Wang Xi, breathtakingly beautiful to the point of surrealism, possessed a face as delicate as a melon seed, glowing like mutton-fat jade. Her arched brows resembled distant mountains, her eyes sparkled like black gemstones, her nose was elegantly straight, and her lips were a delicate shade of red, revealing pearly white teeth. Her lustrous hair cascaded like satin, smooth and radiant.
Her figure was graceful and poised, moving like a divine lotus swaying in the breeze. Her skin shimmered with an ethereal glow, her curves subtly outlined beneath her flowing gown, exuding an air of perfection.
The onlookers held their breath, their gazes fixed upon her. Such a peerless beauty approaching was akin to a celestial maiden stepping out of a painting.
Undoubtedly, it was a mesmerizing sight.
The love for beauty is universal, and when faced with such an unparalleled vision of grace, all murmurs ceased. Every eye remained transfixed.
Shi Hao had no intention of drawing attention. Like the others, he feigned admiration, his eyes alight with exaggerated fervor, blending into the crowd.
Yet, despite his efforts to remain inconspicuous, fate had other plans. For this radiant young woman was heading straight toward him.
As the jewel of the Wang Clan, hailed as the most prodigious talent in their history, Wang Xi possessed an intuition so sharp it bordered on the supernatural.
From a distance, she had sensed something unusual about this young man, an inexplicable pull. As she drew closer, the reason became clear.
A *Vajra Band* rested upon his head!
It emitted imperceptible ripples, detectable only by those of her lineage—for it was a replica of their ancestral treasure.
The Wang Clan’s *Vajra Band* was renowned across the heavens.
The one atop this youth’s head was crafted from the finest materials, reserved only for the most distinguished. Wang Xi knew at once that his origins were extraordinary—else, her clan would never have squandered such a treasure.
“Infused with a fragment of Immortal Gold!” Wang Xi marveled silently. In a way, the *Vajra Band* upon his head was of staggering value.
Yet, such a treasure was merely meant to subdue and bind him.
“Did the elders send you?” Wang Xi transmitted her voice softly, melodious as celestial music resonating in the heart.
She knew her clan had been seeking suitable attendants for her, insisting on only the finest. That they had bound this youth with a *Vajra Band* spoke volumes of his exceptional nature.
Shi Hao remained silent. He had no desire to be the center of attention, especially under the scrutiny of so many. His only wish was to quietly enter the Celestial Academy.
But now, circumstances had shifted.
He ignored her, his gaze flickering past her as if she were of no consequence.
Wang Xi smiled—subtle yet dazzling, like a divine flower blooming, illuminating the world around her.
Her radiant eyes, crimson lips, and pearly teeth left many entranced. Though her smile was faint, it sent the hearts of nearby cultivators racing.
Even other women sighed in resignation, for Wang Xi’s beauty was transcendent, making all others pale in comparison.
“Interesting,” she remarked, her deep eyes glinting with an inscrutable light.
Shi Hao raised a brow, sensing a challenge in her tone, a mocking edge. This woman was anything but ordinary.
Wang Xi was indeed intrigued. She considered the possibilities—was he feigning indifference to pique her interest? Or did he genuinely disdain servitude? Perhaps he truly believed himself her equal.
Was he a servant sent by her clan, an escaped captive who had stumbled here, or someone who had schemed his way before her, even procuring a *Vajra Band* at great cost?
Born into an immortal lineage, Wang Xi was no simple woman. In an instant, countless theories flashed through her mind.
She smirked. Whatever his motives, she cared not. If he harbored ulterior designs, all the better—she would enjoy toying with him, watching him squirm.
“You’ll do,” she declared, her smile blindingly radiant, her beauty striking awe into all who beheld her.
Murderous intent surged as countless envious eyes locked onto Shi Hao, resentment simmering among the gathered talents.
They understood—Wang Xi had chosen him, granting him entry into the Celestial Academy.
Disappointment weighed heavily upon them. Many had come for this very opportunity, especially the chance to be chosen by such a peerless beauty.
Yet, it was this stranger who had seized the privilege.
