Qian Renxue's overture, the Crown Prince's Golden Token
Throughout the recorded history of the Douluo Continent, there is simply no other person who could reach the Level 50 threshold at such a young age.
Lin Xuan touched his nose and answered Liu Erlong's question:
"Teacher Erlong, I originally planned to check which teams were in the matches from the past few days."
"If my opponents in the Qualifying Tournament are mediocre, I won't participate in the later matches; I'll just go into the forest to find Soul Beast."
Ning Fengzhi gripped the scepter tightly, praising it repeatedly:
"Soul King at fourteen years old is truly a peerless genius on the continent. I, Ning, have never seen such a cultivation speed in my entire life."
Chen Xin stood to one side, her heart churning with turmoil.
This kid is a prodigy!
Xue Qinghe straightened his clothes and walked forward with a smile:
"Brother Lin Xuan's talent is truly rare in this world."
"Since we've run into each other today, how about I treat everyone to a nice meal at the Heaven Dou Grand Hotel in the city, as a celebration for the Blue Tyrant Team's victory? What do you all think?"
Upon hearing that someone was treating, Flender immediately cleared his throat:
"Your Highness is too kind to refuse, Lin Xuan. This is on the Crown Prince's behalf; it would be impolite of us to decline."
Lin Xuan bowed to Xue Qinghe with clasped hands.
"Since Your Highness is so generous, then we won't stand on ceremony. Thank you for your hospitality."
Tai Long whispered to Huang Yuan from behind:
"Following the captain means you get to eat meat. Dean Flender might treat us to a small restaurant at most, but when the Crown Prince treats us, it'll definitely be a top-tier private room."
Huang Yuan stepped on his foot:
"Keep your voice down, the Dean has sharp ears, he'll dock your pay later."
The group split into several carriages and headed straight for the most bustling restaurant in the eastern district of Heaven Dou City.
Xue Qinghe booked the top-floor private room and set out two large tables of delicacies.
Ning Rongrong sat between Ye Mengyao and Xiao Wu, picking up food while telling Ye Mengyao about the details of what had just happened on stage.
Zhu Zhuqing quietly cut the venison on the plate, while Tang San and Flender discussed the weaknesses of the other teams in low voices.
After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,
Xue Qinghe took a sip of water from his white jade teacup, then stood up and beckoned to Lin Xuan:
"Brother Lin Xuan, there's a side hall on the top floor of the restaurant with a beautiful view. May I have a word with you in private?"
Lin Xuan put down his chopsticks, gave Xiao Wu a few instructions, and then got up and followed her.
Xiao Wu chewed on the meatball in her mouth, mumbling indistinctly:
"He's being so secretive; the Crown Prince definitely isn't up to any good idea by seeking out Lin Xuan."
Ning Rongrong covered her mouth and chuckled:
"Xiao Wu, don't worry. His Highness the Crown Prince is always respectful and courteous to scholars. He probably just wants to win Lin Xuan over to help him."
The side hall was extremely elegant, with the golden roof of the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace visible through the window.
Xue Qinghe casually closed the wooden door, shutting out the noisy clinking of glasses.
"Brother Lin Xuan, please have a seat. There's no need for formalities."
Xue Qinghe pulled out a rosewood chair with a backrest, gesturing for Lin Xuan to sit down.
Lin Xuan sat down and spoke calmly:
"Your Highness deliberately avoided Sect Master Ning and the two Dean. Is there something important you wish to discuss?"
Xue Qinghe poured himself and Lin Xuan each a cup of warm tea, and pushed one towards him:
"To be honest, I have always admired Brother Lin Xuan's character and abilities."
"I heard from Rongrong today that you've already reached Level 50. Besides admiration, I feel even more grateful for your talent."
Lin Xuan picked up his teacup to moisten his throat, and waited quietly for the next part to follow.
Xue Qinghe leaned back in his chair, his tone calm and sincere:
"After the Soul Master Tournament ends, with your cultivation level, the coursework at the primary and advanced academies will be a waste of your time."
"Once the competition is over, Brother Lin Xuan will inevitably graduate and come into the sights of various forces on the mainland."
"After the competition concludes, I wonder if Brother Lin Xuan would be willing to come to the Crown Prince's Residence residence to offer his assistance?"
"As long as you nod your head, you can choose any position you wish to hold as Guest Elder in the Crown Prince's Residence residence. I can also arrange all the rare treasures you need for cultivation and the permits to Soul Hunting within the empire."
Lin Xuan chuckled inwardly.
The person before him was Qian Renxue. Given his current situation, he naturally couldn't refuse, but he also wouldn't agree outright.
Lin Xuan put down his teacup and said:
"Your Highness flatters me too much."
"After the tournament ends, I'll just be a Soul Master who's just entered Level 50; I'm hardly a top-tier fighter."
"For Soul Master, a strong foundation is paramount. After the competition, I plan to lead the team on a journey across the continent to broaden our horizons."
"Staying in seclusion in a grand mansion for arduous cultivation is of no benefit to us Soul Master."
Xue Qinghe nodded slightly.
"That's true."
Lin Xuan then added:
"But experience is experience, and I am grateful for Your Highness's high regard. If Your Highness ever needs my help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. As long as it is within my power, Lin Xuan will never refuse."
This is a very clear response.
He refused the offer to join the Crown Prince's Residence as a retainer or advisor, thus preserving his freedom of action without offending him.
Xue Qinghe's face was full of smiles.
"Good! Brother Lin Xuan is indeed straightforward!"
"Soul Master's ambition lies in the four corners of the world; it was my narrow-mindedness that led me to confine a genius like you with these conventional rules for retainers."
"With your promise, I feel much more at ease."
Xue Qinghe took out a palm-sized golden token from his sleeve and gently pushed it to the center of the table.
"This is my Crown Prince's Token, which I carry with me. It can be used to draw resources at official post stations and merchant guilds in all provinces of the Heaven Dou Empire. Seeing this token is like seeing me in person, so please accept it."
Lin Xuan didn't stand on ceremony and casually put the token into his Storage Ring.
"Then thank you very much, Your Highness."
The two exchanged a smile, chatted for a few more minutes about trivial matters concerning the Imperial Fighting Team, and then opened the door side by side to return to the main table.
Tai Long and Xiao Wu had already devoured most of the food on the table.
Flender was picking his teeth contentedly when he saw Lin Xuan return. He quickly stood up and said goodbye to Xue Qinghe.
After the group left the grand restaurant, Xue Qinghe rode in a royal carriage straight back to the palace, while Ning Fengzhi, along with Chen Xin, escorted Ning Rongrong South City.
On the way back to the Blue Tyrant Academy, Xiao Wu leaned close to Lin Xuan's arm and whispered, "I can't tell you anything!"
"What was that prince whispering to you behind closed door? Was he trying to bribe you?"
Lin Xuan reached out and flicked her nose. "Dream on, he gave me a token."
Ning Rongrong turned around in front and gave a soft snort:
"My father just told me that His Highness the Crown Prince definitely wants to recruit you. Don't agree too easily; there are many intricate things going on in the royal family."
Zhu Zhuqing walked beside him and whispered:
"As long as you are strong enough, no force can hold you back."
Upon hearing this, Tang San nodded in agreement.
"Zhuqing and Rongrong are right, but His Highness the Crown Prince is, after all, the heir apparent of the country, and we certainly cannot afford to offend him with our words."
Lin Xuan waved to the crowd.
"Thank you for your concern. Don't worry, I'm not the kind of person who joins on a whim."