Heaven Dou City, Prince's Mansion.
Though this residence was not as extravagant as the imperial palace, it was still imposing and exquisitely appointed, every corner displaying its master's noble status. Under the night sky, the Prince's Mansion was brightly lit and heavily guarded, yet the atmosphere carried an unusual gravity.
Holding an invitation, Qin Mo calmly entered the estate under a servant's guidance. He still wore that simple dark robe, his tranquil bearing seeming somewhat out of place amid the surrounding splendor. Yet it strangely gave people the sense that this was exactly how he ought to be—detached from the world.
A banquet had long been prepared in the reception hall. Seated in the place of honor was a handsome young man dressed in a bright yellow four-clawed dragon robe. Refined and elegant in demeanor, he wore a perfectly measured smile. He was none other than "Xue Qinghe," the Crown Prince who now wielded tremendous power in the Heaven Dou Empire.
Yet Qin Mo saw at a glance that the man's Soul Power was unstable. His aura was completely different from that of the real Qian Renxue, and deep within his eyes hid a barely perceptible hint of gloom and unease. This was undoubtedly an impostor, likely an expert sent by Spirit Hall who was proficient in disguise-type soul skills. His cultivation was probably at the Soul Sage level, barely enough to maintain Xue Qinghe's identity.
Upon seeing Qin Mo, "Xue Qinghe" immediately rose to his feet. A warm yet restrained smile appeared on his face. "You must be Headmaster Qin Mo of Myriad Manifestations Academy? Truly, heroes emerge in their youth. Seeing you is even more impressive than hearing of you. Please, take a seat!"
Qin Mo gave a slight nod and, without ceremony, took the foremost seat among