"Teacher, you and His Majesty chat first; I'll take my leave!"
Seeing the two prominent figures engaged in conversation, Xu Yang quickly found an excuse to slip away. He found a corner, grabbed some pastries, and began to eat while keeping his eyes on Qian Renxue.
He wasn't worried about the royal family employing the despicable tactics of those nobles; instead, he was pondering how Qian Renxue would react upon learning about his martial spirit.
After much thought, Xu Yang could only come up with two possible outcomes: one was to recruit him, and the other was to eliminate him. However, the latter seemed more likely.
This was partly because he was already a disciple of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, inherently in opposition to Spirit Hall.
Secondly, the resonance between their martial spirits meant that if Xu Yang revealed this to Ning Fengzhi, he would undoubtedly start investigating Qian Renxue. Once he replaced Xue Qinghe, this resonance would also be associated with that identity, and she would certainly be exposed. Therefore, eliminating him would be the best option.
Of course, it was also possible that Qian Renxue had enough confidence to mask the resonance between their martial spirits and temporarily spare her own life.
"I should reduce my trips outside of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School; staying within the sect where these two Titled Douluos are present at least ensures my safety!"
After analyzing the situation, Xu Yang resolved that until he had sufficient strength, he wouldn't dare gamble on the possibility that Qian Renxue might let him off.
He was well aware of Spirit Hall's power—aside from Sea God Island, no other forces could compete with them.
Before long, Xue Qinghe arrived with Qian Renxue at Xu Yang's side.
"Xu Yang, I am Xue Qinghe, the Crown Prince of Heaven Dou Empire. I hope you will look after me in the future!" Xue Qinghe extended his right hand with a warm smile on his face, though his underlying arrogance was hard to conceal.
Xu Yang paused for a moment before setting down his pastry and standing up to shake Xue Qinghe's hand while smiling back: "I'm Xu Yang; I'm the one who needs your support as my junior brother since you are a prince!"
One should not offend a person who extends a hand in friendship. Since Xue Qinghe had made an effort to approach him, Xu Yang felt it necessary to reciprocate. After all, life in the world wasn't just about fighting; human relationships mattered too. Besides, this prince likely wouldn't live long anyway—once Qian Renxue figured out his personality and habits, she would probably eliminate him.
The two then sat together and began chatting amicably.
Throughout their conversation, Xu Yang intentionally avoided mentioning Qian Renxue's identity as if she didn't exist at all.
"It seems that Ning Fengzhi's disciple is quite astute; after all this time he hasn't inquired about my presence or asked me to join them. I'll have to pay more attention to this fellow."
Listening to their conversation from the side, Qian Renxue couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Currently, her identity was merely that of a servant to Xue Qinghe. With Xu Yang being Ning Fengzhi's disciple, it wouldn't be difficult for her to request him to join their conversation.
After all, this was a martial spirit fusion technique; if it could be passed down continuously, it would secure both sect and family legacies—similar to how every royal spouse in Star Luo Empire belonged to Zhu family to ensure perfect execution of the Soul Fusion Skill with the Netherworld White Tiger. This was also why Star Luo Empire maintained its position on Douluo Continent for so long—even into the era of Dou Er ten thousand years later when both Dai family and Zhu family still existed.
"However, this is just as well; it's time for this identity to meet its end!!"
Having clarified her thoughts, Qian Renxue no longer pondered further but stood quietly beside Xue Qinghe while observing silently.
Through their conversation, Xu Yang gained some understanding of Xue Qinghe; while he wasn't exactly a genius, he was far from ordinary. He was warm-hearted and approachable but also possessed the decisiveness and ruthlessness expected of royalty—perfectly suited for being a ruler who maintains stability.
It was unfortunate that he had caught Qian Renxue's attention; his life expectancy seemed limited.
Xu Yang had no intention of saving Xue Qinghe; he lacked the ability to do so. There was no real relationship between them—at most they were merely acquaintances—and it wasn't worth risking his life for someone else.
"Isn't it just good luck for you, Xue Qinghe? Once I become crown prince myself, I'll make sure you suffer greatly!" While Xu Yang chatted happily with Xue Qinghe, a displeased expression crossed Xue Luochuan's face from afar as he watched them interact.
Originally feeling jealous that Ning Fengzhi hadn't chosen him only intensified upon seeing Xue Qinghe getting along so well with Ning Fengzhi's disciple—at least from his perspective—which fueled his envy even more.
He had already resolved that once he became crown prince, he would make sure Xue Qinghe paid dearly!
"Everyone! Today is an important day; Sect Master Ning will accept my son Qinghe as his disciple…"
Not long after, Emperor Xue Ye's voice suddenly resonated throughout the palace, capturing everyone's attention.
"Excuse me; I need to go!"
Xue Qinghe glanced apologetically at Xu Yang before standing up to adjust his clothes and walk toward the center of the banquet.
The apprentice acceptance ceremony in Heaven Dou Empire followed a Western-style format; under the supervision of Emperor Xue Ye himself as witness, they formally established their master-disciple relationship. The entire process was swift and didn't take much time at all.
Afterward came discussions between Ning Fengzhi and Emperor Xue Ye regarding teaching arrangements. As the leader of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School with numerous business dealings spread across the continent—the sect's internal affairs were busy even if they couldn't match an emperor like Xue Ye. Furthermore with Xu Yang as his disciple now involved too—his time was limited.
Emperor Xue Ye didn't place much importance on this aspect; what mattered most was their master-disciple relationship. As long as that bond existed between them Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would be tied closely with Heaven Dou Empire. The same went for Xue Qinghe—royal education wasn't far behind that of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School; he cared greatly about securing his claim to the throne without wasting time.
Thus after negotiations among the three were concluded, Ning Fengzhi would dedicate one morning or afternoon each week for instruction while leaving other times flexible.
The banquet didn't last long before Ning Fengzhi took Xu Yang back toward Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
On the way!
"Yang'er! How do you feel?" Ning Fengzhi asked curiously.
Since he had taken Xu Yang as his disciple it meant not only imparting knowledge about martial spirits but also teaching him how to navigate social situations effectively—how to recruit and manage talents while cultivating a broader perspective on matters.
Now he wanted to gauge how sensitive Xu Yang was regarding these latter aspects.
"The royal family members are all quite arrogant; even someone as seemingly approachable as Xue Qinghe has an inherent sense of superiority. Moreover they are deeply calculating and ruthless—a quality evident from your discussions with Emperor Xue Ye."
"However these traits also become shackles binding them down—they don't focus on cultivation but rather become more engrossed in power..."
Xu Yang understood what Ning Fengzhi wanted to ask; he had been asked similar questions before so responding felt familiar now.
(End of Chapter)