As Bach Hieu Sinh spat blood, a ripple of schadenfreude flickered in the crowd's eyes. His earlier humility masked arrogance that grated on them. With his formidable background and tempting Wood-Wind Micro Array, they'd resigned themselves to his scheming against the Elf Queen and her Queendom. But Lan An's Pseudo Heart of Nature was a resounding slap, rendering the array worthless.
Beyond mocking Bach Hieu Sinh, the crowd regarded Lan An with silent awe. His tactics were anything but simple. Unlike others, whose gifts prompted polite words or valuable exchanges from the Elf Queen, Lan An preempted her refusal by citing her past aid to him and Yan Yue Qi, leaving no room for rejection. He even urged her to blood-bind the heart immediately—a bold, decisive move.
"A gift of unparalleled value, delivered with unyielding resolve," a Khao Clan Elder murmured. "This young man cannot be underestimated."
"Don't take it to heart, Young Master Bach. Your Wood-Wind Micro Array would fetch a fine price at Duo Bao Pavilion's auction," Tian Die Dao teased, her face blooming with delight. Even Yan Yue Qi, usually aloof, cast a mocking glance, tightening her grip on Lan An's arm.
Bach Hieu Sinh's eyes blazed red, his perfect plan crumbling into bitter defeat. How could he not be shaken to the point of vomiting blood? Yet, as a prodigy with a cunning heart, his next move stunned the crowd. Swallowing his rage, the bloodshot in his eyes faded, and he clasped his hands with a faint smile. "My cultivation is lacking, causing an internal injury. I've made a fool of myself."
"Pfft," the crowd inwardly scoffed. Internal injury? You're spitting blood from fury! But Lan An narrowed his eyes, wary of Bach Hieu Sinh's intentions.
Turning to Lan An with feigned sincerity, Bach Hieu Sinh said, "Your gift is extraordinary, Young Master Lan An. I concede defeat. On behalf of the Elves, I'm overjoyed and offer my heartfelt thanks." He bowed slightly.
"Shameless!" the crowd muttered inwardly. His words subtly cast Lan An as an outsider while positioning himself as part of Elf Island. A Nhi pouted, mumbling, "Elf Island isn't your home. Don't act like it is." Her soft voice reached every Refining Void Realm cultivator's ears, prompting stifled chuckles.
Lan An gave her a discreet thumbs-up. The Elf Queen stood calmly, not reprimanding A Nhi, which fueled the crowd's amused glances at Bach Hieu Sinh. His face twitched, but he raised the Wood-Wind Micro Array with dignity, addressing the Queen. "A gift given is not taken back. If Your Majesty finds it lacking, discard it. I'll have no complaints."
"Clever," Lan An thought, nodding inwardly. Had Bach Hieu Sinh stormed off in anger, Lan An would have dismissed him as unworthy. Instead, his persistence in offering the array, despite its likely rejection, showcased his magnanimity, cunning, and composure under pressure—a formidable opponent.
The crowd's mocking gazes shifted to respect and wariness. Though outshone by the Pseudo Heart of Nature, the Wood-Wind Micro Array remained a planetary treasure. Bach Hieu Sinh's willingness to let it go, despite his foiled scheme, spoke volumes of his resolve. Even the Elf Queen silently acknowledged his caliber as Hundred Spirits Academy's heir.
His persistence left her no choice but to accept, lest she disrespect Headmaster Bach. Bach Hieu Sinh had salvaged his image, imprinting himself in her mind. "A tough foe," Lan An mused, realizing he couldn't prevent her acceptance. Yet, he wasn't concerned—the Pseudo Heart of Nature ensured the array would gather dust, its giver forgotten by the Elves.
This first clash between a seasoned genius and an emerging prodigy ended with Lan An's victory, though Bach Hieu Sinh avoided total disgrace. The Elf Queen handed the array to a general with casual indifference, then stepped toward Lan An, her voice elegant. "The Pseudo Heart of Nature is beyond precious. From today, Young Master Lan An is a cherished friend of Elf Island, free to come and go. Should you face peril, we will aid without hesitation."
Gasps echoed. Hai Ying Tian and Hai Fei Yun paled, sweat beading. With the Elf Queen's decree, Lan An could roam Sea Continent untouchable—only covert attacks could threaten him now. His gaze softened, recognizing her intent to shield him from Bach Hieu Sinh or Sea Palace. Her eyes held a faint, peculiar glint.
