stage last month… but I guess he broke through again this month?"
"Advancing from the ninth stage to One-Star Dou Zhe in a month? How is that even possible? Is this guy really a genius?" Xiao Yu grumbled, her delicate eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. Such speed could rival even the top talents of the Jia Nan Academy's Inner Court.
For a moment, she completely forgot about Xiao Yan's impressive cultivation speed, her mind entirely consumed by the thought: Could Mo Yu really be a genius?
Meanwhile, in the audience, Xiao Yan looked at the golden words with a hint of envy. "Cousin Mo Yu is progressing so fast. I wonder when I'll be able to break through to Dou Zhe."
Beside him, Xun'er smiled gently, "Brother Xiao Yan, you're already doing incredibly well—advancing five stages of Dou Qi in one year is something many would envy. You can't expect to immediately break through to Dou Zhe too, unless you're an absolute prodigy. But Cousin Mo Yu is indeed very strong; he's already caught up with me."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan smiled awkwardly. Although advancing five stages in a year was impressive, it didn't seem as remarkable when compared to Xun'er and Mo Yu, who had both already become Dou Zhe.
At that moment, Yao Lao's voice suddenly echoed in Xiao Yan's mind. "Stop being envious. Your cousin Mo Yu has a great opportunity ahead of him. His future growth may even surpass yours. And I sense that after breaking through to Dou Zhe, this kid has undergone some kind of transformation. Though it's not yet apparent, in the future, he could become much more powerful than that little girlfriend of yours. It's a good thing you two are on good terms, with the title of 'Xiao Family's Twin Dragons.' The future of the continent is going to be very interesting…"
Yao Lao's words caused Xiao Yan's heart to tighten.
Mo Yu had secrets—Xiao Yan had already suspected as much. Just as Yao Lao was his hidden advantage, everyone had their own opportunities. Xiao Yan didn't envy or resent this. However, the idea that his cousin's secrets might be on par with Xun'er's was startling.
Xun'er's mystery and power had been etched into Xiao Yan's mind since childhood. The revelation that Mo Yu, the grandson of a mere steward, had even greater secrets was nothing short of astonishing.
While Xiao Yan was surprised, Yao Lao in the ring was even more so.
After all, Yao Lao was aware of Xiao Xun'er's origins—she was from one of the eight ancient clans of the Central Plains. As a member of the Yao Clan, one of these ancient clans, Yao Lao was no stranger to such powers.
To possess a physique even stronger than that of the ancient clans—it was truly something to look forward to...
In the darkness of the ring, Yao Lao's old voice murmured quietly.
(End of chapter)