Soul Masters Who Don't Cause Trouble Aren't Good Soul Masters?

"Xue Ye's birthday?"

Lin Yuan turned and sat down in a chair, raising a brow as he picked up the teacup from the table. "Then it seems we'll have to prepare a gift."

"In my opinion, there's no need for gifts at all."

Shang Que said with a smile, "Master, you are the youngest Title Douluo on the Douluo Continent. Inviting you to attend is already giving Xue Ye face, let alone bringing him a gift."

"That may be true, but he is still the current emperor of the empire. No one would say anything if we went empty-handed, but whether we give a gift is our business, and whether they say anything is theirs."

Shang Que raised his brows. "Then what does Master intend to offer as a birthday gift? Given the Heaven Dou Empire's wealth, Gold Soul Coins would probably be too embarrassing to present."

Lin Yuan thought for a moment before taking a peculiar emerald-green ancient jade from his Soul Tool. Its lustrous texture resembled a tranquil, secluded pool, with jade-green hues flowing within it and radiating a soft, captivating glow.

The dragon carved upon it was exceptionally vigorous. Each whisker was distinct, winding down along its sharp jawline. Its scales overlapped in layers, and the exquisite craftsmanship made every scale as thin as cicada wings while keeping their patterns clear.

Opposite it was a phoenix, elegant and spirited.

Its phoenix crown rose high, formed from intricate and exquisite feather ornaments. Every feather had been carved with extreme precision, its curved arcs and delicate patterns displaying incomparable splendor.

The carved lines were minute and lifelike, as though one could see it swaying in the wind. Its gentle curves and lively form added a touch of grace to this ancient jade artifact.

Seeing this, Shang Que could not help casting him a startled look. "This is the Dragon Phoenix Ancient Jade. Master, are you sure you want to give something this precious to Xue Ye? What a waste of a priceless treasure."

"It's merely a piece of ancient jade, nothing too precious. Besides, now that I've become a Title Douluo, it has little use for me."

Lin Yuan answered indifferently.

He had seized this ancient jade from a Title Douluo many years ago. Not only could its wearer prolong their life year after year, but they would also be immune to all illnesses. Across the entire Douluo Continent, it was unquestionably an unimaginable treasure.

However, to Lin Yuan, who had already reached the realm of a Title Douluo, this ancient jade was little more than a tasteless burden—too worthless to use, yet too valuable to discard. He might as well go with the flow and give it to Xue Ye as a birthday gift.

Seeing that his master had decided to give the Dragon Phoenix Ancient Jade to Xue Ye, Shang Que said nothing further. Still, he admired his master's generosity. There were probably not many people in the entire Douluo Continent capable of such extravagance.

"Teacher, is this ancient jade really that precious?"

At that moment, Ye Lingling picked up the jade from Lin Yuan's hand and examined it carefully, asking in confusion about its value.

"To ordinary Soul Masters, this ancient jade is absolutely no less valuable than a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone. But to a Title Douluo, this Dragon Phoenix Ancient Jade is useless. If you like it, I'll personally make one for you another day."

"Really?"

Ye Lingling's eyes lit up. She excitedly threw herself into Lin Yuan's arms and said happily, "Thank you, Teacher. You're so good to me."

"I, Lin Yuan, have no other disciples in this life. You are my only direct disciple. If I'm not good to you, who else would I be good to?"

Lin Yuan rubbed Ye Lingling's short white hair and smiled gently. "Go back and rest first. On Xue Ye's birthday, come with me to the empire. I'll introduce you to a few powerful people while we're there."

"Thank you, Teacher."

Ye Lingling happily returned to her room to continue cultivating, but she was thrilled beyond measure. Clearly, she had already come to regard Lin Yuan as the most important person in her life.

Azure Dragon Shang Que personally poured Lin Yuan another cup of tea and asked calmly, "Master, aren't you treating Xue Ye too well? With his Soul King cultivation, he is as fragile as an ant before us. So why..."

