In just a few months, the time had swiftly passed, and only one month remained until Xiao Yan's coming-of-age ceremony. Inside the neat cottage, Xiao Yan stared blankly at the jade-colored liquid in the wooden basin. This was the final foundational essence liquid. As the cultivation of the combat energy progressed, the later stages became increasingly difficult to master. Since his breakthrough to the seventh stage last time, the combat energy within him had remained dormant for nearly two months. Throughout that period, no matter how hard he trained, he could not feel the sensation of a breakthrough. Staring at the basin like a fool for a long time, Xiao Yan finally sighed and muttered, "I wonder if this final drop of foundational essence liquid will be enough to help me advance to the eighth stage of combat energy cultivation." Gently straightening himself, a bit stiff and numb, Xiao Yan was unexpectedly surprised to find that he did not continue refining his Battle Qi. Instead, he reached into the wardrobe and retrieved a neat set of black attire. Hearing the clear voice of the girl, Xiao Yan slightly raised his brow, fastened his clothes, grasped the wooden basin in both hands, and concealed it in a hidden corner before slowly making his way to the door, pulling it open with a steady motion. As the door swung open, warm sunlight poured in, illuminating the young man dressed in black, making him look especially vibrant and spirited. Outside the door, the girl stood gracefully, her fresh, light green attire perfectly highlighting her emerging figure. Though her modestly covered bust still carried a touch of youthful timidity, it exuded a confident charm of youth. A purple sash loosely tied around her slender waist, gently swaying in the breeze, added to the delicate appeal. Staring at the beautiful girl outside, Xiao Yan stood motionless for a moment before gradually regaining his composure and taking in her appearance with a quiet admiration. "In the early morning, I thought a goddess from some distant realm had arrived," he murmured, marveling, "but upon closer inspection, it's just my own Xun'er." Hearing Xiao Yan's slightly teasing praise, Xun's bright eyes blinked, and she maintained a composed, gentle smile, her delicate eyebrows subtly curving into a beautiful crescent moon, silently conveying her inner delight. With a touch of joy in her eyes, Xun lifted her refined chin, gazing at the young man stepping out of the room. After nearly a year of rigorous cultivation, Xiao Yan had shed some of his youthful naivety; his refined face now carried an air of subtle charm. His strong, well-built frame, developed through prolonged physical training, gave him a solid, healthy presence—wearing a simple black robe, he appeared to be a handsome and graceful youth. Stepping out of the room and closing the door behind him, Xiao Yan looked at Xun, who was steadily gazing at him without blinking, and was momentarily taken aback, wondering, "Is there anything wrong with me?" "The lovely girl's face flushed slightly, Xun hurriedly shifted her gaze, biting her lips and smiling, "Come on, Xiao Yan brother. Today is the predicted day, isn't it? Are you ready?" With her eyes slightly narrowed, Xiao Yan shrugged, a subtle aura of defiance curling at the corner of his lips. He slowly clenched his palms, chuckling, "From today on, I'm returning the title of 'useless' to those who bestowed it upon me!" Watching Xiao Yan's confident demeanor, Xun tilted her head, smiling gently, "I believe in Xiao Yan brother!" "Of course you do—you've probably already seen through my true strength," Xiao Yan glanced at her, sighing with a touch of resignation. Seeing Xiao Yan looking somewhat troubled, Xun smiled softly, nodded slightly, and with a charming gesture, added, "From the third to the seventh stage of combat energy, Xiao Yan brother achieved it in less than a year. Even I have to admit that his cultivation talent is truly beyond my reach..." "Then let's go, Nǐzi!" Xiao Yan rubbed his nose, gently patting Xun'er's head with his palm, then waved his hand and strode toward the training grounds at the back of the clan. Watching the boy's back, now so different from his former quiet and melancholy demeanor, Xun'er smiled warmly and murmured softly, "Xiao Yan brother, I've always said this— you would find your own dignity and honor again..." On the field, the young teenagers and girls who were about to face judgment stood nervously, some of whom had always performed well remaining relatively calm, while others, less gifted or less proficient, looked lost and anxious. Xiao Zhan gazed steadily at the members of the clan, each with a different expression, and gently exhaled, his heart murmuring, "Yan'er, can you make it through this?" "Chief, the time is nearly up—where is Xiao Yan?" the second elder asked, frowning. Xiao Zhan glanced at him with a slight side-eye, speaking calmly, "The time hasn't even arrived yet. Why are you so impatient? How could you lack such composure?" Stung by Xiao Zhan's remark, the second elder's face grew slightly embarrassed, and he coldly murmured, "Even if you've arranged for him to receive the foundation-boosting elixir, it's impossible for him to reach the seventh stage of combat energy within a year. Don't expect any miracles to unfold." "Heard this, Xiao Zhan grew furious—right now he was already in a bad mood. This person simply wouldn't let him alone, bringing up the matter just when it mattered most. Just as he was about to respond, a slight commotion broke out in the hall. His gaze shifted, and at the end of the square, along the path, two figures were approaching steadily, moving with calm grace, as if today's significance had not hurried them at all."