Unknown to all, the Pseudo Heart of Nature's blood-binding revealed a hidden power: it deepened its master's harmony with the world's attributes and spiritual energy, profoundly aiding cultivation and comprehension. The Elf Queen sensed her Late Integration Realm cultivation stirring, inching toward perfection. With mastery, she could soon break through.
Lan An knew this but kept silent to avoid drawing greed, even from Tribulation Crossing experts. "Thank you," she transmitted, her two words laced with warmth. "You deserve it," he replied, meeting her jade-like eyes briefly. His principle was simple: repay kindness a hundredfold. Elf Island had saved Yan Yue Qi and aided him with a Million-Year Ginseng. The Pseudo Heart of Nature was the least he could offer.
Their exchanged glances held a silent understanding, like kindred spirits despite their status gap. Behind her veil, her lips curved sweetly. Yan Yue Qi's eyes sparkled—she wouldn't mind calling the Queen "sister." The crowd, still reeling from Lan An's new status, was rocked by another bombshell.
"Hehe, Lolo's also a major partner of Duo Bao Pavilion. We avoid worldly conflicts, but protecting our allies is only right," Tian Die Dao said with a sly grin.
"Damn it!" some cursed inwardly. Backed by two titanic forces, Lan An's status was absurd. Jealous eyes bore into him. "If I recall, Young Master Lan An is also Dwarf Island's son-in-law," a rogue cultivator muttered.
Gasps erupted, some standing in shock. Ai Xin, the Dwarf Clan Leader's sole disciple, was recently betrothed to Lan An. "Heavens, is there justice?" Hai Fei Yun and Dan Man roared inwardly. Bach Hieu Sinh's eyes narrowed. The Dwarf Clan Leader, an Eighth-Grade Artifact Refiner, matched his father's status and held sway as a guest elder at Hundred Spirits Academy. Targeting Lan An now required careful calculation.
For the first time, Bach Hieu Sinh feared a youth not yet twenty. "Should I make peace and overlook Qin Hai Xi?" Hai Ying Tian wavered, the Queen's allure fading. His feud with Lan An stemmed from Chen Jue, a disciple of Sea Palace's Grand Elder, not his own. Offending Lan An over Chen Jue and Qin Hai Xi was unwise, especially with his mysterious background. "I'll convince the Grand Elder to surrender Chen Jue and reconcile," Hai Ying Tian resolved.
"Worthy of Heaven's Chosen, befriended by Elf Island, allied with Duo Bao Pavilion and Dwarf Island," Ji Kha muttered, convincing himself of Lan An's worth. "Our gratitude for Elf Island's sincerity is our fortune," Lan An said, grasping Yan Yue Qi's hand and nodding to the Elves.
"We thank Young Master Lan!" the Elves giggled. A Nhi piped up, "All guests have given gifts. Now it's my turn, hehe!" She beamed at her mother. "I've been waiting for yours most," the Elf Queen laughed, her eyes brimming with maternal warmth.
Lan An watched curiously as A Nhi carefully drew a translucent jade vial from her chest, filled with fragrant pink pills. "Beauty-Nurturing Pills?" Dan Vo Hanh's eyes shrank. Pill Valley had few, reserved for the Dan Clan's ladies. Rumors of Duo Bao Pavilion selling them in bulk were true.
Lan An's heart warmed at A Nhi's filial piety. "Though Mother's already the foremost beauty, these pills will make her the top fairy," A Nhi declared, raising the vial. The Elf Queen's heart melted, scooping her daughter into an embrace. Bach Hieu Sinh swallowed hard, envying A Nhi's place, his thoughts twisted.
Lan An and Yan Yue Qi returned to their seats, leaving the stage to the Elves. "Where did you get the Pseudo Heart of Nature? I'll pay a fortune for another," Dan Quin approached, eyes blazing. Tian Die Dao, Bach Hieu Sinh, and the Khao Clan Elders pricked their ears.
"Not cabbages in a market. My Grand Master gifted me this one," Lan An shrugged. "Grand Master?" the crowd tensed. Who could mentor such a prodigy? "Who is your master?" Dan Quin asked respectfully.
"Forgive me, my master forbids me from saying," Lan An said, gazing skyward with reverence, as if naming them was sacrilege. His act convinced the crowd. A treasure like the Pseudo Heart of Nature was beyond Lan An alone—his Grand Master must be a reclusive titan, perhaps with other masters too.
Dan Quin retreated, satisfied. The Khao Clan Elders nodded, Lan An's rapid progress now less shocking. His multiple masters made him Sea Continent's most dangerous figure. Even Shui Shuang Hua, usually detached, resolved, "Water Heaven Sect must avoid conflict with him."