Arrangement

"Teacher, as you said, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has begun making moves and forming plans of its own. By sending its disciples out into the world, it is very likely to encroach upon the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's interests. Everyone knows this."

Xue Qinghe sat upright in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's council hall, his posture straight and his attire luxurious. Narrowing his eyes slightly, he spoke softly.

"What you say does make some sense. These are troubled times."

Ning Fengzhi nodded in agreement, approving of Xue Qinghe's well-measured words.

Xue Qinghe nodded at the praise in Ning Fengzhi's words, then shifted the topic.

"I once heard an old saying: interests do not disappear; they merely change hands.

"Now, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan wishes to expand its influence into Heaven Dou Royal Academy and secure the support of a Title Douluo.

"This will inevitably disrupt the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's influence within the Empire. Even if the Upper Three Sects are connected by a common bond and support one another, there is still competition between them.

"You should know that after Yu Tianheng displayed his talent at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, rumors began spreading among the people.

"The Clear Sky Sect is supposedly like a stray dog, living in constant fear and hiding in the shadows.

"As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, it supposedly has nothing but the foundations left behind by its predecessors. Once those foundations are gone, and with no worthy successors at present, it will certainly decline."

His voice was steady and forceful as he analyzed the situation word by word.

"In such circumstances, those fence-sitters who follow every rumor may very well gravitate toward the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, bolstering its prestige while indirectly weakening the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. We must be on guard."

Xue Qinghe frowned slightly, his tone carrying a trace of concern.

His gaze swept across everyone's faces, attempting to discern their thoughts, but he found nothing.

The only thing he could see was Ning Rongrong listening with great interest. As for his intended target, Lin Yao, who was the same age as Ning Rongrong, he was unexpectedly composed.

Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect held considerable influence within the Heaven Dou Empire, it had never involved itself with Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

This was an understanding between Ning Fengzhi, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's Sect Master, and Xue Ye, the Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire.

Moreover, this generation had produced Ning Rongrong, who seemed to have gathered the talents of all the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's disciples into herself. Before Lin Yao joined them, there had been no genius of the same generation capable of astounding the continent.

Even Yan Jun, who had already broken through to rank thirty as a Soul Elder, possessed only the Iron Armor Bear Martial Soul, which was merely stronger than average among high-grade Martial Souls.

Yet against a top-tier Martial Soul like the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, he would likely be defeated by Yu Tianheng despite the latter only being a two-ring Soul Grandmaster.

"That old dragon sure has lofty ambitions, but unfortunately, he miscalculated. Our sect has a top genius like Rongrong, and now this child has joined us as well. The two of them will complement each other perfectly. Beating some little blue snake will be easy."

Bone Douluo laughed loudly, his laughter echoing through the council hall. A trace of disdain hung on his face, as though the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was utterly insignificant in his eyes.

Possessing the Bone Dragon Martial Soul, he had never been fond of those with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, a top-tier Martial Soul even stronger than the Bone Dragon.

Back in the era of Ning Fengzhi's father, he had crossed paths several times with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's geniuses, winning more often than he lost.

Those battles had laid the foundation and forged the spirit that allowed him to become a Super Douluo.

The only regret was that the few times he had lost were all against that old dragon from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—Yu Yuanzhen, the current Sect Master and a Super Douluo.

The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's dominance among beast Martial Souls, especially its suppression of dragon-type Martial Souls, truly made even him, with his Bone Dragon's strange spatial power, feel troubled.

The continent's number one Attack Type beast Martial Soul fully deserved its reputation.

Still, with that old swordsman added to the mix, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could suppress the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, just like Lin Yao and Rongrong.

The two might even work together better than he and Chen Xin did, allowing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to become the continent's undisputed number one sect.

"Enough, Old Bone. Calling them little blue snakes now? Back then, Yu Yuanzhen beat you into quite a sorry state.

"Still, although their generation boasts those so-called Twin Stars, their talent falls far short of their ancestors'.

"I wonder whether it is because pure-blooded dragon-type Soul Beasts have become increasingly scarce across the continent, leaving them unable to excavate the potential of their Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Souls.

"Or whether those people have simply shut themselves away, intoxicated by the glories of the past every day."

The corners of Chen Xin's lips rose into a faint smile as he teased his old friend.

Then his gaze turned to Lin Yao, who had been quietly listening beside them, and his eyes held a trace of satisfaction.

To receive such a gifted disciple, one willing to work hard, while old men like them had yet to fade away, was already a blessing from heaven.

