Chapter 495: The Second Place on the Heavenly Ranking Gains Recognition! The entire audience erupted in cheers!

"Everyone! I can also give up this arena!"

This voice was not loud, yet it was like a giant boulder crashing into a calm lake.

It instantly drowned out all the noise and chaos within the Colosseum.

Those Prodigies who were arguing until they were red in the Face over the arena Qian Luoyun was about to vacate stopped their actions.

The crowd in the stands that was still surging toward the Longxiang Pavilion camp also came to a sudden halt.

Thousands of gazes turned in unison toward the direction from which the voice came.

Then, everyone was stunned.

The person speaking stood upon an arena, his figure tall and straight, a silver-gray robe fluttering gently in the wind.

His Face was handsome, and between his brows, there was an air of natural composure and nobility.

A faint smile hung on the corners of his mouth; that smile held no arrogance, no provocation, only a gentleness and composure that made one feel like they were bathing in a spring breeze.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his posture casual and elegant, as if he were not on an arena under the gaze of thousands, but strolling in his own courtyard.

Qian Luoyun.

Second on the Heavenly Ranking.

The eldest young master of the Qian Family.

One of the top Prodigies of the younger generation in the provincial capital.

"Qian Luoyun?! It's Qian Luoyun! He's also giving up his arena?! What's going on?! The Heavenly Saint Student gave up his arena because he wanted to settle scores with the Jingfeng Sect, but why is Qian Luoyun giving up his?"

A student in the stands widened his eyes, the expression on his Face looking as if he had seen something completely incomprehensible.

"He's second on the Heavenly Ranking! Although Qian Luoyun is second, everyone knows his strength is on par with the first-ranked Feng Xingyun of the War Beast Sect! If he wanted to defend his arena, besides Feng Xingyun, who in the entire academy would dare to challenge him?! Isn't it better to firmly hold a spot? Why give it up?"

"Could it be because the Heavenly Saint Student has been too much in the spotlight today?"

Another student lowered his voice, his tone filled with speculation.

"Think about it, from the moment the Heavenly Saint Student appeared until now, he instantly defeated Lin Xinmu, forced Lin Feng to his knees, crushed Sect Master Feng Tianyang, and suppressed an entire sect by himself; the eyes of the entire Colosseum are on him. Although Qian Luoyun is second on the Heavenly Ranking, he hasn't fought a single opponent from start to finish today, completely overshadowed by the Heavenly Saint Student's brilliance. Maybe he's coming out to give up his arena just to seek some attention?"

"Bullshit!"

A fan of Qian Luoyun standing nearby immediately retorted.

"Who is Qian Luoyun? Second on the Heavenly Ranking! The eldest legitimate son of the Qian Family! Does he need to seek attention? Does his presence need to be sought? Even if he stood there without saying a word, who would dare ignore him? He must have his reasons for giving up the arena, so stop guessing blindly here!"

"Then what reason do you think he has?"

"...I can't guess."

The crowd discussed it fervently, with speculations arising everywhere.

But no one could be certain why Qian Luoyun would take the initiative to give up his arena at this time and in this manner.

On the arena, Jiang Yun also looked over at the sound.

His gaze passed through the surging crowd in the Colosseum, through the Prodigies still fiercely fighting for spots on the arenas, and landed precisely on Qian Luoyun.

As it happened, Qian Luoyun was also looking at him.

Their gazes met in mid-air.

In that instant, a subtle ripple flashed through both of their eyes simultaneously.

That ripple was extremely fleeting, so fleeting that no one around could perceive it.

But both of them saw the same thing in each other's eyes.

Battle Intent.

It was not hostility, not provocation, but a pure, ultimate curiosity and desire for competition that could only arise between top Prodigies.

It was the instinctive reaction of two true powerhouses who, upon seeing each other's strength, instinctively wanted to know who was stronger.

That silent, unspoken, tacit understanding between them.

The corners of Qian Luoyun's mouth lifted slightly.

