Discussing the Dao with Xue Qinghe and Using Combat and Slaughter Techniques

Xue Qinghe spoke seamlessly, looking entirely like a combat and slaughter art enthusiast sharing a mutual appreciation out of a sudden itch for action, wishing merely to make a new acquaintance.

Shielded by the wide black robe, Xue Qinghe could not clearly see Chu Chen's expression.

Chu Chen smiled leisurely, extending a hand as he spoke, "Since the Crown Prince extends an invitation, how could I refuse?"

"Ha, Brother Destruction, I'm very glad to meet you."

Xue Qinghe reached out and shook hands with Chu Chen.

Instantly, the two left the Great Soul Arena of Heaven Dou City together. Chu Chen watched Xue Qinghe walking ahead of him, thinking inwardly, Is this Qian Renxue genuinely interested in combat and slaughter techniques, or did she see my ruthless methods and harbor the intention of recruiting me?

After pondering for a moment, Chu Chen did not yet know the answer.

For him to come to the Great Soul Arena to observe life-and-death battles... aside from sheer interest, he likely wishes to unearth talent and later master it for his own use.

This alliance surely carries utility as well.

He understood Qian Renxue's personality; the latter naturally possessed an inclination to recruit the strong, and she loved the feeling of control.

Just like her attitude toward Tang San in the future, she repeatedly tried to recruit Tang San, and was even influenced inwardly by an extreme desire to conquer Tang San. In other words, Qian Renxue loved to control geniuses.

Naturally, Chu Chen would not be controlled by her.

Yet he could fully utilize this psychological trait of Qian Renxue!

Being able to befriend the latter could indeed be called a good thing for Chu Chen.

"Crown Prince, it is so late; do you not need to return to the palace? I imagine that if the Crown Prince were to disappear for a night, the royal family would likely descend into chaos."

After leaving the Soul Arena, Chu Chen turned to face Xue Qinghe by his side and spoke.

Xue Qinghe was momentarily taken aback, then smiled as he replied, "Could it be that Brother Destruction does not regard me as a friend? When Qinghe interacts with friends in private, he has never viewed himself as the crown prince."

"Not at all, it is simply that I am not yet accustomed to being friends with a nation's crown prince. Since that is the case, if Brother Qinghe has no pressing matters requiring his return to the palace, why not discuss these combat and slaughter techniques with me?"

Chu Chen laughed heartily, and the two walked out of Heaven Dou City together, searching for a secluded spot. With the hour late and no one around, discussing the Dao here would ensure they were not disturbed by others.

"Just now, I noticed that Brother Destruction did not use any soul skills during our match, relying purely on such fierce and ruthless combat techniques. Could it be that this is also the path Brother Destruction walks?"

Sitting down cross-legged on the ground side by side, Xue Qinghe brought it up first.

"It was merely a helpless measure." Chu Chen shook his head, his voice sounding somewhat melancholy.

"Oh? How so?" Xue Qinghe looked over with curiosity.

"Brother Qinghe should know that my martial soul is merely Blue Silver Grass. Even if I were to cultivate to the Soul Ancestor realm, the effect Blue Silver Grass can produce is minimal."

Chu Chen feigned helplessness as he said, "Therefore, I bitterly practiced combat and slaughter techniques solely to make up for the flaws of my martial soul."

Xue Qinghe fell silent for a moment.

Blue Silver Grass?

He naturally knew the helplessness of possessing the Blue Silver Grass martial soul. Even if an ordinary Blue Silver Grass martial soul managed to cultivate by sheer luck, as grades increased, the disadvantages would only become more and more pronounced.

By then, Blue Silver Grass would find itself in an awkward predicament. In battles against others, such disadvantages would be infinitely magnified, ultimately costing one's life.

"Blue Silver Grass... though it is universally called a trash martial soul, such a seemingly fragile yet resilient little life is also quite extraordinary."

Xue Qinghe smiled, rising to his feet as he said, "I wonder if Brother Destruction would be willing to guide my combat and slaughter techniques?"

"What Qinghe has inherited is the royal family's Swan Martial Soul, possessing more of the healing and purification arts. As the crown prince, I face danger at every waking moment, which is why I have desired since childhood to use a specialized skill to make up for the flaws of my martial soul."

He smiled and said, "Brother Destruction, in this respect, you and I are extremely similar."

"Then, Brother Qinghe, please."

Chu Chen stood up, signaling for Xue Qinghe to make a move. Although both of them contained elements of boasting, the fiery intent to spar at that moment was genuine. After a brief standoff, the two clashed.

Dawn broke.

Chu Chen and Xue Qinghe lay flat on the ground, completely unconcerned with their image. It was unclear who suddenly chuckled and said, "Exhilarating!"

Xue Qinghe got up and extended a hand, pulling the lying Chu Chen to his feet. He said to the latter, "Brother Destruction, discussing the Dao with you last night was truly a fortunate event, but I must return to the imperial palace and I'm afraid I must bid farewell first."

"Until we meet again, Brother Qinghe," Chu Chen said.

This night of discussing the Dao had also brought him an abundance of gains. It seemed that during moments of deep focus, neither of them continued to dwell on the other's identity, discussing the Dao purely for its own sake, pouring out their hearts entirely.

Xue Qinghe's understanding of combat and slaughter techniques, as well as the utilization of martial souls, truly possessed unique insights.

"You and I have discussed the Dao for a night, and we should each have our gains, yet I haven't even laid eyes on Brother Destruction's true face. Could it be that you are guarding against me?" Xue Qinghe walked up to Chu Chen, offering a gentle smile.

"We're brothers already, so why mention that?"

Chu Chen laughed heartily, threw an arm around Xue Qinghe's neck, and swiftly removed his own hat.

The instantaneous contact also allowed Chu Chen to feel the softness of Xue Qinghe's body, unlike that of a man, but he paid it no mind. Instead, he heroically patted Xue Qinghe on the back and spoke in a ringing voice.

"Brother Qinghe, then until next time!"

Xue Qinghe was not at all annoyed. Raising his gaze to catch sight of Chu Chen's flawless face, he could not help but lose himself in a momentary trance.

He smiled, nodded, and slowly turned around.

Having barely taken a few steps, Xue Qinghe suddenly spoke, "Brother Destruction, that you and I met is brought about by fate, but is fate manifest, or hidden?"

Chu Chen answered with a carefree laugh, "Hidden... meaning concealment."

"Hidden... meaning concealment? Interesting." Xue Qinghe's eyes flickered with light as he departed with a sense of fulfillment.

Meanwhile, Chu Chen also took broad strides toward Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

After Xue Qinghe left, two figures materialized beside him, and one of them asked in a deep voice, "Young Master, do we need to investigate this person's background?"

"How could a Blue Silver Grass martial soul possibly cultivate to the Soul Ancestor realm? There must be something strange about it."

Xue Qinghe's expression grew cold, and he frowned. "There is no need. Brother Destruction and I are bosom friends and interact with absolute sincerity. The two elders need not interfere. He has his secrets; do I not have mine?"

"After a night of discussing the Dao with him, I felt an open and thorough clarity regarding combat and slaughter techniques and the application of my martial soul. He is quite extraordinary. Without my permission, the two elders should understand what to do."

At this moment, Chu Chen was walking leisurely toward Heaven Dou Royal Academy against the rising sun. Before long, he caught sight of the gates of Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Outside the gates, a graceful figure was gazing far into the distance, as if anticipating something.

Her gaze shifted over, locking onto Chu Chen.

Even across a vast distance, Chu Chen caught the glimmer of joy in the latter's eyes. He could not help but reveal a radiant smile as he stepped forward.