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During the meal, Xue Qinghe was a brilliant conversationalist. He (she) had a wide range of knowledge, discussing soul beast habits, cultivation theories, continental history, and local customs. He spoke earnestly and with unique insights, occasionally "consulting" Mo Bai humbly. Especially when discussing the nature of soul rings and martial souls, his views touched upon profound levels that didn't seem to belong to a Rank 50 Soul King with a "Swan" martial soul.
Mo Bai handled himself with ease, answering every question appropriately for a "Soul-Forging Douluo"—showing depth while maintaining enough ambiguity and mystery.
Liu Erlong rarely spoke, but her mind was tense. She could feel that every "consultation" and every seemingly casual remark from the Crown Prince was a probe. Probing Mo Bai's lineage, the limits of his power, his relationship with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and even the secret behind the rapid improvement of the women around him.
After a few rounds of wine, the atmosphere seemed more harmonious.
Xue Qinghe personally poured a cup of wine for Mo Bai and asked as if casually, "Mr. Mo Bai, I have heard you possess a secret technique to increase the age of soul rings—a method truly unheard of. I wonder if this method can be popularized? If the Heaven Dou Imperial Soul Master Legion could benefit, it would be a great blessing for the nation."
Here it comes. Mo Bai sneered inwardly but looked troubled on the surface. "Your Highness, this method is my unique secret, involving the origin of martial souls and soul resonance. The requirements for the practitioner are extremely high, and the recipient must trust the practitioner absolutely, opening their heart and mind completely. Popularization... is difficult. However," he changed his tone, "if Your Highness has talented individuals you value, I could manage to try for one or two."
A flicker of light flashed in Xue Qinghe's eyes. "Mr. Mo Bai is righteous. However, I am more curious about the fact that you possess heaven-defying cultivation yet are content to teach at an academy. Such magnanimity is admirable. But... have you never thought that there is a wider world for you to display your ambitions?"
"Oh? And what 'wider world' are you referring to, Your Highness?" Mo Bai sipped his wine, looking at him calmly.
Xue Qinghe leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice with sincerity: "Heaven Dou Empire has been established for a thousand years with deep heritage. My Royal Father is always thirsty for talents like you. If you are willing, I can petition my father to grant you the title of Duke, with a Prince's stipend. The Heaven Dou Imperial Treasury, the soul master legions, and the intelligence network will all be at your disposal. You only need to... serve me, and serve Heaven Dou."
He (she) stared intently at Mo Bai, trying to catch every micro-expression. Offering such an incredible price, Xue Qinghe was confident that 99% of soul masters could not refuse. Furthermore, emphasizing "serve me" was a hint at being a founding official for the future Emperor.
Liu Erlong's hand tightened around her wine cup. A Duke's title, a Prince's stipend, imperial resources... the temptation was enormous. She couldn't help but look at Mo Bai.
But Mo Bai laughed—a laugh filled with amusement and insight. He didn't answer immediately. He set down his cup, his fingers lightly tapping the table, and looked out the window at the plum blossoms blooming out of season.
"The title of Duke... a Prince's stipend..." Mo Bai repeated slowly, his voice unreadable. "Truly tempting. However, Your Highness," he pulled his gaze back to Xue Qinghe, his eyes suddenly becoming sharp and profound, "Compared to these empty titles and worldly interests, I am more interested in another thing you possess."
Xue Qinghe's heart skipped a beat, but he maintained his gentle smile. "Oh? I wonder what I have that interests you? Whatever I have, feel free to say."
Mo Bai didn't answer directly. Instead, he asked suddenly, "Your Highness's understanding of the essence of martial souls, especially your insights into Light and Sacred attributes, is truly thought-provoking. It seems... to transcend the scope of a Swan martial soul. Might I ask, does Your Highness have a different opportunity, or... a specific inheritance?"
As the words fell, the air in the pavilion seemed to freeze instantly.
The smile on Xue Qinghe's face didn't change, but a tiny cold glint flashed in his pupils. He took a sip of wine to hide that momentary stiffness, then laughed. "Mr. Mo Bai must be joking. While the Swan is not a top-tier martial soul, there are ancient records mentioning the legend of the ancient Radiant Swan. I simply read a lot in my spare time and had some wild thoughts."
An appropriate response with no flaws. If Mo Bai hadn't known the truth, he might have been fooled by this perfect acting.
"Is that so?" Mo Bai laughed too. He suddenly stood up and walked to the window, his back to Xue Qinghe. His voice was low but clear. "Ancient records... a good reason indeed. Unfortunately, no matter how perfect the disguise, it cannot hide the most fundamental pulse deep within the bloodline."
He turned around, his eyes like lightning, shooting straight into Xue Qinghe's. That gaze seemed to pierce through the skin to look directly at the soul. "The fluctuations of that Seraphim bloodline in your body—pure, burning, and high above... in my eyes, it is like a bright lamp in the dark, piercingly clear. Miss Qian Renxue, how much longer do you intend to maintain this male disguise?"
Crack!
The jade cup in Xue Qinghe's—no, Qian Renxue's—hand instantly shattered. The gentle smile on her face receded like a tide, replaced by an icy killing intent and unbelievable shock. Her aura could no longer be perfectly concealed; a pressure far exceeding the Soul King level, even approaching that of a Soul Douluo, erupted along with a pure, sacred light!
The temperature in the pavilion dropped sharply. The soul tools outside buzzed under the strain, and plum petals fell rapidly. The hidden guards in the shadows sharpened their auras, locking onto Mo Bai and Liu Erlong.
Liu Erlong stepped forward almost at the same time, shielding Mo Bai's side. Her Rank 81 Soul Douluo aura pushed back without yielding, the Fire Dragon phantom flickering behind her. Though she was shocked by Mo Bai's revelation, her instinct to protect her Master overrode everything.
"You... who exactly are you?!" Qian Renxue's voice changed. It was no longer the clear male voice, but held the icy sharpness of a woman. Although she tried to maintain Xue Qinghe's tone, the tremor and fury in her voice couldn't be fully hidden. In her hand, a point of pure gold light began to condense, radiating a terrifying sacred fluctuation.