The training ground was first enveloped in a deathly silence, followed by a burst of gasps:
“Innate Fivefold? How is that possible?!”
“Yeah, this little girl must be only sixteen or seventeen, and she has already reached Innate Fivefold?”
“I heard she is Aotian's adopted daughter, found by Aotian during his travels.”
“It seems that Aotian will not decline because of her.”
“Indeed, this girl's talent might only be comparable to the Four Young Masters of Fengyun within the Fengyun Nation…”
Aotian exhaled lightly, his eyes also sparkling with astonishment, though he was not as stunned as the surrounding martial artists.
Clearly, Aoyan's cultivation level was within Aotian's expectations. This was normal; after all, Aoyan's talent for cultivation had been said to be second only to Aotian, known as the “second of the Aojia.” Thus, achieving such a terrifying result was understandable. Nevertheless, Aoyan's accomplishment still amazed the current Aotian.
In the stands, the teacup in Aotian's hand shattered instantly as he gazed at Aoyan on the Training Platform with wild joy. Clearly, Aoyan's cultivation had also shocked this family head.
Around him, Ao Gong and others wore expressions of shock, their eyes wide open like copper bells. This made Aotian worry that these three might pop their eyes out… After a long while, Ao Gong and the others finally regained their senses.
“Amazing!” A voice whispered from somewhere, filled with deep envy.
“Who is this girl?” Zheng Kun asked with a smile, though there was a hint of cunning in his expression.
Aotian replied calmly:
“She is my adopted daughter, Aoyan, and her talent for cultivation is not weaker than Tian'er!”
Zheng Kun rubbed his ring with one hand and spoke with a strange tone:
“Aotian, I have a proposal. I wonder if you could agree?”
Aotian frowned tightly. What was Zheng Kun up to? Over the years, Aojia and the Zheng Family had become locked in a bitter rivalry, and now he was suggesting that Aotian agree to something? Had the family head lost his mind?
However, out of respect, Aotian couldn't directly refuse. He also wanted to see what Zheng Kun had to say, so he fixed his gaze on him, waiting for his next words.
"My son is of a similar age to Aoyan, and he possesses considerable talent. He is already an outer disciple of the Ice River Sect and will soon be promoted to an inner disciple. Therefore, I would like to propose a marriage alliance with Aotian. If Aotian agrees, I am willing to offer half of the Zheng Family's assets as a betrothal gift. What do you think, Aotian?"
Upon hearing this, both Ao Gong and Ning Wen changed their expressions drastically. The former had coveted the position of family head for many years; if Aotian truly agreed, it would mean turning enemies into allies with the Zheng Family, and his dream of becoming family head would likely be shattered. The latter managed the Ning Family, and with the three major powers in Ning City being roughly equal, if Aojia truly allied with the Zheng Family, they would undoubtedly join forces to drive out the Ning Family. Although he had a strong backing as well, it would likely be too little too late.
Thinking this over, all three looked at Aotian, as his decision was crucial. If he did not agree, then it would merely be one opinion from Zheng Kun, not worth taking seriously.
Aotian let out a light breath, glanced at Ao Gong and Ning Wen, then smiled at Zheng Kun:
"I must say, your betrothal gift is quite tempting. However, I refuse!" With those final words, Aotian wore a serious expression, clearly indicating there was no room for negotiation.
"Oh? What a pity..." Zheng Kun smiled lightly, showing no signs of anger as if he had anticipated this answer all along. Yet his eyes were filled with coldness and killing intent.
Seeing this, both Ao Gong and Ning Wen also breathed a sigh of relief. After all, if Aojia truly allied with the Zheng Family, it wouldn't bode well for them.
In the stands, Aoyan seemed oblivious to the shocked expressions of the surrounding warriors. She walked gracefully towards Aotian, her previously calm demeanor slowly replaced by a bright smile as she approached him. Her elegance captivated countless warriors.
Regardless, the cultivation test had to continue; however, it was clear that there wouldn't be another dark horse like Aoyan.
As time passed, the first round of the Aotian Family Test Tournament came to a close.
"Next up is the second event: the Test Match, focusing on strength!"
"All youths below the eighth level of acquired strength from the Arrogant Clan are eligible for this strength test."
"We will draw lots to determine opponents; those who draw the same number will enter the Training Platform!
"Anyone who automatically concedes or falls out of the Training Platform will be considered a failure!"
"Additionally, the last four who can persist until the end will receive special rewards from Aojia!"
As Aotian's voice fell, dozens of paper balls flew towards everyone.
Aotian extended his right hand like a sea dragon, catching one of the flying paper balls firmly in his grip.
Opening the paper ball, two slightly weathered characters appeared in Aotian's line of sight.
Aotian let out a bitter smile, not expecting that he would be the first in this round. However, he did not delay and quickly made his way to the Training Platform with the paper ball in hand.
As Aotian stepped onto the stage, a figure squeezed out from the crowd and headed towards the platform. Those who were observant would notice that this figure came from the direction of Ao Yu and Aofeng, the two brothers...
Aotian fixed his gaze on the guy across from him, whose face was covered in dark moles, his expression serious.
Aodun, eighteen years old, a sixth-level martial artist, and also a collateral disciple of Aojia.
Aotian truly did not expect that his first match would be against such a difficult opponent; however, he had no intention of backing down. A sixth-level martial artist?! Heh, indeed not a weak "chicken"!
The elder took the paper balls from both of them and announced the start of the match after confirming everything was in order.
Yet Aotian could clearly see the pity in the elder's eyes. It seemed that this elder also believed that Aotian was bound to lose against Aodun!
The surrounding martial artists looked at Aotian with sympathy; clearly, no one had high hopes for him. Only Ao Yu and his brother had cold expressions in their eyes.
"Aotian, if you know what's good for you, just concede. I won't hold back once we start fighting!" Aodun said with a smirk on his lips—a cold smile.
Aotian understood in his heart that he was at least the son of the head of Aojia. No matter how useless he might be, his status was there; how could a collateral disciple have the audacity to mock him?! Clearly, he was being instigated by someone to dare to challenge him.
Thinking of this, Aotian couldn't help but glance at the Ao Yu brothers not far away. The two of them had a teasing look in their eyes, clearly indicating that this Aodun was under their orders!
Aotian's lips also curled into a cold smile as he thought to himself:
Well, since this Aodun is your lackey, I'll just take out one of his teeth first!
With that thought, Aotian said lightly:
"I'll say the same to you; when the fight starts, I won't hold back!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd erupted in an uproar. Did this young master from the Aojia family not understand the situation before him? One was at the fourth level of Postnatal and the other at the sixth level; it was a complete crushing defeat! Many people secretly believed that this young master from the Aojia family not only lacked Mystical Energy but also seemed to have lost his mind...
Aodun's eyes flashed with a cold light as he mockingly said:
"I want to see how you won't hold back against my subordinates!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Aodun charged fiercely towards Aotian...
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