Sword Douluo's Suspicion

After chatting for about half an hour, a servant's voice came from outside: "Your Majesty, the banquet guests have all arrived. Please proceed to the banquet hall."

Xue Ye stood up and walked to Chen Chu's side, patting his shoulder. "Let's go, come with me. I'll introduce you to some friends. It'll be more convenient to get things done in the capital if you know more people."

Chen Chu rose and followed behind Xue Ye and Xue Qinghe towards the banquet hall. As soon as they entered, all eyes snapped towards them. After the assembled guests paid their respects, they looked at the young man beside the Emperor and the Crown Prince, a hint of confusion on their faces.

Who is he, to be walking with the Emperor and the Crown Prince? Could he be a prince from some kingdom?

Several of the nobles who had been surrounding Ning Fengzhi quietly withdrew, clearly intending to find out Chen Chu's identity.

Ning Fengzhi also saw this scene. The scepter in his hand paused, and he looked at the young man beside the Crown Prince with increased curiosity. What was this person's background to be so highly valued by the royal family?

Xue Ye took his seat at the head of the banquet hall, with Xue Qinghe and Prince Xue Xing seated on either side. Xue Ye raised his hand in a signal, and a servant immediately struck the golden bell, silencing the hall instantly.

Xue Ye walked directly to the chief seat, his gaze sweeping over the assembled guests. His voice was not loud, but it carried a unique imperial authority. "Today's banquet is held for better interaction. Please feel at ease."

"Coincidentally, I'd like to introduce a young talent of the empire to everyone here."

He then turned to Chen Chu, who stood beside the Crown Prince, and gestured. "This is Chen Chu. Although he has just arrived in the capital, he has a noble heart and exceptional talent. He is now a Heaven Dou Rank teacher at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and he has also been granted the title of Imperial Earl."

"Everyone, I wish to emphasize again that the empire welcomes all capable and ambitious young talents to serve the country."

Xue Ye still had some energy left and was thinking of recruiting more prodigies for the empire to protect the royal family.

"Therefore, I have decided to select a suitable Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone from the treasury and bestow it upon Chen Chu as encouragement!"

These words were spoken with solemnity, and the expressions of the people in the hall shifted slightly. In the past, when the royal family introduced outsiders, they usually offered wealth and women, or status and position. This time, not only were all those given, but a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone was added. The weight of this gift was clearly different.

Ning Fengzhi, holding his cane, rose and stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Your Majesty's desire to recruit outstanding individuals is truly admirable."

Ning Fengzhi turned and looked at Chen Chu, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity. "Young Friend Chen, to be so highly regarded by His Majesty upon your arrival in the capital, and to receive a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone, shows how much His Majesty values talent. I, Sect Master Ning, congratulate Earl Chen in advance. If there is anything the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect can assist with in the future, please do not hesitate to ask."

As soon as he said this, the people in the hall echoed his sentiments, expressing their goodwill. A Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone was incredibly precious on the Douluo Continent; even core disciples of major sects might not easily obtain one.

Yet, Chen Chu, an outsider who had just arrived in the capital, received such a reward directly. This honor was truly rare and indirectly indicated that this young man was likely extraordinary.

"Sect Master Ning's high regard for this junior is a great honor. I will certainly pay a visit to your sect in the future. I hope Sect Master Ning will not find me bothersome."

Chen Chu couldn't remain silent when Ning Fengzhi stepped up to support him like this. He had to express his gratitude. After all, everyone knew that Ning Fengzhi was about to take Xue Qinghe as a disciple, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Heaven Dou Royal Family were currently in a honeymoon period.

Ning Fengzhi had stepped forward immediately after Xue Ye finished speaking. He was clearly ready to lead the charge.

"Heh heh, feel free to come, Young Friend. The doors of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect are always open to you!" Ning Fengzhi glanced at a satisfied Xue Ye and nodded.

The others also voiced their support, and for a time, the hall was filled with expressions of goodwill towards Chen Chu.

"Uncle Jian, what is it? Is there something wrong with that young fellow?" After chatting with Xue Ye and the others for a while, Ning Fengzhi found a place to sit and asked the white-haired "old man" beside him.

This person had a face like jade and exuded a special aura. Standing there, he was like a straight, sharp sword – it was none other than Sword Douluo, Chen Xin!

Chen Xin finally shifted his attention from Chen Chu. "This person carries a strong Blood Fiend Energy, even more intense than that of ordinary Evil Soul Masters."

"What!" Ning Fengzhi's heart leaped at Chen Xin's words. He looked back at the man conversing with others, but this time his gaze was filled with scrutiny.

"Why can't I sense it at all? Such intense Blood Fiend Energy should be very obvious and impossible to hide. Uncle Jian, are you absolutely sure? He is a genius promoted by Xue Ye, and our relationship with the Heaven Dou Royal Family is at a crucial juncture."

Chen Xin's face was stern and serious. "This feeling is not wrong. It is indeed very strong Blood Fiend Energy, but I don't know how he managed to hide it. If my Seven Kill Sword weren't extremely sensitive to it, I would have been deceived."

"This... let's not rush. We'll go take a look." Ning Fengzhi gestured for Sword Douluo to follow him and slowly walked towards Xue Ye.

He then spoke to Xue Ye about Sword Douluo's discovery. Xue Ye's expression changed, and he immediately became solemn, looking at Chen Chu below with disbelief.

"Your Majesty, I believe it would be best to handle this matter privately. After the banquet, we can confront him directly. If there is a problem, we can resolve the hidden danger early. It would be a blessing in disguise."

Xue Ye did not hesitate much at Ning Fengzhi's suggestion and nodded. "I'll trouble Sect Master Ning with this matter."

In fact, Xue Ye was already inclined to believe him. He knew Sword Douluo's strength; a Titled Douluo should not be mistaken. Coupled with the fact that Chen Chu was such a young Soul Emperor, it was indeed almost impossible for a normal Soul Master to reach that level, unless they were an Evil Soul Master.

Losing a genius was regrettable, but if they had truly kept a demon by their side, it would be fatal.

Xue Ye's hand, holding his wine cup, froze mid-air, the liquid rippling.

He looked up again at Chen Chu, who was currently exchanging pleasantries with others in the hall, and frowned. "Sect Master Ning, I trust Sword Douluo's judgment, but if this matter gets out, it could disturb the populace and allow those with ulterior motives to exploit the situation."

Ning Fengzhi nodded. "Your Majesty's concerns are very valid. The banquet is not yet over, so let's proceed as planned. After the guests depart, we will summon Chen Chu to the Imperial Study for a detailed discussion. With Uncle Jian present, even if he truly has a problem, we can handle it calmly."

Chen Xin stood beside Ning Fengzhi. Although his Seven Kill Sword Martial Soul was not released, a faint sharp aura emanated from him. "Your Majesty, rest assured. As long as he dares to make a move, my sword will not give him the opportunity."

Xue Ye took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and raised his wine cup again. "Then let it be as Sect Master Ning suggests. Let's not spoil everyone's mood at today's banquet." With that, he raised his cup in a toast, and the noise in the hall gradually resumed, but the solemnity in his eyes could no longer be concealed.

Midway through the banquet, Xue Ye excused himself, followed closely by Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin. Chen Chu saw this but didn't think much of it, assuming the old man was a bit weak and couldn't stay up late.