Qin Yun's Considerations

After publicly scolding Xue Beng, who looked dejected and put on a show of obedience,

Xue Qinghe returned to his gentle, refined manner.

He turned to Qin Yun beside him.

With a helpless chuckle, he said, "Sorry you had to see that, Brother Qin."

"That's my good-for-nothing fourth brother. He spends his days playing around, neglecting his cultivation, and giving everyone a headache."

Qin Yun said nothing more.

Xue Beng would become the final victor and inherit Heaven Dou's throne precisely because he knew how to endure and disguise himself now.

Xue Qinghe let the matter pass with that brief explanation.

He paid no further attention to Xue Beng, who stood with his head lowered,

and led Qin Yun straight toward Heaven Dou Royal Academy's central offices.

Heaven Dou Royal Academy held an exalted position. Xue Ye, emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire, served as its nominal dean, and it enjoyed the empire's finest resources.

But its daily affairs, student selection, team formation, and tournament preparations

were entrusted entirely to three education committee elders.

Of the three, chief committee elder Meng Shenji held the greatest authority.

As a level eighty-six control-type Soul Douluo, Meng Shenji was powerful, experienced, and highly respected within the academy.

Before he discovered Xue Qinghe's true identity,

he had firmly supported the Crown Prince

and was one of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family's staunchest backers.

The two soon arrived at the education committee's office.

Xue Qinghe knocked lightly, then opened the door and entered.

Inside, Meng Shenji, whose hair and beard were touched with white, was bent over his desk, reading. He looked up at the sound. Seeing Xue Qinghe, he rose at once and cupped his hands respectfully.

"Your Highness, what brings you to the academy in person today?"

Xue Qinghe dispensed with pleasantries and came straight to the point.

"Elder Meng, I'm here about the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament."

"Has the academy settled on its contestants and team captain?"

He turned slightly and gestured toward Qin Yun.

"I've brought you an extraordinary talent today."

"This is Qin Yun. His talent is exceptional, and his strength far surpasses that of his peers. I'd like to recommend him for the Imperial Fighting Team—and as its captain for the upcoming tournament."

Meng Shenji paused in surprise.

Then he nodded slowly and answered honestly.

"Your Highness, I recently completed the preliminary selection and chose seven core students."

"I was just about to send them out for trials so they could learn to work together and gain combat experience."

Qin Yun understood at once and recalled the events of the original story.

These carefully selected talents were the seven members of the Imperial Fighting Team, led by Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan.

They had once gone to the Soto Great Soul Arena to train together and had been riding high.

In the end, every one of them had lost to the newly formed Shrek Seven Monsters.

Meng Shenji studied Qin Yun's upright bearing. Though surprised, he had no intention of rejecting Xue Qinghe's proposal.

For one thing, the Crown Prince had always shown a keen eye for talent and acted with care. He had never made a reckless decision.

For another, anyone the Crown Prince personally recommended was unlikely to be ordinary.

After a moment's thought, Meng Shenji said,

"Someone Your Highness recommends must have merit."

"If this young friend has the strength to serve as captain, I see no objection."

"I'll summon the seven selected students now and assess how they work together."

Meng Shenji immediately ordered an attendant to fetch them.

Before long, seven young figures strode into the office, all carrying themselves with confidence.

At their head was Yu Tianheng, a direct descendant and gifted member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Beside him walked Dugu Yan, green-haired and aloof.

Ye Lingling, Shi Mo, Shi Mo, and the other core members followed behind.

All were top talents carefully nurtured by Heaven Dou Academy.

After the group entered and paid their respects,

Yu Tianheng stepped forward and asked with complete confidence,

"Elder Meng, did you summon us because you want us to set out for training today?"

Seeing their eagerness, Meng Shenji raised a hand for silence.

Then he delivered the startling news.

"You seven are my preliminary choices for the tournament."

"Now, I've decided to add one more person!"

"This young friend, Qin Yun."

"And he will serve as captain of the Imperial Fighting Team."

The room fell silent.

Their eager smiles froze, replaced by disbelief.

Before Yu Tianheng could speak,

Dugu Yan stepped forward with a frown and objected first.

Her voice rang with anger and resistance.

"What? You want him as captain?"

Dugu Yan was talented in her own right, and she had the backing of her grandfather, the Titled Douluo known as Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo.

She held nothing back as she protested directly to Meng Shenji.

"I don't agree!"

"Why should some outsider appear out of nowhere and take the captain's position?"

At that moment, Xue Qinghe spoke.

"The captaincy belongs to whoever is most capable."

He turned to Qin Yun, a hint of curiosity and anticipation hidden in his eyes.

"Brother Qin, why not show them what you can do?"

Xue Qinghe had long wanted to investigate Qin Yun's Martial Soul.

Now he could see Qin Yun's Martial Soul and combat ability for himself and gauge the limits of his strength.

Qin Yun saw through him. He had understood Qian Renxue's intentions long ago.

"Very well! I'll give it a try!"

In the original story,

Qian Renxue had been willing to pay a steep price to recruit Tang San.

If Qin Yun displayed his strength at the right moment,

she would likely work hard to win him over too.

He could use that interest to bargain and cultivate as quickly as possible.

Spirit Hall was the continent's foremost power.

So why didn't Qin Yun reveal everything and join Spirit Hall outright?

Wouldn't that be easier than relying on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to grow stronger?

Qin Yun had considered that question carefully.

For now, within Spirit Hall,

Qian Daoliu held the reins of power.

His ultimate goal was to raise his granddaughter Qian Renxue to godhood.

Everyone else existed to support her.

If Qin Yun joined, he might gain access to the finest resources.

But

until he reached the level of a Titled Douluo, he would have no say.

Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue would decide everything Spirit Hall did.

Besides,

there was Bibi Dong, obsessive and unpredictable.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, by contrast, had a clear situation and straightforward interests.

Qin Yun held exclusive Hidden Weapons techniques that addressed the sect's greatest weakness. That made him an indispensable asset.

And Ning Fengzhi intended to pass the sect on to Ning Rongrong. He needed a son-in-law like Qin Yun.

Back when Ning Fengzhi had not known Tang San belonged to the Clear Sky Sect,

he had even considered forcing Tang San to marry into his family.

So by staying with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect,

Qin Yun could wield real authority, enjoy its resources, and grow stronger in peace without being held back.

It was far safer than stepping into the uncertain world of Spirit Hall.