Many people, upon hearing Mu Xiaohe's words, felt pity for Xin Ci.
In their eyes, Xin Ci's previous performance was enough to earn him the title of the number one prodigy of the Eastern Continent.
However, such were the rules of the Eastern Continent Grand Competition.
Xin Ci, on the other hand, felt that whether he took first place in the Eastern Continent Grand Competition or not was of no consequence.
As long as Mu Qingqing was by his side, that was all that mattered to him.
"Speaking of which, where did that fellow Xuan Kong go?"
"I'm not sure, I haven't seen any trace of him."
"It seems he vanished after exiting the star gate."
...
Everyone shook their heads.
They couldn't understand how Xuan Kong had managed to enter the star gate without being noticed by so many people, nor how he had disappeared from their sight.
At this very moment, Xuan Kong was still beneath an ancient tree a thousand miles away.
Another bird had joined the one on his shoulder. Xuan Kong stood alone, gazing quietly in the direction of Haoxing City.
An unusual light flickered in his eyes, and a faint smile played on his lips.
"Interesting, Brother Xin Ci is indeed no ordinary person."
His lips curved upward as he murmured to himself, as if he had seen through everything.
"When we meet again, I wonder if I should call you Brother Xin Ci? Or Miss Xin Ci?"
He narrowed his eyes, chuckling softly to himself.
A gentle breeze swept past, causing his robes to flutter.
In the next instant, he dissolved into a wisp of smoke and vanished with the wind.
The conclusion of the Eastern Continent Grand Competition meant the birth of a new Eastern Continent Prodigy Ranking.
After being compiled by the Divine Mechanism Pavilion, the rankings of the Eastern Continent Grand Competition and the new Eastern Continent Prodigy Ranking were subsequently released.
Eastern Continent Grand Competition Results
First Place: Xuan Kong
Second Place: Xin Ci
Third Place: Nan Yunting
Fourth Place: Mo Qian
Fifth Place: Liu Muming
Sixth Place: Bai Ting
Seventh Place: Twelve Luo Yue
Eighth Place: Xue Qianwu
Ninth Place: Wan Shuwen
Tenth Place: Tie Liefeng
...
This year's Eastern Continent Grand Competition saw the Four Symbols Academy make a remarkable appearance.
They secured four spots within the top ten.
Although Xin Ci did not take first place in the Eastern Continent Grand Competition, the Divine Mechanism Pavilion, recognizing his performance, ranked him at the top of the Eastern Continent Prodigy Ranking.
Liu Yuanhao was so overjoyed by this happy news that he couldn't stop smiling on his way back to the Four Symbols Academy.
Meanwhile, the results of the Eastern Continent Grand Competition had reached the Four Symbols Academy ahead of time, causing a frenzy throughout the entire institution.
The higher-ups of the Four Symbols Academy gathered to discuss the matter.
"This is great! Our Four Symbols Academy has finally gained some face in the Eastern Continent Grand Competition."
An elder said excitedly.
"I never expected our Eastern Continent Academy to truly produce an unparalleled genius."
Another elder nodded in agreement.
The higher-ups of the Four Symbols Academy were all proud of the geniuses from their academy.
"Senior Sister Liu, Senior Sister Liu..."
Liu Fuyao, who was in seclusion, heard someone knocking and immediately opened the door. She saw Lin Yan'er rushing in.
Upon seeing Liu Fuyao, Lin Yan'er said urgently,
"Lin Yan'er, what's the matter? Why are you in such a hurry? Is something wrong?"
Liu Fuyao asked with some confusion.
"Of course, it's a big deal! Senior Sister Liu, do you remember your junior brother Xin Ci, whom you used to think about constantly?"
"What do you mean think about constantly? You little girl are too mischievous. I don't understand what you're saying. Speak clearly!"
Hearing Lin Yan'er's words, Liu Fuyao's expression instantly changed. She glared at Lin Yan'er with a hint of annoyance and scolded her.
