Contending for the Central Plains

"Your granddaughter?" Bear Lord grinned. The door was forcefully pushed open by his powerful Soul Power. Dugu Yan, with her long, pale purple hair, stood blankly outside. Her hair was disheveled by the wind, her expression a mixture of shock and confusion.

Bear Lord slowly stood up and walked menacingly towards Dugu Yan.

"YanYan!" Dugu Bo suddenly roared, releasing all his Soul Power. The entire room was once again cast in a dark green hue. He instantly appeared in front of Dugu Yan, grabbed her, and prepared to flee.

"Arrogance must be paid for." Yan appeared before Dugu Bo. He casually placed a hand on Dugu Bo's shoulder and said indifferently, "If you want to run, you need the ability."

"Two seniors," Meng Shenji said quickly. "It's clear you are no ordinary individuals. I hope you will be merciful and bring peace."

"Are you saying?" Bear Lord sneered. "If I'm not peaceful, there will be no good fortune?"

Meng Shenji immediately fell silent, his back already soaked with cold sweat. "This junior dares not."

Yan said, "Then shut up."

"This..." Meng Shenji and the other two exchanged glances, unsure of what to do.

Fortunately, Jiang Mian stood up at this moment and blocked Bear Lord and Yan. "Alright, the two of you."

Bear Lord and Yan simultaneously retracted their Soul Power. They walked behind Jiang Mian and sat down, remaining silent.

"Poison Douluo, do you have anything else to say?" Jiang Mian chuckled. "From your words just now, it sounds like you have something you want to tell me."

"No, no," Dugu Bo's mouth twitched. He shielded Dugu Yan behind him and said with a bitter smile, "I was wrong just now. I apologize."

"Don't rush off yet. We were just about to have a sparring session with the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team. How about you stay and offer us some guidance?" Jiang Mian said with a sneer.

"I wouldn't dare," Dugu Bo cupped his hands and subtly retreated. "With these two seniors here, I truly wouldn't dare to show off my meager skills."

"If you try to run, my Spirit Hall will hunt you to the ends of the earth, and we won't spare your granddaughter either," Jiang Mian said, picking up his teacup and lightly threatening him.

"Fine, then I shall make a fool of myself." Dugu Bo's eyes changed. He didn't care about himself, but Dugu Yan was involved. If his granddaughter suffered misfortune because of him, Dugu Bo would regret it for the rest of his life.

"If your poison isn't treated soon, your cultivation may never advance further," Jiang Mian said with a smile. "And your granddaughter, don't continue to harm future generations."

"How do you know?" Dugu Bo's eyes lit up. Although he hadn't let down his guard, he still asked somewhat impatiently, "Can you cure it?"

"It's hard to say," Jiang Mian shrugged, looking somewhat embarrassed. "I am a member of Spirit Hall, and you have enmity with Spirit Hall. It's difficult."

"If you can cure YanYan, you can have my life!" Dugu Bo cupped his hands earnestly.

"Grandpa!" Dugu Yan quickly pulled Dugu Bo, afraid he would do something foolish.

"Everyone rushes for profit," Jiang Mian said, wiggling his fingers and chuckling. "No one acts without a motive."

"What do you want?" Dugu Bo asked.

"I'll tell you after I've thought about it," Jiang Mian said, pouting and deliberately feigning indifference.

Dugu Bo wanted to get angry, but he glanced at Bear Lord and Yan. He forcibly suppressed his rage. "Alright, when you've figured it out, please contact me. No matter the cost, I will agree."

"Interesting," Jiang Mian chuckled. "Then let's stop the pleasantries. Since the friends from the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team are all here, let's spar first."

"Is there still a need to spar?" Yu Tianheng patted Dugu Yan's shoulder and said with a smile, "I don't know your strength, but it must be terrifyingly powerful. Competing with you is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot."

"How will we know if we don't try?" Yan ran his fingers through his red hair and smiled. "How about we fight one-on-one?"

"Do you want to go up and try?" Jiang Mian glanced at the spirited Yan. "Yu Tianheng, we came sincerely for an exchange. It wouldn't be right if you didn't show your stance."

Yan laughed heartily. "Exactly, friend. I'll go easy on you."

Xie Yue had just stood up when he suddenly felt the world spin. His body uncontrollably lunged forward.

"Brother!" Hu Liena cried out in alarm and quickly caught Xie Yue, laying him down flat.

Jiang Mian's hand emitted a faint green light, intending to heal Xie Yue. However, a beautiful woman with short white hair suddenly burst in from outside. Her expression was cold, and she quickly walked to Xie Yue's side, releasing her Martial Soul to begin treating his injuries.

