19: The Xiao family's shock and new crisis

Xiao Yan defeating Xiao Ning with a single punch was like a giant boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up monstrous waves within the Xiao Family and even the entire Wutan City!

The news spread like wildfire, quickly reaching every corner of Wutan City.

“Have you heard? That good-for-nothing Xiao Yan of the Xiao Family actually defeated Xiao Ning, who is at the Eighth Level of Dou Qi (Fighting Qi), with one punch during the family competition!”

“What? Impossible? Isn't he only at the Third Level of Dou Qi (Fighting Qi)?”

“Absolutely true! They say he recovered to the Seventh Stage of Dou Qi in just one year! It's a miracle!”

“Did his former talent return?”

“Wutan City is going to be lively now! The Jia Lie Family and the Aoba Family probably won't be able to sit still!”

On street corners, in teahouses and taverns, everyone was discussing this astonishing news. Xiao Yan's sudden rise completely shattered the delicate balance between Wutan City's three major families. A Xiao Family genius whose talent had re-emerged posed a far greater potential threat than a fallen good-for-nothing!

Within the Xiao Family, an even greater earthquake occurred.

The faction of the First Elder looked like frost-bitten eggplants, completely deflated. Xiao Ning lay in bed recuperating, consumed by shame and indignation, not even daring to leave his room. The First Elder Third Elder's Attendant's face was so grim it could drip water. At the family meeting, facing Patriarch Clan Leader's undisguised joy and authority, he felt immense pressure for the first time.

And some of the previously wavering neutral factions also began to re-evaluate the situation, leaning towards the Patriarch's faction. Clan Leader's position as Patriarch became more stable than ever due to his son's powerful return.

The Third Elder Third Elder's Attendant still maintained his calm and composed demeanor, but privately, his attitude towards Xiao Chen became even more enthusiastic. The medicinal herb identification guides and notes he sent were also more advanced, clearly intending to maintain a good relationship with the infinitely promising Xiao Yan through Xiao Chen.

Xiao Yan's courtyard, which was previously deserted, now bustled with activity. Many clansmen who had previously distanced themselves from him or even mocked him shamelessly came to offer congratulations, attempting to mend their relationships. Xiao Yan treated this with indifference; after three years of experiencing the fickleness of the world, he had already seen many things clearly.

He poured all his energy into intense cultivation. With the assistance of the foundation establishment spiritual liquid, his cultivation speed advanced by leaps and bounds. His Dou Qi steadily increased, pushing towards the threshold of becoming a Fighter. Yao Lao also began to teach him some basic alchemy knowledge, preparing for the future absorption of Heavenly Flames.

However, one of the instigators of all this, Xiao Chen, continued to maintain a low profile. He still commuted daily between his small house and the Mittel Auction House, mass-producing blood coagulation powder, accumulating funds and energy, while furiously studying the miscellaneous records of the soul to improve his soul realm.

Xiao Yan's rise was both an opportunity and a new challenge and risk for him.

Firstly, Xiao Yan becoming the center of attention again meant that his courtyard was no longer safe. The First Elder's faction would not dare to openly confront Xiao Yan and would likely vent their resentment on him, the “outsider.” Secondly, the Jia Lie Family and the Aoba Family would never sit idly by and watch the Xiao Family rise again; they would inevitably take action, and as someone closely related to Xiao Yan, he was very likely to be affected.

Sure enough, only a few days of peace passed before trouble came knocking.

That evening, as Xiao Chen returned from the auction house and reached a street corner still one street away from the Xiao Family, his soul perception suddenly detected several ill-intentioned auras hidden in the shadows of the alley.

“System, Scan!” Xiao Chen's heart tightened, and he immediately gave the command.

【Scan: Target x4】

【Strength】: Sixth Level of Dou Qi (Fighting Qi) x2, Seventh Stage of Dou Qi x1, Eighth Level of Dou Qi (Fighting Qi) x1.

【Identity Features】: Wearing Jia Lie Family insignias, carrying weapons, clear malice.

【Threat Level】: High!

People from the Jia Lie Family! And they were not weak! One at the Eighth Level, one at the Seventh Level, and two at the Sixth Level! This lineup was clearly not a bunch of street thugs, but well-prepared elites!

Xiao Chen understood instantly. The Jia Lie Family dared not directly touch Xiao Yan, so they wanted to pick on him, the “soft persimmon,” to both damage Xiao Yan's reputation and test the Xiao Family's reaction!

Run? There were four opponents, far stronger than him, and they had blocked his path, making escape difficult.

Fight? No chance of winning! Although he had the system, he himself had no Dou Qi and his physical fitness was only that of an ordinary person. Against four opponents above the Sixth Level of Dou Qi (Fighting Qi), any technique would be futile.

What to do? Xiao Chen's mind raced. Call for help? This street was relatively quiet, and it was unlikely anyone would hear him. Stall for time? Wait for the Xiao Family patrol? Probably too late!

Just as his thoughts flickered, the four Jia Lie Family members emerged from the shadows, fanning out to surround him. The burly man leading them, at the Eighth Level of Dou Qi (Fighting Qi), had a sinister smile on his face and held a gleaming short dagger.

“Kid, are you Xiao Chen? The one who hangs out with that good-for-nothing Xiao Yan?” The burly man's voice was hoarse and full of menace.

