Chapter 261: The Best Way to Solve a Problem Is to Eliminate Its Source
With the battle concluded, the announcer officially declared the end of the match. Spectators in the arena began leaving in an orderly fashion.
Initially, many were frustrated by the abrupt ending of the fight. But after Han Li's explanation, the mood turned lively again.
"A tactical analysis from the Holy Son of Spirit Hall himself, with strategic breakdowns and insights?!"
This was far more exciting than the usual arena fights they were accustomed to.
"A high level battle plus expert analysis that's what makes the Continental Soul Master Tournament special!"
Though they had only realized the strategy after it was explained to them, that didn't stop most spectators from leaving with a newfound sense of understanding and superiority.
"Of course, I knew what was happening all along."
"See? My thoughts align perfectly with the Holy Son's!"
"This ticket was worth every coin!"
On the VIP Platform
After issuing instructions to the three education committee members, Emperor Xue Ye was preparing to leave when a royal soul master rushed onto the platform.
After a quick salute, the man leaned close to Prince Xue Qinghe, whispering something in his ear.
As the nominal overseer of the tournament, it was normal for him to receive reports.
Noticing the urgency of the situation, the others halted their departure to find out what was going on.
If it wasn't serious, the messenger wouldn't dare interrupt at such a time.
As he listened, Xue Qinghe's expression gradually darkened.
Han Li, casually eavesdropping, smirked inwardly.
"Nice acting, bro. You're really selling this whole 'shocked' performance."
What was being reported?
It was the two pre match conflicts involving Heaven Dou Royal Academy's second team.
Cang Hui Academy was one thing not even Han Li took them seriously.
Even after what happened with Blue Tyrant Academy, he was confident the situation would be handled.
But the biggest issue was Skywater Academy.
The argument with them was bad enough, but more importantly…
Dugu Yan's explosive revelations had begun spreading.
Earlier, a noble acquaintance had casually asked the royal official to confirm the rumors, sending the poor man into a panic.
After some quick investigations, he broke into a cold sweat and immediately ran to report the issue.
If this problem wasn't addressed quickly, it could damage the empire's reputation.
"If this turns into a political scandal, I'll be lucky if they leave me a whole corpse!"
Thankfully, his superior was the Crown Prince, someone known for his composure and fairness.
This was his best chance at survival.
"Again?!"
Seeing Xue Qinghe's rare grim expression, Emperor Xue Ye frowned.
"Why is it that this tournament barely past the opening ceremony is already causing so many problems?"
The fact that he used the word "again" in his question showed just how fed up he was.
Upon hearing his father's inquiry, Xue Qinghe turned toward him.
His gaze, however, briefly drifted toward Han Li.
Xue Ye noticed the look.
After a brief moment of contemplation, he shook his head slightly.
"No need to be cautious. Everyone here is an esteemed guest."
"Perhaps they can help us solve the issue."
"Speak freely, Qinghe."
"Yes, Father."
Xue Qinghe offered a polite bow before recounting the details of the report word for word.
When he reached the part about Skywater Academy, every pair of eyes turned to Han Li.
But Han Li simply smiled calmly, showing no reaction at all.
Xue Qinghe finished his explanation with a soft sigh and turned toward Han Li.
"Your Majesty and Your Highness need not worry," Han Li said with a reassuring tone. "This is merely a minor disagreement."
"The headmaster of Skywater Academy is a rational person. She understands that disputes between students should stay on the battlefield. She won't let personal grudges interfere with the competition."
His words were accompanied by a harmless, diplomatic smile.
The VIPs subtly twitched at his blatant nonsense.
"This man can lie with a straight face like it's second nature."
Still, they understood the subtext Han Li had no intention of escalating the issue.
"What About Flender?"
Emperor Xue Ye then turned his gaze toward Ning Fengzhi.
"Regarding the accusations against Flender was what Dugu Yan said true?"
Ning Fengzhi had no intention of getting involved, but when he noticed Han Li watching him, he hesitated.
Then, he decided to speak.
"When Rongrong enrolled, I had my people conduct a background check. The details match what was stated earlier."
Indeed, he had personally investigated the academy out of concern for his daughter.
He had even sent Flender a letter not just to assist in educating Rongrong, but also as a warning.
Upon hearing this, Xue Ye took a deep breath.
"Oh, what a wonderful ally you are, Ning Fengzhi."
"So long as it doesn't threaten your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, you're fine with a walking disaster infiltrating my empire's most prestigious academy?"
A glance at the three education committee members and Xue Qinghe's apologetic expression told him all he needed to know.
Aside from the two princes from the Star Luo Empire, the background checks on the others had been rather lax.
Worse yet, they had never conducted a follow up investigation.
And why?
Because Ning Rongrong's presence had lulled them into a false sense of security.
"Who could have guessed that the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would end up surrounded by such unsavory individuals?"
"And there's even a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect reject among them!"
"All we're missing is a direct member of the Clear Sky Sect, and we'd have representatives from all three top sects gathered in MY Heaven Dou Royal Academy!"
…Wait.
Tang San.
His surname is Tang.
For a moment, Xue Ye felt a shiver of paranoia creeping in.
But then, he remembered his martial soul is merely Blue Silver Grass.
"Thank the heavens."
"Otherwise, I'd really start questioning reality."
"Expel Them."
"Since that's the case," Xue Ye declared, his voice icy, "Flender and Zhao Wuji will be expelled from the academy."
"No all teachers who were recruited alongside them must also be dismissed."
His gaze sharpened.
"…And conduct a thorough investigation on Qin Ming as well."
