The Game Is Afoot—Now We'll See Who Has the Last Laugh

The Game Is Afoot... Now We'll See Who Has the Last Laugh

Lin Yuan's words plunged Ning Fengzhi into deep thought.

He had originally believed that although Shrek Academy was somewhat unconventional, it could at least nurture outstanding soul masters. In particular, Flender and Yu Xiaogang were well-known, and Shrek Academy's students had indeed begun to make a name for themselves across the continent.

However, Lin Yuan's words made him realize that Shrek Academy's culture of "causing trouble" might not be as simple as it appeared on the surface.

After pondering for a moment, Ning Fengzhi slowly said, "Lord Lin Yuan, are you saying... that there is a problem with Shrek Academy's teaching philosophy?"

Lin Yuan smiled faintly, set down his wine cup, and looked deeply at Ning Fengzhi. "Sect Master Ning, while the world of soul masters does revere strength above all else, blindly pursuing trouble and conflict will only make soul masters lose their reverence for power."

"Although Shrek Academy's students are exceptionally gifted, their conduct often lacks restraint, and some are even utterly reckless. If this continues, I fear it will not only bring trouble upon themselves, but also unnecessary risks to their clans and sects."

Ning Fengzhi frowned tightly. Lin Yuan's words had clearly struck a chord within him.

As the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, he knew full well how important a sect's reputation and stability were.

If Ning Rongrong picked up this habit of "causing trouble" at Shrek Academy, it might bring unforeseeable consequences to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect in the future.

Sword Douluo Chen Xin also nodded slightly from the side, clearly agreeing with Lin Yuan. He said in a deep voice, "Fengzhi, if this matter is truly as Lin Yuan says, then Rongrong really cannot remain at Shrek Academy."

Ning Fengzhi looked at Sword Douluo beside him and asked, "Uncle Sword, do you believe this as well?"

Sword Douluo believed it without a doubt. It seemed as though he had heard such words before.

"Although Shrek Academy has trained quite a few geniuses, their way of handling things is indeed somewhat too aggressive. Rongrong is still young. If she grows up in such an environment, I fear it will have a harmful effect on her temperament."

Ning Fengzhi took a deep breath and slowly nodded. "It seems I need to reconsider whether Rongrong should stay or leave."

Seeing this, Lin Yuan smiled faintly and continued, "Sect Master Ning, I have no intention of interfering with your decision. I am merely reminding you as a friend. While a soul master's growth certainly requires experience, the cultivation of one's character is equally important. If one blindly pursues power while neglecting the shaping of one's character, the road ahead will only grow narrower."

Ning Fengzhi nodded solemnly and bowed to Lin Yuan. "Thank you for your reminder, Lord Lin Yuan. I will consider it carefully."

Just then, Xue Ye's voice rang out once more, interrupting everyone's thoughts.

Xue Ye raised his wine cup and declared loudly, "Everyone, today is not only my birthday, but also an important moment for the future of the Heaven Dou Empire. The Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe, has officially been granted the right to inherit the throne. Under his leadership, the Heaven Dou Empire will continue to flourish and prosper!"

The great hall immediately erupted in applause and congratulations. The nobles raised their cups one after another, paying their respects to Xue Ye and Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.

Yet Lin Yuan's gaze remained fixed on Xue Qinghe, and a meaningful glint flashed through his eyes.

He quietly said to Shang Que beside him, "Shang Que, what do you think of His Highness the Crown Prince?"

Shang Que was slightly taken aback before replying in a low voice, "Master, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe appears refined and gentle on the surface, but I always feel that he hides himself deeply. He does not seem as simple as he looks."

Lin Yuan nodded lightly, a faint smile curling at his lips. "You're right. His Highness the Crown Prince... is far more than an ordinary heir."

At this, confusion flashed through Shang Que's eyes. But seeing that Lin Yuan had no intention of explaining further, he did not press the matter.

The banquet continued. Lin Yuan kept conversing with Ning Fengzhi and the others. The atmosphere appeared harmonious, but undercurrents surged beneath the surface.

Everyone had their own calculations, while Lin Yuan quietly placed his own pieces upon this chessboard.

After the banquet ended, Lin Yuan left the Imperial Palace with Ye Lingling.

As they walked back to the academy, Ye Lingling could not help asking, "Teacher, what did you say to Sect Master Ning just now? His expression seemed rather grave."

Lin Yuan smiled faintly and patted Ye Lingling's head. "Nothing much. I merely reminded him of a few things. Ling Ling, remember this: although the world of soul masters reveres strength above all else, cultivating one's character is equally important. On the road ahead, you must walk more steadily and go farther."

Ye Lingling nodded as if she understood, a determined look flashing through her eyes. "Teacher, I understand. I will definitely cultivate diligently and not let down your expectations."

Lin Yuan nodded in satisfaction, gazing into the distance as he silently calculated his next plans.

He knew that the upheavals of Douluo Continent had only just begun, and he had long since seized the initiative in this game.

"The game is afoot. Now... we'll see who has the last laugh."

Lin Yuan murmured softly, a sharp gleam flashing through his eyes.

After returning to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Lin Yuan went back to his room to begin cultivating, striving to break through to the realm of a Level 95 Title Douluo as soon as possible.

Based on his current cultivation progress, breaking through to Level 95 Title Douluo would not be difficult. With another month or so, he would basically be able to step into that realm.

After a soul master broke through to the Title Douluo realm, every further level became extraordinarily difficult. This was especially true at Level 95 Title Douluo; some people might spend their entire lives without ever breaking through to Level 96 Title Douluo.

Take Bone Douluo Gu Rong of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, for example. He had strived for an entire lifetime, yet his realm had ultimately remained fixed at Level 95 Title Douluo.

As for Dugu Bo, there was even less need to mention him.

Had the poison within his body not been cured, he would likely have remained a Level 91 Title Douluo for the rest of his life, utterly incapable of breaking through to Level 92 Title Douluo. That was why he was called the weakest Title Douluo in history.

Even a Soul Douluo could easily defeat him.

With a slight movement of Lin Yuan's thoughts, a special azure panel quietly appeared before him.

Name: Lin Yuan

Soul Power: Level 94 Title Douluo

Martial Soul: Asura Demon Sword (God-grade)

Soul Rings: Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, Black, Black, Red, Red!

Soul Bones: Complete

Domains: Divine Slaughter's Domain, Asura Domain

Total Kills: 5592

Total Soul Beasts: 136

Looking at his level and the quality of his soul rings on the panel, Lin Yuan nodded in satisfaction. If he could raise his soul rings to one million years in the future, his strength would reach an unimaginable new height.

Even gods might not be able to withstand an attack from someone whose soul rings had all reached one million years.