Junior sister, keep forbear for a while, I almost become invincible as soon!

The mansion bustled with activity, as numerous young talents had arrived and were engaged in animated discussions.

The Saintess had already taken her seat. Her long hair was draped over her shoulders, and she appeared pure and flawless. The aura she emitted was particularly sacred—hazy and seemingly untouchable, like a revered goddess.

Whenever someone approached to greet her, she responded to each one, but her gaze often fell on Guang Xiaoyu, who was not far away. Her eyes, like rippling autumn waters, shifted. It was unclear what she was thinking.

Guang Xiaoyu and Zi Ji chose a corner. Xiaoyu seemed quite active, but Zi Ji beside her was very quiet. Perhaps due to the previous slaughter, nobody had dared to approach and speak with Zi Ji so far.

"Diwu Qingrou, I heard you have a mount with an Ancient Bloodline. Is that true?" someone asked, their face full of admiration.

Diwu Qingrou smiled. "Of course."

As someone of half-human, half-demon descent, he inherited a potent Bloodline Power that could easily crush fierce beasts and Demon Beasts alike.

Therefore, taming a Demon Bird with an Ancient Bloodline was not a major issue for him.

Someone snickered. "Isn't that just a cub?"

Those words... Diwu Qingrou was annoyed and immediately retorted, "Creatures of an Ancient Bloodline are naturally defiant. Even a cub is hard to tame. Is this the first time this fellow Daoist has entered the cultivation world?"

Since someone dared to mock him, he saw no reason to be polite.

The man laughed. "Such is their nature, but cubs have no combat power."

"What? You think you can just enter the territory of an Ancient Bloodline, take a cub, and its parents should be deeply grateful to you?" Diwu Qingrou stared at him.

Clearly, obtaining the cub had not been a smooth process; overall, it had been very difficult.

The man knew he was in the wrong and said no more.

But there were always a few nitpickers. From the left, another person spoke up, "Your mount isn't up to par!"

His eyes darted around, a cunning glint flashing within them before vanishing as quickly as it appeared.

Diwu Qingrou smirked with contempt. He realized these few individuals were causing trouble. He had seen them before, but they hadn't dared to speak then. Now, they were persistently picking on his mount. This was a big problem, especially with Guang Xiaoyu present.

It was well known that the old yellow ox by her side was no ordinary creature; it very likely possessed an Ancient Bloodline.

Ordinary Demon Birds and fierce beasts were no match for it.

He was no fool. He wouldn't be provoked by their words into challenging Guang Xiaoyu. He chuckled dismissively and paid the person no further attention.

At that moment, a young genius from the East Victory Divine Continent approached Guang Xiaoyu and Zi Ji, saying with a light laugh, "This ox isn't bad!"

Everyone turned their gaze toward them.

"Yes!" Guang Xiaoyu responded.

"On the vast lands of the East Victory Divine Continent, there was once a legend about a green ox," the man began.

"Oh?" Guang Xiaoyu paused. "What green ox?"

The man continued, "Someone once rode a green ox to achieve Tao Verification. Could it be that Miss wishes to emulate him?"

Guang Xiaoyu: "..."

"Alright! I'm not very good with words, my apologies," the man said. "Let's change the subject. Miss, do you believe the Demon Flower truly exists?"

"Of course!"

"Why?"

I've seen it! What do you mean, why? Guang Xiaoyu shrugged. She couldn't outright say she had seen the Demon Flower. They'd probably think she was crazy, right?

So, she said, "My Senior Brother said so!"

"Uh?" The man wanted to retort with another "why," but then he thought of her celestial-like Senior Brother. Better not, he decided. Her Senior Brother was right.

"So, Miss, you're also interested in the Demon Flower?"

"Of course!"

"But... this is the Central Continent, not our usual territory. The Central Continent has many powerful individuals, each backed by formidable forces. If the Demon Flower truly appears, our chances of securing it might not be great!" the man said worriedly. "If Miss doesn't mind, perhaps we could join forces."

"Why would you suggest that?" Guang Xiaoyu asked, surprised.

"Ah?" The man explained, "Don't worry. The rumored Demon Flower, once it appears, is said to produce several Seeds of Tao. When that time comes, we can share them equally."

"No! I'm asking you, why do you think an outsider, no matter how strong, can't deal with local powers?" Guang Xiaoyu looked at him. "Is the Central Continent really that impressive? Are its major forces truly that strong?"

Everyone was speechless. "..."

The Central Continent isn't strong? Its major forces are one more terrifying than the next. Even the number of geniuses born there is several times that of other great continents! There are a total of four peerless geniuses: the Saintess, the Saint Heir, Liu Changqing, and Zhou Wu... oh, and one other super genius, the Moon God. All these, and she asks if they're formidable?

The geniuses were left speechless. But then, once again reminded of her breathtakingly beautiful Senior Brother, any retort they had in mind instantly vanished.

After saying this, Guang Xiaoyu also realized she had misspoken. She was no longer the Demon Emperor, just a minor Cultivator. Low profile! she reminded herself.

She then laughed sheepishly. "I was just kidding. In fact, the Central Continent is very strong, with many great forces and so many young geniuses. Um, yes, they are all formidable, and I can't beat them."

"..."

So hypocritical, the man thought. Even he didn't know how to respond.

He began to doubt if seeking an alliance with Guang Xiaoyu was a mistake. True, she possessed incredible strength and explosive combat ability, but... Something wasn't quite right with her thinking. And aside from her powerful Senior Brother, she had virtually no backing.

Once the Demon Flower appeared, competing with the major forces of the Central Continent for it would be highly unlikely.

Thinking this, the man quickly shook his head and said, "My apologies for intruding."

SIGH. Guang Xiaoyu's mouth fell slightly open. She felt helpless. "Honestly, this young man doesn't know how to make conversation at all. He can't even speak properly."

The man, who was nearly out of earshot, stumbled. After picking himself up, his face darkened. Who exactly is it that can't speak properly? he wondered.

Just then, Zi Ji tugged at her sleeve and whispered, "Senior Sister, that person has been watching you!"

In a corner, two young men, Zhou Boyi and Liu Yuhui, were sitting.

Guang Xiaoyu had already noticed him but couldn't be bothered to greet him. The care she had shown him during their time traveling together might as well have been wasted on a dog!

She shrugged and said, "Little Junior Sister, almost all the young geniuses from the entire Heaven Martial Continent are here now. See if there's anyone you like. Um, pick someone handsome and befriend him."

Zi Ji looked glum. "Senior Sister, I'm only twelve years old."

OH! Guang Xiaoyu hurriedly said, "Sorry, Senior Sister wasn't being considerate. But... you're already twelve years old. Why haven't you... developed more yet?"

Zi Ji: "..."

"It's the Power of Curse!" Liu Changqing spoke up, his eyes shining.

"You're the first person who has dared to say that," Guang Xiaoyu smiled.

In the past, her Senior Brother had noticed something was wrong with Zi Ji, so he went to the Martial God Academy to inquire with Liu Changqing. Liu Changqing, despite his genius status, didn't put on airs and came out to meet them.

Although the process had been a bit unpleasant, it was generally acceptable.

After all, they were neither relatives nor close friends. His willingness to come out and clarify their doubts was commendable.

In contrast, the Saintess hadn't even deigned to see them.

Guang Xiaoyu's statement was deeply meaningful, implying, "You've got guts!"