Chapter 28: Xue Qinghe's Praise
Even after years of playing the role of Xue Qinghe and meeting countless so-called young heroes, Qian Renxue felt her long-dormant heart stir the moment she glimpsed Mu Ci.
She had read monthly intelligence reports about Mu Ci, detailing his appearance: white hair, red eyes, sharp brows, bright eyes, and a well-proportioned physique. While practicing medicine across Tiandou, he had won the admiration of noble ladies, facing harassment more than once. Without the protection of the Spirit Hall and a Titled Douluo, he might have been abducted long ago.
But those were mere words on paper. Meeting him in person was a revelation—seeing was indeed believing.
Securing the hosting rights for this exchange meeting from Kamikaze Academy had been worth it.
Mu Ci, standing at the back, observed Xue Qinghe's serious performance with amusement. But as the prince's gaze lingered on him, growing increasingly intense and predatory, Mu Ci felt a chill. Though he knew Xue Qinghe was Qian Renxue in disguise, the male persona before him was unsettling.
If Mu Ci knew her thoughts, he'd likely give a wry smile, as his appeal was beyond his control.
Over years of practicing medicine and preaching in Tiandou, he had saved countless lives and trained many in the medical arts. His power of abundance had steadily grown, reaching the third level. His abilities had advanced significantly, enabling feats like transforming herbs into pills using the power of abundance—miracles in the Douluo world.
Even if he stopped now, the spread of his medical teachings would continue to enhance his power of destiny. As the originator of this medical philosophy on Douluo Continent, the understanding and propagation of his methods by others fed back to him.
His optimized appearance, a byproduct of his enhanced power of abundance, had made him almost otherworldly, like a celestial being.
"Ahem!" Mu Ci cleared his throat to snap Xue Qinghe out of her stare.
If this continued, rumors might spread in Tiandou City tomorrow that Crown Prince Xue Qinghe was interested in men—why else had he never taken a Crown Princess?
The cough jolted Qian Renxue back to reality. Cursing inwardly for nearly forgetting her role, she quickly addressed Mu Changsheng, who looked at her oddly. "This must be your grandson, the renowned Heavenly Dou Medicine King, Mu Ci."
"It's true that hearing about someone pales in comparison to meeting them. Brother Mu Ci has practiced medicine in Tiandou for six years, teaching hundreds and saving over 100,000 lives. He's spread his medical texts through the Spirit Hall, drastically reducing premature deaths and illnesses in recent years. His contributions are immeasurable!"
The crowd, hearing Xue Qinghe's praise, looked at Mu Ci with admiration. The education committee members were impressed by his youthful achievements, while Mu Changsheng stood prouder, beaming with pride.
Meng Shenji, with a kind expression, said, "Remarkable for your age. I daresay your grandfather's Titled Douluo status owes something to your blessings. Why don't I have such a fine descendant?" He cast an envious glance at Mu Changsheng.
"Your Highness, you're too kind," Mu Ci replied, blushing slightly. "I do this mostly for my own cultivation, not out of pure nobility."
He wasn't the true God of Abundance, driven by selfless altruism. His actions were largely for his own growth, though he wasn't indifferent to the suffering of commoners. Witnessing their struggles with illness, a carryover from his past life's values made him uneasy with the callous mindset of Douluo's nobles.
Still, his current abilities had limits, pushing him to work harder to heal and teach, improving lives across the continent. But he drew a line—not everyone deserved saving. Corrupt nobles and rogue soul masters deserved the gallows or the Killing City.
As the compliments continued, other academy teams who had arrived earlier turned their attention to the scene.
The gazes from Tianshui College and Blazing Academy were particularly intense.
The Blazing Academy team, clad in golden-red uniforms, was led by Huo Wu, now a mature young woman, standing beside her brother Huo Wushuang. Her fiery eyes locked onto Mu Ci, her jade-like face brimming with competitive spirit. "Little brother, I've been waiting for this day for a long time," she murmured.
Huo Wushuang, unsurprised by her words, recalled their past encounter. Smoothing his red hair, he said confidently, "I wonder if he's slacked in his training. Sister, I'll test him later. But I heard his first soul skill is supportive. Would beating him be considered unfair?"
Huo Wu nodded, then shook her head. "With his talent, if he hasn't been delayed, he might've reached level 30. His first soul skill isn't the key anymore—it's his third ring that matters."
Huo Wushuang agreed. Both he and Huo Wu were at level 28 or 29, so Mu Ci, with superior talent, should at least match them.
A green-clad figure suddenly joined the red-dominated Blazing team. Feng Xiaotian, from Kamikaze Academy, asked curiously, "Sister Huo Wu, Brother Wushuang, what are you talking about?"
Huo Wu didn't spare him a glance or a reaction. She had no fondness for Feng Xiaotian, who squandered his innate full soul power. At eighteen, he was only level 37—a disgrace to his potential. His persistent harassment since an encounter a year ago had erased any goodwill she once had.
Sensing the awkwardness, Huo Wushuang, aware of his sister's disdain for the Kamikaze genius, said, "Brother Feng, it's nothing big—just an old promise from our childhood."
Feng Xiaotian scratched his head, puzzled. Seeing Huo Wu staring at the Botanical Academy's captain, he felt an inexplicable unease.
Meanwhile, the Tianshui College team presented a starkly different scene.
[end of the chapter]