"Those who achieve great things do not fuss over trifles." Lin Yuan took a sip of tea and smiled faintly. "Shang Que, remember this. Everything I'm doing today is laying the groundwork for what comes next. You'll understand what I intend to do when the time comes."

Seeing his master's confident expression, Azure Dragon Shang Que looked deeply puzzled. Dragons were naturally disinclined to think too hard, and he had no idea what his master was planning. Yet it was not difficult to tell from his expression that he was plotting something extremely important.

Lin Yuan picked up a chess piece and placed it on the board, a curve lifting at the corner of his lips. "Life is like a game of chess, and people are like chess pieces. Now that the game has begun, every faction has rushed to join this battle."

Shang Que looked at the pieces on the board, still unable to understand why his master would say such a thing. It truly was baffling.

Lin Yuan took another sip of tea, propping his chin on one hand as he stared unblinkingly at the chessboard. It was as though every move on the Douluo Continent lay upon his board, without the slightest deviation.

Over the next few days, Lin Yuan rested within the academy. Most of the children's cultivation was left to Shang Que; they only needed to follow their daily training schedule.

At the same time, Lin Yuan guaranteed that by the time of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, they would raise their Soul Power to a level no weaker than that of a Soul King.

Today was Xue Ye's birthday. In order to display his status, he had invited all powerful figures in the empire above the rank of Soul Saint to attend.

As a true Title Douluo, Lin Yuan had naturally received an invitation as well.

Within the resplendent Imperial Palace hall, countless nobles dressed in luxurious robes chatted and laughed merrily with one another. At the center of the hall sat an elderly man with snow-white hair.

The old man wore a crimson-gold robe and a Golden Diamond Radiant Heaven Crown. His face was solemn and ancient, and he looked slightly older than Prince Xue Xing. Their brows even bore a slight resemblance.

The difference was that this man possessed a bearing far beyond anything Prince Xue Xing could compare to. Though he appeared somewhat aged, simply sitting there gave others the impression that he was the very center of everything.

This man was none other than Xue Ye, emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire!

Dressed in luxurious robes, "Xue Qinghe" held a cup of clear wine and had been waiting outside for quite some time. Upon seeing Ning Fengzhi enter, he smiled. "Qinghe greets Teacher."

Ning Fengzhi nodded with a smile, helping Xue Qinghe up as he said, "Qinghe, how many times have I told you? There's no need for this."

"Teacher, there is no need to stand on ceremony. How could Qinghe accept such a formal greeting from you? If word got out, Father would be unhappy again."

Ning Fengzhi smiled faintly. After exchanging a few simple words with "Xue Qinghe," he led Sword Douluo toward Xue Ye.

"Xue Qinghe" remained there waiting. Only when he saw that familiar figure did a smile finally appear on his calm face.

He slowly stepped forward, offering the wine cup in his hand with a smile. "Senior Lin Yuan, I thought you weren't coming."

Lin Yuan smiled brightly and accepted the cup. "Since His Highness the Crown Prince personally came to invite me, if I did not come, wouldn't I be disrespecting you?"

"Xue Qinghe" glanced at Ye Lingling beside Lin Yuan. Seemingly understanding something, he made a welcoming gesture.

Inside the magnificent palace, many nobles were chatting enthusiastically with Ning Fengzhi. After all, Ning Fengzhi was the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Building a good relationship with him could only benefit these nobles.

Naturally, Ning Fengzhi welcomed everyone. Whether they were nobles or Soul Masters with fairly good talent, he was willing to exchange a few words with them.

"Teacher Lin Yuan, you've come."

At that moment, Ye Lingling's mother, Ye Yao, approached with a wine cup in hand. She was also a noble, so she had naturally been invited to the Imperial Palace to attend Xue Ye's birthday celebration.

Today, Ye Yao wore an exceptionally luxurious outfit. Combined with her curvaceous figure and beautiful features, she was undoubtedly one of the few great beauties in the hall.

As the saying went, when a woman lowered her head and could not see her toes, she was a peerless beauty. The saying suited Ye Yao perfectly.

