Exaggerated Arrivals

As Xu Qi and the other outer court disciples waited for the start of the test, more inner court disciples arrived who drew gazes and exaggerated murmurs from the crowd.

There's an inner court disciple who's considered one of the strongest among them.

Her name was Lan Hua, known as the 'Wandering Bloodflower' for her unparalleled grace in combat where at any event, she'd draw blood from her opponent.

Her long, flowing hair was a cascade of silver and her eyes shone with a fierce intelligence that contrasted her delicate appearance.

Her movements were as precise as the petals of a blooming lotus, yet they hinted at the power that could flatten armies.

According to those speculating about her, Lan Hua's cultivation was at the later stages of the Elemental Synthesis Realm. Many believed she'd become a core disciple in a few years.

Somehow, there was also a rare couple who openly showed their affection for each other in the stoic environment of the inner court. They made a grandiose entrance, floating down hand-in-hand.

The man, tall and broad-shouldered, walked with a swagger that seemed to say 'I dare you to challenge me'. His eyes were sharp, like twin blades, and his smile was as fierce as the heat of the midday sun. His name was Yang Fan. He was known for his fiery temper and his ability to manipulate flames. The woman beside him was the opposite though. While she's not an ice beauty like Xiao Yue. She's a vision of serenity amidst the chaos. Her name was Bai Yuexin, the Moonlit Fairy.

Her grace was like that of a moonlit night, ethereal and captivating. Her eyes were as cold as the moon yet they held a warmth that seemed to reach into the very soul of anyone she deemed worthy.

Her specialty was also of being attuned to the primal element of water. She could manipulate it with such finesse that it looked like the water itself danced for her. They were both in the later stages of the Elemental Synthesis Realm but only two stages higher than Xiao Yue's fourth stage.

Their relationship was a well-known affair. A whispered tale of love that had blossomed amidst the rigid confines of the Wandering Palace.

Or so Xu Qi heard. He couldn't help but narrow his eyes, observing them, unmasking what lies beneath the show they were putting on.

'Either one of them forced the relationship or they agreed to put on this show. That Yang Fan's eyes are fierce. As if you'll be dead if you cross him. As for Bai Yuexin... she's emotionless.' Xu Qi thought inwardly.

Although they walked hand in hand and kept drawing envious glances and whispers, Xu Qi's eyes only lingered on them for a moment as he wasn't that much interested in two pretenders who were only flaunting their make-believe relationship to gain popularity. If that was their kink, he had no reason to shame them. Besides, he had more important things to focus on.

The Elders of the Outer Court finally showed up with the same flair as the inner court disciples. Flowing down from the sky.

It made Xu Qi wonder if there was still any use of the gates. It was the same as in the novels he read. They all liked to show off.

While he could recognize most of the elders through the old Xu Qi's memories, there was no instance that he got their attention.

When Elder Sun arrived, her fiery aura lit up the arena in a massive show of her cultivation as a Spiritual Awakening Realm expert. She flew down while riding a Spirit Beast that she tamed. She didn't really care even when some Inner Court Elders arrived silently earlier. As the Head of the Talent Department, she's making herself known to everyone, causing another buzz in the spectator stands.

She then pretended to survey the disciples with a critical eye but her gaze searched the crowd for Xu Qi and Ling Lian's figures.

When she found them offered a nod of approval, her gaze lingering on them longer than anyone else. Longer than even Zhang Han.

It was clear that she had high expectations for the two of them, especially Xu Qi, whose unique take on cultivation fascinated her.

Xu Qi naturally accepted the gesture with his charming smile with a preview of his abilities by subtly whispering to the primal element of wind that blew straight towards the elder.

Unlike those main characters in the same situation as him, he knew staying lowkey wouldn't really help him at all. Trouble would still come his way as long as he continued in his path.

So, why not make a name for himself here and impress more women who are more susceptible to his inherent charm? He could think of dealing with the trouble accompanying it when they came knocking at his door.

The only thing that he needed to be careful of was to keep the existence of his Celestial Eloquence path a secret.

Following Elder Sun, Elder Liu was more subtle with her arrival but Xu Qi noticed the way her eyes searched for him as well. He offered her a courteous nod, his heart racing at the thought of her support.

With a smile flashing momentarily on her lips, her spectacles glinted in the early morning light.

Elder Liu's arrival was met with a mix of admiration and apprehension. She was known for her sharp intellect and cold demeanor. And she had the reputation of being the most calculating of the Outer Court Elders. If the news that she had been quite generous with her support for Xu Qi spread, no one would believe it. Maybe Elder Sun would but the other elders would just brush it off as mere impossibility.

Xu Qi knew that he had to tread a thin line with his dealings with the Elder but at the same time, she's like a light inside a tunnel. If he also followed her, benefits would rain down his way.

Of course, his biggest benefactors remained to be Xiao Yue and Elder He.

And speaking of Elder He...

She floated into the venue like a goddess falling from the sky, gracing this mortal realm. Her ethereal presence caused the very air to tremble with the might of her Divine Insight Realm. The spectators became muted as they just followed her with their eyes.

But unbeknownst to them, her eyes searched for Xu Qi in the sea of disciples like the first two elders.

A meaningful smile played on her lips as their gazes met. Although not as guarded, he still had no idea what would be her plans for him once he grew further. But like with Xiao Yue, he put an unconditional trust in her as a benefactor. Whether that would change or not in the future was still up in the air.