Chapter 2: The Bitter Sea of Sorrow

As the tension between the two brothers in the hall grew increasingly palpable, the third brother, Xiao Beihai, said in a deep voice, "I say, second brother, that useless person is dead, so let's not waste any more time here; preparing for the Qianlong battle is what truly matters"

Without hesitation, Xiao Rang's consciousness transformed into a hand, ready to tear the golden paper. However, the paper was as impenetrable as the skin of a stone monk, making it utterly impossible to tear off

The eldest of the Xiao family, Xiao Yuantong, stood up, his two sword-like brows furrowing. "Zhan'er possesses extraordinary talent; at the age of seventeen, he has already reached the third level of fetal breathing. He is undoubtedly the foremost contender in this Hidden Dragon Battle. In contrast, that waste has yet to even open his energy sea. Tell me, what reason does Zhan'er have to lie?"

This remark nearly drove Xiao Yuanshan to the brink of fury, and he coldly laughed, saying, "What is the reasoning behind the idea that a high level of cultivation means one does not lie?"

The death of a younger family member, under normal circumstances, might warrant a thorough investigation. However, during this period leading up to the impending Dragon Battle, it is destined to be dealt with hastily.

Om ... ...

In the center, a young man bearing a broad sword stands proudly, a faint hint of disdain at the corner of his mouth; it is Xiao Zhan

Xiao Yuantong's lips curled into a sinister smile, "No matter which aspect, Zhan'er is far superior to that waste. I truly cannot think of a reason for Zhan'er to lie."

When Xiao Rang discovered the *Illustrated* Book of the Bitter Sea and Sad Finger, the atmosphere in the Xiao family was one of oppression

At that moment, a profound feeling surged within him, and Xiao felt as if the stone monk had transformed into another version of himself, as if he were controlling two bodies with one mind

Xiao Yuantong!" Xiao Yuanshan shouted angrily, his eyes wide open, pointing with his hand, "Are you forcing me to duel with you?"

However, Xiao Rang is not someone who easily gives up. If he cannot tear off one piece of gold paper, he will go for another. After trying all forty-nine pieces of gold paper, he finally made some progress

A brilliant golden light emanated from a torn corner, illuminating the stone monk with a majestic aura, resembling an enlightened master. The golden light ultimately converged into a line of text, among which four prominent characters danced like dragons and phoenixes:

Xiao Yuanshan is the head of the family, his demeanor both imposing and fierce, exuding a remarkable presence. However, Xiao Zhan remains undaunted, standing tall and looking directly into Xiao Yuanshan's eyes, declaring loudly, "Second Uncle, I have said many times that that good-for-nothing tried to curry favor with Hong Wan and foolishly went to Feng Hou Cliff to pick the Blood Lotus, only to fall to his death."

Moreover, this deceased individual was a well-known figure, universally regarded as a worthless person whom everyone discarded like a piece of trash

Second brother, what do you mean by m.hetushu.com.com?

Xiao Zhan is so confident because in two days, it will be the Xiao family's annual Qianlong Battle

Xiao Yuanshan, as the head of a family and the leader of a clan, possesses an extraordinary presence. When he becomes enraged, an invisible pressure emanates from him, as if a volcano is being suppressed in the air. Those who had been shouting are all rendered speechless by this overwhelming force.

When Xiao Rang attempted to extend his consciousness into the stone monk, he unexpectedly discovered that his consciousness easily settled within the stone monk.

"Second brother, do not think that just because you have fortuitously become the head of the family, you can act arrogantly. The Xiao family is not a one-man show under your command!"

Enough!" Listening to these people calling him a waste, Xiao Yuanshan stood up abruptly and shouted, "He is my son, Xiao Yuanshan, not some waste!"

As a great battle loomed inevitable, an elderly man with graying hair struck the ground with his dragon-headed cane and said in a deep voice, "Enough!"

Good riddance, good riddance indeed, from now on there will be no more eyesores!

The words of the Grand Elder seemed to shatter Xiao Yuanshan's soul, leaving him momentarily stunned. It was only when the Grand Elder was about to step out the door that he regained his senses and called out loudly to the Grand Elder's retreating figure, "Grand Elder, that was my son! Did he just die without any explanation?"

