First Meeting with Xue Qinghe (Qian Renxue)

At dawn, the first faint light filtered through the carved windows of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda and spilled across the cold white jade floor tiles when Ning Fengzhi's personal attendant summoned Wang Chuan to the Seven Treasures Grand Hall. He hurried over, the hem of his robes still carrying the chill of morning dew. The moment he stepped through the doors, he saw Ning Fengzhi chatting amiably with three others beside an incense burner wreathed in mist—besides the familiar Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong, there was also a young man dressed in luxurious brocade robes.

The youth looked to be around eighteen. Dark golden luan bird patterns were embroidered along his collar and cuffs, while a pearl the size of a pigeon's egg was set into the jade belt at his waist. Every gesture he made carried an air of innate nobility. Standing sideways to the hall entrance, his voice was as clear as clashing jade as he discussed the Heaven Dou Empire's new soul master education policies with Ning Fengzhi. His words were orderly and his insights original; even the usually critical Gu Rong nodded repeatedly as he listened.

"Master, Uncle Ning, Grandpa Gu." Wang Chuan straightened his robes and offered a quiet salute, his gaze unconsciously lingering on the unfamiliar youth.

Ning Fengzhi smiled and raised a hand. "Perfect timing, Xiao Chuan. I haven't introduced you yet. This is Xue Qinghe, Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, and also my disciple."

Wang Chuan's heart tightened slightly, and he quickly cupped his hands. "Wang Chuan pays his respects to His Highness the Crown Prince." Though he was now Sword Douluo's disciple, he was ultimately of common birth and did not dare neglect the slightest point of etiquette. Fortunately, as Chen Xin's personal disciple, he did not need to kneel in formal obeisance. A bow and nod were enough, maintaining precisely the proper degree of respect.

At his words, Xue Qinghe turned around. A gentle smile rested on his handsome face, and his eyes were as clear as a stream, entirely devoid of the oppressive majesty expected of an heir to the throne. "I had long heard that Your Excellency Sword Douluo had taken in an outstanding disciple. At first, I thought it was merely a rumor from the common folk, but now that I have seen him in person, I know the reports were true." He first inclined his head slightly toward Chen Xin, his tone sincere. "Congratulations, Your Excellency, on finding such a worthy successor."

Then he turned his gaze to Wang Chuan, his smile deepening. "I just heard Teacher call you 'Wang Chuan'? To take your name from the Netherworld River certainly gives it an extraordinary air. I imagine you will surely distinguish yourself in the future." As he spoke, he took something from his sleeve. "Before coming here, I heard Teacher mention you. As your Senior Brother, I specially prepared a small gift. I hope you will not find it lacking."

It was a palm-sized Ruyi Treasure Pouch, its surface shimmering with the faint glow of a soul tool. One look was enough to tell that it was no ordinary item. Looking at Xue Qinghe's open and candid smile, Wang Chuan felt that this Crown Prince was approachable and utterly without airs, and a sense of closeness rose in his heart.

"Thank you for Your Highness's gift," he said sincerely, completely failing to notice the fleeting scrutiny in Xue Qinghe's eyes.

"Ah, why call me Crown Prince?" Xue Qinghe waved his hand and passed him the treasure pouch. "We come from the same master. By seniority, we are fellow disciples and Senior Brothers. If you do not mind, just call me Brother Xue."

Ning Fengzhi smiled from the side. "Qinghe is right. Xiao Chuan, why don't you thank your Brother Xue?"

"Then I will respectfully accept." Wang Chuan quickly took the treasure pouch. It felt warm and smooth in his hand, and he could faintly sense the spatial fluctuations contained within. Just as his fingertips touched Xue Qinghe's, Xue Qinghe's brow rose almost imperceptibly—he clearly sensed an incomparably pure martial soul aura from Wang Chuan, one that even carried the pressure of divinity.

"I'm glad you like it." Xue Qinghe withdrew his hand, his smile as gentle as ever, but stormy waves had already risen in his heart. Just who is this Wang Chuan?

Qian Renxue began considering poaching him. No—this child was someone she had to win over.

"Teacher." Xue Qinghe walked before Ning Fengzhi and respectfully performed a formal bow, his voice filled with sincerity. "Now that I have become Crown Prince, I came especially to thank you. Without Teacher's careful guidance and support throughout the years, how could I, Xue Qinghe, be where I am today?" He bent slightly, humble in bearing, and the gratitude in his eyes did not seem false.

Ning Fengzhi smiled and raised a hand to indicate that he need not continue the ceremony. His gaze warmly examined this prized disciple. "There is no need for such formality. Since you are my disciple, teaching you is simply my duty." He spoke slowly, his voice deep and magnetic. "Besides, this is the result of your own hard work. My contribution was truly not that great."

Ning Fengzhi recalled why he had taken Xue Qinghe as his disciple in the first place. On one hand, it had been a matter of interests: he hoped to cultivate a force within the imperial family that was close to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. On the other, he had valued Xue Qinghe's exceptional political talent and cultivation aptitude. Over the years, he had spared no effort in teaching Xue Qinghe the arts of strategy and conduct, and Xue Qinghe had never disappointed him.

"You are too modest, Teacher." Xue Qinghe straightened, his expression respectful. "Without Teacher's guidance at my side, I fear I would have lost my way long ago amid the struggles of the imperial court." He frowned slightly, as though recalling those difficult days, and a trace of coldness flashed through his eyes. "Although the accidental deaths of my two Imperial Brothers allowed me to ascend smoothly to the position of Crown Prince, the dangers involved still leave me shaken to this day."

Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly, his expression calm. Though he had his suspicions regarding the sudden deaths of the other two princes, in the royal family's struggle for power, it had always been the victors who ruled and the losers who were condemned. "Court struggles have always been cruel," he said blandly. "That you were able to stand out proves your ability and strategy."

Xue Qinghe sighed softly. "It is only my fourth brother, Xue Beng, whom I feel sorry for. He may be somewhat of a wastrel in ordinary times, but he is still my brother. Now that I have taken the position of Crown Prince, I fear resentment in his heart will be unavoidable." Helplessness flickered in his eyes. "I had wanted to protect him a little more, but the rules and dignity of the imperial family do not permit me to show too much favoritism."

Ning Fengzhi looked at Xue Qinghe. "That child Xue Beng has a simple nature. If you have the chance in the future, guide him more. Do not let him continue down the wrong path."

"This student understands," Xue Qinghe answered respectfully. "With Teacher's instruction, I will certainly do my utmost." He paused slightly before adding, "Now that I have become Crown Prince, I will not fail Teacher's cultivation and expectations."

Ning Fengzhi smiled faintly. "Good. With those words from you, I am at ease." A trace of gratification flashed through his eyes. Xue Qinghe's growth made him feel that his years of effort had not been in vain. "The situation in this world is ever-changing, and the road ahead is still long."