C21 Yao Di

"This power is incredible."

Zhuang Xing nodded in approval, quite pleased with himself. The formidable physique and extraordinary strength he had developed through the Imperishable Golden Body Spell far exceeded those of his peers. With his current might, he could kill a practitioner of the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Two Heaven or Level Three Heaven with just the force of his bare fists, no martial skills required.

"Young Master, what's going on?"

Chunri burst into the courtyard, alarmed by a vibration she had felt earlier, worried that something had happened.

Upon seeing Zhuang Xing, Chunri let out a shriek and quickly turned away, her hands covering her eyes; Zhuang Xing was standing in the yard completely nude.

Zhuang Xing, oblivious to his state of undress, was concerned by her scream. "Chunri, what's the matter?" he asked with curiosity.

"It's nothing, Young Master," she replied, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might burst from her chest. She kept her eyes covered, terrified of glimpsing something inappropriate.

Zhuang Xing remained unconcerned, still unaware of his nakedness.

After a moment, Chunri spoke up timidly, "Young Master, could you please put on some clothes?"

"What clothes?" Zhuang Xing glanced down and his eyes widened as he realized why Chunri had covered her eyes.

He swiftly moved to his room to get dressed. When he reappeared, he was properly attired.

Relieved to see Zhuang Xing fully clothed, Chunri exhaled deeply. She had been quite anxious during the three days he had spent in seclusion without any word.

"Young Master, you must be hungry after coming out of seclusion. I'll bring you some food immediately," she offered.

The mention of food made Zhuang Xing realize his hunger. He hadn't yet attained the level where he could forgo food, so he needed sustenance for nourishment.

"Good, go ahead and prepare it. Bring the meal to my room when it's ready."

"Certainly, Young Master. Please wait a moment."

As Chunri left to prepare the meal, the image of Zhuang Xing standing undressed flashed through her mind, causing her cheeks to flush a deep red as she hurried away.

The young master's physique was truly striking. He was well-proportioned with not an ounce of excess fat on his body.

After his meal, Zhuang Xing stepped out into the courtyard and took a leisurely walk around the estate. As he passed a quaint pavilion, he noticed Ma Xiaoyan engrossed in a book.

"Mother," he called out.

At the sound of his voice, Ma Xiaoyan looked up from her reading, her face lighting up with joy at the sight of Zhuang Xing.

"Xing, when did you finish your retreat?" she asked eagerly.

Ma Xiaoyan was delighted to see her son. Zhuang Xing had been in seclusion, diligently cultivating and not receiving visitors. Knowing how hard her son had been working made her heart ache with a mother's concern.

"I've just emerged," he replied.

Ma Xiaoyan reached out, taking Zhuang Xing's hand in hers, her face beaming with pride. "Xing, how is your cultivation progressing?"

"Not bad," Zhuang Xing responded. "I've now advanced to the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Two Heaven."

What? Spirit Wheel Stage Level Two Heaven?

Ma Xiaoyan's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Zhuang Xing, unable to believe what she was hearing.

"Xing, what did you say?" she stammered.

Zhuang Dou, who had arrived unnoticed, was equally shocked by the news. He staggered slightly, nearly losing his footing upon hearing Zhuang Xing's words.

Zhuang Xing simply shrugged at their astonished faces. Was achieving the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Two Heaven really such a surprise?

"Xing, could you repeat what you just said?" Ma Xiaoyan implored, still reeling from the shock.

Meanwhile, Zhuang Dou swiftly moved to Zhuang Xing's side, reaching out with his right hand to grasp Zhuang Xing's wrist and sense his level of cultivation.

Overcome with an irrepressible joy, Zhuang Dou eventually burst into a fit of exuberant laughter, looking skyward as he did.

"My dear, has Xing truly reached the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Two Heaven?" Ma Xiaoyan asked, seeing Zhuang Dou's wild laughter and seeking confirmation, yearning to know if her son had indeed made such a breakthrough.

"That's right, he has truly reached the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Two Heaven."

Ma Xiaoyan couldn't contain her joy upon hearing this. Witnessing her son's rapid advancement in cultivation, how could she not be overjoyed as a mother?

"Father, have the issues with the Chai and Jia families been resolved?"

Zhuang Dou was brimming with excitement at the mention of the Chai and Jia families. Now that both families had been vanquished, the Zhuang family reigned supreme in Cloud Peak City, with no other family or power able to challenge them.

Of course, all this glory was thanks to Zhuang Xing. Without his single-handed defeat of Jia Du and Chai Shi, the Zhuang family would never have achieved such honor and splendor. Zhuang Xing was the architect of their success.

He was convinced that with Zhuang Xing present, the Zhuang family was destined to grow and strengthen continuously. This thought filled Zhuang Dou with renewed excitement.

"I've taken care of it all."

Zhuang Xing nodded. The downfall of the Jia and Chai families was of their own making; they had no one else to blame.

"Xing, do you have a moment?"

"What is it?" Zhuang Xing inquired, intrigued.

Zhuang Dou explained, "The official registration for the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition has started. Xing, when will you be available? I'd like to take you to sign up. If you miss the registration, you won't be able to compete."

Zhuang Xing furrowed his brow. Truth be told, he had zero interest in the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition. He would have dismissed it entirely if not for his parents' high hopes for the event.

"I'm available whenever."

"Great," Zhuang Dou replied. "In that case, let's plan for two days from now. I'll take you to Azure Sun City to register, and while we're there, I'll sell some items."

Cloud Peak City was a small town, lacking the qualifications to host registration for the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition. Azure Sun City, however, was a metropolis, renowned throughout South County. Residents from Cloud Peak City and the surrounding towns all traveled to Azure Sun City to complete their registration.

"Alright."

Zhuang Xing reflected on his situation. His cultivation had already advanced to the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Two Heaven, and he had mastered the Imperishable Golden Body Spell to the Level One realm. Remaining in Cloud Peak City held little significance for him now. It would be better to head to Azure Sun City in search of new opportunities and perhaps achieve another breakthrough.

Zhuang Dou chuckled. They had never really harbored any expectations for the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition, but to their surprise, a prodigy had emerged from the Zhuang family. This revelation filled him with hope and he had unwavering confidence in his son. He was certain his son would secure remarkable achievements.

"Alright, in two days, I'll take you to Azure Sun City."