"Sacred artifact? Is it truly a sacred artifact?"
A voice sounded from not far away. It was Han Xiaoxiao, the daughter of the owner of the Magic Mall.
"So it's you!"
The Eighteenth Elder was slightly surprised to see Han Xiaoxiao, as if they knew each other.
"Elder Eighteen, I hope you are well!" Han Xiaoxiao said with a light laugh.
"You are the daughter of the magnate of the Magic Mall. Do you also want to join Tongtian Academy?" the Eighteenth Elder asked.
"Naturally. If I weren't joining Tongtian Academy, why would I be here?"
Han Xiaoxiao replied casually. She had come here this time with the intention of entering the academy, but her goal wasn't to improve her cultivation, but to pursue Lu Fan. After all, she hadn't succeeded last time, and she still held a grudge.
"If you go to Tongtian Academy, who will be able to control you?" The Eighteenth Elder shook his head. He knew Han Xiaoxiao very well and knew she was not someone to be trifled with. Once she joined Tongtian Academy, the students there would likely suffer.
"What is his identity? How can he be treated with such respect by an elder of Tongtian Academy?" Shen Yehong felt a bit displeased. As a princess of the Taiyan Dynasty, she hadn't even garnered the attention of the Eighteenth Elder.
"If I'm not mistaken, he should be Han Xiaoxiao."
Liuli spoke, "In the entire Eastern Region, his family has immense power, and she is the daughter of the magnate of the Magic Mall, far more powerful than any dynasty!"
"So she's the daughter of the magnate of the Magic Mall!" Shen Yehong frowned. With such a powerful background, even she had to retreat. She felt a sense of helplessness.
As they were talking, Han Xiaoxiao suddenly approached Lu Fan. "For you, I'm even willing to join Tongtian Academy. Don't you realize my feelings for you yet?"
"Don't talk nonsense!"
Lu Fan rolled his eyes, a hint of embarrassment on his face. He hadn't expected Han Xiaoxiao to be so shameless in front of everyone. At this moment, many eyes turned towards Lu Fan, filled with curiosity. They wondered what made Lu Fan so special that the daughter of a magnate would be interested in him. Most importantly, Lu Fan seemed uninterested in the magnate's daughter, acting like a fool. Any ordinary person would have jumped at the chance. Becoming the son-in-law of the Magic Mall would be the greatest security for oneself.
"Miss Han, Mr. Lu has already said that he has no interest in you," Zhao Hanxue said with a smile. "So even if you enter Tongtian Academy, you might not get what you want. It would be better to give up a spot, allowing others to benefit."
"That's where you're wrong," Han Xiaoxiao shook her head. "Although I don't care about the cultivation techniques of Tongtian Academy, I'm confident I can win him over. It's only a matter of time."
With these words, Zhao Hanxue felt a sense of helplessness. She had intended to help Lu Fan, but it seemed to be of no use. Shen Yehong stood aside, her face turning pale. This was something she had lost. She couldn't understand why even the daughter of the magnate of the Magic Mall would throw herself at him.
"Princess, it seems we misjudged him."
"Yes, yes. Even Miss Han cares so much about him. It's no wonder he's the one the princess fancies!" Several maids whispered, their eyes filled with seriousness. Shen Yehong's face was ashen, and she felt incredibly stifled. Lu Fan originally belonged to her, but now not only was he not hers, but he might even be snatched away. How could she tolerate this? Most importantly, she hadn't intended to fight for him, but seeing Han Xiaoxiao's actions, she felt a surge of displeasure.
"Miss Han, please have some self-respect!" Lu Fan said, stepping back a few paces. "I know why you're approaching me, and I know you don't actually like me. So, stop trying to get your hands on my Divine Emperor Cauldron."
"In your understanding, my purpose in approaching you is for the Divine Emperor Cauldron?" Han Xiaoxiao chuckled. "You underestimate me too much. I'm not that kind of person. If it weren't for true love, why would I come to you?"
Lu Fan coughed a few times, appearing quite awkward. Especially Han Xiaoxiao's alluring figure made him feel a sense of irresistible attraction.
"Even if you're the daughter of the magnate of the Magic Mall, you shouldn't be so shameless!" Shen Yehong exclaimed. "He clearly has no interest in you, yet you keep babbling!"
"Who are you? You have quite the nerve to interfere in my affairs?" Han Xiaoxiao frowned, looking towards Shen Yehong.
"I am the princess of the Taiyan Dynasty!" Shen Yehong declared proudly.
"A mere dynasty makes you so conceited?" Han Xiaoxiao sneered. "Do you believe I can send an expert to destroy the Taiyan Dynasty with just a word?"
"You..." Shen Yehong's face turned ashen. She wanted to say something but didn't know where to begin. She knew very well that the Magic Mall indeed had the capability. Offending Han Xiaoxiao might lead to more loss than gain. Helplessly, Shen Yehong suppressed her anger and returned to her original spot. She had wanted to step forward, but it seemed there was no opportunity.
"I see the princess of the dynasty also seems interested in you?" Han Xiaoxiao smiled. "It seems your charm is quite potent. It won't be easy to win you over."
Lu Fan remained silent. Especially when encountering someone like Han Xiaoxiao, he could only consider himself unlucky. However, this was also good. With Han Xiaoxiao's backing, no one would dare disrespect him once he entered Tongtian Academy. At least, few people dared to offend the Magic Mall behind Han Xiaoxiao, and even the elders of Tongtian Academy showed them deference.
"Everyone can set off now!" the Eighteenth Elder announced. "Within the Myriad Demon Cave, there are thirty-six sacred artifacts. You only need to find one and bring it back here to pass the assessment and enter Tongtian Academy!"
The disciples present were eager, and some harbored ulterior motives. If they truly found a sacred artifact, they might not hand it over. They could simply flee, and the sacred artifact would be theirs. Moreover, many people had such thoughts. While the名额 (quota) for Tongtian Academy was important, a sacred artifact was a rare and precious item for them.
"The old man from Tongtian Academy is wicked!" Han Xiaoxiao exclaimed. "Putting these things in the Myriad Demon Cave makes it difficult to obtain them."
"Since you know it's difficult, why are you still coming?" Lu Fan said directly. "Just go to the Magic Mall, and you can get anything you want. Why come to Tongtian Academy to suffer?"