Chapter 5: The Aftermath of Defeat

The training arena remained silent long after the battle had ended. The Xiao Family disciples, elders, and servants all stood frozen in shock, unable to process what they had just witnessed.

The number one genius of the Xiao Family, Xiao Feng, had been utterly defeated. Not just beaten—humiliated.

Three years ago, Xiao Feng had crippled Xiao Li, ensuring that he would never cultivate again. But now, in front of the entire family, Xiao Li had crushed him.@@novelbin@@

No one spoke as Xiao Li walked away from the arena. His steps were slow, deliberate, unfazed by the hundreds of eyes on him. He didn’t care about their shock, their disbelief.

This was just the beginning.

Xiao Feng, still on the ground, gritted his teeth. His hands clenched into fists, his body trembling with rage. He had never experienced such humiliation before. He was supposed to be the strongest.

As Xiao Li passed, Xiao Feng forced himself to speak. “This… isn’t over.”

Xiao Li stopped but didn’t turn around. His voice was calm, emotionless. “You’re right. It’s not.”

The weight of those words sent a chill down Xiao Feng’s spine.

Xiao Li continued walking, and no one dared stop him.

In the Elder’s Hall

The Xiao Family elders sat in tense silence. The air in the grand hall was heavy with unease.

Seated at the head of the table was Xiao Zhen, the Patriarch of the Xiao Family. His sharp gaze swept across the room. “Explain.”

One of the elders hesitated before speaking. “We… We don’t know how Xiao Li recovered, Patriarch. He was crippled beyond repair. Even the best healers in the kingdom said his dantian was permanently shattered.”

Another elder added, “And yet, he not only recovered, but he also reached the peak of Qi Condensation in such a short time. This level of progress is… unnatural.”

Xiao Zhen remained silent, deep in thought.

Xiao Feng, who had just arrived, clenched his fists. His pride was in tatters, but he wouldn’t let this go. “Father, we must investigate this. There’s no way he could have done this on his own.”

The patriarch’s gaze flickered toward him. “Are you saying you lost because of an external factor?”

Xiao Feng stiffened but said nothing. He knew better than to make excuses.

Xiao Zhen finally spoke. “We will observe Xiao Li for now. If his growth continues at this absurd rate, then we will take action.”

A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes. “We cannot allow an unknown variable to threaten the family’s stability.”

Xiao Li’s Courtyard

Xiao Li sat cross-legged in meditation, absorbing spiritual energy at a speed no normal cultivator could comprehend.

His system notifications continued to flood his mind.

[Ding! Host has broken through to Foundation Establishment Level 1.]
[Ding! Host has gained +100 Prime Points.]

In just one night, he had advanced beyond Qi Condensation and stepped into Foundation Establishment, a level that many cultivators struggled for years to achieve.

But Xiao Li wasn’t satisfied. He needed to grow stronger. Faster.

His battle with Xiao Feng had proven that. His power was rising, but he wasn’t invincible yet. There were forces far beyond the Xiao Family, and he had no intention of remaining in Linfun City forever.

His enemies would come for him soon.

And when they did, he would be ready.