He nodded slightly toward Jiang Yun; the movement was small, yet it carried an undisguised appreciation and goodwill.

There was no hostility, no condescending scrutiny, only the most candid recognition of a powerhouse on the same level.

Jiang Yun also nodded slightly, returning the gesture.

What he saw in the eyes of this second-ranked Prodigy was not the high-and-mighty arrogance of Sect Master Feng Tianyang, not the hypocritical politeness of Lin Feng, and not the feigned aloofness of Lin Xinmu.

It was a form of equal respect.

The other party regarded him as an opponent worthy of a battle, not a competitor who needed to be suppressed.

This was a feeling he had rarely encountered in the academy.

Receiving Jiang Yun's response, the smile on Qian Luoyun's Face deepened a little.

He withdrew his gaze and turned to the entire Colosseum, his voice ringing out again, unhurried and steady, carrying a reassuring composure.

"Everyone, there is no need to overthink this. I only came today to accompany my younger sister in this arena competition. My Qian Family has its own quota for the Secret Realm, so naturally, I will not take up too many spots from the fellow students of Sky Dome Academy."

He paused, his gaze sweeping gently over the students in the stands who were still stunned.

"So... I am giving up this arena as well. If anyone is interested, you may compete for it with your strength."

As his words fell, the entire crowd was stunned for a moment.

Then, they suddenly realized.

"So that's it!! The Qian Family is a first-class Family in the provincial capital! With the Qian Family's foundation and resources, they wouldn't lack Secret Realm quotas! Qian Luoyun didn't come to the Colosseum today to grab a spot for himself; he was just here to accompany Qian Rongrong! He doesn't care about this single arena at all!"

"No wonder! No wonder Qian Luoyun didn't take the initiative to challenge anyone from start to finish! During the intense fighting on the arenas just now, he just stood on his arena watching without even making a move! I thought he was waiting for a worthy opponent, but it turns out he wasn't here to fight for an arena at all!"

"So this is also giving out benefits! The Heavenly Saint Student drove away the Jingfeng Sect and vacated four arenas, and now Qian Luoyun has given up another one! That's five extra spots out of thin air! Although the competition in this year's arena tournament is ridiculously intense, for those middle-tier Prodigies, it's actually an Opportunity! Because the top-tier big shots are either giving away arenas or have been cleared out!"

"The eldest young master of the Qian Family is awesome!! Long live the eldest young master of the Qian Family!!"

Someone in the crowd shouted first.

Then, this wave of sound spread rapidly.

"Qian Luoyun is so righteous! The Qian Family is just different! A first-class major Family truly has the stature of a major Family! They don't even bother to fight for spots with ordinary students! They only came to the arena tournament to go through the motions and accompany his sister!"

"To be honest, Qian Luoyun and Sect Master Feng Tianyang are both direct descendants of first-class families; they are both children of major families, so why is the gap between people so large? Sect Master Feng Tianyang relies on the Feng Family's power to throw his weight around in the academy, while Qian Luoyun takes the initiative to give up his arena to give ordinary students a chance. One is overbearing, the other is humble. The difference is clear!"

"It's not just humility, it's bearing. Think about it carefully... before Qian Luoyun took the initiative to give up the arena, he specifically nodded and greeted the Heavenly Saint Student. Did you see that? Although the interaction between those two was only for an instant, the atmosphere was clearly different. It wasn't a confrontation; it was a tacit understanding of mutual appreciation."

"Mutual appreciation? Are you talking about the Heavenly Saint Student and Qian Luoyun?"

"Yes. Two true top Prodigies, seeing opponents, not enemies, in each other's eyes. This is the true demeanor of a master."

Hearing the cheers from the stands, Qian Luoyun just smiled slightly and did not linger.

He turned and walked toward the edge of the arena.

When passing the direction of the stands where Qian Rongrong was, he stopped and looked down at the area below.