Once these old fellows died or grew too old, they would no longer need to worry so much about Rongrong's future.

"Of course, even if those people did not have such faults, our Yao would not be inferior to them by much. And given their current state, those Twin Stars are absolutely no match for Yao at the same rank."

Chen Xin's voice was full of confidence. Warmth surged through Lin Yao's heart, while he silently thought that before breaking through to Soul Grandmaster, he needed to beat Yu Tianheng flat on the ground.

He would use his actions to prove that Chen Xin's faith in him was not misplaced.

Bone Douluo had been about to retort at Chen Xin's teasing, but upon hearing his praise for Lin Yao, he nodded in agreement as well.

At that moment, having finally heard what he wanted to hear, Xue Qinghe suddenly spoke.

"Since His Excellency Sword Douluo has such confidence in his disciple, then he should all the more let him go out and see the world. He should display his talent and build invincible confidence within his heart.

"Going out to exchange pointers and battle others offers far greater benefits than shutting oneself away. It will help him accumulate the foundation needed to break through the bottleneck of becoming a Title Douluo in the future.

"Furthermore, it can strengthen the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's prestige within the Empire, invisibly resolving many potential troubles without requiring the sect to waste too much strength intervening."

Xue Qinghe stared intently at Lin Yao, as though waiting for his response.

At those words, interest flashed through Lin Yao's eyes. He understood that this was precisely the opportunity he had been waiting for.

So Xue Qinghe's purpose in coming to the sect really was him, just as he had planned.

In truth, when Lin Yao chose to reveal his Innate Full Soul Power and top-tier Martial Soul, then absorb a Thousand-Year Soul Ring, he had several objectives in mind.

The first was to swiftly gain the protection of a major power. This had now been achieved through the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, a force he could trust to some extent.

There were not so many messy complications here, and he could receive the early guidance of a famous teacher like Sword Douluo, allowing his growth to proceed more smoothly.

The second was naturally fishing. Jiang Taigong fished, and only those willing to bite would take the hook.

Lin Yao felt that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's protection was still not secure enough. That madwoman from Spirit Hall might still try to assassinate him in secret.

So after joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, he had also set his sights on Qian Renxue, whose public identity as Xue Qinghe was closely connected to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

If he gained the protection of the Young Lady of Martial Soul Hall, together with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's own strength, then barring a deus ex machina, his early growth would proceed without issue.

He just had not expected Qian Renxue to arrive so late. He was nearly a two-ring Soul Grandmaster before she finally came knocking.

Thinking about it, though, it made sense. If she had come too early, her intentions would have been too obvious. It would also have exposed the extraordinary reach of her intelligence network—she had actually planted such a powerful spy within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

That simply did not fit the identity of the Heaven Dou Empire's eldest prince.

Therefore, Qian Renxue had calculated the timing carefully. Coupled with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's involvement with Heaven Dou Royal Academy, she had arrived at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect at exactly the right moment.

Lin Yao did not resist Qian Renxue's proposal in the slightest. On the contrary, he looked forward to it.

He could display his talent without fearing suppression from Spirit Hall's forces, build his reputation, and if the Cheat connecting his home to worlds beyond ever failed, he could still gather an invincible will and become a god when there was truly no other choice.

Having another option was always beneficial. Faster early growth could never be a bad thing. On this Douluo Continent, where the powers were tangled together like interlocking fangs, concealing his talent would only deceive himself.

It could be said that when Tang San revealed his Innate Full Soul Power talent, some people in Spirit Hall had already begun to suspect his identity.

But their own Pope had all sorts of messy history with a certain person, and that person happened to be the teacher of the Innate Full Soul Power Blue Silver Grass. It was inconvenient for them to interfere.

Moreover, Tang Hao, who lurked in the shadows, was also an extremely powerful deterrent. Just after becoming a Title Douluo, he had smashed to death the Pope with the Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul, a Super Douluo.

Without Spirit Hall gathering most of its strength, those who wished to make a move did not dare come and throw away their lives.

At the same time, someone with an Innate Full Soul Power Soft Bone Rabbit Martial Soul had also muddied the waters amid this tangled situation, avoiding early discovery.

Otherwise, with Innate Full Soul Power, a questionable identity, and missing records concerning all sorts of personal connections and background information, it would have been easy to stir some people's excitement.

Only that kind of existence—a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast transformed into a human—could offer such a prize: a free Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring and Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone.

Even if one lacked the strength of a Soul Fighting Douluo or even a Title Douluo and could not identify the aura of a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast, killing an immature genius was no great loss.