In truth, Shi Hao felt no joy. The Wang Clan had bound him with the *Vajra Band*—a debt he had yet to settle. But now was not the time for reckoning.
Still, submitting to her was out of the question. Having cultivated three strands of immortal energy, why should he bow to another?
If anything, the reverse would be more fitting. Back in the Three Thousand Provinces, he had once jested about such ambitions.
“Hey, Fairy Wang Xi is speaking to you,” a handsome young man behind her reminded him, one of her existing attendants.
Beside him stood a stunningly beautiful girl, equally formidable.
“I have no interest in following you,” Shi Hao stated bluntly.
Silence fell. The crowd stared in disbelief. Someone had refused Wang Xi?
This was unheard of. Countless souls coveted such an opportunity, especially young men who dreamed of standing beside such a peerless beauty.
Yet this youth had spurned her outright.
Wang Xi’s lips curled in amusement, though the expression vanished swiftly. She studied him, pondering his defiance.
Was this a ploy to stand out? Or genuine refusal?
Either way, she would not be denied. She would bring him under her wing and unravel his act at leisure.
Thus, she smiled again, extending another invitation, sweeter than before.
Many were stunned. The Wang Clan’s fairy, so gracious and enchanting, was a rare sight indeed.
Yet Shi Hao refused once more.
Now, the crowd was certain—this was deliberate provocation.
Teeth gritted in frustration, many deemed him deserving of a beating.
Mocking laughter arose from the distance. Celestial Academy disciples, observing the scene, sneered in disdain.
“Arrogant fool. Does he think such antics will impress Fairy Wang Xi? How naive!”
“Trash like him isn’t fit for the academy. Even we, who’ve cultivated immortal energy, dare not aspire to her attention. Who does he think he is?”
Yet Wang Xi persisted, her tone gentle, extending yet another invitation.
The onlookers seethed with jealousy, while the academy disciples smirked, certain Shi Hao was doomed.
“She’s toying with him. Once he’s her servant, she’ll make him regret his insolence.”
“Foolish to play hard-to-get with Fairy Wang Xi. He’ll pay dearly for it.”
The academy’s elite chuckled. Even they, who had cultivated immortal energy, viewed Wang Xi as unattainable.
“I qualify as a formal disciple. I’ve no need for your patronage,” Shi Hao declared flatly.
Wang Xi’s eyes flickered with surprise. “Is that so? Let’s test that claim.”
She struck, her sleeves billowing like a celestial maiden’s, releasing a mist of pure white to suppress him.
Shi Hao stood firm, channeling two strands of immortal energy to resist.
Though invisible to others, Wang Xi sensed it immediately. Two strands of immortal energy?
Her interest sharpened. This youth was no ordinary talent.
Her smile deepened. She transmitted a private invitation, urging him to discuss matters elsewhere.
“No need,” Shi Hao refused again.
“Your talent is commendable, but the academy’s selection has ended. Even a youth named *Huang*, who cultivated three strands of immortal energy, was denied for missing the deadline,” Wang Xi whispered.
Shi Hao’s heart clenched. *Huang*—that was him.
Outwardly, he remained impassive.
He considered leaving outright. If the academy demanded he debase himself, he would rather forsake it entirely.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted.
A powerful figure soared through the skies, escorting a youth directly into the academy.
“Yuan Qing!”
Shi Hao’s gaze turned icy. His enemy—the man who had sought to suppress him for a decade—stood before him.
Whispers spread. Yuan Qing had brought a descendant, seeking entry into the academy.
Dark clouds gathered in Shi Hao’s heart. If his fury were visible, his face would have twisted in rage.
Yuan Qing, who had conspired against him, now had the audacity to place a disciple here?
This was a transaction—a reward for past deeds.
The academy’s leadership was complicit.
Shi Hao’s anger blazed. Perhaps the Celestial Academy was not worth joining after all.
“Yuan Qing, do you acknowledge your crimes?” A thunderous voice boomed from the academy’s depths.
Yet another voice interjected, “Yuan Qing, you may leave.”
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