The Red-Clad Archbishop

"Good!"

Qin Yao stepped forward and helped the two women to their feet himself.

"From today on, you're under my protection."

His movements were gentle.

"Since you're mine, I'll naturally protect you. It doesn't matter if it's a prince—even Xue Ye won't be able to lay a finger on you."

Hearing this, Dugu Yan felt a surge of satisfaction.

She thought gleefully, That bastard Xue Beng finally kicked an iron plate this time.

Still, Prince Xue Xing stood behind Xue Beng. The prince had deep roots in Heaven Dou City and was greatly trusted by Emperor Xue Ye.

But then she reconsidered. His Highness the Holy Son now had the entire Worship Hall behind him. Dealing with a prince and his uncle shouldn't be a problem.

"Lingling, Clan Head Ye."

Qin Yao's voice interrupted Dugu Yan's thoughts. "Since you've chosen to follow me, I'll make sure you're safe."

He paused, then continued, "Lingling, in three days, I'll go with you and see just what Xue Beng is trying to pull."

Ye Lingling nodded gratefully, and Ye Shutang bowed again in thanks.

"However, I have a few things to take care of soon, so I'll be staying in Heaven Dou City for now."

Qin Yao made the arrangements.

"When I return to Spirit City, you can come with me.

"In the meantime, tomorrow I'll arrange for you to take up posts at the Martial Soul Sacred Hall in Heaven Dou City."

Ye Shutang listened quietly and had no objections to the arrangement.

Qin Yao thought for a moment, then added, "Clan Head Ye, given your strength and the unique nature of your Martial Soul, an ordinary post wouldn't suit you. I'll appoint you as a Red-Clad Archbishop for now."

The moment he said this, the medical hall fell silent.

Ye Shutang was completely stunned.

A Red-Clad Archbishop?

In Spirit Hall's hierarchy, that was already an absolute high-ranking position.

In a provincial region, the Red-Clad Archbishop was the highest authority in the local Spirit Hall.

Even in imperial capitals like Heaven Dou City and Star Luo City, the position ranked second only to the Platinum Bishop.

Dugu Yan's mouth fell open, her face full of disbelief.

Her grandfather was a Titled Douluo, yet he had only been given an elder's post at Spirit Hall.

But Aunt Ye was only a Soul Emperor—and she was being appointed Red-Clad Archbishop outright?

It was clear just how highly Qin Yao valued the Nine Heart Begonia. His regard for it had reached an almost unbelievable level.

Qin Yao had his reasons, of course.

A top-tier healing-type Soul Master could, at times, hold greater strategic value than a Titled Douluo.

Besides, Qin Yao could tell that Ye Shutang wasn't very old. As long as she trained hard and received the aid of an Immortal Herb, she could reach the Titled Douluo level. A Nine Heart Begonia at that level would be immensely valuable.

Who could guarantee they'd never be injured in their lifetime?

Especially in battles between high-level fighters, a super healer who could turn the tide in an instant was the ultimate dream of every faction.

Of course, healing alone wasn't enough. Enhancement and support were just as important.

Unfortunately, Ning Fengzhi of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was too stubborn. Otherwise, Qin Yao could have found a way to make contact with him.

Perhaps, after settling matters in the Heaven Dou Empire, he should pay a visit to the Star Luo Empire and meet the Star Crown Sect, which had become part of the Star Luo Imperial Family in the years since.

After taking care of Ye Lingling's affairs, dusk gradually fell.

Ye Shutang urged Qin Yao to stay several times, so he accepted her invitation and joined them for a simple meal.

The atmosphere at the table was much more relaxed. Ye Shutang asked about Dugu Yan's training at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, her words full of concern.

After dinner, Qin Yao rose to leave.

Before going, he said to Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan, "Lingling, if you don't want to keep attending Heaven Dou Royal Academy, you can withdraw right away.

"You can go train in Sunset Forest with Yanzi. I'll have Dugu Bo keep an eye on you. Or you can study at one of Spirit Hall's own Soul Master Academies. It's up to you."

Ye Lingling nodded, and the last trace of uncertainty about her future vanished from her heart.

After leaving the medical hall, Qin Yao's figure flickered several times, then disappeared into the night.

The Crown Prince's Residence, rear garden.

Qin Yao skillfully slipped past every visible and hidden guard, landing silently beside the stone pavilion.

A golden figure had been waiting there for some time.

Qian Renxue had changed out of her elaborate palace robes and into plain clothes. Her long golden hair fell loosely around her shoulders. She looked less like a dignified crown prince and more like a gentle young woman.

When she saw Qin Yao, she came forward of her own accord and let him pull her into his arms.

They held each other quietly for a while before Qin Yao began recounting what had happened at Heaven Dou Royal Academy that day.

"Xue Beng?" Qian Renxue leaned against him, her tone disdainful. "That idiot can do nothing but eat, drink, and have fun, and he dares to lay a hand on someone under your protection?"

"He's an idiot, but Prince Xue Xing isn't."

Qin Yao released her hand and led her to sit in the stone pavilion.

"Prince Xue Xing has opposed me for years. Relying on Xue Ye's favor, he's tripped me up more times than I can count. Xue Beng, who knows nothing but how to indulge himself, is just a pawn he uses to flaunt the royal family's authority."

Qian Renxue's voice turned cold.

"But he's made a mistake if he thinks he can use the Nine Heart Begonia to strengthen his own forces."

"Now that I've taken them in, I'll have to settle this matter," Qin Yao said.

Qian Renxue lifted her head, her golden hair gleaming softly in the moonlight.

"How do you plan to settle it? Kill Xue Beng outright? That wouldn't be wise. Old Xue Ye may be gravely ill, but he hasn't lost his wits.

"Xue Beng is the only prince left now. If he died unexpectedly, Xue Ye would investigate it to the bitter end. Heaven Dou City would be locked down, and that would hurt our plans."

"I have it under control," Qin Yao said.

Qian Renxue looked at him, then suddenly let out a light laugh.

"You're always so domineering."

Qin Yao pulled Qian Renxue closer, wrapping his arm around her waist until she was pressed snugly against him.

"How else could I win your heart, Xue'er?"

His voice was low, his warm breath brushing past Qian Renxue's ear.

Her body stiffened slightly, and a faint blush rose on her cheeks. She gave Qin Yao's chest a light push, but without any force.

"You're always teasing me."

Her voice held a hint of coyness, though it was hard to tell whether she was pleased or annoyed.

Qin Yao chuckled softly and rested his chin on the crown of her head, savoring the feel of her silky hair.

"By the way, Xue'er, what level is your Soul Power now?" Qin Yao suddenly asked.

"I just absorbed a Soul Ring, and I've stabilized at level sixty-two."

Qian Renxue leaned against him, her voice muffled.

"What about you? It's been more than half a year. You must have made another huge leap."

"Not bad. I'm level fifty-three." Qin Yao sounded casual, as if it were nothing worth mentioning.

Qian Renxue lifted her head from his arms.

Level fifty-three?

She remembered that a little over half a year ago, he had only just reached level fifty-one.