Lin Yan'er felt a little wronged by Liu Fuyao's glare. She pouted and said, "I mean Junior Brother Xin Ci got second place in the Eastern Continent Grand Competition."
Upon hearing Lin Yan'er's words, a hint of surprise flashed across Liu Fuyao's face. "You mean, you mean Junior Brother Xin Ci got second place in the Eastern Continent Grand Competition? How... how is that possible?"
"Not only that, but Junior Brother Xin Ci is also ranked first on the latest Eastern Continent Prodigy Ranking!"
Lin Yan'er said triumphantly.
While shocked, Liu Fuyao also felt a sense of confusion.
If Xin Ci was ranked first on the Eastern Continent Prodigy Ranking, why was he only second in the Eastern Continent Grand Competition?
Was there some hidden reason behind this?
"And Senior Sister Liu, you haven't heard the bigger surprise yet. Of the top ten spots in this Eastern Continent Grand Competition, our Four Symbols Academy secured four!"
Lin Yan'er continued.
"What? Four spots in the top ten?"
Upon hearing Lin Yan'er's words, Liu Fuyao was stunned once again.
This was because the Four Symbols Academy had been severely impacted by the Heavenly Pit Secret Realm incident, and they could only send out four participants, all of whom were new students who had been admitted for just one year.
They never expected these four to perform so brilliantly.
This was truly an overwhelming surprise.
"Yes, I didn't expect it either. These new students who have only been admitted for a year could achieve such glorious results!"
Lin Yan'er also felt a sense of emotion.
Haoxing City
Three days had already passed since the end of the Eastern Continent Grand Competition.
The talented disciples from various forces and sects began to leave Haoxing City one after another.
Xin Ci and the others were no exception.
However, Liu Muming and Bai Ting had no intention of returning to the Four Symbols Academy.
"Liu Muming, Bai Ting, aren't you returning to the academy with me?"
Xin Ci asked, looking at the two.
Liu Muming said with a distressed expression, "Little Xin Xin, I want to return to the Four Symbols Academy too, but who knew this violent woman insisted on taking me home!"
Bai Ting snorted coldly from the side, "What violent woman? I am your fiancée!"
Saying this, she pinched Liu Muming.
"Ouch, it hurts so much!"
Liu Muming quickly begged for mercy.
Bai Ting then let go.
"Didn't you promise me earlier? You said you'd return to the Central Continent after the Eastern Continent Grand Competition. You won't go back on your word, will you?"
Bai Ting glared at Liu Muming and said.
Upon hearing this, Liu Muming's face showed a fawning smile. "I wouldn't dare. How could I? I'll do whatever you say."
"Hmph, smooth-talking!"
Bai Ting gave Liu Muming a disdainful look.
Central Continent!
Xin Ci had heard the key word.
"You said Central Continent? Are you two from the Central Continent?"
Xin Ci asked, looking at Liu Muming and Bai Ting.
Liu Muming and Bai Ting exchanged glances, then nodded.
Mu Qingqing, who was in the consciousness space, did not show any surprise.
Having read the original plot, she could somewhat guess the identities of these two.
"I'm sorry, Little Xin Xin, I didn't mean to keep it from you."
Liu Muming quickly explained, fearing Xin Ci would misunderstand.
Xin Ci was not angry. Instead, he smiled and said, "It's alright. I've heard that the Central Continent is even vaster and more distant than the Eastern Continent. Once I break through to the King realm, I will also go to the Central Continent."
"Really?"
Liu Muming exclaimed in surprise.
"Could it be that Little Xin Xin, you're going to the Central Continent just for me? I'm so touched!"
Liu Muming immediately grabbed Xin Ci's hands and looked at him with deep affection.
"Little Xin Xin, wait for me. After I get home, I'll clarify our relationship with my father. We'll be coming to propose soon..."
"Propose your head!"
"Go to hell! I've wanted to beat you up for a long time!"
Xin Ci and Bai Ting couldn't stand it any longer and launched a combined attack on him.