Situation, Seeds

Leaving Xue Ye's study, Xiao Yin felt somewhat conflicted.

He actually agreed with Xue Ye's views.

Though Spirit Hall was powerful, it was fundamentally a religious Soul Master organization. Its core interests lay in the privileges and expansion of the Soul Master class.

If it were allowed to unify the continent, only a small number of Soul Masters would benefit. For the vast majority of commoners, it might not be a blessing.

The existence of a nation, especially a regime like the Heaven Dou Empire—relatively stable, culturally prosperous, and still capable of providing basic order for commoners—served an irreplaceable social function.

Compared to the Star Luo Empire's model of founding a nation purely through force, with its twisted and brutal imperial succession and rigid class hierarchy, the Heaven Dou Empire's comparatively moderate atmosphere truly suited Xiao Yin's preferences better.

Xue Ye does not have much time left. Qian Renxue is about to ascend the throne... Things are getting interesting.

As he thought, Xiao Yin did not slow his steps. He turned and headed straight for the Eastern Palace—the residence of Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.

He wanted to meet this "Crown Prince." Some words and matters needed to be clarified face-to-face.

When the Eastern Palace guards saw Xiao Yin, they had clearly received prior instructions. They did not stop him and respectfully led him inside.

When Xiao Yin entered the sitting room, Qian Renxue, in the guise of Xue Qinghe, was standing before the window with her back to the door, seemingly admiring the courtyard scenery outside.

"Marquis of Wu'an, your arrival honors this place. Forgive me for failing to welcome you from afar."

Qian Renxue—still referred to as Xue Qinghe from here on—turned around. A perfectly measured, gentle smile rested on her face, and her eyes were calm and unruffled,