C18 Hanyu Xiaoxin's Opportunity.

As the saying goes, two flowers bloom, each unique in its own way. The crowd outside the Qi Pavilion had scattered, leaving only two middle-aged men overseeing the pavilion's affairs and a family branch's elder and youth.

"Liu Yuan, take them to the patriarch and brief him on the situation. Given Lord Hanyu Feng's remarks, I'm confident the patriarch will take an interest in the boy. I'll inspect the Qi Pavilion's array source. Afterward, I'll join you," one of the men said.

"Alright, just remember to remove the Energy Origin Stone and seal it properly to prevent energy loss."

"I've done this before; you needn't worry."

With that, they went their separate ways.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

"Enter."

"Patriarch, we pay our respects!" The middle-aged man entered, bowing respectfully.

"Mhm, rise. I'm already informed of the matter. This is the child, correct?" Hanyu Qingtian scrutinized the boy who stood before him, head bowed and chest clenched, trembling beside an equally anxious elder.

Their nervousness was understandable. The man before them was none other than the current Chief of the Hanyu Family, a towering figure whose words could shape the destinies of many. His influence was so vast that a single statement could send ripples throughout China, and a mere stomp of his foot could make the entire Human Federation shudder.

Not every member of the family's main line had the privilege of meeting the Chief, let alone this humble pair who would never have imagined meeting such a revered figure.

The middle-aged man who had brought them was not surprised that the patriarch was already aware of the situation; it would have been more surprising if he hadn't been. He simply stood aside, hands behind his back, awaiting further instructions.

Hanyu Qingtian was accustomed to the awe his presence inspired among the family's juniors. As the helmsman of the Hanyu Family, maintaining a certain level of authority was essential.

Besides, he hadn't even unleashed his Sky Realm aura. In fact, he usually kept it contained, for if he were to reveal even a hint of his true power, any Martial Cultivator without the requisite strength would struggle to remain standing.

After a thorough assessment of Hanyu Xiaoxin, Hanyu Qingtian remarked, "Indeed, he shows promise. While he may not possess the legendary Holy Ice Saint Body, his potential is boundless. He's still young, and his physique is malleable, with room for growth. Liu Yuan, accompany me to the Medical Pavilion to gather some cold-attribute medicinal materials. Then, have them concoct Cold Days Pills for Hanyu Xiaoxin."

"Yes, patriarch!"

Liu Yuan cast an envious glance at the grandfather and grandson, not for the coveted pills they would receive, but for the recognition they had earned from the patriarch himself.

With the patriarch's endorsement, Liu Yuan was convinced that Hanyu Xiaoxin's future accomplishments would far exceed those of an external deacon like himself. Despite overseeing the trials of the family's young disciples, his own modest talents meant that he had reached the pinnacle of his potential.

Therefore, the ability to assess each individual's potential during the trials is a mandatory skill for deacons of their kind. Upon identifying talent, they promptly report to the family. If the family gives its approval, as in this instance, they receive rewards. It's also an investment in the prodigies of tomorrow, with the possibility of reaping the benefits of this good deed at some point in the future.

True to form, Hanyu Qingtian added, "Additionally, both you and Cai Qing are entitled to one Xiao Pei Yuan Dan each."

"Thank you, Chief," came the grateful response.

Hanyu Qingtian then addressed Hanyu Xiaoxin once more, "Well, given your aptitude, the family will spare no effort in cultivating your abilities to reach a significant level. But if you aspire to rival the talents of a Holy Ice Body, that will hinge on the opportunities that fate presents to you in the times ahead."