Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

"Dou Zhi Qi, stage three!"

Time had flown, and the day of the Xiao clan's annual Dou Qi test had arrived.

In the Xiao clan, those who hadn't reached seventh stage Dou Zhi Qi by age sixteen would be assigned to manage the clan's various businesses. If one failed to become a Dou Zhe by twenty-five, they risked being struck from the clan registry, no longer recognized as family.

"Xiao Yan, Dou Zhi Qi, stage three! Level: Low!" The middle-aged man overseeing the test announced the result with a cold, indifferent tone beside the Dou Qi testing stele.

Xiao Bai stood in the shade of a tree at the edge of the testing square, silently observing Xiao Yan on the platform.

He hadn't participated in the clan's test for three years, and the elders, aware of his situation, had tacitly allowed it. Today, he'd risen early specifically to witness this iconic moment. No check-in system here, but who needs one when you can watch the drama unfold? This is way more real than that TV show from my past life!

On the platform, Xiao Yan stared blankly at the glaring words on the stele, a self-mocking smirk tugging at his lips. His hands clenched tightly, the sharp nails digging into his palms, sending stabs of pain through him.

Head lowered in silence, he turned and descended from the platform. Whispers swirled around him—some mocking, others sighing with pity—like sharp blades piercing his heart, making his breathing quicken.

Closing his eyes, he took a few deep breaths, thinking of Xiao Bai and his breezy composure. Xiao Yan slowly raised his head, his youthful face impassive, his dark eyes calmly scanning the crowd mocking him.

The fickleness of people! Three years ago, these same folks smiled humbly, calling me 'Third Young Master.' Now they're so vicious. Heh!

With calm detachment, he walked through the crowd, ignoring the taunts, and headed toward the gray-haired youth under the tree at the square's edge.

The crowd's gazes followed Xiao Yan, landing on Xiao Bai.

"Is that… Xiao Bai? How'd he end up looking like that?"

"Heard he had a cultivation mishap. He's already much better now. You didn't see him a few months ago—that was scary!"

"Wasn't Xiao Yan at odds with him? Why do they seem close now?" someone asked, puzzled, as Xiao Bai patted Xiao Yan's shoulder.

"Who knows? Maybe they're kindred spirits in misfortune!"

Though some in the crowd had always resented Xiao Bai, they didn't dare speak ill of him. Even after six years without breaking through, his stage nine Dou Zhi Qi made him the undisputed top among the testers present. Plus, he'd once beaten Xiao Yan when the latter was a two-star Dou Zhe.

"Next, Xiao Mei!"

A girl of about fourteen darted out from the crowd, instantly drawing eyes away from Xiao Bai. Her face, a blend of innocence and allure, made her the center of attention, though she wasn't a peerless beauty.

"Xiao Mei, Dou Zhi Qi, stage seven! Level: High!"

Xiao Mei let out a cheer, a proud smile spreading across her face. The envious chatter from the crowd below only widened her grin. Vanity held a special allure for a girl her age.

Basking in the spotlight, Xiao Mei's gaze flicked to the two figures under the tree. After a moment's thought, she stepped toward the square's edge.

"Cousin Xiao Bai!" "Cousin Xiao Yan!"

She greeted them both. It had been a while since she'd seen Xiao Bai, and his drastic change unsettled her. The old Xiao Bai was refined, always wearing a gentle smile that warmed everyone like a spring breeze. Now, his face is stern, his eyes deep, with an air of authority surpassing even the clan leader or great elder.

Both figures before her had once stirred her youthful heart. She'd dreamed of a future with either, especially Xiao Bai, who topped every discussion among the Xiao clan's girls.

But Xiao Bai seemed to treat only Gu Xun Er differently. To other girls, his warmth was a polite mask, keeping them at a distance. Thinking of Xiao Xun Er, a flash of jealousy crossed Xiao Mei's eyes.

"Next, Xiao Xun Er!"

The buzzing crowd fell silent at the name, their gazes shifting subtly.

A serene girl in a green dress ascended the platform, standing like a budding lotus, poised to bloom. Her elegance was otherworldly, her skin fair as snow, her eyes like clear springs. With every glance, she exuded a refined, noble air that captivated yet forbade disrespect.

At such a young age, her presence was already breathtaking. One could hardly imagine her beauty when fully grown.

Xiao Xun Er's gaze swept the crowd before locking onto the youth under the tree. Her face softened, like spring thawing winter, and she flashed a bright smile, winking at him before turning to the testing stele.

Damn it, what's so special about that guy to earn Cousin Xun Er's favor?

"Exactly!"

"He's just a bit handsome, with decent charisma and slightly higher cultivation. What else does he have?"

The crowd shot a glance at the last speaker, stepping back silently. We're here criticizing Xiao Bai, and you're praising him? Are you his spy or what?

On the platform, the girl extended her jade hand. The azure-gold sleeve slipped, revealing a delicate, snowy wrist. Her palm touched the stele, and it glowed brilliantly.

"Xiao Xun Er, Dou Zhi Qi, stage nine! Level: High!"

The middle-aged man's voice rang across the square. The crowd stilled, then erupted in murmurs—some admiring, some awestruck, others jealous.

"Miss Xun Er, at this rate, you'll condense your qi cyclone and break through to Dou Zhe in half a year. You'll be the second in the Xiao clan's century-long history!" the man said, a smile on his face, his tone faintly respectful.

"Second?" Xiao Xun Er thought, unimpressed, but nodded politely. "Thank you."

She descended the platform gracefully, heading toward the tree with a spring in her step.

"Xiao Bai gege!" She stopped before Xiao Bai, hands clasped behind her, leaning forward slightly, her eyes curving with delight as she gazed at him.

Xiao Bai's stern face finally broke into a smile, his eyes brimming with undisguised fondness. He reached out, ruffling her dark hair.

"Xiao Bai gege, why'd you come today?" she asked, squinting happily under his touch, then tilting her head curiously.

Xiao Bai hadn't attended the clan's test in years and had been secluded lately. Seeing him here sparked her curiosity.