After practicing for an entire day, Xiao Hai finally reached the Great Success realm in both the Heavy Strike Palm and Flowing Steps. Now, with minimal effort, he could perform these skills with ease. More importantly, he realized that both techniques complemented his Sea Heart Qi Method perfectly. The Dou Qi cultivated through the Sea Heart Method carried a naturally heavy aura, amplifying the force of his palm strikes, while its water-like fluidity harmonized flawlessly with Flowing Steps.
"Seems like the previous owner created both of these skills," Xiao Hai muttered, wiping away the sweat on his forehead.
After some more light practice, he decided to head back. He had missed meals the entire day, and he knew his mother must be worried. Rising to his feet, he sprinted home.
By the time he arrived, the sky had already begun to dim—there was still some time before evening, but not much. The first thing he did was wash away the sweat and dirt clinging to his body. After a refreshing bath, he changed into clean clothes and sat down at the dining table.
On the table lay a plate of steamed buns stuffed with meat. Though they had long gone cold, he wasn't about to leave even one behind. After all, a full day of cultivation had left him hungrier than a starved dog. He devoured the buns quickly, savoring every bite, then carefully cleaned the plate and placed it in the kitchen.
Stepping outside, he glanced at the sun sinking lower and smaller with each passing second. Knowing that Xiao Qing would return soon, he went to his room and collapsed onto the bed. The exhaustion of a whole day's training weighed heavily on him, and before he realized it, he had drifted into sleep.
When Xiao Qing returned, the first thing she did was check on him. Seeing him sleeping so peacefully, a gentle smile graced her lips. Yet, faint tears shimmered in her eyes. Her son still carried the round softness of childhood on his cheeks, looking far too tender and innocent to be training so harshly each day. Though Xiao Hai never pushed himself to madness, her mother's heart was always filled with worry.
After wiping away her tears, Xiao Qing quietly turned to prepare dinner.
An hour later, Xiao Hai stirred from his slumber. The comforting sounds from the kitchen reached his ears, and he knew at once that his mother was cooking. After lying there for a moment longer, he rose, washed his face to clear his mind, and stepped out to join her.
After some time, dinner was ready. Mother and son ate together in silence. Though Xiao Qing appeared calm on the surface, her uncharacteristic quietness weighed on Xiao Hai's heart, filling him with concern.
Once they finished eating, they each returned to their rooms to rest. However, since Xiao Hai had already napped earlier, he chose instead to sit down and cultivate.
The next morning, he rose early once again. Just like the day before, he devoted himself to both practice and cultivation. This time, however, he decided to wait until noon to eat, replenishing his strength after his training session.
And so, day after day, his routine continued steadily for another week.
After a week of continuous practice, Xiao Hai found himself only a step away from reaching Perfection. Yet, progress had become far more difficult than he had imagined. The obstacle was clear—he lacked real battle experience. Without testing his skills against a true opponent, his cultivation felt incomplete. Even so, he did not rush to seek out a fight. If word of him advancing to Dou Zhe were to spread, his peaceful life would surely be thrown into chaos.
…
…
…
Another day of training came to an end. As Xiao Hai prepared to leave, he noticed how unusually quiet the surroundings were. Deciding to rest a little, he went to the nearby stream. After splashing cool water on his face, he removed his shoes and dipped his feet into the flowing current. The refreshing sensation cleared his mind and lightened the fatigue of the day.
After enjoying the moment for a while, he finally stood up and made his way home.
Back at the house, he bathed to wash away sweat and dirt, then sat on his bed.
"After just one week of practice, my strength has nearly doubled," Xiao Hai reflected. "A week ago, I shattered a tree with a single strike… but now, I can crush a boulder with Heavy Strike Palm. My speed and agility have also grown sharper. Yet… what I lack is real combat."
As he pondered over his progress, a sudden knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts. Startled, he hesitated for a moment before rising to answer. Though confused, he slowly walked over and opened the door.
Outside the door stood Butler Mo. The moment Xiao Hai opened it, the elderly man gave a respectful bow.
"Young Master Xiao Hai, the clan leader has summoned you. He also mentioned… someone wishes to meet you," Butler Mo explained calmly.
"I understand. Uncle, please lead the way," Xiao Hai replied with equal respect.
As they walked side by side through the quiet corridors of the Xiao estate, Xiao Hai's mind was far from calm.
Someone wants to meet me… Could it be the Royal Family? he wondered. Perhaps they've come to confirm whether my breakthrough was genuine or just a rumor. Hmph, then let them test me.
Though he preferred to keep his advancement hidden, Xiao Hai wasn't overly worried. Considering the relationship between his clan and the Jia Ma Royal Family, if he requested discretion, they should agree to keep his strength a secret.
After a series of turns, Butler Mo finally led him to the front of Xiao Zhan's private courtyard. The choice of location didn't escape Xiao Hai's notice.
So, not the clan meeting hall. That would have been too public… Uncle must want this matter kept quiet.
Taking a steady breath, Xiao Hai straightened his posture and prepared himself before stepping forward.
"Young Master Xiao Hai, please go in." Butler Mo stopped before the gate of the courtyard, bowing slightly.
Xiao Hai gave a small nod and stepped inside. The quiet courtyard was filled with a faint, heavy stillness, as though the air itself weighed more than usual. Without hesitation, he pushed open the door to the house.
The moment he crossed the threshold; an oppressive pressure suddenly descended on him. His body stiffened for an instant under its weight. Though inwardly startled, Xiao Hai steadied his breath and forced himself to remain calm. Step by step, he walked forward, his gaze fixed on the inner room.
Upon entering, he immediately felt two gazes land on him. One belonged to Xiao Zhan, seated at the side, his expression carrying a trace of nervousness hidden behind a faint smile. The other came from an old man—his presence alone like a mountain looming over the room.
After giving Xiao Hai a brief glance, the old man closed his eyes again, as though indifferent to his arrival. But deep within Xiao Hai's heart, waves surged violently.
Why is he here?
That single thought echoed over and over in his mind.