Qian Rongrong was standing at the edge of the stands, looking up at him. Those beautiful almond-shaped eyes held a bit of pride, a bit of reluctance to part, and a bit of a small complaint that said, 'Brother, you're leaving me alone again.'

"Rongrong."

Qian Luoyun's voice was gentle and serious.

"Cultivate well after the arena tournament ends. Do not be greedy for merit or advance rashly in the Molten Cavern Secret Realm; do everything according to your ability. Your tamed beast is still in its growth phase; some opportunities cannot be forced. Safety first. Do you understand?"

Qian Rongrong pouted, but still nodded obediently.

"I know, Brother. I'm not a child anymore."

"Besides, won't you also be in the Secret Realm then? Can't I just come find you to protect me?"

Watching her expression of being unconvinced yet having to listen, Qian Luoyun couldn't help but chuckle softly.

He shook his head, looking a bit helpless.

He was very clear that after entering the Molten Cavern Secret Realm, he would have to compete with other Prodigies for opportunities.

He feared that his sister would only be in more danger if she stayed by his side.

Shaking his head, he withdrew his gaze, said no more, and lightly leaped.

He floated down from the arena like a light, drifting fallen leaf.

His movements were light and free-spirited, without any deliberate release of Aura, without any massive fluctuations of spiritual power, only a flowing, cloud-like composure.

He landed at the edge of the stands, beside Qian Rongrong, like an ordinary spectator who had just come to watch the match.

"Qian Luoyun's arena is empty!!"

In the stands, an Amethyst Rank Prodigy who had failed to grab any of the previous empty arenas suddenly reacted, his eyes instantly lighting up.

"The four arenas that were vacated earlier have already been fought over like crazy, and now there's another one! This is the last chance! Brothers, charge!!"

Before the words had even finished, over a dozen figures shot out from the stands simultaneously, rushing toward the arena Qian Luoyun had vacated like hungry wolves pouncing on prey.

"This arena belongs to me!! No one fight me for it!!"

"Why should it belong to you?! The arena was given up by Qian Luoyun for everyone! It wasn't specifically given to you! Want the arena? Let your strength do the talking!!"

"Fine, let's fight!! Who's afraid of whom!!"

Boom!!!

Spiritual power of various attributes collided crazily on the arena once again.

A massive rock giant ape roared at the sky, slamming its fists heavily onto the arena, causing the entire battle stage to tremble violently.

Another silver-white thunder falcon dove down from mid-air, thousands of dazzling electric arcs exploding on its wings, colliding head-on with the rock giant ape.

Over there, two speed-type tamed beasts were fighting frantically, leaving behind dazzling afterimages on the arena.

On this side, a fire attribute dragon raised its head and let out a deafening roar, the Dragon Breath gathering in its mouth slamming toward its opponent like a small sun.

The scene became a chaotic mess once again.

But everyone knew clearly in their hearts that this was the last free Opportunity.

On the high platform, the Deans watched this scene in its entirety.

Zhan Qiong rested his hands on the railing, watching the figure of Qian Luoyun floating down from the arena, a look of appreciative amusement appearing on his rugged Face.

"This kid from the Qian Family really knows how to conduct himself. He's clearly second on the Heavenly Ranking, and his strength is among the best in the entire academy's younger generation, yet he has no airs at all. He came to accompany his sister to the arena tournament, held the arena without making a move, and finally gave the arena up to ordinary students. This was handled beautifully."

Vice Dean Yan Lie also nodded, his tone carrying a bit of emotion.

"That old fox Qian Guangquan raised a good son and daughter. The son is second on the Heavenly Ranking, with both strength and bearing. The daughter has an S-grade talent with amazing growth potential. The key is that the two siblings have a good relationship, with the older brother protecting his younger sister everywhere. This kind of Family foundation and upbringing is indeed something that ordinary powers cannot compare to."

"The Qian Family's stature is indeed stronger than the Feng Family's."

Tie Kuang spoke in a muffled voice, his tone as straightforward as ever.

