Jealousy

Jealousy

Near noon, after finishing his training, Feng Yao changed into a brand-new moon-white robe and slowly made his way to the banquet hall specially designated by Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Sunlight streamed through the painted dome, bathing the entire building in magnificent golden splendor. Exquisite Spirit Beast patterns were carved into the white marble pillars, while the polished marble floor beneath his feet reflected the graceful figures of passing attendants.

As expected of the empire's foremost academy. Feng Yao sighed inwardly. Such a luxurious banquet venue was likely something only Heaven Dou Royal Academy could afford to possess.

Just as he paused to admire the surroundings, an attendant in a dark-patterned brocade robe approached silently and bowed. "Honored guest, His Highness the Crown Prince has been waiting for some time. Please follow me."

The attendant led Feng Yao through winding corridors, with portraits of outstanding students from past generations hanging along the walls. Feng Yao did not recognize a single one. At last, they stopped before an ornately carved sandalwood door.

"Your Highness, Young Master Feng has arrived," the attendant reported softly.

"Come in," Xue Qinghe's gentle, jade-like voice came from within.

As the door slowly opened, a faint, elegant fragrance of snow lotus drifted toward him. Feng Yao adjusted his collar and stepped calmly into the private room. Its furnishings were exceptionally refined. Delicate tea ware rested on a low table, while beyond the window lay a grove of plum trees, tranquil and pleasing to the eye.

Xue Qinghe sat at the Main Seat, his moon-white brocade robe glowing softly beneath the sunlight. Every movement he made carried the noble bearing of royalty. His slender fingers gently brushed the rim of his teacup as he regarded Feng Yao with a mild gaze.

"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince." Feng Yao bowed respectfully, his movements impeccably proper.

"There is no need for such formality, Student Feng." Xue Qinghe raised a hand in invitation. The gold-thread embroidery at his sleeve cuffs shimmered with scattered light. "Please, sit."

After Feng Yao sat down, Xue Qinghe personally poured him a cup of tea and asked casually, "May I ask who taught Student Feng? Your zither skills and control over Soul Power do not seem like something you could have developed without guidance. Your story has made me rather curious." His tone shifted. "Still, achieving so much in only a few short years must mean your talent is extraordinary."

Feng Yao accepted the teacup with both hands, feeling the warmth radiating through its walls beneath his fingertips. "In reply to Your Highness, I truly have had no formal master." He took a light sip of tea before continuing, "After awakening my Martial Soul at the age of six, I was fortunate enough to work at a teahouse in Nuoding City, where I earned Shopkeeper Ning's appreciation. Upon graduation, he gave me a letter of recommendation to Moon Xuan, which led to my present opportunities."

"So you are Madam Yuehua's outstanding disciple." Xue Qinghe suddenly smiled. "No wonder both your etiquette and musical attainments are so exceptional." He paused meaningfully. "Come to think of it, Student Feng shares a connection with my teacher as well."

Feng Yao understood perfectly. From the moment he had entered Heaven Dou Royal Academy, every detail of his background had likely already been placed on this "Crown Prince's" desk. Without revealing anything, he set down his teacup. "Your Highness flatters me. But what connection would that be? I hope Your Highness can enlighten me."

Xue Qinghe played with the teacup in his hand. "Since Shopkeeper Ning was able to recommend you to study at Moon Xuan, he must be one of my teacher's clansmen." He looked up at Feng Yao, his gaze as gentle as a spring breeze, yet carrying an unmistakable probe. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has always had a discerning eye for talent."

The shadows of plum branches danced outside the window, casting mottled patches of light between them. Sensing the test hidden within Xue Qinghe's words, Feng Yao's lips curved into a perfectly measured smile. "I see. No wonder Shopkeeper Ning had such profound insight into music."

"Would you like me to introduce you to my teacher someday?" Xue Qinghe lightly tapped his teacup with a fingertip, his tone warm yet carrying a probe that could not be ignored.

