Chapter 43

Early that morning, Xuan Qing was eating breakfast inside Dugu Manor.

Just as he was eating, a servant came to report that Crown Prince Xue Qinghe had come to visit. Xuan Qing set down his bowl and chopsticks and wiped his mouth.

"The debt collector is here; this meal won't be finished in peace."

Dugu Bo laughed and scolded him.

"Don't be a brat who gets a bargain and still complains. The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud is a national treasure regardless; getting it just for fighting two matches is a massive profit for you."

Xuan Qing shrugged.

"That's because they don't know how to use it. If it were in my hands, who knows, it might actually shine and generate heat. Alright, let's go take a look; no sense in keeping them waiting."

The four of them arrived at the front hall, where Xue Qinghe was already waiting.

"Brother Xuan Qing, good morning. I hope I haven't disturbed your rest."

Xuan Qing waved his hand.

"When the Crown Prince himself comes to invite me, how could I dare say it's a disturbance?"

"The Exchange Tournament is today, right? Let's go then. The sooner we finish fighting, the sooner I can come back and sleep."

The corner of Xue Qinghe's mouth twitched. Sleep?

People would kill for a tournament of this caliber, yet this guy was only thinking about sleeping. It really is true that comparing people only leads to frustration.

"It is indeed today. The carriage is already prepared. We shall head directly to Heaven Dou Royal Academy; the people from the other academies should have already arrived."

The four of them boarded the carriage and headed toward the academy. The carriage was quite spacious, so it didn't feel crowded at all.

The group's arrival caused quite a stir as they stepped out. The students all wore expressions of fear upon seeing Dugu Bo; his reputation in Heaven Dou City was quite formidable.

Although many people didn't recognize Zi Ji, the news about her two hundred-thousand-year spirit rings had already spread.

While most people thought it was just bragging, there is no smoke without fire. Anyone capable of standing on equal footing with Dugu Bo couldn't possibly be simple.

As for Xuan Qing, only a few knew his background, such as those family disciples who had heard about him from their elders.

The gazes they directed at Xuan Qing were filled with awe, jealousy, and fighting spirit. Geniuses always enjoy challenging those who are even more talented than themselves.

Xuan Qing paid almost no attention to the crowd and went straight to the VIP seating area, where many people were already seated.

The most prominent figures were Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin, who were sitting beside Emperor Xue Ye.

Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing were standing behind them. Upon seeing Xuan Qing, Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up, while Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head slightly.

Xuan Qing was visibly surprised to see Zhu Zhuqing; he hadn't expected to meet her here, but he didn't ask any questions. This was clearly not the place for idle chatter.

He cupped his hands slightly toward Emperor Xue Ye, Ning Fengzhi, and Chen Xin as a greeting, then did the same toward the several Spirit Douluo deans.

The deans hurriedly returned the gesture.

Emperor Xue Ye said with a smile.

"Little friend Xuan Qing, today depends on you. The face of Heaven Dou Royal Academy rests entirely on your shoulders."

Xuan Qing nodded.

"Your Majesty, rest assured. Since I have given my word, I will naturally do my utmost. However, I can only guarantee a win; as for how I win or by how much, that will depend on the situation."

Hearing this, Xue Ye also smiled and Kaidō.

"Good! With those words, I am at ease. Winning is enough; how you win doesn't matter. I want the result."

Xuan Qing didn't say anything more and looked toward the arena below.

The arena was massive, surrounded by students from every academy. Those from the elemental academies were sitting in the front, radiating a powerful aura.

"Crown Prince, can you tell me about the opponents? Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory."

Xue Qinghe nodded slightly and began to introduce them.

"There are five strongest individuals."

"Huo Wushuang and Huo Wu, the siblings from Blazing Fire Academy, are level thirty-six and level thirty-eight respectively."

"Yu Tianxin from Thunder Academy, level thirty-nine."

"Feng Xiaotian from Godwind Academy, level thirty-eight; his strength is formidable and not to be underestimated."

"Finally, there is Shui Bing'er from Skywater Academy, level thirty-seven. She is quite strong, but you should pay attention to her younger sister, Shui Yue'er. It is said she is a hopeless romantic who can't walk straight once she sees a handsome man."

Xuan Qing rolled his eyes at him.

"If you're going through menopause, I can help introduce you to some serious people."

Xue Qinghe nearly choked on her breath. She was only in the prime of her youth, yet she was being told she had menopause!

Endure! Must endure! Suppress the urge to strangle this bastard.

She took a deep breath to suppress her anger.

"The battle modes are one-on-one and team battles. Individual matches in the morning, team battles in the afternoon."

"If someone sets up a challenge, we fight the arena. If no one sets one up, we draw lots to decide the order. However, I don't think anyone wants to be the one to stand out today."

His eyes darted around as he came up with an idea.

"How about I make the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud the grand prize? That way, if you win, you can take it away fair and square, no one can say a word, and it'll motivate the others to fight with everything they've got."

Xuan Qing looked at him with an expression of utter disdain.

"If you're going to offer a prize, make it something practical, like a thousand-year spirit bone or a few tens of thousands of Gold Soul Coins."

"That thing? Who would want it besides me? If you use it as a prize, what are they supposed to do with it after winning? Use it as a paperweight? Even if it is a national treasure."

"Besides, you never know what people might say behind your back—'Look at this royal family, are they really that broke? They don't even have anything decent to offer.'"

Xue Qinghe nearly spat out a mouthful of blood; the sarcasm was too sharp, yet it somehow made sense.

Although the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was a national treasure, no one knew how to use it, so using it as a prize was indeed a bit... questionable.

"Heh, Brother Xuan Qing, could you at least save me some face in public? Even if that thing is useless, it's still a national treasure."

Xuan Qing stopped bothering with him and cast his gaze toward the preparation area below.

Huo Wu made a throat-slitting gesture with a provocative look, while Huo Wushuang clenched his fists until they creaked.

Yu Tianxin's fighting spirit was even more intense.

Feng Xiaotian and Shui Bing'er were relatively calm, but their eyes also burned with the desire to challenge.

Shui Yue'er, however, looked like a lovestruck fan, staring at Xuan Qing and muttering to herself.

"So handsome... he's so handsome even at this age, what will he be like when he grows up?"

Shui Bing'er helplessly tugged at her younger sister.

"Yue'er, stop daydreaming. We're opponents right now, be serious."

Shui Yue'er chuckled.

"Sister, you don't understand. With a little brother this handsome, who knows? Maybe we'll spark some romance while we fight, and then, hehehe..."

Shui Bing'er couldn't be bothered to respond; this sister of hers was beyond saving.

Xuan Qing scanned the area and felt confident; these people all possessed decent strength.

"Since no one is willing to be the first defender, I'll fire the opening shot."

Xuan Qing stood up and walked toward the arena.

Dugu Bo was slightly stunned but still spoke up.

"What's the rush? In such a hurry to go back to sleep?"

Xuan Qing glanced at him sideways.

"I'm only ten years old this year, I'm at the age where I'm still growing. What's wrong with sleeping more? A decrepit old man like you, whose growth stopped decades ago, wouldn't understand."

"Bang!"

The teacup in Dugu Bo's hand shattered!

Everyone else stared at him in bewilderment. Given this physique and height, how could he possibly be ten years old?

By now, Xuan Qing had already leaped onto the arena.

"Level 37 Power Attack System Soul Elder, setting up the arena here. Is there any friend willing to offer some pointers?"