Qian Renxue's Recruitment

Xiao Lin had been living quite comfortably lately.

Ever since he had defeated Tang San at the academy gates and exposed Yu Xiaogang's hypocritical true face, his status within Heaven Dou Royal Academy had risen sharply.

Whenever he walked through campus, younger students looked at him with admiration wherever he went. The teachers greeted him with smiles, and even the cafeteria lady gave him two extra scoops of meat.

But he had not been dazzled by such empty fame. He knew clearly that in this world, strength was the foundation of everything.

Without strength, even the greatest reputation was merely a castle in the air, liable to collapse at any moment.

Thus, he cultivated diligently every day, striving to break through Level Fifty as soon as possible and become a true Soul King.

That morning, Xiao Lin was practicing in the courtyard while playing his xiao. Its melody drifted through the morning light, carrying a tranquil, far-reaching power.

Several little birds perched on branches along the courtyard wall, tilting their heads as they listened quietly, as though they too had been intoxicated by the beautiful music.

Suddenly, a burst of hurried footsteps shattered the peace.

"Xiao Lin! Xiao Lin!"

Dream Divine Machine's voice came from beyond the courtyard gate, carrying a rare hint of urgency.

Xiao Lin stopped playing and went to open the gate. He saw Dream Divine Machine standing outside, his face wearing a complicated expression—excitement, nervousness, and a trace of disbelief all mingled together.

"Teacher, what is it?" Xiao Lin asked, puzzled.

"His Highness the Crown Prince has come!" Dream Divine Machine said in a lowered voice, unable to conceal his excitement. "Crown Prince Xue Qinghe has personally come to the academy! He says he wants to see you!"

Xiao Lin's pupils contracted slightly.

Xue Qinghe.

Or rather, Qian Renxue.

As a transmigrator, Xiao Lin was more familiar with that name than anyone.

The daughter of Qian Xunji, Spirit Hall's former Supreme Pontiff; the daughter of Bibi Dong, the current Supreme Pontiff; an unparalleled genius born with Level Twenty Soul Power; the inheritor of the Angel Martial Soul.

At this very moment, she was lurking within the Heaven Dou Imperial Family under the identity of the Heaven Dou Empire's crown prince, plotting to overthrow the entire empire.

What did she want with him?

Countless thoughts flashed through Xiao Lin's mind in an instant, but outwardly, he remained composed. He merely showed an appropriately startled expression. "His Highness the Crown Prince wishes to see me? Why?"

"This old man does not know either." Dream Divine Machine shook his head and urged him, "Stop asking and come with me. It would not do to keep His Highness waiting."

Xiao Lin nodded and followed Dream Divine Machine toward the academy's reception hall.

Along the way, his mind raced.

Qian Renxue had been embedded in the Heaven Dou Empire for several years. Disguised as Xue Qinghe, she had gradually eroded the empire's power, waiting for the right moment to poison Xue Ye and take his place.

But the process had not gone smoothly. The Heaven Dou Imperial Family was not entirely without suspicions regarding her identity, and as an undercover agent, she had very few people she could truly trust or command.

She urgently needed to cultivate her own power and recruit a group of talented individuals loyal to her.

And he had just made a name for himself in the battle at the academy gates, displaying astonishing talent and strength—without a doubt, she had set her sights on him.

A faint curve lifted at the corner of Xiao Lin's lips.

Interesting.

He wanted to see just how this future Angel God intended to recruit him.

The reception hall of Heaven Dou Royal Academy was a standalone two-story building, elegantly furnished without lacking grandeur. At that moment, two armored guards stood at its entrance, swords hanging at their waists and sharp gazes in their eyes. One look was enough to tell that they were elites among elites.

Dream Divine Machine led Xiao Lin into the reception hall, then bowed. "Your Highness, Xiao Lin has arrived."

"Thank you for your trouble, Education Committee Member Dream," a gentle, magnetic voice sounded from inside the hall. "I would like to speak with Student Xiao alone. Please excuse yourself."

Dream Divine Machine nodded, tactfully withdrew, and closed the door behind him.

Xiao Lin raised his head and looked at the young man seated in the place of honor.

He appeared to be around twenty years old, handsome and refined, dressed in a moon-white robe with a belt woven from golden thread around his waist. His entire bearing exuded a noble yet understated air.

A gentle smile rested on her face, and her eyes were clear and friendly, giving others the feeling of a spring breeze.

Had he not known her true identity, Xiao Lin might truly have been deceived by this flawless disguise.

Qian Renxue's disguise had indeed reached a masterful level.

"Student Xiao, please sit." Qian Renxue made an inviting gesture, her tone warm and natural. "There is no need to be reserved. Think of this as a casual chat between friends."

Xiao Lin sat down in the chair opposite her as instructed, calm and neither servile nor overbearing. "May I ask why Your Highness summoned me?"

"Summoned is too strong a word." Qian Renxue smiled, her gaze sweeping over Xiao Lin. A barely perceptible flash of admiration passed through her eyes.

She had to admit that this youth was indeed remarkably handsome. Sword-like brows, starry eyes, a straight nose, fair skin without any trace of frailty—he possessed both heroic spirit and an ethereal charm. Among everyone she had ever seen, he was the most attractive.

But her gaze quickly returned to normal as she continued.

"I heard that a few days ago, at the academy gates, Student Xiao defeated Shrek Academy's genius Tang San on your own and publicly exposed Master Yu Xiaogang's true nature. Naturally, I had to come and see such a young talent for myself."

"Your Highness flatters me," Xiao Lin said modestly. "I merely won by luck."

"Luck?" Qian Renxue gave a soft laugh. "Thirteen and a half years old, a Level Forty-Nine Soul Ancestor, with a twenty-three-thousand-year fourth Soul Ring—if that is luck, then there is no such thing as diligence in this world."

Xiao Lin remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

Qian Renxue lifted her teacup, took a light sip, then set it down. Looking directly at Xiao Lin, her expression turned serious. "Student Xiao, I will not beat around the bush. I came today to invite you to join my retinue."

Xiao Lin raised a brow. "Your Highness's retinue?"

"That is right." Qian Renxue nodded, her tone carrying sincere earnestness.

"You know that I am the crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire and will inherit the throne in the future. But I currently lack true talent at my side, especially young and promising geniuses like you. If you are willing to assist me, I can guarantee that once I ascend the throne, I will certainly place you in an important position."

She paused before continuing, "I can provide you with the best cultivation resources, grant you the title of marquis, bestow land upon you, and make you the youngest noble in the Heaven Dou Empire. Perhaps even—if your performance is exceptional—being granted a kingship will not be impossible."

After hearing this, Xiao Lin put on an overwhelmed expression, but inwardly, he was mocking her wildly.

Empty promises.

Nothing but empty promises.

A marquis? A king? Land? They were all worthless promissory notes. Whether she could honor them depended on whether she could successfully usurp the throne. And even if she did succeed, whether she would fulfill those promises was another matter entirely.