Reincarnated into the DAO World, Season 1

For the next few days, rumors spread through the Xiao Clan like wildfire.

The once useless young master, Xiao Lan, had:

Defeated Xiao Bai, the official heir to the clan.Survived an assassination attempt from mysterious attackers.Battled Xiao Wu, one of the strongest warriors in the younger generation, and won his respect.

The entire outer and inner branches of the clan were talking about it.

Some dismissed it as mere luck.

Others… weren't so sure.

In the training grounds, sparring halls, and private chambers, whispers filled the air—

"Did you hear? Xiao Lan is no longer a waste!"

"Impossible! He was trash just a month ago!"

"Then explain how he fought Xiao Wu to a standstill?"

"Maybe he has a hidden master!"

And in the main residence, within the dimly lit halls of power, these whispers reached the ears of those who mattered most.

Xiao Ming sat at the head of a long stone table, his expression unreadable as he listened to the reports.

"The boy is becoming a problem," Elder Xiao Feng murmured.

"Indeed," Xiao Hong agreed. "If this continues, the clan's attention may start shifting toward him instead of Xiao Bai."

Xiao Ming finally spoke, his voice calm but deadly.

"Then it's time we remind him of his place."

At dawn, a messenger arrived at Xiao Lan's courtyard.

The man knelt respectfully before him and said, "The Clan Head has summoned you."

Xiao Lan raised an eyebrow.

Oh?

So soon?

He had been expecting this, but not this quickly.

He smirked.

"Very well. Lead the way."

With steady steps, Xiao Lan followed the messenger through the twisting pathways of the Xiao Clan's estate, the air thick with tension.

As he entered the grand hall of judgment, he saw them.

His father, Xiao Ming, sat at the highest seat, his expression cold and calculating.

To his right, his eldest son, Xiao Bai, stood with his arms crossed, his face still bruised from their last fight.

To the left, Elder Xiao Feng and Elder Xiao Hong watched him with piercing gazes.

Xiao Lan's smirk didn't falter.

So, this is how it is.

A confrontation.

A test.

A warning.

Xiao Ming's eyes narrowed as he finally spoke.

"Xiao Lan," he said, his voice calm but heavy, "you have been making quite a name for yourself lately."

Xiao Lan inclined his head. "I was merely defending myself."

Xiao Bai scoffed. "Defending? Don't act innocent. You humiliated me in front of the entire clan!"

Xiao Lan turned to him, grinning. "Oh? Did I? My apologies. I thought we were simply having a fair duel."

"You—!" Xiao Bai took a step forward, but Xiao Ming raised a hand, stopping him.

Then, Xiao Ming's gaze settled on Xiao Lan, his eyes cold as steel.

"The clan has rules, Xiao Lan. Rules that ensure order is maintained. If you wish to rise in power, you must do so within the confines of these rules."

Xiao Lan's smirk grew wider.

"Of course, Father. I wouldn't dream of breaking the rules."

Xiao Ming's expression didn't change, but Xiao Lan could feel it.

The unspoken threat.

This wasn't just a summons.

It was a warning.

A reminder.

That he was still under the authority of the clan.

And yet, Xiao Lan had no intention of bowing.

Instead, he looked his father in the eye and said, "If that's all, I'll be taking my leave."

Xiao Bai growled, but Xiao Ming simply nodded.

"You may go."

Xiao Lan turned and left, his steps calm, but his mind sharp.

This was only the beginning.

As soon as Xiao Lan returned to his courtyard, he knew something was wrong.

The air felt too quiet.

His instincts screamed danger.

He stepped forward—

Then—

BAM!

The ground exploded beneath his feet, and three figures in black robes leaped out from the shadows!

Assassins again?!

Xiao Lan reacted instantly, his body moving like lightning.

The first assassin swung a dagger, aiming for his throat—

Xiao Lan tilted his head, the blade barely missing.

The second assassin lunged from behind—

Xiao Lan spun and slammed his elbow into the attacker's ribs—crack!

The third assassin unleashed a wave of Dao energy, sending a burst of fire toward him!

But Xiao Lan was faster.

He gathered his own Dao, his palm glowing faintly, and—

BOOM!

The fire attack dispersed, the energy shattering like glass!

The assassins stumbled back, their eyes wide.

"This kid—!"

They had underestimated him.

And now?

They were going to pay for it.

Xiao Lan's eyes gleamed as he stepped forward.

"You should've brought more people."

Then, with explosive speed, he attacked.

Minutes later, the assassins lay defeated.

Xiao Lan stood over them, his breathing steady.

He grabbed one by the collar, dragging him up.

"Who sent you?"

The man's lips trembled, but he stayed silent.

Xiao Lan smirked.

"Let me guess. Xiao Ming?"

The assassin flinched.

Got you.

Xiao Lan tossed him aside, watching as the injured men scrambled away into the night.

Let them return.

Let them tell his father what happened.

The message was clear.

You can try to kill me. But you will fail.

As the mist rolled in, Xiao Lan stood tall, his eyes burning with determination.

He had been reborn in this world.

And now?

He was ready to take it.