The group of prodigies on the surrounding stage almost thought they had misheard, staring blankly at the cold and peerlessly beautiful, yet captivatingly bright-eyed Emily Bennett, whose single glance could make everyone feel inferior, their hearts instantly filled with mixed emotions.

Especially the young master Richard Foster from General General Foster's family, whose gaze at this moment even revealed two barely noticeable flashes of resentment.

This... this son of a humble family is actually going to become the city lord's son-in-law?

They instinctively didn't believe it, but had to admit that this scene was truly unfolding before their eyes.

It was Henry Carter who steadied himself, hurriedly tugged the city lord's arm, and said, "Uncle Bennett..."

As he spoke, his gaze shifted toward Emily Bennett.

At this moment, not far away, Emily Bennett was looking at her nose, her nose at her heart, the corners of her mouth carrying a faint smile.

Samuel Bennett laughed and said, "You needn't worry, I already asked Emily's opinion beforehand!"

Henry Carter was instantly at a loss for words: But you haven't asked for my opinion yet...

But just then, not far away, Emily Bennett suddenly turned to look at him, the corners of her mouth curving into a slight smile. Under the gaze of those beautiful eyes, the words Henry Carter was about to say got stuck in his throat.

"Congratulations, Little Henry..."

"What are you saying, you should call him Young Master Carter now..."

The people below the stage, seeing this scene, burst into loud laughter, scrambling to offer their congratulations.

Winning first place on the Jiazi List was already a joy, and now being chosen as the city lord's son-in-law—this was truly a double blessing. Especially since the city lord's daughter was a renowned beauty, this made countless people envious, their eyes turning red.

"Hehe, congratulations to the city lord for gaining such a fine son-in-law, and congratulations to this young couple on their happy union..."

At this moment, a tall, armored middle-aged man walked over—it was none other than General Foster, the commander stationed in Taiyue City. His son was also among those who made the Jiazi List, but as he approached, the atmosphere on stage immediately became somewhat tense.

Everyone knew that General General Foster's family and Henry Carter's family had a feud dating back ten years.

The The Carter Family once had some property, but General General Foster's family forcibly took their ancestral land to build a manor. The The Carter Family had tried to reclaim it, but General General Foster's family was not to be trifled with, and the The Carter Family suffered many silent losses. Eventually, after Henry Carter's parents passed away one after another, the The Carter Family moved out of Taiyue City and became a farming family, never mentioning the matter again.

Seeing General General Foster come on stage, Henry Carter looked straight at him, showing no emotion.

General General Foster also wore a broad smile, laughing heartily as he cupped his hands to the city lord, then patted Henry Carter on the shoulder and said with a laugh, "Congratulations, congratulations! I love joining in such festivities. That Qingliu Manor in the south of the city—consider it my gift to you!"

Everyone was utterly shocked at these words.

Those who knew the inside story understood that Qingliu Manor was built by General General Foster after taking Henry Carter's ancestral land. No one expected he would now return it to the The Carter Family. And that manor was ten times larger than the original ancestral land...

"The dignified General General Foster is actually taking the initiative to make peace with a mere youngster?"

"Pah, what youngster? He's about to become a true disciple of the Immortal Sect, someone even the royal family would treat as an equal..."

The commoners below the stage were also surprised, whispering among themselves.

The nobles on stage all laughed, crowding around to offer their congratulations.

"Hehe, let's discuss the rest at the banquet. Little Henry, come and receive this Immortal Sect jade token from Qingyang Sect!"

The Daoist master smiled, holding a zitan wood tray with both hands, signaling Henry Carter to step forward.

The surroundings quieted down, everyone silently watching this momentous scene. Although everyone who made the list had a chance to enter the Immortal Sect, only the top scorer could directly receive the jade token from Qingyang Sect and become a true disciple.

Once he received this jade token, Henry Carter would henceforth be a disciple of Qingyang Sect, ascending in a single leap.

How could the significance of this be ordinary?

Henry Carter nodded, slowly walking forward, his heart filled with complex emotions.

Ten years of hard study, day and night, pouring in endless effort—had he finally reached this long-awaited day?

He reached out his hand, and though he was excited inside, it did not tremble.

Because he knew, this was what he deserved.

He had put in ten times the effort and dedication of others, and deserved this highest honor...

"Wait..."

But just as Henry Carter's hand was already outstretched, suddenly, a shadow swept over the sky above Taiyue City.

Everyone looked up in astonishment to see a massive immortal vessel flying in, slowly descending to midair. On the vessel, an immortal envoy in red robes stepped down, treading on air, and spoke in a deep voice that echoed throughout the vast Taiyue City: "By order of Jade Ji Zhenren of Qingyang Sect, for this session of the Immortal Hall Grand Examination, the Dao Yuan True Solution section is canceled and will not be counted in the assessment!"

"What?"

On and off the stage, there was utter silence, as if everyone's expressions had frozen.

"This... how is this possible? Why would the Immortal Sect issue such a decree?"