"Those few from the Feng Family, from Sect Master Feng Tianyang to Feng Yu to Feng Ziyue, are all arrogant and look down on everyone, relying on their Family power to throw their weight around in the academy. Look at Qian Luoyun again; he clearly has the strength to throw his weight around, yet he is humble everywhere. This is the gap."

"It's not just a matter of humility."

Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi, who had not spoken until now, stroked his beard and said thoughtfully.

"Qian Guangquan only took one spot for his daughter to participate in the academy competition this time, and his son took the initiative to give up his arena, leaving a good impression on the academy. He gave Face to Sky Dome Academy, gained the favor of ordinary students, and invisibly suppressed the Feng Family... When others are overbearing, he is humble; when others grab spots, he gives them away. The difference is clear by comparison. This move by Qian Guangquan seems unintentional, but it is actually very shrewd."

"Alright, alright."

Vice Dean Ming Jing waved his hand, the faint curve at the corners of his mouth still hanging there.

"Regardless of what calculations Qian Guangquan is making, at least the son he raised is indeed excellent. This child, Qian Luoyun, not only has good talent but also a good Heart-Nature. He will surely achieve great things in the future. As for the Heavenly Saint Student..."

He paused slightly, his gaze falling on the tall and straight figure on the arena, a meaningful and satisfied glint flashing in his eyes.

"If these two Little Fellows really do have a battle in the future, that will truly be spectacular."

Hearing this, the Deans simultaneously cast their gazes toward that figure on the arena.

They all knew clearly in their hearts.

The look Qian Luoyun and Jiang Yun exchanged just now was by no means a simple polite greeting. It was two top Prodigies finding each other in the crowd. They were telling each other with their gazes: I know you are very strong; sooner or later, I will come to fight you. And that day, I fear, will not be too far off.

After Qian Luoyun gave up his arena, the remaining empty arenas also had their final owners decided one after another after a dozen waves of intense competition.

Those Prodigies who grabbed the spots stood panting on their respective arenas; some of their tamed beasts still bore the scars left by the recent battles, but their Faces were filled with irrepressible ecstasy.

And those who had almost grabbed one were beating their chests and stamping their feet in annoyance, looking at the winners on the arenas with red, unwilling eyes.

Time flowed slowly amidst the intense competition and endless noisy discussions.

Finally, Vice Dean Ming Jing stood up from the main seat on the high platform.

His movements were unhurried, but the moment he stood up, the entire Colosseum seemed to be gently pressed by an invisible hand.

All the noisy discussions, shouts, and arguments fell silent in the same instant.

"Time is up."

Vice Dean Ming Jing's voice was not loud, yet it was like an ancient bronze bell being gently struck, every word steadily piercing through the entire Colosseum.

"Those who have determined the outcome on the arenas at this moment are the winners of the arenas. From this moment on, any challenges or disputes on the arenas are prohibited. Deacon Elder... record the names."

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the Prodigies standing on the arenas.

"All students who have obtained a spot, gather at the academy plaza in three days. I will personally lead the team to the Bone Burial Area and enter the Molten Cavern Secret Realm. This Molten Cavern quota competition! Has concluded successfully."

The moment his words fell, the entire Colosseum was like a clenched fist being released by someone, and it suddenly exploded into an uproar.

"I got it!! I finally got it!! The Molten Cavern spot!! I grabbed it!! Hahahaha!!!"

A student in the top forty of the Heavenly Ranking raised his hands above his head, his Face flushed red with excitement, his voice so hoarse it almost cracked.

"Almost!! Just a little bit!! I had already forced him to the edge of the arena!! Give me three more breaths!! Give me three more breaths and I could have knocked him off!! Just three breaths short!! I'm not reconciled!! I'm not reconciled!!!"

A student who failed to grab a spot sank to his knees, his hands pounding hard against the railing in front of him, his eyes red.

"Three times!! I've participated in the arena tournament three times!! Each time it's just a little bit short!! Each time I'm knocked off at the very last moment!! Is this Molten Cavern Secret Realm just not meant for me?!"

