In just a few days, his status had completely transformed.
This was the reality of the cultivation world—strength commanded respect.
Some of the older clan members also discussed among themselves.
"The Patriarch's decision to raise him was wise," one elder commented. "Who could have known he would awaken such talent?"
"His alchemy skills alone make him invaluable to the clan," another elder added. "If he continues to grow, he might become our greatest asset."
Xian Tiandi heard some of these conversations but showed no particular reaction.
He had experienced this kind of thing many times in his past life. People's attitudes changed based on strength.
That was simply how the world worked. He held no grudge against those who had looked down on him before, nor did he feel particularly grateful to those who praised him now.
Just as they were about to board their carriage and depart, another group arrived at the courtyard entrance.
The sound of approaching horses and carriage wheels drew everyone's attention.
It was the Fang Clan delegation.
At the front of the group walked the Fang Clan Head, a dignified man in his late forties.
He had sharp features that gave him a somewhat severe appearance. His eyes were keen and observant.
He wore fine robes of green and gold, colors associated with the Fang Clan. His bearing was that of someone accustomed to authority and respect.
Behind him walked several family members and guards. The guards were all at least at the Qi Condensation Realm, showing the Fang Clan's strength.
The family members were well-dressed and carried themselves with the confidence of nobility.
But the person who drew the most attention was a young woman around sixteen years old.
She walked beside her father with graceful steps. She had delicate features that could be called beautiful—large expressive eyes, a small nose, and lips that seemed to naturally curve into a smile.
Her bright, lively eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked around, taking in everything.
Her personality seemed completely different from the typical reserved noble lady. Where most noble daughters walked demurely with downcast eyes, she looked around openly with obvious interest.
Her expression was animated and friendly rather than cold and distant.
This was Fang Ling, the younger sister of Fang Bai.
Everyone in Xianling City knew about Fang Bai—he was the Fang Clan's genius who had joined the Verdant Flame Sect several years ago and had made quite a name for himself there.
Apparently, his younger sister was also talented. She had just been accepted into the Blue Rain Sect.
The arrival of the Fang Clan was somewhat surprising. The Fang Clan and Xian Clan had been rivals for years, competing for influence and resources in Xianling City.
While not outright enemies, the two clans were definitely not close allies. They competed in business, in cultivation resources, and in reputation.
The courtyard fell quieter as people watched this unexpected development.
Fang Ling's eyes scanned the gathered people until they landed on Xian Tiandi.
Her eyes brightened with recognition and interest. She walked forward with confident steps, moving ahead of her father slightly. Her gaze was fixed directly on Xian Tiandi as she approached.
"So you're Xian Tiandi," she said with a bright, genuine smile. Her voice was clear and pleasant. "I've heard so much about you these past few days. Everyone in the city has been talking about you."
She continued without any hesitation or shyness. "The arena match where you defeated Zhou Kang, the alchemy certification where you achieved Peak Mortal Grade at sixteen. You're quite impressive."
Then she added something that made several people nearby stiffen in surprise. "And quite handsome too. I find you very interesting."
The directness of her statement caught many people off guard.
Noble ladies typically didn't speak so openly, especially not to young men they'd just met.
But Fang Ling seemed completely comfortable with her boldness.
Xian Tiandi wasn't dense or socially awkward like some his current age.
He had lived thousands of years in his past life and had encountered countless types of people.
He recognized this kind of straightforward approach immediately. Some people simply had more open personalities.
He met her gaze calmly and replied with a slight smile that didn't quite reach his eyes but was polite nonetheless.
"Thank you for the compliment, Miss Fang. And you're quite beautiful yourself. It's rare to meet someone so... direct and genuine."
His response was smooth and natural. He neither became flustered nor ignored her compliment. He simply acknowledged it and returned one of his own.
Fang Ling's cheeks flushed slightly at his response. A light pink color spread across her face.
She hadn't expected him to reply so smoothly and naturally. Most young men either became awkward and nervous or tried too hard to appear unaffected.
Xian Tiandi's calm, natural response was refreshing.
"You're quite smooth with words," she said with a small laugh, her blush deepening slightly. "No wonder people find you interesting."
The people watching showed various reactions to this exchange.
Ying Yue's expression behind her veil became complicated.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she watched this beautiful young noble lady openly flirting with her Young Master.
A strange, uncomfortable feeling arose in her chest.
She didn't like seeing this. 'Who is this girl?' Ying Yue thought, feeling oddly possessive.
Xian Long looked confused by the entire interaction. He was still young and didn't quite understand the subtext of what was happening.
He just knew that this pretty girl was talking to his Big Brother in a strange way.
Zhou Kang raised an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected to witness this kind of scene. 'Xian Tiandi is surprisingly smooth,' he thought with a hint of amusement.
The clan members whispered among themselves, speculating about what this meant.
Was the Fang Clan trying to establish better relations with the Xian Clan?
Was this young lady genuinely interested in Xian Tiandi?
The Fang Clan Head, who had been walking behind his daughter, coughed slightly to interrupt the moment.
The sound was deliberate and meaningful. "Ling'er, mind your manners," he said to his daughter.