Ning Fengzhi

While the three were chatting, another carriage pulled up. A lavishly dressed man stepped out, looking about the same age as Xue Ye, with somewhat similar features.

"Big Brother." The man smiled and bowed to Xue Ye.

Xue Ye nodded, then introduced him to Di Hong and Di Ming. "This is my third brother, Xue Xing."

Well, another familiar face.

Di Hong discreetly sized Xue Xing up. He found it hard to connect the man before him with the somewhat overbearing prince from the anime. This Xue Xing also gave off an easygoing impression, though he fell far short of Xue Ye in that regard.

"Greetings, Your Highness Xue Xing." Di Ming and Di Hong gave Xue Xing slight bows, and Xue Xing returned the gesture.

Once the greetings were exchanged, Xue Xing stepped forward and patted Di Hong on the shoulder.

"You're Di Hong, right? I've heard quite a lot about you."

"I honestly don't know how you cultivated. More than forty levels in six years—I'm starting to wonder whether you really have Innate Full Soul Power."

Xue Xing was far too enthusiastic, leaving Di Hong rather uncomfortable and unsure how to respond. In the end, Di Ming spoke up to explain.

With thirty percent pride, thirty percent boasting, thirty percent nonchalance, and ten percent sincerity, he answered Xue Ye and Xue Xing's doubts. He knew that one purpose of this visit was to dispel everyone's suspicions. The matter of Innate Level 20 Spirit Power absolutely could not be revealed, especially before Di Hong had fully grown.

"Let me tell you, my fourth brother is a peerless genius. Father King has spared no resources in nurturing him."

"Six years of cultivation at the volcano have made him somewhat introverted."

"With all kinds of resources backing him, plus the talent of Innate Full Soul Power, it'd be hard for him not to level up quickly."

"If I, his Second Brother, offend someone outside in the future, I'll have my fourth brother step in and handle it."

"From then on, my fourth brother will be invincible throughout the World."

"At that point, he can serve the Empire while also having my back, letting me live in comfort and indulge in pleasure."

Di Ming's words immediately made everyone laugh, while Xue Ye's doubts also faded. Though he did not fully believe it, the facts were right in front of him. Di Hong truly was a Spirit King, and he truly was twelve years old.

Xue Ye's letter inviting Di Hong here this time had also been a test, yet Di Hong had come.

To be honest, if Di Hong had not been born into the royal family, Xue Ye would not have handled things this way.

After all, relations between the Empire and its subordinate Kingdoms were extremely delicate, especially while the Empire was declining. If a Kingdom produced a genius, they had to be wary of it.

After chatting at the entrance for a while, Xue Ye arranged for someone to lead them to the banquet hall.

Many people had already gathered in the banquet hall. They chatted and laughed together. Though they usually fought among themselves, belonged to different factions, and some even held grudges against one another, at this moment they seemed like friends of many years.

When Di Hong entered, many gazes turned toward him, especially those of the Spirit Masters.

Upon sensing Di Hong's Soul Power, every Spirit Master present revealed a look of shock. Their own strength was not weak either; a Spirit King was considered a top-tier powerhouse in an ordinary city. But their age was there for all to see, which meant that their achievements would likely stop here.

No matter how hard they worked, becoming a Soul Emperor or Soul Saint would be their limit.

For a Spirit Master, their achievements before the age of twenty could influence their future.

The higher one's Soul Power Level at a younger age, the greater their future accomplishments would be.

Di Hong clearly fit that condition perfectly. Twelve years old and already a Spirit King—if someone like him failed to achieve great things in the future, then every Spirit Master on the continent might as well go die. What would be the point of cultivating?

In the eyes of the Spirit Masters, they no longer looked at Di Hong as a junior. They looked at him as though he were a Titled Douluo. Di Hong would certainly become a Titled Douluo-level powerhouse in the future, perhaps even becoming something they could brag about.

In the future, they could tell others, "I saw Di Hong when he was young."

Di Ming led Di Hong to their seats. To be honest, Di Hong did not like this sort of atmosphere. Six years of cultivation had given him little contact with the outside world and made him dislike crowded places, especially banquets like this.

Sitting behind Di Ming, he said nothing, simply drinking tea and eating the fruit on the table.

Xue Ye and Xue Xing entered.

After taking his seat, Xue Ye explained to everyone present why tonight's banquet had been held. This banquet had not been organized by Xue Ye personally; it had been authorized by the Emperor. Otherwise, it would not have been conducted on such a grand scale.

There were also many officials present who did not support Xue Ye.

After Xue Ye finished his speech, a servant from the Crown Prince's Mansion approached and respectfully announced.

"Reporting to Your Highness the Crown Prince, Mister Ning Fengzhi, the young Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, has arrived."

At those words, the banquet hall instantly fell silent. Everyone looked outside, including Di Hong. His eyes were filled with curiosity as he looked toward the entrance. He was extremely curious about this future Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Before long, a handsome young man in white robes entered. He had refined features and a faint smile on his face, while an air of confidence radiated from his entire body.

Di Hong saw the man's Soul Power Level at a glance. Ning Fengzhi truly was handsome and carried himself with great elegance. Di Hong was clearly no worse-looking than him, perhaps even better, yet he still felt inferior somehow. The difference between him and Ning Fengzhi was probably their bearing.

Though he had been born into royalty and nobility, that could not erase the fact that he had been an ordinary loser in his previous life. Nor had he received any training or upbringing in noble etiquette in this life.

After entering the banquet hall, Ning Fengzhi gave Xue Ye a slight bow.

"Fengzhi greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Xue Ye smiled and walked up to him.

"Young Sect Master Ning, there is no need for such formality. Has Uncle Ning's health improved at all?"

The Uncle Ning he referred to was the current Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Ning Fengzhi's expression did not change. He merely shook his head, though a flash of helplessness passed through his eyes.

"My father is still the same. Thank you for Your Highness's concern."

Xue Ye did not ask further. Instead, he invited Ning Fengzhi to the seat closest to his own. Ning Fengzhi's seat was directly opposite Di Hong's, with only a wide aisle separating them.

Di Hong withdrew his gaze and asked in a low voice, "Second Brother, Ning Fengzhi's relationship with the Crown Prince is anything but ordinary."

"That's right." Di Ming said, "Although Crown Prince Xue Ye is somewhat older than Ning Fengzhi, the two of them are very close."

"Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has not taken sides, given their relationship, Ning Fengzhi is definitely inclined toward Crown Prince Xue Ye. Moreover, the current Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is gravely ill and likely does not have long to live."

"When that time comes, Ning Fengzhi will succeed him as Sect Master."

"Once he becomes Sect Master, whether the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will remain neutral between the two princes will be hard to say."

Di Hong nodded. The Royal Family's internal struggles were truly troublesome. Fortunately, he had no such worries. Only strength could free one from worries; when one was weak, even the smallest matter could become a source of trouble.