Feng Yao showed a troubled expression and clasped his hands with a wry smile. "Thank you for Your Highness's kind intentions."

"Oh?" Xue Qinghe's brow lifted slightly, amusement flashing through his eyes. "You seem unwilling to meet my teacher?"

Feng Yao gave a soft sigh, his fingers unconsciously brushing over his knee. "It is embarrassing to say. Shopkeeper Ning has shown me kindness as vast as a mountain, but..." He looked up, sincere helplessness in his eyes. "I am naturally undisciplined and unfit for great responsibilities. Having a three-foot zither in hand is enough to satisfy me. Rather than becoming a Spirit Master of a sect, I would prefer to become an ordinary instructor at Heaven Dou Royal Academy or Moon Xuan."

A flicker of barely perceptible delight passed through Xue Qinghe's eyes. He elegantly lifted his teacup, using the curling steam to conceal the calculation in his gaze.

He understood the current situation only too well—at present, the Imperial Dou Team was nominally led by Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan. Though the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect was on good terms with the empire, Yu Tianheng was ultimately a direct descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. It went without saying what choice he would make between the empire and his sect. As for Dugu Yan, Poison Douluo Dugu Bo stood behind her, and that Title Douluo had a close relationship with Prince Xue Xing. That Imperial Uncle was his most steadfast opponent at court.

If I can bring someone as talented as Feng Yao, with no sect background, under my command... Xue Qinghe pondered inwardly. Not only could Feng Yao counterbalance Yu Tianheng's influence within the team, but he might even be able to use him to win over Dugu Bo. According to the intelligence reports, Dugu Bo and his granddaughter thought highly of this young zither master.

"Everyone has their own aspirations. Naturally, I respect Student Feng's choice." Xue Qinghe set down his teacup, his voice gentle as jade. "However, with your talent, it would be a terrible waste for you to become merely an instructor."

Feng Yao was about to respond, but Xue Qinghe had already raised a hand elegantly and interrupted him with a smile. "We can continue this idle conversation another day. For now, let us first taste the imperial chef's dishes that I specially brought from the palace."

The moment he finished speaking, the carved wooden door to the private room was gently pushed open. A line of attendants in plain palace attire entered one after another, carrying gilded trays. In moments, exquisite palace dishes filled the entire table:

Translucent crystal shrimp dumplings glistened enticingly on green jade plates;

Golden, crispy roasted squabs were served in gilded bowls, their aroma filling the room;

Emerald-green jade soup rested in white jade bowls, like pools of spring water.

The leading attendant bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, the dishes have been prepared according to your instructions."

Xue Qinghe nodded slightly and lifted a pair of ivory chopsticks in invitation. "Student Feng, please."

"Thank you for Your Highness's generous hospitality." Feng Yao raised his chopsticks and bowed.

During the meal, the two dined elegantly on the exquisite imperial cuisine. Xue Qinghe occasionally used tea in place of wine while discussing refined matters of music with Feng Yao. Feng Yao responded with perfect propriety, neither impolite nor overly flattering. Thin wisps of smoke rose from the gilded incense burner, lending the luncheon an air of serenity removed from the world.

After the final dessert was cleared away, Feng Yao rose at the appropriate moment and bowed with formal courtesy. "Thank you for Your Highness's generous hospitality. However, I still have team training this afternoon, so I shall not impose any longer."

Xue Qinghe remained seated at the Main Seat, a perfectly measured smile on his lips. "Student Feng is diligent in his cultivation. This pleases me greatly." With that, he gave the attendant beside him a look.

The attendant understood and bowed as he led the way. "Young Master Feng, please follow me."

After the door softly closed, Xue Qinghe lifted his teacup, but his gaze remained fixed in the direction Feng Yao had departed. Sunlight outside the window edged his profile in gold, yet it could not penetrate those deep, unfathomable eyes.

