Approaching His Highness

Although Su Jiacheng didn't utter a word, his expression conveyed his agreement with the master's statement. However, being in Taibai Academy, he wasn't foolish enough to openly express his thoughts in front of so many people. Instead, he smiled and changed the topic, acknowledging that it was getting late and that he should leave. He entrusted the task of seeing him off to his two granddaughters, Helian Jiao'er and Helian Mei.

As soon as Helian Jiao'er left the academy, her anger became uncontrollable, and she forcefully pushed aside the guards blocking her path.

The guards, aware of the master's foul mood, remained silent.

"Grandfather," Helian Jiao'er complained with discomfort. Her delicate face had turned red and swollen from the beating, and her eyes were filled with resentment. "You always say we should endure a little longer, but if we continue to endure, that wretched girl will surpass me!" She expressed her willingness to endure some suffering, but she believed the girl was intentionally trying to humiliate her grandfather.

Upon hearing this, Su Jiacheng's angry expression changed. He first vented his frustration on the guard before comforting Helian Jiao'er, repeatedly stroking her back. He advised her that her future prospects were immeasurable and that it wasn't worth dirtying her hands for someone so insignificant.

"Grandfather means I should continue befriending Murong Shizi?" Helian Jiao'er, being smarter than her sister, understood the underlying message in Su Jiacheng's words.

Su Jiacheng smiled and nodded. He affirmed the importance of maintaining good relations with Shizi, but he revealed that his visit to the academy was not solely for Shizi's sake. He shared the news that the emperor would visit the Phoenix Tower during this year's martial arts competition, supposedly as a test, but in reality, it was to select a concubine for the third prince. Many masters from Beijing, including Taibai Academy's students and folk masters, would participate. Su Jiacheng emphasized the need for Helian Jiao'er to win in this competition.

"The third prince is choosing a concubine?" Helian Jiao'er exclaimed in surprise.

Su Jiacheng observed the joy in his granddaughter's eyes, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. "Grandfather knows your feelings for His Highness. The emperor's father-in-law has already expressed his intentions, and the third prince will leave the Ghost Hall and return to the academy to resume his studies. You will also be in the Excellent Courtyard, so find a way to seize this opportunity and establish closer contact with the third prince."

"Grandfather!" Helian Jiao'er blushed slightly and playfully pinched the fabric in her hand. Shyness was evident in her emotions.

Su Jiacheng chuckled. "You're still shy."

"Grandfather, you're teasing me," Helian Jiao'er protested, stomping her foot coquettishly. She then burst into laughter, her eyes filled with pride. "I will definitely shine on the competition stage. It will be amazing!"

Seeing her appearance, Su Jiacheng seemed to have realized something. His mouth opened slightly, revealing his surprise. "Jiao'er, have you made progress?"

Helian Jiao'er nodded, a smile playing on her thin lips. "The blood you gave me to drink back then has been helpful. When I advanced to the next level, I could feel a warm current flowing through my body."

"The Helian family only has such a meager benefit," Su Jiacheng said, stroking his white beard. "Initially, I planned to take advantage of this visit to the academy and have the Supreme Master accept you as his apprentice. But now I see that he's just a confused old man, rejecting a genius like you while accepting a worthless person like Helian Weiwei."

Helian Jiao'er's heart would always feel heavy at the mention of Helian Weiwei's name. "I didn't have the chance to test her back in the Protector Mansion. She may be clever, but she's ultimately useless. But today..." Helian Jiao'er paused and spoke in a deep voice, "Grandfather, do you think the poison we used on her before had no effect? Could she have recovered her martial energy? Otherwise, with her abilities, she won't be able to compete against my sister."

Su Jiacheng had also considered this question, but he shook his head. "It's impossible. Anyone struck by the Heaven Swallowing Technique loses their martial qi and sustains damage to their meridians. Even with the help of a master like the Supreme Master, the previously damaged meridians cannot heal. After so many years, that little evil seed's vitality has been drained by the Heaven Swallowing Technique. While she may be fine in ordinary fights, she can never cultivate martial arts again. Her meridians are dead, and she will never possess martial energy in this lifetime."

"But..." Helian Jiao'er attempted to say something.

Helian Mei gritted her teeth and interrupted her, "Second sister, that wretched girl just got lucky. I still have injuries, so I didn't exert all my martial energy. She may be a little cunning, but she didn't make any moves. I was frozen in place and couldn't even budge. Otherwise, I would have made her a cripple. How could she be so arrogant?"

Helian Jiao'er also considered the situation. Helian Mei indeed hadn't moved at that time...

"Second sister, she couldn't even activate the crystal ball. How could she possess martial energy? She must have used some underhanded means when we weren't paying attention!" Helian Weiwei clenched her fists, determined that Helian Weiwei had cheated.

Su Jiacheng frowned. "That little evil seed is indeed peculiar, but you heard what the masters said. Her path is short, no matter how clever she is, she can't learn martial arts. Sooner or later, the Supreme Master will expel her as his disciple. Jiao'er, as a woman, remember that your hands should remain as clean as possible. Softness is what pleases men... In the future, you must hold yourself in high regard. Control any thoughts you have regarding His Highness and the Son of the World, do you understand?"

Helian Jiao'er's eyes gleamed, reflecting her anticipation. "Jiao'er understands, Grandfather. But I'm afraid that wretched girl will cause some trouble on the martial arts test platform."

Upon hearing this, Su Jiacheng's eyes also flickered. "Don't worry, someone will deal with her. Your grandfather will make her regret participating in the martial arts competition!"

"Really?" Helian Jiao'er's eyes lit up. "Grandfather, what do you plan to do?"

Su Jiacheng patted her hand and smiled. "Money has always been able to influence people's actions. As long as we buy off those masters, we won't have to worry. You just need to focus on yourself and handle Helian Weiwei. Even if you want to take care of her, you can use others. Don't dirty your own hands."

"Grandfather, you've taught me a lesson." Helian Jiao'er leaned in with a smile. "Your method is indeed excellent. By buying off the masters, we'll have the final say in the outcome. Even if that wretched girl possesses formidable means, she can only kneel and beg for mercy!"

Su Jiacheng imagined that scene and smiled. "Very well. The martial arts competition is crucial, but if we can't find the third prince, it will all be for nothing. Pay close attention to Youyuan. I have a feeling that His Highness has arrived..."