"This year's Clan Assembly, Grandfather Huang Qide even invited Li Mu, Li Family's Old Patriarch over, he truly spent a lot of effort and thought." Huang Xiaolong thinks to himself.
He believes the reason Grandfather invited the Old Patriarch of the Li Family over is not that simple.
Along the path heading to the Eastern Courtyard's hall were decorated with lanterns and colored banners, when the busy guards and maids saw Huang Xiaolong passing by they immediately stopped to salute: "Young Lord Xiaolong!"
Huang Xiaolong nodded as he walked by.
However, along the way he was able to feel the weird gazes of the guards and maids behind him, seems like Huang Wei's intention of crippling Huang Xiaolong's arms have reached the ears of the guards and maids.
Huang Xiaolong reached the Eastern Courtyard.
Inside the main hall, both Huang Peng and Su Yan were present.
'Dad, Mom." Huang Xiaolong cried out as he entered the main hall.
"Xiaolong, you're here." Su Yan pulled Huang Xiaolong to sit next to her then asked: "Tomorrow's the Clan Assembly, how's your practice coming along?"
Huang Peng on the other side also stares at Huang Xiaolong.
Letting out a small laugh, Huang Xiaolong said: "Dad, Mom, don't worry. Tomorrow I surely will not let you down."
Unexpectedly, the moment his sentence ends, Su Yan almost shouted out loud in surprise: "Xiaolong, did you breakthrough to mid-First Order?" Su Yan thought his confidence came from him breakthrough to mid-First Order.
Huang Peng burst out laughing at this moment: "Good, my son, you really did not disappoint Dad."
When Huang Xiaolong heard his parents' words, he reined his smile within, could advancing to mid-First Order before the annual Clan Assembly is the highest expectation his parents have of him?
"Dad, I heard from the guards this year's annual Clan Assembly, the Old Patriarch of Li Family, Li Mu is coming?" Huang Xiaolong asked, changing the topic.
Huang Peng nodded: "This time, other than the Li Family Old Patriarch himself, he also brought his granddaughter Li Lu over."
"His granddaughter, Li Lu?" Huang Xiaolong was a little bewildered then jokingly said: "Old Patriarch Li couldn't be bringing over his granddaughter for a matchmaking right?"
But Huang Peng answered seriously: "That is the purpose of your Grandfather and Old Patriarch Li, after the Clan Assembly is over, Huang Wei and Li Lu to be engaged and in the future, Li Family and Huang Clan will be in-laws."
Huang Xiaolong went blank.
"Hearsay that Li Lu's talent is quite good, hers is a top grade nine martial spirit, the Divine Dark Sword." Su Yan added.
Top amongst grade nine martial spirits, Divine Dark Sword!
Huang Xiaolong was shocked for a moment for it was unexpected that Li Mu's granddaughter Li Lu's martial spirit is the Divine Dark Sword.
In Martial Spirit World, there are different forms of martial spirits - beasts, weapons, plants and there are even people with nature martial spirits such as lightning, wind, water and fire.
And the Divine Dark Sword is one many types of weapon martial spirits.
Of course, the majority of martial spirits in Martial Spirits World exists in beast form, for instance Huang Wei's Three-eyed Black Tiger, Huang Qide's Six-winged Golden Ape and Huang Xiaolong's variant double-headed serpent.
A short while later Huang Xiaolong returned to his small courtyard and continued to practice Asura Tactics.
Slowly, night descended.
Huang Xiaolong stood on a hilltop at the back mountain, not moving an inch but he wasn't practicing, he was instead looking at the vast sea in front of him. In truth with regards to Huang Wei, Huang Xiaolong truly is not bothered.
Releasing the double-headed serpent martial spirits floating behind him, Huang Xiaolong can clearly sense how powerful his martial spirits are after advancing to Third Order and him being the only person able to sense it.
"Looks like I need to make a trip to the library to see if I can find out about my martial spirits." Huang Xiaolong muttered to himself.
However, Huang Clan Manor's library only allows those who had reached Fourth Order to enter that's why he needs to breakthrough to Fourth Order as soon as possible.
The moonlight stretches Huang Xiaolong's small shadow on the ground.
