Academy Alliance

The two men, each with his own agenda, were calling each other elder brother and dear brother in no time. A pair of smiling tigers—and two sharks with black horns.

Book Elder stood nearby, dumbstruck. Just as he was marveling at the sight, the conversation suddenly turned to him, leaving him momentarily at a loss.

Fortunately, he had worked out what to say while the other two were chatting. He would not be caught flat-footed.

Knowing Lin Huo had most likely achieved his goal, Book Elder smoothly picked up the thread. Lies rolled off his tongue without a blink:

"Your Highness must have some thoughts on bringing the major advanced Soul Master Academies under your wing?"

At the mention of serious business, Qian Renxue perked up. "Indeed. Bringing advanced academies like Tianshui, Kamikaze, and Plant under my wing would be a considerable political achievement.

"Once that was done, no one at the imperial court could shake my position.

"Perhaps even Father would think more highly of me and grant me greater authority within the empire."

She never once mentioned a reward, yet every word held out a tempting promise.

Had Book Elder been unaware of the truth, he would likely have fallen for it by now.

He would have wanted nothing more than for Qian Renxue to gain more power, so the Fire Clan could profit alongside her.

But Book Elder was on his guard now. He appeared intent on helping Her Highness accomplish something great, while privately pursuing his own plans.

"Your Highness, I have a suggestion for bringing the academies under your wing.

"The continent is in a precarious state. Spirit Hall's expansion shows no sign of slowing, and every faction is uneasy about it.

"Why don't we use that as our pretext to make the existing exchange