Xiao Rang is not actually a member of the Xiao family, but rather the adopted son of Xiao Yuanshan. Coupled with his reputation as a waste, it can be said that very few people in the entire Xiao family regard Xiao Rang as a person. This is also the reason why he went to the Jueque Sect to work as a servant.

Having a doppelgänger yet being unable to use it, Xiao was so enraged that he ground his teeth, wishing he could beat up the person who applied that gold foil. Gritting his teeth, he said, "This damned gold foil, one day, I will peel it all off!"

It is known that the opening of the Qihai was entirely due to the efforts of the Stone Monk. Xiao Rang then focused his consciousness to further study the Stone Monk.

The matter concerning Xiao Rang shall be set aside; the battle of the hidden dragons is of utmost importance. This is the decision of the Elder Council

As soon as Xiao Yuanshan's words fell, a rather dissatisfied voice echoed in the hall, "Are you implying that Zhan'er is lying?"

It would be one thing if he were not a member of the Xiao family, but to have such a useless person in our midst, and you, disregarding the potential of the Qianlong War for the sake of this worthless individual, are you becoming increasingly muddled as the head of the family

The Hidden Dragon Battle of the Xiao Family is essentially a grand competition among the clan's disciples. The younger members who achieve outstanding results in this competition will be given special training and support by the family

Xiao Yuanshan is naturally aware of this matter, which is why Xiao Zhan's flawed response infuriated him

Xiao Beihai's loud voice was the first to express his stance, and immediately others in the hall began to echo him.

To his surprise, he suddenly advanced to the first stage of fetal breathing, which delighted Xiao Rang, as he could finally begin his martial arts training

When the elder spoke, both Xiao Yuanshan and Xiao Yuantong came to a halt

The eight towering pillars of the Panlong seem to prop up the heavens, within the grand hall of the Xiao family, which is a full ten zhang wide, the clan leader Xiao Yuanshan sits with a gloomy expression in a griffin-hide armchair.

However, not everyone fears Xiao Yuanshan. Xiao Yuantong sarcastically called out from the side, "At sixteen, he still cannot open his Qi Sea. If he is not a waste, then there are no wastes in the Tianwu Continent."

The Grand Elder Huo turned around, and two piercing beams of light shot from his murky eyes as he pointed his dragon-headed cane towards Xiao Yuanshan, "He is indeed your son, but he is not a member of the Xiao family!"

Indeed, that waste, dying is just fine, it saves the Xiao family from losing face

Great Elder

With a forceful slap on the thigh and a loud bang on the armchair, a tremendous pressure surged from Xiao Yuanshan, his voice stern and imposing: "This is simply nonsense! Xiao Zhan, my son is naturally indifferent and does not compete with others. He is the one who opposes the marriage with Qin Hongwan the most. He has privately approached me several times, urging me to cancel the engagement to avoid harming others' futures. How could he possibly pick some worthless blood lotus just to please Qin Hongwan!"

Hmm? The divine consciousness can actually enter?

The sea of suffering is vast and sorrowful

"It is not even a descendant of the Xiao family; if it dies, so be it"

Leaving these words behind, the old man rose from the jade chair carved with a qilin and walked step by step towards the hall's exit

This stone monk is indeed not an ordinary being

Xiao Yuantong, relying on his status as the leader, completely disregarded the head of the family. Huo stood up and coldly said: "If it's a fight, then let's fight; who is afraid of whom"

Only the densely packed gold paper surrounding the stone monk sealed him like a cage, rendering Xiao Rang's "avatar" completely unable to move an inch

Glancing at Xiao Zhan, Xiao Yuanshan became increasingly certain of his suspicions and asked sternly, "Xiao Zhan, say it again, how did my son die!"

The Hidden Dragon Battle is a significant event for the family, and during the period of the Hidden Dragon Battle, all matters must yield to it

Xiao Yuanshan's two piercing gazes fell upon Xiao Yuantong, akin to two sharp swords. "Elder brother, according to your reasoning, since my cultivation level is now higher than yours, can I also conclude that what you just said is all nonsense!"

The piece of gold paper on the wrist of the stone monk's right hand was torn at a corner the size of a fingernail.