Qian Renxue's Grand Plan

Lu Li had just returned to Heaven Dou City when Qian Renxue appeared at his front gate.

This time, however, she had not brought anyone with her—not even Stingray or She Long. She had come alone.

"By my count, this month isn't over yet. There should still be more than ten days left."

Inside the main hall, Lu Li sat in the seat of honor, calculating the days in his head.

Although Qian Renxue had come twice in a month before, she had always brought Stingray and She Long with her. This was the first time she had come looking for him alone.

Qian Renxue rubbed her brow, looking utterly exhausted.

"Lu Li, sometimes I really envy you. You're carefree and don't have to worry about everything."

As she spoke, Qian Renxue leaned back in her chair and stared up at the ceiling, her entire being steeped in melancholy.

"Aren't you usually pretty optimistic? Why are you so gloomy today?"

Lu Li looked at Qian Renxue. Unfortunately, it was not raining today, so the mood felt slightly off.

If it had been raining, paired with Qian Renxue's current melancholy appearance, that would have been perfect.

"Optimistic about what? I'd never seen anyone so useless before, but a few days ago, I finally did."

As Qian Renxue said this, an expression of exasperation filled her face. Her fair hands clenched tightly into fists.

She had even used so much force that her entire body trembled slightly.

Seeing Qian Renxue looking as though she was about to be angered to death, Lu Li was immediately surprised.

What kind of talent was this?

Someone capable of making Qian Renxue this furious.

Logically speaking, the people around Qian Renxue were all elites arranged by the Hall of Consecrates. Their strength might not necessarily have been top-tier, but their ability to get things done was absolutely exceptional. Otherwise, they would not have been sent to assist Qian Renxue in carrying out the Usurpation Plan.

So Lu Li greatly admired the ruthless individual who had managed to anger Qian Renxue to such a state.

"If they're no good, replace them. It's not like they're irreplaceable."

Using his soul power, Lu Li sent a cup of tea over to Qian Renxue's side. He took a sip from his own cup as well. After being away for so long, he had started to miss this tea supplied exclusively to the royal family.

Qian Renxue picked up the tea beside her and took a small sip. Then, seeming a little hesitant, she simply drank the rest in one gulp.

"Lu Li, did you know? My people were going to compete for places on the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy Team, to represent the Heaven Dou Empire in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament a few years from now."

"Originally, I gave them resources and status. I thought that, no matter what, three or four of them would get in. But in the end, not a single one made it."

As Qian Renxue spoke, she exerted so much force with her hand that she crushed the teacup in her grasp.

Lu Li glanced at the shattered teacup and merely used his soul power to toss it outside.

After all, Qian Renxue had given him that teacup. He did not feel sorry about it breaking.

"You're the crown prince. Wouldn't it be easy for you to get your people into the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy First Team?"

Qian Renxue turned her head and explained helplessly, "It's different. Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is personally overseen by Xue Ye, and the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy First Team will represent the Heaven Dou Empire in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament."

"I can meddle with the second team, but no one can interfere with the selection of the first team's members—not even me, the crown prince."

Lu Li understood why Qian Renxue wanted her people to join the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy First Team.

If that first team achieved good results in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament, it would further stabilize her position as crown prince.

"Um, Lu Li, can I ask you for a favor?"

Qian Renxue softened her tone and tried her best to make her attitude as sincere as possible.

Lu Li was slightly surprised by Qian Renxue's words.

Qian Renxue was asking him for a favor?

This was the first time. And with Qian Renxue's proud nature, she was actually taking the initiative to ask him for help.

Lu Li rubbed the teacup in his hand.

Over the past six years, the treasures Qian Renxue had brought were worth millions of Gold Soul Coins. For someone who had left the Hall of Consecrates and come to the Heaven Dou Empire as an undercover agent, that was no small amount.

She had sent gifts worth several million Gold Soul Coins for six straight years, and now she wanted him to do something.

If he refused, it would seem a little too coldhearted.

"What is it?"

Lu Li set down his teacup and stared directly at Qian Renxue.

"Nothing much. Could you compete in the selection for the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy First Team in my name, then participate in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament?"

Afraid that Lu Li would refuse, Qian Renxue continued, "Don't worry. If you win the championship, I won't take any of the champion's rewards. All right?"

Qian Renxue looked at Lu Li with genuine sincerity, her eyes blazing.

Lu Li paused.

He had thought Qian Renxue might ask him to kill some people she could not conveniently kill herself. He had not expected her to ask him to compete for the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy First Team and then take part in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament.

"I was going to attend the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament anyway. Agreeing to Qian Renxue's request would only mean competing on stage. It wasn't impossible."

Lu Li had intended to participate in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament anyway. After all, he still cared greatly about promoting Shrek Academy, and he had to publicize Shrek Academy properly.

By competing, he could conveniently promote Shrek Academy, repay Qian Renxue's favor, and lose nothing in the process.

"Fine."

Hearing Lu Li's reply, Qian Renxue froze.

She had not expected Lu Li to agree so quickly.

"Good. It's settled, then. I'll come find you in three days to take part in the first team's selection."

After Qian Renxue finished speaking and saw Lu Li nod, her mood improved greatly. Even as she left, the smile on her face would not fade.

Outside the gate, Stingray and She Long stood there, looking expectantly at their young mistress.

"Young Mistress, did he agree?"

Stingray stepped forward. Seeing the smile on his young mistress's face, he asked.

Qian Renxue nodded, looking as though her plan had succeeded.

"Yes. Those days I spent thinking up that story weren't wasted."

Qian Renxue glanced back at the tightly shut gate, the corners of her lips curling upward.

She had only come today for one purpose: to find a way to get Lu Li to participate in the selection and then compete in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament!

The story about her people failing to enter the first team had all been something she had racked her brains to devise over the past few days.

She had even rehearsed it dozens of times before choosing today to put her plan into action.

The plan had gone even more smoothly than she had expected!

"Congratulations, Young Mistress!"

Stingray and She Long slightly cupped their hands toward Qian Renxue.

Before leaving, Qian Renxue looked back once more.

If Lu Li truly won the championship, then Lu Li, as someone nominally under her command, would make her position as crown prince even more secure.

But that was only secondary.

What truly mattered was her elder sister.

Hadn't her elder sister said that the Spirit Hall Team this time was the so-called Golden Generation?

She and the others in Spirit Hall had practically decided that the champions of this All-Continent Soul Master Elite Tournament would be those seven members known as the Golden Generation.

If someone under her command could seize the championship from the hands of that so-called Golden Generation—

Not only would it dampen her dear elder sister's arrogant spirit.

It would also stir dissatisfaction among some people within Spirit Hall.

Then, the Hall of Consecrates could take the opportunity to strike and weaken Bibi Dong's power.

Once she completed the Usurpation Plan, joined forces with the Hall of Consecrates, and reclaimed the position of Pope, everything would proceed much more smoothly.