"Stop your wailing!"

Although his companion beside him also looked dejected, he still reached out and pulled him up from the ground.

"You know how monstrous this year's batch is! The Sacred Student appeared out of nowhere and crushed the sixth-ranked on the Heaven Ranking, Qian Luoyun, the second-ranked, voluntarily conceded the ring, and the entire Jingfeng Sect was cleared out. Who among them is easy to mess with? It's already quite good that we managed to last until now. There will be other opportunities in the Secret Realm next time; don't make a fool of yourself here."

Meanwhile, on the rings, those Prodigies who had successfully defended or snatched a spot were lining up to be registered by the Elder.

The Elder held a recording Jade Slip shimmering with spiritual light, walking past each ring one by one, recording the faction and identity information of each winner.

"Liu Qingshuang, Elder of Longxiang Pavilion, ring winner—registered."

"Lei Qing, Elder of Longxiang Pavilion, ring winner—registered."

"Xiao Chen, Elder of Longxiang Pavilion, ring winner—registered."

"Qian Rongrong, Qian Family, ring winner—registered."

"Su Qingying, Pavilion Master of Tingxue Pavilion, ring winner—registered."

"Su Gumu, Tingxue Pavilion, ring winner—registered."

Every time a name was called, a chorus of envious or emotional discussions would erupt from the spectator stands.

And when the Elder read the last name and closed the recording Jade Slip, this Molten Cavern spot-contention ring tournament, which had lasted several days and undergone countless twists and turns, officially came to an end.

On the spectator stands.

The students who had not yet left were gathered in small groups.

Discussing everything that happened during today's ring tournament.

"Today was truly an eye-opener! I've been at Sky Dome Academy for three years and have watched three ring tournaments, but I've never seen one as spectacular as today's! From the Sacred Student killing Lin Xinmu in seconds, to forcing Lin Feng to kneel and admit defeat, to crushing Sect Master Feng Tianyang, to suppressing an entire sect single-handedly—wave after wave, each one made one's scalp tingle!"

"When Lin Xinmu appeared, everyone thought he was the biggest dark horse of the day. A spatial-type beast at the Peak of Amethyst Rank 6, challenging the Sacred Student from afar seven days ago, putting on such a high-and-mighty attitude. And the result? He was killed in seconds by the Sacred Student with a single blade! He didn't even last ten breaths! This so-called dark horse simply became a stepping stone for the Sacred Student's deification battle!"

"What kind of dark horse is Lin Xinmu? The one who truly surprised everyone was the Sacred Student himself! He stayed in the Bone Burial Area for so long that everyone thought he had died inside. The people from the Jingfeng Sect and the Lin Family dared to target Longxiang Pavilion so blatantly because they thought the Sacred Student wouldn't return. And the result? The Sacred Student not only returned alive, but he returned at the Amethyst Rank 6 Realm! His Divine Roc is ridiculously strong, activating two Legendary skills simultaneously to crush Sect Master Feng Tianyang's Heaven-Splitting Golden Roc head-on, without even catching his breath from start to finish! How is this a dark horse? This is simply a Black Dragon! Soaring straight into the sky, invincible with a single cry!"

"Right, right, right! Black Dragon! That's it, a Black Dragon! Your description is spot on! A dark horse is someone who emerges to surprise people, but the Sacred Student simply crushed everyone—it wasn't an accident, it was dominance! It was absolute strength! Even if he hadn't hidden any of his strength from the beginning, Sect Master Feng Tianyang still couldn't have beaten him! This level is no longer a dark horse; it's a Divine Beast! It's a Dragon! A young dragon that can already swallow the sixth-ranked on the Heaven Ranking before it has even fully grown!"

"I've made up my mind."

A Gold Rank student who hadn't joined any faction took a deep breath, his eyes full of determination.