"Innate Soul Power Rank Four, yet already Rank Twenty-Seven at twelve years old." He murmured softly, his fingers slowly stroking the rim of the cup. "Even rarer is his calm bearing in the face of favor or disgrace."

The tea reflected the faint upward curve of his lips. In the eyes of this Crown Prince, who appeared gentle and refined as jade, shone both the appreciation of one who had discovered an uncut gem and the excitement of a chess player who had spotted a brilliant move.

"A heaven-sent talent, a modest gentleman." Xue Qinghe drained the tea in his cup. "Interesting."

That afternoon, sunlight poured over the training grounds, dividing the earth into interwoven patches of light and shadow. When Feng Yao entered slowly with Fuxi in his arms, he found the Imperial Dou Team already engaged in group sparring practice.

"Little Feng!" Dugu Yan was the first to notice him. She immediately stopped her coordination drill with Yu Tianheng, her emerald hair tracing a graceful arc through the air. She hurried over, undisguised concern in her eyes. "What did His Highness the Crown Prince want with you? He didn't make things difficult for you, did he?"

Before Feng Yao could answer, a sharp bolt of blue lightning suddenly exploded nearby. Yu Tianheng walked over with a cold expression, his Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit not yet fully withdrawn, tiny arcs of electricity still coiling around his body.

"Yan, leaving the team without permission during training—is that the example you set as vice-captain?" His voice was colder and harder than usual, though his eyes remained fixed on Feng Yao.

Dugu Yan frowned in displeasure. "Tianheng, I was only—"

"Only concerned about the new teammate?" Yu Tianheng cut her off, his lips twisting into a mocking curve. "Of course. After all, he is the 'young talent' personally selected by His Highness the Crown Prince."

The atmosphere on the training grounds instantly froze. The Shi Mo brothers exchanged glances, Yu Feng dramatically shrank back, and even the usually silent Oslo cast a surprised look their way.

Without changing expression, Feng Yao brushed his fingers over the zither strings and smiled slowly. "Captain Yu is right to reprimand us. I was the one who interrupted everyone's training." He turned toward Dugu Yan, speaking gently but firmly. "Sister Yan, finish your training first. Whatever it is, we can talk after training is over."

Dugu Yan opened her mouth, still wanting to say something, but she yielded beneath Feng Yao's calm gaze. She shot Yu Tianheng a fierce glare, and as she turned back toward the team, her emerald hair snapped out in a sharp arc.

Yu Tianheng gave a cold snort, the arcs around his body crackling. When he turned away, Feng Yao keenly noticed that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon heir's fists remained tightly clenched, his knuckles pale bluish-white.

Interesting. He really has quite the same personality flaws. Feng Yao thoughtfully stroked the zither case.

It seemed Qian Renxue had not come here to recruit him without reason. Though Yu Tianheng was the captain of the Imperial Dou Team, he clearly did not hold the Crown Prince in any regard. The only reason he had not been removed was that there was no better replacement.

Feng Yao slowly walked to the edge of the training grounds and sat cross-legged in his usual spot. He smiled faintly and did not dwell on it. The zither music gradually rose, flowing like water into the rhythm of the training grounds, yet no one noticed the hidden sharpness within those notes.

The fierce afternoon sunlight bathed the training grounds, making the entire field exceptionally bright. Qin Ming stood at the edge with his arms folded, his sharp gaze sweeping over the Imperial Dou Team as they trained. Before long, his brows furrowed slightly—today's training atmosphere was clearly wrong.

Yu Tianheng's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit coursed violently around him. Every attack was fiercer than usual, but lacked his customary precise control. One bolt of lightning even veered from its intended path and nearly struck the watching Yu Feng.

"Hey! Captain, watch where you're aiming!" Yu Feng jumped away dramatically, and even his golden hair stood slightly on end from the electricity.

On the other side, although Dugu Yan's movements remained as fluid as flowing clouds and running water, she showed obvious resistance whenever she coordinated with Yu Tianheng. Her skill combinations were half a beat slower, leaving clear gaps in their offense.

