Xiaotian leaned against the carriage window, watching the scenery pass as they approached the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's main compound. His gaze was calm, his posture relaxed, but his mind was running through plans like a strategist in a war room.
Finally home. Time to begin new plan, 1-Make myself look like a calm and kind senior brother, 2- Get myself all the resources possible and 3- Get the fuck out of here and be the strongest out there.
The plan's name is still a work in progress, but its execution? Flawless.
Beside him, Xiaogang was fidgeting like a mortal about to face a heavenly tribulation. His fingers tapped against his knee, and his expression screamed nervous wreck.
Xiaotian gave him a side glance. "You look like a scholar who just realized he studied the wrong subject for the imperial exams."
The bodyguard driving the carriage remained silent, but every now and then, he'd glance at Xiaotian. Specifically, at the Ironjaw Croc lounging beside him.
The bodyguard, who never lost his cool, was silent ever since Xiaotian tamed the crocodile like it was a lost puppy.
What's the matter, brother? Never seen a young master casually subdue a terrifying spirit beast in seconds? What a noob!
Xiaotian patted the crocodile's scaly head, earning a deep, satisfied rumble.
The bodyguard shook his head.
Yeah, keep questioning reality. Maybe if you're lucky, enlightenment will strike.
The moment they arrived at the clan compound, Xiaotian immediately sensed something was off. The atmosphere was tense, like a pot about to boil over.
Before he could even ask, a servant practically sprinted over, panting like he had just run across the entire estate.
"Young master Xiaotian, young master Xiaogang," the servant gasped, bowing. "The Patriarch is currently in a clan meeting. You are both summoned."
Xiaotian raised an eyebrow. "Summoned already? We just got back."
The servant, still catching his breath, bowed again. "The Vice Elder insisted."
Ah. That explained everything.
Yu Luomian was the kind of elder who thrived on drama. If he had lived in modern times, he'd be the type to stir trouble on social media just to watch people fight in the comments.
Xiaotian turned to Xiaogang, placing a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder. "Looks like your welcome home feast will have to wait."
Xiaogang sighed, looking like he wanted to be anywhere but here. "I wasn't expecting one anyway."
Xiaotian smiled. "Well, now I feel bad for not preparing a surprise celebration. Maybe next time."
Xiaogang gave him a look.
The two followed the servant into the meeting hall, where the air was thick with the usual old man politics.
The elders sat in a semi-circle, looking far too smug for a group of men whose best years were behind them. At the center of it all, like a general surveying the battlefield, stood Yu Luomian.
Yu Yuanzhen, their father and the patriarch, sat at the head of the hall. His expression was unreadable, but Xiaotian had inherited enough of his bloodline to know: the man was silently judging everyone.
Yu Luomian wasted no time. "Well? Are you ready for the fight?"
Xiaotian's face was completely calm, his tone steady. "I could fight right now if you want."
A few elders scoffed, exchanging amused glances.
Yu Luomian let out a loud, dramatic laugh, the kind only a seasoned villain would dare to perform. "Bold words! In that case-"
Yu Yuanzhen raised a hand, shutting him up instantly. His voice was deep, commanding. "Enough!"
"Let them rest," Yu Yuanzhen continued. "Tomorrow morning, they will face their challenges. We will not allow them the excuse of not being well-rested."
Xiaotian internally smirked. Classic clan patriarch move. Deny them what they want but make it seem like you're being generous. A true patriarchal technique.
The elders all nodded in agreement.
"Yes, yes, Patriarch is wise…"
"Truly a great leader…"
"Such deep foresight…"
Xiaotian barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes. You old men would agree even if he said the sky was green.
After leaving the meeting hall, the twins finally reached their living quarters. Just as Xiaotian was about to enter his room, he asked a maid nearby, if Mou San and gang had returned.
"Young Master Xiaotian," she said, bowing. "Your friends have not returned from their first ring hunt."
Xiaotian's fingers paused on the door handle.
They had left much later than Xiaotian and Xiaogang, who had left for their first spirit ring hunt. And since there were four of them, it was only natural that they took a longer time. Still, it doesn't feel like home without the gang.
Xiaotian dismissed the maid with a nod before stepping inside his room.
His ever loyal Ironjaw Croc followed him in, making herself comfortable in the corner.
Xiaotian stretched, preparing to cultivate when someone knocked on his door.
Knock, knock.
He sighed. "Who is it?"
"It's me." said Xiaogang from the other side of the door.
Xiaotian opened the door. His twin stepped inside, looking like he was carrying a lot of weight on his shoulders.
Xiaotian smirked. "What? Too nervous?"
Xiaogang hesitated before giving a small nod.
Xiaotian chuckled, leading him inside. "We talked about this already.Just stick to the plan and no need to worry. Did you absorb your first ring without a hitch?"
Xiaogang's expression instantly brightened, his nervousness vanishing like smoke. "Wanna see?"
Xiaotian shrugged. "Sure. Let's go to the backyard.
But the backyard was quiet. Too quiet.
Xiaotian instinctively scanned the area, his eyes sharp. Something felt off.
Not in the 'someone's about to attack' kind of way, but in the 'someone's about to do something stupid, and I will have to deal with it' kind of way.
Xiaogang, oblivious to his older twin's paranoia, excitedly prepared to summon his martial soul.
But just as he was about to, Xiaotian held up a hand.
"Wait."
Xiaogang blinked. "Huh?"
Xiaotian's gaze flickered toward a shadow near a pillar. His voice was calm but carried the weight of someone who was tired of everyone's nonsense.
"You. Come out."
