"Senior Sister An Ke, you can just call me Junior Brother, or simply Su Jue."

"Calling you Junior Brother Su Jue feels too formal."

Su Jue chuckled.

He didn't care much for these formalities, and being called Junior Brother Su Jue all the time felt strange to him.

"Alright, I'll call you Junior Brother then."

"You can just call me Senior Sister, or by my name. I'm not much older than you."

An Ke smiled sweetly, not one to be overly concerned with etiquette.

The reason she was so reserved was because she had heard many negative rumors and evaluations about Su Jue before coming here.

However, after spending a few days with him, she realized Su Jue was nothing like the rumors.

He was meticulous and cautious, spoke logically, and treated her with respect, like a confident and masculine eighteen-year-old.

Although she had considered that Su Jue might be putting on an act, every time he looked at her with his pure gaze, she felt it was unlikely.

If it was an act, it would be terrifying.

"Alright, Senior Sister."

Su Jue glanced at the time and curiously asked, "Senior Sister, how long until the banquet starts?"

"About half an hour."

An Ke thought back to the last Prodigy Tournament's schedule, and it seemed the banquet started half an hour later.

"I see there are still many people who haven't arrived."

As Su Jue went up to the second floor, he noticed some private rooms with name tags but were empty.

An Ke tilted her head and said, "Maybe they're on their way, but regardless of whether everyone arrives, the banquet will start on time."

"So that's how it is. Did you attend the banquet at the last Prodigy Tournament, Senior Sister?"

Seeing An Ke's familiarity with the schedule, Su Jue asked.

"Yes, last time I came with Senior Sister Gu, and this time it's with you."

An Ke replied with a pout.

Su Jue nodded. Senior Sister Gu was probably the Second Elder's direct disciple, but she was busy breaking through to the Elemental Infant stage, so he was her replacement.

"Speaking of Senior Sister Gu, I feel pressured. She's only three years older than me and is about to break through to the Elemental Infant stage, while I'm only at the mid-Golden Elixir stage!"

An Ke propped her slightly chubby chin with her hands, shaking her head in frustration.

"Mid-Golden Elixir stage?"

Su Jue's mouth twitched. His Senior Sister looked only about twenty-three or twenty-four in bone age, yet she was already at the mid-Golden Elixir stage.

That's already quite extraordinary, isn't it?

And that Senior Sister Gu, not even thirty and about to reach the mid-Elemental Infant stage, such talent would be among the top in the Central Continent.

With An Ke's mention, not only did she feel pressured, but Su Jue also felt the pressure.

In the past, because he was determined to leave no matter what, Su Jue didn't bother to learn about these things.

Now that he understood, he realized there were so many prodigies everywhere!

"Yes, Junior Brother, at eighteen, your bone age is already at the late Foundation Establishment stage, which is impressive. At that age, I was only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage!"

An Ke generously praised him. Su Jue was the most talented male cultivator she had met so far.

The only one who could surpass him was probably the prodigy from the Repair Heaven Pavilion, Fairy Yuechan, who reached Foundation Establishment perfection at eighteen.

"Thank you for the compliment, Senior Sister. It's just luck for me."

Su Jue smiled. If Senior Sister knew he was about to break through to the Golden Elixir stage at eighteen and become a legend, what expression would she have?

It would surely be adorable.

"The Immortal Path is long; there's no such thing as luck. It's all about the unseen effort."

An Ke pouted.

"That's true."

Su Jue nodded in agreement, thinking he should add that talent is equally important.

Some people spend their entire lives unable to break through Foundation Establishment, while others are about to break through to the Golden Elixir stage at eighteen.

"Senior Sister, what does the banquet entail?"

Su Jue asked.

Could it be just a meal and some drinks?

It didn't seem that simple.

An Ke recalled, "Last time, it was just a simple dinner. After the dinner, there were activities like poetry composition and painting."

"Poetry composition and painting?"

Su Jue was surprised. In this world where martial prowess is revered, the Eldest Princess actually had such refined interests?

"Yes, the Eldest Princess would invite a few prodigies to compose poetry. If they did well, they would have the opportunity to dine with her."

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An Ke explained.

"Does the Eldest Princess have a fondness for scholars?"

Su Jue found it odd. People from the imperial family were often cold and strong-willed. For the Eldest Princess to like scholars seemed out of character.

An Ke pursed her lips, "I'm not sure, but so far, no one has gained her approval to dine with her."

Su Jue rubbed his chin, sensing a hint of pretentiousness.

"Why, are you curious about the Eldest Princess? Do you want to show off?"

An Ke asked with a playful smile.

"Not really, I just find it unusual for someone from the imperial family to be interested in this."

Su Jue shook his head with a smile, speaking honestly.

An Ke nodded, "That's true, the Eldest Princess doesn't seem like someone who would be interested in this."

"Since there's still half an hour, how about we take a walk outside, Senior Sister? I'd like to explore Chaoge City."

Feeling a bit bored, Su Jue stood up and suggested with a smile.

"Do you need me to accompany you..."

An Ke's face flushed as she spoke.

Spending time with Su Jue had gradually relaxed her, and she spoke without thinking.

"No need, Senior Sister. I'd like to walk around by myself."

Su Jue politely declined her offer, noticing her hesitation and giving her an out to avoid any awkwardness.

"Alright, but make sure to come back on time."

An Ke smiled, relieved. If Su Jue had agreed, they would have been alone together, which would feel like a date.

However, for some reason, when Su Jue declined, a hint of disappointment flashed through her heart.

"No problem, Senior Sister."

Su Jue turned and left the private room. As he descended the spiral staircase to the first floor, he noticed several gazes fixed on him. Scanning the room, he recognized those he had previously offended.

These guys sure held grudges.

"Feeling a bit itchy, if you're not satisfied, why don't we step outside?"

Su Jue said with a smile, openly challenging those who were glaring at him.

His bold words drew the attention of the prodigies present, who looked at Su Jue.

They saw him smiling, his gaze calm and composed, showing no signs of discomfort despite being in the spotlight.

"How dull."

Seeing some of them avert their eyes, Su Jue shook his head in disappointment. He had expected more from them.

He casually walked through the crowd and out of the tavern.

As the evening approached, the setting sun cast long shadows on the bustling streets, adding a touch of beauty to the scene.

Just as Su Jue stepped out of the tavern, a fleeting shadow appeared behind him.

"Let me guess, who's here?"

Su Jue smiled, scanning a nearby dark alley before heading over.

After merging with the Sword Embryo Heart, his senses had become extremely sharp, enhancing his perception and mental acuity.

Otherwise, in the past, he would never have noticed the calluses on Xiao Qing's hands.

And although the shadow behind him was quick, the spiritual power fluctuation allowed him to detect it immediately.