Understanding flashed through Qin Ming's eyes. As someone who had lived through it before, he knew all too well what such a subtle atmosphere meant. His gaze unconsciously shifted to Feng Yao, who was playing the zither at the side of the field—the youth remained unhurried and composed, his music unchanged, as though completely unaffected by the tense atmosphere within the training grounds.

These children... Qin Ming shook his head inwardly. As their teacher, he should have stepped in to mediate, but when facing Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan, both of whom had powerful backgrounds, he did not actually have much authority as their nominal instructor. Besides, when it came to matters involving personal feelings...

Qin Ming sighed, then decided to handle it another way. "Everyone, gather!"

When the team members assembled, Qin Ming said with a stern expression, "Today's coordination training was an absolute mess! Since none of you can settle down, switch to individual training and continue according to your usual plans."

This arrangement cleverly separated the two of them. Yu Tianheng opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but under Qin Ming's unusually stern gaze, he ultimately turned and headed toward his usual training area. Dugu Yan merely curled her lips, flicked her emerald hair, and headed for the other side.

Feng Yao's zither music never stopped. At that moment, Qin Ming looked at Feng Yao and understood something as well. The reason Feng Yao had achieved so much, even developing different ways to use various Martial Souls, could be summed up in only two words: focus. He understood that so-called teamwork was only temporary, and that friends were sometimes nothing more than passersby on the road of life.

Although order returned to the training grounds, everyone could sense that subtle changes had already begun quietly taking place within this team.

The evening glow coated the training grounds in gold. Feng Yao sat cross-legged in a corner, his fingertips drawing an unhurried melody from Fuxi's strings. The zither music flowed like a babbling stream, merging with the warm light of the setting sun and creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Suddenly, a piercing voice shattered that peace.

"Feng Yao!"

The zither music stopped abruptly. Feng Yao frowned and slowly opened his eyes, only to see Dugu Yan gripping Yu Tianheng's arm tightly. Her emerald hair was slightly disheveled from her violent movements, and her green eyes brimmed with fury.

"What are you trying to do? Have you gone mad? Disturbing someone's cultivation is a great taboo for Spirit Masters!" Dugu Yan scolded in a lowered voice, but the strength of her grip did not lessen in the slightest.

Blue arcs of lightning still coiled around Yu Tianheng's body. Anger slightly twisted his handsome face. He shook off Dugu Yan's hand, his voice cold and hard. "Stay out of this. I have something to ask him."

Feng Yao calmly placed Fuxi back into its case. As he stood, his moon-white robe swayed gently in the evening breeze. "What guidance does Captain Yu have for me?"

The other team members all stopped what they were doing. Yu Feng dramatically covered his mouth, the Shi Mo brothers exchanged looks, and even the usually aloof Oslo turned his attention toward them.

Dugu Yan stepped between the two, her emerald hair moving despite the absence of wind. "Tianheng, you—"

"Yan, this is between him and me." Yu Tianheng cut her off, electricity flickering in his eyes. "Feng Yao, do you dare fight me? A pure Spirit Master duel."

The setting sun stretched the shadows of the three figures long across the ground, weaving them into a complicated pattern upon the training field. Feng Yao's gaze moved from the furious Dugu Yan to the battle-hungry Yu Tianheng, then finally settled on the zither case in his arms.

"Why not?"

Feng Yao answered softly, a faint smile touching his lips. His fingers lightly tapped the zither case, producing a clear sound. That calm response stirred an invisible ripple through the training grounds.

Dugu Yan suddenly whipped her head around, her emerald hair cutting a sharp arc through the air. Her green eyes widened, filled with disbelief. "Little Feng, you—"

Yu Tianheng sneered, dazzling blue lightning abruptly erupting around him. The crackling arcs made his handsome face flicker between light and shadow. Just as he was about to speak—

"Smack!"