Within the Heaven-Responding Mirror.
Han Xuanji took a deep breath, and a ripple appeared in the space around him.
The white light shone again, enveloping his figure.
A familiar pulling force enveloped his body, causing him to lose focus for a moment. When his vision cleared again, he realized he was no longer in the mirror space, and the familiar power of the laws of heaven and earth from the outside world surged into his mind once more.
Countless eyes fell on him.
When Han Xuanji appeared on the platform, the entire audience erupted in deafening cheers once again.
Han Xuanji stood on the high platform, his expression calm, as if the earth-shattering battle just now was nothing more than a normal sparring match.
He glanced sideways, his gaze meeting Hun Qianxue's in mid-air, and both saw the smile in each other's eyes.
In the distance, Xiao Yan's figure appeared on the other side of the stands.
His face was somewhat pale, and his steps were slightly unsteady, but his back was ramrod straight.
He looked towards the high platform, his gaze meeting Han Xuanji's from afar, and then nodded vigorously.
Han Xuanji nodded slightly.
Both of them thoroughly enjoyed the battle.
A crowd quickly gathered around.
The leader was a representative of the Sacred Court, who smiled and said:
"Congratulations to young friend Han on your victory. This Principle Conference is truly a pleasant surprise."
As soon as the Sacred Court representative finished speaking, a crowd of people swarmed around them.
Those important figures who had been sitting upright in the stands were now all smiles, as if they were old friends who had known Han Xuanji for many years.
"Young friend Han, I am Zhou Yuanhua from the Zhou Household of Azure Moon City. That final battle just now was truly spectacular! If you have time to visit Azure Moon City in the future, you must come to my residence for a visit."
The speaker was a middle-aged scholar who spoke in a warm tone, as if he wanted to invite Han Xuanji to his home for dinner.
"Young Master Han, I am Zhao Hengzhi of the Zhao Household of Cloud Prefecture. I have long admired your name! The duel just now was an eye-opener for us all. You truly possess the bearing of Sage, no, I believe you have the potential to become Holy Lord!"
"Young friend Han, I am the leader of the Seven Stars Prefecture Rogue Cultivator Alliance..."
Unfamiliar faces and enthusiastic compliments flooded in like a tide.
Han Xuanji wore a polite smile and returned the greeting with clasped hands.
Thank you for your kind words, senior.
His voice was gentle, and his attitude was humble, but there was not a trace of enthusiasm in him.
Han Xuanji was not misled by the repeated calls of "young friend." He knew that these people were only so enthusiastic because they saw the potential and value he had shown today.
If he were to lose power one day, these people would probably not even give him a second glance.
However, he understood.
This has always been the case in the cultivation world: there are many who add flowers to brocade, but few who offer charcoal in the snow.
He will not be proud of this, nor will he be disappointed.
Just as he was dealing with the enthusiasm from all sides, a figure squeezed through the crowd and came up to him.
Jiang Boyuan, Deputy City Lord of Azure Moon City.
He was all smiles, his smile brighter than anyone else's, as if the person who had been mocking him from the high platform was someone else entirely.
He patted Han Xuanji on the shoulder, his tone as warm as if he were speaking to a younger family member:
"Young friend Han, I was blind to your greatness before and offended you greatly. I hope you won't take it to heart."
If you ever have the chance to visit Azure Moon City in the future, I will certainly treat you well and let you see the local customs and culture of Azure Moon City!
Han Xuanji looked at his smiling face and felt a little puzzled.
What did the other person do to offend him?
However, seeing Hun Qianxue give him a meaningful look, he immediately understood.
It seems there's some grudge between him and Brother Hun.
Hun Qianxue secretly thought to himself, "This old fox changes his tune so quickly. Just a moment ago he was standing on the high platform with a cold face and not saying a word, but now he's acting as friendly as family."
Han Xuanji remained expressionless and slightly cupped his hands in greeting:
"Lord Jiang, you are too kind. If I have the opportunity, I will certainly come to visit you."
His tone was perfunctory, but Jiang Boyuan seemed not to notice and burst into laughter:
"Then it's settled! I'll be waiting for you!"
Han Xuanji didn't want to waste too much time on these people and was thinking about how to get away when a gentle but undeniable voice came from above the platform, drowning out all the noise in the arena.
Han Xuanji.
The voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, as if it were right next to them.
The noise in the arena fell silent almost instantly, and all eyes turned to the high platform.
Elder Meng stood with his hands behind his back, dressed in a simple long robe, his face as calm as still water, but his eyes were unfathomable, as deep and mysterious as an ancient well.
"You won the championship in this Principle Conference. You overcame all obstacles along the way; you did a great job."
His voice was unhurried, carrying a calming and composed quality.
Han Xuanji turned around, clasped his hands and bowed towards the high platform:
" Elder Meng, you flatter me. I merely did my best."
Elder Meng nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on him for a moment, before continuing:
"This Principle Conference has attracted talents from all states and cities. Your ability to stand out from the crowd is proof of your strength."
The reward is naturally yours—a ninth-tier Eternal Dao Artifact, of your choice.
Furthermore, you have been selected as a seed candidate for the Nine Mysteries Saint Realm, and I can also apply to the Great Dao Society for other Saint Realm Saint Realm you desire."
These words caused an uproar in the room.
All sixteen finalists were on stage, and their eyes held an undisguised envy as they looked at Han Xuanji.
Ninth-order Eternal Dao Artifact.
That was something known as a "quasi-sacred weapon".
Even ordinary Eternal True God might not be able to exchange their entire fortune for one of these items, yet Han Xuanji, as the Eternal Dao Master, could choose any one of them, which was naturally extremely enviable.
It should be noted that many of them, despite being renowned geniuses, typically only possess fifth-order Eternal Dao Artifact as their personal treasures.
Not to mention the quota for the Saint Realm.
The so-called Saint Realm is a world created by powerful beings above the Eternal Sage, where the rules of heaven and earth are perfected and there are countless fortuitous opportunity.
Elder Meng's implication was that he could find a way to arrange even a secret realm superior to the Nine Mysteries Saint Realm.
This is no ordinary reward.
This is to tell everyone that Han Xuanji has caught the eye of the Great Dao Society.
Although Han Xuanji wasn't particularly interested in Dao artifacts, the Saint Realm quota was a real benefit for him.
He bowed again:
"Thank you for your kindness, Elder Meng."
Elder Meng nodded, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, his voice returning to its usual calm:
This concludes the current Principle Conference.
The rewards for the top 16 contestants will be delivered to you.
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd on the platform began to slowly disperse.
Although the representatives of those powerful forces wanted to chat with Han Xuanji a little longer, Elder Meng had already ended the conversation, so they couldn't stay any longer.
Just as Han Xuanji was about to turn and walk down from the platform, a voice rang in his mind, calm and clear:
"Come with me."
It was Elder Meng's voice transmission.
Han Xuanji paused slightly, his expression remaining unchanged, but he already understood seven or eight parts of the situation.
I think my performance was pretty good, right?