It was only at this moment that Han Ping'an began to truly acknowledge Jun Xiaoyao.
This newly promoted Young Lord of the Yun Clan Emperor Clan seemed to possess some remarkable qualities.
As one of the five Prodigy Kings of the Southeast, Northwest, and Central regions, Han Ping'an was accustomed to being aloof.
Few Prodigies ever caught his Dharma Eye.
But now, facing Jun Xiaoyao, a rare sense of vigilance arose within his Heart-Nature.
This was definitely not an easy opponent to deal with.
Hearing Jun Xiaoyao's words, Mr. Yuan also secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Jun Xiaoyao was helping him out of a difficult situation, giving him a way to save face.
Thinking of this, Mr. Yuan couldn't help but feel a hint of gratitude.
However, Jun Xiaoyao then said, "This Young Lord will naturally go to kill the Black Calamity Race."
"But there's no need for Qingxuan and the other lady, is there?"
The implication was that Jun Xiaoyao wanted Tantai Qingxuan and Tantai Mingzhu to be exempt from the assessment.
Thinking that Jun Xiaoyao was still considering her at this moment, a touch of emotion appeared in Tantai Qingxuan's eyes, and her Heart-Nature felt warm.
And she was very clever.
From Chu Xiao calling Han Ping'an "Brother Han" just now, it was clear.
They seemed to already know each other, and their relationship appeared to be good.
This naturally led Tantai Qingxuan to wonder.
Could it be that Chu Xiao, harboring resentment towards Jun Xiaoyao, incited Han Ping'an to make things difficult for Jun Xiaoyao?
If it were before, Tantai Qingxuan would never have thought that way.
But after the birthday banquet, she realized that Chu Xiao's Heart-Nature had indeed changed somewhat.
He was no longer the simple youth who was single-mindedly striving for improvement.
However, Tantai Qingxuan's thoughts were only a guess and not certain.
But what was certain was that Tantai Qingxuan's impression of Chu Xiao had undoubtedly dropped significantly again.
Hearing Jun Xiaoyao's words, Mr. Yuan naturally agreed immediately.
Han Ping'an pondered for a moment and did not voice any objections.
After all, Tantai Qingxuan also had a connection with Chu Xiao.
"Since that's the case, then it's settled," Mr. Yuan said with a laugh.
He naturally did not want any conflict to arise between Han Ping'an and Jun Xiaoyao.
One was the Junior Martial Uncle of Jixia Academy, known as the Northern Confucian.
The other was the Young Lord of the Yun Clan Emperor Clan, and even an Emperor-level figure.
If these two had a major conflict, it would not benefit Jixia Academy.
Jun Xiaoyao, however, had a gentle smile on his face as he said indifferently, "Then it's settled. If there's an opportunity later, I'd like to exchange a few moves with Fellow Daoist Han."
The meaning of these words was very clear.
"That would be my honor, Han," Han Ping'an replied with a smile.
That invisible tension was somewhat suffocating.
These two could be said to be pivotal existences among the Prodigies of the Realm Sea.
And the assessment of Jixia Academy thus came to an end.
Fewer than one or two out of ten Prodigies passed the second stage.
But because the base number was large, the total number of people was not small.
It was conceivable that the third stage, the practical combat test, would be the most dangerous and the most effective in gauging a Prodigy's average level.
Because the third stage was a practical combat test, a period of rest was needed.
All the Prodigies had several days to recuperate and prepare themselves.
Chu Xiao was invited by Han Ping'an for a small gathering.
"This time, I must thank Brother Han and Brother He," Chu Xiao sincerely clasped his hands and said.
If not for their help, Chu Xiao might not even have been able to enter the gates of Jixia Academy.
"Not at all. With Brother Chu's ability, he could have joined anyway; he was just being obstructed by someone," Han Ping'an said with a slight smile.
"Regardless, I'd like to toast both of you," Chu Xiao raised his cup.
The atmosphere among the three was quite harmonious.