"How did he get such serious injuries?" Ye Lingling frowned, her voice clear and elegant. "Is he trying to die?"

"What happened?" Jiang Mian looked at Yan, who had a strange expression. He immediately questioned, "What happened to Xie Yue? What are you hiding for him!"

"Xie Yue was injured by an Evil Spirit Master's self-detonation. And he cultivates day and night, so his body naturally can't handle it," Yan said, avoiding Jiang Mian's gaze. "He was afraid you would worry and felt his condition wasn't that serious, so he told me not to tell you."

"Nonsense!" Jiang Mian cursed angrily. He placed his hands on Xie Yue's chest, helping Ye Lingling with the treatment.

"Hmm?" Ye Lingling looked at Jiang Mian in surprise, but she quickly averted her gaze. She was surprised that Jiang Mian's healing method was even superior to her Nine-Heart Begonia.

This was truly unheard of.

"What happened to me?" Under the combined efforts of their treatment, Xie Yue's lips gradually regained their color. He opened his eyes and found everyone looking at him with concern. He felt ashamed for a moment before apologizing with a face full of regret. "I'm sorry for making you worry."

"Brother!" Hu Liena's eyes instantly turned red. She hugged Xie Yue tightly, afraid he would pass out again.

"You've gone too far!" Jiang Mian said angrily. "If something happens, you don't tell your brothers. What are you trying to do!"

"I..." Xie Yue scratched his head awkwardly, offering no excuse.

Seeing Xie Yue awaken, Ye Lingling silently retreated to the side, watching without speaking.

"Xie Yue, this young lady saved you," Jiang Mian said, helping Xie Yue up and looking at Ye Lingling. "You must thank her properly."

"Thank you, miss," Xie Yue looked at Ye Lingling, his cheeks flushed red, appearing somewhat shy.

"You're welcome," Ye Lingling said faintly. "Saving lives and healing the injured is what I should do."

Bai Baoshan and Meng Shenji exchanged glances. They immediately felt their faces gain honor. Ye Lingling's actions had directly suppressed the group from Spirit Hall.

Their gazes seemed to say, "See? This is the upbringing and character of our Heaven Dou Royal Academy."

"The Nine-Heart Begonia, if not for its curse, would truly be the world's number one support Martial Soul," Jiang Mian said with a smile. "Thank you for your assistance, young lady."

"You're not bad yourself," Ye Lingling replied.

Jiang Mian chuckled and said no more.

"This little friend still needs treatment. If you're willing, you can stay here for now," Meng Shenji said. "Ye Lingling's Martial Soul is very helpful for recovering from injuries. Since you've come, we should extend our hospitality as hosts."

"Good." Jiang Mian nodded, agreeing to Meng Shenji. Although he could also treat Xie Yue's injuries, he felt that treatment from a young lady would be more considerate than from a man. Besides, Jiang Mian considered Xie Yue and Yan his brothers.

He had so many wives, why shouldn't they have partners too? This Ye Lingling seemed quite suitable for Xie Yue.

Xie Yue shyly scratched his head, his gaze towards Ye Lingling almost tangible, so affectionate that Jiang Mian felt awkward about breaking the mood.

Xie Yue was actually a very simple person, the type who would repay a drop of kindness with a gushing spring. Ye Lingling had saved his life, and he truly didn't know how to repay her.

"Poison Douluo, please follow me." Jiang Mian walked up to Dugu Bo and said with a smile, "I'd like to have a chat with you."

"Please."

Dugu Bo followed Jiang Mian to the reception hall. Jiang Mian spoke first, "Poison Douluo, do you happen to have an Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well?"

"How did you know?" Dugu Bo was taken aback for a moment, then quickly understood the reason. "You're from Spirit Hall. The last time I lost to Ju Hua Guan, I assume he told you about the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well."

"Now that the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well belongs to Spirit Hall, Senior Poison Douluo, wouldn't you like to get it back?" Jiang Mian asked.

"How could I not want it?" Dugu Bo said. "There are so many Immortal Herbs there; each one is priceless."

"If Senior Poison Douluo can cultivate Immortal Herbs for our Spirit Hall, we will naturally return the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to you. Furthermore, I can also cure the ailments of you and Dugu Yan."

"You're just a disciple valued by Spirit Hall; do you really have this much authority?" Dugu Bo asked in surprise. "Isn't that a bit too much?"

"Why don't you consider this: if I didn't have significant authority, how could two top powerhouses obey my command?" Jiang Mian chuckled. "Moreover, I'm also an honorary elder of Spirit Hall."

"How old are you?" Dugu Bo looked at Jiang Mian with a shocked expression, momentarily speechless. "Your status is already this high?"

