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Chapter 22: The Prince's Sideways Glance: A Clash of Hidden Undercurrents
The lights in the Mo Mansion hall were exceptionally soft as night fell, illuminating the renewed radiance on the faces of the six women. They had just finished reporting their respective statuses, and the air still held the lingering resonance of soul power fluctuations, along with the faint, subtle scent of bodies quietly transformed by the "Service Functions." Xiao Wu clung to Mo Bai's side, her pink eyes filled with satisfaction; though Zhu Zhuqing stood straight, her legs occasionally rubbed together unconsciously; Ning Rongrong stole glances at Mo Bai, her fingers restlessly twisting the hem of her skirt.
In this delicate and languid atmosphere, a golden invitation was respectfully presented by a mansion guard.
The invitation was made of high-quality gold velvet paper, its edges inlaid with fine velvet, and the center bore the wax seal of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family's Snowy Swan crest. The guard whispered, "Master, someone from the Eastern Palace has arrived. His Highness the Crown Prince invites you to a banquet at the Eastern Palace tomorrow at the hour of Shen (3-5 PM), saying it is to... 'Consult on the path of cultivation and reward the education of national talents.'"
The hall fell silent for a moment.
Liu Erlong's brow furrowed slightly. As the former principal of Blue Tyrant Academy, she understood the political ecology of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. "Crown Prince Xue Qinghe... has always been known for being gentle, refined, and respectful to the talented, but it is rare for him to formally invite a Titled Douluo alone, especially a guest tutor." She looked at Mo Bai with questioning eyes. "Master, I'm afraid this isn't as simple as just 'consulting'."
Dugu Yan snorted softly, her fingertips playing with a wisp of pale purple poison mist. "A weasel paying a New Year visit to a chicken—never with good intentions. Grandpa said that while the Crown Prince looks gentle, his methods are quite formidable. He has secretly recruited many soul master families over the years."
"But he can't recruit Master," Xiao Wu hugged Mo Bai's arm, her voice full of pride. "Master is the greatest."
Mo Bai took the invitation, his fingers stroking the smooth paper, a playful, knowing smile playing on his lips. "Xue Qinghe... or rather, Qian Renxue," he muttered to himself, his voice so soft that only Liu Erlong, standing closest to him, could barely hear.
Liu Erlong's pupils constricted, but she didn't ask. She knew her Master possessed many secrets unknown to ordinary people.
"Since the Crown Prince has invited me, I shall go." Mo Bai set the invitation aside. "Erlong, you will accompany me tomorrow under the guise of a guard. A Soul Douluo-level guard is a fitting display for the 'Soul-Forging Douluo'."
Liu Erlong nodded: "Yes."
"The rest of you," Mo Bai's gaze swept over the other five women, "consolidate your realms and familiarize yourselves with your new soul skills. Especially the 'Service Functions'—you must master them completely, so they can be activated and deactivated at will. Rongrong, send a message to your father. Tell him the Crown Prince has invited me to a banquet."
Ning Rongrong understood immediately: "Yes, I will let Father know that Master is now in contact with the Imperial Family."
Mo Bai nodded with satisfaction. He needed Ning Fengzhi to see his value steadily rising, ensuring that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's "investment" would become even more reckless.
The Banquet at the Eastern Palace
The next day, at the start of the hour of Shen.
The Eastern Palace of the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace was located on the east side of the imperial city. Its architectural style was not as majestic as the main halls, but rather elegant and scholarly. Flying eaves and carved corners were hidden among evergreen spiritual plants, and rockeries and flowing water dotted the landscape. The air was filled with the light scent of sandalwood and ink.
Mo Bai wore a simple black robe, its collar and cuffs embroidered with fine, dark gold silk patterns resembling soul ring markings. Liu Erlong followed half a step behind him, dressed in dark red martial attire that outlined her explosive curves, her long hair tied in a high ponytail. Neither of them released their aura, but their sheer poise made the leading eunuch bow his head even lower.
The banquet was set in the "Listening to Snow Pavilion," a refined structure built by the water. The windows on all four sides were open, revealing a meticulously maintained plum grove outside (kept in bloom by special soul tools). A light breeze carried the moist vapor of the water and the faint, cold scent of plum blossoms.
Crown Prince Xue Qinghe was already waiting there.
He (she) wore a moon-white crown prince's robe made of precious "Cloud Light Brocade," which shimmered like flowing water. His hair was tied in a simple jade crown, and his face was handsome and gentle, his eyes smiling. He truly gave off a feeling of a spring breeze. Seeing Mo Bai and Liu Erlong enter, Xue Qinghe stood up to greet them, keeping his posture very humble.
"Mr. Mo Bai, Principal Liu, your presence honors me. Please forgive me for not greeting you at the gate." The voice was clear and pleasant, carrying just the right amount of warmth and respect.
Mo Bai cupped his hands: "Your Highness is too kind. It is an honor to be invited." His gaze swept over Xue Qinghe calmly, as if he were truly looking at a common, gentle prince.
Liu Erlong also bowed, remaining silent as she stood behind Mo Bai, her eyes alertly observing the surroundings. She could feel at least four Soul Saint-level auras hidden around the pavilion, along with a faint, difficult-to-detect fluctuation that was likely a Soul Douluo. The Crown Prince's protection was indeed not simple.
The three took their seats. The banquet was not overly lavish but extremely exquisite. Every dish was paired with soul beast ingredients or spiritual plants beneficial to cultivation. The wine was thirty-year-old "Amber Soul," smooth to the taste but with a kick that nourished soul power.