On the broad plaza in the north of the city, paved with large bluestones, a platform three zhang high had already been erected. On the platform, the City Lord, the General, and the heads of each family in the city were all seated in order. Below the platform stood one outstanding, spirited young person after another, all looking up at the Daoist master on the stage holding the purple scroll. That Daoist master wore a divination robe, a green crown on his head, and had three long strands of beard under his chin. His cold eyes were like lightning, his bearing extraordinary. He glanced at the names on the purple scroll, swept his gaze with a broad smile over the crowd below, and slowly announced the result.

"Boom..."

The people below, who had been craning their necks in anticipation, instantly erupted in thunderous cheers, wave after wave of jubilation surging forth.

"I knew it! The top of the list is indeed Henry CarterBrother Carter..."

"Heh, what do you mean you guessed? In Taiyue City, who doesn't know that Henry CarterBrother would definitely be the top of the Immortal List?"

"I heard that this Brother Carter is outstanding in his study of the True Explanation of Dao Origin. Even the Daoist master calls him a genius unseen in three hundred years. This top honor proves that among the three thousand prodigies of the seven counties of Yue, he is absolutely number one!"

Amidst the lively discussions, countless eyes turned to the young man in blue standing just below the high platform.

The youth was slender, with fair skin, appearing somewhat frail.

Judging by his attire, he seemed to come from a humble background, but his expression was calm and composed, showing great steadiness.

After the Daoist master on the platform announced the list, facing the countless envious gazes and words of congratulations, he only softly thanked those around him, showing no surprise, as if he had long expected this result.

"Heh heh, Little Henry, come up and receive your Immortal Sect jade token!"

The Daoist master on the platform put away the purple scroll, looked at the youth below with eyes full of appreciation, and said with a cheerful smile.

Another wave of thunderous cheers erupted below the platform, the people's shouts like an ocean, nearly drowning the youth in blue.

Even the ordinary people's gazes toward him now carried a hint of awe.

After all, he was about to enter Qingyang Sect directly as a true disciple—a young man with limitless prospects...

"Henry Carter Senior Brother, over here!"

Several young men and women were already standing on the platform. They were all prodigies of Taiyue City who had made it onto the Jiazi List and the Small Yi List. Each came from distinguished backgrounds—sons of wealthy magnates or descendants of high officials. Yet, when they saw the youth in blue ascend the platform, they all made way for him, smiling humbly and stepping back a few paces to let him stand at the front.

In Taiyue City, there had always been an unbridgeable gap between the noble families and those of humble origin, but these scions of noble houses showed not a trace of arrogance before the youth Henry Carter from a poor family. In fact, there was even a hint of awe in their eyes.

After all, they knew all too well the weight of the Jiazi List.

This classmate from humble origins had truly won their respect with his mastery of the "True Explanation of Dao Origin."

Henry Carter smiled at his classmates, then walked over slowly, neither arrogant nor servile, his expression calm.

"Carter Senior Brother, congratulations!"

Standing in the very center of the group was a girl with bright, striking eyes. She seemed to carry a natural air of coolness, making others hesitant to approach her. But when she saw Henry Carter coming, she gave a faint smile and gently offered her congratulations.

Henry Carter stopped and thanked her: "Thank you, Junior Sister Bennett. You did very well in the exam too!"

The girl beamed and said, "I was just going through the motions. Master didn't want to give others a chance to gossip!"

This girl was the beloved daughter of Taiyue City's lord, Emily Bennett, a renowned prodigy specializing in pharmacology. She had also made it onto the Jiazi Immortal List in this assessment, making her the best performer in Taiyue City after Henry Carter.

Hearing her words, Henry Carter only smiled and continued toward the front of the platform.

"Haha, Nephew Carter, come this way!"

A man on the platform stood up. He had a fair face and no beard, with a refined air—none other than Taiyue City's lord, Samuel Bennett. He smiled as he took Henry Carter's hand affectionately and said, "Taiyue City has produced a top scholar like you, making our name famous throughout the seven counties of Yue. My own reputation has been greatly enhanced. In the future, when you enter the Immortal Sect, rise to the top, and roam the nine heavens, don't forget us folks of Yue City!"

"City Lord, you flatter me. I am humbled..."

Henry Carter replied softly, neither arrogant nor servile, his manner very proper.

"Haha, don't be modest just yet. I have one more thing to announce!"

Samuel Bennett laughed heartily, holding Henry Carter with one hand and, with the other, taking his daughter Emily Bennett's hand. He said with a smile, "Actually, I've wanted to say this for a long time, but since Nephew Carter was preparing for the big exam, I didn't want to distract you, so I held back. Now is the perfect opportunity. I've always liked Nephew Carter. You are a dragon among men and will soar to great heights. But once you enter the Immortal Path, you may have little time for other matters. So before you join, I wish to form a marriage alliance with the Carter family. What do you think?"

The City Lord spoke cheerfully and loudly, so everyone around could hear clearly.

"What?"

The people below the platform were all shocked when they heard this.