A Guest from the Heaven Clan! Xue Qinghe Comes Calling!

The next morning, at dawn.

Zhao Tian slowly opened his eyes, and a flash of golden light flickered deep within his pupils before vanishing.

Feeling the surging Soul Power within him, he raised the corners of his mouth slightly.

He had broken through.

After a night of arduous cultivation, the body-tempering method of the fourth level of the Radiant Divine Canon had finally been unlocked in the early hours of the morning, and his Soul Power had broken through to level twenty-five.

A level-twenty-five Soul Grandmaster.

Although he was still five levels away from level thirty, Zhao Tian could clearly feel that the improvement brought by this breakthrough far exceeded those of the past.

Every time the Radiant Divine Canon broke through a level, it would comprehensively strengthen the Four Cultivation Systems.

His Soul Power had become more condensed, his body more resilient, his soul more perceptive, and his control over his soul skills more precise.

"Level twenty-five..."

Zhao Tian rose from the bed and stretched his limbs. The bones throughout his body crackled crisply.

He walked to the window, pushed it open, and took a deep breath of the morning air.

In the courtyard, Ning Rongrong was tempering her body as usual.

This girl now got up early to train every day without fail. It had already become a habit.

"Zhao Tian! You're awake!"

Seeing Zhao Tian by the window, Ning Rongrong happily waved at him.

"The kitchen made some new pastries today. Hurry down and try them!"

Zhao Tian smiled and turned to go downstairs.

He was halfway through breakfast when a disciple hurried over.

"Young Sect Master, Sect Master asks you to go to the main hall. He says an honored guest has arrived."

Zhao Tian put down his chopsticks and frowned slightly.

An honored guest?

Who would come to visit so early in the morning?

"Rongrong, you eat first. I'll go take a look."

Zhao Tian stood up.

"Rongrong's going too!"

Ning Rongrong quickly put down her bowl, wiped her mouth, and followed Zhao Tian.

Inside the sect's main hall, Ning Fengzhi was sitting opposite a young man.

The boy looked to be just over ten years old. He had a slender build and wore an elegant, light-gold brocade robe. His long hair was held up by a jade crown, and his features were as exquisite as those of someone from a painting.

His features were extraordinarily handsome, and a natural nobility lingered between his brows. Every gesture he made exuded an unhurried composure.

When Zhao Tian entered the hall and saw the boy, his footsteps paused slightly.

This guy...

That appearance instantly brought a name to mind.

Qian Renxue!

No, more precisely, it was Qian Renxue disguised as a man and presenting herself as the Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe.

A storm rose in Zhao Tian's heart, but his expression remained unchanged as he quickly stepped forward and bowed.

"Disciple Zhao Tian greets Teacher."

"Greetings... Young Master."

Seeing Zhao Tian arrive, Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly.

"Tian'er, come. I'll introduce you to someone."

"This is His Highness the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Qinghe."

"Your Highness, this is my useless disciple, Zhao Tian."

Xue Qinghe stood up, his black eyes settling on Zhao Tian with scrutiny and curiosity.

His gaze lingered on Zhao Tian's face for several breaths before he smiled and gave a slight nod.

" Young Master Zhao, I've long heard of you."

"I heard about your exploits in Spirit City long ago. I've read that poem, Bring in the Wine, three times, and it left me deeply shaken."

"I've taken the liberty of coming here today because I wanted to see this rare talent, accomplished in both letters and arms, with my own eyes."

Zhao Tian bowed slightly, neither servile nor overbearing. "Your Highness flatters me. My humble reputation is nothing worth mentioning."

Xue Qinghe laughed softly. His laughter was clear and pleasant, carrying the bright clarity unique to a young man.

" Young Master Zhao is too modest."

"I also read your new poem from two days ago."

"'Do not say this land is not my home; wherever this heart finds peace is my state.' Even the Emperor praised these lines without end."

"Besides paying my respects to Teacher today, I have also come on my father's orders to convey his praise to Young Master Zhao."

Ning Fengzhi raised his brows slightly at this. "His Majesty knows about it too?"

Xue Qinghe nodded. "The poem has now spread throughout Heaven Dou City. The court officials are all competing to copy it, so naturally, my father has seen it as well."

"My father said that anyone capable of writing such lines must have the world and loyalty in his heart."

"He asked me to convey his regards to Young Master Zhao and invite you to visit Heaven Dou City when you have the opportunity. He is willing to receive you personally."

At these words, the several elders in the hall all revealed shocked expressions.

A personal invitation from Emperor Xue Ye was no ordinary honor.

Zhao Tian was also slightly stunned, but he quickly returned to his composure.

"His Majesty's favor humbles this disciple."

"If the opportunity arises, I will certainly visit him and offer my thanks in person."

Xue Qinghe nodded in satisfaction before sitting down again and chatting idly with Ning Fengzhi.

Zhao Tian sat to one side, appearing to listen quietly while his mind raced.

Qian Renxue had appeared as Xue Qinghe. On the surface, she had come to convey Emperor Xue Ye's praise, but in reality, she likely had another purpose.

She was a hidden piece of Spirit Hall's strategy, having infiltrated the Heaven Dou Empire for years with the goal of seizing control of the Heaven Dou imperial family's power.

Had she come to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect simply to establish ties, or did she want to recruit him?

Or perhaps... had she come to test him?

Zhao Tian observed Xue Qinghe's words and actions without revealing anything, discovering that her disguise was indeed flawless.

Whether it was her tone of voice, the range of her movements, or the subtle changes in her eyes, everything perfectly matched the image of a Heaven Dou crown prince.

If Zhao Tian had not possessed the memories of his previous life, it would have been impossible for him to see through her disguise.

"Young Master Zhao."

Xue Qinghe suddenly turned toward Zhao Tian.

"I heard that your Radiant Phoenix Spirit is extraordinary, and that your cultivation talent is unparalleled among your peers."

"I wonder if Young Master Zhao would be interested in pursuing your studies at Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"

Heaven Dou Royal Academy?

Zhao Tian's heart stirred.

In the original story, Heaven Dou Royal Academy was the highest-level Soul Master Academy in the Heaven Dou Empire, gathering young geniuses from across the continent.

If he could study there, he would indeed gain access to more resources and talented people.

But Zhao Tian knew that Xue Qinghe's suggestion was definitely not merely for the sake of his academic development.

"Thank you for Your Highness's kind offer."

Zhao Tian bowed slightly.

"However, this disciple's Soul Power is still shallow, and I need to establish a solid foundation within the sect. For the time being, I have no plans to leave."

"After I break through to a higher level in the future, I will consider seeking education outside."

A nearly imperceptible glint flashed through Xue Qinghe's eyes, but the smile on his face remained gentle and refined.

"Young Master Zhao is right. Cultivation should indeed not be rushed."

"Then I'll look forward to seeing Young Master Zhao accomplish great things in the future."

After seeing Xue Qinghe off, Zhao Tian returned to the rear courtyard and sat on a stone bench, falling into deep thought.

Ning Rongrong followed him over, sat beside him, and tilted her head as she looked at him.

"Zhao Tian, what are you thinking about?"

"Nothing."

Zhao Tian shook his head.

"I just feel that... His Highness the Crown Prince is not simple."

Ning Rongrong blinked. "What's so unusual about him? Isn't he just a little better-looking?"

Zhao Tian glanced at her without explaining.

Some things would only make her worry for no reason if he told her.

But he had already become secretly more vigilant.

Qian Renxue had noticed him.

With her methods and scheming, today was only their first contact. There would likely be more moves to come.

He had to make every possible preparation and could not afford to let down his guard.