"Mother~"

Ye Lingling walked to Ye Yao's side and gently linked arms with her. "Mother, you came so early today."

Ye Yao reached out and lightly scraped Ye Lingling's delicate nose, smiling. "It is His Majesty's birthday. The nobles arrived very early, so if I didn't come early too, wouldn't that be disrespecting Xue Ye?"

Lin Yuan glanced at the mother and daughter before walking toward Xue Ye.

Xue Ye had noticed Lin Yuan as well. Under normal circumstances, he would remain seated whenever someone came to offer birthday wishes. But this time was different. Upon seeing Lord Lin Yuan, Xue Ye actually rose from his chair and hurried toward him.

"Lord Lin Yuan, you've come."

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Lin Yuan nodded at Xue Ye and cupped his hands in greeting.

Though he did not bow, addressing him as Your Majesty was already giving Xue Ye considerable face. Had it been another Title Douluo, they would likely not even have bothered to speak.

Xue Ye nodded in satisfaction and personally rose to make a welcoming gesture, fully demonstrating how much he valued talent.

Lord Lin Yuan was only twenty years old, yet he had already become a rare Level 95 Title Douluo and possessed a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Ring. Such a gifted genius was also an unaffiliated Soul Master, so Xue Ye naturally wished to recruit him into the Heaven Dou Empire.

If Lin Yuan joined the Heaven Dou Empire, he could naturally help the empire expand its territory and become a dominant power.

"Lord Lin Yuan, there is no need to be so polite. Please, take a seat of honor."

Xue Ye personally invited Lin Yuan to sit beside him, causing many high officials and nobles in the hall to cast puzzled looks his way. They all wondered who this person was, to make His Majesty personally invite him to sit.

Even Ning Fengzhi, Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, had merely exchanged a few simple pleasantries with Xue Ye. This was enough to show that Ning Fengzhi did not hold as high a place in Xue Ye's heart as Senior Lin Yuan.

Perhaps age was a major factor.

The two Title Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect were already over seventy. Even if they did not fall in battle, they would eventually pass away from old age.

Lord Lin Yuan, however, had achieved so much while still so young. Naturally, he was greatly favored by the powerful.

Lin Yuan took out the gift he had prepared in advance from his Soul Tool and offered it over. "Your Majesty, this is called the Dragon Phoenix Ancient Jade. Its wearer will be immune to all poisons and enjoy a longer life with each passing year."

Xue Ye was in high spirits and laughed. "Hahaha, thank you, Lord Lin Yuan. You came, and that alone was enough. Why bring a gift? Please sit, please sit."

"Thank you."

Lin Yuan did not stand on ceremony. He sat down, picked up the wine cup on the table, and drank with elegant ease.

Xue Qinghe pursed his lips, glanced at his teacher, and returned to his own seat.

"Thank you all for attending my birthday celebration. I, Xue Ye, would also like to formally announce something extremely important."

Xue Ye straightened his shoulders and lightly struck the ground with the scepter in his hand. The crisp, pleasant sound instantly silenced the entire hall, and everyone wondered what His Majesty meant.

Crown Prince "Xue Qinghe" immediately understood and stepped forward. Under everyone's gaze, he knelt on one knee. At the same time, a woman dressed in luxurious robes approached while holding a tray.

On the tray rested a crown emitting a faint radiance. A ring of multicolored gemstones was embedded in it, while a blue crystal the size of a pigeon egg sat at its center, more than enough to show how valuable the crown was.

Xue Ye announced, "From this day onward, Crown Prince 'Xue Qinghe' shall formally receive his investiture. If I am absent, Crown Prince 'Xue Qinghe' may oversee the affairs of the court, preparing himself to become the next emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire."

The entire hall erupted in uproar!

The influential nobles who did not support Crown Prince "Xue Qinghe" all furrowed their brows. Was this not plainly telling the world that Crown Prince "Xue Qinghe" would become the next emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire?

Prince Xue Xing could not help tightening his grip on his wine cup, his gaze fixed gravely on Crown Prince "Xue Qinghe." He had always supported Fourth Prince Xue Beng, but what Xue Ye had done clearly told everyone that the position of Crown Prince would forever belong to "Xue Qinghe."