"After I leave the Colosseum in a while, the first thing I'll do is go to the Longxiang Pavilion base and line up to join. Whether I can get a core position or not, even if I just become an outer member, I'll accept it. A Pavilion Master like the Sacred Student—you won't find another in the entire Sky Dome Academy. Following him means I'll never have to worry about being bullied in the academy again."

"You're only deciding now? Look over there."

His companion beside him reached out and pointed below the spectator stands.

At several exits of the Colosseum, several groups of people were already pouring out.

Their direction was surprisingly unanimous.

They weren't returning to their dormitories or going to the canteen to eat, but heading straight in the direction of the Longxiang Pavilion base.

A rough glance showed at least dozens of people, and the number was still increasing.

Some people had rushed out while still immersed in the shock of having just finished watching the ring tournament.

Some were walking while discussing something heatedly with their companions.

Still others were even jogging, fearing that they would be beaten to the punch if they arrived late.

"Holy crap! These people are way too fast! The ring tournament just ended, and they're already running over?!"

The student widened his eyes.

"No way! I have to go quickly too! What if Longxiang Pavilion is full?"

"Are you stupid? Longxiang Pavilion is a newly established rising faction; how could it be full? They're currently short on people! Didn't you hear Elder Zhao of Longxiang Pavilion shouting just now? Those who want to join should go to the Grade-A Lingqi Valley to register! This means they aren't turning anyone away! Let's go, let's go!"

As they spoke, the group sprang up from their seats, scrambling and swarming toward the exit.

Meanwhile, at the location of the Longxiang Pavilion faction.

Zhao Tiezhu watched the tide of people pouring out from the exits in the distance.

Watching them all rushing madly toward the Longxiang Pavilion base.

His rugged Face was filled with a mix of laughter and tears, an expression of awkwardness.

"Why... why are they running so fast? We haven't even gone back yet! We're all still here, who are they going to register with at the Longxiang Pavilion base? There are only a few Utility Disciples cleaning there right now; they'll just have to wait at the door!"

"Aren't you used to it yet?"

Lin Kuo stood beside him, his tone carrying a hint of helpless amusement.

"There were already hundreds of people surrounding us and calling for Elder Zhao while we were on the ring earlier. Now that the ring tournament is over, do you believe that by the time we get back to the base, the line at the door will be able to wrap around the Grade-A Lingqi Valley three times?"

"Three times?"

Xiao Yutian pushed up the bridge of his nose; his voice remained calm, but the corner of his mouth couldn't help but twitch.

"You're being conservative. Judging by the speed at which they rushed out just now, at least five times."

"It's over, it's over, it's over."

Zhao Tiezhu scratched the back of his head vigorously, his Face full of despair.

"I'm just a Silver Rank! I'm not even an Amethyst Rank! Making me deal with those Amethyst Rank Heaven Ranking Prodigies who call me 'Elder Zhao' one after another—the pressure is too much! Any one of them could beat me to a pulp! What kind of Elder am I?"

"You are the Vice Pavilion Master of Longxiang Pavilion."

Xiao Chen had walked down from the ring at some point.

He patted Zhao Tiezhu on the shoulder, his tone carrying a rare hint of teasing.

"When the Pavilion Master isn't here, you are the highest authority in Longxiang Pavilion. What are you afraid of? Those people joined Longxiang Pavilion for the Pavilion Master, and you are the Pavilion Master's most trusted brother. They would be scrambling to curry favor with you; who would dare beat you up?"

"Xiao Chen is right."

Liu Qingshuang also walked over; her voice remained cold and aloof, but her tone held a rare hint of gentleness.

"The Pavilion Master trusts you, so you are the Vice Pavilion Master. Strength can be improved over time, but the Pavilion Master's trust is not something everyone can have. This point is more important than the Realm."

Zhao Tiezhu was stunned for a moment by what the two said.

Then, a big smile slowly spread across his rugged Face, and his nose was almost pointing to the sky.