Darkness gradually fades as the light brightens the sky, Huang Xiaolong's figure dashed, heading back to Huang Clan Manor.
"The Clan's Annual Assembly finally begins!"
Clan's Annual Assembly is about to begin.
Back to Huang Clan Manor, he moved straight towards the Eastern Courtyard. When his parents, Huang Peng and Su Yan saw him coming did not say much, the three of them then walked to the main foyer.
The Main Foyer is double the size of Martial Temple easily accommodating a thousand people. In front of the Main Foyer is a martial stage, and chairs lined the perimeter of the martial stage for the Huang Clan Manors' elders and housekeepers whereas the disciples can only stand at the back area's open space.
When Huang Peng and Su Yan came in along with Huang Xiaolong, many of the elders and housekeepers were already there.
"Second Manor Lord."
"Second Manor Lord."
The group of elders, housekeepers and disciples immediately greeted Huang Peng.
Huang Peng nodded. Su Yan and Huang Xiaolong followed from behind him arriving in front of a table and chairs and sat down. Sitting down, Huang Xiaolong sense there is a cold gaze staring at him, raising his head to find the source, he saw Huang Wei who was sitting opposite.
At this moment, their eyes met – Huang Wei's gaze was arrogant, condescending, provoking and complacent.
Sitting beside Huang Wei is Huang Ming, forever with his deadpan expressionless face. As Huang Peng sat down, he did not greet Huang Ming. Since the Northern Courtyard incident the two of them no longer speak to each other, from brothers to strangers traveling on the same path.
Not long after the three of them arrived, from the outer hall a hearty laugh rang out, hearing the sound of laughter everyone inside the hall quickly stand up. Looking over Huang Xiaolong saw his Grandfather Huang Qide, walking into the hall with a face full of laughter and next to his grandfather is a high-spirited old man with a head full of silvery white hair about the same age Huang Xiaolong immediately knows this is Old Patriarch Li, Li Mu. Following closely behind Li Mu is a lovely girl with two braids and bright round eyes curiously spinning around.
"Old Manor Lord."
"Old Patriarch Li."
Everyone present quickly greeted, and after that Huang Ming, Huang Peng and Su Yan went up: "Dad, Old Patriarch Li."
"Grandfather, Old Patriarch Li." Huang Wei and Huang Xiaolong too went up, following from behind.
Huang Qide gave a chuckle and nodded, then said to Li Mu while pointing at Huang Wei: "This is my grandson, Huang Wei." But he only introduced Huang Wei without mentioning Huang Xiaolong.
Li Mu looked at Huang Wei up and down, with a look of appreciation said: "Not Bad. Good. Brother Qide, I heard that your grandson practice less than two months already successfully breakthrough First Order warrior, when it was my time to breakthrough First Order I used more than five months ah."
Huang Qide laughed boisterously when he heard this: "Li Mu Brother, please do advise and look after him in the future."
"In the future, that is of course." Li Mu laughed.
Awhile later, everyone returned to their seats.
Then, Chief Housekeeper Chen Ying stood up begin going through the Annual Assembly's program, after finishing he turned over to looked at Huang Qide, seeing Huang Qide nodding his head, he declared in a loud voice: "Annual Clan Assembly begins!"
Chen Ying's declaration met with a silent hall.
Following the rules of previous years, the first to get up on the stage are usually the ones who awakened their martial spirits this year.
Everyone couldn't resist but to look at Huang Wei, everyone knows the purpose Old Manor Lord attends this year's clan assembly, Huang Wei is destined to be the main focus of attention.
"Huang Wei, go and show the result of your five months effort, let everyone see your achievement." Huang Qide said to his grandson Huang Wei, eyes full of encouragement.
"Yes, Grandfather." Huang Wei stood up and cried loudly he then leaped up onto the center of the martial stage.
Landing atop the martial stage, Huang Wei runs the exercise law, fully releasing his battle qi and his martial spirits, the Three-Eyed Black Tiger floated out behind him emanating quite a powerful aura.
"Peak late-First Order!"
Sensing the battle qi aura released by Huang Wei, elders of Huang Clan Manor, housekeepers and disciples were greatly shocked creating a ruckus. Just five short months of practicing battle qi and yet Huang Wei has reached the peak of late-First Order!