As the crown was placed firmly upon "Xue Qinghe's" head, the matter was confirmed.

"Xue Qinghe" deeply bowed in salute. "Thank you, Father."

"Mm." Xue Ye nodded in satisfaction and returned to his seat, drinking and conversing with Ning Fengzhi and the others.

Xue Beng clenched his fists in envy, but he understood in his heart that his own strength made it absolutely impossible for him to be a match for his elder brother.

If he stepped forward now to fight for the position of next emperor, he would probably be executed on the spot by the next day.

Prince Xue Xing's brows remained tightly drawn. He wanted to explain the matter clearly to Xue Ye, but seeing Lin Yuan and "Xue Qinghe" so close, it was obvious that the two shared an unusual relationship.

"Xue Beng, are you certain Lin Yuan has always supported you?"

Prince Xue Xing came to Xue Beng's side and used the opportunity of drinking to ask him quietly.

Xue Beng nodded and replied, "I believe in Teacher Lin Yuan. I know his character better than anyone. He will not take sides. Besides, my elder brother has only known Teacher Lin Yuan for a short time. He cannot have spent more time with Teacher Lin Yuan than I have."

Hearing Xue Beng's confident answer, Prince Xue Xing said nothing more. Since Xue Beng had already said so, how could he continue to stir things up?

If His Majesty learned of this matter, it might even bring him unnecessary trouble.

Ning Fengzhi came before Lin Yuan, bowed respectfully, and said with a smile, "Lord Lin Yuan, we truly are fated. We meet again."

"So it is Sect Master Ning. It seems we do have some fate between us."

Lin Yuan took a sip of wine, raised his head to look at the kind and amiable Ning Fengzhi, then continued, "Sect Master Ning, I heard that a disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect joined Shrek Academy, is that right?"

"That's correct." Ning Fengzhi nodded. "The person you saw last time was my daughter, Ning Rongrong. She joined Shrek Academy a year ago, and her studies have been fairly good. She has already broken through to the rank of Soul Elder."

To Ning Fengzhi, it did not matter whether the academy was good or bad, so long as it could correct his daughter's habits. Rongrong had been a little witch in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and almost no one had been willing to play with her.

If this continued, the future Ning Rongrong might become a witch capable of every evil, perhaps even bringing disaster upon the sect.

That was why Ning Fengzhi had decided to send his daughter to Shrek Academy, hoping that its education and influence would turn her into a qualified Soul Master.

When Ning Fengzhi saw her last time, Ning Rongrong was no longer the little witch who only knew how to threaten others. She had grown into a young woman, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would need her to lead its future development.

Lin Yuan smiled faintly. "Sect Master Ning, I think I should remind you of something. Shrek Academy may be an advanced Soul Master Academy, but its original name was Blue Tyrant Academy. And do you truly believe Shrek Academy's teaching standards are that good?"

Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi instinctively looked toward Sword Douluo Chen Xin beside him. He did not understand what Lord Lin Yuan meant. Could Shrek Academy have some unspeakable secret?

Lin Yuan took a sip of wine, leaned back in his chair, and asked, "Sect Master Ning, Shrek Academy has always passed down a saying."

"What saying?"

"Soul Masters who don't cause trouble aren't good Soul Masters."

Ning Fengzhi frowned slightly upon hearing this. At first, he did not see what was wrong with those words, but after giving them further thought, he realized the problem.

Shrek Academy might be a monster academy, but its students caused trouble everywhere.

Flender, the headmaster, was even worse. He claimed that Soul Masters who did not cause trouble were not good Soul Masters, which was enough to show just how detestable those words were. He and Yu Xiaogang were cut from the same cloth.

When you kill people, it is the righteous path.

When others kill people, it is evil?

You're only relying on your strength. There's no need to put on such a righteous face and look for excuses.

Why did they not dare trouble powerful Title Douluo? Wasn't it simply because they were not strong enough to bully Soul Masters of that level?