"Hehehe, since Senior Sister Liu Qingshuang and Brother Xiao Chen have said so, I, Zhao Tiezhu, will shamelessly continue to be this Vice Pavilion Master! Don't worry! With the resources the Pavilion Master left behind, I'll reach the Amethyst Rank sooner or later! When that time comes, if anyone dares to bully the people of Longxiang Pavilion again, I'll be the first to step up!"

"Give it a rest."

Lei Qing walked over from behind and slapped Zhao Tiezhu on the back, his rugged Face filled with undisguised heartiness.

"You're just a Silver Rank; if a real fight breaks out, you'll still have to rely on me, Xiao Chen, and Senior Sister Liu Qingshuang. Just stay obediently in the back and shout 'awesome'; leave the rough work of charging into battle to me, Lei Qing!"

"Hahaha! Alright! Then I'll leave it to you, Brother Lei!"

The group laughed together, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.

Who could have imagined that not long ago, they were the unlucky ones who were targeted by the Jingfeng Sect and the Lin Family in turns and beaten to a pulp.

But now, the entire Jingfeng Sect had been cleared from the ring, two people from the Lin Family were kneeling and paralyzed, and all three members of Longxiang Pavilion had secured spots in the Molten Cavern. All these changes happened within less than an hour after their Pavilion Master returned.

And they all knew in their hearts.

All of this was because of one person.

Everyone's gaze subconsciously turned to the slender, upright figure on the ring.

Jiang Yun was walking down from the ring, his pace unhurried, his expression still that calm and indifferent look.

He saw the Longxiang Pavilion group looking at him, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, and he walked over.

"Pavilion Master!"

Zhao Tiezhu was the first to rush up, his bell-like eyes full of excitement.

"You were so awesome today! Killing Lin Xinmu in seconds! Forcing Lin Feng to kneel! Crushing Sect Master Feng Tianyang! Suppressing an entire sect single-handedly! I've shouted until my throat is hoarse!"

Jiang Yun waved his hand, signaling him not to make such a fuss.

He walked in front of the group, his gaze sweeping one by one over the Faces of the initial core members of Longxiang Pavilion, such as Zhao Tiezhu, Lin Kuo, Xiao Yutian, and Shang Xiaoxiao, and then looked at Liu Qingshuang, Lei Qing, and Xiao Chen.

Then he spoke, his voice not loud, but carrying a sense of reassurance and composure.

"You don't need to be so distant. We once ventured through Ash Town together, so we can be considered to have shared a life-and-death bond. Moreover, you risked your lives on the ring to protect my Longxiang Pavilion and my companions; I have noted this camaraderie. All things considered, we can be considered friends now."

He paused slightly, his gaze falling on Liu Qingshuang, Lei Qing, and Xiao Chen.

"Since we are friends, you can just call me Jiang Yun from now on; there's no need to call me Pavilion Master every time."

Liu Qingshuang, Lei Qing, and Xiao Chen were all stunned for a moment.

Friends?

The three glanced at each other, seeing a hint of being flattered in each other's eyes.

They were Amethyst Rank Prodigies, that was true.

But who was this youth before them?

He was an existence who crushed the sixth-ranked on the Heaven Ranking head-on, the Sacred Student who suppressed an entire sect single-handedly, and the Heavenly Saint Student specially appointed by the Head Dean of the academy.

In front of him, their bit of strength was nothing.

And yet he actually said they were friends.

"Sacred Stu... no, Pav... no, Jiang Yun!"

Lei Qing was the first to react, a bright smile spreading across his rugged Face as he slapped his thigh hard.

"Being able to treat us as friends is simply wonderful! What I, Lei Qing, admire most in my life is someone like you—having strength, valuing camaraderie, and having no airs at all! From today on, you, Jiang Yun, are my, Lei Qing's, best brother! In the future, through mountains of blades and seas of fire, I, Lei Qing, will never frown!"

Hearing Lei Qing's words, Zhao Tiezhu stepped forward and slapped Lei Qing on the shoulder hard, his rugged Face filled with an easygoing heartiness.

