First Meeting with Qian Renxue

Xiao Han knew that only a handful of people in this world understood Immortal Herbs.

Spirit Hall's Elder Ju, Yue Guan, was a true flower lover. He had spent his life studying flowers and plants and knew all manner of rare blooms and exotic grasses like the back of his hand. He counted as one.

Tang San came from another world and could accurately identify all kinds of Immortal Herbs through the Tang Sect's secret manual, the "Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record." He counted as another.

There was also Yang Wudi, patriarch of the Breaking Clan, and his younger brother Yang Wushuang. However, it was still unknown just how much the two brothers knew about Immortal Herbs.

Although Dugu Bo had conducted considerable research into various medicinal herbs, he did not even recognize the Immortal Herbs in his own herb garden. He was no different from a complete amateur.

Xiao Han knew none of these people could help him.

Perhaps there was still a sliver of hope if he sought help from Qian Renxue, who was impersonating the Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe.

Spirit Hall possessed the most abundant resources. A treasure book like the "Immortal Herb Compendium" should be included in its collection.

Only then did Lin Zhiruo understand Xiao Han's purpose.

"You brat, after all that, it's still about herbs."

"Mom, those aren't ordinary herbs. They're Immortal Herbs."

Lin Zhiruo gave Xiao Han a disdainful look.

"Your idea is far too naive. Why would the Crown Prince help you? He may think you're fooling around, just like I do."

"That's why I'm asking you to come with me. The Vice Dean of Skywater Academy should at least be given some face, right? You don't need to worry about anything else. I just need to meet him."

Xiao Han's gaze was firm, as though he had everything planned out.

Lin Zhiruo smiled helplessly.

"Fine, I'll take you to see him. But he is the Empire's Crown Prince. If you cause any trouble, I won't let you off."

"Don't worry, Mom. I could never harm you, even if I harmed anyone else. Hehehe~~"

The next day, the two set off straight for Heaven Dou City.

A few days later, they reached their destination.

As the heartland of the Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou City's prosperity was truly breathtaking.

Its city walls were majestic and soared into the clouds, like a colossal dragon coiled around the city, guarding the endless glory and peace of this imperial capital.

The broad, straight streets within the city were lined with shops, while crowds flowed endlessly through them. Colorful signs of every kind complemented one another, creating an extraordinarily lively scene.

Xiao Han and Lin Zhiruo made their way through the bustling streets and soon arrived outside the imperial palace.

The enormous palace gleamed with golden radiance beneath the sunlight, displaying the royal family's majesty and nobility.

Lin Zhiruo found a guard and explained the purpose of their visit.

The token bearing the character "Water" that she carried with her had been personally bestowed by Xue Ye. It could prove that she held the status of a dean-level figure at Skywater Academy.

Elsewhere.

Crown Prince Xue Qinghe was reading in his study when a guard suddenly came to report.

"Reporting to Your Highness, Dean Lin of Skywater Academy requests an audience."

Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe immediately put down his book, a puzzled look appearing on his face.

"Dean Lin? Is she alone?"

"She has also brought a teenage boy."

Xue Qinghe rose to his feet, deep in thought. A teenage boy? Could he be the child she adopted? I heard he possesses Innate Full Soul Power, which was why Skywater Academy made an exception and admitted him.

"I understand. Take them to the side hall. I'll be there shortly."

"Yes."

Before long, the guard returned.

"Dean Lin, thank you for waiting. Please follow me."

Xiao Han and Lin Zhiruo exchanged smiles, then followed the guard through several corridors until they reached a grand hall.

Xue Qinghe had yet to arrive, so the two waited there.

"Mom, what did I tell you? The Crown Prince has to give the Vice Dean of Skywater Academy at least some face."

"You brat, stop running your mouth. When you meet the Crown Prince later, don't act so flippant. Be serious."

"Got it. But Mom, I want to speak with him alone. Is that okay?"

"What? Do you think I'm in your way? That depends on whether he agrees."

As the two spoke, they suddenly heard footsteps approaching from outside the hall.

"Stop talking. The Crown Prince is here."

"Mm."

Xue Qinghe entered the hall and saw that it was indeed Dean Lin.

At the Soul Master Tournament that had ended only a few months ago, he had met Lin Zhiruo and Dean Zhao.

Seeing that the visitor was Xue Qinghe, Lin Zhiruo and Xiao Han bowed.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

Xue Qinghe smiled faintly.

"There is no need for such formality. I apologize for keeping you waiting."

"Your Highness is too kind. We only just arrived."

Xiao Han raised his head, finally getting a clear look at Xue Qinghe's appearance.

Xue Qinghe appeared to be in his twenties. His features were fairly handsome, and his brows carried a refined, scholarly air. A calm yet approachable smile rested on his lips, making people instinctively feel favorable toward him.

He wore an exquisite golden robe embroidered with intricate, delicate patterns, displaying both his noble status and extraordinary bearing.

His deep eyes seemed capable of seeing through people's hearts, yet they occasionally revealed the gravity and authority expected of a Crown Prince, making others unwilling to meet his gaze for too long.

Xue Qinghe slowly approached the two of them, every gesture exuding the bearing of royalty.

"Dean Lin, this young man is handsome and carries himself with remarkable poise. He must be Xiao Han, I presume?"

There was a trace of praise in Xue Qinghe's voice as his gaze lingered on Xiao Han for a moment. He seemed quite interested in the young man.

Lin Zhiruo nodded in response.

"Your Highness flatters him. He is indeed Xiao Han."

"The fact that Dean Lin personally brought him to see me shows how seriously you regard this matter. May I ask what important matter brings you here today?"

As Xue Qinghe spoke, wisdom and composure shone in his eyes, as though he were prepared for any situation.

That unhurried attitude only further enhanced his authority and charm as Crown Prince.

Lin Zhiruo answered respectfully.

"Your Highness is wise. We have indeed come to ask a favor."

"Oh? Dean Lin, please speak freely. As long as it is within my power, I will certainly help you."

"Thank you, Your Highness. Regarding this matter, my son Xiao Han wishes to speak with you alone."

A flash of surprise crossed Xue Qinghe's eyes when he heard this, and his gaze fell upon Xiao Han once more.

From the moment he first saw Xiao Han, Xue Qinghe had felt that this youth was far from ordinary.

Lin Zhiruo's words made Xue Qinghe even more interested in Xiao Han. He could hardly wait to learn what exactly this young man had come for.

Xue Qinghe lightly waved a hand at the guards behind him.

"You may withdraw for now. Wait outside the hall."

"Yes."

The guards withdrew.

"Your Highness, my son has only just entered the imperial palace. If he accidentally says anything improper, I hope Your Highness will forgive him."

"Xiao Han clearly looks like an intelligent young man. Dean Lin, you worry too much."

A smile remained on Xue Qinghe's face throughout. Sensing his goodwill, Lin Zhiruo also withdrew.

Only Xiao Han and Xue Qinghe remained in the hall.

The two met each other's eyes, but Xiao Han showed not the slightest hint of fear.

He knew that beneath Xue Qinghe's outer shell was none other than Qian Renxue, the young mistress of Spirit Hall.

By now, Qian Renxue had been lurking in the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace under Xue Qinghe's identity for ten years.