"Heavenly Origin Eighth Layer," Elder Xun stood steady, looking surprised at Prince Fenghua.
Prince Fenghua smiled faintly and said, "I’ve just had a breakthrough a few days ago, my realm is not yet stable."
"I’m barely ahead of Elder Xun by a small margin, it’s quite fortunate, quite fortunate."
"Hmph," Elder Xun snorted coldly.
He was a Sword Dao Practitioner, and even if he was one cultivation level below Prince Fenghua, the outcome of a real battle was still uncertain.
"Prince Fenghua, step aside," Elder Xun said angrily.
"This young man has clearly been playing possum, deliberately trying to undermine the reputation of our Wind Dance Sword Sect."
"I will not let him off easily."
"Elder Xun, you’re being too serious," Prince Fenghua gestured respectfully and said, "Doesn’t this just prove that this young man’s alchemy skills are extraordinary?"
"Has Elder Xun forgotten who organized this Fengxu competition?"
"There must be no mistakes, nor will any unfairness be allowed."
Prince Fenghua’s tone grew firmer.
Hearing this, Elder Xun furrowed his brows, then brushed his sleeve and snorted coldly as he turned to leave.
Behind him, Xu Nan and other Wind Dance Sword Sect disciples followed.
The group left the banquet directly.
"Young friend..." Prince Fenghua paused, then said, "Oh, Xiao Yi, isn’t it? Then Xiao Yi is the young friend."
Prince Fenghua waved his hand grandly, taking the Perfect Level Extreme Origin Pill into his hand, and said with a smile, "Come, join me at my table."
Xiao Yi furrowed his brow and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. Please announce the rankings and distribute the awards first."
"I have urgent matters to attend to and cannot stay long."
"Eh," Prince Fenghua waved his hand and said, "The awards will be given out after the banquet. You can spare a couple more hours, can’t you?"
"Well, alright," Xiao Yi hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
Prince Fenghua announced the rankings: Xiao Yi first, Zhang Xinghuo second, Du Youyou third, Zhong Lei fourth...
Afterward, the banquet officially began.
During the banquet, Prince Fenghua’s face was full of smiles, and he often mentioned his admiration for Xiao Yi.
"Good, very good, a handsome talent with elegant demeanor, I find myself increasingly impressed by Young Master Xiao Yi’s extraordinariness."
Surrounding guests were also clinking glasses, laughing, and saying, "At such a young age, Young Master Xiao Yi has already reached the level of a Seventh-grade Peak Alchemist, truly astonishing."
The guests were obviously trying to curry favor with Xiao Yi.
Not to mention the high praise Prince Fenghua currently held for Xiao Yi.
Just the title of Seventh-grade Peak Alchemist was enough for everyone present to look up to him.
"Young friend Xiao Yi’s alchemy skills are probably among the top in the entire Fengxu Kingdom."
Prince Fenghua was generous with his words of praise.
Then, Prince Fenghua looked at Du Youyou, who was beside Xiao Yi, and said, "This young lady must be the daughter of the Du Family Head from Breeze City, right?"
"Hmm, quite young and yet a High-level Fifth-grade Alchemist, not bad at all."
"Your Highness flatters me too much," Du Youyou bowed respectfully.
"Eh," Prince Fenghua waved his hand and said, "I am merely stating the truth; there is no need for modesty."
"Miss Youyou, with such a stunning appearance and by the side of Young Master Xiao Yi, you must be his beloved lady."
"To catch the eye of Young Master Xiao Yi and become his companion, you must be an extraordinary woman."
"Indeed, indeed," the surrounding guests chimed in, "Young Master Xiao Yi and Miss Youyou make a handsome couple, truly a match made in heaven."
"Ah..." Du Youyou’s face turned bright red, and she let out a few awkward laughs.
Xiao Yi couldn’t be bothered to speak. He just wanted the banquet to end quickly so he could collect his award and leave.
The banquet at the Prince Mansion lasted until late into the night.
The guests gradually took their leave.
Xiao Yi, already unable to stand the enthusiasm of Prince Fenghua and the others, had excused himself to a corner to sit idly and pretend to sleep, half-way through the banquet.
Du Youyou, even less able to endure it, had already followed him and left the banquet.
Now, as the guests departed,
Xiao Yi opened his eyes; he had been waiting for this moment.
Yet, as the guests left, they still cast ’friendly’ glances at him, even throwing a few awkward words his way.
A seventh-grade peak alchemist was certainly someone everyone would want to befriend.
"Young Master Xiao Yi, if you have free time in the future, please visit my residence for a chat."
After the guests had flattered Xiao Yi, they naturally also glanced at Du Youyou.