Xiao Chen forced himself to calm down, his gaze sweeping over the four. He said in a deep voice, “Are you gentlemen from the Jia Lie Family? May I ask why you have stopped me?”

“Instructions?” The burly man sneered, “No instructions, we just want to invite you to be our 'guest' at the Jia Lie Family for a few days! If you know what's good for you, come with us obediently and avoid some physical pain!”

Saying that, he gave a look, and the lanky man at the Seventh Stage of Dou Qi immediately stepped forward, reaching out to grab Xiao Chen's shoulder, his hand carrying a strong Dou Qi fluctuation.

Seeing that hand about to grab him, a cold glint flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes! Sitting still and waiting for death was not his style! Even if he died, he would take a few of their teeth with him!

He secretly communicated with the system, preparing to unleash all the few points of energy he had within him the moment the opponent touched him, executing a wild Soul Impact! Although the effect was unknown, and it might even backfire, this was the only way he could think of to counterattack!

Just at this critical moment!

“Stop!”

A cold shout, like a clap of thunder, exploded at the alley entrance! The voice contained a powerful Dou Qi pressure, causing the four Jia Lie Family members to suddenly freeze!

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound, only to see a young woman in a green dress standing at the alley entrance. The young woman had a beautiful and refined appearance, a cold demeanor, a long sword at her waist, and a powerful aura emanating from her. She was clearly a Fighter!

“It's... it's Miss Xiao Yu!” The burly man at the Eighth Level of Dou Qi (Fighting Qi) changed his expression, recognizing the newcomer. Xiao Yu, the granddaughter of the Xiao Family's First Elder, and also Xiao Ning's older sister, but her talent was far superior to Xiao Ning's. She was already a student of the Jia Nan Academy and had reached the Fighter level! Why would she be here?

Xiao Yu's icy gaze swept over the four Jia Lie Family members, finally landing on Xiao Chen, who was surrounded in the middle. Seeing that he was unharmed, she said coldly, “When did the Jia Lie Family dare to run wild at my Xiao Family's doorstep? Get out!”

The single word “Get out,” carried an undeniable authority and the aura of a Fighter, making the four Jia Lie Family members' faces turn pale. Although there were many of them, they had no chance of winning against a true Fighter.

“Miss Xiao Yu, this is a misunderstanding...” The burly man still tried to explain.

“I'll count to three. If you don't get out, don't blame my sword for being merciless!” Xiao Yu's hand was already on her sword hilt, radiating a chilling killing intent.

“One!”

The four's faces drastically changed. They exchanged glances, dared not linger, glared fiercely at Xiao Chen, and then turned and fled in a hurry, disappearing into the depths of the alley in an instant.

The crisis was averted.

Xiao Chen sighed in relief, his back already drenched in cold sweat. He looked at Xiao Yu at the alley entrance, feeling a bit puzzled. Xiao Yu was the First Elder's granddaughter, and logically, she wasn't particularly friendly with him or Xiao Yan. Why would she help?

Xiao Yu retracted her aura, walked in front of Xiao Chen, and scrutinized him. Her tone was still cold, but the previous killing intent was gone: “You are Xiao Chen? The one Xiao Yan brought?”

“Yes, thank you, Miss Xiao Yu, for your timely assistance.” Xiao Chen cupped his hands in thanks, neither humble nor arrogant.

Xiao Yu nodded, saying indifferently, “No need to thank me. I didn't come for you; I just happened to pass by and couldn't stand the arrogance of the Jia Lie Family. Since you are a guest of the Xiao Family, you are under the Xiao Family's protection. Be careful in the future; the Jia Lie Family holds grudges.”

After speaking, she said no more, turned and left. Her figure flickered a few times, then disappeared at the end of the street, arriving suddenly and leaving decisively.

Xiao Chen stood rooted to the spot, watching the direction Xiao Yu disappeared, his brows slightly furrowed. Just happened to pass by? He didn't believe that. Wutan City was so big; how could there be such a coincidence? Moreover, Xiao Yu's gaze towards him seemed to carry a hint of... scrutiny?

Could it be that the First Elder's faction had changed its strategy, wanting to ease relations with Xiao Yan through a show of goodwill? Or was there another motive?

Regardless, this crisis made Xiao Chen realize once again the importance of strength! Without strength, even walking on the street could lead to unexpected dangers at any time!

“I must improve my strength faster! I can no longer be limited to blood coagulation powder!” Xiao Chen clenched his fists, a resolute glint flashing in his eyes.

He needed higher-grade pills and stronger Dou Techniques! And all of this required higher system authority and more energy!

Returning to his small house, Xiao Chen immediately began planning his next step. The accumulation of blood coagulation powder had entered a stable period; it was time to attempt new breakthroughs!

His gaze turned to a Mortal-grade Mid-level pill recorded in the miscellaneous records of the soul—the “power storing pill” ! This pill could slightly increase strength in a short period, which was quite attractive to those below the Fighter level, and its value far exceeded blood coagulation powder!

Replicating the power storing pill required more complex medicinal ingredients and more energy, but the profit was also greater! Moreover, the process of refining the power storing pill might give him new insights into the application of soul power!

“I'll start trying tomorrow!” Xiao Chen made up his mind.

The undercurrents in Wutan City grew increasingly turbulent, and Xiao Chen's path of replication would also usher in new challenges and opportunities!