Better to kill by mistake than let one go.

Meanwhile, Ning Fengzhi sat there with his brows slightly furrowed, a grave expression on his face as he carefully considered the proposal's feasibility.

Given Lin Yao's talent and strength, as well as his friendly relationship with Ning Rongrong, deepening his ties with Xue Qinghe and maintaining the future standing of this younger generation were matters Ning Fengzhi ought to consider—and he was happy to see them happen.

In his heart, Lin Yao was astonishingly talented, exceptionally intelligent, gentle in temperament, and close to his daughter. He would make a perfect member of the family. If they slowly began cultivating that relationship, even the matter of succession could be arranged.

Once the first step went smoothly, the rest would gradually follow.

But there were also considerable dangers outside. Some dark-minded people might send a few Soul Kings, and that could be enough to nip Lin Yao in the bud.

For a moment, he found himself unable to make up his mind.

Seeing Ning Fengzhi's expression, Lin Yao understood that the man truly cared for him and had no intention of binding him within the sect.

Ning Fengzhi wanted him to go out and receive greater guidance. Cultivation could not be accomplished simply by hiding at home; he had to go out and see the world.

Yet Ning Fengzhi also worried that all sorts of accidents could easily happen outside. In particular, when certain factions had no geniuses of their own, killing another faction's genius and dragging everyone else down to their own level was an extremely perfect choice.

"Fengzhi, there is no need to worry. Let the child go out. Everything is in the hands of us old fellows."

At that moment, Chen Xin rose to his feet and spoke first, helping Ning Fengzhi settle his thoughts.

"As for safety, there is no need for concern. We will not interfere in disputes between juniors. A win is a win, a loss is a loss. If one loses, one trains harder. If one wins, one keeps striving.

"But if anyone wishes to use underhanded means, the safeguards I have left behind will be enough to cut them down. Rest assured.

"Now that I think about it, going to Heaven Dou Academy truly would be better than remaining in the sect.

"After all, although the Royal Academy has quite a few people admitted through connections, its teaching staff is still fairly good.

"He will also get to see the geniuses of other factions and broaden his horizons."

As Chen Xin spoke, he looked toward Lin Yao, his eyes full of encouragement and expectation.

"Yao, I can see that you are tempted as well. That is very good. I have never heard of anyone making a name for themselves on the path of the sword by staying at home.

"Do not fear any challenge. Go out and meet geniuses your own age, or even slightly older ones, and exchange blows with them.

"Of course, while Yao is at the Royal Academy, I will need Crown Prince Xue Qinghe to take good care of him. I offer my thanks in advance."

Chen Xin's tone softened considerably when addressing Xue Qinghe, expressing his gratitude.

"His Excellency Sword Douluo, you are too kind."

Xue Qinghe spoke with a humble smile. He quickly rose to his feet and waved his hand.

"Yes, Uncle Sword is Yao's master. Since he has made his decision, I naturally cannot hold him back. Qinghe, take Lin Yao to Heaven Dou Royal Academy tomorrow. I will trouble you to look after him."

Ning Fengzhi nodded, a pleased smile appearing on his face.

Lin Yao looked at the gazes directed toward him. He had no intention of refusing and nodded.

"I will listen to Master and Uncle Ning. I will work hard outside."

Xue Qinghe's heart was filled with joy. His goal had been achieved. In the future, he could slowly win Lin Yao over and make him truly loyal.

"Please rest assured, Teacher and His Excellency Sword Douluo. I will take care of Yao."

Xue Qinghe patted his chest and made the promise with absolute confidence.

"Wait, I disagree! I do not want Brother Lin Yao to leave!"

At that moment, Ning Rongrong suddenly leaped out. Anxiety and reluctance covered her face as she ran to Lin Yao's side and grabbed his arm.

Yet her eyes darted around restlessly, as though she had other ideas in mind.

In the end, using her adorable pleading tactics, Ning Rongrong made an agreement with Lin Yao. Once he went to Heaven Dou Royal Academy and tested the waters, she would follow him there to have fun.

She also made Lin Yao promise not to break their agreement. When it was time to take her out and play, he absolutely had to come back for her, and she would cultivate diligently.

With Lin Yao's arrangements settled, Xue Qinghe bade Ning Fengzhi farewell. They agreed that he would return early the next morning to take Lin Yao to Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Afterward, he went to rest in the quarters arranged for him within the sect, leaving those present time to digest the matter.