Chapter Seventeen: The Rite of Passage

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Ning Jiuyou watched Xiao Yan’s eager expression with great amusement, smiling softly as she said, “Alright then, since you invited me, I must come and see.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan’s face immediately lit up with a radiant smile, joyfully exclaiming, “That’s wonderful! I’ll come find you tomorrow to go together. Remember to wait for me!”

Ning Jiuyou nodded. “Mm, I understand. You should rest early too. Don’t be late tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry, I definitely won’t be late. Just wait for me,” Xiao Yan assured confidently, patting his chest.

...

The next day, the sun shone brightly, and the weather was splendid.

Xiao Yan arrived early in front of Ning Jiuyou’s door, raising his hand then lowering it repeatedly.

Thinking that Jiuyou should have woken up by now, he finally knocked on her door after a moment.

Hearing rustling sounds inside, Xiao Yan called out, “Jiuyou, I’m here. I’m waiting outside, no rush, take your time.”

Ning Jiuyou opened the door and looked at Xiao Yan, who was dressed neatly and proudly.

Xiao Yan glanced at Ning Jiuyou and said, “Let’s go. I’ll take you to the training grounds.”

By then, many clan members had gathered at the training grounds, creating a lively scene.

In the vast blue stone training ground, over a hundred youths stood in orderly rows, their faces a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

On a raised platform to the left, some important clan figures were seated, with Xiao Zhan and several elders occupying the central spots.

Xiao Yan stood among the youths, dressed in black robes, his posture straight and eyes shining with confidence. He had already reached the rank of a two-star Dou Zhe, making him one of the top talents among his peers.

The test began. Clan members stepped forward one by one, placing their hands on a giant black stone tablet to measure their Dou Qi level.

As each person completed the test, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

Finally, it was Xiao Yan’s turn. He walked forward steadily and placed his hand on the black stone tablet.

In an instant, the tablet glowed brightly, displaying the clear words “Two-star Dou Zhe” before everyone’s eyes.

The crowd below burst into exclamations, surprised that Xiao Yan had achieved the two-star Dou Zhe rank in such a short time.

Xiao Zhan looked at Xiao Yan on the platform with a satisfied smile. Although he knew Xiao Yan had progressed rapidly recently, he had not expected him to reach two-star Dou Zhe so soon.

Xiao Yan stood on the platform, locking eyes with Ning Jiuyou in the crowd. Their gazes met and held in the air.

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A faint smile curled at the corner of Xiao Yan’s lips—a confident yet warm smile. Ning Jiuyou returned it with a sweet smile, her eyes filled with admiration and encouragement.

However, at that moment, Xiao Zhan beckoned Xiao Yan over to the hall. Xiao Yan nodded slightly, mouthed to Ning Jiuyou that he would find her later, then turned and headed toward the hall.

Ning Jiuyou watched Xiao Yan’s departing figure with some reluctance, sighed softly, and turned away from the training grounds.

Inside the Dou Qi Pavilion, Xiao Zhan led Xiao Yan through rows of ancient bookshelves filled with various martial arts manuals.

As they walked, Xiao Zhan said, “Yan’er, there are many Dou Techniques here. Some have even been modified and upgraded by that girl Jiuyou.”

“She has an exceptional talent and unique insights into martial arts and Dou Techniques. When you go in, take a close look; you might find something suitable for you.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s heart stirred, and a flicker of anticipation shone in his eyes.

After a while…

Xiao Yan’s gaze stopped on an ancient-looking manual emitting a faint glow.

He picked it up and discovered it was a profound-grade Dou Technique, one that Jiuyou had modified and upgraded.

Upon careful examination, he found this technique perfectly matched the martial arts he was currently cultivating and promised a significant boost to his strength.

Overjoyed, Xiao Yan did not hesitate to place the manual into his storage ring, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

Just as Xiao Yan finished selecting the Dou Technique and prepared to leave the pavilion, Xiao Mei happened to walk in.

Her eyes brightened upon seeing Xiao Yan, and with a sweet smile, she hurried over, coquettishly saying, “Cousin Xiao Yan, have you finished choosing your Dou Technique? Come with me to go shopping, alright?”

Xiao Yan thought of Ning Jiuyou and felt no interest in the invitation. He politely smiled, then sidestepped Xiao Mei and continued forward, saying, “Sorry, cousin Xiao Mei, I have some things to attend to. Maybe another day.”

Xiao Mei was left standing awkwardly in place.

Meanwhile, in another corner of the Dou Qi Pavilion, Xiao Xun’er was holding a Dou Technique also modified by Ning Jiuyou, her eyes full of confusion and curiosity.

She gently stroked the manual and murmured, “Who exactly is she, to be able to refine and perfect Dou Techniques so exquisitely? Such talent and ability are truly unfathomable…”

After speaking, Xiao Xun’er put the manual back, sighed softly, and left the pavilion.

In her heart, her curiosity about Ning Jiuyou grew stronger, and she sensed that Jiuyou’s arrival might complicate Xiao Yan’s life and future in unpredictable ways.

After leaving the Dou Qi Pavilion, Xiao Yan walked toward Ning Jiuyou’s residence.

He was eager to see her, to share the joy of finding a suitable Dou Technique, and to hear her advice on his upcoming training.

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...

After returning to her room, Ning Jiuyou gently closed the door and walked to the table, sitting down slowly with a calm and focused expression.

She reached out for a pen, thought for a moment, then began writing on the paper.

At times, she furrowed her brows slightly, pondering how to phrase her words; at other times, she nodded gently, seemingly pleased with what she wrote.

Time quietly passed amidst the rustle of her writing until she finished the notes in her hand.

Ning Jiuyou carefully folded the notes and placed them on the side of the table.

Then, she picked up a new sheet of paper, her expression becoming solemn yet tinged with reluctance.

Dipping her brush in ink, she began writing a letter.

After a long while…

Ning Jiuyou completed the letter, sealed it in an envelope, and carefully fastened it with wax.

She sighed softly, stood up, and placed the envelope beside the notes she had just written.

Straightening her clothes, she walked toward the door.

Stepping outside, the sunlight bathed her figure. She squinted slightly, feeling the warmth of the sun, and a sense of relief quietly blossomed in her heart.

She took a step forward and headed toward the distance…

After exiting the Xiao family gate, Ning Jiuyou slowly stopped and turned around to gaze quietly at the Xiao residence.

Memories of the past several months with the Xiao family surfaced in her mind.

Though Uncle Xiao Zhan was usually stern, he cared for her deeply, attending to her daily needs and recognizing her strength. The kind affection from this elder made her heart feel warm.

At first, others in the clan were wary of her as an outsider, but gradually they grew familiar, and relations became much more harmonious.

Ning Jiuyou slowly lifted her head...