Gazing at the sturdy young man who had stepped forward to challenge first, the other clan members who had failed expressed a sense of regret, as if genuinely envious of this pioneer. Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes, observing the young man carefully. Though he didn't recognize all the clan members, he did recall this one. If his memory served him right, the young man's name was Xiao Ke, from the branch of the Senior Elder. He had always trailed behind Xiao Ning, ever obedient and deferential—like a well-trained puppy—often showing him kindness even during Xiao Yan's more difficult times. As memories of past events slowly surfaced in his mind, a subtle, somewhat threatening curve formed on Xiao Yan's lips. Turning to meet Xun'er's amused gaze, he offered a gentle smile, nodded slightly under the watchful eyes of everyone, and softly said, "Very well, I accept." Seeing that Xiao Yan had agreed so readily, Xiao Ke’s eyes twitched slightly, a strange sense of unease quietly rising in his heart. His throat rolled once, and suddenly he regretted his own impulsiveness. Yet though he felt this regret, at this moment it was all but inevitable—there was no turning back. "It's just a feeling," he thought, "that no one could possibly advance four stages of combat energy in a year. Surely, this boy must have used some trick to deceive everyone! I'm certain I can defeat him!" With a self-congratulatory boost of confidence, Xiao Ke then forced a smile and said, "Then let me see just how strong Xiao Yan’s younger brother truly is!" Xiao Yan smiled quietly, stood up, and, under everyone’s watchful eyes, walked toward the training ground, then made a graceful gesture of invitation toward Xiao Ke. Watching Xiao Yan’s calm demeanor, Xiao Ke’s growing sense of unease intensified even further. He cleared his throat awkwardly and took a few stiff, hesitant steps, slowly entering the field. All the spectators at the sidelines quickly turned their attention to the two figures on the field. On the elevated platform, Xiao Zhan took the cloth from his attendant, wiped the water stains from his hands, and fixed his gaze firmly on the arena below. A subtle tension shimmered in his eyes. Honestly, not only did the young trainees find it hard to believe in Xiao Yan's achievements, but even Xiao Zhan himself felt a certain sense of disbelief—something almost unreal. He didn't doubt Xiao Yan's abilities; after all, rising four stages of Qi power within just one year was a pace that could only be described as extraordinary. Even back when Xiao Yan was just three years ago, he had never managed such a feat. Given the depth and breadth of Xiao Yan's accomplishments, it was natural that people found it hard to believe. Whether they believed or not, as soon as Xiao Yan faced off against another competitor, his true strength would inevitably reveal itself—and then, everyone would clearly see just how strong he truly was. At Xiao Zhan's side, the three elders' breaths grew increasingly rapid. Their dry hands pressed deeply into the armrests, while their cloudy eyes fixed upon the scene with complex expressions. Every gaze on the jade training ground remained locked on the two combatants. Whether or not Xiao Yan's earlier display of astonishing performance was genuine would be revealed the moment they began to move. "It's definitely fake!" Xiao Ning, standing near the edge of the plaza, gently rubbed his dry lips and murmured firmly. "It should... be fake, right?" Xiao Mei, among the crowd, lightly bit her rosy lips, her mind somewhat puzzled. She, too, found it hard to believe that this young man, who had remained silent for three years, could suddenly achieve such remarkable feats. Amidst all these complex gazes, Xiao Yan and Xiao Ke had already completed the customary courtesies before their encounter began. With both palms slightly raised, a faint aura of battle energy circled around them. Xiao Ke exhaled deeply, then planted his feet firmly on the ground, charging straight toward Xiao Yan with a forceful impact. A step neither too short nor too long, just enough to evade Xiao Ke's attack. With a slight lean to the side, Xiao Yan's palm moved like passing through flowers and plucking leaves, effortlessly pressing upon Xiao Ke's shoulder through his arm. "Stone-Palm Technique!" Stone-Palm Technique—a low-level Yellow-Rank technique—requires only three segments of Qi to master! "Boom!" The sound was heavy. Xiao Ke's previously rosy complexion instantly turned pale. A deep gasp, his feet wobbled as he staggered backward, and finally, he lost his balance, collapsing and landing on his back, four limbs spread out. The entire arena fell silent, the defeat of Xiao Ke effectively confirming certain truths. With a single palm strike, Xiao Yan shook his head with mild boredom. Such opponents simply lacked challenge. He hadn't even drawn upon half of his true strength, let alone his reserve techniques. Certainly, unlike Xiao Yan's own dullness, everyone outside the arena was now slowly closing their eyes. Since Xiao Yan had managed to defeat a clan member with sixth-level battle energy so effortlessly, his own strength must surely be at seventh level or above. Thus, Xiao Yan's earlier astonishing performance—indeed, it was genuine! Advancing four levels of battle energy in just one year—this achievement is nothing short of miraculous. On the elevated platform, Xiao Zhan exhaled deeply, finally setting aside the heavy weight of uncertainty in his heart. "…It's true. He has reached the seventh level." Gazing at the defeated Xiao Ke, Xiao Mei gently covered her red lips with her small hand, her voice trembling in awe.