Note:
From brothers to strangers traveling on the same path – from a close/intimate relationship to being strangers traveling on the same road where you do not speak to each other unless necessary.
The peak of late-First Order!
Li Mu's gaze was on Huang Wei and was just as surprised. Initially, he had thought that even if this Huang Wei possessed a grade ten martial spirit, in five months' time at the most he might reach the peak of early-First Order, but looking Huang Wei now, a peak late-First Order and from the looks of it, he could breakthrough to the Second Order anytime!
The surprise that Huang Wei gave him was by no means small!
In the beginning, he still had some doubts about the engagement between the families, but now all doubts were vanquished as he looked at Huang Wei on the stage, he grew more satisfied.
Observing Li Mu's expression, Huang Qide felt a tad complacent with himself.
In these five months, he made every effort to train his grandson, Huang Wei, and he did not disappoint him. Just like Li Mu, the more he looked at Huang Wei, the more pleased and satisfied he was.
Huang Peng and Su Yan on the other hand, became increasingly worried; if Huang Wei was actually a peak late-First Order, then what would happen to their son later?
Standing on the stage and listening to the shock whispers around the stage, Huang Wei became even prouder, and at this moment he opened his mouth and requested, "Grandfather, I heard that Xiaolong was practicing hard these few months, I would like to spar with Xiaolong."
When everyone present heard that, their expressions were filled with colors of excitement and anticipation, every pair of eyes zoomed towards Huang Xiaolong.
Huang Qide was surprised but still nodded in agreement, with a smile he agreed: "Okay, just sparring for learning, don't go overboard."
Huang Xiaolong maintained a calm expression, if his martial spirit was really a mere grade seven, it was guaranteed he wouldn't be able to advance to the First Order in a short five months' time, and going on the stage would only result in humiliation. However, knowing full well what the humiliating outcome for Huang Xiaolong was, Huang Qide still agreed to the request, consenting Huang Wei's action!
Huang Qide spared no thoughts about Huang Xiaolong's feelings.
Hearing his Grandfather agree, Huang Wei turned to look at Huang Xiaolong, riling him up in a mocking tone, "Xiaolong, how about it? Dare to come up? Don't worry; I will give you a handicap and not use both of my hands."
Huang Wei flashed a dazzling smile.
"Xiaolong!" Huang Peng and Su Yan looked worriedly at Huang Xiaolong. He shook his head, indicating they need not worry. Slowly standing up, Xiaolong calmly walked up the martial stage, standing straight opposite Huang Wei.
Facing Huang Xiaolong, a touch of brutal fervor flashed across Huang Wei's pupils, "Aren't you feeling sorry and regretting that you didn't kneel down to beg me at the time?"
With a look of indifference, Huang Xiaolong said: "You bullsh*t too much!"
Just as Huang Wei was about to retort in anger, Huang Xiaolong suddenly turned towards the other end of the martial stage, looking at his Grandfather, Huang Qide: "Grandfather, according to the Clan Assembly's rules, during the sparring event, other people are not allowed to interfere, right?"
Huang Qide blanked for a moment, not understanding Huang Xiaolong's purpose in asking this question however he still nodded and said: "That's right."
While everyone was still in a dazed wondering what was Huang Xiaolong's purpose in asking such a question, he turned back towards Huang Wei, grinning "In a moment, I will hit you until your Dad can't recognize you!"
Everyone was stunned speechless hearing this, and then shake their heads smiling helplessly.
Li Mu, sitting beside Huang Qide, smiled "Brother Qide, has this grandson of yours gone insane? He's the one possessing grade seven martial spirit, Huang Xiaolong right? Acting so arrogant without real strength, I don't like children like this!"
Huang Qide felt his old face lose some shine, giving an embarrassed 'haha' he shot a sharp look in Huang Peng's direction; seems like it would do well to remind his second son to discipline his son well, in order to prevent future troubles during important occasions lest he shames the clan with his ignorance.
Huang Wei chuckled, "What did you say? Did I get it wrong? You want to hit me until my Dad can't recognize me?"
Just as his words finished, a silhouette flashed, shocking Huang Wei, a fist enlarged right before his shock-widened eyes.
