The school bell rang, interrupting Qin Ming's thoughts. Qin Ming stood on the podium, but did not rush to open his lesson plan. His expression was somewhat solemn, and his gaze swept over the students sitting below, finally lingering on Zhu Zhuqing for a moment.
"Before we begin today's lesson, there's something I must do first." Qin Ming stepped down from the podium and, under everyone's gaze, bowed deeply towards Zhu Zhuqing. " Zhuqing, regarding last night's incident, as the teacher in charge, I failed to detect the danger lurking in the shadows immediately, leading to your perilous situation. This is my dereliction of duty, and I apologize to you."
Zhu Zhuqing, who had been tidying up her notes, was startled. She quickly stood up and waved her hand somewhat awkwardly, " Teacher Qin, please don't say that. The enemy was just too cunning, and I came back safely in the end. It's really nothing..."
Qin Ming straightened up, his expression still serious. "Responsibility is responsibility. This kind of thing can be fatal on the battlefield. I hope everyone will take this as a warning."
After calming himself down, Qin Ming returned to the podium, his tone becoming more relaxed. "Alright, the unpleasant things are over. It's almost time for the annual holiday, and I've witnessed firsthand the improvement in the talent of the Royal Fighting Team members this year. Especially their time working together at the Heaven Dou Grand Arena has shown me that this team is gradually becoming truly united. As your teacher, I'm very pleased."
Qin Ming tapped the table and looked around the room. "Although the annual holiday is a time for relaxation, I hope everyone can make full use of it. Cultivate diligently and don't waste this precious holiday. After all, when you return from the holiday, the preliminary rounds of the next Continental Elite High-Level Soul Master Academy Tournament won't be far away."
Upon hearing this, Gu Tian thought for a moment. The Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament was jointly organized by the Heaven Dou Empire, the Star Luo Empire, and the Spirit Hall. It was held every five years, with the final venue rotating in turn. In addition, the competition was limited to formal students of advanced Soul Master Academy, and participants had to be under the age of 25.
The next Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament is expected to be held the year after next. However, participating academies usually need to select their teams a year in advance. Each academy can usually send two teams to participate. Therefore, after the start of the new semester next year, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy will hold an internal election to select the two best teams to participate in the second year's Advanced Soul Master Tournament.
However, the others had their minds elsewhere from the Soul Master Tournament.
"Yay! Holiday time!"
"Finally, I can go home and have a good meal!"
When the students in the audience heard that they would be on holiday, they burst into enthusiastic cheers. Everyone was eager to pack their bags and start relaxing right away.
However, the lesson was only halfway through when a rapid knocking on the door suddenly interrupted Qin Ming's lecture.
"Please come in." Qin Ming frowned.
The door was pushed open, and a royal soldier clad in gleaming silver armor strode in. He didn't look at anyone else, walked straight to Qin Ming, and pulled out a purple-gold token engraved with Swan relief from his robes.
"Teacher Qin Ming, His Highness the Crown Prince has urgent business and summons Gu Tian to the palace immediately." The soldier's voice was deep and powerful, carrying the unique majesty of royalty.
Upon seeing the token, Qin Ming's expression turned serious. He turned to Gu Tian and said, " Gu Tian, since His Highness the Crown Prince has summoned you, you should go ahead. Rongrong will help you compile a set of notes for today's lesson later."
Gu Tian stood up, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.
Why is Qian Renxue in such a hurry to see him now? Could it be that she's worried something might happen to Xue Ke at the villa?
Although Gu Tian had a thousand guesses in his heart, he showed no sign on his face. He gave Xiao Wu and Na'er a reassuring gesture, and then followed the soldier out of the classroom.
At the academy gate, a luxurious royal carriage had been waiting for some time. Gu Tian boarded the carriage, and accompanied by the crisp sound of hooves, it sped towards the very center of Heaven Dou City.
In fact, this was Gu Tian's first time truly entering the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace. Previously, Xue Qinghe would visit him at the academy in a private capacity, or the two would meet secretly at the Grand Auction House.
The carriage passed through numerous heavily guarded city gates and finally stopped before a magnificent palace complex surrounded by high walls. The architecture here was extremely luxurious, with every pillar inlaid with precious gems, and royal banners fluttering in the wind everywhere.
Led by the soldiers, Gu Tian walked through winding corridors and arrived at a quiet but heavily guarded palace. There was not much noise here, and the air was filled with a faint sandalwood fragrance.
"His Highness the Crown Prince is waiting for you inside." The soldier stopped and bowed.
Gu Tian looked up at the plaque that read " Crown Prince Palace," took a deep breath, and gently knocked on the heavy vermilion gate.
"Thump, thump, thump."
"Please come in." Xue Qinghe's gentle and refined voice came from inside the house, but it sounded slightly urgent at this moment.
After receiving Xue Qinghe's permission, Gu Tian pushed open the door and entered. The first thing that caught his eye was the spacious and elegant side hall of the bedroom.
At this moment, Xue Qinghe stood quietly with his back to the main gate, beside a tall French window. Outside the window was a royal garden in full bloom, and sunlight shone on his light gold robe, outlining a proud and profound silhouette. Hearing the door open, Xue Qinghe did not turn around immediately, but instead let out a soft sigh.
"Brother Qinghe, why did you call me over in such a hurry? What brings you here?" Gu Tian asked calmly as he closed the door.
Xue Qinghe slowly turned around, a complex smile appearing on his face, which was perfectly disguised by the mask. He walked slowly to the sofa in the living room, gestured for Gu Tian to sit down, and then personally picked up the exquisite celadon teapot and poured Gu Tian a cup of steaming hot tea.
"Brother Gu Tian, have some tea first." Xue Qinghe sat down on the sofa opposite Gu Tian, her tone gentle yet tinged with a tentative urgency. "Actually, I wanted to ask about what happened last night."
Gu Tian picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said, "Last night? Wasn't everything fine last night? Zhu Zhuqing was rescued safely."
"No, I'm not referring to the kidnapping case." Xue Qinghe stared into Gu Tian's eyes, leaning forward slightly, his tone becoming serious. "I don't know if you remember, but last night before I left, I subconsciously touched your arm. In that instant... Brother Gu Tian, did you sense anything unusual?"
Gu Tian's heart skipped a beat. Of course, he knew what Xue Qinghe was asking. At that moment Ao Linxi was practically screaming in his Sea of Consciousness to remind him—it was a divine-level resonance between the Six-Winged Angel essence within Qian Renxue and the Light Dragon King Aria within Gu Tian.