"Qinghe, you suddenly came to see your teacher today. Is there something on your mind?" Ning Fengzhi inquired.
"It's nothing important. I just recently succeeded to the position of Crown Prince and came specifically to thank you, Teacher. Without your guidance, I wouldn't have achieved what I have today." Xue Qinghe responded politely.
"No need for such words. This is all the result of your efforts." Ning Fengzhi smiled faintly. This disciple of his, though initially taken under his wing due to the interests of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, had proven to be an exceptional student. Whether it was cultivation talent or political acumen, Xue Qinghe had done remarkably well. With the two most outstanding princes of the Heaven Dou Empire meeting untimely deaths and the fourth prince, Xue Beng, being an unmotivated wastrel, Xue Qinghe was essentially guaranteed to become the next emperor—barring any unforeseen circumstances.
"There's another matter I need to inform you about, Teacher. Recently, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has sent their top disciple of the younger generation, Yu Tianheng, to study at our Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. What do you think of this, Teacher?" Xue Qinghe suddenly asked.
Ning Fengzhi was slightly taken aback; he hadn't expected Xue Qinghe to raise such a sensitive topic. The relationship between clans and nations wasn't something easily explained in just a few words.
However, wasn't this a sign of Xue Qinghe's trust in him? Ning Fengzhi replied, "The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is sending a clear signal."
"Among the top three sects, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has always been a steadfast ally of the Heaven Dou Empire. The Clear Sky Clan, on the other hand, subtly supports the Star Luo Empire. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has always maintained neutrality, but now it seems they're showing signs of taking a side."
"Teacher, are you suggesting that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan intends to support our Heaven Dou Empire? But why? Whether in terms of royal power or overall national strength, the Star Luo Empire surpasses the Heaven Dou Empire. If they were to pick a side, wouldn't it make more sense to choose Star Luo?" Xue Qinghe asked, feigning confusion—or perhaps genuinely so.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "You're mistaken, Qinghe. Remember this: offering help in times of need is far more valuable than embellishing success. For the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, supporting the Heaven Dou Empire is the most advantageous choice."
"First, it allows them to gain favor with His Majesty. Second, it helps maintain a balance of power between the two great empires, preventing Star Luo from becoming overwhelmingly dominant. Taking advantage of chaos is the best survival strategy for their clan."
Xue Qinghe nodded thoughtfully as she listened. Tian Lin also felt that Ning Fengzhi's reasoning was correct, but there was likely a third factor—Spirit Hall.
It was likely that the old dragon Yu Yuanzhen had realized the growing dominance of Spirit Hall and feared that one day they might target the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. With only one titled Douluo in their clan, they'd never be able to stand against Spirit Hall alone. Thus, they needed the protection of the two great empires.
After listening, Xue Qinghe clasped her hands in thanks. "Thank you for the guidance, Teacher. But aren't you worried that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan might replace the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan in His Majesty's favor? I've heard that on his first day at the academy, Yu Tianheng fought with disciples from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and easily won. This seems like a display of their strength."
As a sect allied with the Heaven Dou Empire, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan naturally sent some disciples to study at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy to demonstrate their close relationship.
Among them were Gu Rong's disciples, including Gu Ran, who had once fought against Tian Lin and were now students of the academy.
"Hmph, that old dragon is dreaming if he thinks he can replace our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan!" Bone Douluo suddenly slammed his chair, clearly enraged. After all, the disciple who was defeated was none other than his own—Gu Ran.
Both Gu Ran and Yu Tianheng were only twelve years old. Gu Ran had reached rank 23 soul power, while Yu Tianheng was already at rank 26. Whether in terms of soul power or martial soul quality, Gu Ran was no match for Yu Tianheng.
The strength of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's beast martial souls was widely acknowledged as the best on the continent.
"Alright, old bones. Getting upset won't change anything. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's current generation boasts twin stars—Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin. You know how strong they are. Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's young disciples can't compete with them right now," Sword Douluo Chen Xin said, trying to calm his old friend.
Before Gu Rong could retort, Xue Qinghe interjected, "Your Excellency Sword Douluo, I think your words might be a bit hasty. In my opinion, your disciple is far more outstanding than those two."
"I have a suggestion: why not let Junior Brother Tian Lin enroll at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy? With his talent, surpassing Yu Tianheng is only a matter of time. When that happens, it will undoubtedly enhance the reputation of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
Tian Lin frowned. So this was Xue Qinghe's true intention! Claiming it was for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's reputation was just an excuse. Did she think of herself as part of the clan?
Ning Fengzhi stroked his chin and pondered. He was thinking on a deeper level, assuming Xue Qinghe had recognized Tian Lin's potential and wanted to forge a closer connection with him.
To Ning Fengzhi, this was a favorable development. After all, he had built a close friendship with Emperor Xue Ye back when the latter was still the Crown Prince. If Tian Lin, who was destined to become a guardian Douluo of the clan, could build a relationship with the future emperor, it would be immensely beneficial.
Tian Lin, however, could see through Xue Qinghe's motives. As a Spirit Hall saintess who sought to unify the continent, she likely wished for nothing more than the destruction of both empires and sects. Her real goal was probably him.
Tian Lin was about to voice his objection when—
"I agree!" Chen Xin, for reasons unknown, suddenly spoke up, approving the proposal. "I was just looking for a place for Tian Lin to temper his spirit. The Imperial Academy is perfect—it's filled with indulgent nobles."
He turned to Tian Lin. "As a swordsman, you must learn to resist the temptations of luxury and decadence. Crown Prince Qinghe, I entrust my disciple to you. Watch over him. If he shows even the slightest sign of corruption, tell me immediately, and I'll break his legs myself!"
"Since Sword Douluo has decided, I won't object. Tomorrow, you can take Tian Lin with you," Ning Fengzhi said, going along with the decision.
Tian Lin felt utterly hopeless. His master and Ning Fengzhi were pushing him straight into the fire!
Xue Qinghe, on the other hand, was overjoyed. This peerless martial soul user was finally within her grasp. Bowing slightly, she said, "Rest assured, Teacher and Your Excellency Sword Douluo, I will take good care of Junior Brother."
"Wait! I disagree! I don't want Brother Sword to leave!" Ning Rongrong protested. Tian Lin's care for her hadn't been in vain; she was trying to save him in his moment of crisis.
Unfortunately, just like Tian Lin, Ning Rongrong's words carried little weight. She, too, was powerless to change the decision made by the sect's three leaders.