Fighting: Practice makes it real, start with a poisonous body.

Chapter 218 Xiao Xun'er's Powerlessness
"It's really here!"

After a brief silence, gasps of surprise erupted like a tidal wave.

The powerful figures inside and outside the ancient city rose to their feet, their eyes fixed intently on the figure at the city gate. Whispers rose and fell, instantly creating a huge uproar.

"Wait... he's the only one here?"

Someone keenly sensed something was wrong and subconsciously looked behind Xiao Yan. On the empty street, apart from the swirling dust, there wasn't a single person in sight.

"Xiao Jibai didn't come?"

In the crowd, Sword Venerable was being carefully supported by Tang Ying. A deep, unyielding disappointment flashed across his cloudy eyes, and even the hand holding his cane tightened slightly.

"Even he can't go all the way down this path..."

The Sword Master murmured softly, his expression extremely complex, harboring a conflicted expectation in his heart.

He both hoped that Xiao Jibai would appear, which would prove that the sword path he had pursued all his life still had a future, but he also vaguely did not want him to come. If Xiao Jibai really avoided the battle, it would prove that his choice back then was not wrong.

High in the sky, Yao Wangui's gaze locked onto Xiao Yan like a hawk's, and his cold, sharp voice, carrying the pressure of a Dou Sheng, crashed down: "Where is Xiao Jibai?"

Xiao Yan slowly raised his head, his gaze piercing through the clouds and landing on Yao Wangui. With just one glance, his fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turned white, and his body even trembled slightly uncontrollably.

The humiliation of that year surged into my heart like a tidal wave...

He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, and the anger and hatred surging in his chest gradually subsided.

When Xiao Yan spoke again, his voice had returned to normal.

"After the battle at the Beast Domain Ruins half a year ago, the Ancestor went into seclusion."

"I did not inform him of today's events. Your wishful thinking of luring him out has failed; the Ancestor will not come."

"Ok?"

Yao Wangui narrowed his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Yan's face.

He was in charge of the Medicine Clan's punishments and was most adept at discerning people's hearts from subtle details. Xiao Yan's eyes, tone of voice, and even the rhythm of his breathing were all flawless... He wasn't lying.

But if Xiao Jibai really did shut himself off from outside news because of his seclusion, then things would get complicated.

Even Yao Wangui had to admit that it was impossible to make Xiao Yan submit and take the initiative to contact Xiao Jibai; this good-for-nothing had a very hard bone to stick.

"This child went to the appointment alone, which shows some backbone, it's just a pity..."

Lei Ming, the elder of the Lei Clan, stood beside Yao Wangui, his gaze falling on Xiao Yan below. He gently shook his head, his tone tinged with regret.

"In this world, many times, ambition alone is not enough to survive..."

"Hmph, even if it's just him, it's enough!"

Yao Wangui's eyes flashed even colder: "Xiao Jibai will eventually emerge from seclusion."

"We'll spread the word across the mainland then. The last remnants of the Xiao family are in our hands. I don't believe he'll dare not show his face!"

Before he finished speaking, he suddenly raised his large hand, his five fingers forming a claw, and gathered immense Dou Sheng power in his palm, ready to strike and grab Xiao Yan.

"and many more!"

With a flick of his sleeve, Gu Yang unleashed a gentle yet irresistible burst of fighting spirit, blocking the palm that contained terrifying power.

"Gu Yang, what do you mean?"

Yao Wangui's face darkened, his tone full of dissatisfaction.

Gu Yang said coldly, "Don't forget, today is the coming-of-age ceremony of my Gu clan, and many powerful figures from the continent are here."

The strongest warriors from all the continents are here to witness this ceremony. You attacked a junior in public; if word gets out, where will our ancient clan's reputation be?
"You don't need to be so anxious. His father and teacher are both in the Ancient Realm. Are you afraid he'll escape?"