"Brother Lei! Since you're Jiang Yun's friend, you're my, Zhao Tiezhu's, friend too! Please take care of me in the future, Brother Lei!"

"Don't worry!"

Lei Qing patted his chest hard.

"With me around in the future, no one will ever dare to bully the people of Longxiang Pavilion! The fate of the Jingfeng Sect will be the fate of anyone who dares to mess with Longxiang Pavilion!"

Xiao Chen stood to the side, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

He didn't make grand promises like Lei Qing; he just nodded slightly.

But the nod was much heavier than usual, as if he had made a silent promise in his heart.

A hint of softness also flashed in Liu Qingshuang's cold, aloof eyes.

She didn't speak, but the corners of her mouth, which had lifted slightly, spoke louder than a thousand words.

Jiang Yun looked at the warm interaction of these few and smiled.

Then he turned his head and looked at Zhao Tiezhu, Lin Kuo, Xiao Yutian, and Shang Xiaoxiao behind him.

"Tiezhu, I didn't let you go on the ring to compete for a spot; I hope you can understand."

His voice was a bit more solemn than before.

"The Molten Cavern Secret Realm is located deep in the Bone Burial Area and is full of dangers. Moreover, our Longxiang Pavilion has offended the Lin Family and the Feng Family, so this trip to the Secret Realm will inevitably involve a secret struggle and contest. With your current strength, I'm afraid it would be difficult to escape unscathed after entering. I didn't give you the spots not because I don't trust you, but because I don't want you to take the risk."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tiezhu immediately waved his hand carelessly, his rugged Face filled with an expected composure.

"Pfft! Jiang Yun, what are you saying! Don't we know our own worth? Even if you gave the ring to us, we wouldn't dare to go up! Entering the Molten Cavern as a Silver Rank? That's not looking for Opportunity; that's going to die! We all know you're doing this for our own good, no need to explain! Right, brothers?"

"Exactly!"

Lin Kuo nodded vigorously.

"Pavilion Master, you've already done enough for us. You stood up for us on the ring today and beat the Jingfeng Sect and the Lin Family to the ground; we're already thrilled! We never even thought about spots like that!"

"Pavilion Master, you don't need to worry about us."

Xiao Yutian's tone was as calm as ever.

"The resources you left for us are already enough. We will stay in the academy and Cultivate properly; when you return from the Secret Realm, we will definitely not hold you back."

"Pavilion Master, go ahead without worry!"

Shang Xiaoxiao nodded vigorously, her large, round eyes filled with absolute trust in Jiang Yun.

"We will wait for you to return at the academy!"

Jiang Yun looked at them, looking at those who chose to follow him when he was at his weakest, looking at those who gritted their teeth and didn't retreat when the Jingfeng Sect blocked their door, looking at those who never left Longxiang Pavilion even when mocked by the entire school.

He didn't say anything more, just reached out and patted Zhao Tiezhu, Lin Kuo, Xiao Yutian, and Shang Xiaoxiao on the shoulder one by one.

The force wasn't heavy, but it was as if he were placing a heavy trust on each of their shoulders.

No words were needed; this trust had already been expressed vividly.

Zhao Tiezhu felt the weight of the hand on his shoulder, and his nose suddenly felt a bit sore.

He blinked hard, suppressing that sourness fiercely.

Then he puffed out his chest and shouted at the top of his lungs:

"Jiang Yun! Don't worry! When you go to the Secret Realm, I, Zhao Tiezhu, will definitely manage Longxiang Pavilion well! When you return, Longxiang Pavilion will definitely be even stronger than it is now! I promise you!"

Jiang Yun nodded and was about to say something.

Suddenly.

A clear and cold female voice came from behind him.

The voice wasn't high-pitched, but it pierced through the surrounding noise like a clear spring, clearly reaching the eardrums of everyone present.

"Sacred Student, I haven't seen you in seven days; I didn't expect you to have become this strong."