Xuan Qing watched Xue Qinghe show up uninvited and rolled his eyes helplessly.
"Your Highness, you come running over here every few days. Don't you have anything better to do? Is there nothing to handle in the palace? Have you finished all your state affairs?"
Xue Qinghe sat down with a cheerful grin, making himself right at home. These days, he visited Dugu Manor more often than he returned to his own East Palace.
"What kind of thing is that to say? I came to see you on business, not to mooch a meal—though the food here really is pretty good."
Xuan Qing curled his lip.
"Whenever you come to see me, you're either fishing for gossip or asking about secrets ordinary people don't know. What business could you possibly have? Let's hear it. I'm all ears."
Xue Qinghe dropped his playful expression.
"This time, it really is serious. The Soul Fighting Tournament for Advanced Soul Master Academies across the continent begins in about a year."
"I'd like you to compete on behalf of Heaven Dou Royal Academy. It's also Father's wish."
"The Heaven Dou Empire has hardly ever won the championship. We have to take it this time. Besides, the tournament's rewards are generous. I hear there's a Soul Bone."
"If you compete, we won't take a single coin from the championship reward. It'll all go to you."
Xuan Qing raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.
He remembered that in the original story, Shrek had become famous throughout the continent thanks to this tournament.
"Calling in outside help again? Well, fair enough. The odds of Yanzi reaching Soul King in a year aren't great."
"This is also the strongest team you've had in decades. Of course you want to make sure the championship stays in your hands."
Xue Qinghe nodded.