The morning sun had already risen high above the Xiao Clan.
Warm golden light spread across the training courtyard, illuminating the stone arena where disciples practiced their martial techniques.
Usually this place was filled with laughter, competition, and arrogance.
But today the atmosphere was strange.
Several disciples gathered in small groups whispering among themselves.
Their gazes occasionally drifted toward the entrance of the courtyard.
Because a rumor had spread through the entire clan overnight.
Xiao Tian had defeated Xiao Ning.
And not just defeated him.
He had knocked him unconscious with a single strike.
Many people refused to believe it.
After all, Xiao Tian's cultivation had always been mediocre compared to the clan's talented youths.
But Xiao Ning himself had confirmed it.
And the bruise on his chest was still visible.
Naturally, the entire clan became curious.
Just then—
Footsteps echoed from the entrance.
The murmuring instantly stopped.
Xiao Tian walked into the courtyard calmly.
His black robe fluttered slightly in the morning breeze.
His expression remained indifferent, as if the attention of dozens of people meant nothing to him.
Yet the moment he appeared, countless eyes locked onto him.
"He's here…"
"So it's really him…"
"Did he really beat Xiao Ning?"
Whispers spread through the crowd.
But Xiao Tian ignored them completely.
His gaze remained calm.
In his previous life he had stood before armies of Dou Sheng experts.
The curiosity of a few young disciples meant nothing to him.
He simply walked toward a quiet corner of the courtyard.
However, before he could sit down—
A familiar voice suddenly spoke.
"Brother Xiao Tian."
The courtyard fell silent again.
Because everyone recognized that voice instantly.
The speaker was none other than Gu Xuner.
She slowly approached Xiao Tian.
Her green robes swayed elegantly as she walked.
Even in a place filled with talented disciples, her presence was impossible to ignore.
Many young men secretly admired her.
But today their attention was focused on something else.
Xuner had come to talk to Xiao Tian.
This alone was not unusual.
In the past they were often seen together.
But recently…
Xiao Tian had begun ignoring her.
Everyone was curious how he would react now.
Xiao Tian slowly turned around.
For a moment their eyes met.
Xuner felt a strange sensation.
His gaze.
It was completely calm.
There was no admiration.
No affection.
Nothing.
Just quiet indifference.
"Is something wrong?" Xiao Tian asked.
His tone was polite.
But distant.
That single sentence made Xuner slightly uncomfortable.
Because this was not how Xiao Tian usually spoke to her.
Normally he would greet her warmly.
Offer to help her train.
Or ask about her day.
But now…
His attitude felt cold.
"I heard something interesting yesterday," Xuner said.
Her voice remained gentle.
"You defeated Xiao Ning."
Xiao Tian nodded casually.
"Yes."
The simple answer surprised her.
No pride.
No explanation.
Just acknowledgment.
Xuner studied him carefully.
Something about him had definitely changed.
Not just his attitude.
His entire aura felt different.
More stable.
More confident.
Almost like a completely different person.
"How did you suddenly become stronger?" she asked.
Xiao Tian shrugged.
"I trained."
The surrounding disciples nearly choked hearing that.
Trained?
As if it were that simple.
Xuner clearly did not believe the explanation either.
But she did not press further.
Instead she smiled softly.
"That's good."
"The clan competition will be held soon."
"With your new strength, you might perform well."
Xiao Tian gave a small nod.
But he didn't continue the conversation.
The silence between them felt awkward.
For the first time since they met, Xuner did not know what to say.
Eventually she spoke again.
"Well… good luck."
Then she turned and walked away.
As she left, many disciples stared in confusion.
Because something about the interaction felt strange.
It was as if the roles between them had reversed.
Before, Xiao Tian always chased after Xuner.
Now…
It felt like she was the one trying to start a conversation.
Xiao Yan's Curiosity
From another corner of the courtyard, someone had been quietly watching everything.
Xiao Yan.
He leaned against a pillar with his arms crossed.
A thoughtful expression appeared on his face.
"Interesting…"
He had known Xiao Tian for years.
But today the guy felt completely different.
The calmness in his eyes…
The confidence in his posture…
And most importantly—
His strength.
Xiao Yan had secretly checked Xiao Tian's aura earlier.
And the result surprised him.
Four-Star Dou Zhi Qi.
That level should not be possible for someone who had been stuck for so long.
"Something definitely happened," Xiao Yan murmured.
His curiosity was growing.
Meanwhile — Xiao Tian
Xiao Tian had already left the courtyard again.
He had no interest in socializing with the clan disciples.
Instead he returned to the mountain forest behind the clan.
The moment he reached the secluded cliff from yesterday, his expression changed slightly.
The calm mask disappeared.
Replaced by intense focus.
Because he was about to attempt something dangerous.
"Let's see how much I can control…"
He raised his hand slowly.
A crimson spark appeared on his fingertip.
The Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame.
The temperature around him immediately soared.
The rocks beneath his feet began melting again.
But this time Xiao Tian did not stop there.
He took a deep breath.
Then he allowed the flame to spread through his meridians.
Pain exploded instantly.
His entire body trembled.
It felt like molten lava was flowing through his veins.
But Xiao Tian clenched his teeth.
"Not enough…"
"I need more power."
The flame grew stronger.
Crimson lotus patterns slowly appeared on his skin.
They glowed faintly like ancient runes.
This was the Demonic Lotus Body Tempering technique left behind by the legendary Demonic Lotus Saint.
A technique capable of turning the body into a vessel for the demonic flame.
Minutes passed.
Then—
Suddenly—
BOOM!
A powerful aura burst from Xiao Tian's body.
Wind exploded outward.
Dust rose across the cliff.
His cultivation advanced again.
Five-Star Dou Zhi Qi.
Xiao Tian slowly opened his eyes.
Crimson light flickered in his pupils.
A faint smile appeared.
"Good…"
"At this speed…"
"I'll surpass my previous life much faster."
But his gaze soon turned serious.
Because he knew the future.
He knew that the greatest geniuses of the continent would soon rise.
Xiao Yan.
The ancient clans.
The terrifying Hall of Souls.
And many others.
If he wanted revenge…
He had to become stronger than all of them.
Xiao Tian looked toward the distant western horizon again.
Beyond countless mountains lay the scorching Tagore Desert.
The territory of the Snake People.
And the place where a certain queen ruled.
Medusa.
For the first time, a gentle expression appeared on his face.
"In this life…"
"I will not ignore you."
"Just wait for me."
The crimson lotus flame flickered quietly in his palm.
As if responding to his promise.