Afterward, Han Ping'an said, "With Brother Chu's strength, there shouldn't be much of a problem with this third stage of practical combat."
"However, the only thing to be careful of is Jun Xiaoyao; he is definitely not someone with a simple Heart-Nature."
Han Ping'an possessed a special Physique, a naturally Magnificent Heart, and an extremely righteous Heart-Nature.
He could perceive that Jun Xiaoyao, rather than being a hero, was more like a cunning schemer.
Hero and schemer, a single word difference, but a world apart.
"Thank you for your concern, Brother Han. I will be careful," Chu Xiao said.
"How about this, Zixuan, you accompany Brother Chu," Han Ping'an said.
He Zixuan, as one of the ten True Disciple Saints of Jixia Academy, also possessed unfathomable strength.
With him there, there should be no worries.
"Alright," He Zixuan nodded slightly.
"Thank you both," Chu Xiao was delighted.
This way, it would be difficult for Jun Xiaoyao to openly trip him up.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Jun Xiaoyao, Tantai Qingxuan, Song Daosheng, and others were also having a small gathering.
"This time, thanks to Young Lord, otherwise I would have..." Song Daosheng said gratefully.
"Not at all," Jun Xiaoyao said with a faint smile.
Next to them, Tantai Qingxuan merely smiled as she poured tea for Jun Xiaoyao.
Song Daosheng saw this and chuckled, "Lady Tantai and Young Lord are truly fated."
Tantai Qingxuan's face flushed slightly upon hearing this.
Jun Xiaoyao, however, chuckled lightly, "You are all my friends; how is that not a kind of fate?"
Upon hearing this, Tantai Qingxuan's Heart-Nature paused.
Just friends?
Jun Xiaoyao did not notice Tantai Qingxuan's subtle change in expression.
He said, "How much do you know about Han Ping'an, Brother Song?"
Song Daosheng heard this and replied.
"Han Ping'an has an extraordinary status; he was picked up by Master Gu from outside."
"However, he was born with a Magnificent Heart, his Aptitude is that of a Prodigy, and he is even said to possess the demeanor of a Sacred Confucian."
"That's why he was given the position of Junior Martial Uncle."
"It can be said that in Jixia Academy, no one's status is higher than his, apart from the various Masters."
After listening to Song Daosheng's words, Jun Xiaoyao showed a hint of interest.
"Magnificent Heart."
In that case, Han Ping'an was indeed an interesting character, no wonder he became the Northern Confucian among the five Prodigy Kings.
And Jun Xiaoyao also remembered.
His sign-in seemed to not have been activated yet.
It seemed he hadn't truly reached the sign-in location deep within Jixia Academy.
However, Jun Xiaoyao felt that this sign-in might also yield treasures related to the Confucian sect.
At that time, would Han Ping'an still be able to maintain his detached status?
Jun Xiaoyao sneered inwardly.
...
Soon, several days passed.
In front of the Jixia Academy mountain gate, flying ships, star boats, and ancient flying beasts were densely packed, covering the sky.
The Prodigies who had passed the first two stages gathered here, preparing to head to the Trial Grounds under the leadership of Jixia Academy's powerful cultivators.
"Young Master Jun, please be careful on your journey."
Tantai Qingxuan, in her plain white dress, stood gracefully in the wind, like an immortal flower from a celestial garden, pure and untainted by worldly desires.
Her eyes held a hint of concern.
Jun Xiaoyao smiled and nodded.
On the other side, Chu Xiao and He Zixuan were on the same star boat.
Chu Xiao looked at that scene, his Heart-Nature feeling as if countless ants were gnawing at it.
Tantai Qingxuan's gaze then turned to Chu Xiao, and she also said, "Chu Xiao, you be careful too."
Chu Xiao forced a smile, but his fists were clenched tightly.
Endure!
He had to endure!
Chu Xiao admonished himself.
He believed that he definitely had a chance to turn things around.
At that time, Tantai Qingxuan would ultimately still belong to him!