Yang Yunhai kept a smile on his face, unmoved, glancing at Qian Renxue who stood beside Xue Ye.
Qian Renxue had already sent news back in advance, so Xue Ye was the first to spread the good tidings.
Of course, matters concerning Shrek Academy had clearly been suppressed for now. Otherwise, the gathered crowd would certainly be whispering. After all, this involved heirs of the Upper Three Sects. At minimum, Xue Ye would need to show some courtesy to Ning Fengzhi before taking any stance.
As for how Qian Renxue handled things, Xue Ye was clearly satisfied—otherwise, she would not be paraded at his side, basking in the people's worship.
This was obviously using the opportunity to give Qian Renxue prestige.
'Looks like she took to heart what I told her last time, changed her methods, and gained Xue Ye's trust,' Yang Yunhai thought to himself.
Xue Ye's behavior now showed his full confidence in Qian Renxue.
Their eyes met; Qian Renxue gave Yang Yunhai a bright smile and nodded.
This time, Yang Yunhai had led the Heaven Dou Royal Team to win the Soul Master Tournament championship. Combined with his prior arrangements and results, he had undeniably delivered enormous benefits to her—and to Spirit Hall.
The heir of Clear Sky Sect being branded a fallen soul master would inevitably wound the sect. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had lost their two most talented heirs, crippling both their strength and prestige.
As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Sword Douluo's three sword strikes had made their stance clear—distancing themselves from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Clear Sky Sect, and fully supporting her. This too was thanks to Yang Yunhai.
For this gift, she was deeply satisfied.
She had to admit, whether talent, strength, or strategy, Yang Yunhai shocked her. For the first time in her life, she felt inferior to someone—and he was younger by far.
She withdrew her gaze, falling silent.
Time passed. After nearly half an hour, the convoy arrived at the imperial palace.
The academies assembled, following Xue Ye into the great hall for the victory banquet.
After speeches came rewards—titles and gold soul coins. Since this was also meant to support Qian Renxue, Yang Yunhai accepted without hesitation.
When Xue Ye mentioned fiefdoms, Yang Yunhai replied that he wished for the Devil's Triangle as his fief, with three separate islands—one for him, one for Zhu Zhuqing, one for Dugu Yan.
His reason: the islands held natural environments suited for lightning attribute cultivation.
Xue Ye gladly agreed. That desolate place was worthless to the empire anyway.
When all rewards had been distributed, the banquet began.
During casual conversation, Yang Yunhai publicly handed the fire attribute soul bone from the tournament to Crown Prince Qian Renxue, asking her to auction it and divide the proceeds.
Qian Renxue accepted gladly, thanking him on behalf of the royal family for also dedicating a portion back to the academy.
Xue Ye smiled throughout. Yang Yunhai's action showed his trust and support for Qian Renxue.
This was the man who had single-handedly defeated the Golden Generation of Spirit Hall. If he grew fully, he would be a pillar for the empire.
After food and wine, free mingling began.
To display closeness in front of Xue Ye, Qian Renxue sought Yang Yunhai out, strolling with him into a quiet corner.
"So, now can you tell me what choice I must make?" Qian Renxue asked.
"Not yet," Yang Yunhai smiled. "The real gift has not yet reached its time."
"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—or Tang Hao?" Qian Renxue smiled faintly.
With Yang Yunhai's high-profile moves, she had guessed much already. This was open scheming—inescapable. The hatred was settled; the only answer was Yang Yunhai himself.
"No," Yang Yunhai shook his head. "That's just a simple trade. For you, it is not a true gift."
"But for Spirit Hall, it already counts." Qian Renxue laughed. "I told you before—merit must be rewarded. If you truly can topple the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, besides claiming your spoils, I will additionally grant you a 50,000-year soul bone. As for Tang Hao—he needs no reward. Unless you can succeed in dragging down the Clear Sky Sect with him."
"Eradication must be thorough. That was surely why you exposed Tang San in the arena."
'So generous? Seems Qian Renxue really has her eye on me,' Yang Yunhai thought, smiling. "Then I thank you in advance."
The soul bone itself was secondary. What mattered was contributing to the cause.
Qian Renxue's rare smile lit up her face.
"Come, let's return," Yang Yunhai said.
"Mm." She nodded lightly, walking back to the hall with him.
Soon, the banquet ended. Each academy departed.
Yang Yunhai left with the three Education Committee members. In the carriage, Meng Shenji asked, "Xiao Hai, what are your plans?"
"For now, no other destination. I'll stay in the valley to cultivate for a while, then see how things develop," Yang Yunhai replied.
"Good," Meng Shenji smiled. "The academy will always welcome you."
At the imperial palace, Qian Renxue saw Ning Fengzhi off before returning to her chambers.
"Father, with Brother Yang's talent, he will surely reach the peak of the soul master world. Our royal family will not be able to bind him for long," she said respectfully to Xue Ye. "My thought is—why not rename Shrek Academy as Yunhai Academy, appoint Meng Shenshou as vice-dean, and invite Senior Dugu as honorary dean? He wouldn't need to handle affairs personally. Day-to-day matters can be left to Meng Shenshou."
"Father, Brother Yang is brilliant in theory. A Yunhai Academy open to commoners would be an excellent trial ground. It benefits him and the empire alike. His works would reach Heaven Dou Royal Academy first."
"Both commoner and noble students would profit, and the empire would retain goodwill. Most importantly, his research would be published here, in Heaven Dou, with royal support."
"One day, Heaven Dou City could become another holy land of soul masters, second only to Spirit City."
"This would also serve as a counterbalance against the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect." She lowered her voice.
"This is an excellent plan," Xue Ye stroked his beard with satisfaction. "To show sincerity, and to display our value of commoner soul masters, Qinghe, go to the Ministry of Works tomorrow. Arrange for Shrek Academy to be rebuilt and expanded, including simulation environments."
"Yes. As for the renaming and honorary positions, I will tell Brother Yang later," Qian Renxue smiled. "Father, doing it first and informing later will be fine."
"Brother Yang is already settled here. A school is a better foundation than starting a new clan."
"Reputation is also a form of restraint."
Xue Ye's face grew solemn, then he smiled. "It seems I can entrust the empire to you."
"Hahaha, Qinghe, put in some extra effort now! You're not young anymore. Since you already have a concubine, it's time to continue the royal bloodline. When your first child is born, I'll take the chance at the full-moon celebration to pass the throne to you."
"These years without heirs, your uncle has been very worried."
'So it's Xue Xing stirring trouble again,' Qian Renxue thought coldly, though her face showed only embarrassment.
"Your child will certainly work hard."
(End of Chapter)
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