Preparing to Enroll at Heaven Dou Academy

Xue Qinghe lifted his teacup and took a sip, his gaze falling on the jade thumb ring turning in Ning Fengzhi's hand. Seemingly casually, he said, "Teacher, I recently heard that Yu Tianheng of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has entered Heaven Dou Royal Academy to study. It is rather rare for a direct descendant of one of the Upper Three Sects to attend a royal academy. What are your thoughts on this, Teacher?"

His tone was calm, but his fingertips unconsciously traced the rim of his teacup—this seemingly ordinary question actually concealed a keen inquiry into the movements of the clans.

Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi stopped the jade thumb ring between his fingers and lowered his eyes slightly. "As for this matter, it would not be appropriate for your teacher to make any rash judgments." He looked up at Xue Qinghe, his tone carrying a hint of caution. "After all, I belong to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. From the sect's standpoint, commenting too much on the affairs of the other Upper Three Sects would inevitably invite criticism. I can only offer you a few humble observations."

Xue Qinghe immediately straightened up, adopting an attentive posture. "This student is all ears and awaits Teacher's guidance."

"First." Ning Fengzhi curled a finger and lightly tapped the table. His voice was not loud, yet every word was clear. "Among the Upper Three Sects, the Clear Sky Sect has long secluded itself from the world and no longer concerns itself with worldly affairs. Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has always maintained close ties with the Heaven Dou Empire and can be considered the empire's open support. Only the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has remained strictly neutral all these years, favoring neither side. Now, by sending a core descendant like Yu Tianheng to the royal academy, they are, plainly speaking, extending goodwill toward the empire."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the gingko leaves drifting beyond the window, then continued, "Second, do not forget that in the current state of the world, aside from the two great empires, there is also Spirit Hall stirring up trouble in the shadows. Their power has expanded far too quickly in recent years, and the number of their Titled Douluo has already begun to surpass the combined total of the Upper Three Sects. Though the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is strong, it has only Yu Yuanzhen, a single Titled Douluo, holding the fort. In terms of peak combat power alone, they have actually fallen behind."

At this point, Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly, his words carrying deeper meaning. "Sending Yu Tianheng to the royal academy at a time like this is less about studying than it is about testing the winds, perhaps even... subtly choosing a side. After all, no one can withstand Spirit Hall's relentless pressure alone."

His tone shifted as he raised his teacup, concealing half his face. "As for the deeper considerations, they involve the sect's secrets, so it would be inconvenient for your teacher to say more. You only need remember this: behind every move the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan makes lies a calculation for its own safety."

Xue Qinghe replied thoughtfully, "This student understands. It seems Yu Tianheng's enrollment is not as simple as it appears on the surface." A flash of understanding passed through his eyes before his gentle expression returned. "Thank you for your guidance, Teacher. Otherwise, this student might have overlooked the key point."

After all, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was close to the Heaven Dou Empire, so it also sent direct descendants to study at the academy. Wen Jingran was one such example.

"Teacher, I have a suggestion—why not let Junior Brother Wang Chuan attend Heaven Dou Royal Academy as well? What do you think?" Xue Qinghe proposed with a faint smile, his tone gentle yet solemn.

Ning Fengzhi pondered for a moment, a trace of complexity passing through his eyes. He knew that while Heaven Dou Royal Academy possessed abundant resources and an impressive reputation, its internal academic atmosphere was somewhat impetuous. The web of power among its noble students also sometimes caused the academy's environment to stray from its original purpose. He did not wish for Wang Chuan to enter such an environment too early. Yet on the other hand, if Wang Chuan joined the academy, it might further strengthen the relationship between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the empire... The pros and cons made it difficult to reach a decision lightly.

Thus, Ning Fengzhi slowly spoke, passing the matter to someone more familiar with Wang Chuan's cultivation. "It would not be convenient for me to advise directly on this matter. Why not ask Xiao Chuan's master—Sword Douluo—for his opinion?"

Xue Qinghe immediately turned to Chen Xin and asked respectfully, "Your Excellency Sword Douluo, what is your opinion?"

Chen Xin stood with his hands behind his back, his expression calm but his meaning clear. "There is no reason not to. Cultivation is ultimately not something that can be achieved by shutting oneself away. Seeing more outstanding talents from beyond and gaining more experience through actual combat will instead better foster Soul Power and clarify one's heart and nature. Though the royal academy is not perfect, it is indeed a fine platform."

Xue Qinghe smiled faintly and looked at Wang Chuan again. "What does Junior Brother Xiao Chuan himself think?"

Wang Chuan cupped his hands in salute, his tone obedient yet resolute. "I will follow Master's advice."

Xue Qinghe nodded in satisfaction. "Then it is settled. Early tomorrow morning, I will personally come to take you to the academy and handle your enrollment."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Xue Qinghe took his leave. Wang Chuan also returned to the rear courtyard, packing his belongings while thinking about how he should bid farewell to his senior sister, Ning Rongrong. Though he was filled with anticipation for the royal academy, he also felt a touch of reluctance toward his days in the sect and that lively, adorable younger sister.