Upon hearing this, Yao Wangui's expression softened slightly. Today's occasion was special, and it was indeed inappropriate to resort to violence in public, lest it give others grounds for criticism...

Now that the Origin Qi of the Dou Qi Continent is depleted, the seven ancient clans have risen to the top of the continent. With no real benefits to fight over, face becomes their most valued possession.

"However, if we don't take action, the little ones won't have to worry about so much..."

Gu Yang's lips curled into a cold smile.

Below, Xiao Xun'er could no longer contain herself. Hearing Xiao Yan's voice and seeing that familiar figure, the longing and worry that had been building up in her heart surged up instantly, and she couldn't help but softly call out, "Brother Xiao Yan!"

Her feet moved forward involuntarily, as if she wanted to rush to Xiao Yan's side.

"Xun'er, don't go over there!"

Gu Qingyang reacted quickly and stepped forward to block Xiao Xun'er's path.

"Brother Qingyang, what are you doing!"

Xiao Xun'er suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with anxiety.
Gu Qingyang calmly said, "Xun'er, I didn't mean to stop you."

Think about it carefully. If you were to go up to him and acknowledge him now, with so many eyes watching, it would only bring him more trouble and humiliation.

Xiao Xun'er shuddered, her mind, which had been clouded by longing, instantly cleared. She subconsciously looked around and, sure enough, saw countless disciples of ancient clans staring at Xiao Yan with cold, hostile gazes.

She bit her lower lip hard, and finally stopped. The urgency in her eyes was gradually replaced by helplessness and pain.

The relationship between the two also caused whispers among the young people of various ethnic groups.

Many people looked at the two with a mixture of curiosity, mockery, and a hint of barely concealed...jealousy.

Huo Xuan's lips curled into a playful smile, his voice kept extremely low but just loud enough for the people around him to hear: "Oh, it seems the rumors are true."

"A noble lady from an ancient clan, ignoring all the exceptionally talented prodigies in her clan, instead falls for a down-on-his-luck member of the Xiao clan. Her taste is truly extraordinary."

After saying that, he turned to look at the handsome man beside him who was surrounded by faint lightning, and said with a smile: "Lei Dong, if I remember correctly, your father specially asked the ancient clan for a marriage proposal for you a few years ago, right?"
Now that you've witnessed this scene firsthand, don't you have any thoughts?

"You're always stirring up trouble."

Lei Dong smiled helplessly: "Forget it, the young lady of the ancient clan already has someone in her heart. If I had known this earlier, I would never have let my father propose this marriage."

I can't afford to serve this pampered young lady; I prefer a gentler girl.

"Oh?"

Huo Zhi raised an eyebrow and chuckled, covering her mouth, "So, according to you, that Yao Ling girl is just what you're looking for?"

Upon hearing this, Yao Ling's cheeks instantly flushed slightly: "Sister Huo Zhi, please stop joking with me."

She nervously twisted the hem of her skirt with her small hands, looking extremely shy, which caused a few people around her to chuckle softly.

Lei Dong was somewhat embarrassed by these words and said, "We came to the Ancient Holy City today to witness the prowess of the Sword Emperor's successor. Why are you bothering me?"

Even so, he secretly glanced at Yao Ling out of the corner of his eye. Just then, Yao Ling was also looking over, and their eyes met unexpectedly.

He quickly turned his head away, a secret joy in his heart.

What he didn't see was that the spirit behind him still maintained that shy and demure demeanor, her gaze following his retreating figure.

But deep within those clear eyes, a hint of crimson and... pity flickered.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere on the other side was completely different from the merriment on this side.

In the arena, the ancient demon slowly stepped out. His black iron armor gleamed with a cold, hard luster in the setting sun. Each step he took seemed to carry an invisible pressure, making the surrounding air seem to freeze.

He walked straight up to Xiao Yan, stopped, and unleashed his powerful Dou Zun aura without reservation, stirring up the rubble on the ground and crushing it towards Xiao Yan!

"boom--!"

(End of this chapter)