บท 18: Truth-seeking heavenly eyes?*

"Grandfather, what kind of physique does Xiao Xiang possess? While I do know it's related to the power of will and insight, I do not know the specifics," Jianyu inquired, his curiosity piqued as he observed Xiao Xiang's actions.

Upon hearing this, Xin Dongyang did not take his eyes off Xiao Xiang and answered, "Her physique is called Truth-seeking Heavenly Eyes. This physique is one of the greatest for harnessing the power of will and intent. A physique that hardly ever appears throughout history. Individuals with this physique can easily pry into worldly mysteries, possessing great comprehensive abilities and able to see through all disguises."

'Hmm... Now that I think about it, didn't a similar physique also exist in my previous life? If she truly has that physique then...'

Jianyu smiled wryly and shook his head as he thought of the unlikely possibility.

"Is this 'Truth-seeking Heavenly Eyes' physique greater than my 'Relentless Sword Dao Heart'?"

Hearing this, Xin Dongyang had a troubled expression on his face as he hurriedly began to speak.

"W-well, the two physiques are focused on different areas and cannot be compared, but they should be similar in rank!"

As those words reached him, Jianyu's expression turned blank. A flicker of realization danced in his eyes – his physique held a superior standing, validating his suspicions.

'It can't be that physique! How is that even possible?!'

Jianyu felt as if he had dived into a pool of lemon juice while being covered in paper cuts from head to toe. 'If she became part of the Heaven-blessed's harem even I can not remain calm regarding this matter.'

Jianyu took a deep breath and calmed himself.

'Let's calm down, It would be too pathetic if I suffered from qi deviation from something like this.'

Thinking about how easily his thoughts became muddled, made Jianyu feel like he was the biggest clown amongst those who cultivate the power of will.

'Let's think positively about it! Her future teacher will most likely be one of my in-laws. Moreover, she owes me a favor, not a big one, but still, at least the chances of us having a hostile relationship in the future will be low, and it would also give me a reason to interact with her. Yes, that's right, everything's still under control!'

Jianyu tried to deny reality like a man in his late 20s refusing to accept that his hairline was receding.

'But, how can it exist here... the physique created by Dao Wise Sage. Is it perhaps similar to me?'

'Anyways...' Jianyu diverted his gaze and looked toward his fiancée. 'Things are about to get quite amusing soon.'

Jianyu began to grin as he thought about what would soon happen, his grin was reminiscent of his grandfather's, making one realize that they truly were of the same blood.

Lo and behold, just as Jianyu was grinning, a bright crimson light spread throughout the arena, causing even the elders to gasp aloud. Looking at the funny expressions of the elders who had dignified expressions on their faces just a moment ago caused Jianyu's grin to widen even more.

Xin Dongyang looked at his grandchild and let out a hearty laugh, while Jianyu began to chuckle.

Looking at the Grandfather-Grandson duo, 'Blood truly is thicker than water!!' was what went through the minds of all the elders.

...

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...

Meanwhile, on the arena grounds...

Elder Wu felt cold sweat forming on his back as he looked at the source of the crimson light that was increasing more and more with every passing moment.

"F-foundation establishment realm?!!"

The distance between major cultivation realms compared to a minor realm was like an untraversable ravine. To reach the foundation establishment realm at the age of 12 was something only a few individuals over the era had achieved, except for those who used demonic techniques, but there's simply no way the young scion of the Great Yin clan would be practicing such a cultivation technique that would give them an unstable foundation.

This simply means... that she is an unprecedented genius like none other in recent generations.

...

Xiao Xiang looked at the girl standing in front of the sphere that seemed to glow brightly like a miniature sun.

"...So pretty..."

Xiao Xiang unknowingly let out a mutter as she 'looked' at the girl. To her, the girl looked like a bright crimson star made up of flames, flames danced around on the surface of the star, and an illusionary phoenix danced through the sea of flames.

"So this is Yin Xifeng... she truly is exceptional..."

Suddenly, she felt like the phoenix was staring at her. No... rather than staring, the phoenix was glaring at her fiercely.

'Huh? Why is she suddenly...?'

From her earliest years, Xiao Xiang stood apart from her peers in a most extraordinary way. Possessing an innate gift beyond the ordinary, she could pierce the veil of another's soul, unraveling their innermost qualities and deciphering the faint whispers of their thoughts.

This unique ability granted her an unparalleled insight into the intricacies of human nature, setting her apart as a perceptive and enigmatic presence among her peers.

To this day, Xiao Xiang had seen the souls of countless individuals. Some were laced with malice while most were a mix of good and bad. The only exception to this had only been a boy she met a while ago...

And now, this girl she met today. Even though it was the first day she met her, today Xifeng was already hostile toward her.

'Why?... Is she perhaps jealous that I stole her glory from her?'

After pondering for a bit, Xiao Xiang finally concluded.

'No, that's highly unlikely. Her soul is too pure for that. She doesn't seem to be someone with a hideous personality...'

"...Why?" Xiao Xiang once again let out a baffled mumble as she looked at Xifeng.

Yin Xifeng looked at the sphere beaming with a crimson glimmer in front of her. The reason why the sphere was shining so brightly was mostly due to the cultivation technique she was practicing, the Blazing-star Soul Technique. It was one of the Xin family's greatest techniques, which was modified by Xin Dongyang to perfectly suit Yin Xifeng.

Moreover, over the years, she was given pointers by her grandmother, Xin Dongyang, and Xin Yingyue, something that was a rare occurrence in her previous life. Although she's to be blamed for most of it...

Yet, despite her focus on the glowing sphere, Yin Xifeng's gaze veered toward the crowd. Her gaze ultimately fell upon a figure that ignited the flames of her ire - the very man she held disdain for. A surge of fury coursed through her as she processed his audacity to smile at her.

'That mother fucker!! How dare he!!'

Her inner thoughts seethed with resentment, unable to fathom his apparent nonchalance.

Making sure her facial expression doesn't falter, she averted her gaze. However, fate played its hand once more, forcing her eyes to shift and alight upon another subject of her disdain - the man's sister. In her envious eyes, this girl appeared as a thieving cat, who stole 'her' Jianyu.

Yin Xifeng's eyes soon gained a cold glint as she started to feel angrier and angrier (and envious) toward Xiao Xiang.

Battling to contain her escalating emotions, Yin Xifeng struggled to calm her envious rage. She retreated from the sphere, attempting to cloak her feelings in a facade of calm. Yet, even as she turned away, her inner turmoil churned like a tempest beneath her surface composure.

"Huh?"

At the elder's viewing area, Jianyu's dumbfounded voice resounded.

'Why is she angry? Did she... find out?!'