Invincible Beyond Heavens: Cultivating With A Broken EXP System

Three days slipped by in the blink of an eye.

As the sun rose in the east, a stream of golden light pierced through the sky and poured down upon Phoenix Flame City. Bathed in that morning radiance, the entire city awakened as if a massive mechanism had been set into motion, rapidly growing lively and loud.

People stepped out of their homes one after another, moving with purpose as they flowed toward a single destination without any need for words.

That destination was the renowned Life and Death Arena of Phoenix Flame City.

News had already spread across the city that today, the heads of the two greatest powers in Phoenix Flame City would face each other there. The result of this duel would decide who would truly rule Phoenix Flame City from this day forward.

This was not merely a battle that concerned the future of the city. It was also a peak confrontation between the two strongest figures Phoenix Flame City had to offer. For that reason alone, no one was willing to miss it.

Before long, the area surrounding the vast Life and Death Arena was completely packed with people. Countless gazes were fixed forward, necks craned and breaths held, all waiting for the appearance of the two figures who would decide the city’s fate.

Inside the Xi Family guest room.

“Today is the day of the duel between the Zhang Family and the Xi Family.”

Li Yun, who had been sitting cross legged on the bed, slowly rose to his feet.

“This will be my first time facing a true Xiantian Realm expert. Let us see how it turns out.”

With those words, Li Yun pushed open the door and headed toward the Xi Family’s main hall.

On the open ground before the main hall, Xi Dong, Xi Luo, and several high ranking members of the Xi Family had already gathered. Their expressions were grave, and a heavy, oppressive atmosphere hung in the air.

They all understood clearly that today’s battle against Zhang Yuanfeng would be extraordinarily perilous, and that Xi Dong might never return to the Xi Family afterward.

With that thought weighing on their minds, the hearts of the Xi Family’s high ranking members grew increasingly heavy.

“Since everyone is gathered here today, there is something I must announce.”

Xi Dong’s gaze swept across the senior members of the Xi Family as he spoke in a heavy, steady voice. “From this day forward, Xi Luo will assume the position of the next Family Head. The Grand Elder will remain by her side as her aide and pillar of support. This decision may seem rushed, but I expect all of you to obey it without exception. If anyone dares to defy this order…”

A sharp, icy glint flashed through Xi Dong’s eyes, sending a chill through the hearts of everyone present. The warning needed no further explanation.

Yet beneath that firmness lay an unspoken sorrow. Xi Dong’s words carried the weight of finality, as though he already knew his fate and was arranging his affairs before departure.

At that moment, the Grand Elder stepped forward. His expression was solemn and resolute as he spoke in a firm voice. “Family Head, please set your mind at ease. This old man will devote himself fully to assisting Xi Luo and ensuring that the Xi Family continues to prosper. Anyone who dares to disobey this order will be treated as a traitor to the Xi Family. Regardless of who they are, even if it were my own son, they would be executed without mercy.”

“Thank you, Grand Elder.”

Xi Dong let out a slow breath and smiled with clear relief. He then turned to Xi Luo, placed his large hand gently on her head, and ruffled her hair with unmistakable affection.

“Xi Luo, when your father is no longer by your side, you must learn to protect yourself and remain strong. You must also listen carefully to the Grand Elder and learn how to manage the family’s affairs. Do your utmost to lead the Xi Family to greater heights. Entrusting such a heavy responsibility to someone so young may seem unfair, but there is no better choice now. This is your father’s greatest wish. You must carry it out well and never let your father down. Do you understand?”

“Father…”

Xi Luo’s eyes reddened instantly, and tears shimmered as they gathered at the corners of her eyes.

“Xi Family Head, is it really appropriate to put on such a touching farewell so early in the morning?”

A light, amused chuckle suddenly broke the heavy atmosphere.

Everyone turned toward the source of the voice and saw a handsome young man in green robes approaching at an unhurried pace.

The newcomer was none other than Li Yun.

“Young Master Li, why have you come? Is there something you need?”

Xi Dong looked at Li Yun with a trace of curiosity as he spoke.

Li Yun smiled calmly and replied, “I came today because there is something important I wish to discuss with the Xi Family Head.”

“Oh?” Xi Dong responded with interest. “Young Master Li, please speak openly. As long as it is within my ability, I will certainly do my utmost to fulfill it for you.”

His tone was sincere and carried no hint of pretense. Xi Dong held Li Yun in high regard, not only because Li Yun had saved his daughter, but also because he deeply valued Li Yun’s talent.

To reach the sixth level of the Body Tempering Realm at such a young age of seventeen years was extraordinary. Someone like this was almost guaranteed to step into the Xiantian Realm in the future, perhaps even climb higher. Naturally, Xi Dong had no intention of letting such a genius slip by without forging goodwill.

Li Yun did not bother with pleasantries and spoke directly. “Regarding today’s duel with Zhang Yuanfeng, how about I take your place and fight him instead?”

“Young Master Li, you intend to fight Zhang Yuanfeng on my behalf?” Xi Dong was visibly startled. His expression stiffened for a brief moment before he quickly shook his head and said firmly, “Young Master Li, I truly appreciate your kindness, but this is a matter of the Xi Family. I cannot involve you in this.”

“Xi Family Head, there is no need to be so formal with me.” Li Yun replied with an easy smile. “Helping you deal with Zhang Yuanfeng is something I already promised Xi Luo. Xi Luo is my friend, and I never break promises made to friends. I hope the Xi Family Head will grant me this opportunity and not force me to go back on my word.”

“Xi Luo, did you ask Young Master Li to fight Zhang Yuanfeng in my place?” Xi Dong turned sharply toward Xi Luo, his voice rising with anger. “This is utterly outrageous!”

“Xi Family Head, please do not be angry.” Li Yun stepped in at once. “It was my own suggestion to take on the Zhang Family Head. Xi Luo had nothing to do with it.”

“Young Master Li, I sincerely thank you for your goodwill, but this battle is far too dangerous, and it would be best if you did not involve yourself,” Xi Dong said solemnly. “You and I both understand how terrifying a Martial Artist who has truly stepped into the Xiantian Realm can be. You have no deep ties to my Xi Family, so how could I possibly ask you to face such a perilous enemy on our behalf? This matter is inappropriate, and I do not wish to discuss it further.”

Xi Dong paused briefly, then continued in a steady voice, “If Young Master Li truly wishes to help, then after I fall in the arena, I ask that you guard the Xi Family for a short time. Should the Xi Family be unable to withstand the Zhang Family’s assault, then please take my daughter Xi Luo and leave Phoenix Flame City. Would that be acceptable?”