"Qinghe, you suddenly came to see your teacher today. Is there something you need?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
"There is nothing important. Qinghe has merely just succeeded to the position of Crown Prince and came specially to thank Teacher. Without Teacher's guidance, Qinghe would not be where he is today," Xue Qinghe said politely.
"There is no need for that. This is all the result of your own efforts." Ning Fengzhi smiled faintly. Although he had accepted this disciple because of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's interests with the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, he was now quite satisfied with him. Whether in cultivation talent or political ability, he was outstanding. Now that the Heaven Dou Empire's other two exceptional princes had died suddenly, while the Fourth Prince Xue Beng was a useless playboy, it could be said that barring any mishaps, Xue Qinghe was practically guaranteed to become the next sovereign.
"There is one more matter I need to inform Teacher of. Recently, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan sent the foremost disciple of their younger generation, Yu Tianheng, to study at our Heaven Dou Royal Academy. What are Teacher's thoughts on this?" Xue Qinghe suddenly asked.
Ning Fengzhi was slightly taken aback. He had not expected Xue Qinghe to suddenly raise such a sensitive question. The relationship between sects and nations was not something that could be explained in just a few words.
Still, did this not also demonstrate Xue Qinghe's trust in Ning Fengzhi? Ning Fengzhi said, "The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is openly sending a signal."
"Among the Upper Three Sects, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has always been a friend of the Heaven Dou Empire, while the Clear Sky Sect subtly supports the Star Luo Empire. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has always remained neutral, but now it seems they are also showing signs of choosing a side."
"Teacher means that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan intends to support our Heaven Dou Empire? But why? Whether in the Imperial Family's strength or overall national power, the Star Luo Empire surpasses the Heaven Dou Empire. If they were to choose a side, should they not choose Star Luo?" Xue Qinghe asked in confusion. It was impossible to tell whether he truly did not know or was merely pretending.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "You are wrong, Qinghe. There is something you must remember: adding flowers to brocade can never compare to delivering charcoal in the snow. For the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, supporting Heaven Dou is their most ideal choice."
"First, they can earn His Majesty's favor. Second, they can maintain the balance of power between the two great empires and prevent Star Luo from becoming dominant. Profiting from chaos is the best way for their clan to survive."
Xue Qinghe nodded as he listened. Tianlin also felt that Ning Fengzhi was right, but there should actually have been a third factor: Spirit Hall.
That old dragon Yu Yuanzhen had likely realized that Spirit Hall had grown too powerful and feared that they might one day move against the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Their clan only had him, a single Titled Douluo, and would certainly be no match for Spirit Hall. Thus, they needed to seek the protection of the two great empires.
After hearing this, Xue Qinghe cupped his fists. "Thank you for your guidance, Teacher. But are you not worried that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan will replace the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect in Father Emperor's esteem? I heard that on Yu Tianheng's very first day at the academy, he fought someone from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and won with ease. They are clearly flaunting their strength."
As the sect supporting the Heaven Dou Empire, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect naturally also sent some disciples to further their studies at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, to demonstrate the friendliness of their relationship.
Gu Ran and the others who had once fought Tianlin were now students at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
"Hmph, that old dragon certainly dreams big. He still has a long way to go before he can replace our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!" Bone Douluo suddenly slapped his chair, looking utterly furious. It could not be helped—the one who had been beaten was his disciple, Gu Ran.
Gu Ran and Yu Tianheng were both twelve years old. Gu Ran was currently level twenty-three, while Yu Tianheng was already level twenty-six. Whether in Soul Power or Spirit quality, the gap was immense. Naturally, Gu Ran was no match for Yu Tianheng.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's dominance among Beast Spirits was openly acknowledged as number one on the continent.
"Enough, Old Bone. What good will it do to anger yourself to death? This generation of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has a pair of twin stars. It is not as though you do not know how formidable Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin are. The younger generation of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect truly is no match for them." Chen Xin tried to persuade his old friend.
Just as Gu Rong was about to retort, Xue Qinghe suddenly said, "Sword Douluo, Your Excellency, that seems rather arbitrary. I think this disciple of yours is far more outstanding than those two brothers."
"I have a suggestion. How about letting Junior Brother Tianlin enroll in our Heaven Dou Royal Academy as well? With his talent, surpassing Yu Tianheng is only a matter of time. When that happens, he will surely greatly bolster the prestige of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
Tianlin frowned. So this was what Qian Renxue had been waiting for. Talking about it being for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's reputation sounded better than a song. Did she really think of herself as someone from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? Ning Fengzhi stroked his chin in thought. He considered matters at a deeper level. He believed Xue Qinghe had taken a liking to Tianlin's talent and wanted to build a closer relationship with him.
He was actually pleased to see this, because he had done the same in his youth. He had been close friends with the present Xue Ye, who had then been Crown Prince Xue Ye.
As a future Sect Protecting Douluo, Tianlin would certainly be qualified to represent the Sect Master. Befriending the future emperor would bring nothing but benefits.
Seeing Ning Fengzhi's expression, Tianlin immediately felt that things were going badly. Xue Qinghe was not trying to strengthen the ties between the Heaven Dou Empire and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect at all. As a Spirit Hall Saintess devoted to unifying the continent, she likely wanted nothing more than to destroy both the empire and the sects. She was simply lusting after his body.
Tianlin was just about to speak up and dissuade them.
"I agree!" At that moment, Chen Xin seemed to have gone mad and actually agreed on Ning Fengzhi's behalf. "I was just looking for a place for Tianlin to temper his heart. The royal academy is not a bad choice. It is full of extravagant nobles."
As he spoke, Chen Xin looked at Tianlin. "As a swordsman, you must learn to resist all kinds of temptations born of arrogance, luxury, and indulgence. Crown Prince Qinghe, I am entrusting my disciple to you. Keep a close eye on him. If he shows even the slightest sign of depravity, send someone to tell me directly. I'll break his legs!"
"Yes, Uncle Sword is Xiao Tian's master. Since he has made the decision, I cannot oppose it. Take Tianlin away with you tomorrow." Ning Fengzhi had not intended to refuse in the first place, and now he simply went along with it.
Tianlin immediately fell into despair. Master, Uncle Ning, you are pushing me straight into a pit of fire.
Xue Qinghe, meanwhile, was overjoyed. This owner of a Divine Spirit had finally fallen into her hands. She immediately said, "Please rest assured, Teacher and Sword Douluo, Your Excellency. I will take good care of Junior Brother."
"Wait, I don't agree! I don't want Brother Sword to leave!" Ning Rongrong refused to accept it. Tianlin had not doted on her for nothing—she still knew to save him in a moment of crisis.
Unfortunately, just like Tianlin at present, she was powerless to resist. Her voice carried too little weight. A matter jointly decided by the sect's three great leaders left no room for refusal.
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