With Yang Wudi's promise, Shui Bing'er was in high spirits. If she could freely control her Ice Phoenix, she'd become even stronger. She and Feng Xiaotian were the only two in the Elemental Academy with the potential for Title Douluo. To truly escape their current situation, they had to reach that level.
If she could fully control her Ice Phoenix, she could put her all into cultivation and battle, speeding up her journey to Title Douluo.
By the time she returned to the academy, it was already night. She thought she wouldn't run into Xue Beng, but as soon as she entered, she heard that annoying voice: "Bing'er, where have you been? I've been waiting since morning!"
Xue Beng had actually waited at the academy all day. Back then, he'd played the role of a weakling for years just to survive and wait for an opportunity—his patience was definitely at Title Douluo level.
Shui Bing'er's expression turned awkward. She wanted to get angry but didn't dare, so she bowed and greeted him, "Greetings, Your Highness. I was just out for a stroll. I didn't know you were waiting for me. Please forgive me for making you wait."
"Also, since I often go out, I may not be in the academy. To avoid wasting your time, please just send a servant with any important matters in the future—there's no need for you to come personally."
She was already hinting at rejection.
"Bing'er, you're too polite. As long as I get to see you, I don't care how long I have to wait," Xue Beng replied sincerely. "I've already decided to spend my life by your side. If you're willing, you'll become the Empress of Heaven Dou Empire one day. No servant is worthy of speaking to you."
His confession was blunt, leaving Shui Bing'er helpless. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but I'm fully focused on cultivation now. I'm afraid I'll disappoint you."
"Marriage won't affect your cultivation. If you marry me, you'll have full access to the empire's resources, and as your husband, I'll do everything I can to help you reach Title Douluo sooner." Xue Beng pressed on.
Shui Bing'er didn't want to agree, but couldn't reject him outright and embarrass him. "Please allow me to consider it, Your Highness. It's late, I need to rest. Goodnight."
Delaying and leaving was her only option.
As she was about to leave, Xue Beng suddenly said, "Bing'er, I know you went to Seven Treasure Mountain today. The scenery is nice, but Heaven Dou Mountain is just as good. If it's just for the view, you don't need to go so far. Tell me, and I'll take you around every mountain in the empire."
"You had someone follow me?" Shui Bing'er was finally angry. Even if she was patient, she had her limits.
"How can that be called following? You went out alone; I had to have someone protect you in secret for peace of mind. Besides, you went to Seven Treasure Mountain. In recent years, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has grown timid, and rumors say they might surrender to Spirit Hall. I advise you to stay away from them," Xue Beng said shamelessly.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I know what I'm doing. Goodbye!" Shui Bing'er forced down her anger and left. She knew how much criticism the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had faced recently.
Even the royal family and all anti-Spirit Hall forces were dissatisfied with them. Despite having two powerful swordsmen, they ignored Spirit Hall's expansion. When their disciples encountered Spirit Hall, they often retreated—cowardice written all over their faces.
In contrast, the Clear Sky Sect was relentless in fighting Spirit Hall, showing the pride of the continent's top sect, which earned the royal family's respect.
Now, in many people's minds, the two sects had completely opposite reputations: Clear Sky was brave and loyal, while the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was seen as cowardly and two-faced.
Regarding this, Ning Fengzhi always just smiled.
Watching Shui Bing'er leave, Xue Beng snorted coldly, "Doesn't know what's good for her! Elemental Academy survives only because of us. Once she's mine, I'll make sure she knows my power in bed."
"Your Highness, I have an idea that will guarantee you win her over!" said a sycophantic attendant behind Xue Beng.
"Oh? What is it? If it works, you'll be handsomely rewarded," Xue Beng replied, interested. Shui Bing'er wasn't an ordinary girl—she had a powerful elder and was a top talent. He couldn't force her, so he was troubled.
"It's simple: have His Majesty formally propose marriage, and at the same time, spread rumors that Shui Bing'er has already agreed."
Xue Beng's eyes lit up. This was an open scheme. If the royal family proposed and Shui Bing'er's family refused, it would embarrass them. If rumors spread that she already agreed, refusing would become not just an insult, but a crime against the crown. Unlike the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Elemental Academy didn't have the strength to resist.
Xue Beng nodded, "Good idea, but you said one thing wrong."
"I don't understand, please enlighten me."
"It's not a rumor—Shui Bing'er agreeing to marry me is a fact. I'm only proposing because she invited me to. Understand?" Xue Beng smiled.
"Yes, Your Highness. I'll make arrangements at once!" The attendant hurried off.
Xue Beng was smug. He wasn't just a lecher—he genuinely valued Shui Bing'er's beauty, but even more so her power.
There were three Soul Douluo behind her—enough to match a Title Douluo. The royal family only had eight Soul Douluo. If he won them over, their top fighting force would increase by nearly 50%.
Not to mention, Shui Bing'er herself was destined to become a Title Douluo. Once he became Emperor, he desperately needed a Title Douluo loyal to the crown. If she was his wife, even better.