Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Hua Xia, who was responsible for receiving them, finally let out a sigh of relief.
She did not possess a Heavenly State Soul, so she had no way of knowing that Yao Lao had already found another route into the Flower Sect. In her eyes, it was simply the rules of her sect that had turned away the continent's former number one alchemist.
Now that Xiao Yan was willing to let the matter go, Hua Xia felt greatly relieved.
Since Xiao Yan was still willing to enter, it meant that the higher-ups had some tacit understanding regarding this order. They were not truly trying to make things difficult for those below who carried out their duties.
"Young Pavilion Master Xiao Yan, please come in!"
After following the group into the Flower Sect, Xiao Yan noticed that several of the female disciples patrolling the area kept staring at him. Their gazes were filled with curiosity and excitement, as though they were just short of openly discussing him among themselves.
Yao Qingyu was exceptionally perceptive and naturally noticed Xiao Yan's discomfort. She immediately gave a light cough.
Hua Xia, who was leading the way, turned back and immediately understood what had happened.
She offered Xiao Yan a slightly apologetic smile, her voice crisp and pleasant. "Please do not take offense, Young Pavilion Master. Men rarely visit the Flower Sect, and your experiences are simply too legendary. Everyone wants to get a good look at what the person who defeated the Spirit Clan to claim the championship, an eighth-tier alchemy grandmaster, and a Dou Sheng-level expert truly looks like."
Hearing Hua Xia list his accomplishments, Xiao Yan smiled faintly. "Then I am afraid my ordinary, unremarkable appearance has disappointed you all."
"Young Pavilion Master, how can you say that?