Looking at Xiao Yan walking side by side with Xun'er, the youths in the crowd couldn't help but express envy. In the Xiao family, there was hardly anyone who had come this close to Xun'er—perhaps only this well-known underachiever. At the edge of the plaza, where a crowd of peers gathered around Xiao Ning, his gaze fixed on Xiao Yan was filled with simmering anger. "Little pest," he muttered, "see how you'll manage to face Xun'er after today!" With a satisfied smirk, Xiao Ning gloated. Ignoring the waves of envy and fury pouring in from the others, Xiao Yan led Xun'er straight to the end of the line, where they quietly chatted and laughed. Observing Xiao Yan's relaxed and composed demeanor, the senior family officials on the stage were somewhat astonished—did he not realize that today's assessment would shape his future path? "He must be determined to throw in the towel now," the second elder coldly remarked. They had expected that once these words were spoken, Xiao Zhan would erupt in fury again. Yet after waiting for a while, the Second Elder noticed not a single sign of disturbance. He found himself now gazing at Xiao Zhan with growing astonishment. "Perhaps we should wait until the very end to reach a conclusion," said Xiao Zhan, gazing deeply at the young man bowed and silent in the center of the room. "Otherwise, we'll end up fanning ourselves with our own hands." The Second Elder drew a breath, a cold snort escaping him. "I hope so. I'm genuinely hoping for something surprising from him." "Enough," said the Senior Elder, his voice steady, "the time has come. Let's not waste another moment." Xiao Zhan gave a slight nod, stood up, and surveyed the quiet training ground, then spoke firmly, "You all are the fresh blood of the family—surely you understand how significant today's assessment is for each of you. The standard is clear: those who achieve at least the seventh level of combat energy and above are deemed qualified; otherwise, they are not. However, according to our customary additional rule, after the assessment concludes, any participant with less than the seventh level may issue one challenge to a peer who has reached seventh level or above. Should they win that challenge, they too will be considered qualified!" "Since everyone has understood the rules, let the assessment begin!" As Xiao Zhan's voice settled, the young trainees and girls on the training ground immediately grew tense. At the side of the black stone stele, the impartial examiner stepped forward, drew out a roster from his coat, and his cold tone caused the individuals called by name to tremble all over. Sitting cross-legged on the clean riverstone floor, Xiao Yan calmly observed his peers who were sadly weeping due to failing the combat energy assessment, his expression indifferent. He didn't feel any pity for them—after all, these people who had been mocking those below him in rank weren't worthy of sympathy. While they found pleasure in belittling those less advanced than themselves, they hadn't yet considered that one day, they too would face the same fate. Those who belittle others will themselves be belittled. Xun, who had been quietly observing Xiao Yan all along, couldn't help but gently furrow her delicate nose upon seeing his expression. "Ha, back then she used to stick to me like glue—so close to my brother Xiao Yan!" Xiao Yan smiled softly, his eyes half-closed as he watched the red-robed girl approach with composed grace. Xun blinked her bright, lively eyes, turning her gaze to the subtle mockery playing at the corner of Xiao Yan's lips, and smiled, asking, "I'm curious—what kind of attitude will she have toward Xiao Yan brother after today?" Xiao Yan shrugged slightly, speaking softly, "Some things, once destroyed, remain destroyed—no matter how much we try to repair them, there will always be a glaring crack. Within this family, the people who truly earn my respect are few—only a handful." "Counting Xun?" Xun tilted her rosy lips into a playful curve, asking with a bright smile. Xiao Yan's expression warmed, and he reached out, gently holding Xun's hair between his two fingers, sliding it slowly down as he smiled, "Of course!" The water spirit's large eyes curved into a beautiful crescent moon. Xun's gaze was slightly dazed, as the vivid scene—almost penetrating to the very soul—slowly unfolded with a gentle warmth. A little boy, at night, would sneak into his own room and, with a clumsy yet endearing manner that often made one want to laugh, tend to his seemingly frail body. Though he knew the efforts made little difference, the boy persisted for two full years. A charming little dimple appeared on Xun's delicate face. Tilting her head slightly, Xun whispered softly, "Among this family, few have truly earned my sincere admiration—only you." From afar, Xiao Ning felt his face flush as he watched Xiao Yan's tender gestures toward Xun. The envy burning within him made him wish he could stride over and stamp hard on that pitiful face. "Combat Power: Eight Segments!" A brilliant light burst forth from the black stone tablet, and the clear, upright characters floated steadily upon its surface. "Xiao Mei: Eight segments of combat energy, advanced level!" The impartial examiner, glancing at the black stone tablet, gave a slight nod and announced in a calm, resonant voice. Hearing the examiner's words, Xiao Mei exhaled in relief, her face then brightening with pride. In just one year, she had advanced from the seventh to the eighth segment—a progression that ranked among the top five in her family. Such a remarkable achievement naturally made her feel highly satisfied. Following the examiner's announcement, a ripple of excitement spread across the training grounds, with numerous admiring glances directed toward Xiao Mei. "Rising one segment in a year—only modest," the examiner murmured, rubbing his nose. "Hmm." Xun'er gently played with her dark hair, her gaze passing over Xiao Mei, who was now being surrounded by the crowd like a princess. After Xiao Mei's impressive performance, only one of the remaining fifteen candidates reached the seventh segment of combat energy; the rest were eliminated. "Xiao Xun'er!" The tester's usually detached voice carried a subtle touch of emotion beneath the name. The entire room turned its gaze with the sound, instantly shifting to the neat, graceful young girl. "Don't be surprised when it's time, Xiao Yan brother," said Xun, straightening up and smiling playfully at Xiao Yan. Frowning slightly, Xiao Yan gazed at the beautiful, alluring silhouette of the girl and murmured, "Has she really advanced to the Battle Rank?"