It was too late for Huang Wei to dodge, when he was about to speak the fist had slammed into his left eye, causing him to scream out loud in pain, staggering back, golden stars spinning in his eyes.
The laughs and ridicules around the martial stage from members of Huang Clan Manor aiming at Huang Xiaolong instantly died. Many dumbfounded eyes stared at Huang Wei bawling in pain on the martial stage.
At this moment, frowning, Li Mu said: "Such a small age yet already learned how to sneak attack. He will surely grow up to be a sinister villain."
Looking at Huang Xiaolong, Huang Qide was also scrunching his brows into deep creases.
"You, you dare to hit me?!" On the stage, Huang Wei furiously raged at Huang Xiaolong, his left hand no longer covering his left eye, revealing a black circle on the left eye similar to a panda.
Huang Xiaolong did not say anything as his silhouette flashed a second time, appearing right in front of Huang Wei again, his fist aimed at his right eye.
"Boom!"
The second punch hit the mark!
Huang Wei wailed at the top of his lungs.
Looking at Huang Wei's panda eyes, Li Lu who was sitting beside her Grandfather Li Mu could no longer control her laughter, a charming laugh like the ringing of bells resounded in the Grand Hall; two lovely dimples etched on her face.
Li Mu turned and gave his granddaughter a stern eye.
Warned, Li Lu tried her utmost to hold in her bubbling laughter, and her strenuous effort showed clearly on her red face.
Below the stage, everyone had a weird expression on their face.
"Huang Xiaolong, I'm going to kill you!" Huang Wei's fury finally erupted. He roared loudly, releasing his battle qi and aimed a punch straight at Huang Xiaolong's chest.
Seeing Huang Wei's fist about to land on Huang Xiaolong' chest, Huang Peng and Su Yan's heart misses a beat and exclaimed aloud in worry. Huang Wei being at the peak of late-First Order, if just one of his punches landed on their son's thin frame, how could he bear it?
However, the Huang Qide sitting on the podium did not do or say anything to prevent the event on the stage. From his point of view, allowing Huang Wei to teach Huang Xiaolong a lesson was a good thing.
Just when Huang Wei's fist was about to land on Huang Xiaolong's chest, Huang Xiaolong's silhouette suddenly disappeared and avoided Huang Wei's attack. Then, forming a fist with his right hand, Huang Xiaolong released his battle qi, striking Huang Wei on his back. Huang Wei squalled and fell face down on the stage.
"Outward projection of battle qi!"
"First Order Warrior!"
The big hall was in an uproar, everyone was dumbstruck as they stared at Huang Xiaolong, finding it hard to believe. And that included Huang Qide, Li Mu, and Huang Ming.
In five months, Huang Xiaolong managed to reach the First Order warrior!
The humiliated Huang Wei flipped his body upward, coming to a stand. His face was beet-red with rage. Compare to others' surprise, his heart was filled to the brim with fury. Eyes blood-red, he suddenly pounced on Huang Xiaolong, his only thought was to cripple Huang Xiaolong, even pummeling him to death!
Die!
Looking at the mad Huang Wei pouncing towards him, there was only coldness reflected in Huang Xiaolong's bright eyes. This time he was not planning to dodge, both of his fists positioned in front of his chest and he released a peak late-First Order battle qi to the max. Right in front of everyone's very eyes, his fists met Huang Wei's in a frontal counterattack.
Four fists collide, a deafening "bang!" reverberated in the Grand Hall; Huang Wei staggered, stepping backward again and again whereas Huang Xiaolong pretended to retreat backward.
"What? This, this!"
"Peak of late-First Order!"
The elders and stewards of Huang Clan Manor that had yet to recover from the shock of Huang Xiaolong advancing to First Order all jumped out of their seats now.
Huang Qide, Li Mu, and Huang Ming also stood up in shock, forgetting their image, both Huang Peng and Su Yan's eyes were nearly dropping out with surprise; isn't their son's cultivation only at mid-First Order?
In the next moment, Huang Peng smiled bitterly inside ─ this brat really made him suffer a lot by keeping this hidden! Even he didn't know that his son had already advanced to the peak late-First Order!
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