There was a pause. Then, hesitantly, a nervous-looking servant stepped into the light.
"M-Me?" the servant stammered.
Xiaotian gave him the I am not in the mood for this look. "Yes, you. What are you doing in the mansion's backyard at this hour? Shouldn't you be in the servant dorms?"
The servant gulped. "I-I just heard noise and wanted to make sure you were safe…"
Lies.
This guy was a terrible spy. The kind who would get caught in the first ten minutes of a political drama.
Xiaotian narrowed his eyes. "Get lost."
The servant bolted so fast he might have awakened his own spirit in sheer terror.
Xiaotian watched until the guy was out of sight before turning back to Xiaogang. "I wanted to get you some real battle experience. But that seems impossible now. Yu Feng isn't an idiot, or there's someone else pulling the strings. Someone wants to keep an eye on us."
Xiaogang frowned. "You think they'll interfere tomorrow?"
"Doubt it. But we'll figure it all out soon."
Xiaogang nodded. Then, as if all tension had vanished, he grinned. "Anyway, my first skill is amazing! My spirit underwent a huge change! I think it's because of the lightning cores we stole back then! Luo San Pao has gotten super muscular and has scales now!"
Xiaotian flicked his forehead.
"Idiot. That's not because of the lightning cores. It's the spirit ring. You still don't fully understand your mutation."
Xiaogang blinked. "Then… what caused it?"
Xiaotian smirked. "The Thunderquill Hawk. It has some draconic blood in its lineage. The spirit ring carried those qualities, and it awakened hidden traits in your martial soul. You need to focus on absorbing rings from beasts with draconic origins."
Xiaogang's eyes widened. "Got it, boss. By the way, do you plan on naming the croc?"
Xiaotian nodded solemnly. "Indeed. She shall be known as Croc Hua, the Jade Empress of a Thousand Teeth."
Xiaogang stared at him. "Are you serious?"
Xiaotian pointed at Croc Hua.
The croc's eyes were literally sparkling with joy.
Xiaogang sighed. "Never mind. I'm going to bed."
Xiaotian stretched. "Good night. Let's go, Hua."
As he walked back inside, he muttered, "Still a better name than all the Xiao Hei and Xiao Bai running around in xianxia novels."
The next morning, Xiaotian woke up refreshed and full of confidence.
It was time for the main event. But first…
He pulled open a small wooden box near his bed, revealing a secret stash of wrapped candies.
Because let's be real, being overpowered was exhausting.
And snacks made everything better.
With a smooth motion, he stuffed a few into his sleeve.
Gotta maintain my energy. Carrying this whole 'one thousand aura' on my back isn't easy.
Croc Hua, who was lazily sunbathing by the window, gave him a knowing look.
Xiaotian raised an eyebrow. "What? You want one?"
The croc nodded.
Xiaotian tossed her a candy.
She chomped it happily.
Xiaotian nodded approvingly. "You have good taste."
With that, he walked out of his room, ready to make today a memorable one.
The training grounds were packed.
Elders, disciples, servants; everyone had gathered.
In the center stood Grand Elder Yu Zhenhai.
Xiaotian narrowed his eyes. A Grand Elder coming to watch a spar? Interesting. Most of them stay in seclusion. Something's up.
Then, in the distance, a girl's voice was heard. And she sounded annoyed.
Hou'er. They are here!
"Mou San! Hurry up!". Hou'er was dragging the poor boy, while running.
Xiaotian's gang ran toward the stage, out of breath.
Mou San gasped, "Thank God we aren't late! We thought we'd miss your fight!"
Hou'er was red, her anger visible even when panting, "If we were, it'd have been your funeral!"
Xiaotian smirked. "Nah.. I'd have stalled. This fight isn't just about staying in the clan or proving my worth. This is about humiliating the elders and Yu Feng in front of everyone."
Si Lin adjusted his glasses. "That's some confidence, boss. But need I remind you that Yu Feng has a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit, a strong first ring, and an extra year of training."
Xiaotian raised an eyebrow. "And need I remind you that my awesomeness cannot be measured by normal scales?"
Mou San cheered, "Well said, young master!"
Meng Kong, struggled to make meaningful sentences while crunching peanuts from his pockets, "Young Master... Nom nom... Kick ass... Nom nom... Celebrate feast...."
At that moment, Yu Yuanzhen stepped onto the stage.
His voice boomed across the grounds. "We all know why we are here. Two of my sons, Xiaogang and Xiaotian, have awakened mutated spirits. Their battles today will determine their standing in this clan."
He turned to Xiaogang. "Xiaogang, step forward. Your opponent will be Yu Dum Gai."
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!
Did I hear that right?! You dumb guy?
A muscular youth smirked as he stepped up.
Yu Feng, standing nearby, gave Xiaogang and Xiaotian an arrogant look.
The referee stepped in. "Standard sparring rules apply. Begin!"
Yu Dum Gai's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon spirit flared to life.
His first ability, Lightning Blast- a skill that fires bolts of electricity that blasts on contact, crackled with energy. His senses sharpened.
Xiaogang smirked.
His body shimmered with yellow spirit energy as he activated: Sparkling Accel( a quick dash and attack technique, with increased chance of paralysis and crit damage.)
A blur of movement. And the fight began.
To Be Continued…
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A/N: Yu Dum Gai… I am sorry. But not really.
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Next time: The first fight! Will Xiaogang finally stop being bullied? Will Xiaotian get to humiliate Yu Feng? Will Xiaotian's candy stash survive the day? Will you support this author with power stones?
Find out in the next episode of Hydra Tyrant Z!