"Also, issue a statement in my name," Emperor Xue Ye commanded coldly. "Make it clear that the royal family was deceived due to the scheming of vile individuals. We must reassure the nobility."
He was truly furious. This was an attack on the foundation of the Heaven Dou Empire. And he strongly suspected that Ning Fengzhi was behind it all using Ning Rongrong as a smokescreen to cover his true intentions.
Then, as an afterthought, he turned to Han Li.
"Virtuous nephew Han Li, what about Spirit Hall?"
Now that orders had been given, he suddenly remembered that Spirit Hall was also involved in this mess.
"There's no need for concern, Your Majesty," Han Li replied smoothly. "Proceed as you see fit after all, they are still teachers of your Royal Academy."
"As for the issue of the fugitive," he turned his head slightly, his gaze landing on Salas, "Salas, I'll leave that to you. Any problems?"
Salas was momentarily stunned.
With his years of experience, even he couldn't tell if the Holy Son was telling him to investigate thoroughly or to let it slide.
But he wouldn't dare question Han Li publicly. So, without hesitation, he nodded firmly.
Xue Ye, watching this exchange, felt immensely satisfied.
"Indeed, the best way to solve a problem is to eliminate its source."
In his view, Han Li handing the matter over to Salas meant he wouldn't interfere.
Moreover, Han Li only mentioned Zhao Wuji not a single word about Flender.
"He's deliberately giving me face. That alone makes him far more reliable than Ning Fengzhi."
"Qinghe truly chose his friends well. If they both rise to power one day, perhaps our empire will know a century of stability."
Just as both sides were basking in their satisfaction, Ning Fengzhi suddenly spoke up.
"Holy Son Han, if I recall correctly, Zhu Zhuqing was once a member of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's second team, correct? She mysteriously disappeared so how did she end up with Skywater Academy?"
Han Li barely paused before responding smoothly.
"Oh, Zhuqing? I found her in the Star Dou Forest. Based on the direction she was heading, I'd say she was planning to return to Star Luo Empire by traveling through the forest."
"But she was gravely injured at the time, so I saved her. It was only later that I learned her true identity."
Then he casually threw the question back at Ning Fengzhi.
"But what does that have to do with you, Sect Master Ning? This is between me and Star Luo. Unless… are you well connected over there? Can you help me establish some ties?"
He looked at Ning Fengzhi with an eager expression, as if he truly expected an introduction.
Ning Fengzhi smiled.
"No, not at all. I was merely curious. After all, Rongrong mentioned her before. Your heroic rescue is quite the tale, Holy Son Han."
"Your storytelling skills are awful, and your attempts at sowing discord are even worse."
While mentally ridiculing Han Li, Ning Fengzhi kept his usual warm smile.
Meanwhile, the Heaven Dou officials remained completely silent.
Notably, no one mentioned Zhu Zhuqing at all.
Han Li had openly brought her to the tournament, and to them, that was ideal.
The best case scenario?
After today's events, they would actively spread the news to Star Luo Empire.
If a conflict broke out though unlikely it would still worsen relations.
The more hostile the two great empires became, the better for Heaven Dou.
As for whether Han Li's version of events was true?
It didn't matter.
They would pretend it was true.
Of course, one critical issue remained
"How did Han Li manage to take Zhu Zhuqing out of the Royal Academy?"
"Did he have an inside man?"
This required a thorough investigation.
After all, if Han Li could steal away Zhu Zhuqing today, what stopped him from abducting Xue Qinghe tomorrow?
Even if Spirit Hall didn't dare infiltrate the imperial palace, the security at the Crown Prince's residence though more heavily staffed was arguably weaker than the Royal Academy, which had three powerful elders.
If they let this oversight slide, Xue Ye dared not imagine the consequences.
"Let's Wrap This Up."
"Enough," Xue Ye finally declared. "That settles it. The details will be drafted by Qinghe and the Education Committee."
He had already begun delegating power albeit in small doses.
But this was still a clear signal to those present.
"Understood, Father/Your Majesty."
Xue Qinghe and the Education Committee members bowed.
With that, everyone exchanged farewells and dispersed.
There was much to process today.
"Should I Go See Him?"
As he left, Yu Yuanzhen sighed deeply.
His thoughts drifted to his estranged younger brother's illegitimate daughter, Liu Erlong…
And then, inevitably, to his own wayward son.
"That brat."
"He's still living in the house I gifted him for his coming of age ceremony."
He wasn't completely ignorant.
Yu Tianheng had already reported everything back to him.
"Should I go see him?"
He hesitated.
Then, after a long pause, he sighed once more and headed back to the clan estate.
"Let's wait a little longer."
"Tang San is tied to too many factions right now."
"And with Xue Ye keeping a close eye on him…"
"There's no need for me to get involved yet."
If Tang San managed to play a decisive role in future events, then Yu Xiaogang's return to the clan would become natural and unquestionable.
Yu Yuanzhen felt a small spark of hope at the thought.
"No matter what, even if he's worthless, he's still my son."
Han Li, Priorities in Order
Meanwhile, Han Li had long since returned home.
He didn't even give Salas a chance to question him.
"Whatever happens to Flender, I don't care."
"I've already absorbed his fate. He's of no further use to me."
"Right now, there are far more important matters at hand."
For example
The four beauties of Skywater Academy in their tournament uniforms.
As expected, he had barely settled into his seat before he heard their voices from the entrance.
The courtyard doors swung open.
Now, this… this was worth his attention.
(End of Chapter)
Friends, if you enjoyed the novel, you can subscribe to my Patreon channel.
Until November 30th, get 40% off your subscription and the purchase of the novel.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Johanssen