"I'm thirteen, almost fourteen," Jiang Mian spread his hands. "It can't be helped. I'm just exceptionally talented, and the Pope values me so highly."

"Interesting." Dugu Bo had seen heaven-defying geniuses before, and indeed, which Titled Douluo wasn't a heaven-defying genius? Yet, he had never encountered a youth as astonishing as Jiang Mian.

"I know you cherish freedom and won't restrict it. As long as you take good care of the Immortal Herbs in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, I will remove your poison," Jiang Mian said with a smile. "The healing method of the mere Nine-Heart Begonia is nothing in my eyes."

"You dare to say the Nine-Heart Begonia, the world's number one healing Martial Soul, is nothing?" Dugu Bo suddenly felt this fellow was like a charlatan.

"It can't even cure your poison, and it dares to compare itself to me?" Jiang Mian said dismissively. "I have the right to be arrogant, aren't you infuriated?"

Bi Ji, the Jade Swan, possessed healing methods that were second to none, not just in the spirit beast world, but the entire continent.

"Are you a healing-type Spirit Master?" Dugu Bo asked with some curiosity. "You don't look like one."

"I should be an all-around Spirit Master," Jiang Mian said.

He possessed the Eye of Destiny granted by the Auspicious Beast, Crimson King's Hellfire and Bear Lord's Sky Rend Claw were of the assault type, Snow Empress's Emperor Sword, Emperor Palm, and Emperor Cold Sky were both assault and control types, and he also had healing from the Jade Swan.

Frankly speaking, agility was his only shortcoming, but Jiang Mian didn't need it. As he slowly grew, with this setup, no one would be able to defeat him even if he just stood there.

"You truly have the right to be arrogant," Dugu Bo smoothed his hair and praised, "A young hero."

"Find a place, I'll remove your poison first," Jiang Mian said. "Let's test the effect first."

"Alright, I've waited this long anyway," Dugu Bo said calmly. "After all, so many years have passed."

"Okay." Jiang Mian laughed heartily. It was true in this world that strength was king. Even someone as defiant as Dugu Bo didn't dare to get angry with Jiang Mian. Why? It was because Bear Lord and Crimson King were keeping him in check.

If Jiang Mian had nothing, he would probably have been reborn by now, let alone enjoying his current glory.

"Jiang Mian, it really is you." As Jiang Mian was strolling with Dugu Bo, a voice suddenly rang out from behind them. Jiang Mian turned his head and saw Xue Qinghe.

"You're quite fast," Jiang Mian's lips curved slightly as he smiled. "Your Highness the Crown Prince, we meet again."

"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince." Dugu Bo clasped his hands and offered a simple greeting. "You two chat, Jiang Mian. I'll be at this academy, I'll trouble you later."

"No problem." Jiang Mian nodded, and Poison Douluo immediately left, not wanting to disturb the conversation between Jiang Mian and the Crown Prince.

"You're fast," Jiang Mian smiled slightly, looking at the elegant Crown Prince before him, and teased, "My dear Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"I'll be able to shed this soon," Xue Qinghe said softly, looking at his own hands. "After I returned, Prince Xue Xing told me someone had beaten the Fourth Prince Xue Beng at Heaven Dou Royal Academy. I guessed it was you, so I came to see."

Jiang Mian didn't respond to Xue Qinghe's topic. He leaned close to Xue Qinghe's ear and whispered, "Qian Renxue, are you planning to manage the empire in this skin forever?"

You're an undercover agent, how can you show your true face?

"What do you mean?" Xue Qinghe asked. "Do you want to rebel?"

"No need for such trouble," Jiang Mian shook his head and explained, "You just need to 'clear the emperor's surroundings'."

"What does 'clear the emperor's surroundings' mean?" Xue Qinghe asked.

"Heh heh." Jiang Mian smiled and didn't elaborate further, because if Qian Renxue wanted to manage the country with her true face, there was only one path: rebellion!

And rebellion required a legitimate reason, which was precisely to 'clear the emperor's surroundings'.

The best choice for 'clearing the emperor's surroundings' was none other than that arrogant and overbearing Prince Xue Xing.

The destruction of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was inevitable, and Jiang Mian planned to shift the blame for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's demise onto the Heaven Dou imperial family. In this plan, Dugu Bo was a crucial piece.

After all, everyone knew that Prince Xue Xing and Dugu Bo had a very good relationship.

Of course, Qian Renxue would have to come up with the justification for such an action herself. Jiang Mian would only be responsible for the killing, not the aftermath.

Besides, what man in his youth didn't want to contend for hegemony over the Central Plains?